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Crunchyroll Levels Up Its Premium Memberships With Games

THE GAME VAULT IS OPEN! CRUNCHYROLL DELIVERS FREE GAMES TO MEGA AND ULTIMATE FAN MEMBERS 

Crunchyroll Offers Premium Members Free Access to Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery,Captain Velvet Meteor: The Jump+ Dimensions, inbento, River City Girls, and Wolfstride on Mobile with Crunchyroll Game Vault

Culver City, California (November 7, 2023) – Membership has its privileges – especially for anime fans! Crunchyroll, the ultimate home for anime worldwide, leveled up its Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan memberships with Crunchyroll Game Vault—unlimited access to a constantly growing library of premium mobile games specifically for fans of anime and anime-inspired entertainment. Available to Crunchyroll Mega and Ultimate Fan members in more than 200 countries and territories, Crunchyroll Game Vault games are playable with no ads and no in-app purchases. 

Beginning today*, Crunchyroll Mega Fan and Ultimate Fan members can download Crunchyroll Game Vault’s five unique launch titles on Android to enjoy alongside the world’s largest streaming library of anime with over 24,000 hours of content. iOS is coming soon. 

Crunchyroll has partnered with developers and publishers to bring the mobile debuts of tactical action game Captain Velvet: The Jump+ Dimensions; beat-em-up action game River City Girls; and single-player RPG Wolfstride to iOS and Android, available free and exclusively on Crunchyroll Game Vault. The critically acclaimed indie visual novel Behind the Frame: The Finest Scenery and food-themed puzzle title inbento are also now available for free for those with a Mega Fan or Ultimate Fan membership via Crunchyroll Game Vault.

Players can nab a key to Crunchyroll Game Vault by signing up or upgrading to Mega or Ultimate Fan membership. Crunchyroll Game Vault will also feature continuous additions to its line-up, with a whole new wave of titles coming soon!

“Crunchyroll Game Vault is a curated, focused library of premium titles for the global anime fan that loves gaming, adding even more value to Crunchyroll memberships by connecting fans with anime-infused content,” said Terry Li, Executive Vice President of Emerging Business at Crunchyroll. “With Crunchyroll Game Vault, we’re also looking forward to working with international developers to bring their titles to mobile for the first time or introduce existing mobile games to the Crunchyroll community as part of an amazing line-up.” 

“WayForward and Arc System Works are thrilled to be teaming up with Crunchyroll Game Vault for the mobile version of River City Girls,” said River City Girls director Adam Tierney of WayForward. “The anime-style visuals, manga-like cutscenes, and catchy synthpop music all should feel right at home for Crunchyroll premium members. We hope the Crunchyroll fans enjoy visiting the interesting locations of River City (and beating the snot out of a few dozen baddies while you’re here).”

Additional quotes from Crunchyroll Game Vault partners can be found HERE

Crunchyroll Game Vault’s premium games complement the growing library of titles published by Crunchyroll Games, the interactive division of Crunchyroll dedicated to free-to-download anime game experiences, including Street Fighter: Duel, My Hero Academia: The Strongest Hero, and the upcoming One Punch Man: World

*Some of our features will be released incrementally to ensure stability. Not all users may receive all Crunchyroll Game Vault updates and access to Crunchyroll Game Vault titles simultaneously.

About Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with the content and experiences they love. In addition to free ad-supported and membership Premium content, Crunchyroll serves the anime community across events, theatrical, games, consumer products, collectibles, and manga.

Anime fans have access to one of the largest collections of licensed anime through Crunchyroll and translated in multiple languages for viewers worldwide. Viewers can also access simulcasts—top series available immediately after Japanese broadcast. 

The Crunchyroll app is available on nearly 15 platforms, including most gaming consoles.

Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.

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NEW EVENTS AND COMMUNITY-REQUESTED FEATURES HEADLINE LORDS OF THE FALLEN’S ROADMAP

Tuesday, 7 November 2023 – HEXWORKS, a CI Games studio, has today announced a packed schedule of content for Lords of the Fallen, revealing the dark fantasy action-RPG’s roadmap for the rest of the year. Following the successful Halloween-themed ‘Season of the Bleak’ at the end of October, two further events will take place before the New Year, each bringing fresh content to dark crusaders across Mournstead. The roadmap also includes a regular weekly cadence of updates focusing on bringing further stability, performance optimisation, and balancing improvements to the game, including its online cross-play experience.

Multiple new questlines will be added before year’s end, with the opportunity to unlock some unique armour sets and weapons (some of which have been co-created with the community themselves during collaborative livestreams). Furthermore, players can look forward to 12 new spells, new finisher attacks, and a whole host of community-requested features, including the recently revealed New Game Plus (NG+) modifier system – a first for the genre, and highly anticipated by the Lords of the Fallen community.

