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Game Empress’s main gaming hub — featuring news, opinions, industry analysis, and coverage of the games and developers shaping the medium today.

  • Pokemon Go Gets A Makeover! Map Update And New Visuals On The Horizon

    Pokemon Go Gets A Makeover! Map Update And New Visuals On The Horizon

    Pokemon Go, the popular mobile game, is approaching its eighth anniversary in July. To celebrate, Niantic has announced the “Rediscover Go” campaign, which will bring significant changes to the game.

    The campaign will update the in-game map, encounter screens, battle screens, and more to give the game a fresh new look tailored to your location. The update will also introduce enhancements to avatar customization and the Style Shop, offering more options than before.

    One exciting feature of the update is the Snapshot function, which will allow you to take pictures of up to three Pokemon at once. This feature will enhance the fun of capturing Pokemon in the real world.

    Niantic has shared a schedule for revealing more details about the Rediscover Go update:

    • April 17: Rediscover Yourself
    • April 22: Rediscover Your World and Rediscover Kanto
    • May 7: Rediscover Your Reality

    These reveals will give players more insight into the changes and additions coming to Pokemon Go. The game is available for both iOS and Android devices, so players

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  • Helldivers 2 Ditches The Dress-Up: CEO Says Transmog Doesn’t Fit The Game

    Helldivers 2 Ditches The Dress-Up: CEO Says Transmog Doesn’t Fit The Game

    Many Helldivers 2 players were hoping for a system like transmogrification, which lets you keep the stats of one gear while making it look like another. However, Arrowhead CEO Johan Pilestedt made it clear that this won’t happen. He said, “We are not doing transmog.”

    Transmogrification, or transmog for short, is a feature seen in games like Diablo IV and Final Fantasy XIV, where you can change the appearance of your gear without losing its stats.

    Pilestedt explained on Twitter that in Helldivers 2, gear looks different because it has different effects. He used a funny metaphor about an apple tasting like bacon to explain why swapping appearances wouldn’t fit.

    While the transmog idea is off the table, there might still be room for tweaking how gear works. For example, players could have the option to swap out perks for specific alternatives within the existing system.

  • Grenades Going Rogue? Helldivers 2 Update Points To Automaton Sabotage!

    Grenades Going Rogue? Helldivers 2 Update Points To Automaton Sabotage!

    A new patch for Helldivers 2 is out now, and it’s addressing some issues with weapons and game mechanics.

    The latest patch, version 1.000.203, focuses on fixing problems with armor passives, particularly for heavier builds like the CE-27 Ground Breaker armor. Arrowhead, the developer, has also fixed crashes and made stability improvements to the game.

    However, the patch notes also mention several ongoing issues. Some weapons and mechanics aren’t working correctly after this update. For example:

    • The Superior Packing Methodology module doesn’t work properly, which is frustrating for players who spent resources unlocking it.
    • Damage over time (DOT) effects might only work if applied by the host player, meaning auxiliary Helldivers might not cause Bleed or Burn damage.
    • Bleed damage doesn’t count toward Personal Orders.
    • Specific weapons like the Sickle can’t shoot through trees, making them less effective on certain planets.
    • Scopes on weapons like the Anti-Material Rifle are misaligned, leading to missed headshots.
    • Arc weapons can misfire, and the Spear’s targeting system is inconsistent against larger enemies.

    The good news is that explosions currently don’t cause limb damage, although colliding with objects might. The developer hasn’t given a timeline for fixing these issues yet.

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    As a precaution, you might want to rethink your loadout before your next mission. Choosing a reliable weapon like the Stalwart or Machine Gun could be a good strategy until these problems are resolved.

  • Is Nier: Automata Obsolete? Yoko Taro Believes Stellar Blade Surpasses His Masterpiece

    Is Nier: Automata Obsolete? Yoko Taro Believes Stellar Blade Surpasses His Masterpiece

    Nier director Yoko Taro recently praised the upcoming action RPG Stellar Blade during an interview with IGN Japan. He expressed a bit of humor by saying he’s “quite jealous” of the game because he thinks it’s “much better” than Nier: Automata, which is a strong compliment but also a bit self-deprecating.

