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Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
Lies of P: Overture is a massive expansion for one of my favorite PS5 games — and it's absolutely brutal
2023 was considered a pretty phenomenal year for video games. The likes of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Resident Evil 4 remake, Baldur's Gate 3 and Marvel's Spider-Man 2 all duked it out for the majority of GOTY awards (Spidey ultimately won ours). While I thoroughly enjoyed all of those titles, my personal pick for the best game of the year was Lies of P. And after all this time, I stand by it. This action-Souls-like shamelessly cribs from the works of genre-originator FromSoftware, and feels a lot like the Bloodborne sequel we all want, but Sony frustratingly refuses to actually give us (Please, Sony, even a remaster will do). I loved almost every moment of my 60 hours spent with Lies of P across two playthroughs (one on PS5, the other on Steam Deck OLED), and that playtime just increased thanks to its meaty new DLC expansion. Called Lies of P: Overture, it offers you the chance to return to the gothic city of Krat and square off against a new range of tough bosses that will do their very best to cut you down. In a nutshell, Overture is more of the brilliant Lies of P experience I love, but with the difficulty ramped up to 11. Lies of P: Overture: $29 @ PlayStation StoreLies of: Overture is the new DLC expansion for 2023's critically acclaimed action-Soulslike Lies of P. Adding around 15 hours of new content, you explore a past version of the city of Krat, and take on very challenging bosses. To help you fight back against the numerous tricky foes, you get access to a suite of new weapons and powerful abilities. Additional platforms: $29 @ Steam | $29 @ Xbox Store In Lies of P: Overture, you once again play as Geppetto's deadly puppet and are tasked with exploring the nightmare city of Krat. The wrinkle is that this time, you've stepped into the past to experience the striking location before the events of the base game. But it's certainly no more welcoming in this period. The Puppet Frenzy massacre, the aftermath of which you encounter in the base game, is currently ongoing, dropping you into the thick of a city in complete turmoil with chaotic scenes of violence and blue blood all around. So, where do you go first? The Zoo, of course. Overture's opening takes you to Krat Zoo, and it might just be my favorite level in all of Lies of P. Fighting back against deformed animals from aggressive ages, to a truly twisted type of kangaroo, sees the body-horror, which was already a strong theme in Lies of P, ramped up to new grotesque levels. And the first major boss fight, an oversized crocodile, is an absolutely doozy. Later DLC locations like an underground facility and a cavernous mine are less visually dynamic, but the final two of Overture's five chapters do occur in more visually distinctive settings (which I won't spoil here). So, the DLC starts and ends strong, with a slightly mundane middle. The core game's fast-paced combat is maintained, which is a very good thing, because outside of the works of FromSoftware, Lies of P offers the best Soulslike gameplay I've ever played. Though, for the record, I still suck at parrying, so the dodge button remains my best friend. Perhaps the DLC's biggest addition is its numerous lore implications and revelations. I'm far from a Lies of P scholar, but I was constantly finding hidden notes that had me rethinking what I thought I knew about the Lies of P universe and the characters within it. If you enjoyed the well-told story of the base game, you're going to love what you learn here. Alongside the new levels to explore, there's also a bunch of useful new weapons to pick up, new gear to wear and powerful legion arms, including my personal favorite, which lets you shoot spinning sawblades from your wrist. Adding around 10-15 hours of new content, Lies of P: Overture is solid value for money at its $29 price. But fair warning, prepare for a tough time. If I have one substantial criticism of Lies of P: Overture, it's that developer Neowiz has gone a little too far in its efforts to make this DLC the hardest content in the game to date. As part of the Soulslike subgenre, Lies of P was always a tough game by design. And that's part of the reason I loved it so much. Few feelings are better in gaming than slaying a testing boss after dozens of attempts. And some of the base game bosses rank as my favorite ever in the genre. In fact, it's not Overture's bosses where the overtuned difficulty can be felt. Aside from one late-game dud, these named DLC combatants are mostly brilliant. The last boss in particular gives Elden Ring: Shadow of the Erdtree a run for its money. Finally bringing them down had me leaping from my chair in satisfaction after they had torn my face off for almost an hour. The problem arises in the various open spaces, corridors and choke points between bosses. Regular enemy mobs have had their health pools and damage-dealing abilities seriously beefed up, and even my max-level weapons often felt like merely smacking a raging puppet with a pool noodle. Overture also appears to have taken cues from the divisive Dark Souls 2, as not only are standard enemies extremely overpowered, they're also thrown at you in sometimes ludicrous quantities. I'm taking crammed rooms that contain an enemy count in the double digits. This leads to numerous sections that are a complete slog to play as you regularly find yourself swarmed by enemies that can send you to an early grave in just a few hits, and that take a practically silly amount of damage to be defeated. These moments see Lies of P: Overture fall on the wrong side of the fine line between frustration and fun. To somewhat counteract this issue, Lies of P: Overture's launch has coincided with a major free upgrade that adds two new difficulty options to the game. One is marked as essentially easy, the other very easy. Of course, for dedicated Souls players, dropping the difficulty is antithetical to why the genre appeals; the struggle is supposed to be part of the experience. I should warn any new players hoping these new difficulty settings might allow them to breeze through the game, and enjoy the excellent world-building and rich lore, even on the simplest setting, Lies of P: Overture still puts up a real fight. You will need some skill, whatever level you play on. Overall, Lies of P: Overture has given me the perfect excuse to return to one of my favorite games of this current gaming generation. It's a largely well-crafted expansion with some intriguing new locations to explore, and some tough but tantalizing new bosses to overcome. I just wish the supposedly "regular" enemies didn't always hit with the force of a turbocharged monster truck. However, after rolling credits on Overture, my itch for more Lies of P remains burning, which is perhaps its biggest accomplishment. I was already desperate for the already-confirmed full sequel, and after experiencing Lies of P: Overture, that wait is going to feel just a little bit longer.
