Top Story
Mafia 4 might be on the way, and yes, BioShock 4 is coming too
2K’s Mafia games are essentially Grand Theft Auto-esque period-pieces with stronger focus on storytelling, and has carved out a lucrative niche in the crowded open-world genre since the first game was released in 2002. There have only been three entries in the series so far, the most recent being Mafia III from 2016.
Now it looks like Mafia 4 is going to the mattresses, possibly alongside remasters of the first two games in the series: 2K just filed trademarks for three Mafia titles! Two of the trademarks use the logos from the first two games in the series, while the third one has a new style – and no numbering, suggesting a reboot or at least a new game with no number in the title.
Youse guys under the sea
If a new Mafia game doesn’t float your boat, how about a new BioShock game? Turns out there’s a relationship between the two series now: Illusion Softworks, later known as 2K Czech, developed the first two Mafia games, before new studio Hangar 13 took over after 2K Czech closed down. Hangar 13 has also had its trademark renewed, and is sporting a brand new logo – so it’s reasonable to assume they’re working on the new Mafia.
Kotaku’s Jason Schreier confirmed that a new BioShock game is under development on ResetEra, and the developer is literally next door to Hangar 13. He also says that most of the Mafia III team has moved on from Hangar 13 – could that means they’ve moved in next door, and are working on the new BioShock?
While this is sort of old news – Kotaku mentioned BioShock 4 in an article about Mafia III last year – it’s been a while since last time we heard anything even vaguely related to BioShock 4, and the Mafia/BioShock connection is pretty tantalizing. Let’s hope both are announced soon!
Time For A Quick Daily Quiz?
What was Nintendo’s first mobile title?
- Super Mario Run
- Miitomo
- Pokemon Go
- Mii Sports
The answer will be revealed at the end of this issue!
News Bits
Wattam hitting Epic Game Store
Sony revealed a new game from Keita Takahashi, creator of Katamari Damacy and Noby Noby Boy at State of Play earlier this week. Wattam is looking just as cute and weird as Takahashi’s earlier games, and it turns out it’s not a PlayStation 4 exclusive after all! It’s launching for PC this December, exclusively on Epic Game Store. So still exclusive, just not to the PlayStation 4.
Daily Fact
Respawn created Call of Duty from the ashes of Medal of Honor
Respawn is the studio behind Titanfall, Apex Legends and the upcoming Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, but the team had a long – and somewhat bizarre – history before becoming famous for their sci-fi shooters. Founders Jason West and Vince Zampella as well as many of Respawn’s developers used to work at Infinity Ward, where they created the Call of Duty series.
Yup, the Apex Legends team is responsible for Call of Duty: the “old” Infinity Ward run by West and Zampella created all the games in the series up to and including Modern Warfare 2, before an avalanche of drama tore the studio apart, leading to the founding of Respawn Entertainment, who signed up to do Titanfall with EA.
But wait, there’s more! The team at Infinity Ward was formed by developers leaving EA to make Call of Duty, which was an evolution of their work on another World War 2 game. Which one? Why, Medal of Honor: Allied Assault, of course! That’s right, the team at Respawn has gone full circle, since they’re now developing a new Medal of Honor game for EA. Does this mean they’re going to run off to Activision to create a new IP afterwards? We’ll just have to wait and see.
Game Spotlight - Code Vein
Escape the nightmares
Code Vein (Bandai Namco – PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One)
Release: September 27th 2019
You may have seen Code Vein in the news recently, a result of a unique and pretty interesting partnership between Bandai Namco and the American Red Cross: During the TwitchCOn weekend, blood donors will receive a free copy of Code Vein, along with a “promo blood kit”. So not only do you help save lives, you get a free game too! Sweet deal.
If you haven’t been following Code Vein’s development, the game was originally scheduled to come out in September last year, but was delayed to allow the team some more time to refine the gameplay. Often compared to Dark Souls (what game isn’t these days?), the combat system and other gameplay feels very different.
You are part of a hidden society of Revenants called ‘Vein’, and you need to fight to survive in a broken world by trading your memories for powerful Gifts. Team up with a cast of AI characters, and traverse hellish landscapes, defeat colossal bosses and try to avoid becoming one of The Lost.
Teamwork is key
The most recent build of Code Vein put us into a large, rocky area brimming with enemies. Once you engage in combat with an enemy, your AI companions join in and help you out, using all the tools at their disposal. There are a number of builds to pick between, including Caster, Ranger and Fighter, which you can switch between at any time. Each class features its own unique moves and gifts, as well as different weapon specialization.
During the preview we also battled one of Code Vein’s bosses, the Blade Bearer. Equipped with – wait for it – a big sword, the Blade Bearer uses ice attacks to keep you on your toes. Your AI companions really prove themselves during boss battles, moving in for backstabs while you distract your quarry, and resurrecting you if you should fall. Despite helpful AI companions, boss battles still feel challenging and satisfying.
We’re definitely looking forward to seeing the final version of Code Vein. Mastering the combat system with its parries, dodges and combos has been good fun so far, and we’re curious to see what more surprises the game has to offer.
Code Vein is out tomorrow on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. You can still pick up the Standard Edition Pre-Order Bundle that comes with GE Weapon Collaboration, Blood Veil Ogre: Venous Claw and the Reserved Bloodkin Set for £49.99. The Deluxe Edition Pre-Order Bundle is also still available, featuring the three bonuses above, plus the Season Pass, Season Pass bonus: Alternate Mia Set and Accessory Set: Insatiable Thirst for £64.99.