Deep Silver today confirms that the critically acclaimed Saints Row IV Re-Elected is now available for the Nintendo Switch, fully-charged with an impressive 25 pieces of outlandish DLC to offer a comprehensive package of high-octane gameplay.
Taking the story of the Third Street Saints to a level out of this world, the Boss of the Saints gang has been elected as President of the United States of America charged with saving everyone from a deadly alien invasion; this super-charged edition of the much-loved series has to be seen to be believed.
Developer Deep Silver Fishlabs handled the conversion to Switch and the game runs flawlessly at native 720p resolution in handheld mode and 1080p when docked. Players can enable dynamic resolution to achieve a stable 30fps, although in this mode resolution will be varied in intensive gameplay situations in order to keep framerate consistent.
The much-lauded gyro aim feature for Switch will be included in the digital version from the start and via the day one update for physical copies. Enabled by default, this can be switched off and on depending on gamers’ preference.
Story: You are the President of the United States of America, and you must save all of us on Earth. The Boss of the Saints has been elected to the Presidency of the United States, but the Saints are just getting started.
After a catastrophic alien invasion of Earth, led by the evil Overlord Zinyak, the Saints have been transported to a bizarro-Steelport simulation. With homies new and old at their side, and an arsenal of superpowers and strange weapons, they must fight to free humanity from alien granddaddy Zinyak’s mental grasp.
The Saints have gone from the crackhouse to the Penthouse, to The White House – but now it’s up to you to free the world from Zinyak and his alien empire, saving the world in the wildest open world game ever, playable for the first time on Nintendo Switch™. Key Features: · The American Dream – Play as the President of the United States in a wild story that spans countries, time, and space. It’s up to you to free the world, now for the first time on Nintendo Switch™. · Super Hero-in-Chief – Leap over buildings. Kill people with your mind. Run through tanks. Those are just some of the powers on offer that you can wield in your quest. · Alien Toys of Destruction – Wield an impressive array of alien vehicles and weapons. The Inflato-Ray, the Polarizer, the Disintegrator, and many more are all are yours to utilize. · Custom Weapons, Custom Mayhem – You’ve customized your character. You’ve customized your clothes. Now you also have a powerful weapon customization system. · Dynamic Duo – Seamless drop-in, drop-out co-op, a Saints Row standard, improved. The only thing better than one malicious super powered President is two! · Fully Re-Elected – Saints Row IV Re-Elected contains an impressive 25 DLC Packs, including the Dubstep Gun (Remix) Pack, the Presidential Pack, the Commander-In-Chief Pack, and two celebrated episodic story expansions: Enter The Dominatrix and How The Saints Save Christmas.
For more information on Saints Row® IV™ Re-Elected™ on Nintendo Switch™ head over to www.saintsrow.com
Hunt or be hunted as the deadly Predator is unleashed for the very first time in Predator: Hunting Grounds free trial weekend, starting Friday 27th March at 4pm GMT
It’s time to sharpen your hunting skills and get immersed in the Predator universe as the free weekend trial for Predator: Hunting Grounds goes live tomorrow.
Predator: Hunting Grounds is an immersive asymmetrical shooter set in remote areas, where the Predator stalks the most challenging prey. Play as a member of an elite Fireteam and complete paramilitary operations before the Predator finds you. Or, play as the Predator to hunt the most worthy prey, choosing from your vast array of deadly alien tech to collect your trophies, one by one.
The first free trial will allow players to experience the Fireteam – a four-person elite squad given a mission to accomplish amidst countless enemy AI opponents. Players must unlock iconic gear and skins as they level up throughout the trial, all the while being hunted by the Predator. Fireteams will be able to choose from a wide range of weapons providing different tactical options with categories including shotgun, assault rifle, sniper and more.
Multiple Maps
Deep in the dangerous jungles across the world lies the multitude of in-game maps. This weekend, players will explore the jungles of South America and test out Overgrowth, a claustrophobic environment of dense jungle which harbours a significant presence of hostile guerrilla forces. Both the Fireteam and Predator players will have to contend against these dangerous enemies all the while facing each other.
Classes & Customisation
With multiple types of Classes and playstyles, Predator: Hunting Grounds is fully customisable. Three types of Fireteam class will be available to trial this weekend, Assault, Scout and Support, giving players numerous opportunities to strengthen their loadouts and level up weapons. Meanwhile, solo players can build towards three different classes of Predator, each with their own set of weapons, abilities and tactics to survive.