“At HEXWORKS, we’re incredibly proud of the open relationship we’re fostering with our community. We are actively listening to their constructive feedback and working diligently to deliver what we believe, collectively, will elevate Lords of the Fallen even further. Every addition to the game is a labour of love, as we strive to push both itsand the genre’s boundaries,” affirmed Saül Gascon, Head of Studio.

This pipeline of free content follows hot on the tracks of an already packed schedule since the title’s launch on 13th October. Working very closely with its passionate player base, HEXWORKS has been quick to implement user feedback, including reducing mob density, increasing boss difficulty, and restoring vestiges to NG+ as part of the studio’s plan to expand the mode.

Further support is also planned, with more information to be announced at a future date. Lords of the Fallen is available to buy now on PC, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation®5.

Links:
Official Website: https://lordsofthefallen.com/ 
Purchase Link: https://lordsofthefallen.com/buy-now 

About CI Games
CI Games is an independent, global video games developer and publisher, with studios in Warsaw, Barcelona, Bucharest, UK, and the US. Founded in 2002, CI Games has created globally recognised titles for over twenty years; the Sniper Ghost Warrior franchise has sold over 14 million copies worldwide, while the original Lords of the Fallen (2014) has surpassed the 10 million player mark. In 2018, United Label was founded to focus on smaller but equally ambitious titles, including Röki, Eldest Souls, and Tails of Iron. HEXWORKS, a new internal studio made up of industry veterans specialising in action-RPGs was formed in early 2020 to develop Lords of the Fallen. The company’s most ambitious title to date, it launched in October 2023 selling over one million copies in 10 days.

For more information about CI Games, please visit www.cigames.com.

Martial Arts ARPG Phantom Blade: Executioners Now Available on PC and Mobile

PHANTOM BLADE: EXECUTIONERS LAUNCHES THE KUNG-FU PUNK REVOLUTION TODAY FOR PC, ANDROID, AND IOS

Experience a Dark East Asian Fantasy Masterpiece Filled with Furious Martial Art Combos, Horrific Boss Battles, and Gorgeous Hand-Painted Landscapes with First Global Launch of the Phantom Blade Series

BEIJING, CHINA – NOVEMBER 07, 2023 – Hard-hitting, heavenly fist-delivering developer S-GAME invites fans of no-shadow kicks and wire-work kung-fu flicks to delve into the dark martial arts, action-RPG Phantom Blade: Executioners, available now on PC, Android and iOS. The PlayStation 5 version will launch later this November. Enter a world where powerful ancient factions vie for martial arts dominance, encounter hideous horrors from Chinese folklore, and explore a sumptuous 2D inkbrush-painted world of haunting beauty. Choose from four heroes of the mysterious Order, each with unique skills and sub-class styles, and unleash a combination of powerful Wuxia techniques and ultimate attacks to uncover the conspiracy of martial art masters transformed by the forbidden Sha-Chi body engineering technique.

To commemorate the first global release of the Phantom Blade series, download Phantom Blade: Executioners now to receive a special starter package. After completing the introductory tasks, new players will receive the Epic phantom set ‘Myriad Illusions,’ 70 draws tickets, and 7,600 ingots!

Phantom Blade: Executioners showcases developer S-Game’s direction to deliver a brand-new type of kinetic martial arts gameplay and stylized fantasy storytelling to the gaming world. Combining influences from ‘90s martial arts cinema, steampunk concepts, and intuitive gameplay design are the central hallmarks to the “Kung-Fu Punk” game style.

Phantom Blade: Executioners‘ picturesque level landscapes are grounded in the distinctive style of Chinese paintings that compliments the dark martial arts of the game. From misty mountain plateaus and ancient temple ground structures to golden plains and meadows, the traditional fine-brush painting style is reimagined in Phantom Blade: Executioners, adding an authentic touch to the visual atmosphere of this dark martial arts world.

Phantom Blade: Executioners is free to download and play now on PC, Android and iOS. The PlayStation 5 version will be released later this November. For more information, please visit the game’s Epic Games Store page, follow on Twitter/X, subscribe on YouTube, and join the official Discord community.

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About S-GAME

S-GAME is a leading independent game studio based in China. With headquarters in Beijing, a branch in LA, and an art center in Hong Kong, the company is committed to bringing heart pounding, high speed, stylish kung fu punk games to the world. S-GAME is devoted to action games and has polished its craft for over 10 years. It is responsible for the Rainblood series and Phantom Blade franchise. Following Phantom Blade Zero’s global announcement at the PlayStation Showcase in 2023, S-GAME is ready to earn recognition as one of the world’s leading game developers.

