From a top-down perspective, you wouldn’t necessarily associate Roblox, a family-friendly gaming platform with one too many wholehearted indie games, with the world of horror. Alas, its catalog actually has a fair amount of such, few of which claim the top spots in the entire catalog — even in 2023, when the vast majority of its entries are platform or simulation-based. It’s no wonder, then, why so many survival and horror-obsessed players are looking to find stable ground in the oddly dynamic block-studded world as of late.

So, which horror games are actually worth checking out on Roblox this month? Are there any upcoming indies that you should shift your attention towards before month’s end? Here’s what you should know about the best horror games on Roblox in August 2023.

5. Cheese Escape

If you’re the sort of person who finds the likes of holes and craters clustered together the slightest bit disturbing, then you’re going to absolutely hate Cheese Escape, an escape room-like puzzle game in which players must navigate a maze made entirely out of cheese. Sounds relatively harmless on paper, true — but wait till you get a load of the mouse who’s trying to hunt you and impede your progress. It isn’t the mouse that’s terrifying, but more the concept of something darting between crevices in a bid to trap you. It’s survival-horror 101, and it makes something so conceptually silly surprisingly creepy.

Gameplay in Cheese Escape is broken down into a couple of things — exploration, and puzzle-solving, being the two primary focal points. As the one trapped in the dark cheese-studded labyrinth, you must sift through the wards and collect items, unlock rooms, and ultimately avoid detection while searching for an escape out of the cheddar hellhole. Simple, yet oh so effective.

4. Dead Silence

If it’s a good old-fashioned romp through the sewers that you’re after, then look no further than Dead Silence, an atmospheric horror game in which up to four players must gather clues and unravel a thread of mysteries pertaining to a few missing locals. It’s a story-driven game at heart, with a fairly wide variety of puzzle and data collection segments to boot. What’s more, it’s also one of the best co-op games on Roblox, as it tests the mettle of not just one player’s abilities, but an entire collective.

As far as gameplay goes, Dead Silence involves teaming up and exploring key areas in an underwater environment—a pitch-black void in which a monster roams its every nook and cranny. The goal is simple: find evidence that helps point towards the whereabouts of several missing persons — even if it means having to battle the monstrosities that lurk deep within the shadows. Not your everyday Roblox game, all things considered.

3. The Mimic

The Mimic is an episodic horror game that draws its influence from Japanese folklore. In it, players are tasked with traversing through various tales referred to as books—short stints that focus on different creatures and conflicts with some of Japan’s most notorious urban legends. It isn’t your average Roblox platforming game by any stretch, nor is it a game that’s accommodating to the faint of heart — but it’s definitely one of the more mysterious indie titles out there.

If you’re an avid historian or general lover of all things folklore, then The Mimic is a sure-fire way to get the senses in motion. It’s evidently horror-obessesed, and it pulls on all the same heartstrings as the likes of Fatal Frame and Forbidden Siren — surprisingly well, at that. So, if it’s a romp through an unsettling world that’s rife with atmospheric turbulence and chaos you’re looking for, then gaze no further than the confines of The Mimic.

2. Doors

As far as concepts travel, Doors isn’t all that complex. In fact, it’s exactly what it sounds like — a game that centers its entire universe around a seemingly endless network of doors, locks, and mismatched combinations. Your goal, in short, is to traverse the labyrinth of rooms, and ultimately make your way to whatever exit you’re able to conjure while also under the watchful gaze of a roster of malicious spirits and tainted characters.

Doors is just as much of a puzzle game as it is a full-fledged horror, as it uses various trial and error techniques to both sway the narrative and establish an alluring sense of adventure in every session. It’s certainly one of the most rewarding games of the bunch, is what we’re saying, and it definitely provides players with enough incentives to replay the same old doors a few dozen times over. Is it the most complex horror game on the Roblox homepage? Not by a long shot. That said, it’s definitely a must-have for anyone interested in losing a handful of hours to the grind.

1. Rainbow Friends

It isn’t a new concept — transforming cutesy plush toys into sadistic animatronics and what have you. In fact, since Five Nights at Freddy’s first dropped, the idea to exploit the innocence of childhood trinkets for the sake of creating warped horror stories has become oddly commonplace. Granted, that’s sort of why Rainbow Friends didn’t phase us all that much when it first came to the Roblox storefront a fair ways back.

Rainbow Friends transports you to the back end of a field trip gone wrong, in a world that houses rogue mascots all out to hunt anyone who’s dares to overstep their mark. Unfortunately, that’s where you and your closest friends come in — bound for the exit, but stuck behind waves of blood-deprived mascots and other bodged toys. Think Poppy Playtime, but with a rich Roblox aesthetic, and you’ll have a rough idea of what you’re going to get yourself into. Spoiler alert: it doesn’t involve anything cute and cuddly.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up any of the above five horror games on Roblox this month? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post Best Horror Games on Roblox (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Activision has finally lifted the veil on the third installment in the Call of Duty Modern Warfare saga, which, going by its sneaky logo drop that aired earlier this week, will be heading to all major platforms on November 10, 2023. Not that this comes as much of a surprise, what with its creators revealing its plans to rebuild the entire trilogy from the ground up a fair while back. It was always in the cards, and it goes without saying that, even with a launch date slated so close to the end of the year, Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 is bound to be one of the best-selling games of 2023, regardless.

Unfortunately, until either Infinity Ward, Activision, or Sledgehammer Games reveals the next batch of updates (in a Warzone 2.0 update, apparently), we won’t really know every minor detail. For what it’s worth, though, here’s everything we can currently tell you based on the information provided to date. Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: what, when, and why?

What Is Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3?

Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 is an upcoming first-person shooter by Sledgehammer Games, as well as a direct sequel to 2022’s Modern Warfare 2. Going by what’s been said so far, the game will pick up where it left off in the second remake, so on the off chance that you have yet to experience the last campaign, then perhaps now’s the time to brush up on the ins and outs and familiarize yourself with its characters and ongoing feuds.

On another note, in case you’ve yet to brush through the timeline in its entirety, it is worth mentioning that Call of Duty Modern Warfare is a reboot, and thus loosely based on the original trilogy that dropped just over a decade ago. So, if you thought the gift of foresight would help in this situation — think again, basically. Granted, we can expect to see our fair share of similarities, including characters, settings, and plot points, but if the first two reboots are anything to go by, then we can definitely expect to see something a little different from what released back in 2011.

Story

We don't know his next target, but we know ours. #MW3pic.twitter.com/PKensRkbxn

— Sledgehammer Games (@SHGames) August 9, 2023

The last we saw of Modern Warfare was in 2022, at which point the conclusion unearthed a new global threat that seemingly pointed towards the scheming hands of Vladimir Makarov. Going by the trailer that dropped earlier this week, Modern Warfare 3 will be casting its focus over to this enemy, who, up until this point, has remained an underlying threat to Captain Price and the squad’s efforts to retain balance and order.

Of course, until Sledgehammer Games pick up the slack and start working on a new pre-launch trailer to outline the intricacies and what have you, we won’t really know how this conflict with Makarov will unravel. Needless to say that we can expect another treasure trove of in-game details at some stage over the next several weeks.

Gameplay

Having paved the way for most modern first-person shooters these past twenty-something years, it’s safe to say that most, if not all gamers with an interest in the genre will know exactly what to expect in Modern Warfare 3. Again, it’s a first-person shooter at heart, with its relatively short but surprisingly sprightly single-player campaign, and its ever-popular online multiplayer counterpart, which we’ll tap into shortly. So, for the time being, it’s best to think of it as a booster pack for Modern Warfare 2, if anything.

So, what’s going to happen to Warzone, then? Well, you can rest assured that it won’t be shutting its servers down anytime soon. In fact, there’ll be a whole new season to look forward to in December 2023, roughly one month after Modern Warfare 3 goes live. What’s more, it’ll introduce a whole new large-scale map, which will be called Las Almas.

In addition to the new campaign and Warzone season, word has it there’ll also be a new Zombies mode, too, which will be dubbed “Outbreak 2.0.” As for whether this will come bundled in with the base game or offered as paid DLC as part of a future update is still unknown. Either way, we can definitely expect to see all the classic modes and a few additional modernized bells and whistles to boot.

Development

MODERN WARFARE IIIpic.twitter.com/PcrDI2Nzy4

— Sledgehammer Games (@SHGames) August 7, 2023

It’s been a bit of a strange road for Modern Warfare, what with Activision first announcing its plans to release several new additions for the Warzone counterpart over 2022, and then ultimately deciding to develop Modern Warfare 3 only one year after the second. It wasn’t on anyone’s radar, weirdly enough, though it was something that fans of the series always knew was coming at some point on another. It just so happens that, well, it’s a couple of years sooner than anyone would’ve expected.

Modern Warfare 3 is being developed by Sledgehammer Games, the same team that brought life to Call of Duty: Vanguard back in 2021. And while the studio hasn’t had any major involvement in the Modern Warfare timeline since its initial reboot, it’s safe to say that the team will have the full support of both Infinity Ward and Treyarch, the two leading firms under the Call of Duty branding. So that’s something.