Weaponry & Tech
From almost undetectable Camouflage to Wrist Blades and a powerful shoulder cannon, Plasma Caster, the Predator has an abundance of elite weaponry at its fingertips ready to enforce deadly melee attacks. Meanwhile, Fireteams can access a wide variety of options to decide their soldier’s playstyle but remember, the key is not only to bolster your soldier’s loadouts but be smart and work together.
The trial will be available to download this Friday 27th March at 4pm GMT and will be available until 23:59 on Sunday 29th March 2020. Players will need an internet connection and PS Plus subscription to play on PS4. PS Plus is a paid-for ongoing subscription and a recurring fee will be charged automatically at the frequency chosen by the consumer at purchase until cancelled.
The BGI charity is launching an urgent appeal to the public to protect the future of the National Videogame Museum, following its closure last week to protect visitors and staff.
The National Videogame Museum is the only museum in the UK solely dedicated to the collection and preservation of videogame culture, and one of the world’s leading institutions in this field.
Operated by the BGI, the educational charity dedicated to educating the public about videogames, the NVM hosted over 40,000 visitors in 2019, including thousands of schoolchildren in scores of school visits. The Museum recently enjoyed its busiest week ever and had been planning an ambitious programme celebrating games studios and games culture in 2020/21, including workshops tied to the national curriculum, an international videogames preservation network and new exhibitions including the first of its Great British Studio shows with Rebellion Developments.
Ian Livingstone CBE, Chair of the BGI and NVM founding patron, said “Coronavirus threatens the very existence of this unique place. The UK’s only museum dedicated to videogames is now under threat.As a new charity which uses videogames to inspire the next generation, we have no safety net to help the Museum weather the storm. We’ve had the support of some patrons and companies, but without visitors the museum is in grave danger. If you care about videogames, please donate in any way you can”
Individuals can donate to the appeal at JustGiving.com/campaign/savethenvmuk. Companies are urged to contact the charity to become permanent patrons of the Museum.
Lord of Thunder, the third and final of CODE VEIN Season Pass DLCs is now available for purchase on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via STEAM from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. A new trailer for the DLC can be viewed with the following YouTube link:
The new DLC, Lord of Thunder, gives players access to a new area within The Depths featuring new story elements, the terrifying Lord of Thunder boss, and the Horror Hunting Trials, unique challenges for players to complete in order to unlock new content. This content includes new partner costumes for Eva and Jack, new weapons, a new blood code, character creation items, and more.
The Lord of Thunder DLC is now available and can be purchased for £7.99. Players can also purchase the CODE VEIN Season Pass for £19.99 which includes the new Lord of Thunder DLC as well as the previous DLCs; Hellfire Knight and Frozen Empress.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint’s Episode 2 is now available. The Start of Episode 2 coincides with the release of the Title Update 2.0, including the new Ghost Experience and several other major additions. The update will be available on the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and Windows PC, PlayStation 4 , UPLAY+, Ubisoft’s subscription service and Stadia, the new generation gaming platform from Google.
Title Update 2.0 is the biggest update for Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint yet. It will include:
A new story Adventure tied to Episode 2 including eight narrative missions where players will team up with Sam Fisher, the renowned character from Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell. Together, they uncover a plot to develop mind-controlled military drones, and they will have to stop its development on Auroa. The Adventure will introduce new stealth-focused gameplay elements and feature cinematics with the voice of Michael Ironside. The full Adventure will be available to all Year One Pass owners or as a standalone purchase. All players will have access to the first mission and its 2 rewards for free, and will be able to join co-op parties with friends owning the Adventure. In all, ten new exclusive Tom Clancy’s Splinter Cell-themed mission rewards will be available for players to earn, provided they own the Year One Pass or Adventure from mission 2 onwards.
Two new classes available in both PvE and PvP modes, with a one-week exclusivity for Year One pass owners, starting tomorrow, 24th March.
The Echelon class – Focuses on stealth, allowing players to move silently to eliminate enemies quietly. The Echelon Class’s special ability, Sonar Vision, helps players detect enemies through walls and disturb drones.
The Engineer class – Lets players deal more damage to drones and be more effective with grenade launchers and its special ability, the Defense Drone, will attack nearby enemies, while its class tool, the Supply Drone, provides allies with an extra magazine of buffed ammo.
