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Final Fantasy VII Remake battles aren't command-based

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 8, 2017 2:17 PM CST

Last month Square Enix showed off some new screenshots for Final Fantasy VII: Remake that led some to believe the battle system would have an command mode of sorts; however, game director Tetsuya Nomura has stepped in to clear things up.

Final Fantasy VII Remake battles aren't command-based

As we previously reported, Nomura affirms that Final Fantasy VII: Remake's combat will be entirely action-based--likely similar to Final Fantasy Type-O and Final Fantasy XV--and not follow the same turn-based mechanics of the immortal RPG classic.

The confusion started when a screenshot showed Cloud ducking behind cover which led some gamers to believe certain instances of battle sequences would be command-based or scripted QTE-style events rather than freeform seamless action. This isn't so: Nomura confirms that things like taking cover will be optional, and only be available in certain environments.

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New Shadow of War gameplay looks amazing

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 8, 2017 1:15 PM CST

Warner Bros Games and Monolith Productions just dropped the first-ever gameplay footage for Middle-earth Shadow of War, and have a strong feeling tactical gamers are going to love it.

New Shadow of War gameplay looks amazing

Shadow of War is a direct sequel to Middle-earth Shadow of Mordor, and this time around players will actually get to make their own orc army while wielding enhanced new powers.

The gameplay footage is showcased on an Xbox One console, and highlights all the different combinations of powers and clever experimentation needed to strategically annihilate your foes. In a way it reminds me of Lord of the Rings chess--only in a massively dynamic open-scale third-person environment.

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Nintendo indies: if it's on Steam it should be on Switch

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 8, 2017 12:07 PM CST

Nintendo has changed. With its new Switch handheld-console hybrid, the Japanese console-maker of yore has done away with clandestine business models and embraced the future. Nintendo is actively courting game developers of all kinds to ensure the Switch has a massively growing and steadily flowing games library, and indie devs are a big part of that push.

Nintendo indies: if it's on Steam it should be on Switch

The way Nintendo sees indies is similar to how Sony strategically uses them as bite-sized snacks via PS Plus to tide gamers over in between big releases. Nintendo will do the same, but it's planning to actually match Sony's indie commitment, and eclipse Microsoft's ID@Xbox altogether. In fact, Nintendo's head of publisher and developer relations Damon Baker, if an indie game is on Steam, it should be coming to the Switch too. But Nintendo doesn't want to lock exclusivity like Microsoft--the Switch is a complimentary system.

"The way we're looking at Switch is this is a complementary platform. If it's on Steam, then there's no reason why it shouldn't be on Nintendo Switch as well," Baker told Games Industry.biz in a recent interview. "If you want to take that experience on the go, if you want to have a baked in multiplayer experience, this is the system to do it. It's got those points of differentiation, but we're not trying to go head-to-head against any of the other platforms. We just think that if the content makes sense to be over on our platform then it should be on our platform."

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Rolls-Royce covers its car in thousand diamonds

Lana Jelic | Electric Vehicles & Cars | Mar 8, 2017 11:18 AM CST

Rolls-Royce is well-known for its luxury cars, and they decided to stick with their motto at the Geneva Moto Show.

Rolls-Royce covers its car in thousand diamonds

The company has unveiled a version of their Ghost car painted with actual diamonds. The paint, named Diamond Stardust, contains 1,000 crushed diamonds, is the most expensive paint ever used on a Rolls-Royce.

It took two months of testing to make sure that the diamonds would maintain their glow when used in the paint.

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Nokia flagship with Snapdragon 835 arrives in June?

Lana Jelic | Mobile Devices | Mar 8, 2017 10:32 AM CST

Nokia stole the entire show at MWC in Barcelona with the announcement of the modern version of the Nokia 3310. They also unveiled three Android smartphones, but there was no mention of their upcoming flagship.

Nokia flagship with Snapdragon 835 arrives in June?

However, Nokia is certainly working on their premium phone, and the new rumor suggests we would see the device in June. According to the rumor, Nokia will come in two versions - one with 4GB and the other one with 6GB of RAM, both powered by Qualcomm Snapdragon 835.

Read also: Iconic Nokia 3310 is now official and comes with Snake

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Dragon Quest Heroes II drops to 20FPS on Nintendo Switch

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 8, 2017 9:23 AM CST

Square Enix's latest Dragon Quest Heroes II game is having trouble maintaining a solid 30FPS on Nintendo's new Switch handheld-console hybrid, with frame rates dipping down to the low 20's.