    _Stellar Blade
    _Stellar Blade

    Taro spoke alongside Stellar Blade director Hyung-Tae Kim and shared his admiration for Kim’s work, going back to games like Magna Carta: Tears of Blood. He playfully suggested that Kim is his senior in the industry, despite Taro having been around longer.

    Taro complimented Stellar Blade’s graphics and character designs, calling them “next-gen quality” and praising the direction of the art, especially the mix of cool male and cute female characters.

    Overall, Taro’s comments were filled with humor and admiration for Kim’s talents, showing respect and excitement for Stellar Blade’s upcoming release.

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  • Helldivers 2 Says No To Looks Over Stats: “Apple-Flavored Bacon” Armor Off The Menu

    Helldivers 2 Says No To Looks Over Stats: “Apple-Flavored Bacon” Armor Off The Menu

    It’s disappointing news for space fashion lovers as Helldivers 2‘s creative director has said they won’t add transmog options to the game because it “doesn’t make sense.”

    Transmog, short for transmogrification, is a feature in games that lets you wear powerful gear while making it look like different clothing or armor that you prefer. This way, you can have both good abilities and the look you want.

    In Helldivers 2, each piece of armor has unique abilities and looks, and the director thinks swapping these looks would be like having an apple taste like bacon, which doesn’t fit the game’s design.

    Since Helldivers 2 is multiplayer, it’s useful to see what abilities your teammates have based on their outfits. But some players want more flexibility. They’ve suggested adding color customization instead of full transmog, so players can tweak their outfits without changing their abilities.

    For now, it seems we’ll have to fight in the best gear we can find, even if it’s not the most stylish. At least the alien enemies probably don’t care about our fashion choices!

  • A Legendary Swordsman Awakens! Get The Full Story On Fate/Samurai Remnant DLC ‘Record’s Fragment: Yagyu Sword Chronicles’

    A Legendary Swordsman Awakens! Get The Full Story On Fate/Samurai Remnant DLC ‘Record’s Fragment: Yagyu Sword Chronicles’

    The magic around Edo is drawing strange things, like a highly skilled murderer and a mysterious deadly blade.

    Miyamoto Iori and Saber are investigating this under Sukenoshin’s request when they encounter a very skilled swordsman—a Servant named Yagyu Munenori. They wonder if he’s the feared Tsujigiri. But instead of attacking, Munenori introduces himself as a wandering swordsman from history.

    Munenori, also known as Yagyu Tajima-no-Kami Munenori, joins Iori and Saber in their quest. Together, they explore the dangerous streets of Edo.

    To play the extra content “Record’s Fragment: Yagyu Sword Chronicles,” you must reach Chapter 3 in the base game, where you can freely move around the Edo Map. Then, select “Record’s Fragment: Yagyu Sword Chronicles” on the map to start playing.

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  • Ubisoft In The Hutt’s Den: Developer Responds To Star Wars Outlaws Season Pass Backlash

    Ubisoft In The Hutt’s Den: Developer Responds To Star Wars Outlaws Season Pass Backlash

    Last week, there was news about the game Star Wars Outlaws that left many fans disappointed. The game, which is a single-player adventure set in an open world, will have what’s called a season pass.

    This season pass costs an extra $40 on top of the game’s price. If you buy the Gold Edition of the game, which costs $110 in total, you’ll get this season pass.

    Star Wars Outlaws
    Star Wars Outlaws

    What does the season pass include? It gives you access to two expansions that will come out after the game’s launch, some cosmetic items to customize your characters, and a special mission called “Jabba’s Gambit” that’s only available on the first day.

    Some people were upset about this special mission, thinking it might be the only mission involving Jabba the Hutt in the game. But a representative from Ubisoft clarified that Jabba and his gang, called the Hutt Cartel, are important parts of the game for everyone who buys it, no matter which version. The “Jabba’s Gambit” mission is just an extra mission you can play if you have the season pass.