PVP updates, including 4 new maps and a map voting option.
Title Update 2.0 also features a host of community-requested features, including camera placement, BASE jumping, weapon/gear sorting options, vehicles, respawn system improvements, gunsmith updates and more. All details can be found here: https://www.ghostrecon.com/PatchNotes2_0_0
Additionally, new players will be able to experience all the new content brought by the TU 2.0 update on the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X and Windows PC, and PlayStation 4 during a Free Weekend from 26th March until 29th March.
Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon Breakpoint will continue to receive regular updates in the coming months. To stay up to date with all updates please visit ghost-recon.ubisoft.com.
For the latest news about other Ubisoft games, please visit news.ubisoft.com.
The list of TV shows and Big Screen release dates being impacted by current world events is growing and now even Superheroes are immune to the recent events. Announced by director Patty Jenkins, the release date for ‘Wonder Woman 1984’ has been delayed by a couple of months to August 14 2020.
We made Wonder Woman 1984 for the big screen and I believe in the power of cinema. In these terrible times, when theater owners are struggling as so many are, we are excited to re-date our film to August 14th 2020 in a theater near you, and pray for better times for all by then pic.twitter.com/85ykQ8x6NE
Wonder Woman herself, Gal Gadot, tweeted her own personal message along with the news of the new date.
In these dark and scary times, I am looking forward to a brighter future ahead. Where we can share the power of cinema together again. Excited to redate our WW84 film to August 14, 2020. I hope everyone is safe. Sending my love to you all. ❤️ pic.twitter.com/nzPUM7uQ1n
Following on from the first film and set before the events of Justice League, we fast forward to the 1980s as Wonder Woman’s next big screen adventure finds her facing two all-new foes: Max Lord and The Cheetah.
The film also stars Chris Pine as Steve Trevor, Kristen Wiig as The Cheetah, Pedro Pascal as Max Lord, Robin Wright as Antiope, and Connie Nielsen as Hippolyta.
Wonder Woman 1984 will now release on August 14th 2020.
Today Gamer Network and ReedPOP are excited to reveal Rezzed Digital, a digital version of EGX Rezzed, the UK-based consumer, trade and careers event for video games, taking place over three days from Thursday 26th March – Saturday 28th March.
Featuring content from the likes of Eurogamer, RockPaperShotgun, OutsideXbox, Jesse Cox, Dicebreaker and more, Rezzed Digital will give fans direct access to to an amazing showcase from their favourite creators, including lets plays, incredible developer interviews, and career panels, all from the comfort of their homes by accessing the Rezzed website, which will go live at 10am GMT tomorrow!
David Lilley, Head of Events, UK, ReedPOP said “Rezzed: Digital is our way of shining a light on and celebrating some of the incredible games and gaming content that was planned to be showcased this weekend at EGX Rezzed. We’ve worked with many friends and partners to bring together what we believe is a great line-up and we welcome anyone who would like to join us over the next 3 days and enjoy a little taste of Rezzed from the comfort and safety of their homes.”
For the full Rezzed Digital content schedule please check the EGX Twitter channel
EGX Rezzed will now take place 2nd-4th July at Tobacco Dock London. Stay tuned to our website and social channels for more details!
The Xbox Game Pass Ultimate subscription, which gives access to both Xbox Game Pass for console and PC which also includes Xbox LIVE GOLD is the most value for money subscription server in all of gaming right now, there really is no competition for it. So it came as a surprise last week that Xbox announced a brand new feature called ‘Perks’.
Through Perks, Xbox Game Pass Ultimate members will now regularly receive new benefits including DLC, in-game content and more – all free and included with membership.
Kicking off already, the first line up of perks include:
World of Tanks: Mercenaries: A global multiplayer free-to-play game dedicated to tank warfare in the mid-20th century. Start your journey with three powerful tanks and more!
Sea of Thieves: The essential pirate experience, from sailing and fighting to exploring and looting – everything you need to live the pirate life and become a legend in your own right. With Perks, you get a free Ori-inspired Ancestral Sails, Figurehead, Hull, and Flag to adorn your ship.
Smite: Become divine in the #1 MOBA on Xbox, with a bundle that unlocks five Gods, special character skins and voice packs so you can ride into the battle of the Gods in style. With Smite, join a community of 30 million players and defend your portal in showdowns in the Collesium.
