First Impressions

Our first impression of Diablo 4 is that it looks like it could be utterly compelling when it releases later this year. The game features a gorgeous, dark world that immediately immerses you in the story. The game’s beta is incredibly addictive, and we can’t wait to play more.

Back to Sanctuary

If you’re a fan of the Diablo series, you’ll know that the game’s story can be as simple or as complicated as you like. However, Diablo 4 doesn’t require any foreknowledge, so newcomers to the series won’t be lost.

The game’s opening cinematic is unbelievably gorgeous, and it quickly establishes that there’s a new villain in the world of Sanctuary – Lilith, daughter of Mephisto. She’s here to do no good, and it’s up to your player character to stop her.

The open beta lets you play through the game’s first act and explore its first major area, a sizable slice of content that has you meeting variously doomed side characters and working out just what Lilith is up to.

Pros and Cons

So far, Diablo 4 has been an enjoyable experience, but there are a few downsides. While the co-op is simple, some online annoyances are present, and there is no manual saving or pausing. However, the story is polished, and the game looks great.

Technical Improvements

The storytelling in Diablo 4 has seen significant improvements, thanks to higher frequency in-engine cutscenes. These cutscenes look great, and your character’s custom looks and armor are present and correct. The game features a decent range of emotions on display, making it more immersive than ever.

Blizzard’s pre-rendered cinematics are second to none, but it’s nice to play through Diablo 4’s early hours while seeing and hearing so much from our character.

Diablo 4 is shaping up to be an impressive addition to the series, with significant technical improvements that enhance the gameplay experience. However, there are some technical drawbacks that players should be aware of.

One of the most significant changes is that the game is always-online, which requires a persistent connection to function properly. This can lead to some issues, such as waiting in queues to enter the game and losing progress when quitting without being able to create a manual save. While these issues can be frustrating, the online persistence does make the world feel alive and allows for easy co-op and same-screen action.

The conclusion

Despite these drawbacks, we found ourselves sinking 12 hours into Diablo 4 in just two days. The hack-and-slash combat is satisfying, with multiple classes to discover and a redesigned skill tree that is easy to navigate. The addiction factor is back, with loot fountains and the ability to change your armor’s looks without limits. The world of Sanctuary is once again dark and brooding, with impressive attention to detail and reactive environments.

The graphics are impressive, although not necessarily groundbreaking, and the sound design is satisfying. However, there are some technical issues that can detract from the gameplay experience. For example, the default camera position can feel a little close at times, and bringing up the PlayStation’s UI or quick menu can cause the game to stutter.

Overall, Diablo 4 is a compelling and addictive game that has made significant technical improvements while still retaining the classic elements that made the series so popular. While there are some technical drawbacks, the online persistence and reactive environments make for a more immersive experience. We can’t wait to see what Blizzard has in store for us when the game releases later this year.

The post Diablo 4 Hands-On Preview: Our Thoughts So Far appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild was a game that redefined what a Zelda game could be. Its vast open world, intricate systems, and emphasis on exploration and discovery set a new standard for the series. So, when a sequel was announced, fans were understandably excited. However, the initial trailers for Tears of the Kingdom left many wondering if it was simply more of the same. But with the latest trailer, Nintendo has shown that Tears of the Kingdom is a full-blown, new experience that expands on the world and mechanics of Breath of the Wild.

The first few Tears of the Kingdom trailers relied heavily on a sense of mystery, showcasing a darker tone and teasing new mechanics like Link’s ability to ascend and pass through ceilings. However, these teasers never fully synergized the elements they were presenting, leaving fans with a sense that they were simply heading back to the world of Breath of the Wild with a few adjustments. The latest trailer changes that.

One of the most exciting new features of Tears of the Kingdom is its crafting system, which allows players to build large vehicles like hovercrafts and weapons like boulder spears or shield-swords. This mechanic was first teased in the E3 2021 trailer, but the gameplay reveal gave a more in-depth look at how it works. By canonizing the many homebrewed vehicles and tools players created using the existing abilities in Breath of the Wild, Tears of the Kingdom offers a new level of creativity and exploration.

