Patch Notes #4 - weekly (lol) gaming digest
Welcome to the fourth edition of Patch Notes, let’s get this bad boy going. (Apologies for the delay, I was living)
This edition will cover the week from 16th to 22nd December.
What caught my attention this week
I mean, what else?
Biggest news of the week
Final Fantasy: every PlayStation 5 game tested on PS5 Pro - with some impressive results - Euro Gamer
The PS5 Pro enhances several Final Fantasy games, with Final Fantasy 7 Rebirth benefiting the most from a dedicated Pro patch, delivering sharp 4K visuals and near-locked 60fps. Other titles like Final Fantasy 16, 14, and Stranger of Paradise see notable performance and resolution improvements through Game Boost, offering smoother and more detailed gameplay. While older games gain minor upgrades, the PS5 Pro showcases meaningful advancements for the franchise’s latest releases..
Octopath Traveler series surpasses 5 million units sold - RPG Site
Square Enix announced that the combined sales of Octopath Traveler and Octopath Traveler II have surpassed 5 million units worldwide. Previously, the original Octopath Traveler reached 3 million units by September 2022, and Octopath Traveler II sold 1 million units by June 2023. The games have since been released on additional platforms. To celebrate the milestone, Square Enix shared new artwork by Rika Okazaki.
Ubisoft quietly releases new Web3 game featuring Rayman and NFTs - EuroGamer
Ubisoft has quietly released a new game, "Captain Laserhawk: The G.A.M.E.," based on its Captain Laserhawk animated series. This PC top-down multiplayer shooter incorporates cryptocurrency and blockchain technology. Players need an NFT Niji Warrior ID card, costing $25.63, to play. The game, technically in early access, has been described as basic. Rayman features as the announcer for the game's deathmatches. This release follows Ubisoft's earlier announcement of its NFT platform Quartz and its first blockchain game, Champions Tactics: Grimoria Chronicles, despite previous criticism of its NFT initiatives.
Skibidi Toilet and Plungerman plop into Fortnite - EuroGamer
Fortnite has introduced a Skibidi Toilet bundle, including Skibidi Toilet back bling, a Plungerman outfit, and a plunger pickaxe, which are currently available in the item shop. The bundle is part of the Winterfest event, featuring Mariah Carey, Shaquille O'Neal, and Snoop Dogg skins. Skibidi Toilet is based on an absurd web series by Alexey Gerasimov. The bundle has received mixed reactions from the community. Fortnite's OG mode will also rotate through Chapter 1 seasons every few months. Epic has partnered with Telefónica to pre-install the Epic Games Store on new Android devices.
Either PlayStation or Xbox will "struggle mightily" to do well with their next gen console, while Nintendo'll be "the clear winner”, predicts research firm - VG247
Market research firm DFC Intelligence predicts that the next generation of gaming consoles will support only two major systems, with Nintendo being a clear winner. Sony or Microsoft will struggle to avoid landing in third place, depending on factors like pricing and launch dates. The report highlights Sony's strong IP and Microsoft's acquisitions as key elements. Nintendo's success is attributed to its early hardware availability and limited competition. The games industry is expected to resume healthy growth starting in 2025, driven by new hardware and significant releases like GTA 6.
Nintendo Switch Year in Review 2024 Now Available - IGN
Nintendo has released the Nintendo Switch Year in Review 2024, allowing players to see a recap of their gaming year, including the number of games played, playtime, and most played game. This follows similar wrap-ups by PlayStation and Xbox. The review is available on Nintendo's website. This might be the last review for the current Switch model, with the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to be announced by March 2025 and potentially released by the end of 2025.
Sony is now Kadokawa’s largest shareholder - VG Chronicles
Sony has increased its shares in Kadokawa, making it the largest shareholder with around 10% ownership, as part of a strategic capital and business alliance. Despite previous acquisition rumours, Kadokawa will remain independent. The partnership aims to adapt Kadokawa's IP into live-action films and TV dramas, co-producing anime, expand global distribution of Kadokawa anime, enhance game publishing, and develop virtual production talent. Kadokawa, known as the parent company of FromSoftware, sees this alliance as a way to strengthen and globally expand its IP creation capabilities.
The two Horizon games on PS5 Pro feature some of the most impressive upscaling quality we've seen - Shinobi602 Twitter
The two Horizon games on PS5 Pro feature some of the most impressive upscaling quality we've seen.
Youtube Link :
First look at Exodus gameplay gives next-gen Mass Effect vibes - EuroGamer
Archetype Entertainment has unveiled the first gameplay trailer for "Exodus," a sci-fi RPG first revealed at The Game Awards in 2023. The game, featuring Matthew McConaughey, showcases alien planets, third-person shooting, and a narrative focus reminiscent of Mass Effect. Developed by BioWare veterans James Ohlen and Chad Robertson, "Exodus" occurs in a post-Earth scenario with advanced civilizations and genetically modified creatures. Key elements include Livestone, a hybrid mineral and vegetation, and time dilation affecting gameplay. Missions involve two companions and feature romance options. The game, published by Wizards of the Coast, has no release date yet.
Helldivers 2 is seemingly getting Killzone DLC - VG Chronicles
Sony has officially announced a Helldivers 2 x Killzone 2 collaboration event, adding Killzone-themed cosmetics to the Helldivers 2 premium store on December 23. This collaboration includes skins based on classic Helghast armour and the Obedient armour class. The Killzone franchise, developed by Guerrilla Games, has not seen a new entry since 2014’s Killzone Shadowfall. Guerrilla Games shifted focus to the Horizon: Zero Dawn series, seeking a change from the darker, grittier Killzone worlds to more colourful environments.
Amy Hennig reveals new Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra details and concept art - VG Chronicles
Amy Hennig revealed new concept art and details for the upcoming game "Marvel 1943: Rise of Hydra" during an Unreal Engine showcase. The game, set to release in 2025, stars Drew Moerlein as Captain America and Khary Payton as Black Panther. Hennig explained that the game features a young Steve Rogers and a new Black Panther of 1943, tapping into WWII-era adventure film tropes. Concept art showed Wakanda hidden behind an impenetrable jungle, facing challenges as the world evolves. Skydance Games are developing the game and will be published by Plaion.
Archetype Entertainment releases "The Traveler's Creed" Gameplay Trailer for Exodus - RPG Site
Archetype Entertainment has released a new gameplay trailer for their upcoming sci-fi action RPG, Exodus, titled "The Traveler's Creed." The trailer showcases gameplay and enemies within the Centauri Universe. Initially revealed at the 2023 Game Awards, Exodus has been steadily releasing updates, including a cinematic trailer in October. The game is set to launch for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with no specified release date yet. The new trailer emphasizes the impact of players' choices on the game's universe and their civilization as they navigate Exodus's dark, futuristic world.
Biggest releases this week
