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Marvel's Avengers: A-Day
Just when you thought the Avengers were done, they've assembled once again. The original members of the superhero team have reunited for an action-adventure game. The story follows Iron Man, Captain America, Thor, Black Widow, and the Hulk after their failed attempt to save San Francisco leads to a ban on all superheroes. Marvel's Avengers: A-Day is slated for release May 15, 2020.
Elden Ring
It's quite possibly the perfect collaboration — Dark Souls creator Hidetaka Miyazaki and George R.R. Martin have come together for Elden Ring, a new video game by FromSoftware. With the Souls series and his latest masterpiece Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice, Miyazaki is known for dark, intriguing worlds and brutal difficulty. Add to that the political gamesmanship and subversion of the fantasy genre and you have what could be an all-time classic game.
Halo Infinite
The best-loved character in the Halo universe is returning with Halo Infinite. A follow-up to Guardians, the game will be the third chapter in the Reclaimer saga. There's currently no official release date but you can expect it out in 2020.
Cyberpunk 2077
Game developer CD PROJEKT RED made their name with 2015's high fantasy Witcher 3 RPG. With their latest game, they're going from the past to the future. Cyberpunk 2077 takes the Cyberpunk 2020 tabletop game 57 years forward in Night City. The game stars none other than Keanu Reeves and will be released April 16, 2020.
Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order
Respawn Entertainment and EA's Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order has a new gameplay trailer, giving you the first look at how it will be like taking on the Empire as Cal Kestis, one of the last remaining Jedi. The single-player game takes place after Episode III and drops on November 15, 2019, for Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC.
Call of Duty: Modern Warfare
Infinity Ward, the studio that started the Call of Duty franchise, is rebooting arguably the best game in the entire series with a totally new Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. A few returning characters and a promise of an in-depth single-player campaign along with the multiplayer CoD has been known for make this the most highly-anticipated entry in years. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare launches on October 25, 2019.
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Stockx Marketplace
You already know StockX is the place for limited edition sneakers and streetwear, but they also offer a wide selection of quality timepieces. Their open marketplace has everything from the most sought after Rolex Submariner and Omega Speedmaster, to more accessible options like the Casio G-Shock. After you find the perfect watch, buyers can place bids using real-time data provided alongside the product. There's no reason to stress about quality because once you've made a purchase, StockX will authenticate and verify the condition before shipping it out.
Presented by StockX.
High Camp Flasks
There's nothing quite as rewarding as a sip of your favorite spirit after a long day in the outdoors, and High Camp Flasks make it easy to enjoy that beverage. Both the 375mL Halflight and 750mL Firelight flasks are vacuum-insulated and integrate magnetic, double-wall tumblers into their cylindrical design, ensuring you've always got a cup on hand wherever you may be. Each tumbler magnetically attaches to the flask as its lid so you won't misplace it and leave it behind. The larger Firelight flask has two integrated cups so you can share your vice with a friend, while the smaller Halflight has one cup for partaking on your own while on the go. Each is made from stainless steel and has an electropolished interior that won't retain or impart any flavors to your drinks. Being released for retail exclusively with Uncrate, the 375mL Halflight is only $69 before it goes to full price later this year.
Halflight: 375mL / One Integrated Stainless Cup
Firelight: 750mL / Two Integrated Stainless Cups
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Death Stranding
After two years of some of the most surreal, unsettling video game trailers ever, Hideo Kojima's Death Stranding has gotten its most complete trailer and a release date. On November 8, 2019, Playstation 4 owners will be able to dive into a world that seems to fuse the quasi-supernatural and military elements of Kojima's Metal Gear series into a post-apocalyptic future where the dead are stranded in the world of the living. Norman Reedus and Mads Mikkelson take starring roles in the game, further blurring the lines between cinema and gaming — a trend Kojima himself started.
Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Breakpoint
Set on the fictional archipelago of Aurora, Ubisoft's latest entry in the Tom Clancy franchise finds players infiltrating the home of the tech company Skrell Technology that has been taken over by a rogue faction of ex-Ghosts. The varied terrain of Aurora — from forests to deserts, mountains, and a volcano — puts a heavy emphasis on survival and team-focused gameplay. Ghost Recon Breakpoint hits PC consoles October 4, 2019.
