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Joystiq Weekly: Telltale takes on Minecraft, Xeodrifter review, broken games and more
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. Telltale Games looked at Minecraft's build-what-you-want universe and decided to build an episodic, narrative-driven game instead of a crummy castle like the rest of us. At this point, we wouldn't even be surprised if Telltale Games' next project is a narrative-driven series starring Samuel the rock ... it would probably be well-written, too. There's a bit more to this week's recap beyond Telltale's latest reveal though, including ports of the last two Devil May Cry games, free games for those that own Assassin's Creed Unity's season pass, a review of Xeodrifter and an assessment of recent high-profile, broken-at-launch games. All that and more is waiting for you after the break in this edition of the Joystiq Weekly!
Evolve's Wraith monster steals the show
Fear is meant to follow in the wake of most monsters, but I've never found Evolve to be scary. It's a hunting game that puts you on edge, though leaning forward – as if to stick your head through the foliage just to glimpse the cloaked creature – is an act of determination, not angst. When you're a glorified exterminator with a big gun, joined by three others playing to win, you get camaraderie, strategy and failure divided equally. The monster (and the fifth player) is nothing to be scared of.
Evolve tests creature features in open beta on Jan. 15
Evolve is doing another round of online testing to ensure a roaring launch in February, with 2K Games announcing an open beta to run January 15-19. The beta will test Evolve's giant goals on Xbox One with a curtailed selection of monsters – the "Goliath" and "Kraken" – along with 8 hunters and 12 different maps. (And as with all monster products, there's a premium: you must be an Xbox Live Gold subscriber to gain access.) Ferocious opposition and considered team play are both valued in Evolve, which pits one beastly player against 4 human-controlled hunters on a wild planet. Though the game hinges on the different permutations of Muldoons and monsters, it does have a campaign variant (playable offline and solo in the full game) called "Evacuation," which will enter the Xbox One beta test on January 17th. "Evacuation" offers a skeleton of a story, with sequential mission outcomes affecting the conditions of the next until the planet of Shear is evacuated. If you win consecutive rounds as the monster, for instance, few people escape and the hunters get thrashed. Unlocks in the Xbox One beta will carry over to the final game. 2K Games says "closed technical tests" for Evolve will also be conducted on other platforms, though not to the extent of the Xbox One beta (so, no "Evacuation" there). PC players can encroach upon the poaching as of January 16, provided they have invites to the "Big Alpha," or have Left 4 Dead or BioShock Infinite in their Steam libraries. PlayStation 4 owners, meanwhile, can start on January 17th with a Big Alpha invite and PS Plus subscription in hand.
Joystiq Weekly: Street Fighter 5, Captain Toad review, PlayStation's 20th and more
Welcome to Joystiq Weekly, a "too long; didn't read" of each week's biggest stories, reviews and original content. Each category's top story is introduced with a reactionary gif, because moving pictures aren't just for The Daily Prophet. Judging by how many uploads of Street Fighter 5's announcement trailer have been pulled, we're thinking Capcom doesn't want us to know about it just yet. Considering it seems to be a PS4 console exclusive, we're wondering if the reveal slipped out ahead of PlayStation Experience, this weekend's gathering in Las Vegas to talk all things PlayStation. We can find out together as the event plays out over the next 48 hours, but PlayStation news isn't the only thing happening this week – The King's Quest series is getting a new entry, we reviewed Captain Toad: Treasure Tracker and Telltale Games' Game Of Thrones, and Managing Editor Susan Arendt explained the Danganronpa series' remarkable conveyance of how depression works. Those and many more stories are waiting for you after the break!
