Category: Games

Some Grand Theft Auto (GTA) fans are expressing their desire for GTA 6 Online to move away from the Heritage character customization system introduced in GTA Online back in 2013. This system focuses on inheriting traits from selected in-game parents, rather than allowing for detailed, personalized character creation. Many players are hoping for a more traditional character creator that provides greater control over their avatars. In the Heritage system, players choose their character’s parents from a selection of preset faces, which include recognizable figures like Claude from GTA 3 and John Marston from Red Dead Redemption.

While players can adjust specific traits using a Resemblance slider, which determines how many characteristics are inherited from each parent, the overall customization feels limited. Other customizable features include hairstyle, facial hair, makeup, eye color, and aging traits, but many fans feel this is not enough for an immersive experience. As enthusiasm builds in anticipation of the next GTA 6 trailer, discussions about the Heritage system continue. One prominent critique came from Reddit user OfficialSmokDoll, who argued that the Heritage system restricts personalized character creation, which many players enjoy.

This opinion resonated with others, leading to a significant number of upvotes and a feature on the r/GTA6 subreddit. While some players prefer the Heritage system to remain as an option, many are vocal about their desire for a more comprehensive character creator. Currently, the fate of the Heritage system in GTA 6 Online remains uncertain, as Rockstar has not provided updates on its multiplayer features since the game’s reveal trailer in December 2023. The game is anticipated for release in late 2025 for the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S, with the next earnings call for publisher Take-Two Interactive expected to shed light on its status.

A recent leak for Infinity Nikki suggests the arrival of an icy dragon in future updates, sparking excitement among fans. The design of this dragon appears to be reminiscent of one of the Eight from the world of Whim, raising speculation about its role in an upcoming zone. Since the game’s launch in December 2024, Infinity Nikki has introduced only one map expansion thus far, but developers are actively working on an ambitious roadmap.

Version 1.5 will transport players to Serenity Island, a new area in the Abandoned District, where the Pieceys will take center stage. The upcoming content is expected to include a multiplayer element, although details on this feature are still unclear. Previous datamined content indicated the possibility of a mushroom kingdom, a new Ability Outfit, and another dragon.

Additionally, with Wishfield missing a significant area and its Sovereign of Sweet yet to be revealed, Nikki has several storylines left to explore before advancing to the next nation. In Version 1.5, players can look forward to updates concerning the housing system, dyes, and a return of popular banners. Thanks to the efforts of Pantipera, fans have gained an early look at the icy dragon model.

However, there is no confirmation on whether this dragon will appear in Version 1.5, nor is there a direct connection between it and Serenity Island. The developers have kept future updates under wraps, making it challenging to establish a clear timeline of new content. Interestingly, the icy dragon bears a striking resemblance to one from the Eight, who were instrumental in the lore of Whim but faced dire fates in their pursuit to seal darkness.

This opens up various possibilities for how the icy dragon may fit into the narrative, possibly serving a role similar to Kilo the Cadenceborn, who rewards players for gathering Dews of Inspiration. Moreover, officially confirmed content for Infinity Nikki includes a dye system set to launch with Version 1.5. Although the housing feature has experienced multiple delays, it is now slated to debut in Summer 2025.

Players can also expect reruns of popular banners like Flutter Storm and Blooming Dreams in subsequent versions. Infinity Nikki is the fifth entry in the beloved Nikki series by Infold Games, employing the UE5 engine to offer a unique blend of dress-up mechanics and open-world exploration. As players follow Nikki and Momo on their journey through the enchanting nations of Miraland, they will encounter a plethora of characters, magical creatures, and stunning outfits, each offering special abilities needed to progress through the story.

The game features a vibrant fantasy world, a rich dress-up experience with numerous outfit options, platforming challenges, and relaxing activities like fishing and bug catching. Infinity Nikki promises diverse puzzles and mini-games, ensuring an engaging experience for players as they explore its beautifully crafted landscapes.

Pokemon Masters EX has announced an upcoming Academy event, introducing two fresh Sync Pairs featuring popular Trainers. Marnie will team up with Cyclizar, while Morty will join forces with Hisuian Typhlosion.