For subscribers in the US you will also get:
Phantasy Star Online 2: Enter the world of one of Japan’s biggest online RPGs with a special content bundle, which includes unique emotes, in-game cosmetics including an Xbox jacket, a gold ticket Mission Pass and in-game currency with a Meseta Crystal. Available to members in the US and Canada only.
This is a tremendous addition to an already incredible subscription and over time hopefully more and more can be added. The ‘Ori and the Will of the Wisps’ ship set for Sea of Thieves is already my favourite in the game!
The Gamer Network and ReedPOP have announced that EGX Rezzed, the UK-based consumer, trade and careers event for video games, will now take place 2nd-4th July at Tobacco Dock London.
With more information on specific show items like the Jesse Cox Late Night show coming soon, the Oxventure dungeons and dragons show will now take place on Friday 3rd July and Saturday 4th July.
For anyone who has already purchased tickets to EGX Rezzed, these tickets will remain valid! For those unable to make the new dates, refunds are being offered, or customers can choose to transfer their ticket for EGX 2020 tickets, the dates of which are due to be announced next week. Stay tuned!
Customers looking to refund or transfer their tickets should contact the Customer Services team at egx.helpline@reedexpo.co.uk
Stay tuned to the EGX website and social channels for more details on plans to highlight and celebrate some of the games, talks and other content that have been lined up for Rezzed: Digital!
My Thoughts….
This is very early to be announcing new dates considering the current state of real world events, whilst it certainly gives fans hoping to go something to look forward to, the reality of it actually happening is very uncertain but I really hope it does, I love EGX Rezzed and was gutted when it had to be postponed.
Sony has been keeping the PlayStation 5, their next generation console, firmly in the dark from fans for months now but yesterday they suddenly announced that today (March 18th 2020) that they were going to actually host an online even that would offer a deep dive of the PlayStation 5. Naturally PlayStation fans and the rest of the gaming world sat eagle eyed on the presentation which came only a few days after Microsoft dropped tech demos showcasing the fast loading times and quick resume functions of the Xbox Series X, but more on that a little further on.
This “Deep Dive” was lead by the PS5 lead system architect Mark Cerny and to say those expecting a big reveal in the style of the Xbox Series X marketing trailers to this point would be surprised and disappointed as this briefing was certainly not for fans hoping for anything similar to how Xbox have presented their new generation console. To be fair to Sony, this was exactly what they described, a very technical driven look at the architecture aimed at developers more than the fans.
So let us begin with those very numbers:
Via Windows Central
Courtesy of Windows Central who kindly put down all the numbers in a nice comparison with the PlayStation 4, and it is clear that the PS5 is definitely a technological leap when shown against the PS4 but the numbers fail to look to impressive against the Xbox Series X. That said, Sony have also focused on the SSD storage and fast loading times as the core driving component to the PS5 much like Microsoft have, and the visual power will produce some staggering graphics on the next generation of games. The audio chip revealed also made Microsoft declare that the Series X also has a special dedicated sound chip which they had not really focused on before.
However it is with backwards compatibility that the PS5 seems to be lacking but in a move that was clarified in the days following this briefing, at first it was suggested that only the top 100 most popular PS4 titles would work on the PS5 as compared to Microsoft’s reveal that all Xbox One and accessories will work with the Series X. Sony did come out and say that the number of backwards compatible games was going to be a lot bigger than what was suggested in this talk.
Final Thoughts…
Just under a week since this briefing and we have yet to see what the PS5 looks like or any glamorous marketing and adverts for the next generation of Sony Consoles. Personally, I would have kept this briefing behind closed doors and released snappy trailers to showcase the PS5 to fans, this was a very technical focused briefing designed to inform developers but it was obvious that fans were hoping to actually see the console itself, the controller and learn about launch titles to play on it, something that Microsoft has been revealing since December 2019.
I have no doubt that the PS5 is going to be one hell of a console and whilst on paper the Xbox Series X looks to be more powerful, the PS5 is certainly no slouch either and PlayStation fans are in for an incredible time some holidays 2020. With so much happening in the world right now (reason why this is being posted a week later than planned) time will tell if any of it will have an impact on the launch of the next generation of consoles from a production side to supply and especially to the developers working on next generation games.
Either way, now Sony is actually talking about the PS5, so going forward hopefully we will get to see what the console looks like, see it in action and start the real road to holidays 2020.
