BigCrits

Category: News

  • 7 Essential Tips for Beginners in Death Stranding 2

    7 Essential Tips for Beginners in Death Stranding 2

    Here are 7 essential tips I wish I’d known when starting Death Stranding 2: On the Beach.

    1. Keep It Light & Carry Smart

    • Avoid overloading—once your load is in yellow/red zone (>60 %), you’ll stumble more and walk slower.
    • Use auto-arrange to quickly optimize gear placement; hit Triangle at the Ring Terminal.
    • Trust other porters: you don’t need multiple ladders or extra gear. One ladder + one rope is usually enough, since others leave helpful items behind.

    2. Hold Those Triggers to Stay Upright

    When you feel Sam wobbling, hold L2 + R2 to brace yourself and regain balance fast—even under heavy cargo.

    3. Strategically Pack Tools

    • Always tote two ladders—they’re golden for crossing rivers and cliffs.
    • Keep an extra pair of boots handy—your footwear degrades fast.
    • Bring a PCC (portable construction center) to build emergency post boxes or recharge fab points.

    4. Prioritize Hydration & Rest

    • Refill stamina regularly with canteen sips or by pressing and holding Square to rest—this also protects your cargo from wear.
    • Use Timefall Shelters for safe break spots and shelter during BT encounters; but don’t rely on them for safety during boss fights.

    5. Calibrate APAS Enhancements

    Before significant missions, reset and retool your APAS Enhancements to match the job—stealth, combat, traversal, etc.


    Your Porter Grade (which levels via deliveries and stealth actions) unlocks more and better enhancements.

    6. Embrace the Slow, Methodical Pace

    • Don’t rush—focus on one delivery at a time, plan your loadout per mission, and complete side quests to explore mechanics and build Likes.
    • Magellan fast-travel unlocks after mission 12, but using it reduces Likes earned, slowing progression—finish local jobs first.

    7. Stealth > Sound

    • Carry a weapon or any item that enables aiming (e.g., electric baton). When you start losing balance, press L2 to aim—this cancels the stagger and steadies Sam.
    • Use electric batons for stealth takedowns—quieter and less likely to attract enemies than guns.

    🧭 TL;DR: The Path of a Great Porter

    Lighten your load. Brace often. Pack smart. Use rest stops. Customize skills. Walk slowly. Sneak when needed. And lean on the unseen support of other porters in the shared world.

    Bonus Tip: Build for Others

    Even if a ladder’s already there, adding your own structures or markers benefits fellow porters—and you earn Likes, which feeds into upgrades.

    I hope these save you some early headache and help you fully embrace the game’s pacing and systems! If you want deep dives into APAS builds, fast-travel strategies, or map markers, just say the word.

  • Everything Announced at the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct

    Everything Announced at the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct

    Nintendo fans were treated to a wild ride this morning with the Donkey Kong Bananza Direct, and it did not disappoint. Packed with surprises, nostalgia, and some seriously banana-powered upgrades, the 15-minute showcase gave us our best look yet at Donkey Kong’s next big jungle-shaking adventure.

    Here’s a complete rundown of everything that was revealed:

    Pauline Swings Into Action

    Pauline is officially joining Donkey Kong on his new journey—not just as a companion, but as a key gameplay feature. She can sing to guide the player and break magical seals, and she even has a mysterious form called the “Odd Rock.” Her dual-role setup seems integral to solving puzzles and progressing deeper into the world.

    Donkey Kong’s Moveset Gets Supercharged

    DK is back and beefier than ever. Here’s a look at his core abilities:

    • Punch & Dive Punch – Classic Kong combat with a little extra flair.
    • Roll Forward – Charge through obstacles and enemies.
    • Hand Slap – Shake the ground to reveal secrets.
    • Tear Off – Rip away barriers.
    • Swing & Chunk Jump – Navigate the world with power and agility.
    • Turf Surf – Ride terrain like a natural.
    • Throw – Lob objects and foes.
    • Make Music – Often done with Pauline, this ability reveals paths and secrets.

