Mortal Shell 2: First Major Update Introduces Extra Beacons, New Items, and Functional Riposte Damage Scaling

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Mortal Shell 2: First Major Update Introduces Extra Beacons, New Items, and Functional Riposte Damage Scaling

**Mortal Shell 2 Update: New Features and Improvements**

Just over a week has elapsed since the launch of *Mortal Shell 2*, a game that received positive acclaim from reviewers, including Jeremy, who praised its depth and homage to classic gaming elements. In the ever-evolving landscape of modern gaming, developers are continually improving their titles, which has become essential due to online connectivity and user feedback. Following the initial balance patch released on launch day, *Mortal Shell 2* has now introduced its first significant update, enhancing gameplay and addressing player concerns.

**New Items Introduced**

The recent update has brought several new items to *Mortal Shell 2*, which promise to enrich the gaming experience. Among the noteworthy additions are fragile tarstones, a unique category of tarstone that depletes in durability after use. Players can also discover glimpse stones, which accumulate use as players defeat enemies but ultimately break into glimpses. Another significant introduction is Egon’s stone, which offers players a way to revive at a dungeon’s entrance without penalizing their gloom upon breaking.

**Enhanced Exploration Mechanics**

Navigating the expansive world of *Mortal Shell 2* has been made smoother with the introduction of additional beacons in the Fainweald and Mammon areas, though these will only activate during the day. The update also features a variety of new items scattered throughout the world, including the reset of problematic chests that previously caused issues for players. Cosmetic items have also been added, including quirky headpieces such as a hand-stitched frog and a potato sack with an eyehole, which players can acquire after completing specific questlines.

**Improvements to Riposte Mechanics**

Notably, the update has refined the riposte mechanics, a crucial element of combat in *Mortal Shell 2*. Damage dealt through ripostes now scales based on the health of the enemies, making encounters in New Game Plus and Night Mode less daunting. Players will also benefit from shorter riposte recoveries, meaning a quicker return to control after executing one. Additional adjustments ensure that riposte damage is accurately calculated while maintaining a consistent invulnerability window throughout the animation.

**Adjustments to Enemy Behavior**

The update has also brought changes to enemy tracking and magnetism, allowing for more forgiving combat encounters. The developers have committed to further adjustments in upcoming patches to refine these aspects on a case-by-case basis. Moreover, various cutscenes have been corrected to prevent characters from awkwardly turning away or remaining static. Certain areas populated with numerous enemies have seen a reduced headcount to bolster game performance.

**Conclusion**

With these updates, *Mortal Shell 2* continues to evolve, offering players an enhanced and more enjoyable experience. From new items and exploration tools to combat refinements, the latest update aims to fine-tune the game and address feedback from the community. For players eager to dive deeper into the specifics of this update, a comprehensive overview can be found in the full patch notes.

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**The Escalating Prices of Pokémon Cards: A Retail and Scalper Conundrum**

The arena of Pokémon card collecting is undergoing considerable upheaval, fueled by variable prices affected by scalpers and retailer strategies. Recently, there has been significant experimentation among retailers regarding the pricing of Pokémon cards, with entities like Target and GameStop choosing to increase prices dramatically. This change raises concerns about the implications for collectors and casual enthusiasts alike.

Pokémon card prices have experienced significant volatility in recent times, primarily due to scalpers who acquire cards in large quantities to resell at marked-up prices. This phenomenon has led to considerable annoyance among sincere collectors attempting to secure cards at reasonable market values. Retailers, seeking to exploit the heightened interest, have started to elevate their prices, thus creating a scenario where even passionate fans may find it difficult to access their desired items.

A striking illustration of this trend is GameStop’s pre-ordering for the forthcoming Pokémon 30th anniversary collection. While The Pokémon Company has not yet revealed official retail prices, GameStop has taken it upon itself to establish prices significantly higher than anticipated. The Elite Trainer Box (ETB), a favorite among collectors, has traditionally been priced around $50. However, GameStop is reportedly offering the anniversary set’s ETB for an astounding $130—nearly three times the standard price.

The community’s response has been immediate. Many collectors and fans believe that such practices do not adequately serve the customer base and question GameStop’s dedication to being a supportive hub for enthusiasts. Reactions on social media highlight widespread dissatisfaction, with individuals noting that these inflated prices only benefit scalpers while disadvantaging everyday fans looking to enjoy their hobby.