The latest trailer also hints at the return of actual dungeons, a feature that was missing in Breath of the Wild but beloved by fans of the more linear Zelda games. It also showcases an armada of sky ships, suggesting that Tears of the Kingdom will fully utilize the sky in a way that’s similar to The Legend of Zelda: The Skyward Sword. The trailer also reveals Sidonis and the descendants of the Four Champions, characters from Breath of the Wild that players loved and missed.

On the story side of things, the trailer opens up the possibility of an adventure that spans across an expansive timeline, not just an expansive world. It suggests time-crossing, which calls back to The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, and not just its darker sequel. This adds another layer of excitement for fans, who now have a reason to revisit Breath of the Wild’s Hyrule and dive headlong into making a sequel.

The latest Tears of the Kingdom trailer combines all of these elements to show players and fans that this isn’t just a retread, but a full-blown, new experience. It’s a game-changer for the Zelda franchise, and the eye test online shows that fans agree. The trailer is exciting and leaves players eager to try out new features like crafting, explore new areas in the sky, and see old characters return. It’s a trailer that gets the heart racing and the mind spinning, and it’s left us all hyped for Tears of the Kingdom’s release.

The post The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom New Trailer appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

The dark and captivating story of Diablo 4 drew us in, with Lilith’s complex relationships and the struggle of humanity against her influence. The intriguing setting and spontaneous events kept us engaged, even when facing filler content and some repetitiveness in the beta.

Visuals and Atmosphere

Diablo 4’s stunning visuals and immersive atmosphere truly brought the world of Sanctuary to life. The return of the series’ signature darkness and grime was a welcome change, enhancing the overall experience.

Diablo 4’s Combat System

The combat system in the Diablo 4 Beta showed significant improvements compared to previous iterations in the series. Fluid animations, responsive controls, and the inclusion of strategic elements like positioning and timing made each battle feel dynamic and exciting.

Synergy with Party Members

Playing in a group further enhanced the combat experience. Each class brought unique skills and abilities to the table, allowing for interesting synergies and tactical approaches in dealing with various enemy types and boss encounters.

Exploring Sanctuary

The world of Sanctuary in Diablo 4 Beta felt vast and intriguing. From the chilling landscapes of Act I to the more gruesome dungeons and environments, there was a sense of dark beauty in the game’s design. Exploring hidden corners, uncovering treasures, and stumbling upon unexpected events made the journey through Sanctuary a thrilling experience.

Random Events and World Bosses

The random events and world bosses added an extra layer of depth to the exploration, keeping the gameplay fresh and unpredictable. These encounters provided a challenging and rewarding diversion from the main storyline, encouraging players to thoroughly explore the world of Sanctuary.

The Necromancer and Druid Classes

The introduction of the Necromancer and Druid classes brought new excitement to our gameplay. The Necromancer’s commanding presence and powerful abilities create a thrilling experience, while the Druid’s nature-focused abilities and versatility give the class a unique feel, despite its initial resemblance to the Barbarian.

Necromancer’s First Quest

The Necromancer’s first quest set the tone for this class’s journey, immersing us in the dark world of commanding the dead and utilizing corpses to our advantage.

Druid Leveling and Abilities

The Druid, while initially slower to progress, gained momentum as we leveled and unlocked new abilities. Shapeshifting into were-beasts and summoning elemental powers made the Druid’s gameplay diverse and satisfying.

Repeating Dungeons and Quests

We did notice some repetition in dungeons and quests, which became tiresome after multiple playthroughs. However, the complexity of the build-crafting and gear systems helped to maintain our interest in the game.

Buildcrafting and Gear

The rich skill trees and loot system in Diablo 4 allowed for endless experimentation with different builds and loadouts, constantly refreshing the gameplay experience.

The Beta’s Global Boss, Ashava

Ashava, the beta’s global boss, tested our builds and proved that even with limited access to levels and loot, the game’s character customization felt engaging and impactful.