Evolve's 'Evacuation' is a dynamic mini-campaign mode
Developer Turtle Rock Studios has shed some light on the "Evacuation" game type to be included in its upcoming cooperative team-based shooter Evolve. Designed for one to five players, Evacuation pits the game's heroes against one giant, ugly monster across a series of five rounds, each of which offers unique gameplay. The first round is always a Hunt. This is where the monster attempts to eat enough to evolve to its next, more powerful stage of life. From there, players can choose either a Nest or Rescue gametype for the next round. Nest sees the monster protecting its nest from players, while Rescue sees players attempting to save wounded humans from the ravenous monster. After a total of four rounds have passed, players will enter a final round of Defend, in which the monster leads waves of enemies against a heavily guarded human shelter. Though not a full-fledged campaign, actions performed in one round of Evacuation can carry over the next, creating a more dynamic multiplayer experience. "[A]s one example, the Dam is saved and the Hunters win for that day," Turtle Rock explains. "As a result, the workers are able to power up Perimeter Fences, which cut neighboring maps into half sized portions, creating an interesting advantage for the Hunters." Evolve is currently slated to reach the PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC platforms on February 10, 2015. Beyond the break you'll find a trailer detailing the story attached to Evacuation. [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve Medic Caira loves the smell of napalm and heals in the mornin'
Doctors in the real world may have goliath-sized tuition bills to pay off, but Medics in Evolve have it pretty rough too, what with the giant monsters and all. If you've wondered whether the Medic life is the life for you, here's a walk in the boots of Evolve's Caira. [Image: 2K Games]
Buy Evolve, scare up game on its DLC maps for free
Evolve's initial monster hunts will be followed by extra safaris on DLC maps, but all players will be able to explore the game's additional hunting grounds for free. Developer Turtle Rock Studios' Creative Director Phil Robb shared the good news with IGN, explaining that the team wanted to avoid making players sit matches out just because they haven't bought the right DLC. Furthermore, those who decline to buy extra hunters or monsters will still be able to partake in matches where other players are using them. Robb explained that beyond Evolve's base purchase, the team wanted to avoid making the community "feel like they have to buy anything in order to enjoy the game." Robb reminded us that in addition to the Savage Goliath skin for one of Evolve's launching beasts, pre-orders will result in capturing Evolve's first DLC monster for free. If you're the two-with-one-stone efficiency type, GameStop will also have exclusive pre-order bonuses in the form of weapon skins for the Exterminator class. [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve alpha uncaged on PS4 following firmware troubles
It's late to the hunting party, but the PS4 is finally up and running in Evolve's "Big Alpha" test. 2K also announced it's extending the closed alpha until 12PM PT tomorrow, November 4 (3PM ET, 8PM UK), and that's not just for PS4 but Xbox One and PC too. After successfully launching the second Evolve alpha on other platforms, 2K had to postpone it on PS4 after issues with the console's new 2.00 firmware. In fairness, problems with the PS4 update aren't limited to Turtle Rock's alpha by any means, with numerous user reports noting a range of post-patch oddities. To that effect, Sony's official PlayStation account tweeted last night, "We're aware of issues happening post PS4 2.00 firmware, including some freezes and boot errors. [We are] working to resolve [them] ASAP, will update soon."
Feedback Loop: NFC, 'Evolve' alpha codes and more!
Welcome to this week's edition of Feedback Loop. We take a look at the rising popularity of NFC, give out some Evolve alpha codes and discuss things that are missing from our favorite operating systems. Head past the break to find out what fellow Engadget readers are talking about.