Trailer

On the bright side, there is a trailer for Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3; it’s just a brief glimpse at its latest logo, though. And that’s somewhat surprising, seeing as we’re only a few months away from its release window. Nevertheless, you can check it out for yourself in the video embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

The good news is, you needn’t worry about trying to find a copy of Modern Warfare 3 when it hits the shelves on November 10, 2023. In fact, you can pick it up on Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC. It’s unlikely that we’ll be seeing a Switch port, however, as the series itself has never really established stable ground with the handheld device. Other than that, though, you’re golden.

Interested in staying up to date with the next entry in the Call of Duty saga? If so, be sure to check in with Sledgehammer Games over on its official social feed for all the latest pre-launch updates here. If anything changes ahead of its release, we’ll be sure to fill you in on all the key details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be getting your hands on a copy of Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3 when it launches later this year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post Call of Duty Modern Warfare 3: Everything We Know appeared first on Gaming.net.

It’s only natural that anyone who’s never traipsed so much as a single foot in the world of Azeroth is likely to experience an immense amount of jet lag, and rightfully so, what with World of Warcraft having just shy of twenty years of lore and material under its belt. And what’s more, with the game having both an ongoing edition as well as a Classic port to boot, it goes without saying that, for anyone who’s failed to claim a foothold in the MMORPG in its twenty-something year run, newbies are going to find everything a little, shall we say, overwhelming.

Rest assured that there are several ways to get your foot in the door when it comes to starting out fresh in World of Warcraft, so budding heroes needn’t shy away from getting out there and into the thick of it. Like, at all. In fact, seasoned pros will often inform you that Blizzard’s creation, as far as MMORPGs travel, is actually one of the most accepting games of its kind, and certainly one to keep pinned to your radar, too.

So, you’ve named your character and picked your class — great. But what comes next, exactly, and where are you planning to go from here? Well, before setting out on your epic adventure under the guidance of either the Alliance or the Horde, here’s everything you should aim to achieve.

5. Join a Guild

It’s all well and good being able to brag about your lone exploits across Azeroth to the odd merchant or NPC, but without a Guild to support your achievements, that’s really all it’ll ever be — small talks with motionless characters that offer next to nothing in return. Therefore, if you’re planning on making a dent in the world, then you’ll be much better off with finding a group of like-minded folks who can not only celebrate your victories, but also aid you in your quests and extracurricular activities.

Chances are, you’ll stumble upon a Guild that has dozens of members, both low-level and high-level. And this is perfect, really, as the less experienced players will often join you on your journey, and the seasoned players will support you in other ways; offering Gold, equipment, and even the helping hand during trickier quests and dungeons. In addition to this, they’ll even fast track your leveling progress by running you through top-tier areas and forking over better gear to assist you in future quests. So, don’t knock it until you try it.

4. Master Your Professions

One of the vital things in World of Warcraft that newcomers often neglect are Professions, character-locked passive abilities that can, after a while, produce some genuinely useful items. Take mining and blacksmithing, for example; by simply hacking away at the odd rock with a pickaxe, you’ll come to find that, even before you reach your capital city, you’ll already have a large amount of experience under your belt, with which you can use to craft better armor and weapons. This is something you’ll want to do as frequently as possible, as a maxed-out Profession or two will eventually result in dozens, if not hundreds of perks.

Of course, you should always consider which two primary Professions are the most likely to compliment one another before enrolling in any of the available courses. For example, if you decide to venture down the Skinning route, then you’ll also want to pursue either Leatherworking or Tailoring, as the two pretty much go hand-in-hand, and when combined, produce a perfectly balanced series of perks. And so, if you can help it, aim to grind out your two primary Professions the moment you’re able to unlock them.

3. Tuck Into Dungeons ASAP

Once you’ve bypassed all of the preliminary quests and beaten the prologue, you’ll unlock your first set of dungeons, which you can access through the conveniently placed Dungeon Finder tab at the bottom of the UI. And while these dungeons don’t technically progress the story in any way, shape, or form, they do offer other luxuries; heftier amounts of XP, Gold, and loot, to name just a few. So, if you’re looking to boost your level as early on as possible, then you’ll want to throw yourself into these dungeons as often as possible.

Rounding back to what we said earlier, about joining a Guild and having the ability to call on others; running dungeons with your closest allies is a sure-fire way to not only boost your bond with your teammates, but also reap the countless rewards that come with it. And if you haven’t quite managed to wrangle yourself into a Guild by this point, then try and find one while out on your adventures in one of the several starter dungeons.

2. Try Out War Mode

Although PvP certainly isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, getting involved in it can definitely boost your chances of getting your hands on some nifty gear to help you along your journey. For example, once you’ve reached level 20 and acquired your first PvP Talent, you’ll be able to enroll in War Mode, as well as some of the capital cities’ PvP game modes. This is arguably one of the quickest ways to earn XP, and of course, Marks or Honor—a special currency that can be exchanged for superior equipment and weapons between battles.

Of course, you needn’t worry about being mindlessly annihilated by a player from the opposite side of the fence when out questing, as there’s an option that lets you toggle PvP on or off at any point during your travels. If you can help it, though, try and keep your PvP face on when within the safety of your capital city, and not, for example, on a boat between kingdoms.

1. Pace Yourself

As tempting as it may be to go out and explore all that Azeroth has to offer right off the bat, the simple truth is, straying away from what’s right in front of you is really only a recipe for disaster. You’ll come to find rather quickly that each set of quests in every new area you explore are all tied to one specific location, and only rarely do they ask you to ship out to uncharted territories. So, once you’ve reached a new area, make sure to complete all the quests in your log before moving on to the next.

Given how big World of Warcraft is, and also how much it has in store for its newcomers, it’s fair to say that the journey itself isn’t intended to be a sprint, but more of a casual stroll, if anything. Bottom line is, you’ll enjoy the experience a great deal more if you can roll with the tide, and not purposely crash into it when you’ve only just about learnt how to swim.

So, what’s your take? Do you have any useful tips for World of Warcraft newcomers? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post World of Warcraft: 5 Best Tips for Beginners appeared first on Gaming.net.

Stray shedding its PlayStation exclusivity on August 10th means only one thing: Xbox fans are about to embark on one of the most heartfelt indie adventures of all time. And it’s about time, too, what with the Series X|S lacking in fresh exclusives and ports lately. Question is, who will be setting out to retrace the same old paw prints, and who will be adopting the whiskers for the very first time when it comes to Xbox later this month?

If you fall into the latter category, then chances are you’ll need one or two tips to help put you on the right track. Although not the longest game in the world, Stray does come with its own fair share of challenges and secrets. So, if you’re after a few pointers to help you put your best paw forward, then be sure to read on. Here’s everything you need to know before starting fresh in Stray.

5. Let the Neon Guide You

On-screen clutter is next to non-existent in Stray, which is something of a double-edged sword, as it provides a more immersive experience, but at the cost of losing out on some pretty useful features. Fortunately, the open world does provide a subtle hint—a smidgen of neon that, more often than not, will indicate where the next objective in the story is located. At no point is this mentioned, but as you’ll come to learn, most places you’ll explore will be outlined by a neon sign or brightly lit beacon somewhere in the distance. Therefore, if you ever find yourself lost once entering The Dead City, try and keep an eye out for anything that’s evidently neon.

The good news is, every objective leading up to The Dead City is paved out before you, so you needn’t worry about getting lost during the preliminary phases. For everything else that comes after the prologue, the neon signage will serve as your primary guide.

4. Don’t Forget Your Claws

The vast majority of puzzles and secret locations in Stray are annoyingly easy to miss. And while a lot of rooms and holes will be visible to the naked eye, most of them will have one or two curtains, blinds, or shreds of wallpaper covering them up. Therefore, when it comes to progressing further into the world, the solution is, more often than not, to either scratch or claw away at something in order to dive deeper.

That brings us to our next tip: explore everywhere. As there’s no advanced UI or navigational training, chances are you’ll need to search every nook and cranny in order to find the next point of interest. If a prompt to scratch something pops up, then it’s always worth doing — even if it just to sharpen your claws and give you a short breather between tasks.

3. Brush Up on Lore

Your companion in Stray — a micro bot named B-12 — will provide you with only a shred of lore during your time in The Dead City, which will often unlock during key moments in the story. But to get a clear understanding of what happened in the events leading up to the city’s eventual downfall, you’ll need to unearth clues—snapshots, if you like, which you will find dotted all around the metropolis.

There are a total of 27 key memories to find in Stray, all of which can be unlocked after the events of Chapter 3. To flesh out the backstory and fill out all the memory nodes, you will need to examine items around each area, as well as interact with certain inhabitants. And while no two memories will ever be the same, odds are, each one will be located in either a piece of old machinery, or as part of some old street art. And so, while it isn’t a mandatory thing, digging out memories will definitely give you a much clearer idea of how the world operates in its fractured state.

2. Absorb the Atmosphere

As daunting as The Dead City sounds on paper, in reality, nothing could be farther from the truth, and that’s why you should aim to experience it is much as possible. In The Slums, for example, there are several robot NPC, few of which have backstories and abilities that anyone who darts through the story will be likely to miss. For example, there’s a budding musician tucked away in one of the back alleys of The Slums—a musically inspired solo act who wields the correct tools, but lacks the sheets and notes to produce so much as a sound.