Families and children can now easily discover a wide range of entertaining and educational shows and films, with the launch of a new children’s experience on BBC iPlayer. Rolling out on internet-connected TVs from today, it brings together the best from CBBC and CBeebies, and other suitable BBC programming, all in one place.
When selecting who’s watching iPlayer, there’s now a monster shaped ‘children’ button, which opens a treasure trove of viewing – from hit shows like Hey Duggee and Bing to David Walliams classics such as The Boy in the Dress, Gangsta Granny and Mr Stink – which return to iPlayer. Children can easily find something to watch thanks to more ‘child-friendly’ categories, that let them pick and browse between Trending, Drama, Funny and Cartoons – as well as giving easy access to the CBeebies and CBBC channels.
The children’s experience has been designed to give confidence to parents and carers that kids are watching suitable shows – with content curated from across CBeebies, CBBC and other suitable BBC programmes and brands.
To make the service even more special, it has been given a distinctive, bright and bold design – helping children understand that this is a dedicated experience just for them.
Alice Webb, Director BBC Children’s and Education says: “Keeping children informed, educated and entertained at home during these unprecedented times is going to be even more important than ever. Whether it’s being a number detective with the Numberblocks, going on a global adventure with Go Jetters, or learning about the planet’s deadliest animals with Deadly 60 – this new experience gives children of all ages a place to go to do that. We can’t promise solving the sibling tiffs over what to watch – but we can make it even easier to bring families and kids an incredible choice of shows and films on iPlayer. Children and parents can be assured the BBC will be for them during these challenging times.”
Dan Taylor-Watt, Director of Product, BBC iPlayer and BBC Sounds says: “We know more and more iPlayer viewing is happening on the biggest screen in the home. We’re now making that experience even better for children – so they have a safe place to enjoy their favourite shows, discover new ones – and learn more, especially at the moment. And over time, this experience will get even better, with recommendations increasingly tailored to them – making sure they get the best kids experience possible.”
EE has joined forces with Amazon to enable new and existing EE pay monthly mobile customers to make and receive calls hands-free on their Alexa devices around the home.
No more missing a call because your phone is in the other room or you’re cooking, Alexa will say “incoming call from mum” when she is calling, and customers can simply say “Alexa, answer” to start the call through their Alexa device – even if their phone isn’t nearby or has run out of battery.
The service is easy to set-up and there’s no extra charge for doing so. All customers need is their Alexa device and the Amazon Alexa app on their phone to get started. Calls come out of their monthly allowance and out of allowance calls will be charged at the standard rate.
EE customers’ smartphone and their Alexa device will ring simultaneously when someone calls, giving customers the option to answer on either device when in the home. They can also answer calls even if their phone is off or out of service.
Customers can make calls through simple voice commands to access contacts in their mobile address book or simply by speaking the full mobile or landline number out loud.
Sharon Meadows, Director of Partnerships, Devices & Business Development, at EE said: “We’re always looking for ways to offer customers exciting new products and experiences, and by working with Amazon we’re enabling them to make and receive mobile calls hands-free on their Alexa devices for the first time. We’re creating one converged, smart network to keep our customers seamlessly connected to their friends, family and the things that matter most.”
“Customers use Alexa every day to help them stay connected with loved ones around the world,” said Brian Oliver, Director of Alexa Communications. “Today, in collaboration with EE, we are thrilled that customers are now able to make and receive EE calls with Alexa, making it even easier to stay in touch.”
EE offers a range of Amazon Echo devices through EE Retail, EE Telesales and the EE online shop. Pay monthly mobile customers can choose a device and spread the cost over 11 months with Add to Plan, interest free – they just pay with their phone bill. Plus, if they buy any Amazon Echo device from EE, they’ll receive a £20 discount off their next purchase from a selection of EE’s smart home range.
For more information customers can visit ee.co.uk/alexa or simply text ‘Alexa’ to 150 to start the set up.
The original DOOM games were perhaps my first real
experience playing the FPS genre, and I have fond memories of my ICT teacher installing
DOOM on the school’s LAN in order for us to play at lunchtime and after school
in what could be seen as the very first ‘Slayer Club’. Since then the series
become legend with a couple of attempts to reboot it and a very interesting big
screen outing starring The Rock which is worth watching if just for the giggles
alone. Then in 2016, DOOM was remade from the ground up and it literally kicked
a whole in gaming as it brought back classic DOOM gameplay but in a new world built
upon lore and battles that were just adrenalin fuelled rushes of death metal
fury. To say I was hyped and excited to get my hands on DOOM Eternal would be
an understatement….but dear god was the wait worth it!
