High On Life Physical Edition And Official Graphic Novel Preorders Are Live At Amazon
One of the strangest games of 2022, High on Life, will receive a physical release for the first time on September 19. This physical edition of a shooter starring obnoxious talking guns extends its humorous creative liberties to its cover art. Along with a half-peeled alien “sticker,” the phrase “Game of the Year” is hastily scrawled on a faux duct-taped label. From a player interest perspective, High on Life essentially was the GOTY on Xbox Game Pass. At the end of 2022, Microsoft confirmed High on Life was the biggest launch of the year on the subscription service. It also held the title as the biggest third-party release on the service until Palworld stole the crown earlier this year.
Published by Limited Run Games, the physical edition of High on Life comes with the base game and the High on Knife expansion. This edition was initially revealed back in February as a Limited Run Games’ store exclusive, but it sold out pretty fast. If you didn’t snag a copy then, preorders are now live at Amazon. Presently, only the PS5 version is available to preorder. Fans of High on Life can also preorder the official graphic novel follow-up ahead of its publication later this year.
Limited Run was also taking preorders on a cool collector’s edition earlier this year, but it too wasn’t available for long before all copies were snapped up. In case you missed it when it first came out, High on Life was a pretty colorful action game and a solid debut from Squanch Games, which was co-founded by Rick and Morty co-creator Justin Roiland. It’s worth noting that Roiland resigned from the studio after domestic violence allegations against him were revealed shortly after the game’s release, but the studio continues to operate without him.
As you’d expect, the game features a really weird plot about an alien cartel using humans as drugs–or basically, it riffs on that one season of Torchwood. As a bounty hunter tasked with taking down the menace, you’ll wield various talking guns with colorful personalities. Also, some of your firearms deliver so much foul language that they’d make a sailor blush. The High on Knife expansion is set a few years after the events of the main game, and kindly asks you to help the homicidal Knifey track down a mysterious package from his homeworld.
“Ultimately, High On Life is, in its own weird way, a take on what a modern Metroid Prime game could be, through the lens of Justin Roiland’s comedy antics,” Jason Fanelli wrote in GameSpot’s High on Life review. “There’s a similar sense of exploration mixed with fast-paced moments of combat, only here it’s also swelling with expletive-laden jokes and sometimes incoherent rambling.”
If you’d like to explore the universe of the game even further, the official graphic novel collects all four issues of the comic book series and is also set after the game, as humanity finds itself being hunted by a mysterious being. It’s up to the Bounty Hunter to once again bring justice to the stars. The four-issue arc mixes in a tale of redemption and zany cosmic violence for good measure.
Lastly, you can check how the game came to be with The Art of High on Life, an official hardcover art book that released in March. It features nearly 200 pages of full-color illustrations of the game’s strange creatures, weird worlds, and grotesque gunplay, as well as expert commentary from Squanch Games.
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The Rogue Prince Of Persia Has Been Slightly Delayed, Thanks Partly To Hades 2
Prince of Persia fans will have to wait a little longer for the next spin-off to arrive, as Evil Empire has announced that The Rogue Prince of Persia has been slightly delayed beyond its planned May 14 release date. This is partly due to the Dead Cells developer working on polishing up lingering bugs ahead of the game’s early-access launch and the studio aiming to avoid being overshadowed by Hades 2. The Hades sequel also launched in early access this month, and so far, the game has had a strong debut. Evil Empire says it will announce a new release date for The Rogue Prince of Persia on May 13.
“Seeing as everyone and their mum is playing that game–including our entire team…and their mums–we have decided to let people have their fun with it before we release The Rogue Prince of Persia,” Evil Empire said in a statement. “While we have every confidence in The Rogue Prince of Persia, it’s not every day that a game in the same genre as you, which is one of the most anticipated upcoming games of 2024, will release into Early Access a week before you plan to do the same. We are not prideful enough to ignore the implications of that, and we truly believe that this short delay is the best decision for us and our Early Access journey. We also want to give Hades 2 a head start before we start running, it’s only fair.”
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Evil Empire even broke the news with a yellow background on its social media post, a running trend that Cyberpunk 2077 fans are painfully familiar with. The studio says it’ll use the extra time to fine-tune its day-one patch and “add more stuff” before launch. “We completely understand that this is annoying news to hear for everyone who was eager to play the game, especially so close to the anticipated release. We can only hold our hands up, apologize, and hope that you understand,” Evil Empire added.
The Rogue Prince of Persia is the second spin-off releasing this year in the franchise, following the launch of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown in January. This new game is a 2D action-platformer in a similar vein to Dead Cells, and features wall-running elements that players will utilize to navigate through procedurally generated levels. There’ll also be a chunky arsenal of weapons to master, like axes, swords, and daggers, while secondary weapon options include shields and grappling hooks.