    It’s frustrating that some parts of the game are only available if you buy the season pass or a more expensive edition. But rest assured, if you’re excited about Jabba the Hutt, you’ll still get to experience that storyline whether you buy the extra content or not.

    In addition to the Gold Edition, there’s an even pricier Ultimate Edition for $130. This edition includes more cosmetic items and a digital art book. The writer notes that this setup, with different editions offering various extras, is simpler than what they’ve seen with some other games from Ubisoft in the past.

    Overall, while it’s disappointing that some content is locked behind extra purchases, the core Star Wars Outlaws experience will include Jabba the Hutt and his crew for everyone.

  • Forget The Tab Targeting! World Of Warcraft VR Mod Is A Full-Blown FPS Adventure

    Forget The Tab Targeting! World Of Warcraft VR Mod Is A Full-Blown FPS Adventure

    Whether you’re strolling through the tranquil streets of Silvermoon City or relaxing with a drink at the Lion’s Pride Inn, Azeroth from World of Warcraft remains captivating despite the game’s aging graphics.

    However, experiencing this world through a virtual reality (VR) headset is a whole new level of immersion. While MMORPGs haven’t made it to our best VR games list yet, a VR version of World of Warcraft would be an exciting addition.

    After ten years of development, modders Streetrat & Marulu from Flat2VR have brought this vision to life. Flat2VR recently announced the mod, packed with features that VR enthusiasts will love, including head-tracked positional audio and smooth analog movement.

    The most transformative aspect is the first-person perspective, where Azeroth feels like a living, breathing world in an immersive FPS (first-person shooter) style.

    However, there are a few downsides to this mod. It only works with patch 3.3.5a, the final update for Wrath of the Lich King.

    This means it won’t work with Classic or modern versions of WoW. Despite this limitation, it’s a great option for those seeking a private VR adventure in the world of Azeroth.

  • Destiny 2: Double Duty Destroyer – The Ultimate Falling Guillotine PvE & PvP God Roll Guide

    Destiny 2: Double Duty Destroyer – The Ultimate Falling Guillotine PvE & PvP God Roll Guide

    The Falling Guillotine sword first appeared in Destiny 2 during the Season of Arrivals. It’s a descendant of the Dark Drinker exotic sword from the original Destiny and has become very popular in the Destiny community.

    Now that the sword is back with new perks in the Into the Light update, there’s a lot of excitement around it again. You can get different rolls on this sword depending on whether you want to have fun with it or use it for tough missions.

    Destiny 2 Festival of the Lost Rewards
    Image Source Bungie

    For PvP (Player vs. Player) and PvE (Player vs. Environment) activities, there are specific god rolls (perfect combinations of perks) you’ll want when farming for the Falling Guillotine in the Onslaught activity.

    PvE God Roll:

    • Column 3: Vorpal Weapon
    • Column 4: Bait and Switch

    In PvE (against computer-controlled enemies), having Vorpal Weapon and Bait and Switch is really valuable. Vorpal Weapon increases damage against bosses and tough enemies. Bait and Switch boosts damage after swapping to this sword, which is great for high-end content where you need extra firepower.

    PvP God Roll:

    • Column 3: Vorpal Weapon
    • Column 4: Eager Edge

    In PvP matches (against other players), Eager Edge helps you move faster when using the sword. Vorpal Weapon is effective against enemy players in certain situations, like when they’re using defensive abilities or super abilities.

    Swords are generally not the best choice for PvP, but with this god roll, you can make the Falling Guillotine work well in those situations.

    Remember, these god rolls are the ideal combinations of perks for maximizing the effectiveness of the Falling Guillotine sword in different game modes

  • Is Your PC Ready For Adventure? Try The FF14 Dawntrail Benchmark Tool!

    Is Your PC Ready For Adventure? Try The FF14 Dawntrail Benchmark Tool!

    The Final Fantasy 14 benchmark for Dawntrail has been announced, which means we can test how well our computers will run the upcoming game expansion.

    Alongside this, we’ll also get to create our female Hrothgar characters, a new race coming to the game. Game director Naoki Yoshida showed off some exciting graphical improvements that will be part of the 7.0 update.