*Note that at time of writing, our early access to the game meant that the Multiplayer servers had yet to be turned on, which they will be on 20th March for the release day. This review will focus on the Campaign and a further review of the ‘Battle Mode’ MP will follow once servers go online*
I was fortunate enough to have been able to play a demo of
DOOM Eternal at both EGX and XO19 in 2019 and I was just hit with the awesome
that was DOOM Eternal was shaping up to be. Not only did it feel like I was back
in the ‘Ripping and Tearing’ action that I fell in love with in DOOM 2016, but
the game was actively kicking my butt and I thought I was good at DOOM. It made
me excited and determined to get DOOM Eternal in my Xbox One X as soon as possible
and have been chomping on the bit until my calendar finally reached March 2020.
DOOM Eternal picks up right after the climatic ending to
DOOM 2016 as the Slayer has returned to Earth to find it fully invaded by the
forces of Hell. Onboard his new base of operations, the Fortress of DOOM and
with the UAC AI construct VEGA (Slayer made a copy of it before destroying the
original in DOOM 2016) serving as his ally, the Slayer picks up his gun, puts
on his Praetor suit once more and teleports into the fight once more, a Slayer’s
work is never done, thankfully for us! The Slayer’s aim is to find and kill the
three Hell Priests responsible for both making the invasion property and for the
continuing growth of demonic forces on Earth. The small remaining human
resistance is not able to hold out for much longer and the rumours of the
legendary Slayer arriving is giving some hope!
I really have to start by saying I bloody love DOOM Eternal’s
campaign which feels bigger and bolder than DOOM 2016. Moving the action to
Earth just adds that little something extra when playing a story about trying to
save the last of humanity from the forces of Hell. Visually and especially true
when playing on the Xbox One X, DOOM Eternal is just beautiful to look at with
enemies looking more detailed than ever but it is the environments and levels
that just pop right off your screen. Seeing the devastation of Earth cities who
have all fallen to the demons is very much all judgement day focused and the
Slayer has arrived in the final hours to try and do some good. Of course, doing
good for humanity is quite subjective for the Slayer, as all he pretty much
wants to do is to literally continue his mission to “Rip and Tear” through any
and all demons he comes into contact with. DOOM Eternal really is a feast of visual
delight that only delivers more and more courses to dine on as you play through
the campaign.
Once again, all the action in DOOM Eternal is boosted beyond measure thanks to the music which is designed to augment the Adrenalin from the fighting and it does exactly that, bringing one of the elements I loved about DOOM 2016 smack into DOOM Eternal. The heavy metal just enhances what is already a very heart pumping fighting experience with the action being non stop and the only real indication that you have slayed all the enemies is when the music calms and stops. But out of the action the music helps create the atmosphere of where you are and from the heavy metal when the battle kicks in to just accompanying you as you explore the levels and the eclectic range of the music is not something you would expect from a DOOM experience.
It is in the fighting where DOOM always comes alive and it continues to be the most visceral shooting experience you can have right now. Eternal has doubled down on the demon encounters you can have with all the familiar demon types returning as well as some new enemies to sink your brand-new Praetor wrist blade into. The fluidity of being able to switch to a new weapon means you will always have a weapon to hand with different weapons having an increased effect on the types of Demon you meet along the way. The Praetor suit itself has seen a few upgrades since the Slayer was on Mars, a shoulder mounted launcher can now act as a flame thrower and fire both Frag Grenade and Ice Bombs once unlocked through the campaign which can be combined together for massive area damage. The new Praetor wrist blade gives a new slice n dice animation to the glory kills which are also back, stagger an enemy so they glow and you can trigger a glory kill with RS to perform an execution resulting in some health items dropping for the slayer. I love the variety of the Glory Kill animations for all demon types they just add that little bloody thirsty satisfaction right in the middle of a fight and also gives some much-needed health when needed.