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Online Integration and Social Aspects

The online format of Diablo 4 fostered spontaneous alliances and social interactions, adding another layer of enjoyment to the game. However, we also experienced lag and connectivity issues that highlighted the risks of an always-online game.

Diablo 4’s Replayability and Endgame

One of the primary concerns for any ARPG is its replayability and endgame content. While the Diablo 4 Beta offered only a glimpse into the game’s potential longevity, the depth of its build-crafting, gear systems, and online integration suggested that the game would have plenty to offer long-term players.

Expanding Content with Live-Service

Blizzard’s live-service approach for Diablo 4 has the potential to expand the game’s content over time, ensuring that players have new challenges, areas to explore, and loot to acquire. This approach could help mitigate the repetition seen in the Beta and keep the game fresh for dedicated players.

Final Thoughts

While the Diablo 4 Beta was only a taste of what the full game has to offer, it left us with a strong impression that Blizzard has learned from past experiences and is on track to deliver a truly exceptional ARPG experience. The new Necromancer and Druid classes, improved combat mechanics, and immersive world of Sanctuary have us eagerly awaiting the game’s full release.

As we continue our journey through the dark and fascinating world of Diablo 4, we look forward to uncovering more secrets, perfecting our builds, and forming new alliances with fellow players. With its captivating storyline, diverse gameplay elements, and live-service foundation, Diablo 4 is set to become a worthy addition to the beloved series.

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To clarify, Redfall offers players a chance to explore the story sections alone, but also provides optional components perfect for teaming up with friends. Among the playable characters, we chose Layla, who has the ability to summon her vampire boyfriend to fight on her behalf, as well as use a purple spectral elevator to propel herself into the air. Furthermore, she has an umbrella that acts as a shield, absorbing bullets before repelling them at her enemies. Her abilities are upgradable, making her a formidable character.

However, we were also tempted by Jacob Boyer, who can conjure a ghostly sniper rifle to eliminate multiple enemies simultaneously. Each character caters to different play styles, with skill trees allowing for specialization in solo play or teamwork. For instance, Layla can upgrade her elevator skill to place more of them, while also enhancing buffs for her teammates when they jump off the lift and shoot in mid-air.

Redfall exhibits exemplary gunplay, and any preconceptions about Arkane-developed titles should be set aside. The game is a shooter at its core, complemented by the powers, narrative, and world-building aspects from previous games. The main story mission we played involved infiltrating a vampire-infested mansion, and what struck us most was how the game world responded to our actions. Players can clear out the mansion and loot to their heart’s content, but once the enemies are gone, they stay gone. The game encourages exploration without dictating specific objectives or relying on on-screen markers.

Initially, we found ourselves questioning what to do next, but soon realized that the clues were right in front of us. There was no hand-holding or nudging, leaving it up to us to piece together the information. This sense of freedom and trust in the player’s abilities was a refreshing change of pace.

As we explored the mansion, we anticipated a massive boss battle, but it never materialized. Our reward for thorough exploration was uncovering more of the narrative and delving deeper into the world of Redfall, eager to learn how the vampires took over the town. The game features a variety of vampire types, as well as cultists who worship them. Each weapon we tried was equipped with a stake, as merely depleting a vampire’s health bar is not enough; they must be staked to be defeated. The game never restricts players from entering certain areas, but we encountered enemies that were clearly too powerful for our current abilities. We are eager to return for a rematch.

Redfall offers skill trees, a loot system, and a rich narrative to uncover. The open-world environment provides safe houses to unlock and side missions to tackle at the player’s leisure. The verticality and powers of the heroes ensure that no two missions feel the same, and the game is brimming with atmosphere. From timed loot dungeons to main story missions, we are eager to play more of Redfall.

There are still many questions about Redfall, such as the scale and length of the game, how well co-op mode functions, and the potential of other playable characters. However, we now have a clear understanding of the game’s nature, and Arkane continues to be a developer we trust.

The post Redfall: A Supernatural Fusion of Action and Adventure | In-Depth Preview appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

Good news, fellow fans of Midjourney! We’re excited to learn that the long-awaited Midjourney V5 release is almost here. Even better, the team is apparently hard at work on not one, not two, but three versions (V5, V6, and V7) at the same time. As Midjourney moves toward V7, there will be many small changes and improvements.

