Last Week in Gaming – December 24, 2019

Welcome to TAG Roundup!

Ever wonder what you missed in the world of gaming last week? No worries – we’ve got you covered!

We read a ton of video game articles each week and wanted to share some of our favorites with the Average Gamer community. We’ll feature everything from previews to reviews and everything in between.

The articles we share will be from a combination of well-known sources (like IGN) and more niche blogs that you may not have heard of. In the previous TAG Roundup post, we talked about a Jesus simulator, Anthem updates, Forza battle royale and more!

Here we go!

PS4 Controller Gets a Boost – Digital Trends

Microsoft produces a programmable version of their standard Xbox One controller, but there’s no Sony-branded equivalent. I’ve gotten around that by using a  Scuf controller, but it’s a rather pricey option.

Now, Sony is bringing programmable back paddles to their Dualshock 4 with a controller attachment! For $30, you can have two programmable buttons on the back of your controller. That means you can put your other fingers to use while keeping your thumbs on the joysticks – especially helpful for competitive shooting games.

I pre-ordered mine so I’ll be writing a review of how these stack up to the Scufs sometime next month.

https://youtu.be/3FNOKSwkg5U

Pre-order on Amazon

Big Switch Titles for 2020 – IGN

As 2019 comes to a close, I’m feeling pretty good about 2020. Nintendo has a great lineup of games that’ll be hitting its popular portable console. These are the ones that I’m most excited about but check out the video for a more thorough summary:

  • Trials of Mana
  • Sports Story
  • Digimon Survive

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s3mEnuXeUqY

Worldwide Apex Legends Esports – Games Radar

$3 million is up for grabs in the upcoming Global Series. Apex Legends from around the world (60 countries, to be exact) will compete for money, fame and honor.

You have to play on qualifying PC, which is interesting, but anyone can register as long as your country is listed. Register here and test your skills!

https://youtu.be/rqQZqAH0lv0

Overcooked 2 Holiday DLC – Bleeding Cool

Overcooked 2 is a frantic, action-arcade game based in some strange kitchens. Flash and I have both put dozens of hours into cooking up virtual burgers, pizza and soups. 100% recommend to anyone looking to add some chaos to their living room.

The developers released a holiday DLC pack which is crammed with content:

  • New Festive levels: Five seasonally dressed kitchens give a taste of 2019’s DLC packs (one from Campfire Cook Off, two from Night of the Hangry Horde and two from the recently released Carnival of Chaos.)

  • Two new chefs: By popular demand, Reindeer Chef makes their Overcooked! 2 debut, along with the the joyful (and triumphant) Present Head Chef.

  • Horde mode: Now includes new festive enemies!

  • Four seasonal recipes: Hot chocolate, mince pies, Christmas puddings, and roast dinners

It’s available on console and PC. Pick it up on Steam here.

https://youtu.be/gjCeK3M89xE

$100 “Gaming Socks” – Polygon

What a time to be alive! Apparel maker Puma has announced a sock “designed for indoor and in-arena use” since obviously gamers need a special type of sock.

You’ll be happy to hear that the socks can even adapt to different gaming modes! To be fair, they do look pretty cool and I’m sure these will sell to a particular crowd. I just can’t imagine coughing up that kind of money for a pair of socks.

They’re available in the U.K. and Australia so check out the Puma site if you want to see more. 

Puma Gaming Sock 4
Puma Gaming Sock 3
Puma Gaming Sock 2
Puma Gaming Sock 1

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Survival City Builder – PC Gamer

Leading a group of settlers is tough. You need to provide water, food and shelter to ensure people have the basics. Endzone: A World Apart takes things a step further – weather effects and radiation are at every turn.

It reminds me of a cross between something from the Fallout series and Age of Empires. If you’re up for the challenge, it’ll be on Steam Early Access in Spring 2020.

https://youtu.be/NV1Snd7seUI

Arcade Balloon Fights – Nintendo Life

I watched several minutes of gameplay of VS. Balloon Fights and still don’t really know what’s going. At it’s core, players take control of a strangely pixelated humanoid character with balloons on your head. You fly up in the air and stomp on other people’s balloons, then maybe get points for tapping the fallen enemies, I think.

The original game came to arcades in 1984 and the NES version is available now for Switch Online subscribers. It’ll release in the eshop on December 27th. If anyone knows more about this game, please let me know. I’m still confused.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K_lvKHAHoL4

Free God of War DLC – Push Square

God of War won a ton of awards since its 2018 release and rightfully so. The deep storyline and rich fighting animations made for a can’t-miss gaming experience.

The game’s pre-order bonuses are now free on the EU and US PlayStation Stores, opening up access to extra content:

  • Death’s Vow Armour Sets for Kratos and Atreus
  • Exile’s Guardian Shield Skin
  • Buckler of the Forge Shield Skin
  • Shining Elven Soul Shield Skin
  • Dökkenshieldr Shield Skin

It’ll be free until January 6, 2020, at 12 AM PST so you have a couple of weeks to pick this up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x_MtcOznfM4

That’s All For Now

There were plenty of other highlights from last week but these ones really stood out. Be sure to check in next time to read about video game current events. 

For more regular updates, feel free to follow our Flipboard, where we have a news feed of all the latest and greatest gaming news!

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