Another thing I found satisfying about Eternal is the upgrading
system and there are a lot of things you can upgrade from the weapon’s themselves
which can have new modifications added to give weapons an alternate fire mode
such as the standard shotgun getting sticky bombs to shoot or turning it into a
full auto shotgun. These mods can then be enhanced further using “weapon points”
earned by just using the weapons in combat. Upgrade enough and you can unlick
the master level for that weapon. The Praetor Suit as well can be enhanced with
Sentinel Discs and Crystals, the crystals will improve an attribute, attributes
can be boosted twice with each one either increasing health, armour or ammo
levels so choosing which to activate and boost will help you as you progress
through the campaign. Sentinel Discs can be used to improve five elements of
the suit; Fundamentals to quicken ledge grabs and weapon mod switching, Exploration
to add elements that the new 3D map system will reveal, Environment to reduce
damage from explosive barrels and acid, to enhancing both Ice and Frag grenades
to extend their duration and range.
The end result is one hell of a powerful Slayer and choosing which weapons and suit upgrades to activate at what time will certainly help as you create a build for your Slayer. A personal tip from me is to activate the upgrades for the Flame Thrower and both grenade types to give extra health and armour drops when used so for example in my current Slayer build, I will use the Ice Bomb to freeze a group of enemies, use flame thrower to set them alight so they drop armour packs and drop a frag grenade to explode them all for extra health, just watch the health and amour packs fly! This tactic in the middle of a huge fight will keep you battling on at those almost dead moments. The thrill of that last moment Glory Kill for ammo or getting that tiny bit of health or armour to prevent you dying and having to restart the fight is one of the things I adore most about DOOM Eternal.
The campaign is a real joy to play through as was DOOM 2016
and they have definitely expanded the story to feature more lore, which I will
no spoil but what started in DOOM 2016 to give the series an entire history of
story continues and is only enriched further in Eternal. Gameplay wise there is
a more focused element on exploring maps which the redesigned 3D map really
helps players to navigate levels to find all the collectibles. The platforming gameplay
has grown as well, with more jumping and ledge climbing now involved in the
levels to not only progress but to find secrets and collectibles. Now I can see
some people having niggles with this aspect but for me, having a brief platforming
and jumping around section is a nice break from the relentless fighting once it
starts. I did find it a little clumsy at points as you begin to double jump and
air dash distance to reach new ledges and if you fail to wall grab, which by
the way is a very satisfying animation and angry sounding move, you often will
fall but at least it will not kill you as you just respawn at the point where you
made the jump with the failure only costing you some health.
I also really advise having a good look around the Fortress
of DOOM to reveal its own secrets because they are worth finding and again, I
do not want to spoil anything so please, have a good walk about in between
missions to see what you can discover and unlock. Eternal even has its own
Battle Pass of a sort with the Event section which gives rewards for completing
challenges in game which can unlock new player profile pics and titles no doubt
for showing off in Battle Mode, weapon skins and Slayer skins too, all can be
applied before you launch into campaign or Battle Mode.
Final thoughts are that DOOM Eternal is just sheer majestic
mayhem wrapped around story and lore many long-term fans have always wanted and
newcomers will really appreciate. The combat is just heart pounding and it will
test you, even on normal difficulty and I relished this about Eternal. This is
a game that makes you feel the fight just without the injuries. Each time you fall
you just come back more determined to win the war the next time and this is a
war, the campaign has a superb pace and difficulty curve that prepares you for
the big fights later and if you study and work on the build of your Slayer, these
big battles can be some of the most challenging but satisfying fights you will
have in an FPS game.
Bigger, badder and more DOOM than ever before, Eternal is offering a lot from day one, and I really hope the MP in Battle Mode is just as polished and fulfilling as the Campaign. DOOM Eternal is everything I was hoping for and I am really looking forward to taking on the Master Levels which are reworked versions of campaign missions but with the difficulty pushed to the max with more powerful demon types replacing the normal mission enemies. I just really loved my time with DOOM Eternal and it is going to be something fans of the series are going to just going to go crazy for as well. DOOM Eternal just continues to elevate this series going into a new generation of gaming.
Ripping and Tearing has never been more glorious, pass me my Super Shotgun…time to go pick a fight!
Finally Sony are about to reveal more about the PlayStation 5, they have been uncharacteristically quiet with Microsoft releasing an abundance of information about their next generation console, Xbox Series X, ever since December 2019. Now via their official Twitter, PlayStation have confirmed a special event to take place tomorrow at 4pm GMT March 18th 2020.
Tomorrow at 4pm GMT, PS5 lead system architect Mark Cerny provides a deep dive into PS5’s system architecture and how it will shape the future of games.