Midjourney V5

Now, let’s find out what’s happening with V5.

Midjourney just released the first V5 “rating party,” and it’s making a lot of noise! The first set of invitations were sent to our 10k and 25k superuser groups, with plans to invite everyone soon. Watch for the next round of rating parties, which will happen in a few days.

We don’t know exactly when V5 will be rolled out, but it should be very soon. In the past, the official update has been released within a few weeks of the rating parties.

Before we jump into the changes, here are a few images from the rating party. You can see a bunch more below.

Here are the changes you can expect to see in the upcoming MidJourney V5 release:

1. Better language understanding
2. Less opinionated and more flexible model
3. Wider range of aesthetics with more control
4. Improved image prompting
5. Better eyes and faces, with smaller details improved
6. Fingers appear more frequently than in V4, but are still being improved
7. Images will have greater details and be more accurate
8. Robust training and rating system
9. Image-to-text features to describe images
10. Faster generation times
11. Zoom out button to uncrop generated images
12. Image tiling
13. Initially, V5 will only generate 1:1 square images, with other aspect ratios coming later
14. Higher resolution images are coming, starting with 1024 x 1024, with 2048 x 2048 coming later

MidJourney is also improving its website, with a new employee starting to work on databases, stability, and website performance soon. Optimized community image search is also on the way.

Our Thoughts on the Alpha Images from V5

We’re amazed by how much Midjourney V5 has changed, especially how much more detail it can show.

• Background Elements: In the past, background elements were sometimes missing from some versions, but V5 makes it easy to make detailed and complicated scenes. The level of detail and realism is really impressive, whether it’s a bookshelf full of books or a busy city street.
• Human Figures: The changes are especially clear in the human figures, whose eyes and teeth are now almost always perfect. But it’s not just the face that’s changed; the hands and limbs have also become much more accurate. Even when there are small problems, they are much harder to spot than they were in the past.
• Animals: Animal and insect models have also changed a lot. They now look more real and have more details than before. And the ability to design 3D characters and games is really impressive, with concept art that is as good as anything made by a professional artist.
• Interface Design: But maybe the most interesting changes are in the way the interface is made. Before V5, you could use older versions to get ideas for web or app interfaces. Now, V5 makes layouts and designs that are much more useful and easy to use. We could see ourselves using MidJourney V5 as a way to get ideas for interface designs before making them.
• Architecture: And finally, it’s important to note the changes in architecture and interior/exterior design. Even though the previous versions were already great in this area, V5 has fixed many of the obvious problems with how objects were aligned and placed. It’s amazing how hard it is to find mistakes in renders now.

Overall, we’re pleased with how MidJourney V5 has changed, and we can’t wait to see what comes next.

MidJourney V5 Examples

Below are some oexamples of images from the V5 rating party. You can see they are doing a much better job with things like fingers, and extra limbs which is still a problem in V4. Additionally, the detail is much higher and is much better at having multiple subjects in the image. Right now, in V4, MidJourney struggles when there are more than one person or figure in a given image.

What is a MidJourney Rating Party?

Users can participate in this exclusive event by rating two images already made in MidJourney V4. The goal of this party is to find out what style MidJourney users like best. Just pick the style you like, and you’re done! Go to the next group of pictures.

But why do we have to rate pictures in V4? Well, that’s because V5’s look hasn’t been decided on yet. Each image has different V5 features added, but they don’t show how V5 will look in the end. You can be sure that the looks will get better before the V5 release.

As a MidJourney Super User 10,000 Club member, I’m thrilled to be invited to the first V5 rating party. This is a great chance to help shape the future of MidJourney, and I can’t wait to see what the next few weeks have in store for us!

Frequently Asked Questions MidJourney V5

Q: Will transparency and 3D be added to MidJourney?

A: Yes, these features are coming in the future, but the team is focusing on easier wins first.

Q: Will MidJourney have a free option for those who cannot afford the monthly fee?

