Darksiders II: Deathinitive Edition is nearly 10 years old at this point, but it's finally making its w??ay to current-gen consoles. THQ Nordic announced plans to release the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S versions on October 15, 2024. 

You'll be able to hop back in Death's ethereal saddle for $29.99. Those who already own the PS4 or Xbox One versions, however, can snag Deathinitive Edition as a free? upgrade. For everyone else, there's a half-off discount in place for pre-orders until Octob??er 14. 

Previewed below, the PS5 and Xbox Series version of Darksiders II adds 4K resolution, ray tracing, and enhanced lighting. T?here are also haptic feedback features in place for PS5's Du??alSense controller, and both versions have improved loading times. 

Darksiders II was ?fantastic when it debuted on PC, PlayStation 3, and Xbox 360 way back in 2012, and the upgraded edition has been a great way to play for nearly as long. Beyond the upgrades unique to current consoles, Deathinitive Edition adds in all the downloadable content and some fine-tuning to the loot distribution and game balance. Other?? aspects �including character, and environmental visuals �have also been tweaked since the initial launch. 

Most of all, I respect THQ Nordic for sticking with a title as silly as Deathinitive Edition for so long. Hopefully, the game itself holds up better than the name in 2024. I've been itching to dive back into this series for a?? while now, so this is? as good an excuse as any to do so.  

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??THQ Nordic Showcase 2024 just wrapped, with the company revealing two brand new titles and showcasing first-ever gameplay for several upcoming games. Overall all five titles displayed in the Showcase are looking great, and I'm looking forward to jumping into each of them. Let's dive in to everything shown at the THQ Nordic Showcase 2024.

Wreckfest 2

THQ Nordic kicked things off by announcing Wreckfest 2, the sequel to the 2018 destructive Racing Sim. The first thing to notice here is how upgraded the visuals are. Not that the original Wreckfest was ugly or anything, but Wreckfest 2 looks stunning. In classic Wreckfest fashion, it appears players will once again take on the role of a Destruction Derby ra??cer and build up t??heir arsenal of vehicles to engage in some good ole wrecking action on the track. According to THQ Nordic, players will be able to fully customize their vehicles in the sequel, giving players to build up and decorate their vehicles exactly how they want.

No release timeframe was given, but Wreckfest 2 will release on PC, Pl??ayStation 5, and Xbox S??eries X|S.

The Eternal Life of Goldman

The Eternal Life of Goldman is a stylized hand-drawn platformer where the player steps into the role of Goldman, an old explorer who gets around pretty well and uses his cane as a weapon. I'm normally not a fan of these sorts of games personally, but the beautiful hand-drawn art and setting of The Eternal Life of Goldman have my attention. Also, the end of the trailer hints at some more sinister workings going on in the world of Goldman, so it seems as though his journey wil??l be ??a wild one.

No release timeframe was provided for The Eternal Life of Goldman, but it will launch o?n PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, and Xb??ox Series X|S.

Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed

The remake of Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushed is almost here, and TH??Q Nordic showcased the upgraded 3D platformer halfway through the show. The remake of the nearly 14-year-old 3D platformer looks great, once again giving players the ability to take Mickey on an epic journey while rescuing signature Disney characters while wielding a magical paintbrush used to create and alter the world around you.

Disney Epic Mickey Rebrushedreleases on September 24 on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, ?and Xbox ??Series X|S.

Titan Quest 2

As a huge ARPG fan, I have a confession to make. While most ARPG gamers' favorite early memories in the genre revolve around Diablo, mine actually revolve around Titan Quest. The Ancient Greece setting was simply much more appealing to me when I was younger, and the actual gameplay and build variety with Titan Quest felt way ahead of its time back in 2006.

In the first gameplay reveal for Titan Quest 2, THQ Nordic showed off the ARPG's high-fidelity graphics in the beautifully mythological rendi??tion of Ancient Greece once again. Throughout the trailer, we ??see a handful of spells and abilities, unique weapons, and a glimpse at some of the mythical monsters we'll do battle with.

No release timeframe was given for Titan Quest 2, but the game looks great so hopefully, we will hear more about that soon. Titan Quest 2 will release on PC, PlayS?tation 5, and Xbox Series X??|S.

Gothic 1 Remake

The THQ Nordic Showcase 2024 concluded with another first-look gameplay of Gothic 1 Remake, and boy I can't wait. Look, I'll admit it, I never got to play the original. But this showing of the remake has me honestly debating whether I want to jump into the original or wait for the remake. Visually, the open world of Gothic 1 Remake looks incredible, as does the combat.

Perhaps the most intriguing feature of Gothic 1 Remake, which is highlighted throughout the trailer , is the simulated living world. The developer's goal was to make an immersive and realistic living world, allowing players to live out their life how th??ey want in this fantasy world, while the other characters around them do as well.

Gothic 1 Remake does not yet have a release date, but will release on PC, P??layStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

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If you take a look at Metacritic, you can see that the best-scoring entry in the Alone in the Dark series is the original trilogy from way back in the '90s. The first game was such an inspiration within the survival horror genre, but that term didn't really exist until Resident Evil ??came along a few years later. Yet its impact is unde??niable.

Now, with Pieces Interactive's new take on the iconic series doing the rounds, we once again find ourselves wondering whether we can welcome AitD back to the fore. At the time of writing, reviews for the latest game are trickling in, but from what I've seen, there's an overall feeling t?hat the franchise is struggling to make any kind of significant comeback.

I was fortunate enough to receive an advanced copy of the 2024 remake (reimagining or whatever) and made it through Emily's story at the pace most anticipate finishing at least one playthrough. My findings left me feeling like Alone in the Dark just doesn't stand a chance in the modern game??s industry, and it'??s hard to understand why that is.

This isn't our Destructoid review, as it is more about whether or not there's any breath left in the old beast. Now, maybe you really like the new game, and that's absolutely fine. Steam currently has it sitting pretty on "Most Positive." However, is it enough to truly ?revitalize the series? Or has the bar for remakes of classic survival horror games been set so high by Capcom, that attempts by others �even the genre's OG �struggle to compare?

The birth of an elder

Back in 1992, gaming was still very much in its infancy. We were one year away from the likes of Doom and the SNES console only hit the US market a year before that. What I'm saying is, it was a long time ago. But a new 3D adventure was about to launch on MS-DOS, bringing with it gaming visuals that had never been seen before, a story that encompass??ed mystery and Lovecraft-inspired horrors, and gameplay that favored fleeing over mindless fighting.

The original Alone in the Dark by Infogrames has cemented itself in the annals of gaming history, its legacy still living on to this day. Its genre-defining aesthetic and puzzle mechanics went on to inspire Resident Evil, which released in 1996. For good or ill, Capcom's legendary series has ?remained a staple in horror ever since, but its enormous success likely means that a lot of people probably don't even know where its influences began.

A sequel to AitD was released in 1993, followed by a third entry in 1995. This culminated in a trilogy pack, which came out in 1997 (according to Metacritic). After that, the series went on hiatus until the early 2000s. By this point, we'd had three Resident Evil games and the emergence of something even more boundary-smashing: Silent Hill.

Enter a new nightmare

With such mighty names building reputations in survival horror, even the likes of Alone in the Dark had its work cut out for it. Capcom and Konami (or Team Silent, I should say) were coasting on the success of their respective franchises, so the granddaddy of them all lay dormant until 2001. Then along came The New Nightmare by Darkworks.

Look, having never played the game myself, I can't offer up any personal insight. What I can say is that, for the most part, a lot of people didn't seem to look too favorably on the latest installment in the influential series. With a meta score of 66, an argument could be made that it's not really a terrible game, ju??st that it's more of an average horror title at best, j??udging by scores then.

