Today’s Gaming News Roundup
Have you ever found yourself so lost in a game world that you forget to check your phone or eat dinner? That’s exactly how I felt diving into The Witcher 3 when it first came out, a sprawling fantasy adventure that somehow managed to get almost everything right. The storytelling? Top-notch. The open world? Absolutely immersive. But, of course, no game is perfect, some mechanics felt clunky, and a few side quests dragged on longer than necessary. Let’s unpack a bit about The Witcher 3 and what’s noteworthy in this week’s gaming roundup.
What we’ve been playing – co-op adventures and unfolding ideas
In this week’s edition of Two Average Gamers’ regular feature, Bertie shares his mixed feelings about the puzzle-platformer Split Fiction, highlighting the game’s unique mechanics but expressing some reservations. Meanwhile, Ed has been diving into Elden Ring Nightreign, a fan-made mod or expansion, and finds himself really enjoying the experience, though he’s eager for more content following the campaign’s conclusion.
Donlan, on the other hand, appreciates the way a game can gradually unfold, hinting at a deeper narrative or gameplay progression that resonates with him. Together, their reflections offer a diverse look at different gaming experiences, from experimental indie titles to expansive, community-driven projects, capturing the excitement and challenges that come with exploring new worlds.
What worked in The Witcher 3 and what didn’t: looking back on a landmark RPG with CD Projekt Red
Do you remember where you were on May 19th, 2015? That’s when the iconic RPG The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt was released, marking a monumental moment in gaming history. Our writer was actually inside CD Projekt Red during this time, capturing the excitement firsthand. After a midnight launch event in a Warsaw mall, they found themselves in the studio’s canteen, munching on cold pizza in the early hours and reflecting on the uncertain future ahead for the developer.
This release wasn’t just the launch of a game, it was the end of one era and the start of another for CD Projekt Red. The studio was on the brink of fame and fortune, but no one could have predicted just how huge The Witcher 3 would become. That moment in 2015 symbolized hope, change, and the dawn of a new chapter for one of the most beloved RPG creators in the industry.
Nacon enters the direct drive sim racing game – and hands-on impressions are positive
Exciting news for sim racing fans! Nacon, the new custodians of the WRC series, are diving headfirst into the world of sim racing hardware with their RevoSim brand. Announced last year, this new line features a cutting-edge direct drive racing wheel and a range of accessories designed to elevate the realism and precision for racing enthusiasts. With Nacon’s experience in racing games and peripherals, this move promises to deliver top-tier gear tailored for both casual players and hardcore sim racers alike.
This launch not only broadens Nacon’s portfolio beyond game publishing but also solidifies their commitment to the WRC franchise and the sim racing community. By introducing the RevoSim wheel, they are catering to fans eager to experience the thrill of rally racing with enhanced tactile feedback and durability. Stay tuned as Nacon continues to innovate and support the WRC series, making it an even more immersive experience for gamers worldwide!
CD Projekt Red tried to redesign Geralt’s face once, and it backfired horribly
Geralt of Rivia, the iconic protagonist of CD Projekt Red’s The Witcher series, almost had a drastically different look in the games. At one point during development, the developers actually implemented an alternate face design for Geralt, but the passionate Witcher community reacted so strongly and negatively to this new appearance that CD Projekt Red quickly reverted to the classic, beloved look fans know and love. This change highlights just how much the character’s established image means to the fanbase.
While the exact timeline of this design switch isn’t specified, it is clear that the community’s feedback played a pivotal role in the final decision. CD Projekt Red’s responsiveness to fan reactions demonstrates its commitment to preserving the authenticity of The Witcher experience. It’s a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes, showing how player passion directly influenced one of the most defining elements of the series’ visual identity.
What are we all playing this weekend?
An eerie atmosphere sets the scene this weekend at the gaming treehouse, with creaking floorboards and flickering fairy lights that haven’t been powered since January, hinting at a spooky vibe among the remaining crew. The cracked screens in the corner, usually buzzing with activity, stand cold and silent, reflecting a mysterious lull in the usual hustle and bustle. Despite this haunting setting, the dedicated few who remain are still clicking away, diving into their latest gaming adventures.
While the exact titles and developers are not specified, the mood suggests a weekend filled with immersive gameplay and perhaps some ghostly-themed or atmospheric games that fit the eerie ambiance. The team’s continued engagement, despite the unsettling environment, shows their passion for gaming and commitment to sharing their experiences with the community. Stay tuned to Two Average Gamers for more updates on what’s keeping these gamers glued to their screens this spooky weekend!