A: Yes, the plan is to allow people to rate a set number of images for an hour of free time. The goal is to eventually have a free tier where you can rate images to use MidJourney, hopefully starting in March 2023.

Q: Will MidJourney ever upscale size or resolution?

A: Yes, V5’s default size will be 1024 x 1024, and the team is working to upscale images to 2048 x 2048. However, it is not ready yet.

Q: How can I protect myself from “deep-fake” with MidJourney AI?

A: MidJourney will ban people if they don’t like what they’re doing. They also use filters to block images, so there’s accountability when generating MidJourney images, and safety is built into the system.

Q: When will the website’s search function work better for searching your own images?

A: The team is currently focusing on improving community search, but with the new web developer coming on board, search for personal images will continue to improve going forward.

Q: Will MidJourney release an API?

A: The team is trying to figure out the right way to do it in the future. Currently, they’re constantly changing algorithms and improving them. They’re also not fond of people white labeling MidJourney because it dilutes the brand.

Q: When will the MidJourney magazine be ready?

A: MidJourney magazine ordering will be available within the next two weeks. The first issue will be free; subscriptions can be separate from a MidJourney membership. Issue one is based on MidJourney V4, but starting with the second issue, it’ll be V5-based.

Q: How is MidJourney updated and changed?

A: MidJourney is updated and improved based on user feedback. The ultimate goal is to have MidJourney learn, update, and personalize for each user and provide an “anchor style” for each user.

Wrapping Up

We’re always amazed by how dynamic MidJourney is, and how it always pushes the limits of how images and features are made. Being a part of a team that is always moving is really exciting. One small problem, though, is that it can be hard to keep up with the new versions of MidJourney, especially when it comes to writing better prompts. We wouldn’t have it any other way, though. We love seeing progress, even if it means putting in a little more work.

Things look good for the future! We don’t know the team’s great ideas for us, but we can’t wait to see what they come up with. Now is the time to speak up if you haven’t already. Don’t be afraid to speak up. Join the MidJourney V5 rating party and let your voice be heard. This is your chance to tell the team what you like and don’t like so they can keep giving you the best experience possible.

We know that it can be hard to learn how to write better prompts for each new version of MidJourney. But the good news is that it allows you to learn new things and improve your skills. With each new version of MidJourney, you can try out new features, see how creative you can be, and learn more about how to make images. So don’t be afraid to jump in and accept the changes. Who knows, you might even be surprised by what you come up with!

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While the announcement doesn’t mention anything about the DLC’s subject, keen-eyed fans have spotted a mysterious figure in the key art resembling a character from the game’s lore. This character is none other than Miquella, the twin of Malenia who was cursed to be forever young.

Even though Miquella is a crucial part of Elden Ring’s story, players never get to meet this character in person. Miquella was obsessed with finding a cure for the rot that was destroying his family, and the Haligtree, a location players visit late in the game, was his attempt to create a haven for those who had been rejected by society. However, Miquella was taken away by Mohg, another demi-god, and was left sleeping in a flesh cocoon.

But here’s where things get really intriguing. Data miners have found cut content in the game that heavily implies that Miquella might be Saint Trina, a deity associated with the act of sleeping. The cut quests involve collecting dream mist, an ingredient in a nectar consumed by the gods that reveals secrets to the drinker. It’s also suggested that the Erdtree, a parasite feeding off the Crucible, might not be what we think it is, and that there are hints that something existed before it took over everything.

The Shadow of the Erdtree DLC title art hints that the expansion might explore the aftermath of the Elden Ring’s destruction, with the tree leaking golden sap that players use to make themselves stronger. However, it’s also possible that the ‘shadow’ referred to is the Crucible or the Great Tree, which could have horrifying implications for what we see in the game. The cut content found by data miners heavily suggests that there are time travel shenanigans happening in Elden Ring, making this expansion an even more exciting prospect for fans of the game.

