You'll know the name FMPONE if you've ventured into Counter-Strike: Global Offensive's Steam Workshop he's the mapper behind Cache, Crown, Season, and other environments generally regarded as the best CS:GO community-made maps around. Now, he's detailed his most recent map, Santorini, in a fun making-of video showing how it progressed from a basic greybox into the stonking, believable location you can download here.
If you've not been to Santorini, it's a bomb defusal map set in the identically named Greek island, and sees you battling terrorists intent on destroying the Greek economy.
A couple of years ago, Shawn 'FMPONE' Snelling and Sal 'Volcano' Garrozo (why don't I have a cool online-handle middle name?) detailed the making of Crown, in a three-part series for PC Gamer.
Stealing the esports spotlight this weekend is Dota 2 s Manila Major, the biggest tournament for the mega-moba before Valve hosts The International. (Have you bought your compendium yet?) Otherwise, things are fairly quiet Heroes of the Storm, LoL, and Smite teams battle it out in their season qualifiers before the big money events kick off later this summer.
Dota 2: The Manila Major 2016
It started today and the group stages continue on Saturday at 10:00 local time (02:00 BST/18:00 PDT). The games run all day, so wherever you are you should be able to catch a match or two: and you'll want to, as this is the biggest event in the calendar until The International. After the production problems that plagued the Shanghai Major, Valve have stepped in to ensure Manila is a smoother show. You can find out for yourself on Twitch or by spectating from the client.
Heroes of the Storm: Summer Regional 2
The Summer Regional 2, the last major event before the Summer Global Championship, starts on June 4th at the ESL Studios in Burbank. With a prize pool of $100,000 and high temperatures forecasted throughout the weekend, the competition is sure to be thirsty in more ways than one. Watch Cloud9, Tempo Storm, Astral Authority, and more duke it out on the official stream.
League of Legends: Summer Split
The North American league s Summer Split is LoL s most important set of matches this weekend, with Cloud9 vs Immortals, Team Envy vs Liquid, and Apex vs NRG Esports on Saturday. Sunday mixes the bunch up, with Apex taking on Counter Logic Gaming, TSM vs Liquid, Echo Fox vs Cloud9, and Immortals vs Phoenix1. Watch them on Riot s official Twitch channel or imagine your preferred outcomes in your head.
Smite: Spring Split
It s week 10 of the Season 3 Smite Pro League, and the Spring Split is on. There s a handful of matches spread out through the weekend, throwing a few of the top teams against one another to sort things out before Dreamhack later on in summer. On Saturday, it s Hungry for More vs Team Leftovers and Cringe Crew vs Torpedo. Sunday pits Randozos vs Denial and Luminosity vs Team EnVyUs. Beat the heat, hide inside, and catch the games live on HiRezTV.
Hearthstone: Hearthstone Invitational
The Hearthstone Invitational will run from June 4-5 and sees a stellar group of players split into Horde (mostly European) and Alliance (mostly American) factions to fight over a $15,000 prizepool. Frodan, Lifecoach and our own Sottle will be on hand to cast the tournament, which can be watched via Faceit's Twitch channel. The lineup involved really is strong, so though there won't be HCT points on the line, it should make for a good watch.
Gearbox has announced that the big Homeworld: Remastered patch we learned about last month, which will bring both games in the package to version 2.0, will be out on June 7. Patch notes haven't been released, but Gearbox programmer Dave E. said in a message posted on the Gearbox forums that the new systems and tools should enable mod makers to do some really exciting stuff.
I equally hope that Mod authors see value in taking time to refine their gameplay and design decisions with respect to what we've added/changed, he wrote. 'Old' choices run the very large risk of making no sense given the way systems in this patch interoperate. A major gameplay Mod that ends up in the public hands before... I dunno, August? Is probably rushed and an unbalanced mess; or just loaded with edge-cases and exploits. That, or many features have been gutted and systems neutered to reduce the complexity of their workload.
Fists of Heaven posted a good breakdown of what the patch will change, and as befits its 2.0 designation, the list is significant. Highlights include reworked formations that will more intelligently handle mixes of different ship types, an overhaul of projectile-based weaponry, improved targeting and tactics, and various bug fixes, tweaks, and balance changes. If and when Gearbox does release a full changelog, we'll toss it up here for your viewing pleasure. In the meantime, here are a few screens to remind you that the majestic void of space is a beautiful and terrifying thing.
The cyber-FPS remake Hard Reset Redux is out today, and naturally there's a launch trailer, which is every bit as goofy as, but slightly more narratively cohesive than, the game itself. But there are also concerns kicking around (hey, Reddit) that the new version is actually a downgrade of the original, with lower-quality textures, fewer anti-aliasing options, and missing effects. In response to the complaints, developer Flying Wild Hog has issued a statement explaining two of the main changes we made to the game's appearance, and why we made them.