Evolve's alpha test delayed on PS4 due to firmware issues
Evolve's "Big Alpha" test has been postponed on PlayStation 4, 2K announced today. After the PS4's recent version 2.0 firmware update resulted in a number of issues for players, the publisher also began "experiencing difficulties with the Evolve Big Alpha" on Sony's home console. "PlayStation and 2K are working together on a resolution," 2K noted. The test was expected to hit PS4, Xbox One and PC this weekend, and it will still happen for the latter two systems. PS4 owners that happen to have an Xbox One or PC capable of playing Evolve are encouraged to use the registration code "05379-29749-32069" and referral code "EvolveBigAlpha4v1" to register for the alpha test on either of those systems via Turtle Rock Studios' site. Those suffering from the PS4's Rest Mode issues after the version 2.0 system update may also want to consider trying one possible fix listed here. Evolve will launch on February 10, 2015. Update: 2K has addressed the issues stalling the hunt on PS4 in the following statement: "2K, Turtle Rock Studios and PlayStation continue to work hard to resolve the difficulties affecting the Evolve Big Alpha on PlayStation 4. Evolve's closed alpha test is still playable on Xbox One and PC. We thank our PS4 users for their continued patience. More information will be provided at the Evolve website, Twitter and Facebook pages as it becomes available." [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve's progression systems dole out perks, boosts, new characters
Evolve players will hunt character perks and general experience in addition to monstrous game, as detailed in a recent update on Evolve's official site. Progress is earned in two ways: Character Progression, which relates to a player's efficiency with a specific character's arsenal, and Player Progression, which is tied to a player's general account rather than one particular class type. Aptitude with a hunter's (or monster's) weapons and abilities is rated on a three-star scale, and a "permanent perk" is granted with each earned star. For example, you'll need to deal a set amount of damage with Markov's assault rifle to earn a two percent accuracy boost (tied to the first star), while distributing enough pain via headshot will grant a 10 percent accuracy boost and an elite-tier weapon, as well as the rifle's third star. Player Progression won't be in the Halloween weekend alpha, but when it does show up, it'll dish out medals, awards and levels, with that last element capping off at 40. The update notes that this tier of rewards is "generally earned through time spent playing" and unlocks perks like armor regeneration, jump bonuses and a quicker jetpack recharge. New characters can also be unlocked by earning stars for their respective class type. If you plan on prowling through Evolve's alpha however, just know that any earned progress will not carry over beyond the event's weekend. Alphas are all about the thrill of an early hunt though, right? [Image: 2K Games]
Evolve's closed 'big alpha' test hits Halloween weekend
Evolve's "Big Alpha" test is scheduled to begin on October 30, 2K announced today. The closed alpha phase will be available to Xbox One players through November 2, while PS4 and PC players will have access from October 31 to November 2. Those interested in participating in the alpha test can register for "priority access" on Xbox One through 2K's website. Pre-order customers will have a guaranteed spot in the Halloween weekend alpha on their platform of choice. The "Big Alpha" test requires that PS4 and Xbox One users have a PS Plus or Xbox Live Gold subscription, respectively. Turtle Rock Studios also offered a special limited-use code for "a couple thousand" alpha testers to register with on its blog. The four-versus-one multiplayer shooter was delayed in August after a previous alpha test, and will launch on February 10, 2015. [Image: 2K]
Evolve's Goliath statue is small child and down payment-sized
Sure, it's not the ridiculously huge monstrosity that loomed over us at E3, but this statue of Evolve's Goliath from replica specialists TriForce might be the next-best thing: standing tall at two and a half feet and weighing 35 pounds, this beast is one heck of a set piece to consider adding to your home. It's also one heck of a set piece to consider taking out a small loan for. The standard edition - which is limited to 500 copies - is a hefty $750, with $187.50 of that price being a non-refundable deposit. The Savage Goliath variant, which is colored with red stripes and limited to 150 copies, is $800 and can only be pre-ordered next weekend at New York Comic-Con. That may sound like quite a lot of money to spend on a collectible piece of art representing a game that hasn't come out yet, but hey: its eyes light up, and that's pretty cool. [Image: TriForce/2K Games]
Spec Ops: The Line narrative lead, Evolve writer leaves 2K
Walt Williams, a writer at 2K Games and lead narrative designer on Spec Ops: The Line, has left the studio. Williams revealed his departure via Twitter, saying he was "sad to announce" that September 5 would be his last day. Williams clarified that he'll still be working in the games industry, but "in the background." As for his final projects with 2K, both Evolve and Civilization: Beyond Earth will have Williams' name stamped on them, under the title Senior Writer/Designer. [Image: 2K Games]
Get back on the hunt: A second Evolve alpha is coming
If an invite to Evolve's upcoming closed alpha is your white whale, you've got two (constructive) options: Play a round of Evolve at 2K's PAX Prime booth (Level 4, booths 814 and 1414), or stalk Evolve's social media channels and the Turtle Rock forums. Hunting game at Prime will earn you an invitation to register, but "additional chances" can be tracked down on Twitter, Facebook and the forums. Unfortunately, putting down your first monster is going to be a lot like real-world hunting – the alpha's reveal post doesn't specify when the event will begin, so you'll need to keep a determined watch on the aforementioned channels or your inbox. The upcoming expedition will follow a separate alpha from July which must have thinned out Turtle Rock's monster supply, as Evolve was rescheduled for February 10, 2015 days after the alpha went live. [Image: 2K Games]
Gamescom Awards evolve, favor 2K's monstrous game
The votes are in, and the winner of the Gamescom 2014 Awards is ... *drumroll* Oh, you saw the headline and figured out the pun already? Well, you're right; it's Evolve, the 4v1 monster-on-human huntfest from Left 4 Dead developer Turtle Rock Studios. The game took home not only the award for "Best of Gamescom," but also the awards for "Best Console Game Microsoft Xbox," "Best PC Game," "Best Action Game" and "Best Online Multiplayer Game." Other highlights include Super Smash Bros. taking home the "Best Mobile Game" award for its 3DS iteration, while its console counterpart took home the "Most Wanted Consumer Award," a title that premiered at this year's ceremony. LittleBigPlanet 3 also won multiple awards, specifically the "Best Social / Casual / Online Game" award and the "Best Family Game" award. We're relatively sure that Theatrhythm Final Fantasy: Curtain Call won the award for "Best Simulation Game" due to its simulation of music, but we can pretend it won because it simulates being an adorable JRPG character singing along to catchy tunes, too. Check out the full list of winners after the break.
