Hi-Fi Rush Update 4 Patch Notes
Tango Gameworks has released a small patch to address a few of the lingering bugs.
Hi-Fi Rush is a game that seemed to drop out of nowhere and it turned out to be a good experience as we mentioned in our review last month. Fast forward to now, and Tango Gameworks has released a small patch to address a few of the lingering bugs.
- Removed exploit that allowed players to continuously resell attacks that the player has already sold. This adds realism since you cannot sell that which is no longer yours.
- Fixed an issue where the “Specialist” challenge on The Wall of Fame will not be unlocked despite purchasing all available Special Attacks in the game. (Note: This is retroactive, so if you have already purchased the attacks it will register the objective as complete automatically)
- Fixed an issue where a cool hidden animation for playing with 808 on the couch while she is equipped with the Bossplay Roquefort costume would not play.
- Fixed support of PSO caching on the Microsoft Store version which could cause hitching during gameplay.
- Adjusted couch pillow softness in the hideout to better refresh Chai when relaxing in between missions.
While this style of gameplay is not for everyone, something new in today's shooter-dominated gaming industry can be a breath of fresh air. If you've played Hi-Fi Rush already, let me know what you think in the comment section below.
Redfall Update 1.01 Patch Notes
A new patch just released today with a few bug fixes.
Redfall's debut last week was a disaster as many critics panned the new release for poor performance, terrible AI, and an overall disappointing experience. Many believe this controversial release could very well be a wound too severe for the studio, Arkane Austin, to patch up. But that doesn't mean they've given up yet, a new patch just released today with a few bug fixes.
Gameplay
- Fixed an infinite loading screen issue that resulted from suspending and resuming gameplay while Fast Traveling across the map
- Fixed a save system crash that resulted from suspending and resuming gameplay while Fast Traveling across the map
Servers
- Updated game server heartbeat logic for improved backend communication with live servers
Any bug fixes are always welcome in my opinion but nothing in this update addresses any of the complaints I've seen repeated across social media. I've played almost 8 hours of Redfall so far and if I didn't have a subscription to Xbox Game Pass, I would be hard-pressed to justify spending even close to the asking price.
Star Wars Jedi: Survivor Update 4 Patch Notes
Another patch for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has arrived.
Another patch for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor has arrived. Some of the highlights of patch 4 are: HDR being fixed on PS5 and improving non-raytraced performance on PC. Sadly you still can't toggle raytracing on consoles and there doesn't seem to be any performance improvements on consoles with this update. Here are the patch notes:
- (PC only) Updated occlusion behavior for raytracing, reducing idle time stalls.
- (PC only) Updated streaming budgets that will help alleviate traversal hitching.
- (PC only, coming soon to console) Performance improvements for some VFX.
- (PC only) Updated data handling when toggling raytracing, improving non-raytraced performance.
- (PS5 only) Fixed an HDR value mismatch that would cause HDR setups to display incorrectly for PS5 users.
- Fixed various save state errors.
- Fixed a streaming issue that causes some streaming scenarios to end on a black screen.
- Fixed an issue where one of the vents did not properly activate in Stone Spires.
- Audio fix for a narrative moment where music was behaving incorrectly.
- Fixed lightsaber marks not displaying correctly in some scenarios.
- Fixed a scenario where the player could enter a progression blocked state in the Lucrehulk.
- Fixed an elevator to prevent the player from falling through it and entering a progression blocked state.
- Fixed a bug where Rayvis would become unbeatable.
- Fixed a severe animation issue that would break a late game narrative sequence.
- Fixed a collision bug where players can get stuck inside a Meditation Chamber.
- Added a note explaining that some of BD-1’s abilities are not available while in combat.
- Improved text scrolling.
- Minor text translation fixes.
- Various crash fixes.
Redfall Release Disappoints and Head of Xbox Responded
Redfall released last week with low review scores and Phil Spencer responded.
Redfall released last week and review scores are pretty bad. It currently sits at 54 for PC from 46 reviews and 56 for Xbox Series X|S from 62 reviews on Metacritic. Xbox couldn't have created a bigger moral dampener if they tried as they were thought to be building toward one of the best years in recent times. The Head of Xbox, Phil Spencer, reacted to the criticism during an interview with Kinda Funny Games.
There's nothing that's more difficult for me than disappointing the Xbox Community and just to kind of watch the community loose confidence, be disappointed, I'm disappointed, I'm upset with myself. I think back to the announcement of 60 frames per second and then we weren't shipping 60 frames per second that was kind of our punch in the chin rightfully a couple weeks ago. Then seeing the game come out and the critical response was not what we wanted and it's disappointing.
So kind of picked myself up, what can we learn, how can we get better. One thing I'll fight is kind of what went wrong. There's clearly quality and execution things that we can do but one thing I won't do is push against creative aspirations of our teams. I know a lot of people will say hey just force teams to do the one kind of game that they have a proven track record for. I'm just not a believer in that, maybe that means I'll under deliver for some of our fans out there but when a team like Rare wants to do Sea of Thieves, when a team like Obsidian wants to do Grounded, when Tango wants to go do Hi-Fi, when everybody probably thought they were doing The Evil Within 3.