Resident Evil 4 to Release on iPhone 15 Pro, iPad, and Mac on December 20, 2023

London (November 7, 2023) Today Capcom announced that the critically acclaimed Resident Evil™ 4 is arriving on the latest Apple devices on December 20, 2023. Prepare to experience the fear of this state-of-the-art survival horror title in the palm of your hand with iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. The highly celebrated reimagining of the 2005 classic will also be available on iPads and Macs with the M1 chip or later. Separate Ways will launch alongside the action-packed main game. This story DLC follows Ada Wong on a secret mission that expands on the adventure and features thrilling new game mechanics.

Resident Evil 4 is available now for pre-order on the App Store. Players can try a portion of Leon S. Kennedy’s nightmarish journey with a free download to experience the bone-chilling visuals and scary-good performance on Apple devices before accessing the full game with a single purchase. Resident Evil 4 includes support for Universal Purchase and cross-progression between iPhone, iPad, and Mac, enabling players to enjoy the game at home or on-the-go and continue their save games across devices.

The intense survival horror gameplay of Resident Evil 4 can be enjoyed on Apple devices with a variety of compatible controllers. The game also includes keyboard and mouse support for Mac and customizable touch controls for convenient portable play on iPhone and iPad.

Resident Evil 4 is made possible on Apple devices thanks to Capcom’s RE ENGINE and Apple silicon, including the A17 Pro chip on iPhone 15 Pro models, and Macs with M-series chips, such as the new MacBook Pro with the M3 family of chips and supercharged iMac with M3. Resident Evil 4 supports powerful features like MetalFX Upscaling to deliver impressive performance and incredibly responsive gameplay across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Resident Evil™ Village, the award-winning eighth entry in the iconic franchise, and its Winters’ Expansion are also now available across iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPads with the M1 chip or later.

About Resident Evil 4

Resident Evil 4 follows Leon S. Kennedy six years after surviving the biological disaster of Raccoon City. Now an agent reporting directly to the president of the United States, Leon is dispatched to an isolated European village to rescue the president’s missing daughter. There, he discovers a terrifying fervor beyond reason that grips the local populace. The remake of Resident Evil 4 preserves the essence of the original while delivering modernized gameplay, a reimagined storyline, and vividly detailed graphics. Resident Evil 4 has garnered widespread acclaim and sold over 5 million units worldwide.

About Capcom

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including groundbreaking franchises Resident Evil™, Monster Hunter™, Street Fighter™, Mega Man™, Devil May Cry™ and Ace Attorney™. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Tokyo, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com  or news.capcomusa.com.

Capcom, and the Capcom logo are registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. or other countries. Ace Attorney, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, Resident Evil and Street Fighter are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

FOOTBALL MANAGER 2024 OUT NOW ACROSS ALL PLATFORMS

Sydney, Australia – 7th November 2023: For managers around the world it’s time to go again with Football Manager 2024 now live across all platforms.

FM24 on PC and Mac is available to download and play now from Steam, Epic Games, Xbox Game Pass and the Microsoft Store. Those who have been enjoying FM24 Early Access on Steam or Epic can simply quit and restart and the game will update to the full release build. Progress made during Early Access doesn’t stop there, with fans able to automatically carry on their journey.

To mark the release of the most complete edition in the series, Sports Interactive have released a FM24 launch trailer featuring four of football’s leading wonderkids: Manchester City stars Jérémy Doku and Joško Gvardiol and Brighton & Hove Albion standouts Evan Ferguson and Ansu Fati. Those players are a testament to Football Manager’s global reputation for identifying elite talent, while Kaoru Mitoma’s appearance celebrates our arrival in Japan for the first time ever.

Watch the new trailer below:

Sports Interactive Studio Director Miles Jacobson said: “Launch day is always a proud one for the team but I’m particularly delighted to see Football Manager 2024 live on all platforms.

FM24 has been the most pre-purchased title in our history, with a record-breaking number of active players and more than 10 million matches completed during Early Access.

“We know there’s considerable interest across the whole range and it’s brilliant that you’re all now going to get your hands on what we continue to consider the best value-for-money games on the market.”

Fans will uncover new ways to win on the road to glory with the release of FM24 Console, available on both Xbox and PS5. As in previous years, FM24 Console will also be available via Xbox Game Pass, meaning that subscribers can start their careers on PC or Console* from Day One at no extra cost.

