How Umihara Kawase began as two separate prototypes
An original Umihara Kawase (a Japanese platforming game developed by Studio Saizensen for the Super Famicom) developer has released video of the first two prototypes of the game, showcase drastic differences between early versions of the game and its final release.
While the YouTube video of the prototypes is in Japanese, the auto-translated English subtitles are actually pretty accurate and gives enough information to be useful for curious developers.
It’s always fun to see what changes throughout development, especially for games published outside of America.
A Twitter thread by developer Brandon Sheffield (and Gamasutra contributor) explains how the design and name of the main character was decided from the start, but because of uncertainty around what kind of game it would be, two prototypes were developed first on the X68000 (a computer exclusive to Japan).
In the first prototype, players could dig trenches and connect them to water and flood enemies out. There was also a pump used to attack them, but it was never implemented due to trouble with the water/trench system. After lots of trial and error the developers realized it wouldn’t work.
Instead, the team moved on to prototype two, which went in a completely different direction. Rather than digging and draining water, players would connect and break open doors in order to flood certain areas.
The way you attack enemies in this version is to jump on their heads, stun them, and then throw them out of the level. But killing enemies right away (and I presume so simply) wasn’t so interesting, so they threw that idea away. pic.twitter.com/sC5xxS0Ayj
There was an issue in prototype two where enemies were too easy to defeat, so in an attempt to figure out a more technically interesting way to attack enemies, the developers tossed around the idea of shooting something out of a wire to capture them.
They had the sudden realization – what if you could attach that wire to everything? So it’s from all that trial and error – water, gates, and ultimately “what’s an interesting way to attack and capture enemies,” that the final unique physics-based design of Umihara Kawase sprung. pic.twitter.com/r5WgeCoe1J
In this GDC 2018 talk, Owlchemy Labs’ Alex Schwartz and Devin Reimer break down the successes, failures, and lessons learned during the development of Rick and Morty: Virtual Rick-ality.
The duo provide early development videos, failed prototype interactions, and share the horrors of building and implementing portals, interacting with characters in room-scale, zone-based teleportation, and managing performance.
In addition to this presentation, the GDC Vault and its accompanying YouTube channel offers numerous other free videos, audio recordings, and slides from many of the recent Game Developers Conference events, and the service offers even more members-only content for GDC Vault subscribers.
Those who purchased All Access passes to recent events like GDC or VRDC already have full access to GDC Vault, and interested parties can apply for the individual subscription via a GDC Vault subscription page. Group subscriptions are also available: game-related schools and development studios who sign up for GDC Vault Studio Subscriptions can receive access for their entire office or company by contacting staff via the GDC Vault group subscription page. Finally, current subscribers with access issues can contact GDC Vault technical support.
Gamasutra and GDC are sibling organizations under parent UBM Americas.
Saving Planet Earth in Ark: Extinction, Available Now on Xbox One
Everyone here at Studio Wildcard is thrilled to finally be sharing our third titanic expansion pack Ark: Extinction with our dedicated Xbox One players today. This has been a long time coming!
Players will return to where our story began and now concludes, on Earth. However, our home is not the place we once knew it to be. The planet has been ravaged by Element, corrupting the fauna and flora alike. Now host to peculiar creatures both organic and technological, as well as gigantic roaming Titans, our harrowing survivors must find a way to defeat these beasts and save Earth’s future from total annihilation.
With every expansion pack we’ve set out to bring our players an entirely new experience that feels different to the one prior, but still captures the original game’s essence. We have stayed along the path of sci-fi fantasy but we’ve also focused more heavily on the technological advancements that have transpired on the planet during our time away from home.
At the heart of Extinction you’ll find a towering but decaying metropolis still protected by a force of robotic guards known as Scouts and Enforcers. Outside of the city there are three Proto-Arks, the earliest iterations of the Ark project. Two of them were successful, the desert and the tundra, while the third, the forest, fell into a crater under the surface of the Earth and became a dark but flourishing home to many species of plants and critters. Between these regions lies the unprotected terrain of wastelands and sulfur fields, a perilous region where creatures corrupted by Element plague and destroy anything in their path.