Team up, hunt down Evolve's beta beasts on Xbox One [UPDATE: Trailer added!]
We can't hunt what lurks in Evolve's winding maps until February 10, but at least now Xbox One owners have a sense of when they can get some practice in: During Microsoft's Gamescom presentation, it was announced that beta access will be available in January, with DLC arriving first on Xbox One later on. [Image: Major Nelson]
Evolve pushed back to February [Update]
The launch of Evolve has been delayed to 2015, Take-Two indicated in the company's fiscal first quarter 2015 financial report. The game will now launch globally on February 10, 2015. Evolve was previously expected to arrive on October 21. Evolve is Turtle Rock Studios' four-versus-one monster-hunting game for PS4, Xbox One and PC. In it, players team up with three friends to take down a large beast or can opt to take on the hunting party as the single monster. Our video preview of Evolve discusses the shooter's four character classes as well as its jetpacks and other tools that make the game's combat interesting. Update: Take-Two President Karl Slatoff said during the publisher's financial call that it "primarily decided the title deserves and should have more time to be polished so it can reach its absolute optimal state before we release it," and that "historically, we've benefited from giving the creative teams more time to polish the titles, we've never regretted it." Slatoff also stressed that he views the delay as not being a "meaningful amount of time," given that Evolve will still launch during Take-Two's fiscal year, and that February is a "pretty terrific" release window. "It's not at all crowded, and we will benefit from the fact that there are a lot of holiday sales of consoles. The install base will be bigger," Slatoff said. [Image: Take-Two]
Check your mail, Evolve alpha invites are out in the wild
You may want to investigate your inbox for signs of evolution, because 2K announced it's sent out invites for the Evolve alpha. According to images posted online, the alpha PC test will run this weekend between Friday, August 1 and Sunday, August 3. If you signed up but didn't get an invite, 2K says there'll be more opportunities in "future alphas." In the meantime, you can live Turtle Rock's Kraken-cracking shooter through our video preview. In it, Editor-in-Chief Ludwig Kietzmann describes the game as similar to that Jurassic Park scene where Robert Muldoon is alone hunting the velociraptor, but now there are four Robert Muldoons and the velociraptor is Godzilla. But no Jeff Goldblum, sadly. If you'd rather wait for the game proper, Evolve hits PS4, Xbox One and PC on October 21. [Image: 2K]
Print your own 3D Evolve figures
The age of purchasing video game figurines from a store, like a peasant, has ... evolved. You can print out your own 3D Evolve hunters and monsters using files direct from Turtle Rock Studios and 2K Games. Find the 3D file for each character on their individual hunter and monster pages, and print them out at home on the 3D printer that you definitely own, right next to your Twitter-connected refrigerator, talking air conditioning unit, hologram phone system and cotton candy maker. That said, if you don't own a 3D printer, Turtle Rock suggests uploading the files to Sculpteo, Shapeways or Thingiverse, and following the instructions to get the figurines direct from there. See the Evolve 3D printing overview in video form below. [Image: 2K Games]
