Month: April 2025

Honkai: Star Rail appears to be on the brink of introducing a powerful new enemy type, potentially called “Local Legends.” Recent leaks indicate that these formidable foes may be added as overworld bosses, echoing similar enemies found in Genshin Impact’s Fontaine, Natlan, and Liyue regions. This information was shared by Sakura Haven, a prominent leaker within the HoYoverse community. Currently, Honkai: Star Rail is known for offering a variety of endgame challenges, where players can test their skills and team-building capabilities against some of the game’s most daunting adversaries.

These include the Memory of Chaos, a gauntlet of tough enemies, and Pure Fiction, which focuses on quickly defeating waves of opponents. However, the game has often been criticized for lacking powerful overworld enemies, as many of its strongest foes are confined to endgame modes and higher challenge floors. The potential introduction of Local Legends suggests a significant expansion of the overworld content, enhancing the gameplay experience with new challenges. While some powered-up enemies have appeared through the Apocalyptic Shadow game mode, they are typically limited to existing Weekly Bosses.

The leaked data hinting at Local Legends represents a step toward adding robust encounters outside of these modes. As the sci-fi RPG continues to evolve, the upcoming Version 3.4 update is rumored to come with several enhancements, including buffs for characters such as Stellaron Hunter Blade. The thrilling speculation doesn’t stop there, as players are also anticipating the long-awaited crossover with Fate/Stay Night, which could coincide with this update. With new characters and potential enemies on the horizon, Honkai: Star Rail promises exciting content for its dedicated player base.

Infinity Nikki Version 1.5 is set to bring an exciting multiplayer co-op experience to Miraland, focusing on teamwork and exploration. Players will have the opportunity to share materials, rewards, and explore together, significantly enhancing their gameplay. The eagerly awaited co-op mode will officially launch on April 29, 2025. When the developers at Infold first hinted at the introduction of multiplayer features in Version 1.5, fans were intrigued yet cautiously optimistic.

While there were hints of a new multiplayer zone, details remained scarce until the recent developer livestream, where a clearer picture emerged. Players can collaborate with other stylists throughout Miraland, particularly in the Sea of Stars, where they will be encouraged to solve puzzles and explore its enchanting environment. This zone will allow players to showcase their color schemes through a new dye system and enjoy services from the Starlit Shop. Multiplayer mechanics in Infinity Nikki are designed to foster cooperation.

Players can initiate co-op by sending invites via the Friend List or interacting with a Starlit Projection. A unique aspect of this mode is the ability to share materials and exploration progress. As long as players are holding hands, they can collectively gather items like Whimstars and Treasure Chests. In co-op, holding hands also enhances gameplay, allowing players to maximize the exploration abilities of their outfits, like the Snowy Ballad and Crimson Feather sets.

Additional features include the ability to capture group photos, where each Nikki can choose her pose, and the opportunity for players to chat in the open world, particularly in areas like Serenity Island. Infinity Nikki marks the fifth installment in the beloved series by Infold Games, utilizing the UE5 engine to create a vibrant world filled with magical adventures. Players will travel across diverse nations, encountering whimsical creatures and collecting outfits that possess unique abilities. The game promises a bright and enchanting environment, along with engaging platforming, puzzle-solving, and cozy sim activities for a truly immersive experience.

Elden Ring’s Spinning Strikes Ash of War has recently gained attention for its ability to deflect projectiles, a feature many players were previously unaware of. While not a hidden mechanic, the realization struck some members of the community only recently.

This was highlighted by a player who discovered that Spinning Strikes could counter Margit’s dagger throws. The player accidentally found this while executing the technique mid-animation, resulting in a surprising moment when all daggers were nullified.

Spinning Strikes is an easily obtainable Ash of War, accessible shortly after reaching Castle Morne in the Weeping Peninsula. However, those who usually refrain from attacking non-hostile NPCs may miss out on acquiring it until they reach the Liurnia of the Lakes region.

This Ash of War allows players, or Tarnished, to perform a spinning attack with compatible weapons like polearms, making it an efficient means of dealing area damage at a low FP cost. Reddit user Fail1ure showcased this newfound application of Spinning Strikes, posting a video that quickly garnered over 7,000 upvotes within a day.