This event marks an exciting addition to the game, which continues to thrive in the mobile gaming space alongside other titles like the recently launched Pokemon TCG Pocket. Since its debut over five years ago, Pokemon Masters EX has enriched its roster with a wide variety of beloved Trainers and Pokemon.

Notably, the game brought the franchise’s iconic anime protagonist, Ash Ketchum, into the mix for the first time in more than two decades, pairing him with Pikachu. The game has also featured various alternative versions of established Trainers, such as Marnie and Lillie, alongside unique Pokemon combinations.

With the next update, fans can expect to see two new character variants added to the roster. Mark your calendars for January 3, as it promises to be an exhilarating day for Pokemon Masters EX players.

The upcoming Academy event will be the first major update of the year, introducing these new Sync Pairs and stylish outfits for both Marnie and Morty. The event is set to kick off on April 15, expanding the game’s offerings further.

The addition of new Sync Pairs will enhance the already extensive collection available in Pokemon Masters EX, which boasts hundreds of combinations. The mobile game includes numerous Trainers and Gym Leaders, while also representing various Trainer classes, such as Poke Kids and Hex Maniacs.

With beloved Pokemon like Eevee and Pikachu featured prominently, the game is a treasure trove for fans. Pokemon Masters EX continues to evolve alongside other successful mobile titles in the franchise, promising even more beloved characters and gameplay options for its dedicated fan base.

Age of Empires 2: Definitive Edition is set to expand with a new DLC titled The Three Kingdoms, which is scheduled for release on May 6, 2025. This upcoming expansion marks the game’s fifth downloadable content pack and is inspired by the historically rich and romanticized period of third-century China.

Players can currently take advantage of a pre-order option that offers a 15% discount. The Three Kingdoms will introduce five new civilizations: Shu, Wei, Wu, Jurchens, and Khitans.

Alongside these, the expansion will add six new units and three additional campaigns, enhancing the gameplay experience for fans of Age of Empires 2: DE. The new units will include heavily armored Hei Guang Cavalry, Traction Trebuchets, which are mobile siege engines, and the formidable Lou Chuans, known as “floating fortresses.”

Additionally, players will find Dragon Ships, Fire Lancers, and Rocket Carts among the new units. The campaigns in The Three Kingdoms will focus on the individual civilizations, featuring narratives filled with war and intrigue.

The campaigns are titled Liu Bei, Cao Cao, and The Sun Clan, each immersing players in the stories and struggles of Shu, Wu, and Wei, respectively. After its launch, The Three Kingdoms will be priced at $19.99.

For those looking to dive into the Age of Empires universe, PlayStation users can pre-order the expansion along with the $99.99 Premium Edition of the PS5 port. Furthermore, a significant base game update is anticipated before the end of April 2025, promising enhancements such as improved castle graphics, updates to the technology tree UI, balancing changes, new maps, and support for random map scripting.

Leaks regarding Honkai: Star Rail suggest significant changes are on the way, particularly affecting the challenging Memory of Chaos mode. The game’s latest update, Version 3.3, will increase the attack values of enemies on Floor 12, alongside a rise in their multipliers. This upcoming update will also welcome two new characters, Cipher and Hyacine, into the game’s playable roster. As a prominent feature within Honkai: Star Rail’s endgame content, Memory of Chaos has built a reputation for its formidable enemies and dynamic gameplay.

The mode incorporates rotating lineups that introduce various challenges tailored to best utilize new characters. Notably, players are rewarded with substantial rewards, including Stellar Jades, for successfully conquering its higher levels. Recent information indicates that Memory of Chaos will receive a serious damage spike, particularly on the game’s hardest floors. According to reputable sources, the enemies on Floor 12 had their attack power boosted in Version 3.1.

The current leaks confirm further increases in Version 3.3, including adjustments for enemies on Floor 11, although exact numbers remain undisclosed. Beyond the changes in Memory of Chaos, Honkai: Star Rail is poised to introduce powerful characters. The recent Version 3.2 saw the addition of Castorice, a new Quantum DPS character, significantly impacting the game’s meta. The upcoming Cipher and Hyacine are expected to expand team strategies, enhancing gameplay diversity.

