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
Gran Turismo 7 Update 1.46 introduces an exciting addition to the roster of exclusive cars available in the PS5 and PS4 racing game
Gran Turismo 7 has just received an exciting update to version 1.46 on both PS5 and PS4. This latest update introduces a unique addition to the game: the Škoda Vision Gran Turismo, a car that you won’t come across in any other game. Škoda makes its debut in the franchise with a visionary study of a single-seater, all-electric racing concept car, designed exclusively for the Polyphony Digital racer.
Once you’ve downloaded update 1.46, you’ll have the opportunity to test drive not one but two additional cars: the AFEELA Prototype 2024 and the iconic Chevrolet Chevelle SS 454 Sport Coupe ’70. Get ready for an exhilarating ride! Watch as they take to the track in the video above.
Additionally, the update introduces a new menu for players to tackle in the GT Café. At Collector Level 38, players have the opportunity to delve into the fascinating world of Ferrari 12-cylinder engines, gaining knowledge and expanding their collection. In World Circuits, players can look forward to exciting new events such as the Japanese Clubman Cup 550, the American FR Challenge 550, and the Vision Gran Turismo Trophy. For all the avid fans of Photo Mode, there’s an exciting opportunity to explore the captivating city of San Diego in a brand new Scape.
What are your thoughts on the latest update for Gran Turismo 7? Feel free to leave your thoughts in the comments section.
Gaming
ReFantazio Takes a Different Approach to Romance, Setting Itself Apart from the Persona Games
Atlus’ highly anticipated RPG, Metaphor: ReFantazio, appears to incorporate familiar systems reminiscent of the developer’s acclaimed Persona series. The game features turn-based battles that heavily rely on exploiting enemy weaknesses. Additionally, players have the ability to summon warrior spirits during combat. However, the most significant aspect of this game, which will be discussed in this article, is the bonding system. Through this system, players can spend time with important characters and gain deeper insights into their personalities and stories.
In contrast to the Persona games, the bonding system ends at that point. Unfortunately, players will be unable to pursue romantic relationships with their beloved waifus, which may come as a disappointment to those who have developed strong feelings for Hulkenberg, the party’s charismatic red-haired elven knight.
According to Siliconera, the absence of romance came up during a recent question and answer session. Atlus emphasized the continued opportunity to develop meaningful relationships with your allies while also introducing additional narratives through substories. In addition, familiarizing yourself with the supporting characters will grant you access to new archetypes, which serve as the game’s character classes.
In the Persona games, romance is not obligatory; rather, it serves as a means to customize your playthrough. However, it is quite unexpected that Metaphor has chosen not to pursue such a venture, considering the significant amount of discussion it typically generates!
Were you anticipating any romantic elements in Metaphor? If you’re not satisfied with your pre-order, feel free to share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Gaming
Shift Up unveils the intriguing details behind the physical packaging of Stellar Blade for the PS5
It appears that many
are eagerly anticipating the launch of the highly anticipated PS5 exclusive, Stellar Blade. Shift Up, the developer, has shared a lengthy video showcasing the “secrets” found in the physical box of the game for PS5. From what we can gather, these secrets include a reversible cover/dust jacket and a download code for cosmetic items.
We must clarify that while we do appreciate the variant cover, it may be more appealing than the game’s standard art. However, it is not something we would typically classify as a “secret.”. However, what’s interesting is that Shift Up has confirmed through the comments section that this will be the case in all regions. Additionally, the visually striking action RPG will remain uncensored worldwide.
「Stellar Blade」 Physical Package Secrets⚠️#StellarBlade #PS5 #Disc pic.twitter.com/WQSzKUSDQ4
— StellarBlade (@StellarBlade) April 22, 2024
It’s refreshing to witness a developer going the extra mile for physical collectors, and it’s evident that the developer is determined to leave a favorable mark in the console realm. Stellar Blade is set to make its highly anticipated debut this Friday, April 26th, exclusively on the PS5.
- Gadgets9 years ago
Why the Nexus 7 is still a good tablet in 2015
- Mobile Devices9 years ago
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 vs Galaxy Note 5: is there room for improvement?
- Editorials9 years ago
Samsung Galaxy Note 4 – How bad updates prevent people from enjoying their phones
- Mobile Devices9 years ago
Nexus 5 2015 and Android M born to be together
- Gaming9 years ago
New Teaser For Five Nights At Freddy’s 4
- Mobile Devices9 years ago
Google not releasing Android M to Nexus 7
- Gadgets9 years ago
Moto G Android 5.0.2 Lollipop still has a memory leak bug
- Mobile Devices9 years ago
Nexus 7 2015: Huawei and Google changing the game