When you’re out exploring The Slums and other populated regions in The Dead City, aim to speak to everyone you find — even if they’re asleep or preoccupied with another task. Chances are, one of these bots will either have a story to share, an item to loan, or some words of advice for your future exploits. Don’t be shy, basically, and interact with everything that comes within clawing distance.

1. Just Meow…

You’re a cat — so you ought to take full advantage of the fact by taking any opportunity you can to either scratch, purr, or meow, as triggering any of the three will often unveil certain cutscenes, dialogue, or events. That isn’t to say you should spend three straight hours meowing at every inanimate object for the sake of it, but doing so when in new and unexplored areas will definitely boost your chances of finding something.

The good news is, there aren’t a whole lot of buttons to push in Stray, so you needn’t worry about navigating hundreds of different options throughout your adventure. If you’re interested in unearthing every aspect of Stray, though, you’ll want to make full use of these few options as much as you’re able to. It’s a short game, true, but there’s also a lot to unpack — if you’re willing to go the extra mile, that is.

So, what’s your take? Do you have any useful tips for newcomers to the Stray universe? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post Stray: 5 Best Tips for Beginners (2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

If you’re old enough to remember Lollipop Chainsaw, the bubblegum-popping hack-and-slash zombie game that breached the frontlines back in 2012, then you’ve no doubt already been informed about its upcoming remake. And if not, then boy, have we got news for you. Turns out, the creators behind the controversial action game are working to bring it back into the limelight, and are looking to amplify its gore and risqué themes to a whole new level. Sounds great — if they can pull it off, that is.

Unfortunately, we don’t actually know when said remake is due to come out, as its developer has been radio silent for a short while now. But it’s coming, alright, and it’ll look to snag a place on multiple platforms at some point in the not-so distant future. Until that time comes, however, here’s everything you should know about it. Lollipop Chainsaw: what, when, and above all, why?

What Is Lollipop Chainsaw?

To make it clear, Lollipop Chainsaw is a hack-and-slash action-adventure game, and one that’ll look to retain all the same stories, characters, and gory aspects from its 2012 original. Although billed as a full-blown remake, it’ll still keep a firm grip on its core aesthetics and designs, which of course leads us to wonder — will it include the same inappropriate attires as its predecessor, or will it opt for something a little more, shall we say, prudent? Whatever the case may be, it’s clear that the devs will have a fairly rough ride ahead of them if they’re planning to stay as close to the source as possible.

“We learned after the announcement of Lollipop Chainsaw remake that many fans are worried about censorship in the game,” producer Yoshima Yasuda wrote in a post-reveal statement. “We have not yet discussed the issue with the platform holders yet, and thus cannot say anything about the topic, but what we can say is that we intend to negotiate with the platform holders to make it so that the game can be as close to the original version as possible.”

So, there you have it. And while the studio behind the forthcoming remake will do all in its power to retain its original features, there’s nothing to say it won’t go under a few additional hammers before launching. Here’s hoping, either way, that it’ll be a fitting tribute to one of 2012’s more memorable hack-and-slash titles.

Story

In case you missed out on the original, Lollipop Chainsaw tells the story of cheerleader Juliet Starling, and her desperate attempt to eradicate a zombie takeover. Armed with a chainsaw and a toothy lollipop-laced grin, Juliet is dispatched to San Romero High School—an overrun world in which various undead faction leaders dominate the halls—to whittle down the masses and, with a little luck, revive her ever-faithful but decapitated boyfriend, Nick.

If the devs are hoping to follow the same progression system as the original, then we can expect to see the story unravel over several timed levels and themed arenas. It’ll no doubt keep ahold of the grading system, too, which, as demonstrated in the 2012 version, will judge players based on their overall performance and finesse in combat.

Gameplay

Gameplay in the upcoming remake won’t be all that different from its original release, as it goes. So, you can still expect to see the same old arcade-style button-mashing combos and rhythmic brawls, all of which will no doubt tie in with some candy-popping power ballads and rock anthems. It’ll be interesting to see exactly how alike it’ll be, to be honest, as its devs seem pretty adamant about its material being textbook and almost to-the-letter.

“The mention of how the game will have a more realistic look in the previous announcement was meant to refer to how we will make use of the advanced rendering technology available in current game consoles,” Yasuda pointed out in an attempt to address certain rumors.

“We do not wish to change Juliet's design, and the assumption that we want to is baseless,” Yasuda continued. “We were the ones who created Juliet's model data after great trial and error 10 years ago, and feel attached to her more than anyone else.”

So, providing everything is in order, then we can expect to see something almost identical to the 2012 copy — only with glossier visuals and perhaps smoother combat and scene transitions.

Development

First Look at Juliet in Lollipop Chainsaw Remake Released

original vs. remake pic.twitter.com/JiEskzqnX4

— Jean WsR🕸🕷 (@JeamWSR) January 5, 2023

So, why the long wait? With Lollipop Chainsaw being dormant for a decade, what was it that convinced the devs to resurrect it for modern hardware? Well, to put it simply — it was the licensing issues, of all things, that stopped the original from being backwards compatible. And it’s because of these issues tied to the OG 16-piece soundtrack, that later generations simply couldn’t unleash it.

“Unfortunately, various factors resulted in things making it so that fans can no longer easily play Lollipop Chainsaw, and it has been some time since players have not been able to access the game on current consoles,” Yasuda explained back in 2022.

“We, the original development staff on Lollipop Chainsaw, think of the game as very precious to us, and did not want to leave it in limbo, where players who want to play it cannot. As such, we purchased the Lollipop Chainsaw intellectual property from Kadokawa Games, and decided to develop a remake. We have already contacted Warner Bros. about development, and are being supported by them in this endeavor.”

Trailer

If you’re looking to indulge in a little more content, then you’ll have to wait, as the devs have yet to release an updated trailer. Until that time comes, you can go ahead and check out the initial launch trailer above. Picture that — but better looking, basically.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Lollipop Chainsaw hasn’t got a release date yet, though according to its creators, it’ll be releasing on consoles and PC at some point in 2023. That doesn’t give us a whole lot of time, what with us being nearly three quarters into the year already. If we’re lucky, though, then it’ll launch before the holiday season.

You can keep tabs on the Lollipop Chainsaw remake by following the official social feed here. If anything changes ahead of its launch, then we’ll be sure to fill you in on all the details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Lollipop Chainsaw when it returns to consoles and PC? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post Lollipop Chainsaw Remake: Everything We Know appeared first on Gaming.net.

PlayStation Plus’ Kids & Family catalog is certainly worth keeping an eye on these days, as it not only boasts a wide selection of multi-platform all-time favorites, but also a surprising amount of exclusive IPs, too. In the beginning of August, for example, the platform received yet another batch of universally celebrated titles, which included the likes of SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom — Rehydrated, and Fast & Furious Spy Racers: Rise of SH1FT3R.

Anyway, introductory spiel out in the open, which of said favorites from PlayStation Plus’ casket of freebies are currently worth playing? Well, if you do happen to have an active subscription, and are also looking to scratch that hearty and wholesome itch, then be sure to read on. Here are the best kids games on PlayStation Plus right now.

5. Sackboy: A Big Adventure

There’s a reason why LittleBigPlanet topped the charts way back in 2008; it was flawlessly innovative for its time, and arguably one of the best vessels for the home-brewed tagline “Play, Create, Share” that Sony could’ve built from the assets it harbored. And honestly, even in 2023, its latest installment, Sackboy: A Big Adventure, is equally as strong as its forebears — if not vastly superior, both visually and mechanically. Therefore, given its pristine history of being one of Sony’s best-selling poster children, it’d be a crying shame to nudge it under the rug in favor of something, well, less impressionable.

Sackboy: A Big Adventure is a 3D platforming game that encourages budding builders and platforming enthusiasts to unleash their inner creatives over a series of jam-packed themed levels. It’s available to play either alone, or with up to four people via its local co-op function. So, if you enjoy quality platforming with copious amounts of bows to some of PlayStation’s iconic franchises, then be sure to sink your teeth into this faithful counterpart.

4. Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town

If you’re all for the quiet life that binds with a cosy farming and life simulation-type experience, then there’s no doubt about it — Story of Seasons: Pioneers of Olive Town is hands down one of the best of its kind. It’s also incredibly easy to pick up and play, as it offers easygoing mechanics and a crafting system that’s both extensive and digestible. Plus, as far as cutesy simulation games go, it’s definitely one of PlayStation Plus’ primary frontrunners in the category.

Like a great deal of farming sims, Pioneers of Olive Town is centered around a patch of neglected farmland—a plot on which you must cultivate and nurture for the sake of returning it to its former glory. Olive Town, being merely a stone’s throw away, is another primary location in which you’ll be devoting your time to, as it offers an adequate amount of quests, activities, and opportunities to develop everlasting friendships. It’s a great farming simulation game for newcomers, basically, and it’s worth checking out if you’re after something that’ll keep idle hands busy for days, weeks, and even months.

3. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart

Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart marks a spectacular return for the beloved duo, as it brings yet another memorable platforming journey to a rich and vibrant world that, quite frankly, has the raw power to make Disney-Pixar quake in their boots. And while it’s relatively short and laden with cutscenes, it’s still, without doubt, one of the greatest action-adventure games on the current market — PlayStation Plus included.

Rift Apart transports you to an alternate dimension—a world in which Ratchet and Clank have stumbled upon their doppelgängers, and more importantly, a second self-appointed Nefarious, who once again aims to conquer the multi-dimensional network. In a bid to dethrone the tyrant, the four heroes will set out to explore vast lands, bustling cities, and an entire ocean of ancient landmarks. It’s light on the platforming, and heavy on the action-adventure aspects, making it a perfect time-killer for those easily swayed by hearty narratives with one too many gadgets and gizmos to boot.

2. SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom — Rehydrated

After years or gnawing at the developer’s ankles for a modern remake of SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom, THQ finally decided to remove the thorn and do something about it. And it was a job well done, all things considered, as its glossy repackage, Rehydrated, actually went on to score near-perfect scores all across the board, mostly for its nostalgic tones and revamped mechanics.

Battle for Bikini Bottom is a semi-open world platforming game set within the beloved nautical realm of Bikini Bottom. Once again, it casts its focus on Plankton, along with his plans to conquer Bikini Bottom and swipe away the Secret Formula. With the underwater city swarming with robots and other misplaced oddities, the fish folk look to a new hope—a sea sponge, of all things, who has the power to put a stop to Plankton’s wrongdoings and return Bikini Bottom back to its former glory. It’s simple, wholehearted fun, and it performs twice as well on modern hardware as it did back in 2003.

1. Human: Fall Flat

Although there are quite possibly hundreds, if not thousands of playful couch co-op games out there, only few of them have been able to live up to the same standard as Human: Fall Flat, a charming yet oddly chaotic physics-based favorite that tasks multiple players with completing a series of themed levels. Sounds simple of paper, for sure, but it is worth pointing out that your character—a blank canvas named Bob—is in receipt of zero spectacular abilities. Instead, each Bob is only capable of using their hands and head to complete puzzles and platforming sections. And that’s it.

Human: Fall Flat is a game best played with multiple people, as it offers several co-op-inspired zones that require numerous hands and heads to conquer. It isn’t mandatory by any means, but it’s certainly more enjoyable, and not to mention more chaotic, when experienced as a collective. Also, it’s one of the best kids games on PlayStation Plus, period — so make sure to give it a whirl the next time you’re on the hunt for something to tackle as a team.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up any of the above kids games on PlayStation Plus this month? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post 5 Best Kids Games on PlayStation Plus (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

Xbox Game Pass continues to impress with its ever-expanding treasure trove of famed classics and freshly-minted IPs. And while its catalog boasts an entire range of genres, its iron backbone, really, is its long line of survival games — a sandbox subsidiary that houses copious amounts of captivating realms and innovative recipes. In August alone, even, the subscription-based platform idles in receipt of dozens of quality creations, all of which justify the price tag, tenfold.

So, which of these survival games are actually worth playing this month? Well, here’s what we’d recommend picking up the next time you feel the urge to explore a new chapter. Let’s talk survival 101.

5. Amnesia: The Bunker

Amnesia: The Bunker is the well-overdue follow-up to Frictional Games’ Amnesia: Rebirth. Granted, it’s slightly more horror-oriented than full-blown survival, but it does tap into the latter’s elements surprisingly well, what with it introducing the ability to craft, salvage, and rely on makeshift contraptions to steer the narrative towards its eventual tipping point. And as far as horror games go, well, let’s just say it’s one of the best of its kind of Xbox Game Pass right now.

Amnesia: The Bunker is a relatively short story-driven survival-horror in which you take on the role of a waylaid soldier—a character who just so happens to be barricaded inside a war bunker after various unsettling notes hinted that a monster had taken full control of its every crag and crevice. Alone, and without all that much fuel to keep the power flowing, you must embrace the darkness and search for an escape route — even if it means going toe-to-toe with the unholy creation that supposedly resides within.

4. Common’hood

Common’hood is a base-building and survival hybrid that transports you to a post-apocalyptic world—a barren settlement, if you like, in which resources are scarce and the remaining population are without purpose. As the leader of said settlement, you must pool all your resources together to formulate a sustainable economy. Nothing particularly out of the ordinary as far as survival blueprints go, but its customization elements are certainly some of the best we’ve had the pleasure of working with in recent months.

Granted, Common’hood isn’t the most fleshed out game we’ve seen flowing through the Game Pass network, but where it lacks in depth, it surely makes up for in replayability. It’s a beginner-level survival game, at best, and it compliments the more rugged and competitive IPs remarkably well. Is it the best sandbox survival game of 2023? Not quite. Although, it’s definitely a credit to the ongoing carousel of fresh-faced indies that we’ve grown ever so accustomed to.

3. Medieval Dynasty

Medieval Dynasty is an open world city-building game set in the Middle Ages. Its premise, much like that of Conan Exiles or Common’hood, is based around survival — more so in troublesome times—periods in which the shifting weather patterns are viscous and the stragglers of new and old are equally as starved and fragile. As one of said stragglers, you are entrusted with finding stable ground in a hollow world that’s been robbed of all its resources and energy. Easier said than done, what with your hero being stark naked and without two stones to rub together.

True to the style of survival games, Medieval Dynasty caters to those who are beyond willing to go the extra mile for the sake of their people. It’s a slow start, as one would expect from a game that leaves you with nothing but your name to go on — but it’s a journey well worth taking, nonetheless. There’s hunting, crafting, base-building, and a whole lot of opportunities to customize and forge your own medieval haven.

2. Stranded Deep

Stranded Deep is another survival game that’s based around the feeling of being isolated and husked away from modern civilization. As the survivor of a plane crash who’s been washed ashore with nothing but the bare essentials, players are tasked with adapting to island living and preparing for what’s to come on the other side of the tide. That is, of course, proving said player is able to live long enough to see their first sunrise.

Similar to a lot of survival games out there, there are no goals in Stranded Deep; the story is what you make of it, as well as the actions you make to nudge it towards its eventual climax. There’s crafting, hunting, fishing, and a boatload of world building. And while that seems rather bare bones as far as elements go, it’s definitely an experience that gets better with age. If you’re willing and able, then there truly is nothing preventing you from squeezing Stranded Deep for all its perks — even if it does involve drinking coconut milk for three weeks straight.

1. Valheim

In spite of it being a work-in-progress and a few field goals from reaching its full potential, Valheim is, for lack of a better word, stupendously iron-footed. Sure its visuals are somewhat dated compared to a few other survival games out there, but as far as legacy-building and open-world exploration goes, it’s definitely one of the better choices on the market. What’s more, it also features a rather complex but surprisingly rewarding crafting system and all the customizable bells and whistles to boot.

Valheim drops you in the ashen purgatory of, well, Valheim—a world in which fallen Vikings are tasked with proving themselves worthy of a proper afterlife. As one of said fallen Vikings, you must find your place in the world, and essentially do all in your power to claim eternal glory and, with a little luck, a one-way ticket to the fabled halls of Valhalla. Easier said than done, what with Valheim being famous for its endearing trials and behemoth-like monsters and what have you. Best of luck, either way.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up any of the above five games on Xbox Game Pass this month? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post 5 Best Survival Games on Xbox Game Pass (August 2023) appeared first on Gaming.net.

There’s a new realm of psychological horror that yearns to be torn from its portal — Ad Infinitum, a story-driven game that’ll look to blend the unfathomable horrors of one’s past with a terrifying world built on alternate realities and vivid dreams. And from the looks of it, this evidently gloomy chapter will tout far more than the odd fright, as made clear in its recently released in-game screenshots and pre-launch footage.

As it turns out, this freshly prepped horror isn’t all that far from hitting the market, either. That said, before you go jumping on the bandwagon, be sure to read on for all the latest updates on the project. Here’s everything you need to know about Ad Infinitum in 2023.

What Is Ad Infinitum?

Let’s get straight into it. What is Ad Infinitum, and how will it look to add flare to the world of psychological horror? Well, from the looks of it, Ad Infinitum will lay the foundations for an unsettling romp through the human psyche—an ex-German soldier’s horrifying memories, to narrow it down. In a similar vein to Amnesia: A Machine for Pigs and Layers of Fear, Ad Infinitum will cast its focus on the veteran’s core memories—bleak times that continue to plague his psychological health long after the events of The Great War.

Judging from the footage that was revealed earlier this year, the game will be divided into two timelines. Like other games of its kind, players will be invited to explore an old manor home—a location in which certain trinkets have the power to trigger traumatic memories. It’s within these traumatic memories, being a horror game at heart, that you will face your deepest fears and unravel the events leading up to your psychological downfall. As for what these memories will turf up is another story. But more on that shortly.

Story

As a reminder, the game will take place in the aftermath of The Great War. As for the story itself, players will take on the role of an ex-German soldier, one who carries an unbearable emotional burden due to the memories of the sheer horror that once plagued the frontline trenches. With the weight of the past looming over his shoulders, players will need to relive the highlights and face the trials and tribulations from a much, much darker perspective.