To aid players on their dangerous adventures they will be able to recruit many new and perhaps bizarre creatures. One such creature is the Managarmr, capable of leaping great distances through the air. Another is the Velonasaur, serving as a living turret; it can forcefully eject toxic spines from its face to protect itself and its master from threats. Even the massive Titans themselves are tameable if you can manage to take them down.
We remain extremely grateful for the passion and dedication of fans everywhere. The studio has grown considerably since launching Ark: Survival Evolved on Xbox One nearly a year-and-a-half ago. We truly cannot wait to see the feedback from survivors as they explore Extinction. We look forward to seeing how these new items and creatures will impact the game and community. Build giant pistol and sword-wielding mechanical armor suits, cryo your creatures and carry massive dinosaurs around in your pocket, build tek-enhanced bridges across impossible gaps, the world is yours to discover — and that’s what we believe is Ark’s greatest aspect. We create the tools and the environment; you create the adventures.
One of Ark’s core values has always been survival. How far will humanity go to ensure not only its survival but its domination? We invite you to dive into the final chapter and complete your conquest. Gain sought-after answers to advance the storyline and finally determine the true purpose of the Ark network. Welcome home, survivors!
Ark: Extinction is now available digitally on the Microsoft Store as an Xbox Play Anywhere title – buy once and play on both Xbox One and Windows 10. Ark: Extinction requires a copy of Ark: Survival Evolved to play.
Chinese Bureau Receives Plaque From Nintendo For Enforcing Copyright Laws
Nintendo is serious about protecting its intellectual properties. Recently, the Japanese company has cracked down on trademark and copyright infringement in different locations around the globe. In an attempt to spread the message far and wide, it has now awarded a plaque to the Shenzhen Bureau for “protecting copyrights” and the rights of various companies. Here’s a picture of the special moment, courtesy of Chinese Nintendo:
As noted by Nintendo Soup, Nintendo has no official presence within mainland China but is still aware of the ongoing problems in the country when it comes to video game piracy. It’s known to have countered this previously by protecting certain brands with trademarks.
Despite China’s own advancements over the past number of years – with the emergence of globally recognised tech manufacturers and software developers – piracy continues to create problems. As mentioned in the above tweet, the bureau promises the local government will continue to strengthen copyright protection and create an environment that not only respects IP but also encourages innovation.
Do you think Nintendo’s efforts here will help in the long run? Tell us below.
Deals: The Best Black Friday Nintendo Switch Bundle Has Been Revealed
The Black Friday deals are really starting to heat up now. Many eager consumers are waiting to find the best Nintendo Switch bundle deal this Black Friday, this deal from UK based retailer Very might well be as good as it gets this year.
For only £299 you’ll get a neon Switch (which normally retail for £279) bundled with the newly released Pokemon: Let’s Go! Pikachu and the excellent Mario Kart 8 Deluxe. It’s quite the steal we have to say, a whopping £60 saving.
We’re sure that other retailers will have their own answer to this mega-bundle soon. So if you’re not crazy about Pokémon and you’ve played Mario Kart to death already, then here are some more deals which might tempt you:
Let us know if you’ve found an amazing deal on a Nintendo Switch bundle this Black Friday with a comment below.
