Capcom Is OK With Lower Sales If Reviews Are Better

Despite a much better critical reception, Resident Evil 7 didn't quite match the financial success of its predecessor, Resident Evil 6. Capcom says it's comfortable with that, though, since artistry counts for more and they'd prefer a better critical reception at the cost of some sales.

"While we have shareholders to appease, it's not just about commercial performance," Capcom Europe COO Stuart Turner told GameIndustry.biz. "There is an artistic element that always comes in where we know this is the right way. And while if we compare RE7 to RE6 the absolute numbers are not the same, in terms of the profitability... it's completely fine. It ticked all of our boxes internally. It was really well received. And in some respects, getting some very good review scores counts as much for Capcom as a game that sells millions and millions and millions. We'd prefer a game that got a 9 and sold less, than got a 6 but sold more."

Those numbers aren't far off. RE7 received an aggregate score of 86 on GameSpot sister site Metacritic, while RE6 received only a score of 60. The two received an 8/10 and a 4.5/10 in GameSpot's reviews, respectively. RE7 has only sold 5.1 million units so far, compared to RE6's 7.1 million. But the company also says it's taking a longer view for measuring success. Resident Evil 7 hasn't sold as much yet, but it's making steady progress and may still surpass RE6 in the long run.

"We are less focused on day-one sales these days, too. We are looking much more at the long-term. And in that case RE7 is performing amazingly," said Capcom's Antoine Molant. "Even now, after almost two years, it's still the VR flagship title. That helps keep the game selling well."

In the same interview, Capcom opened up about its trepidation around the reveal for the upcoming Resident Evil 2 remake. The fan response so far has been largely positive, so it appears this approach is paying off in terms of reputation.

Final Fantasy 14 Adds Monster Hunter's Rathalos In New Update

The World Ends With You: Final Remix Coming To Nintendo Switch In October

The World Ends With You: Final Remix, the port of the Nintendo DS classic action-RPG, is coming on October 12. Nintendo announced the release date alongside a new trailer for the update, which includes HD visuals, new content, and gameplay tweaks.

Final Remix lets you use the original touch controls or a new Joy-Con option. It also includes a whole new story scenario for longtime fans who want to sink their teeth into something fresh. The visuals have also been overhauled to take advantage of modern HD hardware.

TWEWY was highly regarded as an instant classic when it released in 2007, introducing a stylized world set in the Shibuya district of Tokyo, Japan. The combat had a flair of its own, thanks to highly customizable pins to tailor your own moves, and it was topped off with a memorable soundtrack. GameSpot's original The World Ends With You review gave it a 9/10. This is the second port, following a mobile "Solo Remix" that hit iOS and Android in 2012 and 2014, respectively.

"Flawless presentation, gameplay depth, an engaging story, and innovation all add up to make The World Ends With You a worthy addition to the already-impressive pantheon of Square Enix works," said Randolph Ramsey. "There's very little to complain about in this package, which makes The World Ends With You a must-have for any DS owner needing an RPG fix."

Monster Hunter World - PC Max Settings Rathian Hunt

We maxed out all of the settings on the PC version of Monster Hunter World and set out to the Wildspire Wastes to hunt a Rathian with our trusty Switch Axe!

Free Demo Out Now For Military Tactical RPG Valkyria Chronicles 4

If you're a fan of the cult-favorite tactical-RPG series Valkyria Chronicles, you'll be happy to know that you can download a demo of its fourth entry right now. It's available as a free download on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Valkyria Chronicles 4 is the first non-portable mainline entry to launch on major consoles since the series' debut in 2008.

The demo allows you to play through Valkyria Chronicles 4's prologue up until the end of its second chapter. According to Sega, this amounts to around two or so hours of gameplay. Any progress you make is transferable to the final game, so any customization options and lasting consequences you make, like dead comrades, will follow you should you choose to allow it.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is set in the same timeline as the previous games, taking place during the events of the first game. It depicts the battles between the Atlantic Federation and the Autocratic Eastern Imperial Alliance on the Eastern front. In a last-ditch effort to end the war and capture the imperial capital, the Federation executes Operation Northern Cross. You play as Commander Claude Wallace and his friends in Squad E, who are sent to fight imperial soldiers and the Valkyria.

