Today’s Top Gaming News: April 29, 2025
Prepare for your daily dose of gaming news! Look into the latest updates on HTTPS security measures in online games, new releases for Xbox, and the buzz surrounding the eagerly-awaited “Elden Ring.”:
- With the PS5 remaster of Days Gone, it seems appropriate for the game to undergo a thorough critical review
- Examination of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
- ‘Three Xbox controller prototypes are currently under development’
Now, let’s look at these developments in today’s gaming scene.
A Critical Reevaluation of Days Gone as PS5 Remaster Launches
Source: Eurogamer – April 29, 2025
Eurogamer questions why Sony initially greenlit Days Gone, considering the already planned sequel to The Last of Us on their slate. Even with investing heavily in another zombie series, featuring a grieving protagonist, Sony’s decision seemed to lack business diversification. The game, similar to its predecessors, portrays a world torn between the dread of life in the wilds and the struggle for survival in a camp. Bend Studio had already carved a niche for itself as a promising developer with Uncharted: Golden Abyss for the PS Vita. Yet, Sony’s decision to support Days Gone, another post-apocalyptic third-person adventure with elements of stealth, crafting, and a performance-captured story of loss turning into rage, perplexed many observers.
Read the full article at Eurogamer →
Review of The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered
Source: Rock Paper Shotgun – April 29, 2025
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion Remastered, despite being a peculiar genius of open-world RPGs, remains a game that harks back to 2006. But its appeal lies in its unassuming modernization, which doesn’t try to tame Oblivion’s eccentricities, resulting in a delightful and occasionally exquisite remaster.
Developed by Virtuos and Bethesda Game Studios, and published by Bethesda Softworks, the game is currently available on Windows via Steam or Game Pass.
The most exhilarating moment as an adventurer in The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion, Rock Paper Shotgun suggests, comes just as you’re about to depart from the main menu and its accompanying music. The grand fantasy epic that the music hints at doesn’t fully materialize in the game.
For more details, you can read the complete article at Rock Paper Shotgun →
‘Three Xbox Controller Prototypes Currently in Development’: New Report Suggests Cloud Gaming Integration
Source: PC Gamer – April 29, 2025
There is an undeniable appeal to an Xbox controller. The unique feel, aesthetic, and tactile buttons are elements that the PC Gamer team finds highly appealing. Reports indicate that three innovative prototypes are currently under development. This suggests that consumers can look forward to a diverse array of choices in the near future. It’s reported that the next generation of Xbox controllers will be designed with cloud gaming at its core. However, PC Gamer expresses hope for quality of life improvements, such as the inclusion of Hall effect sticks.
Read the full article at PC Gamer →
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33: The Kotaku Review
Source: Kotaku – April 28, 2025
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is developer Sandfall Interactive’s first project. According to Kotaku, the French RPG bears a resemblance to acclaimed Japanese games, such as Final Fantasy and Persona. Even with the influence, the game carves its own identity with original mechanics and the incorporation of Paper Mario-style timing elements, making it a compelling and modern experience. Kotaku acknowledges that the game isn’t without its frustrations. During the initial review-in-progress, the desire to continue playing was evident, indicating the game’s strong appeal. Note that this review merely skims the surface of the game to avoid revealing spoilers. For a more comprehensive understanding of this intriguing, sorrowful, yet incredible RPG, Kotaku’s full review is recommended.
Read the full article at Kotaku →
Elden Ring Celebrates 30 Million Copies Shipped
Source: Game Informer – April 28, 2025
From Software and Bandai Namco are marking a significant achievement for their highly acclaimed game. The official X account announced that Elden Ring, a highly successful 2022 title helmed by renowned game designer Hidetaka Miyazaki, has shipped 30 million units. This achievement positions Elden Ring higher than cherished titles such as Super Mario Odyssey, Monster Hunter World, and Duck Hunt. It also situates From Software’s magnum opus within the ranks of other iconic games, such as Borderlands 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild. This accomplishment cements its status as the best-selling From Software game by a considerable margin, and the second-best-selling Bandai Namco game of all time, trailing only Super Smash Bros.
Read the full article at Game Informer →
Today’s Deals: Pokémon TCG Discounts and id Software Humble Bundle
Source: IGN – April 29, 2025
IGN reports that today’s deals offer consumers an array of options. Lexar’s Amazon sale is offering up to 54 percent off on SSDs, RAM, and memory cards, providing an opportune moment for those looking to upgrade their outdated 2016 laptops. Meanwhile, Humble Bundle is presenting a collection of id Software classics for a price less than a typical lunch. For Pokémon TCG enthusiasts, several new bundles are available for consideration, even with the ongoing issue of card prices decreasing in the background.
The Keysmart SmartLock is currently available for pre-order. This TSA-compatible lock syncs with the Find IGN app on your iPhone, allowing for easy and accurate luggage tracking.
Read the full article at IGN →
GameStop Probing Alleged Forced-Bundling of Switch 2 Preorders
Source: GameSpot – April 29, 2025
Following the launch of Switch 2 pre-orders last week, physical GameStop stores reportedly experienced long queues of customers aiming to secure their orders in person. There have been allegations that certain outlets took advantage of this demand by compelling customers to purchase additional games and accessories, effectively creating a pricier bundle. GameStop’s corporate office is currently investigating these reports. User and Twitch streamer Elea Tsentzelis detailed his experience of preordering a Switch 2 at GameStop’s Astoria store, alleging that the store was forcing customers to purchase accessories under the pretext that they were unable to process the SKU exclusively for the console. For more detailed information, read the full article at GameSpot →
A Heartbreaking Update to The Last of Us Intro Sequence
Source: GameSpot – April 29, 2025
Warning: This piece contains spoilers for HBO’s The Last of Us. In the first episode aired after the shocking demise of Joel (Pedro Pascal) in Episode 2, a subtle yet significant change was made to the intro sequence. Previously, the sequence featured Joel and Ellie (Bella Ramsey) together. However, following Joel’s brutal murder by Abby (Kaitlyn Dever), he has been removed from the scene, leaving Ellie alone. This poignant alteration may have escaped the notice of many viewers, as they often choose to skip the opening credits.
