Gaming News – April 2nd
- Yefune Kenizi
- 2 days ago
- 7 min read
Published: April 2, 2025
By: Yefune Kenizi
Red Dead Online
Traders in Red Dead Online will receive Role Bonuses this month, including triple rewards on Trader Sales and Trade Route, bonus Gold in the Featured Series and Daily Challenges, and more. Premium pelts, hides, and other items can be traded for 3X RDO$, XP, and Role XP on Trader Sales. Completing at least five sales will earn a reward for a free pair of boots.
The Trade Route Free Roam Event involves defending a train loaded with cargo from raiders, offering 3X RDO$ and XP. Completing All Daily Challenges results in a 2X Gold completion bonus through April 28th.
The Featured Series rotation includes:
April 1st – 7th: Race Series
April 8th – 14th: Bow and Arrow Series
April 15th – 21st: Race Series 2
April 22nd – 28th: Contrast Series – Open Target Races and Overrun
Finishing in the Top 3 in any race this month provides an offer for 8 Gold Bars off any Role Item. Logging into Red Dead Online anytime this month grants the white Woodland Gloves. Gus' store offers the Good to See Ya emote and completing Cripps’ Daily Stew reward the Civil War Battlefield Treasure Map, all available through April 28th.
Weekly challenges and corresponding rewards include:
April 1st – 7th: Complete five Daily Challenges to receive the tan Carbow Double Bandolier.
April 8th – 14th: Craft two Items at your Campfire to receive the black Lister Hat.
April 15th – 21st: Complete all Trader Daily Challenges one day this week to receive the black Charro Jacket (Male) or black Clymene Coat (Female).
April 22nd – 28th: Traders at Rank 20 or Traders who gain five ranks will receive the gray Morales Vest.
The Fanned Stovepipe Hat, Concho Pants, Morning Tail Coat, Torranca Coat, and Ortega Vest are restocked at local tailors and the Wheeler, Rawson & Co. Catalogue through April 28th.
A rugged ensemble, designed by YouTuber AMGaming, is available, featuring the Ortega Vest. The pieces can be recreated at local tailors and the Wheeler, Rawson & Co. Catalogue for free until April 28:
Gator Hat
Lautnip Shirt (Male), Goodale Shirtwaist (Female)
Ortega Vest
Lightfoot Pants
Strickland Boots
There is a 50% discount on Camp Flags, Themes, and Dogs, plus Free Setup and Relocation through April 28th. Other discounts in Red Dead Online this month include:
Butcher’s Table: five gold bars off
Hunting Wagon: 40% off
Emotes: 30% off
Kladruber and Arabian Horses: 30% off
Revolvers: 40% off
Sniper Rifles: 40% off
Boots and Vests: 40% off
Gloves: 50% off
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33
Publisher Kepler Interactive and developer Sandfall Interactive have released a new character trailer for the forthcoming action turn-based RPG, Clair Obscur: Expedition 33. The trailer introduces Lune, described as “the passionate Scholar and Mage.” As the daughter of distinguished researchers, Lune is driven by an insatiable thirst for knowledge and has dedicated her life to completing her parents’ work. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 is set to be launched on April 24th for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Pre-orders are currently available, and the game will also be accessible on Xbox Game Pass.
The narrative explores the gameplay and motivations of the principal members of Expedition 33 in their mission to defeat the Paintress, ensuring she can never again paint death. Central to this storyline is Lune, whose singular objective is to solve the mystery surrounding the Paintress. Tasked with charting a path for the Expedition, Lune keenly feels the burden of responsibility and the high stakes at play. She is resolute in her commitment to the success of the Expedition.
In leading the members of Expedition 33 on their quest to neutralize the Paintress, players will immerse themselves in a world inspired by Belle Époque France and engage with distinctive enemies in a turn-based RPG featuring real-time mechanics.
The game's lore reveals that once annually, the Paintress awakens to paint a cursed number on her monolith, causing all individuals of that age to vanish. This year, the cursed number is "33," marking the final mission of Expedition 33 to prevent further death. Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 presents itself as a pioneering turn-based RPG, incorporating real-time elements to intensify and enhance combat experiences.
Players are invited to delve into the fantasy realm, battling formidable foes and exploring landscapes influenced by Belle Époque France. In this evolution of JRPGs, real-time actions amplify the core of turn-based combat. Players can customize their Expeditioners' builds through gear, skills, and synergies, and employ tactical maneuvers in combat including dodging, parrying, countering, chaining combos, and targeting enemy weaknesses with precision.
With only one year remaining, Gustave, Maelle, and their comrades embark on an urgent mission to disrupt the Paintress’ cycle of death. As they traverse the trail left by previous expeditions, they uncover their fates and develop camaraderie essential for overcoming daunting challenges.
The game offers an enchanting exploration of surreal adversaries and breathtaking landscapes, from the Island of Visages to the Forgotten Battlefield. Hidden quests and secrets abound, along with opportunities to recruit legendary allies and access new travel methods on the World Map.
Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, the debut game from Sandfall Interactive, is fully realized in Unreal Engine 5, boasting stunning graphics and an evocative soundtrack.
MindsEye
MindsEye, the new game from legendary GTA producer Leslie Benzies, is set for release on June 10th. However, there seems to be a lack of clear communication about the game's premise or appeal.