A few more years passed us by, then we got 2008's Alone in the Dark by Eden Games, which seemed like an attempt at shaking things up by offering a different play style. According to the Wikipedia entry:

It is set out through DVD-style "episodes", where the player can choose to start the game from the beginning or choose to skip to a section if they get stuck. If they choose to do so, the past events are recollected in a "Previously on Alone in the Dark� cutscene at the start of the episode.

That does sound like a pretty interesting take on the series, but with a score of 58 ("Mixed" on Steam), the gaming world seemed to collectively show, at best, vague disinterest in Alone in the Dark. Having said that, I hear the fire effects were pretty phenomenal for the time. But that did??n't appear to be enough to rescue an iconic horror franchise from the deathly claws of obscurity.

Then we got Alone in the Dark: Illumination in 2015, an entry that flew so far under the rad?ar I'm willing to bet some of you reading this hadn't even heard of it until now. That includes me. Then there's the Uwe Boll-directed movie adaptation. But we don't talk about that.

Fast-forward to 2024, and Pieces Interactive (along with publisher THQ Nordic) is giving it a go, perhaps more in a "return to form" sort of way, but with a flavor that leaves a Resident Evil 2 remake aftertaste. Not always a bad thing, mind, but you have to admit that AitD was always going to be compared to Capcom's modern interpretation of the RE brand.

Hopes fading?

Although the 2024 version of Alone in the Dark has only been out a day, it doesn't feel like it's going to be a reboot worthy of much note. Maybe extra content or patches to fix some of the more egregious issues could stop it from falling into the gaming abyss any time soon. But I don't have a lot of hope, and I can't point to just anyone one thing making Alone in the Dark struggle so hard to return.

While it's tempting to compare it to Resident Evil �both in terms of the classics and the newer remakes �the one thing RE has done is remain in the limelight, and therefore relevant. From the first three installments back in the '90s to the way RE4 massively switched up the genre with its now-influential over-the-shoulder look?? to reinventing the name through the seventh and eight inst??allments, the remakes have been more of a ballast.

In the case of Alone in the Dark, it just went away, came back, went away, came back. Rinse and repeat. Maybe there's something to be said about the fact that studios not typically associated with horror have been having a crack. Pieces Interactive was mainly known for the Magicka games, while Darkworks was relatively new, having only developed one game prior to New Nightmare.

I'm disappointed more that Alone in the Dark 2024 may go down as yet another example of the franchise struggling to keep its head above the water by the fact that Mikael Hedberg's name is attached to it. While it's not always about the writing, I have to ponder the notion that if the writer of SOMA (what I consider to be one of the greatest horror games of all time) can't ma??ke it work, then maybe there isn't much hope for its future.

But that's my take. It just feels like we've circled the airport sever?al times no?w, and no one knows whether a landing will take place.

The post Alone in the Dark: is it time to let ??the series go? appeared first on Destructoid.

Outside of Resident Evil, Alone in the Dark is one of the most influential survival horror games of all time. While we wait for Pieces Interactive's take on the upcoming reimagining, THQ Nordic has shown what you can expect i?f you opt for the special version of the game.

Over on the publisher's YouTube channel (as spotted by Bloody Disgusting), we get a little showcase on the Alone in the Dark bonuses that come with the Deluxe Edition. For starters, there are? some "authentic Vi?ntage Horror Filters," as well as the director's commentary, if that's your thing.

But the one that will strike a chord with older fans is the "1992 Costume Pack." This �as the name implies �gives the new game the same, low-poly look that the original AITD release had all the way back in the early 90s.

"Ma'am, please stop staring at my triangular nose."

Specifically, it affects the models, turning them from their more modern, highly detailed selves to how they original??ly looked. It's a nice little way of seeing just how far we've come in terms of video game visuals. Also, nostalgia. Nostalgia is good as well.

While it's been tough for Alone in the Dark to keep its head above the water �what with some mediocre reboots and new installment??s �this could be the one that reignites interest in the iconic series once more.

I'll tell you for why: For me, personally, this latest attempt to breathe new life into the franchise has been penned by Mikael Hedberg. Even if you don't recognize the name, horror fans will know his work from Amnesia: The Dark Descent, Amnesia: Rebirth, and �more importantly �SOMA. That's enough to get me excited for March 20,? at least.

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I've collected video game delay notices like Christmas candy, and today I have one more to shove in the stocking. The Alone in the Dark remak??e has been delayed once more until early next year �but the reason should leave m?ost feeling jolly.

The Alone in the Dark remake is moving from its (already delayed) January 2024 launch to later on March 20, 2024. Publisher THQ Nordic and developer Pieces Interactive sent out a notice for the delay. It wrote that the companies are pushing the game a bit longer in or?der to "avoid any potential crunch over the Christmas holidays."

Alone in the Dark delayed until March to prevent any holiday humbug

Frankly, I'm totally okay with this reasoning. Normally, I'm also perfectly fine with companies delaying for polish reasons. But allowing game developers to relax and sip hot cocoa during the holidays without the ghost of Christmas crunch looming overhead is a big win in my book. Of course, ??additional game polish is a goal with the delay.

"THQ Nordic and Pieces Interactive want to ensure that the g??ame not only meets but exceeds the expectati??ons of the community," THQ Nordic explained, "especially with the outstanding performances of Hollywood stars David and Jodie as the main protagonists."

The Alone in the Dark remake returns to the series' roots, mashing together psychological horror with "Southern Gothic" charm. It starts David Harbour and Jodie Comer as co-protagonists Edward Carnby and Emily Hartwood, respectively. The story was penned by Mikael Hedberg of SOMA and Amnesia fame. A Guillermo del Toro collaborato??r, G??uy Davis, is contributing monster designs.

So far, Alone in the Dark is looking promising. But then again, anything would appear significantly better than what the series has been dishing out for the last 15 years or so.

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2023 has been an utterly miserable time to be working in the video game industry. Announcements of layoffs from some of the biggest names around have been dominating news ??sections lately. While we already knew Embrace?r Group was one of them, we now know the figures.

In the most recent sales report from th?e Crystal Dynamics and Gearbox Software owner, the company has said it experienced a 13% increase in net sales between ?July and September of this year (Q2 of their 2023-2024 fiscal year).

It then goes on to acknowledge that "around 900" people were part of the "reduction in headcount." This equates to 5% of the whole workforce. That's quite an astonishing amount of people to let go. Embracer Group said it's also "reduced the number o?f projects" being worked on and is focussing on "improving the projected return on investment within PC/Console."

At least the company is doing well...

The report goes on to say that CEO Lars Wingeford would like to "put on record a special thanks to the? people who have left Embracer in the ??quarter." Unfortunately, it's unlikely to bring much comfort to those who have lost their jobs.

We already knew that developers under Embracer's umbrella were being targeted for mass layoffs. However, this latest report really hammers home the extent to which studios have been affecte??d by these "reductions."

You've heard this story dozens of times already. Ubisoft, Team17, Naughty Dog, Amazon, CD Projekt Red, and many more have all been involved in redundancies, many to the tune of hundreds. On??e wonders whether anyone would still be interested in s?eeking a career in game development after all this.

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A new update for SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake provides native PS5?? and Xbox Series X|S versions, in addition to new costumes, a photo mode, and multiple bug fixes.

The next Bikini Bottom update launches on October 16. PS4 and Xbox One owners will receive a free upgrade to the versio??n of their choice, as confirmed by publisher THQ Nordic. The free new costumes include a King Doubloon ??costume for SpongeBob and a plushie version of Gary.