How To Buy A Special-Edition Nintendo Switch Console Below Retail Price
Nintendo isn’t big on discounting its games or hardware, and it’s not unusual to see products listed at full price years after launch. That’s often the case for Switch consoles, as you don’t often see worthwhile price cuts unless it’s a big shopping holiday. However, if you know where to look, it is possible to get meaningful discounts on Nintendo Switch consoles. Outside of buying from a friend or local seller, one of your best options is eBay, as there are huge distributors with bulk stock of new Nintendo hardware.
From the OLED Model and Lite to the original Nintendo Switch, here’s a look at the best deals at eBay. Keep in mind that all of the console deals from eBay listed below are Japanese imports, but because the platform is region-free, outside of some text on the box, there isn’t a tangible difference between these and the ones you’ll find at your local GameStop. As long as that isn’t a dealbreaker, you can get special-edition consoles that often sell for above retail price in North America for a nice discount.
And if you need some extra controllers to go with your new Switch, take a look at the (slightly) discounted Switch Pro Controller and Tears of the Kingdom-themed Pro Controller ($10 above list price).
Nintendo Switch OLED Console Deals
The cheapest option here is for the Red Super Mario Edition, which is just $288 (down from $350). While all the other OLED offers are for new models, this one is for an open-box console–though it’s said to be in like-new condition. If you prefer something still sealed in its box, then take a look at the Neon Red & Blue edition, as it’s only a few bucks more expensive at $290.
Over at Amazon, third-party sellers have the North American Zelda-themed Switch OLED for as low as $370–only $10 above retail price, to be fair–whereas the import listed on eBay below is $305. That’s even less than the Amazon Renewed (refurbished) models that are going for $319.
eBay Nintendo Switch OLED listings
Nintendo Switch Console Deals
If you loved Wii Sports, you’ll probably find Switch Sports to be a great addition to your gaming library. In that case, it’s hard to pass up the Nintendo Switch Sports Bundle, which is available for just $270 (down from $350). But if you don’t think you’ll play the game, you can save $10 with the Nintendo Switch Gray Joy-Con that’s listed for $260.
eBay Nintendo Switch listings
Nintendo Switch Lite Handheld Deals
The Nintendo Switch Lite can’t connect to your TV, but anyone shopping for an ultra-portable gaming console will find this version of the handheld to be the best option. Several Animal Crossing editions are up for grabs, giving you a chance to get a unique design along with a copy of the hit game (supports English language). If you’d be more comfortable buying the North American Animal Crossing-themed handheld, it’s worth noting that Walmart still has the bundle in stock for $199. Though it’s technically not discounted–this was one of the 2023 holiday bundles and exclusive to Walmart–you are getting a $60 game for free.
Meanwhile, the standalone Lite console can be had for $180 (down from $200). It may not seem like much, but that’s actually one of the better discounts we’ve seen so far this year.
eBay Nintendo Switch Lite listings
Xbox President Tries To Defend Shutdown Of Award-Winning Hi-Fi Rush Studio
Microsoft recently closed multiple Bethesda studios, including Tango Gameworks, the developer of the well-received rhythm action game Hi-Fi Rush. Xbox executive Sarah Bond, the president of Xbox, recently reacted to and explained the company’s decision to close the outfit. The game might have won numerous awards, but the company doesn’t have a one-size-fits-all approach to defining success, she said.
Reporter Dina Bass asked Bond this question: “One of the shuttered studios in particular just created a hit game; it did really well on Game Pass in terms of engagement and won a ton of awards. Shouldn’t succeeding in that way ensure the future of a studio?”
She was no doubt referring to Hi-Fi Rush, and Bond answered by saying Microsoft takes a number of factors into consideration when attempting to define what “success” is for a given game or project.
“One of the things I really love about the games industry is that it’s a creative art form. It means that the situation, and what success is for each game and each studio, is also really unique. There is no one-size-fits-all to it for us,” she told Bloomberg. “We look at each studio, each game team, and we look at a whole variety of factors when we’re faced with making decisions and trade-offs like that. But it all comes back to our long-term commitment to the games we create, the devices we build, the services, and ensuring we’re setting ourselves up to be able to deliver on those promises.”
Jeff Grubb of GameSpot sister site Giant Bomb reported after Hi-Fi Rush’s release that the game “straight up didn’t make the money it needed to make.” Xbox boss Matt Booty reportedly said the company needed more smaller-scale games that win awards just a day after it fired everyone who made Hi-Fi Rush.