    Yoshida highlighted changes like detailed grass and flowers, improved textures on the ground and cobblestones, and better shadows and reflections across all areas in the game.

    He also mentioned enhancements to flower visuals, making them look more like how they were originally envisioned.

    One important new feature is super-resolution support, which will enhance the quality of lower-resolution images.

    This update will include support for AMD FSR 1.0 and Nvidia’s DLSS 2.0, giving players options to improve graphics quality on various platforms.

    The benchmark for Dawntrail will be available to download on April 14th, allowing players to test their PC’s performance and create their female Hrothgar characters.

    This tool won’t let you play the actual game but will help you prepare for Dawntrail’s release. If you’re thinking about upgrading your PC for expansion, there are guides available to help build a powerful gaming setup.

  • Get Ready For The Northern Crater: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Lands In 2027

    Get Ready For The Northern Crater: Final Fantasy 7 Remake Part 3 Lands In 2027

    It’s widely known that Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth had a smooth development because most of the team from Final Fantasy 7 Remake stayed together.

    The first game laid the groundwork for visuals and gameplay, making Rebirth quicker to create. It took about three years to make Rebirth, and Square Enix expects the same for the final game in the trilogy.

    Director Yoshinori Kitase mentioned (according to Audrey) that the third game will be made by the same team. They aim to make it just as good as Remake and Rebirth. The main story for part three is already written, and they’re planning to start recording voice acting soon.

    So, we can expect the third part of the Remake trilogy around 2027. But keep in mind that Final Fantasy 7 Remake Intergrade’s Yuffie DLC took an extra year to develop. If Rebirth gets a similar expansion, the third game might come out in 2028.

    By November 2027, the PS5 will be seven years old. Usually, new PlayStation consoles come out around this time. Releasing all three games on one platform makes sense for Square Enix.

  • A Star Wars Open World First: No More Tower Climbing In Star Wars Outlaws

    A Star Wars Open World First: No More Tower Climbing In Star Wars Outlaws

    Ubisoft’s upcoming open-world game, Star Wars Outlaws, breaks away from a common tradition seen in their games: climbing towers to reveal parts of the map.

    According to Brian Shea from Game Informer, the creative director of Star Wars Outlaws, Julian Gerighty, confirmed that there won’t be any towers to climb in the game to unlock areas of the map.

    Instead of using binoculars or other devices to uncover the map, players will explore naturally. As you move around and discover new places, the fog covering the map will gradually lift.

    Climbing towers has been a popular activity in many games like Ubisoft’s titles Grow Home and Grow Up. However, relying on towers as a repetitive way to interact with a game world can feel artificial and predictable.

    Star Wars Outlaws aims to provide a more immersive and natural experience. The developers want players to feel complete freedom in how they approach the game, moving away from typical open-world game mechanics like repetitive tower climbing.

    The game’s focus is not just on combat, which goes beyond simple cover-based shooting. Star Wars Outlaws seems to be paying attention to important details, avoiding the trap of becoming a never-ending RPG filled with countless collectibles and unnecessary gameplay hours.

    In summary, Star Wars Outlaws promises a fresh take on open-world gaming without relying on tired tropes like climbing towers to uncover the map, offering players a more dynamic and engaging experience in the Star Wars universe.

  • Sonic & Eggman Vs. Shadow The Hedgehog? First Sonic 3 Footage Hints At A Wild Team-Up

    Sonic & Eggman Vs. Shadow The Hedgehog? First Sonic 3 Footage Hints At A Wild Team-Up

    The first look at Sonic the Hedgehog 3 was shown at a special event called CinemaCon 2024. This sneak peek gave fans an idea of what to expect from the new movie.

    In the footage, we see Jim Carrey’s character, Doctor Robotnik, feeling sorry for himself after losing in the last movie. He’s gained a lot of weight, similar to his video game look. He talks about having great power before and now just eating a lot.

    Another character named Agent Stone talks to Robotnik about a discovery related to Shadow, which excites Robotnik.