//youtu.be/YnzunC7eF7w

A new photo mode for your social media exploits in this Cosmic Shake update

It's better late than never. There's a new photo mode arriving in the Cosmic Shake update, which includes 19 different ?filters. THQ Nordic hasn't gone into detail as to what they are ?yet, but it's confirmed for all game versions.

Additionally, there are new costumes for SpongeBob SquarePants to wear, but you'll need to be a completionist to get them. By collecting all the doubloons in the game, you'll get the King Doubloon costume. If you unlock all the awards with this Cosmic Shake update, receive the Plush Gary skin.

[caption id="attachment_403791" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot via THQ Nordic's YouTube chan??nel[/caption]

On the positive side of things, there will be specific DualSense controller support for the PS5 version. When interacting with items, the PS5's DualSense functionality adds new audio cues signaling you've picked something up. Also, you'll use the adaptive triggers when utilizing the reef blower and swinging hoo?k.

Lastly, THQ Nordic confirmed multiple bug fixes were on the way to Bikini Bottom. The Cosmic Shake update has changed the following:

• Fixed an annoying, albeit rare, bug in which the game stops saving
• The playtime now pauses when on a loading screen
• "Many general bug fixes" that help with the stability and playability of the game.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is already out on all cons??oles, and you can pick it up for $39.99.

The post SpongeBob: The Cosmic Shake update brings costume??s, photo mode, and bug fixes appeared first on Destructoid.

Previously planned for October 25, the release date for the Alone in the Dark reboot has been delayed. THQ Nordic decided to avoid the October rush of games, changing the date to January 16, 2024 to give it some breathing room. As the publisher put it, they're hoping to "remain as Alone in the Dark as possible." 

While October is an ideal month for horror games, competition really is fierce this year. THQ Nordic specifically cites Alan Wake II and Spider-Man 2 as some new releases it would rather not launch alongside. 

"Our intention is to avoid competing with the wake of Alan's epic release and to evade the dazzling skyline of cities adorned by the graceful swings of Spider-Man," THQ Nordic stated. Beyond that, this also gives the team an opportunity to further refine the game. Oh yeah, and they also want to dive into that sweet deluge of games themselves. 

//twitter.com/AITDGame/status/1699045029535179071

The fall flood

While they specifically mention the Alan Wake and Spider-Man sequels, that's not all that's coming out this October. Assassin's Creed Mirage, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Ghostrunner 2, and Lords of the Fallen are just a few on the calendar. It's a busy month for any game, much less a legacy horror title looking to grab a firm foothold. 

It remains to be seen just how alone THQ Nordic and developer Pieces Interactive will remain. There's still time for more big titles to slot in January 2024 plans, after all. In the meantime, you can see more footage of Alone in the Dark in the recent teaser. The latest take on the survival horror series that's been around since 1992 will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. 

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A teaser at the end of the 2022 THQ Nordic Digital Showcase hinted a new South Park game was coming. Naturally, it was assumed that it would be the next installment in the popular South Park RPG ser??ies. However, it appears that won't be the case.

During the 2023 THQ Nordic Digital Showcase, South Park: Snow Day was officially revealed. Players will battle through the snow-piled streets of South Park with up to three friends. Apparently, the highlight feature is that South Park wi??ll be in 3D, ?though I'm not sure that's a good thing.

We also got a reveal trailer:

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=yEv35KH-DXQ

I think I'd rather have another 2D RPG

Even though South Park: The Stick of Truth and South Park: Fractured but Whole weren't for everyone, I could definitely appreciate what they were going for. A comical adventure in the world of South Park intended for fans of the show. Also, there's something to the 2D charm and honestly, it looks k??inda goofy in 3D.

In fact, the trailer reminded me a lot of the South Park game on N64. Obviously with more modern visuals, bu??t the same sort of goofy 3D graphics and gameplay.

No details on the actual game were provided other than it will be 3D and feature co-op multiplayer. It kind of looks similar to Fat Princess to me, but it's hard to re?ally tell until we know ?more.

South Park: Snow Day?? will release in 2024 on? PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch.

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Reports had surfaced earlier this year from Nickelodeon that the popular TMNT comic book, The Last Ronin, would not be hitting the big screen but instead would be getting a 'God of War-style' AAA video game. As it turns out, those reports appear to be true. During the 2023 THQ Nordic Digital Showcase, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Last Ronin was officially revealed. TMNT: The Last Ronin f??ollows a lone surviving turtle in a dark alternate futu??re battle-ravaged New York City.

??THQ ?Nordic also dropped a very simple reveal trailer, though it doesn't really tell us much.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=nx2ixJFWXcg

I have to be honest, I completely forgot this was a possibility, even though Nickelodeon subtly revealed it earlier this year. When I saw the Nick logo I thought we were getting another Spongebob title. I have nothing against Spongebob, but this is definitely way better.

Unfortunately, we didn't get any sort of details other than it will be based on the best-selling comic book. Also, it's worth noting that this is an official adaptation of TMNT: The Last Ronin, so it will probably follow the ?story of the comic.

TMNT: The Last Ronin will be coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. No?? sort of release timeframe just ye?t.

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Earlier this year GeForce Now accidentally leaked a few unannounced titles, including Titan Quest 2. Unfortunately, such lea??ks aren't always accurate, so I didn't?? get too excited.

However, as part of the 2023 THQ Nordic Digital Showcase, we got a first look at Titan Quest 2. The action RPG will be coming to PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Even though we didn't see any gameplay, the announcement trailer did show off Ancient Greece as we've come to appreciate it in Titan Quest.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=bY6yb8OoFvw

I can't wait to explore Ancient Greece again

Titan Quest was a very popular ARPG that came out back in 2006 on PC. Eventually, it was remastered and re-released on PC as well as consoles, and it received several DLC expansions that brought the title back to life. Praised for its build diversity, itemization, and replayability, Titan Quest also served as the framework for the popular ARPG Grim Dawn.

According to THQ Nordic, the sequel will return to the classic mythology-inspired setting of Titan Quest. The upcoming action RPG is being developed by the creators of SpellForce 3. Furthermore, Titan Quest 2 will feature some of the staples from the original, including a flexible character system, meaningful loot, and challenging combat. Also, TQ2 will include online multiplayer just like the original Titan Quest.

Without getting a look at the gameplay, this is about as excited as I can get. I put hundreds, maybe even thousands of hours into Titan Quest as a teenager. It was clearly a passion project from Diablo 2 fans. Despite how great D2 was, I personally enjoyed Titan Quest overall more.

THQ Nordic didn't provide any release timeframe yet, but hopefully we'll get some more details about Titan Quest 2 soon.

The post Titan Quest 2 is real and I’m very excited appeared first on Destructoid.

At 3 p.m. ET on August 11, THQ Nordic will be a?iring its 2023 THQ Nordic Digital Showcase. THQ Nordic has promised a showcase with world premiere ann??ouncements as well as further feature news and reveals for already announced titles.

Specifically, Alone in the Dark, Gothic, Outcast: A New Beginning, Wreckreation, and Trine 5 will be in the show.

Those interested in watching the digital showcase with us can do so on the THQ Nordic YouTube or Twitch channel.

You can also watch along below:

//youtu.be/6rRCEMRPo-E

What can we expect from the Digital Showcase?

Once again, we have been told there are in fact some world premieres coming to this showcase. Furthermore, some of the titles they confirmed to be speaking about are releasing in the next few months, so I'm sure they will be highlighting those in particular. Trine releases at the end of this month on August 31. Also,  Alone in the Dark releases on October 25, so I'm sure we'll see some more? gam??eplay from it.

Their showcase last year ended with a hint at a new South Park game?? which we have yet to get more details on. Who knows, maybe we'll get more info on that.

