Capitalize on Boosted Production Speeds Across Your Businesses – Plus, Get Double Rewards on Hasta La Vista, a Free Moon Festival Tee, and More
With demand for illicit goods on a serious uptick, the Southern San Andreas black market is booming. Owners of Executive Offices, Biker Businesses, Bunkers, and Nightclubs can strike while the iron’s red-hot thanks to boosted production speeds across their business portfolio.
Executives will receive 2X Special Cargo Crates from Special Cargo Warehouse manager Lupe, while Production Speeds forall Biker Businesses, Bunker Stock, and Nightclub Warehouse Stock are also all doubled.
To help maximize the benefits from your Criminal Enterprises, Upgrades and Modifications for the Executive Office, Bunker, Nightclub, and Biker Clubhouse are all 40% off this week. Visit the Dynasty 8 Executive in-game site to spruce up your Executive Office, or go to Maze Bank Foreclosures to procure amenities for your Bunker, Nightclub, and Clubhouse.
Get the Alpine Hat for Oktoberfest
That distinct Pißwasser aroma permeating Southern San Andreas can only mean one thing, it’s Oktoberfest. Celebrate the occasion with the traditionally-styled Alpine Hat, added to your character’s wardrobe when you play GTA Online through October 4.
Red Happy Moon Tee to Celebrate Moon Festival
Celebrate the Mid-Autumn Festival — play GTA Online anytime this week to collect the Red Happy Moon Tee and join the festivities.
Adjustments to Assault on Cayo Perico and The Cayo Perico Heist
As part of ongoing adjustments to provide players with greater incentives to experience the full range of content available in GTA Online, starting today we are doubling base GTA$ payouts in Assault on Cayo Perico for both teams, and boosting rewards for completing optional challenges.
We have also made some GTA$ payout changes to Setup costs and Finale payouts for The Cayo Perico Heist. Payouts for The Madrazo Files and the Pink Diamond will remain the same, as will payouts for Gold as a Secondary Target. Payouts for other Primary and Secondary Targets have been reduced as well.
We’ll continue to monitor GTA$ payouts across all activity types and make further adjustments as needed to ensure payouts are balanced across the wide range of things to do in GTA Online.
2X GTA$ and RP on Hasta La Vista
Take sides in a modern version of David vs. Goliath with Hasta La Vista. Split up into teams of Truckers and Cyclists; the former doing their best to smash the latter as they attempt to cross the finish line. Enjoy Double Rewards through October 4.
Premium Deluxe Motorsport Showroom
Swing by Simeon’s showroom to peruse his latest assortment of vehicles, including the returning Benefactor Feltzer, the recently released Penaud La Coureuse, and additional choice selections:
Imponte Ruiner ZZ-8 (Muscle, 30% off)
Penaud La Coureuse (Sports)
Toundra Panthere (Sports)
Dinka Sugoi (Sports, 50% off)
Benefactor Feltzer (Sports)
Luxury Autos Showroom
Peer into a life of excess at the Luxury Autos showroom display and get a good look at the Dinka RT3000 (Sports, 30% off) and the returning Ocelot Lynx (Sports, 40% off), both gleaming behind the glass and available for on-the-spot purchase.
Car Meet Prize Ride and Other Bonus Vehicles Compete in the LS Car Meet Series and place in the Top 5 for two days running to win the Übermacht Sentinel Classic (Sports). The Test Track inside the LS Car Meet hosts a trio of returning sports cars this week — drop in to give the Dinka Jester Classic, Dewbauchee Seven-70 (40% off), and Dewbauchee Rapid GT a run through Scrambles and Time Trials, or just burn donuts into the painted track.
Spin the Lucky Wheel inside the lobby of The Diamond Casino & Resort: you may walk away with GTA$, clothing, and other assorted mystery prizes. Or, you could win the Maibatsu Penumbra FF (Sports) on the podium.
Premium Test Ride and HSW Time Trial: Only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Visit Hao’s Special Works inside the LS Car Meet to equip eligible vehicles with a murderer’s row of cosmetic and performance-enhancing upgrades. Try out this week’s Premium Test Ride, a maxed-out Maibatsu MonstroCiti (Off-Road) — the family-friendly SUV turned into a contender on the street racing circuit.
