News

The Hot & the Cold

Hot: Mario’s 35th Birthday

It has been reported that Nintendo may be releasing remastered versions of various Mario titles to celebrate the plumber’s 35th birthday. It is all still rumors but pray to the Nintendo gods that it is a real thing!

Warm: Last of Us TV Show

Chernobyl creator, Craig Mazin, will be adapting the Last of Us as a series on HBO. The show will be co-produced by Sony Pictures Television in association with Playstation Productions. The show is set to release in 2021.

Mild: NeMO-Net by Nasa

NASA has developed an mobile game that allows players to classify coral reefs by painting 2D and 3D images. This is an effort to classify complex living organisms to help save the world’s endangered coral reefs.

Cool: Pope Simulator

First came I Am Jesus Christ. Now Pope Simulator has been announced. Players can “take the reins of the world’s largest religious institution” and use their influence to change humanity. Hallelujah?

Cold: Last of Us Pt.II Leaked

After the highly anticipated game was delayed due to COVID-19, a huge leak released showing off some major plot points. Now would be a great time to use the mute feature on social media!

Companies Encourage People to Stay Home and Stay Safe during COVID-19

During this time of uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, people have been told to stay home in order to stop the virus from spreading. Social distancing is the perfect opportunity to play more video games. Now, companies are getting in on the action to encourage people to stay home. GOG.com is offering a 27 game bundle to “help you relax and pass time at home.” Google Stadia opened its doors by making it free for anyone with a Gmail address. Stadia Pro is also giving users two free months of the service, with access to nine games including Destiny 2: The Collection, GRID, and Serious Sam Collection. In their Play at Home Initiative, Sony is offering two free games, Journey and Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection, until May 5th. With all of these free games to play, there is plenty to do to fill your time at home. Stay inside and play some video games!

Animal Crossing in Tough Times

Since the new regulations to social distance to combat coronavirus, most events have been cancelled or postponed until people can safely come together once more. But never fear, Animal Crossing: New Horizons is here to save the day! The game is getting many people through this difficult time by allowing people to be together remotely, holding birthday parties, weddings, and more in an attempt at continuing these traditions while staying safe at home.

Minecraft with RTX Beta Now Playable

Last year it was announced that Minecraft would be incorporating real-time ray tracing into the game. After a long wait, it is finally here...sort of. Ray tracing has been released in beta mode on Windows 10 but requires a Nvidia RTX GPU along with an Intel Core i5 (or equivalent) processor and 8 GB of RAM. Players can set up their own world or check out the pre-made worlds. It is a hefty visual overhaul but looks pretty darn good and shows a lot of potential for the future.

Corona Relief Done Quick Teams Up with Direct Relief to Combat the Recent Pandemic

Photo credit: Nick Taylor Taken at AGDQ 2020

Games Done Quick has managed to once again host a successful speedrunning event in support of a good cause. Corona Relief Done Quick was hosted on the weekend of April 17th through the 19th. Speedruners came together remotely to raise money for Direct Relief, a humanitarian aid organization that works to help those who have been affected by poverty or emergencies. The event saw some great runs including Ori and the Will of the Wisps, Super Mario Bros. 3, Donkey Kong Country, and my personal favorite, Kingdom Hearts 2 Final Mix. Social distancing has people playing games now more than ever. Seeing them played for a good cause is even better. Over $400,000 was raised for Direct Relief who is coordinating with public health officials and nonprofit organizations to provide personal protective equipment and essential medical items to health workers responding to the coronavirus. Thank you Games Done Quick for the great event, and thank you Direct Relief for the work you are doing in the battle against COVID-19.

check out these great runs from the event...

CUPHEAD

As always, it is a treat to watch this game played fast! Runner: Jason2890

OCARINA OF TIME

This randomizer run is equally informative and fun to watch. Runners: Phant and spikevegata

KINGDOM HEARTS 2 FINAL MIX

A fantastic game that made for a fantastic finale to a fantastic event. Runner: Ninten866

More...

Journey is coming to Steam after previously being exclusive to Epic Games.

A game about nothing sounds like a mighty fun nostalgia trip back to the 90s’! Seinfeld Adventure.

The British period crime drama is getting a puzzle game this summer...and it looks pretty darn good! Peaky Blinders: Mastermind.