Much like the original, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is split between the gameplay of turn-based strategy RPG and the mechanics of third-person shooting. You command units on a map towards strategic positions, but when you move a unit, you directly control them and execute actions in real-time.

New to the formula this is the addition of the Grenadier class, along with a suite of battleship support options. In addition, it introduces a feature known as the Brace system, which, when used, allows you to enhance the abilities of troops when a soldier is killed or fatally wounded in action.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is set to release on September 25 for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.

Some Great Xbox One Game Deals This Week

Monster Hunter World - PC Max Settings Rathian Hunt

We maxed out all of the settings on the PC version of Monster Hunter World and set out to the Wildspire Wastes to hunt a Rathian with our trusty Switch Axe!

from GameSpot https://ift.tt/2M24Uxc

Free Demo Out Now For Military Tactical RPG Valkyria Chronicles 4

If you're a fan of the cult-favorite tactical-RPG series Valkyria Chronicles, you'll be happy to know that you can download a demo of its fourth entry right now. It's available as a free download on PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. Valkyria Chronicles 4 is the first non-portable mainline entry to launch on major consoles since the series' debut in 2008.

The demo allows you to play through Valkyria Chronicles 4's prologue up until the end of its second chapter. According to Sega, this amounts to around two or so hours of gameplay. Any progress you make is transferable to the final game, so any customization options and lasting consequences you make, like dead comrades, will follow you should you choose to allow it.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is set in the same timeline as the previous games, taking place during the events of the first game. It depicts the battles between the Atlantic Federation and the Autocratic Eastern Imperial Alliance on the Eastern front. In a last-ditch effort to end the war and capture the imperial capital, the Federation executes Operation Northern Cross. You play as Commander Claude Wallace and his friends in Squad E, who are sent to fight imperial soldiers and the Valkyria.

Much like the original, Valkyria Chronicles 4 is split between the gameplay of turn-based strategy RPG and the mechanics of third-person shooting. You command units on a map towards strategic positions, but when you move a unit, you directly control them and execute actions in real-time.

New to the formula this is the addition of the Grenadier class, along with a suite of battleship support options. In addition, it introduces a feature known as the Brace system, which, when used, allows you to enhance the abilities of troops when a soldier is killed or fatally wounded in action.

Valkyria Chronicles 4 is set to release on September 25 for PS4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC.

from GameSpot https://ift.tt/2OiXSAV

Some Great Xbox One Game Deals This Week

Strange Brigade Gameplay: Fighting Supernatural Hordes

This action adventure game brings Indiana Jones themes to its score attack and horde modes on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

from GameSpot https://ift.tt/2vFYtoG

H1Z1 Officially Out Of Beta On PS4

H1Z1 has officially left open beta and launched on PlayStation 4 as a free-to-play game, Daybreak Games announced. The update, which converts the early access version to an official release, makes launch bundles and a season pass available, as well as new things to do in the world before the fight for survival begins.

Battle Passes are available across three tiers: free, premium, and PS Plus. You can purchase the Premium for $5.50 / €5.50. Plus members will be given that level for free and level progression can be transferred between tiers. You can also purchase a Viper Starter Bundle ($5 / €5) or Hardline Deluxe Bundle ($35 / €35). The Deluxe bundle includes a Premium Battle Pass. Both will be offered at a launch discount until September 4.

Also marking the event are a few new in-game items to purchase with an airdrop ticket. A new explosive RPG from gold-level airdrops can help you take out vehicles, and a SOCOM sniper rifle from purple airdrops gives you another long-range option. A new ARV can help transport you and your entire team, and even includes a hatch for one of the squadmates to fire from.