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Forza Motorsport, set to release in 2023, was showcased by Turn 10 Studios with new gameplay. The game will feature 20 locations, including both returning favorites and 5 new ones. The visuals were highlighted with 4K 60fps and ray tracing, and there will be a total of 500 cars, including over 100 new to the game.

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Octopath Traveler II is an upcoming role-playing video game by Square Enix and Acquire. It is a sequel to Octopath Traveler, and the third entry in the series after the prequel mobile game Octopath Traveler: Champions of the Continent, though it features a new cast of characters and setting separate from prior games.

This new entry takes the series’ unique HD-2D graphics, a combination of retro pixel art and 3D CG, to new heights. Players will embark on a new adventure in the world of Solistia, where eight new travelers are ready to explore and discover an exciting new era.

The story is set in Solistia, a land consisting of an eastern and western continent separated by the sea. It is a vibrant and bustling era where large ships navigate busy sea routes and the power of steam technology is on the rise. The world is filled with people who find excitement in the stars of the stage and industry, while others are facing war, plague, and poverty.

The players will step into the shoes of eight travelers from different regions, each with their own reasons for venturing forth. The game gives players the freedom to explore the land as they see fit and make their own path in this new world, where new tales are waiting to be uncovered.

Octopath Traveler 2 is expected to release Feb 24, 2023

The post Octopath Traveler 2 | What we Know appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

The game was first announced during a 2021 State of Play livestream and was unveiled with a tentative release window. 

The new game will follow the events of Marvel’s Spider-Man and Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, the Spider-duo of Peter Parker and Miles Morales are back in the next blockbuster action chapter of the Marvel’s Spider-Man series.

Not a lot is known about the game so far, but going off the quality of the past two titles, we’re bound to be in for a fantastic new Spider-Man experience.

Read on for a special message from Insomniac:

What a year it’s been for PlayStation Studios; here at Insomniac Games we’ve been in absolute awe of the work of our peers. Congrats to everyone on a successful 2022… and here’s to next year being just as exciting as we continue to get Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 ready for release next fall.

Bryan Intihar, Creative Director

Release Date: Fall 2023 | Publisher: Sony Interactive Entertainment | PS5

Both the first Marvel’s Spider-Man and Spider-Man Miles Morales received PC ports this year, so we anticipate a PC release for Spider-Man 2 at some point as well.

This release date confirmation comes after the news was leaked on Twitter.

The resume of Jaime Mayer, a developer at Insomniac, wrote that it has a “release fall 2023” date as part of her resume, but she quickly updated the site once the apparent leak was found and has since changed the date to a broader “2023” window.

The post Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 Will Release Fall of 2023 appeared first on Culture of Gaming.

Now, more information is being revealed on the game’s Steam page. Information on the Development team and Story was published.

One big takeaway is that Masaru Yanamura will be leading the project. He directed the critically acclaimed Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

It also mentions that the game was initially started by Hidetaka Miyazaki, the director of Elden Ring, but has since been passed on to Yanamura.

Development Team
Hidetaka Miyazaki will be involved as the Initial Game Director. Based on the initial development, Masaru Yamamura has taken over as Director.

In addition to that, the game’s story overview sheds more light on the upcoming action game as well.

Story Overview
A mysterious new substance was discovered on the remote planet, Rubicon 3. As an energy source, this substance was expected to dramatically advance humanity’s technological and communications capabilities. Instead, this substance caused a catastrophe that engulfed the planet and the surrounding stars in flames and storms, forming a Burning Star System.

Almost half a century later, the same substance resurfaced on Rubicon 3, a planet now contaminated and sealed off by the catastrophe.

Extra-terrestrial corporations and resistance groups fight over control of the substance. The player infiltrates Rubicon as an independent mercenary and finds themself in a struggle over the substance with the corporations and other factions.

For reference, the last Armored Core game released, which was Armored Core 5 released back in 2012 for the PS3 and Xbox 360, was directed by Naoyuki Takahashi.

By combining FromSoftware’s longstanding expertise in mech games and their signature robust gameplay, ARMORED CORE VI FIRES OF RUBICON will be a new action experience. We love FromSoftware games, so we are excited to see what they do with this IP reboot.

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