Following a stellar debut campaign, we return to Apple Arcade with Football Manager 2024 Touch. Whether you’re playing on iPhone, iPad, Mac or Apple TV, FM24 Touch puts you into the shoes of a real manager and empowers you to build a squad to compete for glory in football’s biggest competitions.

The thrill of elite football management is also once again available for fans playing on Nintendo Switch with FM24 Touch.

Completing this season’s lineup is Football Manager 2024 Mobile. Exclusively available for Netflix members, FM24 Mobile is packed with new additions that set fans on the fast track to footballing glory.

For further information on FM24 and this year’s new features and additions across all platforms, visit www.footballmanager.com.

This version contains information that is still under approval process by right holders and may contain data that does not, at this time, accurately reflect real-world data. For context, some club and player assets may be absent during this version.

*Football Manager 2024 Console is available on Xbox via Xbox Game Pass, while Football Manager 2024 is available to PC users via the PC Game Pass service.

About Sports Interactive™:

Sports Interactive (SI) is the world’s leading developer of immersive sports management simulations. Founded in 1994, SI became a wholly owned subsidiary of SEGA in 2006. Based in Stratford, East London, the SI team takes on the gaming genre through a diverse array of disciplines powered by more than 290 full-time staff members and support from a large global network comprising roughly 1,400 researchers.. SI is an official partner of many major football clubs, leagues and organisations, including Manchester City, Brighton & Hove Albion, UEFA, the Bundesliga, LFP, the EFL and the League Managers Association, as well as numerous charities and not-for-profit organisations. Further information on the studio and its work can be found at www.sigames.com.

About Football Manager™:

Football Manager (FM) is the world’s leading football management simulation title and our iconic, award-winning series has captivated a global pool of players for two decades. FM takes players to the heart of the beautiful game and lets them create their own football story and live out their dreams as manager of their favourite club. With more than 50 of the top footballing nations to manage in and a database of more than 800,000 active players and staff from around the world of football, the game offers an unrivalled simulation experience. The game tasks players with making the key decisions at their club and forces them to responsible for them including transfer recruitment, tactical development and player development. Players must navigate the pressures of modern football by meeting their owner’s objectives and handle both the media and fan scrutiny that comes from performance on Matchday. FM has grown to become more than just a game and is now deeply embedded in the football industry with the FM database now powering the recruitment strategies of professional clubs around the world of football. The game has become an integral part of modern fan culture, shaping the discourse around the professional game. It has been the inspiration for several books, a stand-up comedy show and even a feature-length documentary. For more information on Football Manager, visit footballmanager.com.

About SEGA® Europe Ltd.:

SEGA® Europe Ltd. is the European Distribution arm of Tokyo, Japan-based SEGA CORPORATION, and a worldwide leader in interactive entertainment both inside and outside the home. The company develops and distributes interactive entertainment software products for a variety of hardware platforms including PC, wireless devices, and those manufactured by Nintendo, Microsoft and Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe. SEGA wholly owns the video game development studios Two Point Studios, Creative Assembly, Relic Entertainment, Amplitude Studios, Sports Interactive and HARDlight. SEGA Europe’s website is located at www.sega.co.uk

Samsung Electronics Australia brings the Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen to Australia

With immersive 55-inch screen, 1000R curvature, and enhanced Multi View, the Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen is the ultimate personal gaming theatre.

The highly anticipated Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen has launched in Australia and is set to take gaming to the next level. Image simulated for illustrative purposes.

Sydney, Australia – 7 November 2023 – Samsung Electronics Australia has today announced the local availability of the Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen Curved UHD Gaming Monitor (G97NC model), building on the success of its predecessor and offering a range of new features to take gaming to the next level.

Available exclusively from the Samsung Online Store for RRP $3,999, the Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen is set to impress gamers looking for the ultimate big-screen gaming experience.[1]

“We are thrilled to bring these new enhancements to the Odyssey Ark, which assist in creating the ultimate entertainment screen for premium gaming experiences,” said Phil Gaut, Senior Director of Display and Brand Memory, Samsung Australia. “The new features come from Samsung’s mission to meet the dynamic needs of the gaming community, in which ground breaking design, performance and personalisation is optimised to inspire a new way of gaming.”

“The enhanced 55” Odyssey Ark delivers 4K Picture Quality, 1000R Curvature, a Matte Display and Quantum Matrix Technology to increase connectivity and compatibility, so users can spend more time unlocking their best gaming potential.”

First launched in 2022, the Odyssey Ark (G97NB) set its mark as the world’s first 55-inch 1000R curved gaming screen, featuring an innovative interface for gamers to enjoy a truly captivating experience when playing games and enjoying content. Significant upgrades including the new Multi View lets users see input from up to four devices at once[2], taking advantage of the monitor’s impressive screen real-estate.

The Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen features a newly enhanced Multi-View for epic gameplay. Image simulated for illustrative purposes.

Making immersion stronger than ever before

The Odyssey Ark combines stunning picture quality, a flexible interface and incredible surround sound to create a space for gamers to connect, compete and multi-task during gameplay without missing the most exciting moments. Its lifelike images on the 55-inch screen delivers visuals that can heighten the senses, creating a personal gaming theatre. This is complemented by 1000R curvature[3] to wrap around the field of vision for maximum immersion.

The new rendition includes support for external devices with A DP (DisplayPort) 1.4, which has been added to the Odyssey Ark’s three HDMI ports to increase compatibility and the KVM Switch[4], making the Odyssey Ark a single command station for a smooth multitasking experience across multiple devices.

The Multi View feature has been notably upgraded to establish connectivity and a multi-screen experience for users to split the screen up into four windows (three in Cockpit mode). This upgrade echoes the sentiment of gamers, who have previously enjoyed the immersive experience of Multi View, who can now experience consuming a variety of content, playing multiple games at once, or viewing a handful of documents all through one screen.

Flex Move Screen allows users to change the screen size from 55 to 27 inches, moving the position of the games to any direction it is intended to be in, also allowing gamers to adjust the ratio from 16:9 to 21:9 or 32:9. This can seamlessly be controlled by the Ark Dial, an exclusive controller offering a thrilling opportunity to unlock new possibilities through the world of gaming.

Users are immersed in lifelike images thanks to the Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen’s 55-inch screen and 1000 curvature that creates an immersive, adrenaline-fueled experience.

A tailored gaming environment

For a cinema quality gaming setup, the Odyssey Ark utilises Samsung’s Matte Display and Sound Dome Technology. The Matte Display provides anti-glare protection, reducing glare by absorbing light, helping users minimise distractions and maintain focus. Its Sound Dome technology blends an AI Sound Booster and Dolby Atmos to help enhance the sound experience with four speakers at each corner, and two central woofers, resulting in realistic and rich sound which totals to 60 watts.

To give gamers a competitive edge when speeding through fast environments, the 165Hz refresh rate, on the Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen brings together a 4K (3,840 x 2,160) resolution featuring 1ms response time (GtG)[5] with AMD FreeSync Premium Pro, helping to maximise on-screen accuracy.

Personalise your setup with Gaming Hub

Through a Wi-Fi connection, users can also enjoy Smart TV functionality, transforming the Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen into a platform to access popular streaming apps, through Samsung Gaming Hub[6], which seamlessly integrates music and streaming services to personalise entertainment options during gameplay. Samsung Gaming Hub makes it easy for gamers to search, stream, and enjoy content from leading partners with no additional hardware or downloads needed.

Pricing and Availability

The Samsung Odyssey Ark 2nd Gen is available via the Samsung online store for RRP $3,999.00.[7]

To learn more about Samsung’s Odyssey Ark monitors and the full Odyssey lineup, visit: samsung.com/au/monitors/odyssey-gaming-monitor

About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.    

Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.   


[1] Refers to RRP price at time of publication.

[2] In Cockpit Mode, Multi View can show up to 3 screens on one display. Game Mode, VRR, and Cloud Game are not supported while in Multi View mode. While in Multi View mode, refresh rates of up to 120Hz are supported for external inputs. Some Smart Hub features may not be supported depending on the service provider, language, or geographical area.

[3] Optimal viewing distance is at over 80cm.

[4] KVM Switch feature is compatible with external PC inputs and the Odyssey Ark’s built-in apps. Support may vary by app. Each PC must be connected via USB Upstream cable. USB Upstream cable sold separately. Requires the Easy Setting Box program on each PC. Please refer to the dedicated installation page for in-depth information about Easy Setting Box.

[5] “1 ms” means one milliseconds which is the range of avg. response time between 1.00ms to 1.99ms truncated to a whole number. Based on GtG measured under internal test conditions. Results may vary by content and monitor settings (requires ‘Extreme mode’ setting). GtG (Grey to Grey) measures the time taken for a monitor pixel to change from one grey value to another

[6] Accessing Gaming Hub is free of charge. Subscription may be required to access content offered by game-stream providers on the Gaming Hub platform. A separate controller may be required depending on the specific game in Gaming Hub. You will need a Samsung Account to access our network-based smart services. If you choose not to log-in, you will only get connection to terrestrial TV (applicable to devices with tuners only) and external devices e.g., via HDMI.

[7] Refers to RRP price at time of publication.