The excitement doesn’t stop there, as rumors suggest Version 3.4 may bring a collaboration with Fate/Stay Night, introducing characters like Saber and Archer. Additionally, the recent implementation of a special shop in Version 3.2 allows players to acquire five-star units using a new in-game currency, offering even more opportunities. Overall, Honkai: Star Rail appears to have a wealth of content on the horizon for its dedicated fanbase.

The Nintendo Switch 2’s Online App will have a design reminiscent of its predecessor, showcasing a familiar interface. The app icon is positioned in the bottom left corner of the Switch 2’s main menu, featuring rounded corners that align with the overall aesthetic of the system. On April 13, Nintendo unveiled the main menu for the Switch Online App on the upcoming Switch 2, revealing some elements that will be recognizable to existing users.

While the app retains many familiar features, it will also incorporate some changes that enhance the user experience, showcasing the unique capabilities of the Switch 2. This announcement was made just under two months before the scheduled launch on June 5. The Switch 2 aims to build on the success of the original Switch, primarily through technical improvements.

For subscribers of the Nintendo Switch Online Expansion Pack, exciting new features await, including access to a dedicated GameCube app at launch. This app will allow players to enjoy classics such as F-Zero GX and The Wind Waker. Furthermore, Expansion Pack subscribers can look forward to exclusive editions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom.

Excitement surrounding the Switch 2 has sparked action among Nintendo fans, who are actively reporting scalpers selling preorders on platforms like eBay. The user interface of the Switch 2 is designed to maintain the simplicity and functionality seen in the original Switch. Users can easily navigate the new app by selecting the icon on the main menu.

Once opened, a welcoming screen will greet them, setting the tone for their experience. The update includes access to profile icons and subscription information, with options for Cloud Save Backups, Missions, and Subscriptions clearly displayed on the left side of the menu. The ability to customize user icons will remain, ensuring that players can personalize their experience as they explore the array of available games and apps.

In Version 5.7 of Genshin Impact, Skirk is anticipated to be a high-cost character destined to function best within teams composed of Hydro and Cryo members. This new update introduces an endgame mode featuring a boss gauntlet comprising six challenging floors, requiring players to assemble three distinct teams to tackle bosses with millions of HP. Skirk is predicted to synergize effectively with characters like Furina and Escoffier, underscoring her specialization in Freeze gameplay mechanics. Recent leaks have provided insight into Skirk’s capabilities and the new endgame structure, which follows the significant content introduced in Version 5.5, including the second map expansion for Natlan, two playable characters, and the completion of Natlan’s reputation system.

With Mare Jivari remaining as the last piece of the Pyro Nation, players can look forward to new adventures. In Version 5.6, players will revisit Mondstadt through the Archon Quest, which will integrate essential figures into the narrative, including Varka, Durin, and the Hexenzirkel. The update will also wrap in Escoffier and Ifa, with Escoffier acting as a gameplay precursor to Skirk. Both characters are expected to reinvigorate Freeze as an Elemental Reaction, although not to the extent of delivering a complete system overhaul.

As for Skirk, she is projected to be quite resource-intensive; sources suggest she could be at least 30% weaker without a Hydro and Cryo-exclusive team. Given her role as a single-target hypercarry without off-field abilities or complex energy mechanics, Skirk will require careful team composition to reach her full potential. Fans might want to secure Furina and Escoffier to maximize Skirk’s effectiveness, anticipating that achieving both could necessitate an average of 280 pulls due to their 5-Star rarity. Lastly, the new endgame mode’s structure raises concerns among players regarding its design and whether it may prioritize monetization through new character releases like Skirk rather than fostering strategic team building.

Version 5.7 is expected to launch on June 18, 2025.

Shawn Layden has expressed his support for the anticipated price hikes of games for the upcoming Nintendo Switch 2, arguing that such increases should have been instituted with each generation of consoles. He points out that when adjusted for inflation, video game prices have remained relatively stable since 1999, indicating that gamers have been paying less than they should for their entertainment over the years.

Many Nintendo fans have reacted negatively to the news that new titles on the Switch 2 may be more expensive than their predecessors. However, Layden, a former high-ranking executive at Sony and president of Sony Computer Entertainment, believes the industry has delayed these price adjustments for too long.