    Kong Transformations: The Bananza Powers

    Discovering ancient Bananza powers from Giant Elders unlocks temporary but powerful transformations:

    • Kong Bananza – Your classic mega ape form.
    • Zebra Bananza – A speedy, stripey power-up.
    • Ostrich Bananza – Graceful and nimble traversal ability.

    Each form is time-limited, but offers unique movement and combat advantages.

    Familiar Faces & Foes

    • Cranky Kong and Rambi (YES!) are back to help out.
    • Meet the villains of Void Company, a corrupt underground operation featuring:
      • Grumpy Kong
      • Poppy Kong
      • Void Kong

    These bosses guard the lower layers of the underground realm, and defeating them is key to progression.

    Explore, Upgrade, and Collect

    • Ancient Ruins hide platforming challenges like obstacle courses, time trials, and side-scrolling segments.
    • Skill Points (earned by collecting gems) let you upgrade DK’s health, strength, or unlock new abilities.
    • Collectibles can be traded for items, costumes, and more.
    • A Collectible Tracker helps you keep tabs on what you’ve found.
    • A Music Player lets you relive your favorite tunes.

    🛠️ Features Galore

    • Photo Mode – Capture those jungle vibes.
    • Elevators – Traverse realms quickly.
    • 2-Player Local Co-op – Grab a friend!
    • Game Share Support – Only one copy needed for two-player action.
    • Assist Mode – For those who want some help (or just chill vibes).
    • DK Artist Mode – A new stone carving mini-game using motion controls and stylus-style precision.

    Amiibo &… Diddy!?

    • New Donkey Kong Amiibo unlocks a special outfit.
    • All existing Donkey Kong series amiibo are compatible—they grant gold tiles and more.
    • And yes… at the very end, we got a shadowy tease. Was that Diddy Kong!? 👀

    Conclusion

    Donkey Kong Bananza is shaping up to be a bold new chapter in DK’s legacy. With deep exploration, customizable upgrades, local co-op, and more collectibles than you can shake a banana at, this could be a must-play title for Switch 2’s early lineup.

    Stay tuned for more updates as we approach launch, and let us know:
    Which Bananza form are YOU most hyped for?

  • How Video Games Help Manage Anxiety and Stress

    How Video Games Help Manage Anxiety and Stress

    Can Video Games Help with Anxiety and Stress? Absolutely—Here’s Why

    Let’s be honest—life can be overwhelming. Whether it’s the grind of work, academic pressure, personal struggles, or just the weight of the world, we all need ways to cope. For some, it’s going for a walk or talking it out. For others? It’s video games. And that’s not just okay—it’s powerful.

    Escaping the Noise

    One of the most immediate benefits of playing video games is escapism. After a tough day filled with deadlines, stress, and emotional exhaustion, jumping into a game can act like a mental reset button. For a few hours, your brain gets a break from overthinking, anxiety spirals, and all the worries of real life. Whether you’re exploring a magical world, solving puzzles, or managing a farm, games give you a space where you’re in control—something anxiety often takes away from us.

    Finding Motivation Through Play

    It might sound strange at first, but video games can also be a surprising source of motivation. If you’ve ever felt paralyzed by anxiety, you know how hard it is to get yourself to do even simple things like clean up, exercise, or study. But games offer small, achievable goals and clear feedback. They reward progress—no matter how small. Sometimes, just getting through a level or improving at a skill in a game can remind you that progress is possible. That sense of achievement can be the first step toward feeling capable again in real life, too.

    A Lifeline During Grief and Loss

    Video games can also be an emotional lifeline during some of the darkest moments—like dealing with grief, the loss of a job, or a health scare. When everything else feels numb or unbearable, games offer comfort and routine. They help you feel something again—joy, curiosity, excitement—even if just for a little while. That spark can be the beginning of healing.

    Ending the Stigma

    Too often, video games are painted with a negative brush—called distractions, wastes of time, or unhealthy habits. But people who’ve used games to cope with anxiety, depression, or loss know better. They know that games have helped them stay afloat, even when everything else felt like it was sinking. And yet, many still feel guilty about playing.