Personally, I'm hoping to see anything Darksiders. I am excited about the Gothic remake so definitely down to see more of that, and maybe even a release date. For now, all we know is that THQ Nordic considered 20?24 as the realistic release window for it.

The post Let’s watch the 2023 THQ Nordic Digital Showcase today appeared first on Destructoid.

The upcoming reimagining of Alone in the Dark is getting a limited Collector's Edition. A post over on THQ's website says there's only going to be?? 5,000 of these made worldwide, so you might want to get in quick if you want on??e.

The Collector's Edition will feature a fair amount of bonus material, including both a statue and miniature, a steelbook case for the game, some DLC (which includes the Derceto 1992 costume pack), and more. You can check out the trailer for this special?? edition ??below.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=QB2L3LPpu9I

Return to the dark

We all know that Resident Evil is one of the most influential survival horror series of all time. However, Alone in the Dark actually predates Capc?om's legendary franchise by four years.

The first Alone in the Dark game set th??e scene for the genre and while it's massively dated now, it's been cemented in gaming history as a landmark part of horror. Sadly, subsequent releases and attempts at reboots haven't had much of an impact, being overshadowed by other games that have come after it.

However, Alone in the Dark is making another comeback. A recent video uploaded to publisher THQ Nordic's YouTube page gives a brief teaser of the upcoming title, which is being developed by Magicka 2 studio Pieces Interactive.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=UtrvT7aDL1s

While previous attempts at bringing Alone in the Dark into th??e modern world have not gone down well, horror fans will still be looking forward t?o this entry.

With Killing Eve's Jodie Comer and Stranger Things' David Harbour on board (not to mention a story crafted by Amnesia and SOMA writer Mikael Hedber?g), there's enough intrigue here to hopefully give the iconic horror series another crack at video game modernity.

Alone in the Dark is due for release on October 25, and will be available on PC, PS5, and?? Xbox Series X|S.

The post Alone in the Dark Collector’s Edition announced, along with a creepy teaser appeared first on Destructoid.

Take a free tour before you commit

THQ Nordic and Pieces Interactive have locked in a date for their remake, or reimagining, of Alone in the Dark. The return t??o Derceto Manor will arrive on October 25, 2023 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Announced during a spotlight on the game, Alone in the Dark will go for $59.99. And if you want to check it out before you put that cash down, there's also a free playable prologue going live tonight. It's up on Steam, PlayStation, and Xbox.

THQ Nordic says that this prol??ogue doesn't have spoilers for the? main story, but will let you experience what this reimagining of an old classic has to offer.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=RJekekI4Vkg

Star power

Additionally, THQ Nordic has announced that Alone in the Dark will feature two recognizable likenesses for its leads. Pieces Interactive is working with David Harbour (Stranger Things) and Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) for their portrayals of Edward Carnby and Emily Hartwood, respectiv??ely.

The actors are lending their voice, appearance, and acting to the protagonists. Each is a selectable character, and depending on who you play as, you'll get a different view of the Alone in the Dark story. And this marks another game crossover for Harbour, who's also set to star in the upcoming Gran Turismo movie. They aren't directly connected, but in ?my own? head-canon, I like to think they are.

For those who like a little bit of scares around the Halloween season, October is starting to look stacked. Alongside Alone in the Dark, we also recently got an October release date for Alan Wake 2.

As for Alone in the Dark, this reb??oot of the Infogrames classic certainly has a long legacy to live up to. The team is calling it a love letter to the '90s classic, so we'll see if it captures the magic again in? October.

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They better bring back the headbutt

If you're a horror gaming fan of a certain age, and you're currently eagerly awaiting news of the teased Alone in the Dark reboot, then the? wait is almost over, as THQ Nordic has announce?d that it will be holding a special showcase to offer up new details on the returning survival horror classic.

The new Alone in the Dark release will be a full-on reboot of Infogrames' 1992 classic, and will see private investigators Edward Carnby and Emily Hartwood investigate a weird, desecrated mansion located deep in the Louisiana bayou. Developer Pieces Interactive notes that it wishes to capture th??e creepy, third-person gameplay and cosmic horror nature of the original release, brought up-to-date with modern technology and mechanics. The studio considers the reboot a true "love letter" to its predecessor.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=xI7wA60-sQw

Alone in the Dark has sort of stumbled through its own lifetime, with three groundbreaking but clumsy initial releases, an "ok" PlayStation comeback in 2001, and the notorious 2008 disaster that reviewed so poorly, it lead then-publisher Atari to threaten legal action against press outlets. With these strange and middling titles behind it, perhaps this aged franchise, essentially a forerunner t?o survival horror itself, can retake its place at the table. I have a fondness for AitD, and I hope that the ne??w game is a real success, conceptually and financially.

The Alone in the Dark showcase will hit THQ Nordic's YouTube and Twitch channels tomorrow, May 25, at 17:00 PT / 20:00pm ET / 01:00 BST. Alone in the Dark is in development for PS5, ??PC, and Xbox Series X.

The post We’ll be getting a new look at Alone in the Dark in tomorrow’s live stream appeared first on Destructoid.

A new wrestling game enters the ring very soon

The All Elite Wrestling fighting game AEW: Fight Forever has set a date for its debut in the ring. The new wrestl?ing competitor will arrive on June 29, 2023.

In a video today featuring AEW wrestler and video game fan Kenny Omega, the release date in June is locked in for PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch. THQ Nordic is partnering with All Elite Wrestling for publishing, while former WWE 2K developer Yuke's is developing the new title.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=6JEyDX8vvlw

The release and readiness of AEW: Fight Forever has been up in the air for some time. Since it was first revealed, the project has gone through some bumps. We've seen some hints of it and its minigames over the year?s, bu??t now it looks to be arriving, and pretty soon at that.

As for features, AEW: Fight Forever is boasting a fair number of modes, as well as the customization options you usually like to see in a wrestling game. Attire, appearance, move sets, entrances, teams, and arenas are all part of the customization. Add in the AEW roster and online pl??ay, and ??it's looking like it could put up some competiton.

A new fighter enters the ring

Competition is what wrestling fans are hoping for, I think. The WWE 2K series has had some serious ups-and-downs lately, and even when it's somewhat stabilized out, I still see some reminiscing about the old days of No Mercy.

There seems to be a hope for rekindling some of that older-school ?arcade magic here, and for those who want that, I hope they get it. Either way, I'm interested to see how a new wrestling entry is received, and if it can shake up the wrestling genre.

AEW: Fight Forever heads to PC, PlayStation 4??, PS5, Xbox On??e, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on June 29, 2023.

The post AEW: Fight Forever sets a release date for June appeared first on Destructoid.

He probably thinks he's a real cowboy...

If you remember that a new Saints Row game came out in the summer of last year, then you might be pleased to hear that the open-world adventure's? first DLC expansion will finally arrive next week, nine months on from the game's initial release on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox platforms.

The Heist and The Hazardous �which hits all platforms on May 9 �will see our uber-trendy gangsters on a mission of vengeance, tracking down the double-crossing Hollywood star Chris Hardy following a botched assignment. The expansion will feature new in-game events, story missions, and a wardrobe full of new clothing, weapons, and other related chicanery. The Heist and The Hazardous is ?the first of three? paid DLC expansions planned for the title in 2023.

//twitter.co??m/SaintsRow/status/1653399037180010500?s=20

Saints Row, which launched last August after being delayed from its initial spring release date, saw the tongue-in-cheek crime franchise rebooted with an oddly elite fashion aesthetic and a cast of younger, entrepreneurial stars. While the game itself was serviceable, with high-octane action and an appetite for destruction, many critics and fans were non-plussed at the reboot's general vibe, complaining about a dated mission desig??n, obnoxious and offputting dialogue, as well as a slew of technical issues.