Tom's Guide
6 days ago
- Tom's Guide
I just spent a week with the Nintendo Switch 2 — here's the 3 essential accessories to upgrade your console
It's been just over a week since the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, and I'm loving my time with the new console so far. As I wrote in my review, it's pretty much the hybrid device of my dreams — and definitely one of the best handheld consoles — and I've already had some brilliant early play experiences on the Switch 2. However, while the Nintendo Switch 2 is extremely impressive out of the box, like most consoles, it can be further enhanced with a few useful accessories. The range of compatible Switch 2 accessories at present is a little small, but will naturally grow over time. However, there's already a handful of compatible extras that I think are worthy of being considered almost essential. So, if you're a fellow Switch 2 early adopter, then these are the three accessories I've tested so far that upgraded my play experience. This trio has already become a key part of my Nintendo Switch 2 gaming setup. I was late to the Pro controller party with the original Switch, only picking up one at the launch of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom in 2023. But for Switch 2, I've had my hands on a Pro controller from day one, and it might be one of the best pads I've ever used. The Switch 2 Pro controller blows the Joy-Cons 2 housed within the included grip attachment out of the water. Not only does it feel amazing in your hands, with delightfully clicky buttons, triggers and sticks to boot, but it also offers a key upgrade: back buttons. These customizable buttons are a serious boon, and I've already found them highly useful, particularly in Mario Kart World. The Switch 2 Pro controller is a little pricey at $84, but if you're going to be using your new console for any significant length in TV mode, then it's a worthwhile investment as it really does elevate the play experience. Plus, its battery life is fantastic. After a week, I have yet to charge mine, which is quite a pleasant change from the PS5's DualSense, which usually starts flashing 'low battery' after just a couple of play sessions, if not sooner. The Nintendo Switch 2 Pro Controller is practically guaranteed to be the most in-demand Switch 2 accessory, and it packs a suitable upgrade over its predecessor adding a headphone jack, the new "C" button, and customizable back buttons. Additional retailers: Best Buy | GameStop I've made no secret of my love for the Nintendo Switch 2 at this early stage of the console's lifecycle. However, if I have one criticism (well, I have two — battery life isn't great), it's that the console lacks the in-built ergonomic grips found on the likes of the Steam Deck OLED. In handheld mode, it's not the most comfortable device to hold for long periods of time, but this (relatively) minor issue can be pretty easily fixed via a third-party case. There's already a whole bunch of options, but the one I've been using is dbrand's Killswith case. And I'm impressed with the results. Not only does the Killswitch give the console some extra heft to hold onto, but it also comes in three separate parts (two Joy-Con 2 grips and a casing for the main console unit). This retains the ability to detach the Joy-Con 2s and make use of the Switch 2's tabletop mode. The downside of the Killswitch case is that once snugly fitted around the console, the Switch 2 no longer fits into the standard dock, but dbrand has resolved this problem by including a Dock Adapter with every order. It's not the most elegant solution, but it's effective and takes mere seconds to install. The Nintendo Switch 2 Killswitch from dbrand both protects your console and elevates your gaming experience by making the hybrid even more comfortable to hold in handheld mode. It comes in three bundles starting from $59, but those looking to take their Switch 2 on the road will want to consider the Travel bundle for $79. The Switch 2 packs a respectable 256GB of storage space as standard. That might not seem like it would go far in today's world of 100GB install sizes, but Switch 2 games typically have a smaller file footprint than PS5 or Xbox games. Even the most storage-hungry software like Cyberpunk 2077 demands only 60GB of space, but that's still a fair chunk of your available storage. Even if 256GB base storage stretched further than you might think, I maxed out my Switch 2's hard drive on day one after installing eight launch games, so an increase was needed. I opted for the officially licensed $59 Samsung Express microSD card. It even has a cute little Mario logo etched on. Users looking for a cheaper alternative might want to consider the 256GB Express microSD from Onn, for $35 at Walmart. One of my colleagues just picked it up for their Nintendo Switch 2 and reports that it works just as well. The Switch 2 comes with an increased storage capacity of up to 2TB. However, the Switch 2 is only compatible with microSD Express cards, which means you'll need new storage cards for your console. Additional retailers: Best Buy | GameStop