I want to give the teams the creative platform to go and push their ability, push their aspirations but I also need to have a great selection of games that are continuing to come that surprise and delight our fans and we under delivered on that and for that I apologize.Phil Spencer May 4, 2023
To name a few flaws I've experienced myself and seen others mention: always online (it actually disconnected on me randomly an hour in), dead open world, bad AI, non-existent story, glitches, half-baked mechanics, and more. It's so bad that it has people worried about Xbox's most anticipated release, Starfield.
Despite all the backlash from Redfall's launch, Microsoft still delivered on providing a good Game Pass game in Hi-Fi Rush earlier this year. Hi-Fi Rush happily sits at an 89 Metacritic score for PC and 87 for the Xbox Series X|S. Even the user score is high for PC and Xbox with 8.8 and 8.9 respectively. We can only hope Starfield is a better game than Redfall but check out our review of Hi-Fi Rush if you're interested.
A Plague Tale: Requiem Update adds 60 FPS Performance Mode
A new patch has just been released that brings a 60 FPS Performance Mode to consoles.
A new patch has just been released that brings a 60 FPS Performance Mode to the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X version of A Plague Tale: Requiem. The PC version also received a new patch which brings additional options to improve performance.
Added options on PC to save CPU usage and gain performance on minimal configurations:
- Adjustment of the number of animated rats displayed on the screen to reduce CPU usage.
- Adjusting the refresh rate of the rats on the screen to reduce CPU usage.
- Adjust the refresh rate of the characters to reduce CPU usage.
Xbox Series X is specified for the new Performance Mode in the press release which most likely means the Xbox Series S is not getting a 60 FPS option. But all platforms will be getting bug fixes which will improve the experience for everyone.
May's Firmware Update improves Discord Integration for Xbox Series X|S
Xbox has started rolling out a new firmware update for Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles.
Xbox has started rolling out a new firmware update for Xbox One and Xbox Series consoles. It improves Discord integration and adds useful filter options on the Microsoft Store.
View Xbox Gamertags of Discord friends
- When your Discord account is linked to Xbox, you can join voice channels from your Discord servers directly from your Xbox console. You’ll now be able to see the Xbox gamertags of your Discord friends while you’re connected to Discord Voice from your Xbox. This makes it easier to add each other as Xbox friends and send each other Xbox game invites.
New Sort and Filter Options in the Microsoft Store
- New sort and filter options on the pages you can browse on Xbox.com and on your Xbox console that pull in price, subscriptions, supported languages, and accessibility features.
Xbox Wireless Controller Firmware Update
- Fixed unexpected slow battery drain in controllers with internal batteries like Xbox Elite Series 2 and Xbox Adaptive controllers or the Xbox rechargeable battery.
- Fix for controllers that disconnect in games when using headphones with 4K, 120Hz, and VRR (Variable Refresh Rate) enabled.
Improved Xbox Game Pass Quests are now easier to find on the new Rewards tab
- Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and Console plan members can earn Microsoft Rewards points by playing games from the Xbox Game Pass library. Starting today, we’re experimenting with different experiences to make Quests easier to find. Xbox Game Pass Quests in your profile are moving from the Gaming tab to the new Rewards tab. You can also jump to them quickly by pressing the Xbox button to open the guide, choosing Profile & system, selecting your profile, and then choosing My rewards. As we roll this out, a random subset of users will be able to give it a try.
Xbox has seen numerous updates to the UI each generation but so far only small changes have been made since the Xbox Series X|S was released. Xbox announced in September of last year that a new home experience would be launching in 2023. They called on Xbox Insiders to help shape what the new home experience would be like.
Well, the community has certainly let Xbox know their thoughts during the "multi-month series of experiments" since some truly atrocious changes were made, such as removing the option to add pins to the home screen and permanently attaching Game Pass to to the home screen. I'm not sure who is coming up with these ideas but they pale in comparison to some of the fan mockups I've seen.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium for May 2023
The next lineup of games for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers has been revealed.
The next lineup of games for PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium subscribers has been revealed and they will become available beginning May 16th. This month also sees the return of three PSP classics, Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow, Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light, and Pursuit Force.