Pick any HSW upgraded vehicle and cut a mean streak from North Chumash to Palomino Highlands in this week’s HSW Time Trial.
GTA+
This month, GTA+ Members get the new Bravado Hotring Hellfire (Sports). And now you get access to play additional Rockstar Games titles including Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition on the platform associated with your GTA+ Membership. Also this month:
San Andreas Federal Reserve Tee, Republican Space Rangers Tee, You Own Los Santos Hoodie
Free Guided Missiles for the Kosatka Submarine
2X GTA$ and RP on Assault on Cayo Perico
2X GTA$ for robbing Armored Trucks
And much more, including a GTA$500,000 bonus delivered upon billing each month, access to The Vinewood Car Club, and other benefits updated monthly. Visit the GTA+ website for the complete breakdown.
DISCOUNTS
Executive Office Upgrades and Modifications – 40% off
Bunker Upgrades and Modifications – 40% off
Nightclub Upgrades and Modifications – 40% off
Biker Clubhouse Upgrades and Modifications – 40% off
Dewbauchee Seven-70 (Sports) – 40% off
Ocelot Lynx (Sports) – 40% off
Dinka Sugoi (Sports) – 50% off
Dinka RT3000 (Sports) – 30% off
Imponte Ruiner ZZ-8 (Muscle) – 30% off
Gun Van Inventory and Discounts
Knife | Up-N-Atomizer (20% off) | Gusenberg Sweeper | Heavy Pistol | Heavy Revolver | Vintage Pistol | Baseball Bat | Battle Axe | Tactical SMG | Molotovs (40% off for GTA+ Members) | Sticky Bombs (40% off for GTA+ Members) | Proximity Mines (40% off for GTA+ Members) | Armor
Bandai Namco Europe is proud to announce the release of MY HERO ULTRA RUMBLE, a fast-paced battle royale free-to-play game based on the popular My Hero Academia universe, available today on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and on PC from tomorrow, September 29th.
Choosing between 18 famous heroes and villains from the franchise, 24 players will form teams of three and battle it out with their Quirks until there is only one left standing. The arena is trapped and will shrink over time. Players will have to act quickly, keep moving, defend themselves or charge headfirst to survive, but can also get the upper hands in any matches with the following features:
Skills cards are scattered around the map, players can use them to get stronger by levelling up their Quirks
Acting as a villain or a hero towards civilians in need can grant powerful items to tip the scale in their team’s favour
Using Revival cards found in the arena and reviving teammates can surprise the opponent thinking a team was taken down.
Players can also look forward to new content introduced regularly with seasons including:
New playable characters to choose from, creating new team combination possibilities
New Battle Pass with exclusive costumes and rewards
Events to participate in to get costumes, emotes, voice lines and more
To celebrate the launch of the game, players logging in daily will receive rewards until October 25th, 2023 (CEST) to get them started and enjoy the game in a PLUS ULTRA way!
Assemble your team now and watch the trailer here:
Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC.
Bandai Namco Europe is producing intellectual property for a global audience and is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, PARK BEYOND™, and the upcoming UNKNOWN 9™ Awakening – developed by the recently acquired Reflector Entertainment based in Montreal, QC.
Bandai Namco Europe serves as the Headquarters of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe, which is known for creating and publishing many of the Toy & Entertainment industry’s top franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TAMAGOTCHI™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, DARK SOULS™ and the recently released ELDEN RING™.
NETHERLANDS – 28 Sept. 2023 –Mail Time, the adorable cottagecore collect-a-thon platforming adventure from solo developer Kela Van Der Deijl and publisher Freedom Games, schedules a cozy delivery on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4|5 for Thursday, 19 October 2023.
Grab an adorable mushroom-shaped backpack and get ready to deliver a stack of letters, gifts, and other miscellaneous goodies to the cuddly critters of Grumblewood Grove. No need to avoid frightening enemies or worry about a timetable, Mail Time is an adventure meant to be appreciated at whatever pace feels right.
Explore cute and quirky storylines, helping everyone from a snail with a secret crush to hungry hamsters pining for a delicious snack. Plan for speedy deliveries or take the scenic route to smell the flowers and enjoy the sights. Jump, bounce, and glide from leaf to branch, finding side paths and secret spots to collect soda bottlecaps and embark on new quests.