Daily Record
06-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Gamer shares the one thing you need to do after buying Nintendo Switch 2
Nintendo released its Switch 2 console in the UK this week and a gaming expert has expressed the importance of completing one particular task first before playing any games The release of the Nintendo Switch 2 sparked a shopping frenzy amongst avid gamers at midnight on Thursday (June 5) with the new console rapidly selling out across the country. With launch titles including Mario Kart World and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, fans couldn't wait to plug in and play. One gaming expert has warned that there is a task you should complete first before getting down to playing, however, given the hugely-anticipated device's hefty £395.99 price tag. Dylan Czeh, who provides gaming advice via his YouTube channel, Dyllie', took to TikTok to reveal: "If you just got a Nintendo Switch 2, this is the first thing you need to do." On firing the console up, Dylan said you'll receive prompt giving you the option to transfer your data from your original Switch to the Switch 2. "If you have the Switch 1, you need to start the system transfer now," he explained. "Because if you press 'Don't Transfer', it's not going to give you the option later." The transfer isn't simple, however, and speaking from experience, Dylan went on to point out that you will require an Express microSD card to do so. "Don't forget to get this, you're going to need it too," he continued. The expert closed by illustrating his point further, showing that by clicking 'Don't Transfer' you will receive a dialogue box warning that you won't be able to transfer data in future. Following the advice, one TikTok user penned in response: "I've spent three hours transferring everything over, moving key cards, setting the Switch 2 as the primary console, downloading updates, and Switch 2 upgrades, and making sure my saved data transferred successfully. I'm finally finishing with downloading Mario Kart World then I'm done." However, a second fumed: "And this is one of the many reasons I'm not buying the second one and just using my normal Switch." Whilst a third said: "I didn't do it because it would take a lot of space for the SD Card. So I made the right choice." Attempting to entice customers into making a purchase, Nintendo shared a list of improvements the Switch 2 possesses. A press release on Thursday read: "Nintendo Switch 2 builds on the foundations of the Nintendo Switch system, and delivers a multitude of new features and enhancements, including: New social capabilities with the built-in mic and the new online feature GameChat, where up to 12 friends and family can play games and talk like they're all in the same room, even when they're miles apart. You can also video chat with up to four people if you connect a compatible USB-C camera, such as the Nintendo Switch 2 camera (sold separately). Powerful CPU and GPU capable of enhanced visuals and performance. A large 7.9-inch built-in LCD screen that displays in full HD at 1080p. Joy-Con 2 controllers that magnetically attach to the system. New mouse controls are also possible by sliding them across surfaces, such as a tabletop or even your lap in compatible games. 256 GB storage capacity – 8 times that of Nintendo Switch (a portion of which is reserved for use by the system). USB-C ports on the top and bottom of the system, and a freely adjustable stand for playing and charging in tabletop mode. Crisp audio quality and spatial 3D sound in handheld and tabletop modes. A new dock that enables the Nintendo Switch 2 to output video at up to 4K resolution or play games at up to 120 fps in supported games on compatible displays or TVs. Variable refresh rate (VRR) technology, available in handheld mode, helps games move seamlessly by preventing frame skips and flickering.