Billed as a story-driven, single-player action-adventure thriller, it explores technology's impact in Redrock, where robots do manual tasks and an algorithm connects devices. This theme feels relevant amid the current AI developments.
Despite showing functional gameplay at State of Play, it hasn't generated much buzz yet. Benzies promises an engaging experience with intense action and stunning visuals. Build a Rocket and IO Interactive have under three months to boost its visibility.
Pre-orders, both physical and digital, include in-game items and future content, priced at $59.99 for Playstation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam.
Credit Sophmorejohn for bringing this gaming news to our attention. His links can be found here: https://linktr.ee/sophmorejohn
Nintendo Switch 2
The first Nintendo game confirmed for the Switch 2 is the new Mario Kart, which was introduced at the Nintendo Switch 2 Direct. Named Mario Kart World, the game features a variety of vehicles, power-ups that transform racers, grinding, and wall-running. It includes classic Grand Prix mode, a battle royale-style mode called Knockout, and Free Roam mode, allowing players to drive around the game's open world. More detailed information on Mario Kart World will be available on April 17th, and it will also be a launch title for Nintendo's next-generation system.
Nintendo has clarified the function of the mysterious "C" button on the right Joy-Con, confirming that it stands for "Chat". This feature is linked to the Switch 2's new party chat capabilities, known as GameChat, which allows players to communicate with each other and observe their friends' gameplay through adjustable screens. The feature requires a Switch Online membership and will be compatible with the Nintendo Switch 2 Camera, available at launch. However, it can be used without a membership until March 31, 2026.
Nintendo has expanded the ability for fans to share their digital games with a new feature called GameShare. This feature enables players to engage in local multiplayer games using only one copy of a game, reminiscent of certain DS games in the past. However, it will only be available for select games.
The Nintendo Switch 2 was showcased in a brief trailer in January, and further details were provided during the Direct event. The Switch 2 has a 1080p screen, 120fps, Joy-Cons that can be used as mice, two USB inputs, and 3D audio. It offers 256 GB of internal storage and includes a dock with a built-in fan for cooling. When docked, the Switch 2 supports 4K resolution.
A tutorial game called Nintendo Switch 2 Welcome Tour will demonstrate the Switch 2's unique features. Despite being essentially a tech demo, it will be a paid digital game.
The Switch 2 will require MicroSD Express Cards for storage expansion, and gamers will be able to transfer data from the original Switch to the Switch 2.
The Nintendo Switch 2 release date is set for June 5, 2025.
Nintendo described three types of Switch 2 games: Switch 2 exclusives, backward-compatible Switch 1 games, and "Nintendo Switch 2 Edition" games, which are enhanced ports of Switch 1 games. Super Mario Party Jamboree, launching on July 24th, will have new game modes utilizing the Switch 2's features, including mouse controls and a microphone. There will be a cheaper upgrade option for those who own the Switch 1 version.
The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Tears of the Kingdom will receive Switch 2 Edition releases with improved performance and compatibility with the Zelda Notes app for sharing TOTK creations and using official maps. Kirby and the Forgotten Land's Switch 2 Edition will include the new Star-Crossed World expansion, while Metroid Prime 4: Beyond will support 4K 60fps or 1080p 120fps. Pokémon Legends: Z-A is also getting a Switch 2 Edition release.
Nintendo announced a new IP for the Switch 2 called Drag X Drive, a 3v3 wheelchair-based multiplayer sports game utilizing the Joy-Cons' mouse functionality.
Nintendo highlighted third-party games in development for the Switch 2, starting with Elden Ring: Tarnished Edition. Hades 2, Street Fighter 6, Daemon X Machina, Split Fiction, Hogwarts Legacy, Hitman: World of Assassination, and Bravely Default: Flying Fairy HD Remaster were announced as launch titles. Additional confirmed titles include EA Sports FC, Madden NFL, Tony Hawk's Pro Skater 3 + 4, James Bond 007, and Yakuza 0: Director's Cut.
Nintendo is collaborating with Koei Tecmo on Hyrule Warriors: Age of Imprisonment, covering the Imprisonment War before Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. It will launch this winter for Switch 2.
The Switch Online Expansion Pack will feature an exclusive Switch 2 addition, providing access to select GameCube games at launch for Expansion Pack subscribers. Initial games include The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, Soulcalibur 2, and F-Zero GX, with more to be added later. A new GameCube controller with the Switch 2's new C button will also be released.
Additional third-party games confirmed for the Switch 2 include Deltarune, Borderlands 4, Civilization 7 (launch title), WWE 2K, NBA 2K, Survival Kids (launch title), Enter the Gungeon 2, Cyberpunk 2077, and Final Fantasy 7 Remake: Intergrade. Rumors about FF7 Remake for the Switch 2 have been confirmed.
FromSoftware announced a Switch 2 exclusive multiplayer title called The Duskbloods, blending elements of Bloodborne and Elden Ring with vampires, set to launch in 2026.
Kirby Air Ride will receive a sequel titled Kirby Air Riders, directed by Masahiro Sakurai, launching in 2025, though an exact release date has not been revealed.
A new 3D platformer Donkey Kong game, Donkey Kong: Bananza, was announced for the Switch 2 with a release date of July 17th.
Nintendo will offer two editions of the Switch 2: the console alone for $449.99, and a bundle with Mario Kart World for $499.99.
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