Here are the relevant bits, quoted in their entirety:
1. Baked Ambient Occlusion (Hard Reset) has been changed to a Dynamic system (SSAO): One of the main undertakings that we made when developing Redux, was to upgrade the game to the new version of our in-house Roadhog game engine (RoadHog v2). The new Dynamic system is one of the changes that came with this move of engines, as our new engine no longer uses Baked Ambient Occlusion (none of the games we ve released have used this post the original Hard Reset). The new Dynamic system used in Redux is an overall improvement, as it works on ALL OBJECTS instead of ONLY STATIC ones. This is an important change in a game like Redux, as it features a ton of dynamic objects with physics. So this new system works better to highlight more of the objects that players will be directly interacting with during their playtime (e.g. characters, barrels, terminals etc). Nothing has been removed from the game, as it just currently uses a different system which highlights more objects instead of a pre-determined selection."
"2. Textures and Post Process: As with the Occlusion system, we have changed the post-processing filters we used in the original Hard Reset. Redux does not use the same Image Sharpen Post Process which was used in the original H.R. This change was made to decrease aliasing, which cause flickering during camera motion. Because of this the game can at times look worse during static screens, but it looks better in motion. Hard Reset Redux is a game where players will constantly be moving and shooting; so this change was made to improve the overall visual experience that the game delivers during gameplay.
Separate from that, the studio said it is looking into reports of missing particles and lighting effects, and will issue fixes if and when it confirms that there are problems. That may well be what's happening in these images, in which the new, graphically enhanced version looks significantly poorer than the original: The Reddit post in which they're linked says the effects were cut intentionally to increase performance, but the developer's response suggests it may in fact be a bug. Either way, the differences are also apparent in the comparison video posted below, although based on the Fraps counter, the framerate of the Redux version is dramatically increased. (Fair to say that the original is screaming along pretty well too, though.)
Overall we all feel confident that Redux represents a solid improvement over the original Hard Reset, Flying Wild Hog said. Not just because of the new content and features that we added which improve gameplay and add new variety (even for seasoned HR players), but because Redux is a considerably better performing game which offers players a smoother and better balanced overall experience.
Hard Reset is available now on Steam and GOG for $18/ 13, or $3/ 2 if you already own the original Hard Reset or Shadow Warrior.
Update: The post originally stated that the 85 percent discount for owners of Hard Reset or Shadow Warrior was only valid until June 10. It's actually a permanent discount; June 10 is when the standard ten percent launch discount expires.
What is it? If you don't know, you should go here.
Expect to pay: £7/$10
Developer: Io Interactive
Publisher: Square Enix
Reviewed on: Windows 10, 8GB RAM, i5-3570k, GeForce GTX 970
Multiplayer: No
Link:www.hitman.com
Each new Hitman level brings with it not just a new location, but also a change in tone. Paris was a soiree of elites both the fashionistas below and the information brokers that secretly fraternised above them. Sapienza was light and airy the sort of place that could accommodate an exploding golf ball. This third level, set in Marrakesh, is something else entirely. It's the setting for a political conspiracy, based around an army general's attempt to orchestrate the populace into providing the justification for a military coup.
Hitman's story is starting to shape. It's clear that, as in previous games, 47's hits are connected. There's a plan, and we're slowly working towards its unveiling. So far, this overarching plot is told almost entirely through the short cutscenes that play after each mission's completion. As such, each mission is its own standalone tale. Marrakesh features what is, to my mind, the best environmental story this Hitman has yet told.
There's a sense of intrigue and purpose to events. You start in a small restaurant, outside which a crowd has gathered to watch news reports of the protests a few blocks away. Down a side-street, through a gorgeous souk filled with ornate lamps and carpets, concerned NPCs discuss local politics across from a stream of oblivious shoppers. At the other side of the map, you'll find the protests themselves. Throughout, you'll hear snippets of conversation that broaden your understanding of the situation, and the intrigue and manipulation involved. It's not that the story is particularly surprising or eventful, but it deftly sets the tone by fleshing out the source of tension in the area. That's all I really need from a Hitman setting.
In terms of area, Marrakesh feels smaller than Sapienza. But where that was a sparse, sleepy town, here 47 must move through bustling streets packed with people. An interesting consequence of the crowds is that it feels like you're always being watched. In the city proper, it can be difficult to pick locks or sabotage equipment. Tempting costumes can be found throughout, but choking out their owner is almost always a risk.
In the city proper, it can be difficult to pick locks or sabotage equipment.
Away from the main square, the mission's two targets each occupy their own restricted building. The first, General Reza Zaydan, occupies a nearby school that the military have taken as an HQ. It's a heavily patrolled space, and many of its soldiers will see through a military disguise. This is the first target in the new Hitman save perhaps for any contracts that take you up into Paris's attic to encourage a more traditional stealth approach. The second target, Claus Hugo Strandberg, is a former CEO hiding out in the Swedish consulate. It's a minimalist office space, and favours the more familiar disguise based approach.