7.20b: == * Meepo: Agility gain reduced from 2.2 to 1.4 * Meepo: Poof damage reduced from 80/100/120/140 to 70/90/110/130 * Meepo: Ransack hero steal reduced from 8/12/16/20 to 6/10/14/18 * Meepo: Level 10 Talent reduced from +15 Damage to +10 * Meepo: Level 15 Talent changed from +10% Lifesteal to +15% Evasion * Meepo: Level 20 Talent changed from +15% Evasion to +10% Lifesteal * Meepo: Level 25 Talent reduced from +600 Health to +400
* Luna: Lunar Blessing reduced from 8/14/20/26 to 6/12/18/24 * Luna: Level 15 Talent changed from +14 Lunar Blessing Attributes to +30 Movement Speed
* Slark: Now only steals agility when he kills the enemy himself * Slark: Pounce leash duration from 3.5 to 2.75/3/3.25/3.5 * Slark: Pounce leash range from 325 to 350 * Slark: Shadow Dance cooldown increased from 60 to 80/70/60 * Slark: Level 20 Talent reduced from +3s Pounce Leash to +2s
* Dazzle: Poison Touch manacost increased from 80/90/100/110 to 80/100/120/140 * Dazzle: Bad Juju debuff duration reduced from 10 to 8
* Sand King: Sandstorm cooldown increased from 34/28/22/16 to 40/32/24/16 * Sand King: Sandstorm manacost rescaled from 60/50/40/30 to 60
* Underlord: Intelligence gain reduced from 2.6 to 2.3
* Lone Druid: Spirit Link attack speed reduced from 30/50/70/90 to 20/40/60/80 * Lone Druid: Spirit Link cooldown from 42/34/26/18 to 44/36/28/20
* Wraith Band: Attack speed bonus reduced from 8 to 7
* Drow: Base agility increased by 4 * Drow: Precision Aura increased from 20/36/52/68% to 20/40/60/80%
* Outworld Devourer: Base Intelligence increased from 24 to 28 * Outworld Devourer: Equilibrium mana restore from 60/80/100/120% to 80/100/120/140% * Outworld Devourer: Equilibrium slow from 8/16/24/32% to 12/20/28/36% * Outworld Devourer: Equilibrium cooldown from 20 to 18
* Clinkz: Burning Army base attack time improved from 1.8/1.65/1.5 to 1.65/1.5/1.35 * Clinkz: Burning Army cast range increased from 800 to 1200
* Chaos Knight: Chaos Strike cooldown from 8/7/6/5 to 7/6/5/4 * Chaos Knight: Phantasm damage increased from 40/70/100% to 50/75/100%
* Centaur: Retaliate max stacks increased from 10 to 13
* Ember Spirit: Fixed a bug with multiple Fire Remnant instances not doing damage properly * Ember Spirit: Sleight of Fist damage increased from 30/60/90/120 to 35/70/105/140
* Medusa: Agility increased from 20 + 2.5 to 22 + 3.4 * Medusa: Level 15 Talent increased from +20% Mystic Snake Mana Steal to +35%
* Treant Protector: Nature’s Guise fade time reduced from 4.75/4/3.25/2.5 to 4/3.5/3/2.5 * Treant Protector: Nature’s Guise total damage increased from 30/80/130/180 to 30/90/150/210 * Treant Protector: Nature’s Guise movement speed increased from 10/15/20/25% to 14/18/22/26%
* Storm Spirit: Electric Vortex duration from 1/1.5/2/2.5 to 1.4/1.8/2.2/2.6 * Storm Spirit: Electric Vortex cooldown from 21/20/19/18 to 22/20/18/16 * Storm Spirit: Overload attack speed reduction from -50 to -80 (matches movement speed now)
* Sven: Warcry shield health increased from 100/200/300/400 to 110/220/330/440
* Venomancer: Poison Sting slow from 11/12/13/14% to 11/13/15/17%
Our weekly check-in is coming at you a day early to make way for the holiday break. Tomorrow, we’ll be out of the studio in celebration of Thanksgiving. We’ll be seated with family and friends. The table will be set with a bountiful feast. In the background, a parade will march past on our televisions. As each of us gives thanks for the good things in our lives, we’ll reflect on how fortunate we are to create entertainment for this amazing community. Destiny is an adventure that evolves year after year, and we’ve been honored and humbled that you’ve come along with us on that journey.
In the spirit of the American holiday, we will also be pardoning one of our fine feathered friends—the Colonel. We know she is not a Turkey, but we wanted to make sure that whatever bird she may be, she remains off the menu.
Whatever you find yourself doing over the next few days, whether it’s seeing family or binging some Destiny 2, we wish you the best.
Pinnacle Weaponry
Season of the Forge is kicking off next week. With it comes a new pinnacle weapon to earn in the Crucible. We received a lot of feedback that you also wanted a pinnacle weapon to work toward when pitted against the environment. Good news: We have two for you! Vanguard strike missions and Gambit are being added to the list of worthy pursuits with coveted trophies to be claimed. They won’t take as much of a time commitment as the Crucible reward does, but they will still require some dedication to their activities.