"Everyone here at Daybreak Games is thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response to H1Z1’s debut on PS4," said H1Z1 producer Terrence Yee in the announcement. "10 million new players in our first month in open beta is an incredible milestone, and our entire development team has worked tirelessly to build on that early success. We're beyond excited to officially launch H1Z1 on PS4—this is our fully realized vision for battle royale on console."

from GameSpot https://ift.tt/2OMKplU

Battle Waves Of Supernatural Monsters In The Co-Op Shooter Strange Brigade

Strange Brigade Gameplay: Fighting Supernatural Hordes

This action adventure game brings Indiana Jones themes to its score attack and horde modes on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

H1Z1 Officially Out Of Beta On PS4

H1Z1 has officially left open beta and launched on PlayStation 4 as a free-to-play game, Daybreak Games announced. The update, which converts the early access version to an official release, makes launch bundles and a season pass available, as well as new things to do in the world before the fight for survival begins.

Battle Passes are available across three tiers: free, premium, and PS Plus. You can purchase the Premium for $5.50 / €5.50. Plus members will be given that level for free and level progression can be transferred between tiers. You can also purchase a Viper Starter Bundle ($5 / €5) or Hardline Deluxe Bundle ($35 / €35). The Deluxe bundle includes a Premium Battle Pass. Both will be offered at a launch discount until September 4.

Also marking the event are a few new in-game items to purchase with an airdrop ticket. A new explosive RPG from gold-level airdrops can help you take out vehicles, and a SOCOM sniper rifle from purple airdrops gives you another long-range option. A new ARV can help transport you and your entire team, and even includes a hatch for one of the squadmates to fire from.

"Everyone here at Daybreak Games is thrilled with the overwhelmingly positive response to H1Z1’s debut on PS4," said H1Z1 producer Terrence Yee in the announcement. "10 million new players in our first month in open beta is an incredible milestone, and our entire development team has worked tirelessly to build on that early success. We're beyond excited to officially launch H1Z1 on PS4—this is our fully realized vision for battle royale on console."

Battle Waves Of Supernatural Monsters In The Co-Op Shooter Strange Brigade

Giving Ghost Recon Wildlands A Second Chance

One year after Ghost Recon Wildlands' release, and numerous updates later, Mike Mahardy returns to Ubisoft's open-world shooter.

from GameSpot https://ift.tt/2OMSyHj

Mission Impossible: Fallout Stays Strong At Top Of Box Office Chart

The action sequel Mission Impossible: Fallout maintained its position at the top of the box office chart in the first weekend of what is often one of the quietest months for theater-going. With all the big Hollywood blockbusters now on release and the more prestigious awards-oriented movies still a couple of months from theaters, August release slots are often used by studios as a dumping ground for movies that aren't expected to do as well.

In terms of box office, 2017 had the worst August in 20 years, but the mammoth success of Fallout has at least ensured that 2018 will be better. The movie made $35 million in its first three days, bringing its domestic total to $124.8 million to date. The family movie Christoper Robin opened in second place, with a $24.5 take, with the R-rated comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me at No.3 with $12.1 million. Both films fell short of studio expectations, but as Box Office Mojo points out, a lack of competition in the next few weeks should help their ongoing performance.

The week's only other new release was the Young Adult sci-fi adaptation The Darkest Minds, which debuted at No.8. Despite a wide release, the movie only made $5.8 million, which is the 11th worst opening of all time for a movie released onto more than 3,000 screens.

Elsewhere, the musical comedy Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again slipped to No.4 in its third week on release, while the Denzel Washington-starring The Equalizer 2 dropped to No.5. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Incredibles 2 all continued to do solid business at No.6, 7, and 9 respectively. The animated Teen Titans Go! To the Movies fell to No.10 in only its second week.

You can see the full Top 10 list for the August 3-5 US box office below, as compiled by Box Office Mojo.

US/Canada Box Office For August 3-5:

1. Mission Impossible: Fallout – $35.1 million
2. Disney's Christopher Robin – $24.5 million
3. The Spy Who Dumped Me – $12.1 million
4. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again – $15.0 million
5. The Equalizer 2 – $14.0 million
6. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation – $8.0 million
7. Ant-Man and the Wasp – $6.3 million
8. The Darkest Minds – $5.8 million
9. Incredibles 2 – $4.9 million
10. Teen Titans Go! To The Movies – $4.7 million

from GameSpot https://ift.tt/2OQNCkA

Giving Ghost Recon Wildlands A Second Chance

One year after Ghost Recon Wildlands' release, and numerous updates later, Mike Mahardy returns to Ubisoft's open-world shooter.