Beyond that, there's plenty to be discovered on rooftops, down alleyways and in the member's only shisha bar. As in previous episodes, a handful of opportunities send you on a collision course with the targets. Here, though, they seem less like the focus. Maybe it was the way I played, but I felt as if the impetus was more on discovery and experimentation pushing at the cracks of each target's security to see what I could break through.
Marrakesh is a good level, and evocative, but doesn't quite match Sapienza. It's more serious, for one thing. Nothing has the same playful dark as Caruso's relationship with his mother. And despite the quality setup, the world feels static. Any tension created by the presence of protesters is squandered by their inaction. Worse still, the AI seems unable to realistically respond to the situation. If military personnel are targetting 47, they'll happily shoot through the crowd. In response, protesters simply cower a bit. The reuse of voice actors is becoming more noticeable, too. I swear the woman trying to sell me carpets was in Italy last month, berating her lazy brother.
Overall, Marrakesh is another success, and another great space waiting to be filled with contracts, escalations and elusive targets. Three episodes in, I'm now confident that Himan is the Blood Money successor I wanted. Hopefully, having already made such a strong statement of intent, future episodes will progress things further still.
Natural Selection 2 has been patched with a new map, alien skin and a host of fixes. 'Caged' is a deep-space construction vessel gone dark after sending out a distress call no prizes for guessing what happened. Now that the boring old crew has been digested, we're left with a four-techpoint, 10-resource-point map.
The accompanying tweaks include bots that evolve (into Lerks, Fade and Oni), improved Alien Vision and overhauled Spores. As a bonus, anyone playing at least two hours on Caged before June 10 will receive a free Abyss skin for the Skulk. The full patch notes are extensive, so it's worth reading up if you're a veteran.
In all honesty, I'd forgotten Natural Selection 2 was still going. Unknown Worlds returned to NS development in November last year, taking over from the community team that had been keeping the lights on. Since then, it's received a patch almost weekly.
Painted and 'Certified' items will come to Rocket League with its June patch. Psyonix has long been teasing changes to the item system, and though it promises more to come, the endless stream of toppers is already looking more interesting.
Painted items are colourful reskins of existing items, starting with toppers and wheels. If you receive a painted item, its colour will be randomly chosen. Psyonix gives the examples of 'Titanium White' and 'Burnt Sienna'. I'm hoping for 'Hopes and Dreams Ash' and 'Division Down Denim'.
Certified items track stats. That is, more interesting stats than are currently tracked by each class of item. For example, a 'Sniper Wizard Hat' tracks long goals, levelling up at milestones to a 'Skillful' or 'Incredible' Sniper Wizard Hat.
Psyonix is leaving it to us to discover the full extent of the trackers and prefixes. The stat-tracking will only work in casual and compeititve games, mind, so there'll be no stat farming in custom matches.
Modding Half-Life 2 is still an enriching pastime for thousands, but did you know you can mod life to be more like Half-Life 2? Yeah, it's a thing: Russian handyman Valplushka has fitted a remote control drone with all the adornments needed to make an authentic Half-Life City Scanner drone.
It's a pretty impressive setup: the front panel moves emotively, just like in the game, and there's a red laser light embedded inside. The mind boggles at the potential. I'd like to have one as a pet, actually.
The first video is a simple demonstration of the drone, while the following one gives you some idea of how to make your own. Cheers, Geek.com.
Welcome back to The PC Gamer Show, our weekly livestreamed podcast. You can catch the show live on Wednesdays at 1 pm PDT on our Twitch channel, or after the fact at any of the links below.
This week we'll be joined by special guest Rebecca Ford, live operations and community producer at Digital Extremes, developer of Warframe.
We'll be taking a look at the recent No Man's Sky delay and the reaction surrounding it, discussing Payday 2's announcement that it will remove microtransactions, talking with Rebecca all about Warframe, and lots more including our usual Twitch chat Q&A.
This week's topics:
What we've been playing recently.
No Man's Sky was delayed, and the reaction was upsetting.
Special guest: Rebecca Ford - live operations and community producer at Digital Extremes
The awesome images we use for the show were made for us in Source Filmmaker by Ness "Uberchain" Delacroix. You can findher DeviantArt page hereand her Patreon page here.
Nearly a year after it inexplicably disappeared from Steam, Mafia II has emerged from whatever safe house 2K Games had it holed up in. And it's on sale, too, for 80 percent off the regular price that's a cool six bucks, instead of 30, for the base game which also applies to the Digital Deluxe Edition and the standalone the DLC.
The publisher said it's re-releasing the game to give gamers a taste of a Mafia experience prior to the launch of Mafia III in October. Speaking of which, 2K also announced the contents of the Mafia III Collector's Edition today. The big box includes albums (as in, actual vinyl discs) of both in-game licensed music and the original score, collectible art prints (including a couple of Playboy lithographs), an art book, replica US Army dog tags, and other pieces of fan service paraphernalia. It will set you back $150.
Mafia II is on sale until June 8, while Mafia III is slated to come out on October 7. (Sorry, the original Mafia is still sleeping with the fishes.) Find out more about what's coming with our hands-on preview from April.