We asked Sandbox Designer Victor Anderson to give you the full rundown on all three pinnacle weapons for Season 5.
Victor: We have heard your feedback and requests for weapons akin to Luna’s Howl to earn in non-Crucible activities like Gambit, and to meet that demand, we’ve created three pinnacle weapons. I do hope you’ll enjoy them.
VANGUARD
Loaded Question—High-Impact Fusion Rifle (Arc)
Loaded Question’s unique perk is “Reservoir Burst: When the battery is full, your next burst deals additional damage and causes enemies to explode on death.”
This one went through a couple of cycles—originally it had a completely different perk that didn’t quite make the cut. We tried a version that had only a damage bonus, but damage bonuses can sometimes be hard to appreciate when you’re using a Special weapon against lower-health enemies, so explosions on kill were added to really sell the “oomph” and deal with waves of clustered enemies.
How to earn Loaded Question:
Pick up the quest from Zavala
Complete all the following objectives; you can earn progress toward these goals at the same time
500 Fusion Rifle kills (in any strike or Nightfall)
1000 Arc kills (in any strike or Nightfall)
40 strike or Nightfall completions
Head back to Zavala to receive a fully Masterworked Loaded Question
GAMBIT
Breakneck—Precision Auto Rifle (Kinetic)
Breakneck’s unique perk is “Onslaught: This weapon’s rate of fire increases as you stack Rampage.”
When the plan was made to create more pinnacle weapons for a variety of activities and not just the Crucible, we had to think of something that would fit the activity. This was intended to be a workhorse for Gambit encounters, where killing large numbers of enemies very fast is the name of the game for a significant portion of it, so something with Rampage was an obvious starting point. Pinnacle weapons occupy an interesting space in the sandbox where we can take what is normally a Legendary-tier effect like Rampage and expand on that idea further. We did it with Outlaw for Desperado, and we’re doing something similar here for Rampage.
How to earn Breakneck:
Pick up the quest from the Drifter
Complete all the following objectives; you can earn progress toward these goals at the same time
500 Auto Rifle kills
100 Auto Rifle multikills
150 challenging enemies defeated
40 Gambit matches completed
Complete all of the objectives and head back to the Drifter to receive a fully Masterworked Breakneck
CRUCIBLE
The Mountaintop—Lightweight Grenade Launcher (Kinetic)
The Mountaintop’s unique perk is “Micro-Missile: This weapon fires in a straight line and has a massively increased projectile speed.”
In addition to the above benefits, the projectile instantly detonates on the environment instead of bouncing like a traditional grenade launcher, unless you have Sticky Grenades selected.
This weapon was created for a few reasons. Other than the Militia’s Birthright, we haven’t created any new Lightweight grenade launchers since Forsaken. In general, it’s a pretty underrepresented weapon type. This gave us an opportunity to explore it as a pinnacle Crucible weapon, and add more variety to the mix of what you’ll use and have used against you. The feeling of getting a direct hit for that instant kill is satisfying, so the weapon was built to support it—but to give it more options, it’s also the only Lightweight grenade launcher with Sticky Grenades, for those of you who have a more tactical approach to the Crucible.
How to earn the Mountaintop: The Quest to earn this weapon lives up to the weapon’s name. It’s going to take some dedication. We did change it up this season, so you can do some of the steps in a non-competitive playlist if you chose, but you will progress quicker by playing in the Competitive playlist. You still need to rank up your Glory score to Fabled in the end to claim the weapon.
Step 1
Reach Glory rank “Brave” within a season
Step 2
Each objective earns you progress per action in any playlist, and players can earn substantial bonus progress by completing these objectives in the Competitive playlist.
In the Crucible, earn Grenade Launcher final blows
750 Total Points
Non-Competitive Playlists:
Kills: 3 Points
Competitive Playlist:
Kills: 10 points
Rapidly defeat groups of two or more opponents
200 Total Points
Non-Competitive Playlists:
Double Plays: 2 Points
Subsequent Kills after Double Plays: 1 Point
Competitive Playlist:
Double Plays: 5 Points
Subsequent Kills after Double Plays: 2 Point
Earn Calculated Trajectory medals
100 Total Points
Non-Competitive Playlists:
Medal Earned: 1 Points
Competitive Playlist:
Medal Earned: 4 Points
Step 3
Reach Glory rank “Fabled” within a season
After you reach Fabled, you can come down from the mountaintop and return to Lord Shaxx to receive… the Mountaintop.