Mission Impossible: Fallout Stays Strong At Top Of Box Office Chart

The action sequel Mission Impossible: Fallout maintained its position at the top of the box office chart in the first weekend of what is often one of the quietest months for theater-going. With all the big Hollywood blockbusters now on release and the more prestigious awards-oriented movies still a couple of months from theaters, August release slots are often used by studios as a dumping ground for movies that aren't expected to do as well.

In terms of box office, 2017 had the worst August in 20 years, but the mammoth success of Fallout has at least ensured that 2018 will be better. The movie made $35 million in its first three days, bringing its domestic total to $124.8 million to date. The family movie Christoper Robin opened in second place, with a $24.5 take, with the R-rated comedy The Spy Who Dumped Me at No.3 with $12.1 million. Both films fell short of studio expectations, but as Box Office Mojo points out, a lack of competition in the next few weeks should help their ongoing performance.

The week's only other new release was the Young Adult sci-fi adaptation The Darkest Minds, which debuted at No.8. Despite a wide release, the movie only made $5.8 million, which is the 11th worst opening of all time for a movie released onto more than 3,000 screens.

Elsewhere, the musical comedy Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again slipped to No.4 in its third week on release, while the Denzel Washington-starring The Equalizer 2 dropped to No.5. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation, Ant-Man and the Wasp, and Incredibles 2 all continued to do solid business at No.6, 7, and 9 respectively. The animated Teen Titans Go! To the Movies fell to No.10 in only its second week.

You can see the full Top 10 list for the August 3-5 US box office below, as compiled by Box Office Mojo.

US/Canada Box Office For August 3-5:

1. Mission Impossible: Fallout – $35.1 million
2. Disney's Christopher Robin – $24.5 million
3. The Spy Who Dumped Me – $12.1 million
4. Mamma Mia! Here We Go Again – $15.0 million
5. The Equalizer 2 – $14.0 million
6. Hotel Transylvania 3: Summer Vacation – $8.0 million
7. Ant-Man and the Wasp – $6.3 million
8. The Darkest Minds – $5.8 million
9. Incredibles 2 – $4.9 million
10. Teen Titans Go! To The Movies – $4.7 million

Fortnite Servers Are Back Online With 5.20 Update

Servers for Epic's massively popular battle royale game, Fortnite, have gone down for routine maintenance. As announced on Twitter, the developer has take the game offline early on August 7 while it implements a new update across PS4, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch, and iOS. [Update] The servers are now live again. You can read the full Fortnite update 5.20 patch notes to see exactly what's changed in the game.

The maintenance period is scheduled to begin at 1 AM PT / 4 AM ET / 5 AM BST. As usual, Epic hasn't revealed how long the downtime is expected to last, although it typically doesn't take too long. Maintenance periods for Fortnite routinely run between one to two hours, though that could vary depending on the update.

Once maintenance is complete, players will be able to try out Fortnite's v5.20 update. Epic hasn't revealed what new content is being added in this week's patch, although the studio has been introducing new weapons to the game on a regular basis. Fortnite's previous update brought back the controversial Guided Missile and kicked off the limited-time Fly Explosives mode.

It also remains to be seen if shopping carts and ATKs will return with the new update. Epic recently had to disable both of the game's vehicles in all game modes due to an unspecified bug. This is particularly problematic because one of the game's most recent challenges, jumping through flaming hoops, depends on being able to drive a shopping cart or ATK, meaning that players who haven't already completed the task are currently unable to until the vehicles are re-enabled.

The next set of weekly challenges is scheduled to roll out on Thursday, August 9. Until then, you can see all the challenges currently available in the game in our complete Fortnite Season 5 challenges roundup. You also have until one hour before maintenance begins on August 7 to complete Fortnite's special birthday challenges and unlock a birthday cake back bling.

from GameSpot https://ift.tt/2ONzWXv