Also during her chat, Bond talked about how the video game industry, in large part, has remained “flat” in terms of revenue for the past few years. 2023 had a number of “tremendous” game launches, Bond said, but at the same time, “the growth didn’t follow all of that.” This softness has occurred at the same time that game development costs and timelines are growing, Bond said.
“All of that has been happening at the same time that the cost associated with making these beautiful, AAA blockbuster games is going up. And the time it takes to make them is going up. So much of our focus as Xbox is about how we do things to help the industry all up, while also ensuring our brand–everything we do–is there through this moment of transition,” she said.
Regarding the closure of Tango Gameworks, Arkane Austin, Alpha Dog Games, and Roundhouse Games (which is merging with ZeniMax Online Studios), Bond said the decision was “extraordinarilyy hard.” Closing studios and laying off staff helps Xbox have a “healthy” business, Bond said.
“When we looked at those fundamental trends we feel a deep responsibility to ensure the games we make, the devices we build the services we offer are there through moments, even when the industry isn’t growing. When you’re going through a time of transition,” she said. “The news we announced earlier this week is an outcome of that and our commitment to make sure that the business is healthy for the long term.
Bond pointed out that Xbox is home to large-scale games like Grand Theft Auto and relatively smaller titles like Palworld and Pentiment, and “that doesn’t change” going forward. Bond also noted that Microsoft is not giving up on Bethesda (which is no surprise given Microsoft spent $7.5 billion to buy its parent company, ZeniMax).
“Frankly our commitment to Bethesda and the role that it plays as part of Xbox and everything we do [is not changing]. Really right now for us and our teams, our focus is on the people impacted and doing everything we can do to help them through this hard transition,” she said.
Prior to closing the four Bethesda studios this week, Microsoft cut thousands of jobs within Xbox and Activision. Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer defended the cuts, saying investors want to see growth. Laying people off is a way to help appease investors and improve the overall Xbox business, he said.
“You get a lot of publicly traded companies that are in the industry that have to show their investors growth–because why else does somebody own a share of someone’s stock if it’s not going to grow?–the side of the business that then gets scrutinized is the cost side. Because if you’re not going to grow the revenue side, then the cost side becomes challenged,” he said.
Layoffs at Xbox are “really an outcome of an industry that’s not growing,” Spencer said. He went on to say he sees better days ahead.
“It can grow and it will grow again. But you see this time right now and the implications have human impact. And we should all reflect on that and think about it,” he said.
Trigun Deluxe Edition Manga Preorders Are Live At Amazon
Trigun was one of the big manga and anime series of the ’90s, and a few decades later, you can relive the adventures of Vash the Stampede in a beautifully oversized collection of the original comics. Collected for the first time in its original oversized page format, the Trigun Deluxe Edition contains the original two volumes of author Yasuhiro’s Nightow’s manga and is over 700 pages in size.
Trigun manga collections
Trigun anime
If you’ve never read or watched Trigun, you’re in for a treat. A sci-fi western set on the desert planet of Gunsmoke, Trigun follows Vash the Stampede, a pacifist with uncanny marksmanship skills and the ability to destroy entire cities with a single blast if he ever uses his Angel Arm weapon. With a $60 billion bounty on his head, Vash regularly runs into trouble when trigger-happy bandits try to capture him.
This new collected edition also features a faux-leather cover with foil stamping and burnishing, making them look and feel more luxurious than your typical pocket-sized paperback manga book. It’ll be released on September 10 and is priced at $50, but you can get it for $43 from Amazon.
If you’re looking for the full collection, you can also secure a preorder for the Trigun sequel series, Trigun Maximum. Two massive volumes will be released, and this series follows Vash after he emerges from a two-year exile to save Gunsmoke from a new crowd of bounty hunters looking for the ultimate payday.
Volume One will be released on October 8 and will be followed by the second and third volumes in November and December, respectively. Like the deluxe edition, these will also be available as hardcover books with faux-leather covers and the original page format size.
The New Apple Pencil Pro Sounds Really Cool, But It Has Limited Compatibility
Exciting new Apple hardware is arriving on May 15, and for creatives looking to upgrade, the Apple Pencil Pro looks like a fun new tool to create some art with. Like previous versions, the Apple Pencil Pro is a stylus that can be used to take notes, play games, and illustrate. For this model, it can sense when it’s being squeezed and will bring up new tool palettes to help you quickly switch between functions like line weights and colors. All of this sounds quite cool, but the new Apple Pencil Pro, which is up for preorder for $129 at Amazon and Best Buy, will only work on the new iPads. There is some good news for iPad owners who don’t want to upgrade just yet: You can get nice discounts on the “old” Apple Pencils.