We got a lot of feedback from players that they didn’t like splitting their progress toward the Crucible pinnacle quest. All these objectives use account wide constructs so players can complete these objectives on ANY character.
That should give you an idea of how pinnacle weapons will work in Season of the Forge. Next week, you can start earning them and see for yourself.
Bungie Foundation
The Bungie Foundation aims to reduce distress and suffering in children through entertainment. On a daily basis, this sees us working with hospitals to put games into the hands of young people whose hearts need a lift. There are moments, however, when we expand our mission to include others who also need a helping hand.
Our hearts are with all of those who have lost their homes or loved ones by the ongoing California wildfires. By purchasing the Destiny 2 Bungie Foundation Pin between now and 12/31/18, 100% of the profits will be donated to Direct Relief’s efforts to support.
We have been proud to partner with Direct Relief on a variety of disaster relief efforts due to their unwavering dedication to the people they serve, prompt support using customized methods that specifically meet the needs of each situation, and full transparency on the use of all donor funds.
Please help us in supporting the amazing work they’re doing for the residents and first responders in California.
By the Hammer of Sol… What a Savings
With Thanksgiving comes another American tradition—Black Friday. No need to fight the crowds; the Bungie store has you covered for any holiday shopping you have left to do for fellow Guardians. Or just treat yourself. You deserve it! Check out some of our new wares.
Black Armory Friday on the Bungie Store begins 11/23 at 12AM PST.
Comical
We are proud to announce our next web comic, “Cayde’s Six.”
Heroes may die, but their stories are forever told. And some heroes have more stories to tell than others.
Cayde-6 had a job to do, so he gathered a crew of unlikely troublemakers and headed to the Reef. The plan was to hunt Fallen Barons in the Tangled Shore. The plan was to bring outlaws to justice. Maybe the plan didn’t go so well. Or maybe it did. Depends on who you ask. After all, when someone goes looking for trouble, sometimes they find it.
“Cayde’s Six—Part 1” sets the stage for a showdown between Cayde-6 and the vile Scorned Barons who, eventually, helped claim his life. But this is no eulogy. It is adventure. It is action. And it is a reminder that while a hero may be gone, he will always be remembered through the many stories that carve his legend.
“Cayde’s Six—Part 1” will be released on 11/29 in all of our supported languages. Feel free to check out our other web comics while you wait at comics.bungie.net.
Changing Seasons
The DPS team is always working diligently behind the scenes. They are making sure you have the info you need to have the best Destiny 2 experience.
This is their report.
Clan Rank Resets
In addition to the ranks discussed last week, clan ranks will reset at the start of Season of the Forge.
Players have until the season transition on November 27 to achieve Clan Rank 6 and unlock the clan staff from Season of the Outlaw. On that date, when Season of the Forge goes live, all clans will reset to Clan Rank 1.
Weekly Raid Bounty
With the release of Destiny 2 Update 2.1.0 on November 27, all players who have access to the Last Wish raid will be able to claim its weekly bounty from Hawthorne in the Tower Bazaar.
During Season of the Outlaw, players needed to have achieved Clan Rank 4 to unlock Hawthorne’s weekly bounty. In Season of the Forge, this bounty will be available to all players who have unlocked the Last Wish raid, regardless of clan rank.
Infamous, Once Again
As called out last week, we would like to remind players that once Season of the Forge begins, players must complete at least one Gambit match before turning in Gambit bounties brought over from Season of the Outlaw.
Players who turn in these bounties after Season of the Forge begins, but before playing a Gambit match, will not correctly receive points to their Infamy rank from these bounties.
Season’s Greetings
For a final reminder, as we transition into Season of the Forge, players may experience a variety of unforeseen issues in the week between November 27 and December 4.
The Destiny Player Support team is currently working to consolidate a list of temporary changes that may impact the player experience during this week-long window. In the meantime, we would like to remind players that issues encountered in game are best reported to our #Help forum. When we have more information to share about this week-long transition, we’ll be sure to let you know.