“You wake up in your bedroom, unchanged from your teenage years, in a run-down and deserted manor house,” the Steam description reads. “Suddenly and inexplicably, you are transported to the trenches where the horrors of war are overshadowed by vile and even more terrifying creatures. Unable to distinguish between reality and nightmare, you must fight to regain control of your life's narrative.”

“Unspeakable nightmares come to life in the recesses of your mind,” the blurb continues. “To escape the death traps and terrifying creatures, you must understand the source and motivation of each monster and solve the puzzles that stand in your way. From blind demons who can hear your softest footsteps to hideous disjointed puppets who move in the dark, horror is around every corner.”

Gameplay

It’ll be a survival-horror game at its core, with emphasis on the horror aspect above all else. Therefore, we can certainly expect to see our fair share of exploration, puzzle-solving segments, and nail-biting encounters. It’ll also be split into two sections, with one part focusing on unearthing clues to shed light on your family’s questionable past, and the second relying on memories of the war, as well as the various horrors that claimed them.

Of course, there’s still a great deal we don’t actually know about Ad Infinitum’s gameplay — the length, being just one of them. One thing’s for sure, either way; it’ll be a single-player game that’ll bring the meaning of psychological horror to a whole new level.

Development

So, exactly who do we have to thank for this newest addition to the psychological horror domain? Well, in case you missed it — it’s Hekate, a relatively young studio based over in Berlin, Germany. According to the team, “Hekate aims to be one of the leading, and internationally recognized, game companies out of Germany.”

”The games we develop should be known for their state of the art audio/visual-presentation, dense atmosphere, engaging gameplay, captivating narratives and deep worldbuilding,” its official site reads. “Beyond the entertainment millions of players worldwide will gain from our carefully crafted experiences, we are also striving, to have them reflect about themselves and critical topics of the past, present and future. The studios common goal is to create thought provoking nightmares.”

Trailer

There is, in fact, a trailer of Ad Infinitum floating around on social media already. But don’t let us spoil it for you. If you’re after a sneak peek, then be sure to check out the footage embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Ad Infinitum will be heading to Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Mobile, and PC via Steam on September 14, 2023. So, hardly any reason to fret over where to find it come launch day, then.

As far as special editions go, Ad Infinitum will launch with the two: Standard, which will retail at $39.99, and Nightmare, at $49.99. Here’s what you can expect to find in the latter, according to the press release:

• Ad Infinitum
• 48 Hour Early Access
• 10% Off
• Official Soundtrack
• Official Artbook

Has Ad Infinitum caught your eye? If so, then be sure to check in with the developer’s official social feed for all the latest pre-launch updates here. If anything chances ahead of its release, then we’ll be sure to clue you in on all the key details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Ad Infinitum when it launches on consoles and PC later this year? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post Ad Infinitum: Everything We Know appeared first on Gaming.net.

Laying the foundations for a theme park that’s both profitable and good value for money certainly sounds easy on paper, but the fact is, Planet Coaster makes it so that even your undying efforts are frequently met with criticism and unwanted curveballs. Nothing a few quick tips won’t be able to rectify, mind you.

Anyway, if you have just found yourself lumbered with the keys to an untapped patch of land, then be sure to read on for a few starter tips to help turn that barren plot into a bustling bastion of pride.

5. Keep Your Guests and Staff Happy

In order to keep your employees content and pouring their hearts and souls into their work, you’re going to need to keep their morale levels as high as possible. To do this, you will need to do three things: build enough Staff Buildings, which will provide them with a place to regain their energy between shifts; train them, which will increase their productivity and overall happiness; and create individual curriculums, which will give them a sense of purpose, and halt them from aimlessly wandering around and allowing their energy levels to plummet. If you can keep on top of these three things, as well as offer regular pay increases to those trained to a higher standard, you’ll have yourself a fully functioning workforce in no time.

Guests are another story, as they tend to hawk over every single aspect of your business from the moment they arrive, to the second they leave. The good news is, you can check out what’s been bothering your guests by heading over to the main menu and selecting the Guests tab. Do yourself a favor and check this as often as possible, as its feedback will give you a deeper insight into what needs doing, and what will keep the business from collapsing. If there are complaints about the lack of amenities — build some. If people are complaining about the price of admission — lower it ever so slightly. Bottom line is, if your guests aren’t happy, then they won’t continue to fund your exploits, which will eventually result in bankruptcy and the foreclosure of your park.

4. Don’t Overdo It

It’s only natural to feel the urge to overdo it, as it is with any game that lets you create without limits. Having said that, building rollercoasters that defy the laws of gravity and generate nothing but everlasting nausea is a recipe for disaster, as guests, rather disappointingly, won’t have the courage to ride what’s likely to kill them. And you’ll be able to tell if rides are getting a little too extreme, too, if only by watching your guests generally steer away from the queue. If this starts to happen, then consider squelching it down a bit, if not to reduce the nausea levels, then to make it more appealing to a wider demographic.

Of course, if you’re looking to play it safe, then there’s always the option of selecting a pre-built coaster or track ride straight from the in-game catalog. If you’d rather go the extra mile, though, then just be aware of the consequences that come with it; guests don’t like to be sick, nor do they enjoy the idea of spending money on things that aren’t safe. Play it safe, is what we’re saying, otherwise you’ll wind up losing out on all that additional income.

3. Pace Yourself

Unless you’ve got an enormous wad of cash strapped under your belt and an easygoing staff that couldn’t care less whether you paid them in peanuts or juice boxes, you’re going to want to take things slow. As you’ll be starting out with a set amount of cash, you’re going to need to set your priorities straight; creating stores, toilets, and a Staff Building, to name just a few. And until the money starts rolling in by the boatload, you really shouldn’t push it, nor should you waste every last cent on next-level coasters without taking into account the building costs and maintenance fees.

It goes without saying that, if you build one too many things, then you can expect to see your fair share of breakdowns. To prevent this, aim to hire Engineers and have them patrol a certain section of your park by assigning them a curriculum. Just be aware that Engineers are some of the most expensive people you’ll have in your network, so don’t be afraid to put them to work and have them cover broader areas. If you can keep a couple of Staff Buildings wedged between attractions, then they’ll remain happy for the duration of their contracts.

2. Scenery Is Everything

It’s all well and good being able to build a sky-high coaster that touts ludicrously high speeds, but if it’s surrounded by nothing but barren wastelands and a worrying amount of litter and foot traffic, you’ll find that guests will do everything in their power to avoid riding it. Therefore, to prevent the guests from steering clear of your creations, aim to flesh out every new area with all kinds of ride and queue scenery, right down to the animatronics and vibrant floral tributes.

Like a lot of elements in Planet Coaster, you’ll find that the easiest way to understand if guests are happy or not is by highlighting the attractions and sliding through the tabs. At the bottom-right corner, you’ll notice that Ride Scenery plays a key part in the overall appeal, and should therefore be treated with caution. If you have the funds to spare, then decorate until your heart’s content; parks with more pizzazz are more likely to generate attention and, more importantly, higher revenue.

1. Promote, Promote, Promote!

If you have every intention of milking the cash cow for all its worth, then you’ll definitely want to spend whatever leftover cash you have on advertising. You can do this through the primary Park Management menu, in the Ad Campaigns section. Activating any of the available campaigns will automatically attract new guests to your park, and will elevate your reputation to new and exciting heights. Sure it’s a tad expensive, but it’ll definitely boost your park’s overall appeal and give the critics something to write home about.

Once you’ve launched an ad campaign, you’ll want to raise your attraction prices by a significant amount, if only to take full advantage of the sudden rise in popularity. Just note that, while it’s all well and good being able to squeeze the newcomers for all their worth, this should never be seen as the end-all solution.

So, what’s your take? Do you have any useful tips for Planet Coaster newcomers? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post Planet Coaster: 5 Best Tips for Beginners appeared first on Gaming.net.

If you thought the weight of J.R.R Tolkien’s fantasy anthology was overpowering, then wait till you get a load of its MMORPG counterpart, Lord of the Rings Online. Safe to say that, anyone who’s never taken the time to brush up on the lore or even so much as familiarize themselves with the countless species, locations, and characters that Middle-earth has in its casket of curiosities will, and rightfully so, struggle to make headway in a game that touts one of the most convincing visual representations of the literary phenomenon to date. Nothing a handful of tips won’t be able to solve, of course.

Anyway, if you are new to Lord of the Rings Online, then be sure to read on for five of the best tips we currently have to offer. Here’s everything you need to know about the acclaimed MMORPG in 2023, and more importantly, the steps to becoming the next great warlord of Middle-earth.

5. Pace Yourself

From a top-down perspective, Middle-earth can come across as quite the overwhelming place to make ends meet in, more so if you take into account the countless regions, species, and other intricacies that it houses. But rest assured, as the opening section for newcomers is relatively easy to follow, as it more or less keeps to one small area right up until you’ve reached level 10, after which you’re allowed to explore at your own pace and find your place in the world. And honestly, before level 10, there won’t be a great deal to do outside of the main quests; specializations, for example, don’t unlock until you reach the milestone.