This indicates that a significant portion of the player base was unaware of the ability to deflect projectiles until now. Although Margit’s daggers are not the most threatening attack—dealing minimal damage and easily avoidable—it underscores the potential of Spinning Strikes against other thrown projectiles from more challenging bosses.

In addition to Margit’s daggers, the Spinning Strikes skill is confirmed to counter thrown items in PvP scenarios. Although some players might not have been familiar with this aspect, the game does mention the trait in the Ash of War’s description, highlighting its capacity to “nullify projectiles such as arrows while spinning.”

Other Ashes of War and spells, like the Zamor Ice Storm Sorcery, offer similar projectile-deflecting capabilities.

Recent leaks suggest that Genshin Impact is developing a new endgame challenge. This upcoming mode is expected to feature a gauntlet involving various World Bosses, allowing players to engage in Co-Op gameplay.

As the game continues to expand, Version 6.0 will soon introduce Nod-Krai, marking the first playable area from the Snezhnaya region. Throughout its history, Genshin Impact has provided players with various forms of challenging content designed to test their combat skills after they’ve leveled up their characters.

Modes like the Spiral Abyss and Imaginarium Theater feature gauntlet-style challenges where players must face rotating groups of enemies and utilize unique buffs to optimize their team compositions. The addition of this new endgame mode seems to follow this trend, promising fresh challenges for dedicated players.

Genshin Impact has continuously lured players into its endgame content with enticing rewards, most notably Primogems. This currency is highly sought after as it can be used in the game’s gacha system.

Moreover, valuable resources like Sanctifying Elixirs and Dream Solvents have been introduced as part of the endgame rewards. The recently leaked details indicate that the new challenge will also come with alluring prizes.

According to leaker Seele Leaks, players may have to navigate through six stages, each with different World Bosses. The structure involves a two-minute limit for each floor, with the first four allowing players to use the same team across floors and even team up with friends.

In contrast, floors five and six will require different teams, prohibiting Co-Op play. Rewards will vary, with Primogems given for the first three floors and Sanctifying Elixirs for floors four and five, while the rewards for floor six remain a mystery.

As Genshin Impact looks ahead to the launch of Nod-Krai and the potential new game mode, it appears there are exciting times ahead for fans of the RPG.

The controversial Mouse Magnetism feature in Marathon’s closed alpha will be disabled in an upcoming patch. Designed as an aim assist-like functionality for mouse and keyboard users, its presence has sparked considerable criticism among players. Although users previously had the option to toggle Mouse Magnetism off, the feature will soon be disabled by default with the release of the next update.

Bungie has decided to remove this contentious feature after receiving widespread negative feedback during the game’s initial closed alpha playtest. Players expressed strong concerns over the surprising implementation of aim assist for mouse and keyboard users, prompting the studio to act. Marathon, which is a revival of one of Bungie’s oldest franchises, is reimagined as a live-service extraction shooter, diverging from its story-driven roots while still advancing the original lore of the universe.

Since its announcement nearly two years ago, Bungie recently showcased gameplay for Marathon, which generated a mix of praise and concern. In response to this feedback, a closed alpha was initiated, running from April 23 to May 4, allowing players to publicly share their impressions after lifting the initial non-disclosure agreement (NDA). Among early critiques of the closed alpha, Mouse Magnetism stood out.

Players noted that it not only slowed crosshair movement like traditional aim assist but also unintentionally pulled the aim toward targets while strafing, even without user input. Popular streamer Shroud expressed his frustration, arguing that such systems “water down” the PC gaming experience, suggesting players would prefer to develop their aiming skills without artificial aid. In light of the strong community response, Bungie’s gameplay director, Andrew Witts, explained that the aim assist was initially intended to level the playing field between PC and console players.

However, the upcoming patch will ensure that Mouse Magnetism is disabled by default, demonstrating Bungie’s commitment to addressing community feedback during Marathon’s alpha tests.