Dragon Quest Heroes II drops to 20FPS on Nintendo Switch

Being a "Musou" game, Dragon Quest Heroes is heavily based on action-filled combat, so frame rates are actually quite important. Sadly the game delivers underwhelming performance on the Nintendo Switch, possibly indicating a badly optimized port, or a more daunting answer: the Switch's custom NVIDIA Tegra SoC might not be powerful enough for specific games.

Eurogamer's Digital Foundry recently compared Dragon Quest Heroes II's frame rates on the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation Vita and PS4 versions to see the major differences. As you'd expect, the PS4 maintained a solid 60FPS throughout, with the Switch and PS Vita versions hitting 30FPS while exploring. Combat is a different story, however: the Switch's in-game combat FPS while docked is the same as Sony's yesteryear PlayStation Vita handheld. Frame rates instantly dip down to low 20 FPS when any sort of combat is initiated.

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Continue reading: Dragon Quest Heroes II drops to 20FPS on Nintendo Switch (full post)

Hyperloop One shows never-seen images of the test track

Lana Jelic | Electric Vehicles & Cars | Mar 8, 2017 8:34 AM CST

Hyperloop One has released never-before-seen images of its development site in the Nevada desert at Middle East Rail, an event held in Dubai.

Hyperloop One shows never-seen images of the test track

The testing site, known as DevLoop, is Located 30 minutes from Las Vegas in the Nevada desert. The first public test is expected in the first half of 2017 when the company will prove that they are "well-positioned to deliver the first working Hyperloop."

The company stated that they are excited about the first public trial on the 500 meter-long DevLoop, which has a diameter of 3.3 meters.

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Pixel 2 might come without a headphone jack

Lana Jelic | Mobile Devices | Mar 8, 2017 7:27 AM CST

Google's Pixel smartphone was one of the best phones of last year, and the company has confirmed that its successor will come this year.

Not much is know about the phone at the moment, other than that it will remain a premium device with more or less the same price tag.

A new rumor suggests that the Pixel 2 might ditch the headphone jack. Like any rumor, this was should also be taken with a grain of salt.

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AMD releases new ReLive Edition 17.3.1 drivers

Anthony Garreffa | Graphics Cards | Mar 8, 2017 2:08 AM CST

AMD has just launched its new Radeon Software Crimson ReLive Edition 17.3.1 drivers, with the company offering up to 6% performance increases on a Radeon RX 480 8GB graphics card - when compared to the previous 17.2.1 drivers.

AMD is also providing support for Ghost Recon Wildlands, with multi-GPU issues present - CrossFire owners will see flickering, or the game not launching at all. There should be a new driver that will fix multi-GPU issues in Wildlands soon. The new Crimson ReLive Edition 17.3.1 drivers fix various flickering texture issues in Battlefield 1, texture/character model flickering in For Honor, stuttering issues in CS:GO when using Radeon Chill, and stuttering issues in DOTA 2 with ReLive enabled.

There are also some issues fixed surrounding Radeon WattMan on the Radeon R9 380, and more. Grab the new AMD Radeon Software Crimson ReLive Edition 17.3.1 drivers right here.

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Continue reading: AMD releases new ReLive Edition 17.3.1 drivers (full post)

AMD teases Naples server CPUs, coming in Q2 2017

Anthony Garreffa | Processors | Mar 8, 2017 12:46 AM CST

AMD has come out swinging in the desktop CPU market with their unbelievable Ryzen 7 family of CPUs, led by the impressive $499 chip in the Ryzen 7 1800X - but it's getting close to the time where they disrupt the datacenter market with Naples.

AMD teases Naples server CPUs, coming in Q2 2017

AMD's upcoming Naples CPU will offer up to 32 'Zen' cores, with huge bandwidth and IO numbers to boot, with "volume availability building in the second half of the year through OEM and channel partners". Forrest Norrod, senior vice president and general manager, Enterprise, Embedded and Semi-Custom business unit, AMD explains: "Today marks the first major milestone in AMD re-asserting its position as an innovator in the datacenter and returning choice to customers in high-performance server CPUs".

He continued: "Naples' represents a completely new approach to supporting the massive processing requirements of the modern datacenter. This groundbreaking system-on-chip delivers the unique high-performance features required to address highly virtualized environments, massive data sets and new, emerging workloads".

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Continue reading: AMD teases Naples server CPUs, coming in Q2 2017 (full post)

Left Switch JoyCon disconnecting? Try these tips

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 8, 2017 12:06 AM CST

Lots of Nintendo Switch gamers are still having issues with their left JoyCons disconnecting mid-game. If this is happening to you, try re-calibrating and/or manually disconnecting and re-syncing your controller. Here's how to do it.