Read the full article at GameSpot →
Hands-On Preview of Conquest Dark: A Blend of Vampire Survivors, Cosmic Horror, and Conan the Barbarian
Source: IGN – April 29, 2025
In IGN’s first playthrough of Conquest Dark, the session was abruptly ended by a formidable foe: a large man swinging two morningstars around him in a deadly move, reminiscent of the hands of a clock – one short, one long – but far more dangerous. To the uninitiated, these attacks seemed as inevitable as the passing of time. IGN was controlling a Barbarian character during this run and was still grappling with the game’s mechanics, particularly the dodge function, which proved ineffective against the morningstar-wielding enemy. Before this encounter, IGN had been faring quite well, but the enemy quickly decimated the characters’ lives, reminiscent of a dog going through a bone. This resulted in an incomplete session for IGN, but the experience gleaned from this run provided crucial insights and allowed for valuable upgrades.
For more details, read the full article at IGN →
“Block Party” Edition of A Minecraft Movie Invites Audiences to Let Loose
Source: GameSpot – April 29, 2025
Some screenings of A Minecraft Movie have proven to be quite lively, with enthusiastic fans tossing popcorn and even jumping up and down in their seats. In a notable instance, a live chicken was brought to a theater as a nod to the popular chicken jockey meme. Warner Bros. appears to be embracing this energetic atmosphere with a forthcoming “Block Party” edition of the film, which encourages moviegoers to immerse themselves in the cinematic experience fully. “You know the moments. You know the lines. You love the songs! Now it’s time to get loose, laugh out loud, and belt out those lyrics like a true diamond-tier fan,” stated Warner Bros. in a press release.
Read the full article at GameSpot →
Ubisoft Revives Interest in Splinter Cell by Adding Steam Achievements to a Decade-Old Game
Source: IGN – April 29, 2025
Ubisoft has recently reignited interest in Splinter Cell by adding Steam Achievements to 2013’s Splinter Cell: Blacklist, much to the delight of Sam Fisher enthusiasts. This move follows their last significant update about the Splinter Cell Remake in 2022, when IGN engaged in a conversation with Ubisoft Toronto developers about their design philosophy for the game. In a subtle move, Ubisoft updated the achievement list for the decade-old Blacklist on Steam, announcing with excitement: “Agents, they are pleased to announce that Steam Achievements are now available for Splinter Cell: Blacklist!”
These achievements will be “retroactively earned for the accomplishments already completed in your game,” Ubisoft assured. However, players would need to boot up the game at least once for this to occur.
Read the full article at IGN →
‘Qualia’: A Free Game That Reverses the Turing Test Through a Frightening AI Quiz
Source: Polygon – April 29, 2025
In today’s technologically advanced society, where AI integration is ubiquitous, the concept of the Turing test may seem outdated. Originally designed to assess if a human could distinguish a machine from another human during a text-based conversation, the Turing test has long been a benchmark for artificial intelligence. ‘Qualia’, a free narrative game launched in March, introduces a new twist to this classic test. Instead of deciphering machine from human, ‘Qualia’ asks players: could you pass the Turing test?
In the game, players find themselves as participants in an Intellica-branded study. They are presented with two statements and must determine whether each statement was generated by a human or an AI. This novel role reversal invites players to think critically about the boundaries between human and machine thought.
Read the full article at Polygon →
A Collaboration Between Genshin Impact and Charlotte Tilbury Serves Up Stunning Beauty Boxes
Source: GameSpot – April 29, 2025
In an exciting trend for beauty enthusiasts, collaborations between video game and beauty brands are becoming increasingly frequent. According to GameSpot, few partnerships are as impressive or luxurious as the recent one between Genshin Impact and high-end beauty brand Charlotte Tilbury. This collaboration has produced two special-edition beauty boxes that celebrate both the makeup brand’s top-selling products and the beloved Genshin Impact character, Mona Megisus. The boxes mirror the dazzling aesthetic of this astrologist character with a celestial design, featuring midnight blue packaging, gold ornamentation, and a touch of stars and velvet. These limited-edition boxes will be available for purchase from April 30, while supplies last.
Read the full article at GameSpot →
Slavic Magic Announces Future Developments for Manor Lords: AI Progress, Enhanced Record Views, and Team Expansion
Source: PC Gamer – April 28, 2025
Manor Lords, a medieval city builder game, has been in early access for approximately one year. Even with the relatively short period, the game has undergone significant developments since its inception. According to Developer Greg StyczeÅ„, also known as Slavic Magic, there is still much work to be done. In a recent blog post, he stated, “There’s still a lot to accomplish. PC Gamer has been working on new features and improvements for some time, and I would like to provide a brief preview of what’s to come. This is not a comprehensive changelog or a finalized list—some of these elements remain in progress—but it should provide a clear indication of the direction of future development.”
For an in-depth look at the upcoming changes and enhancements to Manor Lords, visit the full article on PC Gamer →
Participate in the Discussion
What do you think about the exclusive PS5 features that may improve their experience of Days Gone? Join the conversation in the comments section below!