Larian Studios is shifting its focus to new projects following the final update for Baldur’s Gate 3. Studio head Swen Vincke recently provided a glimpse into the development of the studio’s next two titles, hinting at an ambitious direction yet to be fully revealed. While Larian has enjoyed immense success with Baldur’s Gate 3, they are eager to expand their portfolio with these new endeavors.

Baldur’s Gate 3 has proven to be both a critical and commercial triumph, shattering sales records and receiving numerous updates since its launch. The last major update, Patch 8, introduced new features such as Photo Mode and crossplay, marking a significant point in the game’s lifecycle. With this update, Larian has confirmed that they will not produce another Baldur’s Gate title, allowing the team to redirect their resources towards upcoming projects.

In discussing these future plans in an interview with GameSpot, Vincke stated that they are “deep in the trenches” on their next major project, describing it as “crazy ambitious” and complex. While he did not disclose specific details, he emphasized that the game is shaping up well, implying a host of new innovations in gameplay and design. Notably, Larian is working on two titles simultaneously, a decision made possible by the establishment of a new studio in Warsaw to support development.

Vincke acknowledged the organizational challenges this dual approach presents, especially given the intricate nature of Larian’s games, which offer multifaceted player agency. He noted that predicting completion dates remains challenging due to this complexity, reminding fans that Baldur’s Gate 3 originally entered Early Access in October 2020. As Larian moves forward from Baldur’s Gate 3, the future of the franchise is in the hands of Wizards of the Coast, who are tasked with selecting the studio for the next title in the series.

While a sequel to Baldur’s Gate 3 has been confirmed, it appears that a thoughtful approach will be taken, rather than rushing to capitalize on the game’s success.

Development of The Homebrew Channel for the Wii has come to a halt following serious allegations against one of its core dependencies, believed to contain stolen code from Nintendo’s decompiled SDK. This situation poses a significant threat to the Wii homebrew community. The Homebrew Channel serves as an application loader that enables users to run unofficial software, known as “homebrew,” on the Wii without requiring advanced technical skills. This functionality has resulted in remarkable applications, including the ability to run macOS on the console.

Although there were risks associated with piracy, The Homebrew Channel had previously navigated legal challenges without significant trouble—until now. On April 27, The Homebrew Channel’s GitHub repository was archived, with the updated README file detailing the reasons behind this decision. Developers from the hacking collective Fail0verflow accused a key dependency known as libogc, a C library for Wii and GameCube interactions, of copyright infringement. They alleged that the original creator, “shagkur,” had decompiled the Nintendo SDK and repackaged it as their own work.

Fail0verflow claims that they raised concerns with the libogc team, only to be met with hostility and disregard. Given the apparent refusal of the libogc developers to address the alleged copyright issues, Fail0verflow felt compelled to halt development of The Homebrew Channel. They expressed concerns that the community was built on a foundation of “lies and copyright infringement.” The future of the Wii homebrew scene remains uncertain.

While existing capabilities allow users to access homebrew software seamlessly, there is a rising fear that essential tools may become unavailable, either through withdrawal by their creators or legal action from Nintendo. This could complicate the process for newcomers looking to delve into the Wii homebrew experience, especially with Nintendo’s history of targeting unauthorized use of its consoles.

The upcoming Version 2.0 update for Zenless Zone Zero is set to significantly enhance the game’s fast travel system with a complete visual overhaul. The previous slider mechanism will be replaced by a detailed topographic map of New Eridu, which will show the proximity of different locations, providing a clearer navigation experience for players. In addition to the improved map, the Version 2.0 update will introduce a brand-new area known as Waifei Peninsula. This expansion will come with fresh characters and new story content.

Leak information has hinted at an extensive redesign of the fast travel screen, indicating major changes ahead for this action RPG developed by HoYoverse. The update will also bring three new playable characters: Yixuan, Pan Yinhu, and Ju Fufu, with Yixuan rumored to introduce a new Attribute and Specialty. The Waifei Peninsula promises to be a fascinating addition to the game, showcasing Chinese-inspired aesthetics. Key locations within this new district will include the city of Failume Heights and the Suibian Temple, both of which are reported to be larger than previous environments in New Eridu.