The Stranger Things Chapter is COMING BACK to Dead by Daylight!

MONTREAL — Nov. 6, 2023 — Behaviour™ Interactive is thrilled to announce that Stranger Things, the critically acclaimed Netflix Original Series, is back in Dead by Daylight. In celebration of Stranger Things Day, players can explore once again The Upside Down and get the full Stranger Things experience.

The Demogorgon, Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington

The return of the Stranger Things Chapter for Dead by Daylight means that The Demogorgon is back in The Fog as a Killer, while Nancy Wheeler and Steve Harrington are back as Survivors descending from the Midwestern town of Hawkins.

We’re thrilled to renew this collaboration with Netflix, to bring back the Stranger Things Chapter, including the Underground Complex Map from the Hawkins National Laboratory, and the iconic Survivor duo composed of Nancy Wheeler, a tough aspiring journalist, and Steve Harrington, a former high school jock with a knack for finding trouble. We hope players who didn’t get to experience Stranger Things will take full advantage of this gaming experience today,” says Mathieu Côté, Head of Partnerships for Behaviour Interactive.

A perfect hunter, The Demogorgon is, for its part, a vicious testament to the horrors lurking in the Upside Down, a fitting choice for The Entity. Capable of traversing the Map through a series of Portals, it chases down prey with ferocious intensity, finishing things off with a lunging strike.

The Underground Complex Map will bring players back to a grim compound with an inter-dimensional rift that released dozens of creatures before being sealed off.

Upside Down the Runway

Players would be remiss not to grab their favorite Outfits for Nancy and Steve (as well as for The Demogorgon), as ALL Stranger Things Cosmetics are coming back to the in-game store, including the beloved Jonathan Byers Outfit and the Scoops Ahoy Outfit for Steve.

The Stranger Things Chapter is available for purchase right now on all supported Dead by Daylight platforms.

About Dead by Daylight

Created by Behaviour™ Interactive, Dead by Daylight is a multiplayer action horror game of hide and seek, set in a dark fantasy and drawing from all corners of horror, where each match is a different experience. Dead by Daylight boasts 50 million players both globally and across all platforms. On any given day, up to 2 million players step into The Fog, whether on PC, console, or mobile. Since its release in 2016, the game has become a place where cult classic horror survives and thrives, having welcomed legends from TV, movies, and video games. For more information, please visit deadbydaylight.com.

About Behaviour™ Interactive  

Behaviour Interactive is the largest Canadian gaming studio, with more than 1,300 employees worldwide. Behaviour is best known for its flagship franchise, the multiplayer survival horror game Dead by Daylight™, which has entertained 50 million players across multiple platforms. The studio is currently expanding its portfolio of original IP with multiple projects, including the acclaimed building and raiding title Meet Your Maker. Behaviour has also established itself as one of the world’s leading providers of external development services. The company has partnered with many of the gaming industry’s leaders, including Microsoft, Sony, EA, Warner, Netflix, and Take-Two, among many others. Over 30 years, Behaviour has developed an unparalleled, award-winning culture. The company was named one of the Best Places to Work in Canada by GamesIndustry.biz, and has been recognized with Deloitte Canada’s Enterprise Fast 15 and Best Managed Company awards. Headquartered in Montreal, Behaviour has expanded its global presence with studios in Toronto (Behaviour Toronto), Seattle (Midwinter Entertainment), the United Kingdom (Behaviour UK – North and Behaviour UK – South) and the Netherlands (Behaviour Rotterdam). For more information, visit www.bhvr.com.

© 2015-2023 BEHAVIOUR, DEAD BY DAYLIGHT and other related trademarks and logos belong to Behaviour Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. 

Stranger Things:™/ © Netflix. Used with permission

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Ship of Fools Welcomes Aboard Free ‘Fish and Ships’ Update Today

Zany co-op roguelite deploys hotly anticipated second free update and paid DLC today; Base game and bundles 50% off on Steam until 20th November. 

Monday, 6th November 2023 – Fika Productions and Team17 Digital have today announced that bombastic solo or two-player co-op roguelite Ship of Fools is has launched its second free update ‘Fish & Ships’ today on Steam with additional platforms to follow soon. The second update adds the brand-new character of ‘Otto, the reverse Kraken’ to the ranks while introducing four new pilotable ships, each with its own unique ammunition, artefacts, and challenges.

Players who can’t get enough of the Fools can also pick up the game’s second paid DLC ‘Water Garden Duo’ today for £4.99/$4.99 US/€4.99 on Steam to play as the new fool-midable pair Mikoi and Noh, who can deal devastating damage with their sound blast attacks and lightning speed.