PlayStation Plus Extra and Premium
- Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart | PS5
- Humanity | PS4, PS5
- Watch Dogs: Legion | PS4, PS5
- Dishonored 2 | PS4
- Dishonored: Death of the Outsider | PS4
- Sakuna: Of Rice and Ruin | PS4
- Tomb Raider: Definitive Edition | PS4
- Rise of the Tomb Raider: 20 Year Celebration | PS4
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider | PS4
- Bus Simulator 21: Next Stop | PS4, PS5
- The Evil Within 2 | PS4
- Wolfenstein: Youngblood | PS4
- Thymesia | PS5
- Rain World | PS4
- Lake | PS4, PS5
- Conan Exiles | PS4
- Rune Factory 4 Special | PS4
- Soundfall | PS4, PS5
PlayStation Plus Premium
- Ghostbusters: The Video Game Remastered | PS4
PlayStation Plus Premium Classics
Syphon Filter: Logan's Shadow | PS4, PS5
How do you hunt in the shadows… when the shadows are hunting you? Unseen, unheard and unknown – Gabe Logan, Precision Strike Operative, is no stranger to secrecy. But when Logan's latest mission to capture a lethal weapon incriminates his closest allies, an intimate secret threatens to become a deadly lie. Experience Syphon Filter: Logan’s Shadow originally released on the PSP, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light | PS4, PS5
In a world protected by the gentle Prismatic Moon, an ancient evil is stirring. The Dread Knight has reappeared to wreak havoc across the land, and the Dark Lord gathers his strength. The world’s only hope rests in the hands of Lance, a reluctant young adventurer. Discover your heritage and learn what it means to be the Protector of Light, Blade Dancer! Experience Blade Dancer: Lineage of Light originally released on the PSP, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
Pursuit Force | PS4, PS5
Five vicious gangs are fighting for control of Capital City. The terrified public has given up hope – and the Chief of Police wants results, fast! Jump into action as a member of the elite Pursuit Force and rid the state of corruption. Dive behind the wheel of a truck, a speedboat or even a helicopter as you hunt down criminals and recover stolen goods. Experience Pursuit Force originally released on the PSP, enhanced with up-rendering, rewind, quick save, and custom video filters.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 and Dragon Ball FighterZ pass 10 Million milestone
Bandai Namco announced both Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 and Dragon Ball FighterZ have set records for the series.
Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 was released back in 2016 to less than stellar reviews and currently sits at a 72 on Metacritic for PS4 with many reviews noting the lack of improvements over the first entry. But that didn't stop it from success as Bandai Namco announced both Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 and Dragon Ball FighterZ have set records for the series as each game has sold over 10 million copies. It was also shared that Xenoverse 2 is still averaging 1 million monthly players, which is insane.
It was also mentioned that Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 will continue to "update and improve to provide a deep and lasting gameplay experience." It's amazing when older games receive support and updates long after release though Xenoverse 2 could use a graphics upgrade more than anything as I remember even maxed out on PC it wasn't winning any categories for looks.
To celebrate these two Dragon Ball Z games, Bandai will be offering some small gifts. Dragon Ball Xenoverse 2 players will be getting a special raid quest and a login bonus campaign. Dragon Ball FighterZ players will be getting a new ranked match challenge and access to DLC characters for free for a limited time between May 9th through June 22nd.
Hogwarts Legacy's Nintendo Switch release delayed again
Nintendo Switch players will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on Hogwarts Legacy.
Nintendo Switch players will have to wait a bit longer to get their hands on Hogwarts Legacy, the official Twitter page announced that the Nintendo Switch port has been delayed to November 14th, 2023. While this has worried some, in my opinion this is good news. This port could have easily been canceled since the hardware is even more outdated than the Xbox One.
They also could have gone the lazy route and made it a crappy cloud port that many studios have resorted to on Switch to get their games on the system. At the end of the day, If they can get Hogwarts Legacy to look decent enough and run at a solid 30 fps like the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One ports earlier this month, it will be a true feat for the studio.
Hogwarts Legacy launches on Nintendo Switch on 11/14/23. We know fans are looking forward to playing on Switch, therefore creating the best possible experience is our top priority. Thank you for your patience.
MediEvil Designer Jason Wilson is Selling his entire Collection
Due to financial troubles, the designer and writer of MediEvil is being forced to sell his art collection.
The PlayStation exclusive series MediEvil made its debut back in 1998 to a mostly positive reception from critics. Even though the series has not had a sequel since 2000, it did garner enough fan interest for Sony to remake the original game not only on the PSP but most recently on PS4 in 2019. Sadly due to financial troubles, the designer and writer of MediEvil, Jason Wilson, is being forced to sell his entire archive of MediEvil art.
It is with a heavy heart that I have decided to sell my entire archive of art and gameplay design for "MediEvil." This was work that I undertook as the game's lead game designer, art director, concept art, level design, co-writer and voice/actor director.
Due to changes in my personal life and the protracted situation trying to obtain video-game work (interviews can spand 2 months) means that I am in financial woes. This archive of game design work spans hundreds of hand crafted original drawings, designs and maps made by me.
This collection will certainly have die-hard fans salivating due to the amount of never before seen concept art. Some fans have even shown interest in buying a book that contains all the art in it.
PS - thanks for all the recommendations to publish the artwork and designs as a book. Sadly, I do not own the MediEvil IP would fall foul of Sony's legal department. And if Sony were to publish such a work/book remastered from my original work, I would receive no royalties.
The original PlayStation generation was the start of some truly amazing games. While most have returned from the grave over the years, MediEvil has only seen two remakes that didn't click with critics like the original. As a huge fan of MediEvil myself, I believe with a proper reboot and a focus on the Tim Burton art style, this series could become a huge hit all over again.
Add Thoughts