What’s good about the opening section of Lord of the Rings Online is that, regardless of the race and class you choose, the quests are all pretty straightforward and serve only as stepping stones to a much, much bigger network of events. So, make sure to pay attention to every quest log and cutscene, as these early portions will provide you with the core information that’ll go on to lay the foundations for an even grander plot later down the line. In other words, don’t rush it.

4. Build Your Reputation

Once you’ve brushed the introductory quests under the mat, you’ll want to start working on building your reputation around Middle-earth — which can be accomplished through Deeds. These Deeds, which essentially serve as side quests on top of the main storyline, can provide you with new Titles, XP, Virtues, LP (the in-game currency), and of course, Reputation Points, which contribute to your overall status in each region you quest in. And while these Deeds aren’t necessary to usher the narrative forward, they do provide additional lore and perks.

One of the main reasons you’ll want to onboard as many Deeds as possible is to earn LP, which, in any other case, would cost real money. However, if you can complete Deeds between quests, then you’ll come to earn enough LP to be able to purchase quality items from the LOTRO Store. These items include mounts, cosmetics, homeware accessories, and character upgrades. So, if you’re really looking to squeeze each region of all its content and reap the rewards for doing so, then aim to complete as many Deeds as possible before moving on to the next zone.

3. Take on Instances

As soon as you’ve finished the first batch of Epic quests and ascended to a fairly moderate level, you’ll unlock Instances—short dungeon-like adventures that boast their own goals, Deeds, bosses, and rewards. If you can help it, aim to throw yourself into as many of these as possible, as they’ll lump you with greater amounts of XP and items for every time you beat them. They’ll also boost your chances of winning better weapons and cosmetics, too — which is seen as more of a rare occurrence in the open world.

Of course, taking on Instances via the Instance Finder is a two-for-one deal, as each one offers various Deeds to complete in addition to the standard goals. If you can also aim to complete these Deeds, then you’ll earn LP; the more LP you acquire, the better the rewards you’ll be able to unlock between Instances. Simple.

2. Pursue Your Virtues

If you’re looking to boost your stats and unlock some pretty nifty passive abilities along the way, then you’ll need to start pouring experience into Virtues, a nexus of traits that provide various benefits and skills once mastered. To learn one of the Virtues, you’ll first need to pick and assign one, after which you’ll need to earn Virtue Points by completing Deeds around Middle-earth. Once mastered, you will have the freedom to utilize your chosen Virtue directly from the hotbar.

Having said all that, you should definitely consider which stat boosts are most likely to compliment your class type, as certain Virtues won’t necessarily link up with every available class. For example, if you’re playing as a Hunter, then you’ll want to pursue the Physical Mastery node, as doing so will increase your overall ranged damage. If you can max out on your primary Virtues as early on as possible, then you’ll have a greater chance of surviving the later sections and regions in the game.

1. Find Your Home

It’s all well and good being able to brush through quest after quest and let the road be your guide, but without a place to call your own, you’ll never really feel a part of the Middle-earth community. That’s why housing exists, which is something that can be explored once you’ve reached level 15 and have just enough gold to get your foot on the property ladder.

Depending on your starter zone, you’ll have a number of housing options to consider once you’ve reached the minimum requirements. Do yourself a favor and invest in a home as soon as you’re able to, as you’ll be able to use this social hub to not only store your valuables, but also as a private space to both decorate and furnish, too. Sure, there’s the weekly rent to consider, but if you’ve been taking on enough Deeds and Instances, then honestly, money really shouldn’t be an issue by this point.

So, what’s your take? Do you have any useful tips for Lord of the Rings Online newcomers? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post Lord of the Rings Online: 5 Best Tips for Beginners appeared first on Gaming.net.

It was never going to be easy, finding the winning formula for a sustainable economy in the immediate aftermath of an apocalyptic event. On the contrary, it was only ever going to be an uphill struggle from the get-go, as foreshadowed in Plethora Project’s base-building and community management sim, Common’hood. And it’s a real doozy alright, the idea of rebuilding a world from the grassy roots up when the odds are forever against your favor. However, with a few tips under your belt, accomplishing even the toughest tasks can wind up becoming surprisingly manageable — even in a game like Common’hood.

So, how exactly does one build a thriving community in a post-apocalyptic environment? Well, here’s what we’d suggest doing just as soon as you get ahold of your first settlement and the responsibility that comes with ruling it. Let’s talk tips, budding builders.

5. Befriend Everyone

The people in your settlement are the backbone of the world around you, and the one thing keeping the cogs forever in motion and the economy balanced out. Knowing that, and how each member of the community has a vital role in the sustainability of the base, will help you to become a better all-round leader, and more importantly, one that pays their citizens with utmost respect and care.

As well as providing additional lore and information on your surroundings, NPCs can also offer out various types of resources and services—duties that will help shape the future of your community and its general infrastructure. If you fail to communicate with these people, then you’ll lose out on just about every important asset that’ll be needed later on in the base-building process. So, after you’ve grown accustomed to your surroundings, aim to study the population and the perks that each member can bring to the table.

4. Clear the Debris

Once you’ve successfully managed to befriend the entire community, you’ll want to turn your attention to another problem—a dirtier issue that, unfortunately, will require more of a hands-on approach. The good news is, meeting all of the NPCs will eventually reward you with a shovel, which can then be used to remove all the clutter that hogs the bulk of the campsite and surrounding areas. So. before you start researching new things, remove everything in sight, including the piles of rubble and dirt.

The plus side of carrying out such a mundane task is that each pile of debris houses a set amount of resources for you to claim. It goes without saying that, if you’re intending on building a fully functioning base, then you’ll need as many of these materials as possible. So again, before you make headway on the research side of things, aim to brush all the clutter under the rug and flesh out your treasury with items of value and importance.

3. Lay the Foundation

After you’ve familiarized yourself with the locals and swept the floor of all its debris and leftovers, you’ll want unload your core items: Father’s Books, Tent, Workbench, and a Generator. The Father’s Books will act as a key tool during your stay in Common’hood, as they’ll help you research new items and craft other useful tools to further develop your base. The Tent, as little as it may be, will serve as your temporary home, and will boost your energy levels at the end of each day. The Workbench, which will go hand-in-hand with your Father’s Books, will provide you with various blueprints and other buildable gear. And finally, there’s the Generator, which will provide power for your entire settlement.

Once you’ve positioned your key items somewhere in the base, you’ll want to start work on researching one particular thing: a Planar, which can be located beneath the Machine Manufacturing tab in the research menu. This will complete one of the initial missions, and will unlock several new nodes for you to pursue at a later time.

2. Grow, Grow, Grow!

On top of earning the respect of your citizens, you’ll also need to keep their productivity levels high by keeping them fed. What’s good here is that, while your peers will need food to function, at no point will you have to feast on any of the ingredients you’ve salvaged. To keep your community alive and kicking, you’ll need to fix the workbench opposite the trader in your settlement. Once done, you will have the option to craft wooden beams, which will in turn unlock the planter blueprint. You will need this to start growing vegetables and other ingredients.

Providing that you’ve been following the steps and preliminary instructions given to you by the local NPCs, you should have the option to grow a few potatoes. Note that any foods you acquire will be stored in a central lockup in your settlement, and will be accessible to anyone you persuade to join your community.

1. Check the Community Crates

Community crates are another thing you’ll want to check out every once in a while, especially when you’re in need of a few new materials and items to help boost your base’s overall appeal. These crates, which can be accessed by everyone in the community, often store all the materials you deposit, and are therefore free of charge for anyone who considers themselves an asset to your ongoing restoration efforts.

Of course, as you build your relationships with the people around you, you’ll come to earn trust. And with more trust, as with anything else, comes more perks. So, do yourself a favor and establish a few lifelong friendships; these will eventually blossom into worthwhile connections that’ll frequently pump out new gear for you to collect and utilize. In other words, try not to neglect your friends — especially the ones who have more to give than the average castaway.

So, what’s your take? Do you have any useful tips for Common’hood newcomers? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post Common’hood: 5 Best Tips for Beginners appeared first on Gaming.net.

If you’re the type who spends weekends tucked away in shoddy escape rooms built on padlocks and plastic, then chances are you’ll already have breezed through Escape Academy and its plethora of tough-as-nails puzzles. And if you’ve yet to shovel through it and pick its countless locks, then you’re in for a real treat — as it touts one of the most convincing video game representations of a real-life escape room ever created. Without a few tips to nudge you along your way, though, such an experience can easily dwindle into quite the frustrating set of chores.

So, exactly how does one become a fledgling escapee in a world that’s so indescribably complex? Well, here are a few pointers for budding newcomers and returning escape artists alike. In need of some quick-fire tips for the opening sections of Escape Academy? Here’s everything you should take into account before enrolling in the rather niche university.

