X-COM 2 was released last year, but gamers are still clamoring for more. While Firaxis Games has yet to announce another X-COM game, the creator of the original 1994 X-COM: Enemy Unknown, Julian Gollop, has pitched his idea for a spiritual successor, Phoenix Point, on the crowdfunding site Fig.
Phoenix Point treads familiar waters, pun intended, with its premise: In 2022, scientists discovered an alien virus hidden in permafrost that started to melt. Called the Pandoravirus, it decimated the ecosystem, twisting humans and animals into absolutely horrific abominations. The Pandoravirus creatures mostly stayed in the dark ocean waters, but then they started to invade the land with the help of an airborne microbial mist. By 2057 — present day in the game — the monsters overwhelmed humankind and reduced it to several sparse havens, each controlled by a different faction. One of these factions is The Phoenix Project, and the player is in command of one of its cells. However, none of the other cells seem to be active, so it is up to the player to find out what happened to the other cells, make as many allies as possible, and fight back the invading Pandoravirus monsters.
Part of what makes Phoenix Point such an ambitious title is that Gollop promises to combine classic X-COM character customization and turn-based, tactical combat with a procedurally generated and fully destructible world — and I don’t just mean levels. The Pandoravirus monsters come in a wide variety of shapes the game can mix and match for deadly efficiency. It’s not too different from the way people customize their Warhammer/Warhammer 40K miniatures.
Pandoravirus monsters are not the only problems players have to contend with in Phoenix Point. The game includes several human factions (aside from the player-controlled Phoenix Project), including militaristic New Jericho, the technologically advanced Synedrion, and the cultish Disciples of Anu who worship aliens. Each of these factions has its own unique weapons and technology, and to obtain these items, players either have to trade with or conquer these factions. Furthermore, each faction occasionally requests help from the player, be it to defend a base or assassinate someone from another faction. The player must decide which factions make the best allies.
If Phoenix Point sounds like a game you would enjoy, you can back the game on Fig right now. The crowdfunding campaign only lasts until June 7th, but it’s already 88% funded so it’s obviously popular. Backer rewards start at pledges as low as $10, but in order to get the finished game, you need to pledge at least $30. If you feel extra generous, you can spend a whopping $1,500 (plus shipping and handling) to have your likeness placed in the game as a key NPC, in addition to all the rewards in the previous pledge levels. I for one am tempted to help back this game.
Gaming
Sony is reportedly engaged in discussions to form a partnership for a potential bid on Paramount
There hasn’t been much buzz lately about any new acquisitions in the world of video game intellectual property. According to a recent report, Sony is currently engaged in discussions with a well-funded partner to potentially acquire the renowned film studio Paramount, along with all the exciting possibilities that come with such a merger.
As reported in the New York Times (thanks, ResetEra), Sony Picture Entertainment is reportedly in discussions with Apollo Global Management, an investment firm, as per two sources familiar with the matter. In the past, Apollo had made an offer to acquire Paramount for a minimum of $26 billion, but their bid was ultimately turned down.
The terms of the joint bid are currently under discussion, and there is a chance that the two parties may decide against making a formal offer. Unnamed sources have revealed that Paramount is currently in exclusive discussions with Skydance, preventing any official offer from being made at this time. Investor opposition to the recent deal that Skydance brought seems to have been significant.
Sony Pictures Entertainment and Apollo Global Management, an investment firm, have been in discussions about teaming up for a joint bid to acquire Paramount, people familiar with the situation said Thursday. https://t.co/qN86H4y7Va
— The New York Times (@nytimes) April 18, 2024
The potential impact of such an acquisition is immense. First and foremost, it would introduce adaptations of Sonic and Halo into the expanding media empire of the PlayStation platform holder. Following the announcement, Paramount’s stock experienced a significant 11% surge in after-hours trading.
What are your thoughts on the news? Is there a possibility of Sony acquiring Paramount? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
In the ongoing conflict against the Automaton invasion fleet, the Helldivers 2 players have successfully halted their advance. However, the situation has now reached a tiresome stalemate. Yet again, the machines refuse to take a break from their relentless pursuit of progress, with reports emerging of the Factory Striders being deployed in record-breaking quantities.
There have been reports of alleged machines that were supposedly encountered during Operation Swift Disassembly, which was just the beginning of a larger campaign. However, these accounts should be taken with a grain of salt, as they are unverified and seem to be more on the imaginative side. Factory Striders have gained a reputation as formidable weapons platforms that can produce more Automatons while enduring significant damage. If the machines are able to withstand such a relentless assault, it will be necessary to develop innovative strategies.
Factory Striders have made a resurgence on the Automaton front. These imposing, massive support dreadnoughts now threaten freedom and democracy throughout the galactic rim. pic.twitter.com/XRTPU7k71s
— HELLDIVERS™ 2 (@helldivers2) April 16, 2024
Have you come across groups of Factory Striders in Helldivers 2? Which strategies are proving to be the most effective in taking down these armored brutes? The Orbital Railcannon Strike will prove to be a valuable asset in the comments section below.
The recent release of Amazon’s adaptation of Fallout has ignited a renewed interest in the series and brought attention to the captivating alternate history that forms its foundation. Fans have expressed concern that the TV show’s events might be at odds with the plot of the Obsidian Entertainment video game New Vegas. Warning: Spoilers ahead for New Vegas and Amazon’s show!
Bethesda Game Studios director Todd Howard and Fallout TV executive producer Jonathan Nolan recently sat down with IGN to discuss the timeline. Howard was taken aback when showrunners Graham Wagner and Geneva Robertson-Dworet presented him with the surprising concept of obliterating Shady Sands, the bustling capital of the New California Republic, in the aftermath of the events in New Vegas. Howard eventually warmed up to the idea: “After discussing it, we realized that this could be a significant story moment that many things hinge upon.”
It seems that they had to make some tough decisions to ensure everything fell into place, but Howard emphasizes the importance of preserving the integrity of the Fallout timeline: “We take great care with the timeline. There seems to be some confusion in certain areas. However, all the events from the previous games, including New Vegas, did occur. We take great caution in that matter. We’re really pushing the limits here, but the explosions occur right after the events of New Vegas.
What are your thoughts on this? Is it up to par? Even though it may not have a significant impact on the overall quality of the games or show, it is comforting to know that those in charge are paying attention. We value your feedback and would love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.
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