Tag: Video games

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Microsoft offers brief look at upcoming live-action Halo TV series

Microsoft showed off a very brief trailer for its long-in-development Halo TV series during its 20th anniversary Xbox event, offering a quick look at the Master Chief.

Beyond a glimpse of the green space hero’s Mjolnir armour and Jen Taylor, the voice of Cortana, saying, “Hello Master Chief,” nothing else was revealed about the upcoming series. Master Chief will be played by American Gods’ Pablo Schreiber, who was born in Ymir, B.C.

While Paramount+ is where the Halo TV series will stream in the U.S., it’s unclear if this will also be the case in Canada, given that the streaming platform is very different here.

Though Survivor, NCIS: Los Angeles, Console Wars and more are available in Canada on the streaming service formerly called CBS All Access, several original TV shows, Survivor, Happy Days and more are missing because their Canadian licencing rights are tied to other services. With this in mind, there’s a possibility we could see the Halo TV series stream on a service like Bell-owned Crave, though keeping a notable property like this exclusive to Paramount+ could help drive subscriptions.

It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first attempt to create a live-action Halo series. For example, Halo 4 released alongside the Forward Unto Dawn web series and Halo: Nightfall streamed as a prequel to Halo 5. While neither series was likely as popular or as well-received as Microsoft hoped, this latest Halo TV show effort seems to be the highest-profile yet.

The Halo TV series is set to release at some point in 2022.

During Microsoft’s Xbox 20th anniversary stream, over 70 new Xbox backwards compatible titles were also revealed.

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Mobile Syrup

Halo Infinite’s multiplayer mode is available now

In a surprise move, Halo Infinite‘s free-to-play multiplayer mode is available now, several weeks ahead of the full game’s December 8th release date.

Last week, rumours started circulating regarding Halo Infinite‘s multiplayer mode dropping during Microsoft’s 20th anniversary Xbox live stream. Halo: Combat Evolved was originally released alongside the Xbox on November 15th, 2021, so in a way, this surprise release of Halo Infinite’s multiplayer mode isn’t that much of a shock.

While some people are reporting being able to download and play Halo Infinite multiplayer on Xbox and PC, others are encountering a blue screen when they try to launch the game. According to @HaloSupport, the beta build is still releasing and should be available to all players soon.

It’s worth noting that the full game’s December 8th release won’t include ‘Forge mode’ or the ability to play the game’s campaign cooperatively.

Infinite was originally scheduled to be an Xbox Series X/S launch title last year, but following a mixed reception to its initial reveal trailer, the game’s release was pushed back to 2021. For more on Infinite‘s multiplayer mode, check out my story focused on one of game’s early test flights.

Halo Infinite’s multiplayer mode is available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC. The game is also part of Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service.

Image credit: 343 Industries 

Source: @HaloSupport

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Mobile Syrup

What’s your favourite game that you’ve played on an Xbox console?

November 15th marks the 20th-anniversary of the original Xbox’s release, and in celebration of the occasion, for this week’s community question, we want to know your favourite game is that you’ve played on an Xbox console.

We’re not looking for your top OG Xbox title, specifically, but rather the game you had the most fun playing on any Xbox system over the past 20 years.

Below are our team’s answers:

  • Brad Shankar: Star Wars: Knights of the Old Republic
  • Patrick O’Rourke: Halo 2
  • Jon Lamont: The Elder Scrolls: Oblivion
  • Brad Bennett: Halo: Reach
  • Dean Daley: Elder Scrolls: Skyrim

Karan Oberoi is a hardcore PlayStation loyalist and has apparently not played a game on an Xbox platform (we’re not sure how that’s possible).

While I selected Skyrim, I could have easily gone with Kingdoms of Amalur, Halo 3, Halo: Reach, Halo 4, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Fable 2 or Fable 3.

In the comments below, let us know your favourite game you’ve played on an Xbox console.

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Mobile Syrup

Halo Infinite’s multiplayer is rumoured to launch on November 15

Suit up Spartans, because Halo Infinite‘s multiplayer could launch on November 15th, just in time for the franchise’s 20th anniversary.

This rumour comes from frequently reliable source of video game leaks, @NateTheHate2, which means there’s likely at least some level of truth to it. That said, this leaker is also behind the rumours that Game Boy games were coming to Nintendo’s Switch Online service, and that didn’t happen — at least not yet.