Apple Pencil deals
Make sure to confirm compatibility with your iPad model before you buy. Supported devices are on each Amazon listing.
The Apple Pencil Pro also has haptic feedback functions. When you squeeze or double‑tap, you’ll feel a light pulse confirming the action. You can even do a barrel roll–please Google “do a barrel roll” for a treat–as the internal gyroscope allows you to rotate Apple Pencil Pro for precise control of shaped pen and brush tools. Finally, the double tap function has been retained, so you can quickly toggle between other tools like a pen and eraser by tapping the Apple Pencil twice.
These can be magnetically attached to your iPad where it also recharge, but if you’re worried about losing it, you can easily locate it in the Find My app. The Apple Pencil Pro is priced at $129 and will launch on May 15 alongside the new iPads. It’s worth reiterating that it will have limited compatibility, as for now it can only be used on the new iPad Airs with M2 chips, and for iPad Pro M4 users, you’ll need to upgrade to the recently announced models sporting an M4 chip.
2024 iPad preorders
Amazon
Best Buy
The 2024 line of iPad Pros do look very impressive, as not only are they incredibly thin and offer great gaming potential with their powerful hardware, but they also have a vivid OLED screen. If you’re considering some apps where the Apple Pencil Pro could come in handy, Procreate is the go-to program for creating incredible art, and Adobe Fresco is another excellent alternative. For video editing where the Pencil Pro could help you cut the exact frame or move clips about, LumaFusion is a comprehensive suite of creative options for putting together video content.
Check out our iPad Pro and iPad Air preorder guide for every detail you need to know before making your purchase.
Master Detective Archives: Rain Code PS5 Preorders Include Prequel Novel While Supplies Last
Spike Chunsoft’s detective adventure game Master Detective Archives: Rain Code is making the jump from Nintendo Switch to PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam with a new Master Detective Archives: Rain Code+ version on October 1. Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus will include the base game plus all five DLC packs from the Switch version, a new gallery mode, and performance enhancements like quicker load times, upgraded graphics, and 4K support. Preorders for the game are available now in standard and limited editions, and the first printing of the PS5 version comes with a special tie-in novel.
Let’s go over all the versions of Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus available for preorder and where you can purchase them.
Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus preorder bonus
The first print run of Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus on PS5 includes the original novel, How to Be a Master Detective: A Halara Nightmare, which follows one of the protagonists from the game, Halara, on an all-new detective adventure taking place before the storyline in the game. Physical versions of the novel are included with preorders of the standard PS5 and Lucid Noir Limited Editions of the game. Digital PS5 preorders include a download code for the ebook edition of the novel. The book is not included with the PC or Xbox versions.
$60
The Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus standard edition includes the base game, and PS5 copies include a physical edition of How to Be a Master Detective: A Halara Nightmare novel. Only the first printing of the game will come with the book. A digital standard edition is available for PS5, Xbox, and Steam.
Preorders for the physical PS5 edition are currently available at Amazon. We expect it will be available at more retailers soon as well.
$70
A digital deluxe edition is also available for PS5, Xbox, and Steam. This version includes:
- The base game
- “The Book of Death” digital art book
- “Noise of Neon” digital soundtrack
- How to Be a Master Detective: A Halara Nightmare ebook preorder bonus (PS5-only)
Preorders are available now for PS5. Xbox and Steam preorders will also be available ahead of launch.
$100
Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus is also available in a PS5-exclusive Lucid Noir Limited Edition that includes:
- The base game
- PlayStation 5 Steelbook case
- 6.5-inch Shinigami plush
- Official Soundtrack
- Collector’s box
- How to Be a Master Detective: A Halara Nightmare novel preorder bonus
Preorders for Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus Lucid Noir Limited Edition available for $100 Amazon, and it’s likely to show up are more retailers in the coming days.
$55.50 (was $60)
If you don’t want to wait for Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Plus to launch on October 1, you can grab the standard edition of the original Switch release for $55.50 at Amazon right now, which is a slight discount from its standard $60 price point. This version only includes a physical copy of the Nintendo Switch game and lacks the Plus version’s graphical upgrades, performance fixes, and bonus content, but it’s available for those who want to play the game right away.
$110
For the collectors out there, Best Buy still has the Master Detective Archives: Rain Code Mysteriful Limited Edition for Nintendo Switch available for $110. This package includes the base game for Nintendo Switch (meaning none of the Plus version’s content or upgrades are present, nor the PS5-exclusive tie-in novel), and comes with a Steelbook case with unique artwork, a 6.5-inch Shinigami plush, soundtrack, artbook, and collector’s box.