The 1,700-Machine Pinball Collection
Michael Schiess started the Pacific Pinball Museum to house his obsession — and spare his wife a little aggravation. With over 1,700 machines, it's one of the biggest collections in the world, and Michael does as much maintenance as playing. From the earliest machines of the 1800s to the latest digital masterpieces, WIRED and Michael take look at the history of pinball.
Vader Immortal
Star Wars is making another leap into the VR world with Vader Immortal. The biggest VR Star Wars to date, the game will take the player to the castle of the Sith Lord, on the volcanic planet Mustafar. At the very least, you'll get to grab a lightsaber in a possible face-off with Darth Vader himself. Vader Immortal will launch on the Oculus Quest sometime in 2019.
Restored Arcade Classics In Mini Cabinets
The Small Change Arcade started when founder Matt had a problem — a love of classic arcade games and a small San Francisco apartment. To keep his hobby and living space in harmony, Matt started building his own miniature cabinets and has turned it into a business. Tested shows you how he does it.
Anthem
For the upcoming game Anthem, developer BioWare enlisted District 9 director Neill Blomkamp's Oats Studios to create a live-action trailer. Called Conviction, the three-minute short takes place in the game's open world and shows off the customizable exosuits that characters wear called Javelins. The rest of the details will be available when the game drops February 22, 2019.
Resident Evil 2
After 21 years, Capcom is remaking Resident Evil 2. Horror icon George A. Romero was responsible for the original trailers in 1998 so to pay homage to the late director, the video game developer released this live-action commercial inspired by his work. The game is slated for release January 25, 2019.
Triangles in Video Games
From wavy blades of grass to detailed facial features, all gaming worlds are made up of one thing — triangles. Although the humble shape is pretty basic, it allows computers to process more detail, evolving games from simple boxes like Pong into the intricate landscapes you see today in Red Dead Redemption 2 and Fortnite.
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Thuma Bed
Combining form and function, Thuma has thoughtfully redesigned the bed for the modern indoor enthusiast. Their platform bed offers the best of both worlds with its sleek, minimalist aesthetics and quality craftsmanship. It takes advantage of traditional Japanese carpentry techniques that not only produces a sturdy, noise-free base but also reduces the need for hardware. That means quick, easy assembly in as little as five minutes. With all of that, The Bed is still mindful of its environmental impact and utilizes upcycled, eco-friendly materials. It's available with a Dark Charcoal or Light Linen Pillowboard and ships free right to your door.
Presented by Thuma.
NASA Graphics Standards Manual
For those that grew up in late '70s and '80s, the graphic designs of NASA are some of the most memorable of the period, appearing on everything from hats to the Space Shuttle. This reprinting of the NASA Graphics Standards Manual celebrates this outstanding identity system, which was used from 1975 to 1992. Recreated for public use for the first time from the personal copies of the original designers, Richard Danne and Bruce Blackburn, it covers the logo, placement, color schemes, and other design standards that helped capture the imagination of a generation and make the American space agency a lasting, iconic part of our legacy of exploration. Included are scans of Danne's personal copy of the original manual, a forward from Danne, an essay by Christopher Bonanos, reproductions of the original NASA 35mm slide presentation, and scans of the 'Managers Guide', a follow up booklet distributed by NASA. Each copy is individually wrapped in a foil static shield, adding even more nostalgic rocket-age flair to this iconic design reference.
220 pages / 129 Image Plates / 9.5" x 11.5" / Hardcover
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Holoride
With the release of standalone VR headsets like the Oculus Go, virtual reality is now mobile. Holoride aims to add tactile sensory experiences to VR — something that dovetails nicely with wireless headsets — by adding AR and VR to your car ride. Using GPS data, Holoride merges the scenery around you with augmented or virtual worlds, making the commuting a whole new experience.
Narcos: Rise of the Cartels
Curve Digital is bringing the crime-heavy Netflix series to a console near you. In the game, players can either build their own drug empire or lead the forces to take one down. The story will follow the same events of the show's first season with narration by the man himself, Pablo Escobar. Narcos: Rise of the Cartels will be available for play sometime in 2019.