Developer Volition has been releasing updates to correct the latter problems, which has led to this long delay between launch and DLC drops. Soon after release, it was announced that Volition was being transfe???rred from Deep Silver to another Embracer Group publisher, Gearbox Entertainment.

Saints Row is?? available now on PlayStation, PC, and Xbox. But?? not Stadia. Not anymore.

The post Saints Row DLC, The Heis?t and The Hazardous,?? finally arrives next week appeared first on Destructoid.

Hug a tree

THQ Nordic has announced that furry open-world exploration game Biomutant will be coming to Switch on November 30, 2023.

Biomutant originally launched on other platforms on May 21, 2021. It drops you and your hideously ugly fursona in a post-apocalyptic world where your goal is to maybe save the world tree if you? think that’s a good idea. For the most part, it was very open-world and put an emphasis on crafting and exploration.

I liked it. Maybe one of the few, I think. I enjoyed the exploration, thought the world presented a nice amount of variety, and the crafting system is one of the best I’ve seen. Not only could you build weapons, you could take them apart and make them into better weapons. I don’t need to excuse myself for liking a game that other people bounced off of, but if I wanted to, 2021 was absolutely depressing. Any spark of joy just glowed brighter.

I’m not really sure how this is going to look on Switch. It uses Unreal Engine 4, which has built-in compatibility with the Switch. However, I feel like you’re going to need to substantially cut back on the vegetation and fur, and I’m not sure a naked version of Biomutant is going to look so hot. Still, gameplay-wise, it?? should be the same. We’re pretty far removed from the days when games needed to be scaled back to fit on handheld.

Biomutant is currently availab??le on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S. It will be coming to Switch on November 30, 2023.

The post Biomutant mutates on Switch November 30 appeared first on Destructoid.

The publisher has some end-of-summer news

More streams are getting locked in for the summer of gaming news, and today, THQ Nordic joins the line?up. THQ Nordic will host a digital showcase on August 11, spotlighting plans for its upcoming lineup of games.

The stream will air live on THQ Nordic's channels over on YouTube, Twitch, and Steam. THQ Nordic??'s showcase will kick off at 12 p.m. PT / 3 p.m.?? ET on August 11, with HandyGames hosting a pre-show leading into the main event.

//twitter.com/THQNordic/??status/1649035184917073922

As the announcement notes, THQ Nordic will be sharing info about both world premiere ann??ouncements and previously confirmed titles. Basically, games both new and known will appear here.

THQ Nordic has a few titles lined up already, including the newly remade Alone in the Dark, Outcast 2, racing-destruction game Wreckreation, and more. Heck, there was an unannounced, unrevealed title I played at PAX East that involved a crack squad of soldiers and some?? solid tactics. Here's hoping that?'s on the docket for this THQ Nordic showcase.

Are you ready for the summer?

Though it's co?ming in at the August end of the summer, I still think this puts THQ Nordic's showcase in the realm of "summer games news." Traditionally, June is the month where games companies roll out a bevy of information about the rest of the year and even further on.

But especially after 2020 shifted everything online, that window has opened up a bit. And with no E3 to pin things down this year, the summer is looking like another one filled with developer and publisher showcases. We've got the Summer Game Fest kick-off in June, as well as streams from Xbox, Ubisoft, the PC Gaming Show, and more.

The post THQ Nordic is hosting? a digital showcase in August appeared first on Destructoid.

Where's Tik-Tok when you need him?

Marvelous news for fantasy fans, as THQ Nordic has announced a new chapter in the beloved adventure series, Trine �Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy is currently in the works at studio Frozenbyte, and is ex?pected to launch this summer on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platfo??rms.

The new sequel will reunite heroes Amadeus the Wizard, Zoya the Thief, and Pontius the Knight, as the trio embarks upon a brand new quest that will see them take on the might of the fearsome Clockwork Army. With the mythical powers �not to mention their reputations �at? stake, the brave heroes will sally forth against the metallic battalions of the ruthless Lady Sunni, utilizing each of their unique skills to traverse the land, defea?t a multitude of enemies, and bring peace to the land of Trine once more.

You can check out a new tra??iler for the?? fun-looking adventure below.

/??/www.youtube.com/watch?v=y6PpsZhxz_Q&ab_channel=PlayStation

Trine 5 will feature all of the 2.5D platforming action that has become the series trademark, w??hile offering up a lavish new realm to explore, exciting new combat mechanics, an army of new villains and boss characters, customizable outfits, adaptive difficulty, four-player co-op gameplay, and much more in what THQ Nordic is calling the biggest, the most expansive, and most feature-packed entry in the Trine series to date.

The trailer is suitably delightful, spotlighting a colorful and whimsical kingdom, cool-looking character abilities, and a typically spirited sense of adventure. With all of these new features on deck, it's looking like Trine 5 c?ould prove to be a real treat for series fans. We'll be sure to bring you all of the info as it pertains to the new sequel as we near launch day.

Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy launches this summer on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nin??tendo Switch.

The post Trine 5: A Clockwork Conspiracy ?coming this summer appeared first on Destructoid.

Troubled title remains in Gorilla

THQ Nordic's senior community manager has rebuked reports that the long-in-development wrestling title AEW: Fight Forever is finished and ready ??to launch, following such comments presented by o??verly-excitable AEW president Tony Khan.

"I can’t say the exact release date," said Khan during a press conference held to promote the AEW Revolution pay-per-view. "There’s a lot of things that go into that, and I don’t want to step on anybody with that. It is coming very soon. The game?? is finished."

But, as noted by Wrestling Inc., THQ community manager Per Hollenbo had a different opinion. Having been shown a tweet stating that AEW: Fight Forever was ready and just waiting on a release date, Hollenbo stated "I mean if you want an unfinished game sure we ?could rele??ase now. The game is doing reall?y well and is getting there, but not 100% yet, so yea, just another rumour on Twitter I fear"

//twitter.com/Zyddies/status??/1644539101700411392?s??=20

The crossed wires represent part of the troubled development Fight Forever has had since its first reveal back in November 2020. Since then, whispers have frequently done the rounds of creative differences between developer Yukes and the wrestlers involved with the making of the game. Further problems arrived with the initial leaking of the game's title, the departure of cover star C.M. Punk, frequent pushback on the release window, and �most recently �legal disputes over AEW's ability to use the "Fight Forever" moniker. All of the above lends credence to the longstanding rumor that the entire project has gone way ove??r budget.

Of course, wrestling fans absolutely want a new wrestling game franchise, and AEW looked set to be the best option to present an alternative to 2K Games' WWE 2K franchise. But AEW: Fight Forever seems to be really crawling through barbed wire and iffy pyrotechnics in order to reach fruition. The market needs another wrestling franchise �Steel Sharpens Steel and all that jive �so here's hoping that AEW: Fight Forever is able to deliver when, if, it ever makes its way to the ring.

TH?Q Nordic Rep Disputes Report That AEW Fight Forever Is Ready To?? Release [Wrestling Inc]

The post Conflicti?ng reports leave AEW: Fight Forever release date in limbo appeared first on Destructoid.

Is mayonnaise an instrument?

When SpongeBob SquarePants debuted in 1999, I had just said goodbye to Nicktoons and ??Nickelodeon as a whole. Arguably, I should have parted with that part of my childhood a few years earlier, but I was a late bloomer. Nevertheless, the misadventures of the little yellow sponge that lived in a pineapple under the sea would fly under my radar for several years. It wasn't until my final year of high school that I, bored at home one afternoon, decided to give the show a go during one ?of its many marathons.