Left Switch JoyCon disconnecting? Try these tips

We haven't had any trouble with our Nintendo Switch JoyCons: in fact, we were able to get about 37 feet away from the system while docked or in handheld mode before the JoyCons disconnected. But lots of gamers aren't so lucky, and they feel spurned by Nintendo--and rightly so. After all if one JoyCon doesn't work, you can't play any games unless you replace it for $50 or buy a Switch Pro controller for $70. Not exactly too fun, is it?

Alas, there may be a solution! Gamers are told to keep their left and right JoyCons attached to the Nintendo Switch during the day one update, but some JoyCons still don't work after that. Next up you'll want to try a hard reset to reset the Bluetooth connections from the device and the controllers. But that still may not be enough. You may want to try re-calibrating the controllers themselves, or manually disconnecting and re-pairing them.

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'Deep Space 9' doco crew hoping to add HD show footage

Ben Gourlay | Celebrities & Entertainment | Mar 7, 2017 9:42 PM CST

The creators of a new documentary exploring the legacy of the 'Star Trek' series 'Deep Space Nine' are in talks with CBS about gaining access to the original 35mm negative, in hopes that it will reach an agreement to feature select scenes remastered in 1080p.

Director Adam Nimoy and producers Ira Steven Behr and David Zappone have revealed that their upcoming feature 'What We Left Behind', which is currently winding up a hugely successful indiegogo campaign, may feature select scenes remastered from the original negative ala the extensive 'Star Trek: Next Generation' remastered Blu-ray collection.

While the network hasn't committed to remastering the series in the same manner due to the extensive computer graphics required, coupled with diminishing returns from physical media which would be required to make the project feasible, 'What We Left Behind' may very well serve as a tantalising glimpse as to what the show would look like, freed from its NTSC masters. The indiegogo campaign has three days left to go, and has now generated over half a million dollars in support.

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Nintendo Switch pulls 18W from dock, not 39W

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 7, 2017 9:32 PM CST

The Nintendo Switch dock only outputs a portion of its supplied input power to the Switch console via USB Type-C, and not the full 39W as we originally thought.

Nintendo Switch pulls 18W from dock, not 39W

Earlier today I reported that Nintendo is still selling standalone docks for the Switch, and on a whim, I flipped over my dock to see if I could find a product number. I found something quite interesting regarding how much power the dock passes to the Switch console: the dock is supplied an input energy rate of 15V at 2.6A (39 watts) from the AC adapter, but the dock's output rate is only 15V at 1.2A (18 watts).

This means the Nintendo Switch receives 18W of power from the dock, not the whole 39W of power that's pushed from the AC adapter.

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Switch is best-selling new console in Nintendo's history

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 7, 2017 8:20 PM CST

Nintendo's new Switch handheld-console hybrid system has smashed sales records, and has even outsold Nintendo's coveted Wii at launch.

Switch is best-selling new console in Nintendo's history

Nintendo's gambit has paid off in dividends: the Switch's first two-day launch sales in the Americas (North America and South America) exceeded any other console in Nintendo's history, including the company's superstar Wii. That's according to New York Times reporter Nick Wingfield, who talked shop with Nintendo America President Reggie Fils-Aime in an unpublished interview.

While Nintendo's Reggie Fils-Aime didn't provide exact numbers, sold out retailers all across the world echo the console's success. The extreme demand and well reception from critics triggered a meteoric rise of Nintendo shares, and the company has been enjoying a consistent upward climb since the system's launch on March 3. The Switch's main system-seller, Zelda: Breath of the Wild, now holds the mantle as the top-selling standalone launch title: in fact, Breath of the Wild even outsold Super Mario 64 at launch.

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Nintendo is still selling standalone Switch docks

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 7, 2017 5:11 PM CST

Contrary to what you might have heard, Nintendo is indeed still selling standalone Switch docks on its website.

Nintendo is still selling standalone Switch docks

I've seen reports going around that Nintendo is no longer selling individual Switch docks on its site as a result of it scratching console screens. This prompted buzz that Nintendo may be planning a revised Switch dock that doesn't scratch any screens, however it appears these publications didn't look too far, because Nintendo is still selling Switch docks.

Both the official Nintendo Japanese online store and the Nintendo U.S. online storefront are selling Switch docks without the main console, but the U.S. site is sold out. Interestingly enough I couldn't find a listing for the dock on the Switch UK site.

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Nintendo Switch first impressions

Derek Strickland | Gaming | Mar 7, 2017 4:07 PM CST

After a few days with the Nintendo Switch we're ready to deliver some basic impressions. Don't worry, our review is coming soon!