Fooligans looking to get in on the action from today can pick up the base game or Aquapocalypse Edition, which includes the base game, both DLC, and Ship of Fools’ original soundtrack, for 50% off on Steam until 20th November.

Swab the deck and check out the brand-new trailer for the Fish & Ships update:  

Ship of Fools key features 

  • Bombastic combat – Frantic ship-based combat against colossal leviathans and horrifying creatures from across the deep, dark waters of the Archipelago 
  • Frantic co-op experience – Designed from the keel up for co-op play, manage ship repairs in the heat of battle, reload and re-manoeuvre cannons, and use paddles to strike enemies as they board the Stormstrider 
  • Endless replayability – Upgrade your crew and unlock items and additional Fools to take on the ever-changing seas, with multiple runs needed to avert the Aquapocalypse. 

About Fika Productions

Fika Productions is an indie game studio from Quebec City founded in 2018. With the vision of offering simple entertainment with the greatest of care, the team’s debut indie game, Ship of Fools, is available now on Steam, PS5, Xbox consoles and Nintendo Switch™.

Visit www.fikaproductions.com for more info. 
  
About Team17 Digital 

Founded in 1990, Team17 Digital is a leading developer, video games label, and creative partner for developers around the world. Part of Team17 Group plc, which floated on AIM in 2018, Team17 Digital has an extensive portfolio of over 120 titles, and fully encapsulates the spirit of independent games. Winner of the ‘Publishing Star’ award at the 2023 Develop: Star Awards, Team17 Digital has assembled a portfolio of multi-award-winning and award-nominated in-house brands include Hell Let Loose, Golf With Your Friends, The Escapists, and the iconic Worms franchise, alongside its games label partner titles, including the award-winning games Blasphemous, Greak: Memories of Azur, DREDGE, and the Overcooked! franchise.

Visit www.team17.com for more info.  

Experience the Thrill of Football in the Open Beta Test of Captain Tsubasa: Ace!

Join Captain Tsubasa in pursuing your original football dreams, pre-register now on Google Play and the App Store

November 6, 2023 – Get ready for an immersive and action-packed football adventure as DeNA, the team behind Captain Tsubasa: Ace is thrilled to announce the Open Beta Test of this officially licensed mobile football game. With over 1 million pre-registrations worldwide, players can look forward to receiving bonus props and materials upon release. Exciting rewards await all players! Pre-register now on Google Play and the App Store

Captain Tsubasa, the iconic Japanese manga series by Yōichi Takahashi, is celebrated for its intense focus on association football, tracing the journey of Tsubasa Oozora and his friends. With over 90 million copies in circulation by 2023, it played a pivotal role in popularizing association football and inspiring real-life players to pursue their dreams. In 2005, the Captain Tsubasa anime series ranked 41st in the list of top 100 anime series, solidifying its status as a beloved classic.

Official IP Licensing: Awaken the Football Dream!
Captain Tsubasa: Ace continues the legacy with stunning 3D animations, bringing to life the iconic moments of Tsubasa Ozora, Kojiro Hyuga, and Genzo Wakabayashi. Players can command these renowned footballers on the field, battling passionately for the love of the game and every hard-earned victory.

Hands-on Battles, Tactical Formations, and Diverse Gameplay Options!
Captain Tsubasa: Ace offers two distinct gameplay experiences: Dream League and Ace Duel. Dream League emphasizes strategic formations, while Ace Duel focuses on real-time action. As players train their footballers, different developmental paths for the same player can significantly influence their on-field performance and skill deployment strategies. Whether you’re a hands-on gamer or more tactically inclined, both modes offer unique avenues for enjoyment.

Complete Roster and Iconic Players Making Their Debut!
Fans can expect to witness the growth of beloved characters like Tsubasa Ozora, Kojiro Hyuga, Taro Misaki, and Takeshi Ishizaki, from their youth to adulthood. These characters, who embody the passion of youth, will make consecutive appearances in Captain Tsubasa: Ace. Additionally, more powerful footballers will join the roster, adding to the excitement. Follow in the footsteps of these legends and relive the football development journey of characters like Tsubasa Ozora.

Classic Plot, Fiery Memories, and High-Quality 3D Graphics!
Captain Tsubasa: Ace faithfully recreates the iconic animated plotlines. The game captures those memorable moments of chasing dreams, celebrating the beauty of youth, and other cherished scenes with high-quality 3D graphics. Immerse yourself in the essence and emotions of the series, and join us in pursuing our shared passionate football dream.

Get ready to kick off a new football adventure like never before!