Meet the citizens of Grumblewood Grove in shoes fitting just right and with a character embracing all the qualities making someone special. Mail Time puts an emphasis on options for pronouns, skin tones, hairstyles, clothing, and mailbags with over 40,000 possible combinations to create the perfect freshly minted Mail Scout ready to make some great new memories!
“Experience the loving atmosphere of Mail Time, coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation,” said Kela Van Der Deijl, Creator of Mail Time, “I’m looking forward to friends from all over meeting the cute creatures of Grumblewood Grove and relaxing in this vast land with lighthearted energy holding onto no pressure, all laughs and a side of sweetness!”
About Kela Van Der Deijl
Kela Van Der Deijl is the 23-year-old Netherlands-based creator of the Mail Time development project. Originally starting out as a solo developed passion project, once Mail Time went viral on TikTok it garnered praise and support for its strong presentation as a first time game. Mail Time’s team now consists of nearly ten people contributing to the project all sharing a similar love of cottagecore aesthetics, cute frogs, and the LGBTQ+ community.
Freedom Games is a publisher dedicated to offering best-in-class services to partners and providing players around the world with unique and memorable experiences. With over 50 years of combined industry experience at the executive level, Freedom Games seeks to leverage its expertise to facilitate great games like Dreamscaper, Coromon, Dark Deity, Cat Cafe Manager, among other indie hits striving for better publishing experiences.
Live out your hungriest possum dreams without getting caught in this wholesomely mischievous arcade game
STOCKHOLM – Sept. 28, 2023 – Bon appétit! Insatiable indie developer Cosy Computer and voracious video game publisher Raw Fury have released the tantalizing hide-and-seek action game Pizza Possum on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch today for 6.99 USD|6.99 EUR|5.79 GBP, with a 10% launch discount on selected platforms. Scamper around a picturesque seaside town in solo play or local co-op, causing deep-dish marsupial chaos as you dash in and out of cover, evade the guards, and risk it all for every last crumb of food.
Pizza Possum is a bite-sized, all-you-can-eat arcade game where you’ve gotta gobble up as much grub as you can without getting caught. Master adorable hide-and-seek action as you scramble around patrols to reach the dog leader’s throne, eat their personal king-sized pizza, and steal their crown. Why? Because you can!
Savor the fun on your own or with a furry friend via local multiplayer and Steam Remote Play Together as you scurry around a whimsical 3D island world stealing as much delicious food as possible, from decadent cheese wheels to mouth-watering fruit spreads, and, of course, pizza! You’ll unlock unique items like smoke bombs, punching gloves and more to help stuff your way to victory in this delectable adventure featuring frantic gameplay and intuitive controls.
Cosy Computer is an indie team based in Berlin, Germany, consisting of co-founders Thomas van den Berg and Friedemann Allmenröder. The two friends teamed up after making games like Kingdom and Islanders.
About Raw Fury
Raw Fury is a boutique indie (un)publisher founded in 2015 by Jonas Antonsson, Gordon Van Dyke, and David Martinez. We do not care about genres or mechanics. We care about experiences and emotions. We want to help developers make magic.
INFINITY STRASH: DRAGON QUEST THE ADVENTURE OF DAI ARRIVES TODAY, COMBINING AN EXHILARATING SINGLE-PLAYER STORY AND DUNGEON EXPERIENCE WITH ACTION RPG COMBAT
SYDNEY (September 29, 2023) – Today, SQUARE ENIX® launched Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai, a single-player, action role-playing game based on the popular “DRAGON QUEST: The Adventure of Dai” anime series up to the Sovereign Rock Castle arc. Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai takes players on an epic quest that combines an engrossing story-driven campaign with real-time action-based combat, unique storytelling scenes and an evolving dungeon experience. Join the fight as the Disciples of Avan and relive – or experience for the first time – Dai’s journey to become a hero and oppose the Dark Army now on PS5™, PS4™, Xbox Series X|S™, Nintendo Switch™ and PC via Steam® and the Microsoft Store.
Watch the Official Launch Trailer below:
Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai tells the story of Dai as he sets out on a quest to protect the world from the sinister Dark Lord Hadlar and the Six Legions of the Dark Army. Joined by a few allies he meets along his journey – Popp, Maam, and Hyunckel – Dai and his friends will battle the Dark Army and their myriad monsters across a sprawling story while mastering number of unique Attacks, Skills and Coups de Grâce abilities.
Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai pulls fans in withthree distinct avenues to enjoy gameplay and challenge Dai, Popp, Maam, and Hyunckel’s growing skillsets – “Story Mode”, the “Temple of Recollection” and the post-game “Challenge Mode”. “Story Mode” offers RPG fans a classic campaign progression throughout the game’s main storyline where the Disciples of Avan gain new skills, abilities and rare accessories to collect and equip known as Bond Memories, which further augment abilities and stats to aid in the fight to crush the Six Legions of the Dark Army. Each time Bond Memories is unlocked, scenes from the original manga will be revealed. Bond Memories can also be further powered up by exploring the “Temple of Recollection”.
The “Temple of Recollection” allows players to delve deeper into evolving rooms, while encountering battles that escalate in difficulty with each room visited with the ability to earn a variety of rewards once victory is claimed. Additionally, the “Temple of Recollection” is a special dungeon where the monsters and hidden traps change each playthrough, offering an increasingly challenging battle experience for those willing to risk it all.
After completing the full Story Mode, “Challenge Mode” will be unlocked and offer players even stronger opponents to fight from Story Mode. In “Challenge Mode”, prepare to experience remixed versions of battles faced in the Story Mode that will truly put player’s skills to the ultimate test. Prove your abilities as a hero and battle against stronger versions of the Six Legion Commanders of the Dark Lord and more.
Infinity Strash: DRAGON QUEST The Adventure of Dai is now available digitally on Xbox Series X|S™, PS5™, PS4™, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam® and the Microsoft Store.
At one time, the world was suffering under Dark Lord Hadlar. That is, until peace was won back by a hero swordsman and his companions… Time has passed… Monsters liberated from under the Dark Lord now live on Dermline, a solitary island in the south seas. A boy named Dai is the only human on the island. He wants to become a hero, and he’s been living in peace with the monsters. But his life is transformed when Dark Lord Hadlar is resurrected. A promise to a mentor; encounters with companions; an unescapable destiny… Young Dai begins his adventure to become a hero, and to save a world once again in crisis!
DRAGON QUEST is a legendary series of role-playing games created by Yuji Horii and beloved by millions both in Japan and around the world. The first DRAGON QUEST was released in 1986, and the game made its US debut in 1989 as DRAGON WARRIOR. The critically acclaimed series has shipped more than 84 million units worldwide, spanning 11 main series titles, many spin-off games, as well as films, anime, novels, manga, merchandise and more. Celebrating its 36th anniversary this year, the wildly popular DRAGON QUEST franchise holds various Guinness World Records including “Longest-Running Japanese RPG Series.”
The visionaries behind the series, Creator and Game Designer Yuji Horii, Character Designer Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragon Ball) and composer Koichi Sugiyama, have long enchanted newcomers and longtime fans alike, with each new entry in the franchise comprising charming visuals, enthralling storylines, and captivating music. The latest installment, DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of An Elusive Age, was released to much critical acclaim, winning the Metacritic Must-Play game award and becoming Metacritic’s “#2 Best Switch Game of 2019” and “#3 Best PS4 Game of 2020.” It has shipped over 6.5 million units globally to date.
About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 173 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
[Warsaw, Poland] – Retrovibe, the indie game publisher known for its captivating retro-inspired titles, is thrilled to announce its participation in this year’s Realms Deep event, set to take place on Saturday, September 30, 2023. Realms Deep, presented by 3D Realms, promises a day filled with world premieres, developer insights, special guests, and more, with a late-night talk show-inspired theme.
Retrovibe will be showcasing updates and new developments for some of its highly anticipated titles, including Project Warlock II, The Looter, Shardpunk: Verminfall and VergeWorld.
As more information about the upcoming Chapter 2 of Project Warlock II will be revealed at Realms Deep, players can get a sneak peek at what’s in store for this beloved retro shooter by downloading a fresh demo from Steam.
But the excitement doesn’t stop there! Retrovibe has some big announcements in store, including new additions to the Project Warlock series from Buckshot Software, the creators of Project Warlock and Project Warlock II. In addition, small_bros, the one-man studio behind B.I.O.T.A., has an eagerly anticipated update on their upcoming game that is sure to captivate players.