Alongside worries about retail pricing, there is also concern that scalpers will persist in driving prices even higher. Predictions indicate that initial prices might be insignificant compared to what the secondary market could demand as the release date draws near, placing fans in a precarious situation where waiting for a better deal may not be practical. Elevated levels of excitement surrounding new sets have led enthusiasts to perceive that waiting for prices to drop is a risk—a notion emphasized by collectors who have pointed out the potential for even steeper prices once cards enter the market.

The prevailing sentiment is one of disappointment concerning the progression of Pokémon card collecting. What was once a joyful activity filled with nostalgia and artistic admiration has transformed into a scenario where cards are regarded as investment vehicles. This transformation has led some retailers to implement strategies aimed at curbing scalping behaviors, such as requiring identification for purchases or assessing buyers’ Pokémon knowledge to confirm they are genuine fans rather than resellers.

Nevertheless, the strategy employed by GameStop, which appears to favor short-term profit over customer satisfaction, has drawn criticism. Many contend that the company is squandering the chance to cultivate a loyal customer base by estranging collectors with inflated prices. This raises broader discussions about how retailers handle the balance between profit and community engagement, particularly in niche markets like Pokémon collecting.

As the Pokémon community continues to grapple with these issues, the hope lingers that through collaborative efforts from both retailers and fans, a more favorable atmosphere can be created—one where the joy of collecting cards can flourish without the influence of scalpers and inflated retail practices overshadowing the experience.

Nightdive Studios Confirms Release of SiN Reloaded Expected in 2023
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Video games are weird little things. It’s pretty rare for films to get scrapped part way through production, even if these days some production companies opt to use even finished projects as tax write offs. But games can frequently get canned, disappear for a bit, and even return after many years of silence. Enter SiN Reloaded, the Nightdive-made remaster of the classic boomer shooter, that is alive once more!

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Xbox Halts Multiple Projects, Keeping Hideo Kojima's Anticipated Horror Title OD.
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**Hideo Kojima’s Forthcoming Horror Venture: OD**

Hideo Kojima, celebrated for his groundbreaking narratives and immersive gameplay, is poised to create a stir in the horror realm with his forthcoming initiative titled *OD*. Initially hinted at three years back as part of a bold lineup of third-party partnership titles released by Xbox, *OD* has recently come back into the spotlight, prompting strong comparisons to the legendary *P.T.*, a game that made a significant mark on the horror gaming landscape.

Although Microsoft is reassessing various partnerships, reports suggest that *OD* is firmly secured within the company’s portfolio. According to insiders familiar with Xbox’s strategy, the game remains safe even as other initiatives face cancellations amid recent structural changes at Microsoft.

As per reports from *IGN*, *OD* is still being advanced by Kojima Productions and will be released by Xbox. Kojima has articulated his aspiration to push the limits of horror gaming, stating, “I aimed to surpass the threshold of ‘scariness’ that other titles have achieved.” The game is crafted as a single-player journey, with Kojima incorporating a distinctive system to keep players engaged, even those who might find the experience overwhelming. He has, nonetheless, been secretive about specifics, worried that divulging too much could violate confidentiality agreements.

While details about the gameplay mechanics and launch timeline are yet to be revealed, the project has garnered attention since its debut at the 2023 Xbox Summer Showcase and its subsequent announcement at the 2023 Game Awards. *OD* stands out not only for its artistic ambition but also for its remarkable cast, which includes Hollywood director/writer Jordan Peele along with actors Sophia Lillis, Hunter Schafer, and the late Udo Kier. The game is being developed on Unreal Engine, underscoring its high production quality.

In the context of Xbox’s strategic vision, the announcement of *OD* signified a declaration of intent to emphasize the company’s dedication to nurturing ambitious endeavors from creative leaders. However, the gaming landscape has undergone significant shifts, particularly following the finalization of the Activision Blizzard acquisition in 2023 and the simultaneous layoffs within the organization. Several notable projects, including upcoming titles from Brenda and John Romero and Patrice Désilets, have been scrapped, highlighting the tightening of Microsoft’s investments in avant-garde titles.

Despite this turmoil, a Microsoft representative assured that overall investment in gaming will remain stable, though the focus and types of projects may evolve. Xbox CEO Asha Sharma reaffirmed these views, calling for a reassessment of investment tactics to guarantee the prosperity of both first- and third-party titles.

In this constantly changing landscape, *OD* emerges as a symbol of optimism for horror game aficionados and a potentially game-changing title for Kojima Productions. As it navigates the intricacies of corporate decision-making, its artistic ambition and expected gameplay could indeed revolutionize the horror genre in video games. As enthusiasts await further updates, *OD* represents not just a continuation of Kojima’s legacy but also an ongoing pledge by Xbox to champion groundbreaking creative ventures in gaming.