Official Links: Website: https://tsubasa-ace.mobage.world/

About Captain Tsubasa: Ace

Captain Tsubasa: Ace is an officially licensed mobile football game based on the iconic Captain Tsubasa IP. It offers fans the opportunity to experience the excitement of football through a wide range of gameplay modes and features legendary characters from the series. Join us in reliving the passion, skills, and memorable moments that have made Captain Tsubasa a global sensation.

Cuisineer Review

Cuisineer

Developer: BattleBrew Productions
Publisher: Marvelous Europe, XSEED Games
Platform: PC (Reviewed)
Release Date: 9 November, 2023
Price: 24.99 USD, 34.99 AUD – Available Here

Overview

Cuisineer is a simulation/dungeon-crawler adventure game where players explore the adorable town of Paell as they work to build their own successful restaurant. The game follows a recent trend of “cozy” games, which focus on cute aesthetics with easy to understand, often mindless mechanics. Combining a multitude of different game genres and featuring lots of moving parts, Cuisineer is a very ambitious project. Do all these elements compliment one another or are parts of the game lost in translation?

Story

The story of Cuisineer revolves around a little girl named Pom who returns to her hometown after years of being an adventurer. Upon her comeback, she realizes that her parents have left on a world journey and their family restaurant is now closed. She decides to take it upon herself to reopen the restaurant, rebuild her customer base, and get to know and help the townspeople.

The main storyline of the game primarily focuses on Pom and her goal of seeing the family restaurant thrive. The objectives in the main quest lines can be tedious, for example, some of the early quests require the player to save boatloads of money in order to repay the family’s debt.

The side quests involve approaching town NPCs, and fulfilling ingredient or recipe requests for them. This can be a good opportunity to get to know the characters and understand the in-game world. One can find many wholesome moments and anecdotes from speaking to these characters in town. In spite of this, each character is quite surface-level, with only one or two defining traits, and there is not much depth to be found in the story. I don’t think that’s necessarily a bad thing, especially in this “cozy” genre, but it’s worth mentioning.

Gameplay

Cuisineer features a variety of different gameplay types. The adventuring/ingredient-gathering component is a roguelike dungeon crawler, featuring familiar styles of combat and strategy. Cuisineer handles its dungeon crawling the same way many other games have. This makes it a pretty smooth experience, however, it was extremely difficult to progress in the beginning. Purchasing heals, buffs, and better equipment to survive for longer in the dungeons is super hard for no reason. The game starts by allowing you to only bring a single heal with you, and you receive no starting gear. So if you want to fight some of the rarer enemies, you won’t last very long. This can be frustrating, especially because players lose much of their inventory when dying in the dungeons, making a lot of the trips feel pointless.

Running and maintaining the restaurant is an element of this game I was really excited for, as a longtime fan of simulation games, especially ones that require you to learn strategy and resource allocation. I admit that I was underwhelmed by this part of the game, and can’t exactly pinpoint why. The restaurant certainly could get busy and hectic, but the stakes often didn’t feel high enough, and similar to the dungeon-crawling gameplay, opportunities to upgrade and improve the efficiency of the restaurant seem limited. Even when you made lots of money, you also had to upgrade the restaurant space, craft new furniture, have enough ingredients, and more to improve your restaurant. I wish that it was easier to move forward in the restaurant portion of the game, without being forced to invest in a million different things at once.

A large amount of grinding in both aspects of the game are necessary to advance the storyline and upgrade your restaurant. For me, this made the game feel a bit slow-paced, and difficult to stay motivated throughout.

Visuals

The game itself presents in 3D and the environments, while cute and pastel, don’t stand out very much on their own. The NPCs can be cute but their models are not particularly detailed, and the same can be said for enemies out in the wild.

During dialogue segments and cutscenes that are visual-novel style, we see 2D art of many of the characters. The artists who worked on this portion deserve so much praise, as the character arts were certainly a standout. The more detailed character design visible during these scenes really improved the experience, and I wish art like this was more prevalent throughout the entire game, or reflected better in the 3D environment.

Audio

The music is atmospheric and fun. Sometimes the game sound can be overwhelming, particularly in restaurant or combat sequences where a lot is happening at once. Occasionally music plays when it feels like it shouldn’t be there.

There’s not too much else to say about the soundtrack. There aren’t really any standout audio moments and this part of the game flew under the radar for me. 

Overall

Playing Cuisineer was an enjoyable experience, with many cute visuals and wholesome story moments and characters. Unfortunately the game tries to tackle too many different genres, resulting in at times, lackluster and repetitive gameplay. Still, there is a lot to enjoy, particularly if you are a fan of dungeon crawlers and cozy, wholesome games.