Destiny 2: Forsaken Known Issues
In addition to the items listed above, Destiny Player Support is tracking the latest issues reported by players on the #Help forum. Provided below is a brief overview of the latest known issues in Destiny 2: Forsaken.
Blade Barrage Tracking Issue: We are investigating player reports describing the Hunter Blade Barrage Super tracking allies when activated.
Sword Perks not Activating: We are investigating an issue where some Sword perks are not activating as expected under some circumstances.
Found Footage
It’s a short week, but the show must go on. Here are this week’s winners.
Movie of the Week: Become Legend
Honorable Mention: Solo Shattered Throne (No Guns)
We gave you a little info on Season of the Forge today, but we know you all have many more questions on what the next season of content contains. On 11/27, we will release a ViDoc to show you what you’ll be playing and tell you more details on our plans going forward. We will also have a full gameplay calendar to draw a clear picture of what to expect for the rest of the year and beyond.
Thanks for continuing to be an incredible community. We look forward to showing you a glimpse of your next adventures.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 11-22-2018, 06:31 AM - Forum: Lounge
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All Of The 2018 Game Awards Nominees
The nominees have been announced for 2018's The Game Awards. This year Sony Santa Monica's God of War and Rockstar Games' Red Dead Redemption 2 are the two front-runners, locked neck-and-neck at eight nominations each including Game of the Year. Other GOTY contenders include Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Celeste, Spider-Man, and Monster Hunter: World.
Fortnite snagged four nominations of its own including Best Ongoing Game, and Call of Duty: Black Ops 4, Destiny 2: Forsaken, and Detroit: Become Human each got three nominations. Fans can vote for their favorites through the official site. The awards will air live on Thursday, December 6 at 9 PM ET / 6 PM PT.
As always the award show will feature exclusive world premieres and musical performances. You can purchase tickets here, starting at $70. The show is once again being organized and hosted by gaming industry veteran Geoff Keighley. Keighley will also produce a limited podcast series in partnership with Spotify to take a closer look at the best game music of the year.
A total of 68 media partners, including GameSpot, are voting to decide the winners of the main categories. You can check out the full list of nominees below.
Posted by: xSicKxBot - 11-22-2018, 06:31 AM - Forum: Windows
- No Replies
Save money and time with Microsoft Shopping Assistant
Microsoft Shopping Assistant, first released in 2016 through The Garage, is a browser add-on that helps you get the best deals at more than 50,000 online stores, from top retailers like Amazon and Walmart to your favorite boutique shop on Etsy.
Track prices for products on thousands of stores
Never miss a deal again with the Microsoft Shopping Assistant. When you’re on a product web page, click the heart shaped button in the assistant widget and add it to your Favorites. The assistant will automatically notify you when the price changes, and you can see all price changes from the notifications screen in the assistant.
Compare prices across retailers
Shop smarter with instant price comparisons from other retailers. When you’re shopping online, the assistant will notify you when products you’re looking at are cheaper elsewhere. See how much you can save or if you’re already getting the best deal. You can also find recommendations for similar products.
Stay on top of your shopping everywhere you shop
Forget about keeping multiple tabs open or emailing yourself links of your favorite products. The assistant automatically remembers products you’ve browsed so you don’t have to. You can also organize your shopping with custom boards.
You are always in control
Microsoft Shopping Assistant is built with your security and privacy in mind. You are always in control of your shopping data – you can remove products from the assistant’s history at any time.
Take the assistant shopping with you this holiday season. Add it to your browser and simplify your shopping!
Editor’s note: The name of the add-on was updated following initial publication.
POWERED UP AND REBORN! Expanding the horizons of FINAL FANTASY! A tale of many encounters and the birth of a new world. Originally released in October 2016, WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY has just been powered up and reborn as WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY Maxima! New characters from FF lore (Champions) and monsters (Mirages) add even more fun and excitement to this unique adventure. This new and enhanced version of WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY also features the Avatar Change system, which allows the protagonists, Reynn and Lann, to fight as Champions. Fight your way through exhilarating battles as legendary FINAL FANTASY heroes.