He suggests that instead of imposing a significant increase all at once, the gaming sector should have gradually raised prices by about $5 with each new console generation. With a career at Sony spanning over three decades, Layden brings a wealth of experience to his analysis.

He began his journey with the company in 1987 and rose through the ranks, eventually serving as president before departing in 2019. In a recent appearance on the Player Driven YouTube channel, Layden commented on Nintendo’s decision to set front-line games at a price point of $80, suggesting that Nintendo’s strategy is a bold move that reflects the realities of game production costs.

While he acknowledges that current economic conditions may make such prices hard for consumers to accept, he reminds audiences that the cost of developing games has been rising significantly faster than retail prices. Layden also noted that Nintendo’s effective protection of its first-party titles allows the company to implement higher prices more easily than competitors like Sony and Microsoft, reinforcing the idea that iconic franchises such as Mario and Zelda are best experienced on Nintendo’s platforms.

This perspective contrasts sharply with Microsoft’s increasing openness to cross-platform play, suggesting a differing approach to game accessibility in the evolving market.

Yui’s highly awaited Dark Souls Remastered mod has officially launched, quickly gaining traction among fans. Within just 72 hours of its release, the add-on was downloaded over 10,000 times. This mod introduces seamless co-op gameplay, allowing players to team up throughout their journey in Dark Souls Remastered.

Yui, a well-known modder with a history of successful projects, previously brought seamless multiplayer to Dark Souls 3 earlier this year. Following that achievement, they shifted focus to developing a similar mod for Dark Souls Remastered. The emergence of such mods across FromSoftware’s Soulslike titles underlines a demand for this feature, suggesting it should be integrated into future games.

The public release of Yui’s seamless co-op mod occurred on April 10, attracting a remarkable 12,150 downloads from more than 10,000 users shortly after launch. This surge indicates that many fans are eager to revisit the game, now enhanced with cooperative gameplay options. With this mod, players can now engage in multiplayer sessions that carry through player deaths, facilitating a smoother experience when facing challenging bosses.

It also opens up opportunities for exploration without the limitations of disbanded parties after boss fights. The mod includes features that balance co-op play, such as multiplayer scaling for all enemies, ensuring that gameplay remains challenging even with friends. For those who prefer to breeze through the game unimpeded, they can disable this setting.

Additionally, the mod allows players to turn off invasions, creating a purely player-vs-environment experience. It’s worth noting that the mod operates on separate save files from the original game, meaning co-op saves are not transferable to the vanilla version. It uses a peer-to-peer system for multiplayer connectivity, ensuring a safe gaming experience without the risk of bans.

While Yui has finished this project, they have yet to announce their next endeavor.

Season 4 of Delta Force is set to launch on April 21, bringing with it exciting new content, including the introduction of a new operator named Nox, two difficulty modes, and fresh gear. This upcoming season marks the conclusion of the first phase of Delta Force’s expansive post-launch roadmap. Delta Force, which is developed by TiMi Studio Group, a subsidiary of Tencent, debuted as a free-to-play tactical first-person shooter on PC in late January 2025. The game quickly gained popularity, achieving a peak of over 131,000 concurrent players on Steam shortly after its release.

As of mid-April, it continues to attract more than 100,000 players during peak hours, establishing itself as one of the standout new PC shooters of 2025. In an interview with Game Rant, Delta Force game design director Ricky Liao discussed the game’s dynamics and future direction. The game’s sustained popularity can largely be credited to a steady stream of new content. To maintain this momentum, TiMi Studio recently unveiled an official trailer for Season 4 just two and a half months post-launch, highlighting the introduction of Nox.

Nox is characterized as an Assault Operator specializing in assassinations and infiltration. His design aligns with the two new Zero Dam difficulty modes—Normal and Hard—set to debut in Season 4. Nox comes equipped with a drone capable of tracking and eliminating enemies. Additionally, his Ultimate ability can disrupt enemy movement detection.

The new season will also introduce various gear updates, including a tactical flashbang and the Whirlwind Disc, which hinders enemy movement. Initially, Season 4 was slated to include a new Warfare Mode called Victory Unite, but this feature has been postponed until May 30. Nonetheless, the core content for Season 4 remains on track for release on April 21, concluding the outlined four-season roadmap from TiMi Studio, with expectations for new content plans in the near future.