5. Get Your Pen Out

Let’s be honest — nobody can take mental notes for prolonged periods of time, especially when said periods of time are littered with perplexing puzzles, codes, and multi-step solutions. And so, to tackle the slew of brain farts that you’re guaranteed to encounter, it’s always best to take matters into your own hands by jotting down actual notes whenever you get the chance. And that brings us to our next point: pausing, although technically classed as cheating in any real-world scenario, is perfectly acceptable in a game like Escape Academy. If you can use this time to reflect on your notes and conjure the best possible picture of the task and, more importantly, the solution for escaping the room, then you’ll effectively remove a sliver of pressure from your subconscious as a result.

Of course, working alone can be twice as hard as working with another like-minded escapee, so it’s always best to use handwritten notes as your first port of call in most, if not all situations that involve an ongoing puzzle of some sort. And if you do fail one of the rooms that you’re working on, then don’t sweat it — those notes will still be there the next time you feel the urge to reattempt it.

4. Buddy Up!

The good news is, Escape Academy has a two-player co-op mode, so you needn’t worry about working your way through the trickier rooms on your own and without the support of another player. And while the puzzles are identical to the ones featured in the single-player campaign, it goes without saying that, having an extra pair of hands will definitely boost your chances of making it through to the other side of the locked door. That is, if you don’t mind spending thirty or more minutes running around barking orders at one another over who gets to pull the levers, and who gets to hammer in the codes.

At present, you can play through Escape Academy in its entirety either alone or with one other player in the game’s split-screen or online co-op mode. So, if you’re finding one or two of the puzzles a bit too tricky, and don’t mind partnering up with a friend for the short haul, then don’t discard the option of playing through the whole campaign as a two-piece.

3. Take Full Advantage of the Hints

Much like real-life escape rooms, Escape Academy offers you the occasional hint, which can be located at the top portion of the screen whenever a new milestone has been reached. Don’t be afraid to take full advantage of this feature — especially when faced with tougher rooms with higher difficulty ratings. It isn’t cheating, nor will it make a huge difference to your final grade — so always be sure to check them out once you’ve exhausted all of your options and have reached the point of guessing over progressing.

Before you do reveal the odd hint, always be sure to carry out one final sweep of each room in case you’ve missed an object or note. Chances are, there’ll be an item that you can suddenly inspect after successfully managing to complete one of the previous steps. If you’ve swept every crag and crevice and have yet to knuckle down on a solution, then take the opportunity to exploit the system and ask for hint.

2. Don’t Be Ashamed to Guess

Escape Academy has its fair share of multi-digit padlocks and passwords, most of which include three, maybe four sections to decipher. To put it simply, if you’ve already cracked the first three digits in the code, then you really shouldn’t worry about plucking out the fourth, given the fact that you can, in all fairness, guess what it is by sliding through the numbers until you eventually hear the subtle snap. Sure it’s a little cheeky, and not what its developers would want you to do — but it is an option.

It is worth pointing out that, while guessing the combination of a padlock or password is perfectly acceptable, mindlessly examining other items in the room will not only impede your progress, but also punish you and, as it turns out, effect your final grade. Therefore, if you’re looking to get the best possible result, aim to avoid cutting one too many corners.

1. Study the Faculty

Escape Academy’s levels are overseen by the faculty members, and therefore are built upon their personal interests and hobbies. Knowing this, and what makes each respective member tick between rooms, will give you an idea of how to complete the puzzles and, of course, the objects that are most likely to play a part in the overall challenge.

The good news is, you can actually speak with the faculty members between stages, so if you can help it, aim to learn their pasts before signing up to their rooms. You can roam the campus whenever you feel like it, so don’t be afraid to go out of your comfort zone and befriend one or two professors along the way. Trust us, it’s definitely worth sifting through a few additional text boxes for.

So, what’s your take? Do you have any useful advice for fledging escape artists? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

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There’s a new type of battle royale game on the horizon—a cyberpunk-centric MMO that will look to bring new innovations to the established platform through the use of powerful writing and AI-infused mechanics. And it’s a looker, alright, this so-called Off The Grid; its leaked in-game screenshots made us aware of that earlier this year.

For the record, there isn’t a whole lot we actually know about the upcoming PvP entry, other than the fact it’s being developed by Gunzilla Games, and that it’s also being headed up by District 9 director Neill Blomkamp and Altered Carbon author Richard Morgan. Still, here’s everything we’ve been able to scrape from the barrel since first catching wind of its existence a year or so back. Off The Grid: what is it, exactly, and how will it aim to find its place in a catalog that’s hardly short on augmented realities?

What Is Off The Grid?

To put you in the picture, Off The Grid is a third-person online battle royale game by Gunzilla Games. Featuring a cyberpunk-inspired world that’s suited for up to 150 players, the game will look to bring a story-driven campaign to a familiar battle royale progression system—one that will essentially adapt to the player’s abilities to craft, customize, and ultimately annihilate their opponents over drawn-out battles and story-related scenarios. Nothing particularly out of the ordinary there, then.

Off The Grid will be a free-to-play game, too, which, in any usual situation, would lead us to believe that there’ll also be a litter of microtransactions to keep it afloat. Apparently, though, this won’t be the case at all, as the devs have promised that the game will feature zero season passes, subscriptions, or any in-game cosmetics with ludicrously expensive price tags. Sounds too good to be true, to be honest. But alas, Gunzilla Games has made it clear that its goal is to be the “number one multiplayer shooter in the world.” Ten points for ambition.

Story

As it currently stands, there aren’t a great deal of cards on the table, so we can’t really comment on the specifics just yet. That said, we do know that Off The Grid will take place in a dystopian future—a world in which a notorious Mega Corporation uses the power of AI to make world-changing decisions that directly impact the social classes that populate the city, both rich and poor.

In past talks, the devs have mentioned a location known as Teardrop Island, as well as a grand space elevator that supposedly has the capability of extracting rare materials and bringing them down to earth. Chances are, this is where you, along with 149 other hungry-eyed mercenaries, will take your place in the world, bound for the loot and the power that comes with it.

Gameplay

If you’ve taken the time to hurl yourself into one of the many, many battle royale games out there on the market, then chances are you’ll already know what to expect with Off The Grid. Gameplay-wise, players will be thrown into an enormous map—an open world in which a total of 150 fledgling mercenaries are forced to battle it out for that all-important position at the apex of the leaderboard. This is all textbook material as far as battle royale games travel, so don’t fret if you haven’t had a chance to delve into the ever-evolving catalog of PvP words just yet. Fact is, if Off The Grid is anything like its worthy adversaries, then you’ve got plenty of time to brush up on your skills elsewhere before sinking your teeth into it when it joins the network.

Tropes aside, Off The Grid is, of course, a cyberpunk-infused game, so expect a lot more than standard weapon wheels and generic abilities, basically. As an MMO that will adopt the likes of AI and cyber prosthetics into its arsenal, players will no doubt have the opportunity to experiment with various augmentations and other futuristic technologies in addition to the usual melee and ranged weapons that most battle royale games have to offer.

According to the devs, Off The Grid will also feature various types of crafting, customization, and trading elements, too—features that will no doubt have something to do with the cyber-themed gadgets and gizmos that’ll play a huge role in the combat itself. When all’s said and done, though, there’s still a great deal we don’t actually know about the gameplay, and until Gunzilla Games decides to touch base on the matter, we simply won’t be able to brush over it with a fine-tooth comb.

Development

A Zero's reputation is staked on how many contracts they can complete. The more weapons in their armory, the better their odds.

Check out this #WeaponShowcase to see the perfect Zero armory 🔥#gaming #offthegrid #battleroyale pic.twitter.com/zRD9YPir5p

— Off The Grid (@playoffthegrid) April 28, 2023

In case you missed it, Off the Grid is being developed by Gunzilla Games, a relatively new studio that first found its feet back in 2020. Going by its portfolio, its upcoming online shooter will serve as its first project. Not that this is a major concern, mind you, what with the team being in receipt of several industry titans and a wide range of movie and literature buffs.

Announced back in May 2022, Gunzilla Games brought the battle royale game to the table with a loose 2023 launch window in mind. Since then, not a great deal has happened, other than a few CGI trailers and deep dive episodes making their rounds over on YouTube and the team’s social handles. However, if the devs are sticking to their guns, then we can expect to see Off The Grid hit the shelves before year’s end.

Trailer

As it turns out, there is a trailer of Off The Grid rolling around in our neck of the woods. You can check it out for yourself in the video embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Off The Grid will be heading to Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam at some point in 2023, apparently. But as for when in 2023 it’ll be hitting the shelves is still anybody’s guess, as Gunzilla Games hasn’t given us all that much to go on as far as potential release dates go. Given how things are currently shaping up, though, it’s safe to say that we won’t be seeing it until Q4 2023 at the very earliest.

Planning on sticking around? If so, then be sure to check in with the devs over on their official social feed for all the latest pre-launch updates here. If anything pops up ahead of its release, we’ll be sure to fill you in on all the details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Off The Grid when it comes to consoles and PC? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post Off The Grid: Everything We Know appeared first on Gaming.net.