On the other hand, Halo leaker @halodotapi also tweeted about the rumoured surprise release date.

It would be a little out there for 343 Industries to launch Halo Infinite‘s multiplayer ahead of the game’s single-player campaign on December 8th, but given the mode will be free-to-play and in a sense, stands on its own, it could be possible.

It’s also worth noting that the game that started it all, Halo: Combat Evolved, will have been released 20 years ago as of November 15th. Infinite was originally scheduled to be an Xbox Series X/S launch title last year, but following a mixed reception to its initial reveal trailer, the game’s release was pushed back to 2021.

Halo Infinite releases on December 8th, 2021 on the Xbox Series X/S, Xbox and PC. The game is also part of Microsoft’s Game Pass subscription service.

For more on Infinite‘s multiplayer mode, check out my story focused on one of game’s early test flights. MobileSyrup will have more on Halo Infinite in the coming weeks.

Source: @NateTheHate2 Via: Windows Central

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Mobile Syrup

Walmart reveals some items from its upcoming Black Friday sale

Walmart Canada has released an early sneak peek of its Black Friday sale starting in stores on November 18th at 7am ET/4pm PT and online on November 17th at 9pm/6pm PT ET.

Check out some of the deals from its flyer posted on Twitter below:

  • Video games for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox One that usually cost between $69.95 and $74.96 will be discounted down to $39.96

Select PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox games, including FIFA 22 (PS4), Deathloop (PS5), Demon’s Souls (PS5), and Ghost of Tsushima (PS4) would be discounted to $49.96

Video games for Nintendo Switch that regularly cost $79.96, including Kirby Star Allies, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Paper Mario: The Origami King, Super Mario Maker 2, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Splatoon 2 would be discounted down to $54.96

Nintendo Switch Faceoff Wired controller: $29.96 (regularly $34.96)

PDP Nintendo Switch Wired Stereo Gaming Headset: $29.96 (regularly $39.96)

Ring Fit Adventure for Nintendo Switch: $69.96 (regularly $99.96)

WD_Black P10 4TB Game Drive: $108 (regularly $134.98)

It’s worth noting that the sale pricing isn’t live yet. You can find the discounted deals online on November 17th at 9pm ET and in stores on November 18th at 7am ET.

Source: @WalmartCAGaming

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Mobile Syrup

Walmart reveals some items from its upcoming Black Friday sale

Walmart Canada has released an early sneak peek of its Black Friday sale starting in stores on November 18th at 7am ET/4pm PT and online on November 17th at 9pm/6pm PT ET.

Check out some of the deals from its flyer posted on Twitter below:

  • Video games for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox One that usually cost between $69.95 and $74.96 will be discounted down to $39.96

Select PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5 and Xbox games, including FIFA 22 (PS4), Deathloop (PS5), Demon’s Souls (PS5), and Ghost of Tsushima (PS4) would be discounted to $49.96

Video games for Nintendo Switch that regularly cost $79.96, including Kirby Star Allies, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, Paper Mario: The Origami King, Super Mario Maker 2, New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Splatoon 2 would be discounted down to $54.96

Nintendo Switch Faceoff Wired controller: $29.96 (regularly $34.96)

PDP Nintendo Switch Wired Stereo Gaming Headset: $29.96 (regularly $39.96)

Ring Fit Adventure for Nintendo Switch: $69.96 (regularly $99.96)

WD_Black P10 4TB Game Drive: $108 (regularly $134.98)

It’s worth noting that the sale pricing isn’t live yet. You can find the discounted deals online on November 17th at 9pm ET and in stores on November 18th at 7am ET.

Source: @WalmartCAGaming

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Mobile Syrup

Here are the most played PS5 games from the console’s first year

In celebration of the PlayStation 5’s first release anniversary, Sony has revealed the top 10 games in terms of hours played from the console’s initial release year.

Unsurprisingly, Fortnite comes out on top, followed by Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War and, of course, FIFA 21. Next up is NBA 2K1, and out of left field, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla follows in the 4th position. Other recognizable titles like Demon’s Souls, Destiny 2 and more also appear on the list.