    The rest of the footage features Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles facing off against Shadow. The teaser suggests that Robotnik and Sonic will team up to deal with Shadow.

    We still don’t know who will be voicing Shadow, who is a popular character from the Sonic games.

    Toby Ascher, one of the producers, compared the upcoming Sonic 3 to big Marvel movies like the Avengers. He mentioned that a Knuckles TV series will tie into the events of Sonic 3, suggesting more exciting things are coming for Sonic fans.

  • World Of Warcraft Remix Mists Of Pandaria Event And WoW Classic: Cataclysm Release Date Unveiled

    World Of Warcraft Remix Mists Of Pandaria Event And WoW Classic: Cataclysm Release Date Unveiled

    Blizzard Entertainment is bringing back a special event called World of Warcraft Remix: Mists of Pandaria. This event will be part of the upcoming Patch 10.2.7 update coming in Spring 2024.

    During this event, players can experience the entire Mists of Pandaria expansion by creating new characters and leveling up faster, reaching Lv. 70 in no time. You’ll also have the chance to earn unique cosmetics while playing.

    On April 9, 2024, Blizzard Entertainment announced that World of Warcraft Classic: Cataclysm will launch on May 20, 2024.

    Then, on April 10, 2024, Blizzard announced that Patch 10.2.7 for World of Warcraft will include the WoW Remix: Mists of Pandaria event. This special event lets you relive the Mists of Pandaria expansion content with new characters starting at Lv. 10 and leveling up quickly to Lv. 70.

    During WoW Remix: Mists of Pandaria, you can collect powerful gear and cool cosmetic rewards for your future adventures. Visit the official World of Warcraft website for all the details about this exciting event.

  • Mortal Kombat 1 Gets Soulful: NetherRealm Studios Reveals New Ermac Screenshot

    Mortal Kombat 1 Gets Soulful: NetherRealm Studios Reveals New Ermac Screenshot

    The new Mortal Kombat 1 trailer featuring Ermac and Mavado revealed that Ermac will be playable starting on April 16 for those with early access, and on April 23 for everyone else. The trailer showed us how Ermac will fight in the game.

    Now, NetherRealm Studios has shared a new screenshot of Ermac on their Mortal Kombat Twitter. In the screenshot, Ermac is doing an uppercut against Liu Kang. Instead of using a closed fist for the uppercut, Ermac’s palm is open wide, and green energies are coming from his hand.

    xr:d:DAGCMTaah7o:2,j:1665630586113609045,t:24041209

    This specific attack wasn’t shown in the trailer, so it’s a new move we’re seeing now. Uppercuts like this one are not often used in competitive play, but they can be helpful against certain moves from opponents.

    If you’re excited to play as Ermac, get ready for some unique fighting styles and special moves coming soon in Mortal Kombat 1!

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  • Heroes Vs. Villains? Not Quite! Overwatch 2’s Mirror Universe Mode Redefines Good And Evil!

    Heroes Vs. Villains? Not Quite! Overwatch 2’s Mirror Universe Mode Redefines Good And Evil!

    Blizzard is changing things up in Overwatch 2 with a new mode called Mirrorwatch for season 10. This mode flips the roles of heroes and villains, turning good characters into bad ones and bad ones into good ones.

    For example, you’ll see heroes like Widowmaker and Doomfist acting as good guys, while Reinhardt and Tracer take on villainous roles. It’s not just about looks—these characters will also have new abilities that match their new alignments.

    For instance, Doomfist now uses a shield like Reinhardt to protect teammates, and an evil version of Mercy can shoot projectiles from her healing staff.

    This season introduces a special mythic skin called Vengeance Mercy, inspired by the evil side of Mercy. There are also other cool skins for characters like Ana, Baptiste, Sojourn, and Symmetra reflecting this role-swapping theme.

    In addition, a collaboration skin with Porsche for D.Va is on the way. Season 10 of Overwatch 2 starts on April 16 and includes the new hero Venture. The Mirrorwatch mode will be available from April 23 to May 16. Get ready for some exciting twists and new challenges in the game!