There’s also another thrilling reveal from Deathless Games studio, hailing from New Zealand, which promises to reveal its visually striking debut title.
Retrovibe invites gamers and fans to join them at Realms Deep 2023, streaming live on 3D Realms’ Twitch and YouTube channels. The event kicks off at 8 PM CEST / 2 PM ET / 11 AM PT, with additional activities and surprises throughout the weekend. Don’t miss this opportunity to witness the latest updates, exciting announcements, and the future of retro-inspired gaming at Realms Deep 2023.
NEW STUDENTS KAYOKO AND HARUKA MAKE FASHIONABLE DEBUTS IN MOBILE RPG BLUE ARCHIVE
Highlights:
New Gehenna Academy students Kayoko (New Year) and Haruka (New Year) make their debut
The epic conclusion to Chapter Four of Blue Archive’s main story, “Phrenapates Showdown,” will be released on Oct. 3
Players can gear up for a celebratory livestream for Blue Archive‘sTwo Year Anniversary, which will expands the world of the RPG game
SEOUL – Sept. 28, 2023 – Armed with a knack for pixelated mayhem, new students Kayoko (New Year) and Haruka (New Year) have arrived in style to popular mobile RPG Blue Archive for a re-run of the beloved New Years’ Rhapsody No. 68 event.
From NEXON Korea Corp., Blue Archive has players step into the shoes of Sensei, an advisor for the Federal Investigation Club, Schale, shortly after the disastrous disappearance of the General Student Council president. As anarchy takes over, it’s up to Sensei to mobilize the eccentric students of the academy city of Kivotos and take matters into their own hands. Defined by its dynamic, strategic combat, and charismatic cast of characters, Blue Archive offers players a blend of tactical planning and real-time action with a light-hearted, emotional center.
Decked out in a sleek kimono, Kayoko is a deadly force on the battlefield. A Mystic-type Striker from Gehana Academy, her EX Skill grants an amulet to one ally, excluding herself, for 40 seconds. Continuing the kimono trend, Haruka (New Year) is the perfect pairing with Kayoko. An Explosive-type Striker from the same academy, Haruka wields a shotgun and a strong sense of determination, despite her low self-esteem. Her EX Skill deals powerful damage proportional to her ATK to enemies in a fan-shaped area.
The two powerful new students also bring a wealth of new features including:
New Update Content – With the 22nd chapter comes exciting new missions and six unique T8 gear types that allow for a smoother gameplay experience.
Quality of Life Improvements – Nexon is implementing several improvements for better user experiences, including a feature that saves inventory space and automatically creates high-quality items for players by combining eligible items together when close to max capacity. Additionally, Bounty and Scrimmage Tickets are now unified into a single Ticket type after originally being separated by stage.
Adding to the excitement, players can now enjoy the “Cherry Blossom Festival Commotion” event without any limits on playtime. Meanwhile, Nexon has a series of exciting events and fresh new content in the pipeline, including the thrilling Epilogue of the Main Story’s Final Episode Chapter 4, “Phrenapates Showdown,” set to debut on Tuesday, Oct. 3.
Blue Archive’s anniversary is also approaching and to celebrate two years of global service, Nexon is hosting a special live stream with an on-site audience on Saturday, Oct. 28. Users’ personal stories will be collected through the official community and website to take center stage at the live event.
For more information about Blue Archive, players can visit the official Blue Archive communities.
Founded in 1994, NEXON Co., Ltd. (Nexon) (3659.TO) is a company engaged in the production, development and operation of online games and Virtual Worlds. First listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2011, Nexon was placed on JPX400 in 2015 and added to the Nikkei Stock Index 300 in 2017. In 2020, Nexon was added to the Nikkei 225. Nexon currently has more than 50 live games in more than 190 countries on PC, console, and mobile. Major game franchises include MapleStory, KartRider and Dungeon&Fighter. In 2021, Nexon completed the acquisition of Embark Studios AB, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden, developing multiple projects for global release.
Developers from Frozen Way and Console Way want to announce that they have decided to postpone the release date of Builder Simulator by one week.
September 28th, Cracow, Poland.