Below is a full list of the top titles on the PS5 in terms of hours played:

    • Fortnite
    • Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War
    • FIFA 21
    • NBA 2K21
    • Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
    • Destiny 2
    • MLB The Show 21
    • Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
    • Demon’s Souls
    • NBA 2K22

In the same blog post, Jim Ryan, the president and CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment, writes that more than 360 games launched on the PlayStation 5 in its first year and that more than 25 games are currently in development at PlayStation Studios (for the record, I doubt Ryan actually wrote this post himself). While it’s been a monumental year for current-gen console gaming across both the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, it’s hard not to imagine how much more massive it could have been if the ongoing chip shortage didn’t hit the production of both systems.

Source: PlayStation

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Mobile Syrup

Niantic’s Pikmin Bloom was downloaded 2 million times in two weeks

Pikmin Bloom, Niantic’s latest augmented reality game that is very inspired by Pokémon Go, seems to be a moderate success — at least so far.

According to app analytics firm Sensor Tower (via Eurogamer), Pikmin Bloom has been downloaded 2 million times in the past two weeks. Breaking the numbers down further, nearly half of the installs come from users in Japan, with the U.S. holding second place and the U.K. coming in third.

In comparison, Pokémon Go hit 75 million downloads in its first two weeks and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite — which is shutting down in January 2022 — gained 12.4 million new users.

Of course, it’s important to note that Pikmin is a less popular property than Harry Potter, which makes these numbers seem far more positive. Niantic likely has far more modest goals when it comes to Pikmin Bloom.

In Pikmin Bloom, players grow and feed Pikmin creatures while collecting various flowers. The game is free-to-play and is available on iOS and Android. I’ve yet to try the game, but as a fan of the Pikmin series and in particular, Pikmin 3, I’m hoping to check it out over the holiday season.

Image credit: Niantic

Via: Eurogamer 

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Mobile Syrup

Paida launches online gaming platform in beta, partners with Xbox Canada and Razer

Vancouver-based company Paida has announced the beta launch of its online gaming portal. Designed to empower women and allies of all genders, Paida seeks to deliver a secure and inclusive environment for players.

Starting now, anyone can create an account via Paida’s website and take the “Paida Pledge”. This is in place to denounce online harassment, abuse, and will also encourage players to sign up for a subscription membership. Currently, the company is offering a 60-free trial in order to get a feel of what the proprietary gaming portal offers.

Paida is committed to providing additional perks to members outside of providing an inclusive environment. Members will be able to access an “impressive library of games” that can be used to host and play in tournaments.

Original content including on-demand classes, written editorials, podcasts, and audiobooks will also be available. This will include a free podcast hosted by Audrey Adair dubbed ‘The Move Makers Podcast.’ It will be available on iTunes and Spotify and will feature interviews with women in the games industry. Season one features six episodes, one of which will include Stephanie “missharvey” Harvey, which is available today. Jeannail “CuddleCore” Carter and Kelsey “KelseyDangerous” Impicciche are also official ambassadors, alongside Harvey.

Plus, members will have access to new and affordable technology thanks to Paida partners Xbox Canada and Razer. Both Xbox Canada and Razer have joined as founding partners. Members will be given access to various titles from the Xbox Game Pass library as well as “collaborative content”. Prizes and giveaways will be hosted by Razer, including Razer Gold, Peripherals, and Paida-themes Razer Custom Laptop skins.

“At Xbox Canada, we believe that gaming is for everyone. It should be inclusive and accessible to all. Paida shares these same values, which is why this collaboration is such a natural fit,” said Christina Verdurmen, integrated Marketing Communications Lead at Xbox Canada.

Women, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and people of colour have often found themselves the target of harassment within the gaming industry. Paida’s platform provides a safe space where a budding community can support and play games with one another without being excluded or harassed. Paida is also providing valuable learning material to better educate the community, which ideally could be used outside of the gaming portal.

A Paida subscription costs $9.99 USD (roughly $12.50 CAD) per month.

Image credit: Paida

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Mobile Syrup

PlayStation Store is discounting tons of games up to 80 percent off

Sony’s PlayStation Store has a couple of promotions ongoing offering discounts on a variety of titles. These are some pretty big deals and hit games discounted such as Far Cry 5, Hitman 3 and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice.

Some of the games are on sale until November 20th, while others are available until December 2nd.

Here are the deals available until November 20th:

This sale has a variety of more games at a discounted rate like Control, Anthem, Curse of the Dead Gods and so many more that you can find, here.

The deals below are available until December 2nd:

You can find all of these deals, here.