    Here’s the truth: you don’t need to feel guilty. Entertainment comes in all forms. If your way of finding peace, happiness, or strength happens to be through a controller, keyboard, or touchscreen—that’s not a weakness. That’s a tool for survival. That’s valid.

    Final Thoughts

    Video games aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and they won’t replace therapy or medication for those who need it. But they can be part of a larger support system—a powerful one. So if playing games helps you feel more like yourself again, gives you hope, or just lets you breathe a little easier, don’t let anyone take that away from you.

    Game on, and take care of yourself.

  • Are Gamers Being Too Critical of The Last of Us Season 2? Why the Show Deserves More Credit Than It’s Getting

    Are Gamers Being Too Critical of The Last of Us Season 2? Why the Show Deserves More Credit Than It’s Getting

    Ever since HBO’s The Last of Us Season 2 entered production, fans of the critically acclaimed video game series have been holding their collective breath. Season 1 was widely praised for faithfully adapting the original game while injecting deeper emotional beats, stunning performances, and cinematic storytelling. But now, with Season 2 drawing from the more controversial The Last of Us Part II, the online discourse has become increasingly polarized. Gamers are dissecting every casting choice, script leak, and creative decision—often with sharp criticism.

    But here’s the question: are gamers being too critical of the new season?

    Let’s take a closer look at why The Last of Us Season 2 deserves more credit than it’s currently getting.

    1. The Show Is Taking Narrative Risks—and That’s a Good Thing

    Gamers know Part II was bold in its storytelling. It subverted expectations, challenged loyalties, and forced players to step into perspectives they didn’t always want to understand. The show is doing the same, and that’s exactly what great adaptations should do.

    HBO’s creative team isn’t just translating pixels to screen—they’re expanding on the emotional complexity that made Part II so divisive yet powerful. Instead of taking the easy, fan-pleasing route, they’re honoring the game’s commitment to emotional honesty. That takes courage in an era when many adaptations play it safe.

    2. The Performances Are Already Standouts

    Just like Pedro Pascal and Bella Ramsey silenced doubters with their phenomenal portrayals in Season 1, the casting choices for Season 2 are shaping up to be inspired.

    Kaitlyn Dever as Abby? A bold pick that already has Emmy potential based on leaked scenes and early footage. Bella Ramsey continues to evolve Ellie’s arc with depth and emotional nuance. These performances are capturing the essence of the characters while bringing something new to the table—a balance that’s hard to achieve.

    3. The Visual Direction Is Next-Level

    The production design for Season 2 isn’t just “faithful”—it’s elevated. Locations like Jackson and the Pacific Northwest are being brought to life with cinematic scale and gritty detail. The infected look more terrifying than ever, and the use of lighting and sound is immersing viewers in a post-apocalyptic world that’s both beautiful and brutal.

    Gamers often focus on accuracy—but in this case, the show is enhancing the game’s atmosphere rather than just recreating it.

    4. It’s Made for More Than Just Gamers

    Here’s a tough pill to swallow: The Last of Us TV series isn’t just for people who played the game. It’s also for people who didn’t.

    Some of the most vocal criticism comes from fans who are deeply attached to how they experienced the story. But the series is opening the world up to new viewers—people who may never touch a controller, but who are emotionally invested in the story.

    Judging the show solely through a “gamer purist” lens misses the broader impact it’s having.

    5. Neil Druckmann and Craig Mazin Know the Source Material Better Than Anyone

    This isn’t a studio cash-in. It’s being led by the very people who created the game (Druckmann) and someone who helped make Chernobyl, one of the most respected series of the decade (Mazin).

    They’ve shown they care deeply about the characters, themes, and tone of the original. And while they are making changes, they’re doing it with purpose—not out of ignorance or disrespect. The creative decisions are being made by people who love this world as much as any gamer does.

    In Conclusion: Trust the Process

    Gamers have every right to be passionate—it’s that passion that helped make The Last of Us such a lasting cultural force. But there’s a fine line between critique and resistance to change. So far, the signs point to The Last of Us Season 2 being a thoughtful, daring continuation of an already exceptional adaptation.

