Neill Blomkamp of District 9 fame has just released a live-action Anthem prequel, called “Conviction,” and you won’t need EA Access to watch it, or a PlayStation 4 / Xbox One for that matter. This short film takes precedes the events of Anthem, and blends realistic CGI with live-action footage to immerse you in the Fort Tarsis player hub. There are rumors that it may eventually be turned into a feature-length film, but for now, it should be enough to hold fans over. Read more to watch.
Microsoft has just revealed its Super Bowl 2019 commercial, and it showcases the inspirational stories of children who play Xbox games with help from their friends, family and the innovative Xbox Adaptive Controller. The face of this special controller has two large, domed buttons that can be mapped to any function using the Xbox Accessories app. It also sports a large d-pad, menu button, view button, and the Xbox home button found on the standard Xbox One controller. “The story illustrates Microsoft’s commitment to building accessible technology that levels the playing field and creates opportunity for all of us,” said the company. Read more to watch the Super Bowl spot.
Microsoft’s 1TB Xbox One X NBA 2K19 bundle is being offered for $100+ off, and you can pick one up for $398.99 shipped, today only, originally $499.99. This bundle includes the Xbox One X console, a wireless controller, the full-game download of NBA 2K19, a 1-month Xbox Game Pass trial, and a 14-day Xbox Live Gold trial. NBA 2K19 celebrates 20 years of redefining sports gaming: start your MyCAREER, make a name for yourself, play with the legends, and explore your open-world ‘Neighborhood.’ Product page. Read more for a video unboxing and additional information.
Anthem is an upcoming online multiplayer action role-playing video game being developed by BioWare and published by Electronic Arts set for a worldwide release on the Microsoft Windows, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One platforms on February 4, 2019. Players assume the role of a Freelancer, a group of people who leave their civilization to explore the surrounding landscape, and the game combines a third-person shooter with the action role-playing game elements in a “contiguous open world”. The VIP demo begins today for those who have pre-ordered, have EA Access or an Origin subscription. Read more for new gameplay footage and additional information.
Bungie officially announced today that it’s parting ways with Activision Publishing and will self-publish all future Destiny titles. They partnered in 2010 after Bungie sold its Halo rights to Microsoft and started work on what would become 2014’s mega successful online multiplayer / shooter RPG hybrid called Destiny. The franchise’s downfall may be somewhat due to the popularity of free-to-play games like Fortnite and PubG that make all of its revenue with microtransactions. “Looking ahead, we’re excited to announce plans for Activision to transfer publishing rights for Destiny to Bungie. With our remarkable Destiny community, we are ready to publish on our own, while Activision will increase their focus on owned IP projects,” said Bungie. Read more for another video and additional information.
Xbox Live Gold users can now play the 2018 pixel art masterpiece that is “Celeste,” a platform game in which players control a girl named Madeline as she makes her way up a mountain while avoiding numerous deadly obstacles. Unlike traditional side-scrolling platformers, players can perform a mid-air dash in the eight cardinal and intercardinal directions. For those not as experienced, simply turn on the Assist Mode, where you can change some attributes – infinite air-dashes, invincibility, or slowing the game’s speed, etc. – about the game’s physics to make it less difficult. Read more for a video review of the game and additional information.
The Xbox One S 1TB Minecraft Creators Bundle includes a wireless controller, the full game download of Minecraft, Minecraft Starter, and Creators Pack, 1,000 Minecoins, 14-day Xbox Live Gold and 1-month Xbox Game Pass trial, all for $199 shipped, Cyber Monday weekend only, originally $299.99. Players can enjoy great content from Minecraft community creators including Relics of the Privateers, Adventurer’s Dream, Wildlife Savanna, Winter Mini-Games Festival, and more, as well as 1,000 Minecoins to snag even more in-game content. Product page. Read more for a hands-on unboxing video and additional information.
Microsoft’s Xbox gaming division has big plans for life beyond consoles, and it’s called Project xCloud. Simply put, Xbox One components will be installed in server datacenters worldwide, enabling Xbox games to be played “on any device,” with current internal testing being carried out on mobile phones and tablets using an Xbox Wireless Controller. That’s not all, a touch input overlay is currently in development. Continue reading for another video and more information.
Photo credit: Eddie Zarick
Microsoft’s Xbox One X is touted as the world’s most powerful game console, and rightfully so, but for those who have always wanted a portable version, Eddie Zarick of Eds Junk has just the fix for you. Called the Xbook One X, this portable Xbox One X features a 21.5″ 1080p ViewSonic display, the original cooling units, external ports, two USB ports (just one if you opt for the optional keyboard), and a power outlet to ensure your extra long gaming sessions never get interrupted. Continue reading for more pictures, information and a bonus video.
Call of Duty: WWII (Xbox One) lets players land in Normandy on D-Day and battle across Europe through iconic locations in history’s most monumental war, all for $37.99 shipped, today only, originally $59.99. This game creates the definitive World War II next generation experience across three different game modes: Campaign, Multiplayer, and Co-Operative. Featuring stunning visuals, the Campaign transports players to the European theater as they engage in an all-new Call of Duty story set in iconic World War II battles. Multiplayer marks a return to original, boots-on-the ground Call of Duty gameplay. Product page. Continue reading for an extended gameplay video and more information.