I remember the first episode I saw. It was "Graveyard Shift," the episode where SpongeBob and Squidward have to work 24-hour shifts at the Krusty Krab. If you've seen it, you know the episode goes for kid-friendly horror and ends with an out-of-left-field cameo from Count Orlock. It was bizarre, it was beautif?ul, and that was the day I realized I wasn't too old for kids' cartoons.

More than 20 years later, I'm still laughing. While I don't always have a chance to check it out when new episodes release, I always know that sponge will be able to put a smile on my face. And with SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake,?? I was smiling nearly every second I spent with i??t.

[caption id="attachment_360280" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake (PC, PS4, Switch [reviewed], Xbox One)
Developer: Purple Lamp Studios
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Released: January 31, 2023
MSRP: $39.99

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake sees everybody's favorite pineapple-dwelling sea sponge causing a ruckus for the people of Bikini Bottom. This time, wh?ile trying to enjoy a night out at Glove World, SpongeBob comes across the mysterious mermaid Madame Kassandra who absentmindedly sells him a glowing bottle of bubble formula that has the power to grant wishes. Cut to a few hours later, and SpongeBob has blown bubbles that'll grant wishes to everyone he knows. When those bubbles pop, the universe is torn asunder and his friends are scattered around several different universes that take recognizable locations from the show and mash them with a new theme. With a magic bubble wand in hand, SpongeBob must travel to each of these worlds with his balloon-ified best friend Patrick to get everyone back and restore Bikini Bottom.

Mechanically and structurally, The Cosmic Shake plays similarly to the licensed platformers of the GameCube/PS2/Xbox era. SpongeBob has a double jump, a spin attack, a jump-slam attack, a cartwheel dodge, a bubble projectile, and a weak pizza box glide ability. Throughout each world, there are specific areas where you can use techniques like hook swing and karate kick to access new areas or make it over deep chasms. Levels are linear, usually consisting of a few small open areas connected by long platforming or action sequences. It's somewhat similar to what we got a few years ago with the remaster of Battle for Bikini Bottom, also from Purple Lamp Studios.

That game, for whatever reason, didn't really work for me. The Cosmic Shake, however, does, and I am dumbfounded by how much I ?enjoyed going through it.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=0KZFL20XDqM

Arguably, the game didn't make a great first impression. The opening tutorially didn't give me a lot of hope for things to come, and the first 20 to 30 minutes of the game's Wild West Jellyfish Fields threw me into some poorly controlled seahorse action sequences. Once it slowed down enough to let me get my footing, I started to realiz?e the excellent job the developers did putting this game together and how they were able to keep things fresh and new throughout.

Each world brings with it a unique feel and presentation, from chasing down some cosmetics in Medieval Sulfer Fields to setting up a light show in Halloween Rock Bottom. It's truly wonderful to see just how much diverse gameplay Purple Lamp Studios are able to get out of Cosmic Shake's simple formula because they really do take it to fun and exciting place?s??. Outside of the levels, you can explore the Bikini Bottom hub world that expands and populates as you work your way through SpongeBob's quest.

The platforming sections throughout the game are pretty top-tier for a licensed 3D platformer and the different jelly enemies you face provide enough of a challe?nge that I had to use every single tool in SpongeBob's arsenal to make it through several of its fights. That includes the boss battles, which can be mighty tough, but thankfully the game is generous with respawns, checkpoints, and auto-saves, so it was never really much of a hassle if I got knocked out.

The game's wonky nature, however, did prove to be something of a hassle, though the developers are aware it needs some work. The framerate is constantly in flux, some of SpongBob's actions weren't entirely reliable–there was a 1-in-50 chance his pizza box glider wouldn't work and the karate kick attack isn't always available when it should be �and it wasn't unusual for character models and objects to straight-up disappear during cutscenes. At one point when running around Bikini Bottom, everything on the screen beside the UI went black and I had to restart the game. As mentioned before, the seahorse con?trols aren't so great and there are more than a handful of jumps throughout the game that requires overly precise execution and timing of the double jump glide. Cutscenes can often feel like they all end with a smash cut, but I suspect that's intentional as it plays into the game's humor.

[caption id="attachment_360279" align="alignnone" width="1200"] Screenshot by Destructoid[/caption]

And what humor it has. The writer's behind Cosmic Shake have effortlessly tapped into the comedy of the show, bolstered by pitch-perfect performances from the SpongeBob SquarePants cast. I would argue the game could use an option to cut down on some of the repetitive soundbites, bu?t beyond being constantly reminded that Krusty Krab pizza is the pizza for you and me, this is one funny game from beginning to end. It's also one with a soundtrack that is far better than I could have anticipated. I don't often pay attention to the music in games, but I couldn't ignore it here.

If there is one area of Cosmic Shake where I was slightly disappointed–outside of the Krabby Patty minigame that doesn't seem to do anything at all–it's with the game's costume system. Part of the gimmick of SpongeBob traveling to different worlds is he'll be given new costumes that blend him into the environment. These costumes look great, but that's all they do. There's no gameplay advantage to using one costume over another, and you don't even have to wear a costume that fits the theme of the world if you don't want to. There are a lot of costumes to unloc??k, and doing so is what I suspect will make up the bulk of the post-game experience. It would be nice if each costume had some unique ability? tied to it, but it is what it is, and the simplicity of the feature didn't detract one bit from my enjoyment of this adventure.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake is an astoundingly good game. There is so much creativity packed into its seven different worlds that I could not stop playing it over the past weekend because I was too excited to see what was next. This is, without a doubt, the best SpongeBob game I've ever played, and I h??ope Purple Lamp Studios keeps the keys to the license fo??r years to come.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

The post Review: SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake appeared first on Destructoid.

The co-op horror shooter is making its way to the Switch

Gunfire Games' Remnant: From the Ashes is making its way to a ??new platform on the Nintendo Switch. The co-op horror action game is coming to Nintendo's handheld sometime soon.

The survival horror-inspired co-op shooter first arrived in 2?019, pitting solo players or teams against a horde of monstrosities in a decrepit urban landscape. Now, Gunfire Games is bringing the action to a handheld format, alongside THQ Nordic.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=3fuLxV3g6YU

No release date has been set yet. A sequel to Remnant, currently dubbed Remnant 2, was revealed at The Game Awards 2022. The new Remnant title is targeting a 20??23 launch, and will be headed to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, but no Switc??h.

Rise from the ashes

It's a bit of a surprise, but certainly not an unwelcome one. Remnant: From the Ashes has always been talked up by those I know who have ?played it, and another platform for the co-op action game certainly seems like a good thing.

In our review from the game's launch, it does assert that while Remnant does take a while to get it going, it does eventually let it rip. The randomization offers a bit of variety to each run, and the urban-apocalyptic world is something special altogether, like a mix between Metro and Eldritch horror.

Maybe the game will find another audience to build up on the Switch, just in time to tee them up for the sequel. We'll keep an eye out for more to come on Remnant: From the Ashes' Switch port, and how soon it will be arriving.

The post Remnant: From??? the Ashes is headed for Nintendo Switch appeared first on Destructoid.

Make sure to wear sturdy underpants

My experience with the PS2 version of Destroy All Humans 2 is rather limited. While I enjoyed the original back when it was released, I merely rented the sequel. Then my brother-in-law and I just messed around?? in co-op and I never made it anywhere. However, the fun with physics gameplay left such an impression on me that it’s been on my hit list for years. The problem is, the memory that stuck out most for me was its ugly-as-sin graphics and oppressive dr?aw fog.