    It might not match your headcanon beat-for-beat. It might even make you uncomfortable. But if the goal of art is to challenge, move, and provoke thought—then The Last of Us is doing exactly what it should.

    What do you think? Are fans being too harsh, or is the criticism warranted? Let’s talk in the comments.

  • Why You Should Be Excited About Mario Kart World: Everything We Know So Far

    Why You Should Be Excited About Mario Kart World: Everything We Know So Far

    Mario Kart World is speeding our way, and if you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer to the franchise, this is one Nintendo announcement you can’t afford to miss. Whether you’re here for the high-speed racing, the chaotic item battles, or the nostalgia-filled tracks, Mario Kart World promises to be one of the most ambitious entries in the series yet. Here’s why you should be hyped for this game and what makes it a potential game-changer for the Mario Kart franchise.

    1. A New Era for Mario Kart on Switch 2

    With the Nintendo Switch 2 expected to launch soon, Mario Kart World is shaping up to be the flagship racing title for the next-gen console. While Mario Kart 8 Deluxe has aged like fine wine (and still sells millions), it’s time for something fresh. World looks to embrace modern hardware with improved graphics, faster load times, and a deeper online experience. Expect buttery-smooth 60 FPS racing with vibrant, detailed tracks that make Mushroom Kingdom come alive like never before.

    2. Global Tracks from Around the World

    One of the rumored features (and most exciting) is that Mario Kart World will feature real-world inspired tracks from across the globe. Think Mario Kart Tour but fully realized in console-quality HD. Tokyo, New York, Paris—these aren’t just gimmicks; they’re immersive playgrounds built for kart chaos. The idea of racing through Shibuya, drifting past the Eiffel Tower, or dodging banana peels in Times Square is next-level fun.

    3. Cross-Platform and Cross-Play? It’s Possible.

    Nintendo has been slowly embracing online play, and with “World” in the title, many believe cross-play between Switch 2, mobile, and possibly PC could become reality. If that’s true, Mario Kart World might be Nintendo’s most connected title ever. Imagine racing against friends regardless of their device, with leaderboards and tournaments that span the globe. This could be Mario Kart meets eSports, and we’re here for it.

    4. A Fresh Roster of Racers and Karts

    New characters are a given—but this time, expect a more global cast and creative kart customizations. With past games adding Link, Isabelle, and even Inklings, World could open the floodgates to characters from across the Nintendo multiverse and beyond. Add in kart customization with cosmetic rewards, global rankings, and unlockable gear, and you’ve got hundreds of hours of replayability.

    5. Live-Service Without the Fatigue

    If Mario Kart World adopts a seasonal model like Fortnite or Splatoon 3, we might get regular track updates, new racers, and fresh gear every few months. The key is balancing content without feeling like a grind. Nintendo has shown it can do this well, and if executed correctly, Mario Kart World could stay relevant for years.

    6. Return of Fan-Favorite Modes (Plus New Surprises)

    Yes, Battle Mode is expected to return—and possibly even a full-blown adventure or story mode. Rumors suggest a more expansive single-player experience, possibly even co-op missions or kart challenges that break the traditional mold. Nintendo loves to surprise us, and World might finally give solo players more to chew on between online matches.

    7. Built for Content Creators and Streamers

    Nintendo has been loosening its grip on content creation, and Mario Kart World could be the first streamer- and community-friendly title in the series. Think built-in spectator modes, race replays, custom tournament lobbies, and sharable highlights. This is huge for growing the game’s community and making Mario Kart more than just a party game—it could be a content goldmine.

    Final Lap: Why Mario Kart World Is the One to Watch

    Whether you’re a nostalgic player who grew up on Rainbow Road or a newcomer itching to drift into the action, Mario Kart World has something for everyone. It’s more than a new game—it’s a global event. With next-gen performance, cross-play potential, evolving content, and a rich celebration of everything Mario Kart, this is shaping up to be the ultimate kart racing experience.

    So buckle up, power up your red shells, and get ready—because Mario Kart World might just be the best thing Nintendo has ever put on four wheels.