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
JDM: Japanese Drift Master review
JDM: Japanese Drift Master is a unique racing game that flips the usual formula on its head by making drifting the core of the experience rather than just a side activity. Set on the twisty roads of Japan, players slide through sunny and rainy conditions, delivering sushi and chasing down boy racers to earn style points. This self-described “simcade” offers a blend of simulation and arcade elements, demanding a completely different mindset from traditional racing games.
The game’s challenging mechanics create a thrilling balance of frustration and reward, especially when tackling slippery wet tarmac, as one player’s fiery spinouts attest. JDM: Japanese Drift Master stands out for its weighty, speed-focused gameplay, which captivates players as they master its nuances, offering a fresh and compelling take on drift racing. It’s a must-try for fans seeking the authentic thrill of Japanese street drifting.
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
Elden Ring Nightreign is getting another patch next week to improve solo play
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Great news for Elden Ring fans! The developers behind Elden Ring Nightreign have announced that another patch is coming next week, specifically aimed at enhancing the experience for solo players. This update promises to bring targeted improvements that will help players who prefer to tackle the game’s challenges on their own, making the gameplay smoother and more rewarding.
From what we know, this patch is part of the ongoing commitment by the development team to refine Nightreign based on player feedback. While the exact date and full list of changes haven’t been revealed yet, the focus on solo play suggests tweaks to difficulty balancing, enemy behavior, or resource management. Stay tuned for the official release next week, as this update could be a game-changer for those who love diving into Elden Ring Nightreign solo!
Elden Ring Nightreign’s faster, fightier Elden Ringing still works a treat on the Steam Deck
Get ready for a fresh twist on the Elden Ring experience with Elden Ring Nightreign! While this spinoff swaps the original’s vast RPG exploration for a fast-paced sprint between tightly-packed hotspots, it’s still very much Elden Ring at heart, featuring the same core gameplay but with brand-new birdperson character models. Developed by FromSoftware, Nightreign even shares nearly identical system requirements with the base game, aside from a slight CPU bump, proving that those feathered characters aren’t exactly high-poly.
Even better, Elden Ring Nightreign runs smoothly on the Steam Deck, seemingly benefiting from the same SteamOS/Proton enhancements that helped reduce stuttering in the original Elden Ring on Valve’s handheld. Fans can apply their existing Steam Deck settings guides for Elden Ring with confidence, though the game’s breakneck pace, especially when being chased by loothounds Nic and Ollie around Limveld, might call for some additional quality tweaks to maintain solid framerates. FromSoftware is delivering its fastest and most intense Elden Ring yet, promising an exciting new way to dive into this beloved world!
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
Hideo Kojima’s upcoming Death Stranding 2 panel and gameplay event will be streamed online
Kojima Productions is going all out to keep the hype alive for Death Stranding 2, proving they won’t let fans forget this highly anticipated sequel is almost here. Alongside exciting announcements, such as a global musical world tour and a specially themed PlayStation 5 controller, the studio is also stirring up buzz with talk of a potential Death Stranding movie and anime adaptation. Kojima Productions is dedicated to expanding the Death Stranding universe beyond just the game.
Adding to the excitement, Kojima Productions has officially confirmed that they will be streaming a Death Stranding 2 panel event next month. This live event promises to be a treasure trove of new information and insights directly from the game’s creators, offering fans a closer look at what they can expect from the sequel. If you’re a fan of the original or just curious about what’s next, this panel is shaping up to be a must-watch!
Here’s a demo for Dispatch, the Invincible-style superhero comedy from former Wolf Among Us writers
Get ready to dive into Dispatch, a stylish visual novel blended with light strategy elements where you manage a quirky team of reformed supervillains tackling random emergencies around town. You’ll assign characters like a dancing French assassin to rescue a balloon stuck in a tree, a shape-shifting literal batman to stop a boat robbery, and a light-manipulating popstar to cut a supermarket’s ribbon. The missions lead to hilarious outcomes, such as successfully opening the supermarket but sinking the boat during the rescue attempt!
Beyond the chaos, the game’s charm shines through interactions like sending a golem and an invisible woman to break up a barfight, only to have their peacekeeping attempts backfire spectacularly, leaving the bar in ruins. Even the team’s Human Torch equivalent can’t take a break without accidentally starting fires. Dispatch offers a fresh mix of humor, strategy, and visual novel storytelling that promises plenty of unpredictable fun as you juggle your unusual squad’s antics.
Read more at Rock Paper Shotgun
What’s Your Take?
The Witcher 3 continues to captivate with its rich storytelling and immersive world-building, proving once again why it’s a benchmark for RPG excellence. Its deep narrative and memorable characters work wonders, though some players still debate the pacing and combat mechanics. Meanwhile, Nacon is making waves with innovative peripherals that promise to elevate gameplay, even if there’s occasional room for polish. So, are you ready to dive back into the Continent or test your skills with Nacon’s latest gear? Let the games decide!
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