1980s Oculus Rift
VR has been around since the 1980s, but the tech required for legitimate mainstream use hasn't. Oculus brought the dream of VR to the masses with their 2012 Kickstarter campaign, followed by two development headsets before the official release of the Rift in 2016. But what if the Rift had been developed using 80s tech? Squirrel Monkey looks at what 80s VR might have been like with a vintage installation video from the 8-bit age — and all the batteries, PC peripherals, and vector graphics you could dream of.
Video Games and You
College degrees, esports, video game tutors, streaming for a living — video games have come a long way from rotting your brain, ruining your eyes, and improving your hand-eye coordination. WIRED's Peter Rubin went up against League of Legends pro Matt Higginbotham at the Sports Academy in California, where pro gamers and pro athletes train under the same roof.
Red Dead Redemption 2
By 1899, the West had nearly been won. The age of outlaws was coming to a close, and the law was out to break what few gangs remained. A robbery gone wrong forces Arthur Morgan and the Van der Linde gang to make a run for it across the country, pillaging their way to a last stand against the Feds and bounty hunters. Rockstar's Red Dead Redemption 2 makes its long-awaited debut October 26, 2018 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Pinball Isn't As Random As It Seems
Every pinball machine has similar features, but no two pinball machines are alike. Flippers, bumpers, and gravity combine to make for a game of randomness and chance — but it isn't as random as it looks. Vox digs deep into the theory of pinball to show how randomness isn't really a feature and how to dramatically increase your score.
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Madden 19
Chris Redd, Nicki Minaj, and Lil Dicky recount the greatest playcall in Madden history. Executed by Will, the legendary play was so impressive it led to a Quavo song, a 30 for 30, and an episode of Spongebob Squarepants. Madden 19 is available August 10, 2018.
The Physics of Racing Games
Racing games bring the excitement of pushing cars that you'll never own around tracks and streets to the comfort and safety of your living room. While you're distracted by the flashy graphics and sounds effects, there is a lot of math going on in the background. Real Engineering went to Red Bull Ring in Austria to hang out with Ubisoft software engineers and learn how they bring a real-life level of handling to their racing games.
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Anthem
BioWare took home the award for Best Action Game from the 2018 E3 conference with its first new IP in 20 years Anthem. Now, instead of cinematics and descriptions, BioWare has released a 20-minute gameplay demo. The demo details the inner workings of combat, travel, customization, loot, and multiplayer systems, giving a good idea of what to expect when the game releases in early 2019.
The Last of Us Part II
After five years, The Last of Us sequel has finally arrived. The first gameplay trailer for the Naughty Dog survival series debuted at Sony's E3 event and revealed the return of a more grown-up Ellie and Joel as well as some new characters as they enjoy a community party. But don't let the opening full you, things get violent fast.
DOOM Eternal
Grab your shotgun and prepare for an epic war against the forces of Hell itself — the sequel to 2016's DOOM reboot is coming. id Software dropped the trailer for latest in the DOOM franchise at the 2018 E3 conference, and it looks like a stunner. Expect to see a host of familiar enemies along with some new gameplay mechanics, according to id.
Fallout 76
Happy Reclamation Day, Vault Dweller. It's 2102, the fallout has settled, and it's time to rebuild society. Bethesda's latest entry in the Fallout series is a prequel to all of the other releases and is their biggest one yet. The story will unfold in the Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia as the first group of survivors emerge to discover a dystopian wasteland. The game is scheduled for release November 14, 2018, but until then, keep your Pip-Boy at the ready.
Call of Duty: Black Ops 4
It's that time of year again — time for the annual Call of Duty reveal. The series has taken some knocks over the years for being repetitive, but Black Ops 4 looks to have added some interesting features into the multiplayer game. For actual gameplay footage, check out this Black Ops 4 playlist, until the game releases on October 12, 2018.
Evolution of Game Controllers
The controller has been a staple of gaming since the Magnavox Odyssey 100 shipped in 1972. Since then, we've seen paddles, joysticks, an explosion of buttons, trackpads, and controllers with no wires at all. 4096 breaks down the evolution of the game controller, starting with modern-day hardware and going back in time to the 70s.