The new area will offer a more free-roaming experience compared to existing locations. According to the prominent leaker Mero, the redesigned map system will make navigating Zenless Zone Zero more intuitive. The visual overhaul means that players will no longer scroll through a list of locations but will instead interact with a topographical map featuring familiar areas like Sixth Street and Lumina Square. This update, alongside Version 2.0, is anticipated to launch on June 4.

As HoYoverse continues to develop Zenless Zone Zero, fans can look forward to engaging gameplay elements, including a management-style mini-game at the Suibian Temple and new locations like Aerospace City and Lemnian Hollow. With the recent Version 1.7 update already adding excitement to the game, players have much to anticipate in the upcoming larger update.

Recently, gameplay footage from the alpha version of Battlefield 6 was leaked online, showcasing the game’s extensive destruction elements and the classic Conquest mode. This footage highlights not only the engaging gunplay and gameplay mechanics but also features such as jet combat and distinct classes within the Battlefield Labs framework. The leaks follow recent playtests conducted for members of Battlefield Labs. Since its debut in February, the program has been instrumental for EA as they seek feedback on potential gameplay adjustments while developing Battlefield 6.

An influx of new players joined the program after invites were sent out on April 17 for the latest playtest sessions. The development of Battlefield 6 is currently being handled by an extensive team, the largest in the franchise’s history, which includes DICE, Criterion, EA Motive, and Ripple Effect. As the game undergoes development, the Battlefield Labs initiative allows participants to test and experience various game concepts at an early stage. Despite players being bound by non-disclosure agreements (NDAs), some have shared footage from the alpha test.

Notably, leaks emerged within a week and a half of the last batch of invites. The leaked gameplay footage, shared on Twitter by user @alisaad40002, emphasizes the game’s hallmark “all-out destruction” and revitalizes the series’ classic elements, such as squad-based Conquest modes with high player counts. It features intense action, including aerial dogfights on the “Capstone” map and ground combat. While the footage is still a work-in-progress and not indicative of the final product, it supports DICE’s earlier statements regarding various gameplay changes slated for Battlefield 6.

Adjustments in recoil patterns, movement animations, and gunplay improvements are among the anticipated updates. Furthermore, there are indications that the game may reintroduce the controversial 3D spotting feature and will support 60Hz-optimized servers. Participating in Battlefield Labs provides players with exclusive insight into potential changes before the game’s release, and it seems likely that additional invites will be dispatched soon. Interested players can sign up on the Battlefield Labs platform, which also connects them to the official Battlefield Discord server for further updates.

Leaked character concept art for Star Wars Eclipse has provided fans with a glimpse of the game, showcasing popular alien races, though it offers little insight into the actual game content. There is growing uncertainty about the development progress of Star Wars Eclipse, as Quantic Dream has been unusually quiet, with minimal updates since the game’s announcement.

Star Wars Eclipse was first revealed at the end of 2021 through a captivating cinematic trailer that highlighted various stunning locations set during the High Republic era. As an action-adventure title from the studio behind Detroit: Become Human, initial reactions were overwhelmingly positive, generating significant hype among fans.

However, nearly three and a half years later, this cinematic reveal remains the primary material available for fans, raising questions about the game’s current direction. Recently, new information has come to light regarding Star Wars Eclipse, thanks to leaked character concept art.

According to MP1st, the art, which is from the portfolio of a former artist who briefly worked on the game, includes thirteen pieces. These illustrations depict several beloved Star Wars alien races, such as Gungans, Rodians, and Zenezians.

While the artwork doesn’t reveal much about the game’s content, it offers an intriguing insight into the aesthetic vision Quantic Dream may be pursuing. Complicating matters further, it remains uncertain when these pieces were created, casting doubt on their relevance to the final product.

With the departure of the lead writer in August 2024 and the absence of updates, it’s hard to ascertain if the game is still on its original trajectory. Additionally, recent concerns emerged about Star Wars Eclipse’s future due to studio closures at Quantic Dream’s parent company, NetEase Games.

Fortunately, Quantic Dream CEO Guillaume de Fondaumière reassured fans that the studio behind Star Wars Eclipse was unaffected by these layoffs, which hopefully means that development can continue smoothly. As of now, no specific release window has been announced, leaving fans to await further news.