When opportunity came knocking, Konami pretty much grabbed the door by its hinges and tore the whole thing apart, leaving nothing but five pieces in its wake; four games and a movie, believe it or not. That’s right — four games, two of which will be shaping up for a release at some point over the next twelve months or so. There’s Silent Hill Ascension, a “live” interactive episodic adventure, and then there’s Silent Hill Townfall, a spin-off of the main series that’ll look to bring a fresh coat of paint to the resurrected franchise. Not so silent anymore, then.

While details surrounding the so-called Silent Hill Townfall are still somewhat scarce, developer No Code has already gone as far as to tease a slew of in-game details and even a trailer to boot. Interested? Here’s everything you need to know about it, and more importantly, when you can expect to pick it up on consoles and PC.

What Is Silent Hill Townfall?

Silent Hill Townfall is an upcoming survival horror game by No Code, as well as a spin-off of the mainline Silent Hill series. According to the devs, the next game in the timeline will feature something a little more experimental, and will essentially pluck the core elements from the classic Silent Hill universe and spice them up with something a little more, shall we say, puzzling. Makes sense, what with No Code being known for its story-driven puzzlers and what have you.

Of course, there’s still a whole bunch of things we don’t actually know about Silent Hill Townfall, let alone the types of gameplay mechanics it’ll bring to the table. Either way, one thing remains clear: No Code has a strong connection with mystery-type puzzle games, so chances are its upcoming contribution to the Silent Hill nexus will keep in line with its traditional themes.

Story

To say the Silent Hill Townfall storyline is currently riddled in bullet holes and unanswered questions would only be an understatement. Fact of the matter is, there isn’t a great deal to go on as far as details go. That said, we do have the trailer to analyze, which reveals a portable TV and a selection of gruesome images. Not a whole lot to unpack there, but it’s clear that the game will be set at some point in the past, and will serve as a prequel of some sort to the modern timeline.

“What brings you here?” the trailer narrates. “I've come to be punished… That's great; I like it. I believe we've done something so heinous that we're stuck here, being judged by these…people.” Original Silent Hill vibes, anyone?

Unlike Silent Hill f, which will transport players away from the titular town, Silent Hill Townfall seems to showcase a misty street that’s highly reminiscent of the original setting. So, if we had to take a wild guess — we’d say that the OG Silent Hill is most likely to feature as the game’s primary location.

Gameplay

Silent Hill has been a third-person survival horror series through and through — ever since its inception a couple of decades ago, so the likelihood of Townfall bringing back a similar blueprint is pretty high. Having said that, with No Code’s expertise being more lenient towards puzzle-type games with rich story-driven elements, it could be that Townfall is more of a survival-puzzle game, if anything at all.

Development

Until then, it's back to radio silence for us – although some signals might break through the static from time to time…

— No Code (@_NoCode) October 19, 2022

So, how’s it all going for No Code? Has there been any update as to how far along the development process has come since its October 2022 announcement? Well, as it turns out, no. Matter of fact, the studio has stuck to its promise of remaining radio silent, and has only made the odd post regarding its progress in what, ten months? Don’t sweat it, though; Silent Hill Townfall is in good hands, and we have every reason to trust the Stories Untold developer and their vision for the future of the franchise.

If we had to put a pin on a potential release window, then we’d aim for a rough late 2024 one. Honestly, though, it’s hard to say for sure, as No Code has let slip next to no details about it.

Trailer

Fortunately, there is a trailer for Silent Hill Townfall. The bad news is, it doesn’t give a great deal away, as it more or less uses its time to pose a riddle and far more questions than answers. Nevertheless, you can check it out for yourself in the video embedded above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

As there’s an entire pipeline of Silent Hill projects gearing up to release across a multitude of platforms, it’s unlikely that we’ll be seeing Townfall for quite some time yet. In fact, with Silent Hill Ascension prepping for a late 2023 launch, and Silent Hill f also looking to find its feet at some point in 2024, chances are Townfall won’t be ready until the latter half of 2024 at the very earliest. And even then that’s us being somewhat optimistic.

As far as platforms go, it’s safe to say that it’ll be coming to PC, to say the very least, what with Annapurna Interactive having a rich history of sharing its works with Windows. In addition to this, the likelihood of it finding its way onto PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S also seems plausible. However, until No Code actually sheds light on the matter, we can’t really say for certain where it’ll wind up.

Has Silent Hill Townfall caught your eye? If so, then be sure to check in with the devs over on their joint social handle for all the latest pre-launch updates here. If anything changes ahead of its release, then we’ll be sure to let you know all the main details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be picking up a copy of Silent Hill Townfall when it eventually comes to consoles and PC? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

The post Silent Hill Townfall: Everything We Know appeared first on Gaming.net.

It’s been a little over a decade since Konami released the eighth mainline installment in the Silent Hill series. That’s an entire decade since the franchise stooped to its dormant status, and only now, at the height of Resident Evil’s dominance, has the team finally decided to reassemble the reins and step back into the fog of the ashen town. Saying that, it’s more of a lunge, really, what with several external studios all stepping in to contribute to not one, but five new projects in the franchise. And it just so happens that one of said five projects is none other than Silent Hill f, the long-overdue ninth entry that fans have been calling out for since 2012. Finally.

It’s still a fair ways off yet, what with it being behind 2023’s Silent Hill Ascension, but the fact is, the series is making a comeback, and it’ll be shaping up to bring all that survival horror goodness to consoles at some point in the near future. Until it does arrive, though, here’s everything you should know about it.

What Is Silent Hill f?

Silent Hill f is an upcoming third-person survival horror game, and the ninth mainline entry in the series to date. What’s more, it’s also the first of its kind to stray away from the titular town, as it will cast its focus on 1960s rural Japan—a desolate world in which curious flowers represent outlandish creations that only the likes of Konami and team could dare conjure. It’s evidently Silent Hill, is what we’re saying, and if the gameplay is anything even remotely like the footage that was aired during the Silent Hill Transmission event, then we’re certainly in for a good time when it eventually comes knocking.

Story

As far as the storyline goes, there’s still a lot we don’t actually know. A disappointing fact, for sure, but the general consensus is that it’ll have something to do with music — hence the title outlining the letter “f”—a musical symbol that essentially informs its user to play something loudly. So, not quite the Silent Hill we’ve all grown accustomed to, after all.

Of course, we do have the trailer to go on, which depicts a short burst of events featuring a young girl fleeing through a wooded area. It doesn’t give away all that much, but it does foreshadow a looming threat that, to our best knowledge, has something to do with the vibrant flowers and plants that inhabit the rural town. As for what these plants will have to do with the fate of the town or its citizens remains unclear, though it’s clear that they’ll have the power to manipulate and transform those left in their wake. Or at least, that’s what we’ve gathered from the looks of the footage, anyway.

Gameplay

Given that it’s been a good decade since Konami released a Silent Hill game, it’s safe to say that its assets have been refined quite a bit since then, and so we can definitely expect something a little more polished with Silent Hill f. At its core, it’ll still boast the same old horrifying aesthetics and chilling survival horror atmosphere. Chances are, though, it’ll steer more towards the likes of the Resident Evil remakes in terms of its gameplay mechanics.

When all’s said and done, there’s still so much we don’t know about Silent Hill f, let alone its gameplay elements. What’s worth remembering, though, is that it’s being built by NeoBards Entertainment, a studio that assisted in games like Resident Evil 2, 3, and 7. So, it’s in good hands, all things considered.

Development

Silent Hill f came packaged as part of a five-piece announcement during the Silent Hill Transmission event that aired earlier this year. And while its creator failed to mention when it would be aiming to hit the shelves, the general consensus was that it’d be after Silent Hill Ascension. If we’re lucky, then we’ll be seeing it at some point in late 2024. That’s just a stab in the dark, of course.

In case you missed it, Silent Hill f is in the hands of NeoBards Entertainment, a company that’s partly responsible for several Resident Evil entries, as well as the Devil May Cry HD Collection. According to its portfolio, Silent Hill f will be its first full-blown project.

Trailer

As it turns out, the trailer is really all we have to go on at the minute, so we’d best make the most of it. But in case you missed out on the Silent Hill Transmission presentation that aired earlier this year, we thought we’d single out the short snippet of Silent Hill f. You can check it out for yourself above.

Release Date, Platforms & Editions

Like we said, it’s still a fair ways off yet, as the series has not one, but several projects in line to release before f finds its place in the world. To say it’ll release in 2024 is still pretty optimistic, all things considered, so it’s better to say that a 2025 launch window seems more realistic. But again, who knows? With any luck, we’ll be treated to a deeper dive at some point over the next several months, perhaps in an updated Silent Hill Transmission showcase.

Going by the series’ history and tight bond with Sony, chances are we’ll be seeing Silent Hill f on PlayStation 5, if anything at all. That isn’t to say it won’t release on additional platforms, mind you, what with some of the earlier games finding their way to Xbox and PC, too. As it stands, though, it seems all signs are pointing towards a PlayStation 5 debut.

If you’re interested in keeping up to date with Silent Hill f, then be sure to check in with NeoBards Entertainment for all the latest updates here. If anything does change over the next few months, then we’ll be sure to share all the key details right here on gaming.net.

So, what’s your take? Will you be joining in for the next chapter of the Silent Hill saga? Let us know your thoughts over on our socials here.

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