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Nintendo Switch 2 Hands-On: Bigger Screen, Faster Chip Live Up to the Hype
(Bloomberg) -- The arrival of Nintendo Co.'s Switch 2 marks the biggest consumer tech product release of 2025 so far, with legions of gamers now unboxing and trying the new $450 gaming console for the first time. Next Stop: Rancho Cucamonga! ICE Moves to DNA-Test Families Targeted for Deportation with New Contract Where Public Transit Systems Are Bouncing Back Around the World US Housing Agency Vulnerable to Fraud After DOGE Cuts, Documents Warn The Global Struggle to Build Safer Cars Despite the hype and a $150 increase over the launch price for the original, the second-generation system manages to impress with faster performance, improved graphics, more comfortable ergonomics and enough tweaks throughout to make this feel like a distinctly new machine. Like the first edition, the Switch 2 has a versatile design, allowing it to be used as a portable handheld or placed in a dock where it will function as a living-room system. This time, it's capable of outputting 4K resolution and more impactful HDR video to your TV screen. For now, Mario Kart World and enhanced versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom are the best visual showcases of what the Switch 2 is capable of, along with third-party launch titles like Cyberpunk 2077. The improved graphical fidelity and higher frame rates, made possible by the Switch 2's Nvidia Corp.-made processor, are easily noticeable once you've started up a game. When it comes to performance, Nintendo's console still lags behind Sony Group Corp.'s PlayStation 5 and Microsoft Corp.'s Xbox Series X, both heavier-duty systems designed to be used exclusively in the home. But for Nintendo fans, the in-game worlds of beloved characters like Mario and Link have never looked better. Unboxing the device will be a familiar experience to owners of the original Switch, and that feeling remains true as you begin using it. The significantly larger 7.9-inch display is much easier on the eyes — a blessing for the eyesight of anyone who's grown up alongside Nintendo's gadgets — and has a sharper 1080p resolution. It's also far more fluid than the screen on the original version; this model supports a maximum refresh rate of 120Hz, which makes Mario Kart World feel all the more chaotic (in a fun way). These upgrades help offset the fact that the Switch 2 uses an LCD display instead of a punchier OLED panel. The upsized screen means you're also getting bigger Joy-Con controllers, which makes handheld mode a far more ergonomic experience. The buttons are also larger than before. Everything about the Switch 2 feels less cramped. One of the best changes Nintendo made relates to how the Joy-Cons connect to the console: They now attach magnetically instead of sliding down onto the hardware with a rail mechanism. Magnets inside the console firmly latch onto steel buttons on each Joy-Con. The hold is strong without any of the flimsy wobbling that some users complained about on the original Switch. Disconnecting the Joy-Cons is as simple as pressing the release button on the back of each one. Nintendo's thoughtful improvements continue elsewhere: The Switch 2 has a second USB-C port, which can be used for accessories (or just more flexibility in how you charge the device). There's now a screen lock feature to prevent other people from using your console — something that would have been nice to have on the original. The speakers, while not best in class, are a vast upgrade over the hollow, thin sound that came from the Switch OLED Model, released in 2021. The console's software interface is similar to the first Switch with some new splashes of color and sound effects thrown in. Nintendo's eShop store for digital game purchases is also more responsive than the sluggish experience on the original console. The buzzy launch drew long lines at retailers including Best Buy Co., GameStop Corp., Target Corp. and Walmart Inc. The era of spending hours waiting in line for the latest iPhone is long gone, but the debut of a new video game console is still a rare enough event that Nintendo fans didn't think twice about driving to retailers in the middle of the night to secure a Switch 2. It will take more testing and longer play sessions to gauge whether the Switch 2's more powerful processor has an adverse effect on battery life — or if there are any performance issues with the large library of backward-compatible Switch titles available for this new hardware. But at the outset, the device makes a strong first impression. Nintendo played it safe with the Switch 2, but that's precisely what many customers were looking for: It's a bigger, faster, more polished version of a wildly successful gadget. 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North Wales Live
05-06-2025
- Entertainment
- North Wales Live
Nintendo Switch 2 games fall to the cheapest price in deal stack
Nintendo's Switch 2 console has finally hit the shelves in the UK today - and punters can snag games for their new gadget right now without shelling out the full price. New Switch 2 games are being rebooted and given an upgrade for the new console, and prices can reach up to as much as £65 at Argos for games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom and Mario Kart: World. Thanks to a deal stack from TopCashback, shoppers can bag them for less. For a limited time, TopCashback is offering £15 to customers who register via this link. This means gamers can purchase the game at the lowest price as it drops the price from £64.99 to less than £50, a price we can't find cheaper anywhere else. Where is the Nintendo Switch 2 available to buy: Tears of the Kingdom improves on 2017's Breath of the Wild with a bigger and better world - and now, it looks and runs better on the Switch 2. However, it's still a costly purchase for shoppers to consider, especially if they are buying a new console. Shoppers can also pre-order the likes of Donkey Kong: Bananza - currently on sale for £64.99 - for the same price as well, so there's plenty to choose from, reports the Mirror. Sony has also launched its Days of Play sale, as an alternative option for gaming fans, it's offering discounts on PS5 consoles, controllers, and games. The Dualsense Edge Wireless controller is available for £174.99, while the PS VR2 with Horizon: Call of the Mountain for £354.99 is also marked down from £399. Switch 2 enthusiasts who want to try and secure a console can follow our live blog right here on our sister paper the Daily Mirror. Returning to the Switch 2 game deal, here's a brief overview of how gamers can take advantage of the offer through TopCashback.