Thankfully, THQ Nordic and Black Forest Games decided to go all the way with the series and gussy up Destroy All Humans 2 in the same way it did for the original title. That means, while the graphics have been upgraded to the nines, the warts of the PS2-era gameplay are still present underneath. That’s all right with me, though, I eat a couple of early �0s ??games for breakfast every morning, so I am well prepared for warts.

Destroy All Humans! 2 Reprobed (PC [Reviewed], Xbox Series X/S, PS5)
Developer: Black Forest Games
Publisher: THQ Nordic
Released: August 30, 2022
MSRP: $39.99

Destroy All Humans 2 definitely look nice. Though the upgrade to the Unreal 4 Engine hasn’t left it without blemishes, it's obvious the art department at Black Forest Games had an absolute blast with it. The wo??rlds you quest through are all as lush as golf greens. If you’re just looking at the game, it’s almost impossible to tell that it was built on the bones of a much older game.

Playing the game is a much different matter. I have already admitted to not having a whole bunch of experience with Destroy All Humans 2, but what little I did play already made it feel as though it was more interested in being a play??ground than a cohesive game. And in that respect, it provided unusu??al weapons that screwed with the physics.

However, real-time physics was still a pretty novel thing back in 2006. We ended up with actually physics sandboxes like Garry’s Mod. Years later, the novelty has worn off. Seeing a watermelon roll around is so commonplace that we often don’t think to play with them anymore. So while it was almost worth playing Destroy All Humans 2 back in 2006 just to ?screw around in the environments, it doesn’t really have that to fall back on now, and that kind of blunts the e??xperience.

[embed]//youtu.be/CKY0HCoBFnE[/embed]

Time to phone home

Thankfully, it still knows how to be entertaining. Destroy All Humans 2 takes place ten years after the first game. The Furons, Cryptosporidium-138 and Orthopox-13, are enjoying their subversive takeover of the United States. Crypto has been successfully cloned with working genitalia, and while that may seem like it should be a minor aside, it’s pretty key to the plot of these games. The first Destroy All Humans was a quest to assemble enough Furon DNA to retool a tac??klebox, and h?ere we have our heroes reaping the benefits. Crypto has been enjoying humanity’s “free love�counter-cultural movement rather thoroughly, and things kick off in the midst of this. The Mothership is destroyed by the KGB, and Pox and Crypto have to find out why and how humanity is suddenly gunning for them.

Damn, that’s good stuff. Once again, Crypto is voiced by J. Grant Albrecht, doing a deliciously over-the-top Jack Nicholson impression, while Orthopox is done by Richard Steven Horvitz �best known for giving vocals to Invader Zim’s titular cha??racter �doing his best Invader Zim impression.

Orthopox is given a smaller role this time around in favor of a revolving cast of other characters. Although the additional cha?racters are all ridiculously archetypal, they give a good sounding board for Crypto. The dialogue was a big reason why I kept playing; there was always something cutting hidden behind the next choice. Sometimes it was worth it to fail a mission just to see what kind of hole Crypto could dig himself with just his tongue.

As they did in the first game, the developers open with a disclaimer not?ifying you that the humor hasn’t been touched and is still rooted in the primitive age of 2006. I didn’t come across anything that offended me personally �there are plenty of poorly imitated accents, however �??but I appreciate the warning.

This is one of those "disguise" missions, isn't it?

It may be damning with praise that the feature I appreciated most in Destroy All Humans 2 is the cutscenes. I do like both carnage and destroying humans, but the weird thing here is that there isn’t as much of that as there should be. The original Destroy All Humans approached its var??ious mission areas by starting you off with subversion before you are let off the leash to wreak havoc, and that i?sn’t replicated here. Don’t get me wrong, there’s plenty of destruction to be had. It’s just often not evil enough. In fact, there’s very little cohesiveness to the mission structure at all.

Take the initial city based on San Francisco, for example. It’s where Crypto learns that the KGB is targeting them, but then the missions are about stopping a mind-altering substance called Revelade. The KGB is apparently using this to subvert the hippy movement into supporting communism. Or something. But the mission design is mostly: destroy Revelade, destroy more Revelade, okay, now destroy more Revelade, fight the boss.

The sub-missions make even less sense. I picked up one in San Fransisco where a secretary complains about being embarrassed at a company party, so the goal of the mission is to embarrass her furth?er. Why? I don’t even know her. She's of no importance whatsoever. How does that help anyone? It is?n’t even that malicious, she’s clearly capable of embarrassing herself.

What's with the suit? Somebody die?

The fact that Destroy All Humans 2 looks so nice and a lot of effort has clearly gone into updating its worlds makes the disjointed mission design stand out more. You’ve got all these fantastic-looking locations all over the place, but the briefin?gs take place in shady alleys, and action scenes take place indoors or with the most basic backdrops. I’m all aboard with keeping the core gameplay unaltered, but I wouldn’t say no to maybe scooching those story moments to some of the more charming spots.

It feels like the worlds are kind of wasted. Parts of them you only really see when seeking out collectibles in th?e environment. It’s a massive shame.

But that shame just highlights Destroy All Humans 2’s biggest problem: it’s incredibly unfocused. It doesn’t do a great job of delivering on the promise of the title, not like the first game did. It feels like the development team was having a great time right up until they realized it all had to be tied together with an actual narrative. Tha?t’s another shame since a lot of concepts that could have been better explored were left on the table. What I’m saying is that there was a lot more opportunity for dick jokes. It was rated Teen in 2006, but I feel that if one of your weapons is a literal anal probe, there’s probably a bit of breathing room for a few more bangers.

Just know what you’re in for. There’s plenty of potential fun to be had in Destroy All Humans 2, it’s just a bit of a mess. And being a fun mess in 2022 isn’t as forgivable as it was in 2006. Personally, I kept playing just to hear more of Cryptosporidium’s razor-sharp attacks on counter-culture, but I definitely would have preferred it if there was a better game supporting it. Meanwhile, I am fully behind giving early-3D games a ?fresh coat of paint while retaining what made that era special, even if the package is a bit covered in warts.

_{[This review is based on a retail build of the game provided by the publisher.]}

The post Review: Destroy All Humans 2 Reprobed appeared first on Destructoid.

Legion of Doom

Fans of veteran tactical combat series Jagged Alliance are already getting their gear together for the long-awaited sequel Jagged Alliance 3, which is currently in development at studio Haemimont Games. Publisher THQ Nordic released a new trailer for the RTS title during this weekend's Digital Showcase.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ah9O1LQXIvE

Once again set against the backdrop of Grand Chien, Jagged Alliance 3 sees the fictional ?republic overthrown by a dangerous paramilitary force following the mysterious disappearance of its president. As "The Legion" embeds itself within each and every sector of the troubled nation, the family of its missing ruler reaches out to the clandestine Adonis corporation to send its best team of black ops merc??enaries to locate the president, defeat The Legion, and restore Grand Chien to its former state of (relative) order.

The new sequel, which will arrive a full two decades on from 1999's Jagged Alliance 2, will feature the tactical engagement and strategic gameplay of its predecessor, powered by a brand new engine and modern-day mechanics. A huge cast of new and familiar mercenaries will be made available for the player's home-g?rown militia, given acce?ss to a huge arsenal of weaponry, equipment, and explosive, town-rattling gear. Battle The Legion's forces, train local insurgents, and retake the Grand Chien street-by-street in explosive campaign action alone or with co-op support.

Jagged Alliance 3 is currently in d??evelopment for PC. A release window has not been announced.

The post Jagged Alliance?? 3 gameplay traile?r spotlights calculating RTS action appeared first on Destructoid.

Don't forget to bring a towel

THQ Nordic has revealed that work has begun on a brand new South Park game. The currently untitled release was teased at the end of Friday's THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2022 live stream.

