Helldivers 2 developer Arrowhead has deployed a new update, one that makes sweeping changes to virtually every aspect of the game. In the hefty patch notes, Arrowhead describes how it aims to make the game feel intense but less frustrating to play. The patch is part of Arrowhead's 60-day action plan to whip Helldivers 2 back into shape, and overall, players should feel more empowered whenever they drop down to a new planet."Our intent is to preserve the intensity of the gameplay while minimizing frustrating situations where sudden headshots cause large damage spikes," Arrowhead explained in the Steam patch notes. Some of the changes include major reworks to enemies, overhauls of several weapon archetypes, and tweaks to Helldiver health. For example, Hulks have had their armor reduced, making them more vulnerable to a wider range of weapons, and several bugs like Hunters, Chargers, and Bile Titans have less health and new vulnerable points to focus attacks on.Weapons have seen sweeping changes, and players can expect the autocannon, heavy machine gun, flamethrower, and anti-materiel rifle to be more effective against enemies. "Although they may not be as effective as specialized anti-tank weapons, they are now more viable choices making your loadouts more versatile, fostering better team collaboration and planning," Arrowhead wrote.As for Strategems, many of these have been improved as well, especially the ones capable of damaging heavily armored enemies. They now do even more damage, and Arrowhead says the goal for these changes is to have the Stratagems on a similar or higher power level than before. The developer will also monitor and adjust these changes based on player feedback and its own analysis, and players can expect another balance pass in two months.Helldivers 2 was a big hit when it launched earlier this year, as the combination of satirical humor, action-packed encounters, and a regular cadence of new content helped make it the fastest-selling PlayStation game of all time...
The kart racer Disney Speedstorm has already included a wide selection of racers from new and classic films across Disney animation, Pixar, and even live-action franchises. But so far the game has not invited Maleficent to join the competition, and we all know how she feels about being snubbed. Gameloft has announced Maleficent will join with a Limited-Time Event during Season 9, Part 2, and we have a first look at the trailer.Maleficent is a Trickster racer, meaning her class specializes in disrupting other racers and has an enhanced speed boost ability. Her unique ability, Mistress of Evil, has two applications. The standard attack has her raise her staff to call down lightning on the track in front of her, and successful hits will gain her a flame. Under the charged version, collecting six flames will activate her Dragon form, transforming Maleficent and her kart into a dragon that flies (in autopilot) at increased speed, and takes out any racers in her way.Though Gameloft has not announced the details of her LTE, these events generally run for about a week and let you unlock new racers through completing a series of objectives with your other, already-unlocked racers. Maleficent joins as the special unlockable character in this part of the season, joining Cruella who was added during the last part.Disney Speedstorm is currently in Season 9, Part 2. Speedstorm's Golden Pass track was split into two parts per season recently, and all of Season 9 is themed after Disney's Pirates of the Caribbean. The Pirates franchise was already represented by Jack Sparrow and Elizabeth Swann at launch, but the new season adds a new Pirates track along with four more Pirates characters: Davy Jones, Will Turner, Hector Barbossa, Tia Dalma...
As of today, one of the top hero shooters of all time, Overwatch 2, is available on Game Pass. Activision Blizzard is offering some enticing incentives to get Overwatch 2 players from other platforms to come to Game Pass, including new skins for some of the fan-favorite characters in the game.Via the official Overwatch site, the only thing that players have to do is link their Battle.net accounts to active accounts with Game Pass Ultimate, Game Pass for Console, or PC Game Pass. In return, players get to keep the six new skins seen below: Cardboard Reinhardt, Turtleship D.Va, Cyberdragon Hanzo, Street Runner Genji, Bee Mercy, and Cleric Lifeweaver.The six new Xbox Game Pass exclusive skins for Overwatch 2There are additional perks available, including a handful of cosmetics from Overwatch 2 Seasons 9-11. Players will also get a 10% XP boost to speed up their progression through the competitive ranks. This benefit will stack on top of any previous boosts attached to their account, but only as long as the eligible Xbox Game Pass accounts remain active and linked to the Battle.net accounts.Activision Blizzard is only offering these incentives from now to November 11. Anyone linking their Overwatch 2 accounts after that date is going to be out of luck, unless additional perks are planned later.Overwatch 2 is free-to-play, unlike the paid original game, which was itself converted to Overwatch 2 and is no longer available...