Nintendo Switch first impressions

The Nintendo Switch is an incredibly interesting device. It's rather intriguing and, well, fun. The idea of melding mobile, handheld and console gaming to one device is revolutionary--but is it worth all the drawbacks? After all, the Switch is a lot less powerful than an Xbox One or PS4, and even those consoles are getting upgraded. But the Switch does something none of those do: provides impressive handheld performance.

All in all the Switch is a comfortable, efficient, and rather enjoyable piece of kit. Right now, however, it's more of an investment because it's lacking games. Zelda: Breath of the Wild is the major system-seller, and games like Shovel Knight are the best real ancillary titles--even better than the 1-2 Switch game that should've been a pack-in title. The real magic of the Switch is being able to take it with you and play with anyone on the go, but right now we don't have too many games that make use of that (just Bomberman R and 1-2 Switch). Here are our hands-on impressions of Nintendo's new merged console-handheld roadmap.

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Spielberg, Ford sign up for 'Indiana Jones 5' in 2019

Ben Gourlay | Celebrities & Entertainment | Mar 7, 2017 4:00 PM CST

In an effort to wash the bad taste from the last 'Indiana Jones' film 'The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull', Disney have today announced that the as-yet untitled 'Indiana Jones 5' is officially going ahead, setting a 2019 release date.

According to the studio's official announcement published by Slash Film, the film is set to hit cinemas on July 19, 2019 with Steven Spielberg stepping behind the camera, with Harrison Ford reprising his iconic role.

The Chairman of Walt Disney Studios, Alan Horn said in a statement: "Indiana Jones is one of the greatest heroes in cinematic history, and we can't wait to bring him back to the screen in 2019 .. It's rare to have such a perfect combination of director, producers, actor and role, and we couldn't be more excited to embark on this adventure with Harrison and Steven." No mention of co-creator George Lucas was again mentioned backing up previous conjecture, that he's just too darn busy enjoying retirement.

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Continue reading: Spielberg, Ford sign up for 'Indiana Jones 5' in 2019 (full post)

'Ducktales' TV series reboot gets first trailer

Ben Gourlay | Celebrities & Entertainment | Mar 7, 2017 3:33 PM CST

Children of the 80's unite - the classic Disney animated series 'Ducktales' and its super catchy theme song by Jeff Pescetto (fun fact - he also served as sound designer on 'Tekken 5'), is coming back to TV screens later this year for a new generation of kids, and now Disney XD has released the first look at the series.

The crew of beloved characters are all back, including Scrooge McDuck, and his great-nephews Huey, Dewey and Louie, Launchpad McQuack, Donald Duck, Duckworth, Gyro Gearloose, Flintheart Glomgold, Magica DeSpell, Poe, Ma Beagle and the evil Beagle Boys. David Tennant of 'Doctor Who' will voice Scrooge McDuck for the reboot.

'Ducktales' will premier on the DisneyXD network later this year.

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Samsung Galaxy Note8 codenamed 'Great'

Lana Jelic | Mobile Devices | Mar 7, 2017 1:52 PM CST

After the Note7 fiasco, there was speculation of what will happen with to the Note line and whether Samsung will discontinue it, which would be a shame since the Note7 was a wonderful phone (apart from the exploding batteries).

Earlier this year, DJ Koh, Samsung's Mobile Chief, confirmed that the Note isn't dead and we will be seeing the Galaxy Note8 later this year.

The newest rumor says that the Galaxy Note8 will be codenamed "Great." Given the name, and the debacle with the Note7, we are pretty sure that Samsung will try to make up for their users by creating a marvelous device.

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Horizon Zero Dawn on PS4 Pro: 30FPS at 1080p

Ma Yong Kang | Gaming | Mar 7, 2017 12:39 PM CST

Horizon Zero Dawn patch 1.02 delivers the much-awaited performance mode for the PS4 Pro. Yet, this mode favors on delivering a smooth 30FPS gameplay rather than a much responsive 60 FPS experience.

Horizon Zero Dawn on PS4 Pro: 30FPS at 1080p

According to Eurogamer, which did a fantastic job in their initial frame-rate analysis, the performance mode actually forces the game to run at a locked 30 FPS in 1080p. Players who choose this option over the resolution mode will certainly miss out on the excellent SSAA coverage and all the eye candy that 4K provide. Even in Eurogamer's honest opinion, this performance mode is not much of a game changer because "Guerrilla's performance at 4K is already so good with only very minor drops (if any) in most areas."

Guerrilla Games approach about the performance mode is nonetheless an interesting one. We're now seeing a trend from developers who focus on maxing out the graphical performance of the consoles while delivering a smooth experience in their games instead of making them look like crap but run at "60 FPS".

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Continue reading: Horizon Zero Dawn on PS4 Pro: 30FPS at 1080p (full post)

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