Outside of the above sentence, there is literally nothing to be said regarding the release. The couldn't be simpler teaser merely consisted of a flash of the South Park D??igital Studios logo, complete with a sample of rad dad Randy Marsh screaming "HOT! HOT! HOT! HOT!"

Y'know, from that episode where he did a giant turd... or someth?in?g.

No gameplay footage, platforms, nor a release window were revealed, and we do not know whether the new game will continue in the point-and-click, turn-based battle tradition of Ubisoft's previous releases South Park: The Stick of Truth (2014) and its sequel South Park: The Fractured but Whole (2017). At this point, perhaps the only thing we can guarantee is that Stan and the boys' newest adventure will prob?ably give global censors plenty of troubled nights.

The new South Park game is currently in development at South Park Digital Studios for THQ Nordic. You can check out a VoD edition of the full THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2022 presentation right here.

The post ?THQ Nordic reveals new South Park game currently in deve??lopment appeared first on Destructoid.

The Greatest Trailer in The History of Our Sport

During its THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2022 presentation, the publisher dropped a new trailer for its upcoming pro-wrestling title AEW: Fight Forever, which is cu??rrently in development at? studio Yuke's.

The trailer, which contains far more "skit" than it does "gameplay" sees veteran announcer Tony Schiavone settle on the couch with the inimitable Dr. Britt Baker D.M.D, (I hope y'all did the little hand gesture), as the duo (pretend to) battle it out in All Elite Wrestling's console debut. We don't really get to see much of the game in action, frankly, but we do see Baker apply the lockjaw to he?r beau Adam Cole before laying in a beating with a selection of weapons, including bins and fire e?xtinguishers. Spirit of '99.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rdrmi13XI0

Perhaps the most intriguing aspect of the trailer, however, is the reveal of a selection of AEW-themed "mini-games" which see a bevy of AEW wrestlers ba??gging a torrent of casino chips, partaking in some kind of bizarre human batting cage, and indulging in what appears to be some rhythm-action calisthenics. Schiavone, everyone's favorite earring dad, looks almost as bewildered by the chaotic action a??s he did that one time in 1995 when The Yet-ay and The Giant pulled a train on Hogan.

While I won't deny that the reveal of a selection of Mario Party-style mini-games is most definitely a fun and surprising addition to AEW: Fight Forever, I'm only really left with one question for the development team: Can you deliver a rock-solid wrestling game? That's all anyone honestly wants at this point. That's what the market has been craving, and that's what AEW fans are hoping will be delivered in Fight Forever. And with rumors that the projec?t is already way over budget, these added extras are welcome, but in-ring is hopefully key focus here, as it is absolutely where the game will live or die.

AEW: Fight Forever is currently scheduled to release on PlayStation, PC, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch platfor?ms. There is still no word of an official launch ?date outside of its tentative release window of 2022.

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The Three Fields team looks to put all the mayhem under your control

A new arcade racer tore onto the scene today, with some notable talent behind it and an intriguing focus on over-the-top action. Wreckreation is a new racing game from Three ?Fields Entertainment, aiming to bring more sandbox racing to PC, PlayStation, and Xbox.

Three Fields, founded by former Criterion Games co-founders Fiona Sperry and Alex Ward, is turning its attention to creation with Wreckreation. Having put together games like 2019's Dangerous Driving, Wreckreation looks like the team is moving into the course-building arena. While still having a good helping of Burnout action, of course.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=e84CyMTSHdg

Wreckreation is designed to be an open-world, sandbox experience. Friends will be able to make courses and race each other, challenging their designs in online co-op. It's very Trackmania, which is rad. But of course, there's an added element of sheer destruction and chaos. You have to put the "wreck" in Wreckreation.

Life a quarter-mile at a time

Just the sheer scale and complexity of the tracks shown in today's trailer, which premiered at the THQ Nordic showcase, is impressive. I even dig all the scaffolding and construction, giving these massive and chaotic courses a real sense of scale. Running down the features list, there are tons of ways to customize everything. The world and? cars, the music, the?? modes, and more are all up for remixing.

Really, I'm down for any game where cars can ram into each other and go off halfpipes. And seeing it's being made by some folks with a back??g?round in making automobiles do wild and crazy things? All the better.

With?? a litany of customization options?? and plenty of ways to make tracks that seemingly defy physics, I could see myself losing a few hours just messing around in the course creator.

No date's been set yet for this new arcade racer. Wreckreation is aiming to send tires flying on PC, PlayStation, and Xbox sometime in the future.

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You will command, and possibly even conquer

Old-school strategy fans are getting a new game to watch out for today. Tempest Rising is a new real-time strategy game, hark?ening to the golden? age of RTS action, aiming to uplink in 2023.

Tempest Rising is in development at Slipgate Ironworks, in collaboration with THQ Nordic and 3D Realms. THQ debuted the game today, at its THQ Nordic showcase.

Taking up command at one of three factions, Tempest Rising looks to have its own take on history as well. The Global Defense Force and the Tempest Dynasty clas??h with each other, played out i??n two single-player campaigns.

The 15-mission campaigns will have players customize their army between missions, adapting and growing as they fight. All the while, they're trying to fig?ure out what's going on with those wild Tempest vines.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=vGMqlbWM1Ys

It's very GDI vs. Nod, and in general, the gameplay reminds me a ton of Command & Conquer. It's got base-buildi??ng and distinct factions, each of which has its own economy and play style. And of course, in-between missions, talking head cutscenes with commanders about the war effort.

Conscript reporting

Still, if Electronic Arts isn't getting around to making a new Command & Conquer anytime soon, I'm open to some new competition in the field. The remastered collection was like reopening a time capsule, and getting t?o experience that joy of building up bases and rolling armies of tanks across the field to the kickin' soundtrack again was fantastic.

Tempest Rising looks like it will try? to rekindle some of that magic, it seems. And it's brin??ging the right features, too. Alongside the campaign, there will also be skirmishes, custom games, and ranked matchmaking with Elo ratings.

The old days of real-time strategy can feel a bit long-gone at this point, but I'm keen to see if Tempest Rising can put a modern spin on this and make something interest??ing for old armchair commanders. Hopefully we'll see?? some more as we head into 2023.

You can find Tempest Rising on Steam here.

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An out-of-this-world home makeover

Ever wanted to find a home on a distant planet? Well, Space for Sale will ??let you explore a planet and build one f?or others, even with a pal. Just be ready for a little risk and danger.

Space for Sale is a new building and management sim game from Mirage Game Studios, the makers of Little Big Workshop. Revealed at today's THQ Nordic showcase, the goal of Space for Sale is to l??and on distant planets, spot good plots for new estates, and flip them for massive profit.

//www.youtube.com/watch?v=36zqJyOBCqA

Of course, the loca??l wildlife is not too keen on you turning their natural habitat into a trendy downtown district. As you build up, it looks like you'll need to also keep an eye out for danger. The local flora and fauna can be tamed and researched though, eventually leading to breakthroughs on how to thrive in these biomes.

Building a new neighborhood

Space for Sale will let you explore procedurally generated landscapes, discovering natu??ral resources t?o harvest and turn into estates. Establishing power lines and construction areas is important, as is satisfying the customers.

Drop-in, drop-out multiplayer will also make it easy for a friend to hop and help construct that new living area alongside you. Everything's a bit easier to do with more hands, right?

Honestly, Space for Sale looks like a really fun time. I dig the mix of survival elements and home design, and having to build a nice little home in a world that actively wants you gone. Space for Sale seems ripe for co-op hijinx and plent??y of goofs in t??rying to make some homes on a dangerous planet.

No firm date has been set yet, but Space for Sale is coming soon to PC. You can find the Steam store page here.

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