The game hits the road for further journey through gaming platforms on 9th of October 2023 at 3 PM UTC and will be available on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One! If you ever dreamed about designing and building a house from scratch, this game is perfect for you. Just grab your controller and prepare to unleash your creativity!
Builder Simulator is a simulation game perfect for those who ever dreamed about building a house from the ground up. It stands out because of its attention to detail – it allows you to follow the entire building process, from design to construction. You’re not just building a house – you get the full experience of being a builder. Given that Builder Simulator has been warmly received by PC players all around the world, it is time to give the console players the opportunity to try their hands at becoming a one-person construction crew and professional architect.
The first step is to look for inspiration and draw up a construction plan, or choose one of the in-game ready projects. Then it’s time to buy the required materials, like a bunch of bricks or some cement, roll up your sleeves, and get ready for action! Now it’s time to build your dream house from scratch, beginning with digging the foundation and laying the brickwork, ending with erecting walls, tiling the roof and installing doors and windows. It won’t be an easy task, but don’t worry – an in-game tutorial will guide you through the meanders of the building industry and teach you everything you need to become a real professional builder.
A house is not a home without a few finishing touches. There are plenty of possibilities just waiting for you to put into practice! Try to give your walls a fresh coat of paint, put up wallpapers, lay floor panels… In Builder Simulator, your imagination sets the boundaries.
We know how much players enjoy sharing their work, and so, we have prepared something special – the perfect option for individuals who wish to share their screenshots taken using Photo Mode. Capture and present your creations, and draw inspiration from someone else’s work!
Builder Simulator comes with an exciting set of features:
Plan the perfect house project like a professional architect
Construct your dream house from the ground up
Decorate your house in any way you want
Enjoy a wide range of furniture sets and decorative items
Familiarize yourself with realistic in-game mechanics, as cement mixing, pouring of the foundation, wall painting, and many more
Discover realistic methods of building houses from scratch
Experience the essence of being a true builder!
About Frozen Way
Frozen Way is a development studio and publisher from Cracow. You may know them from co-creating House Flipper and creating and releasing House Flipper VR and the House Flipper – Pets DLC on Steam. They are a group of friendly people with a passion for video games. Gamedev is their lifestyle and philosophy, so there’s nothing better than seeing their creations bring joy to the community.
Console Way is a porting company from the Ultimate Games capital group. They have successfully ported almost 40 titles to Nintendo Switch, Xbox One/Series and PlayStation 4/PlayStation 5 consoles. Their company focuses on accessibility and wants to create projects that will be enjoyed by all video game fans, regardless of their gaming platform.
They’re doing their best to create ports that are very close to the original and provide a lot of fun to play! https://console-way.com/
Type-Moon struck gold back when they originally released Fate/Stay Night so many years ago but few would have guessed that nearly two decades after its release, the Fate franchise would still be going strong, offering countless spin-offs, fighting games, and an incredibly popular gacha game that has become one of the longest running of its type due in part to its writing and colorful cast of ever-growing historical figure based Servants. Surprisingly, a Fate game hasn’t been released for over seven years outside of a few guest characters in Melty Blood so when it was revealed that Koei Tecmo would be teaming up with the franchise to bring a new original story to capitalize on the series’ popularity, it didn’t come as too much of a surprise. So now that Fate/Samurai Remnant has arrived and offers a different take on the Holy Grail War, is it worth checking out?
Story
If that intro sounds a bit off putting for a newcomer, players shouldn’t have to worry about that here as Fate/Samurai Remnant is easily one of the most accessible titles to those unfamiliar with the Fate franchise yet due to its more grounded setting within the real world and different approach to telling its tale. Rather than being set in a time-traveling series of events or off on a supercomputer on the moon like other recent games in the franchise, Fate/Samurai Remnant is set during the mid 1650s Edo Period where Japan had started to settle into a period of peace, with many samurai struggling to find their way in the world.
Players take on the role of Miyamoto Iori, adopted disciple of the great Miyamoto Musashi who trained the swordsman with every skill he knew until his passing. Iori has used his skills as a samurai to help keep the peace and take on odd jobs to support himself and his adopted sister until one night his fate changes irrevocably. After a strange mark appears on the back of his hand, Iori finds himself assaulted by a powerful armored fighter capable of wielding electricity and a young woman that leads him. Despite his best efforts, it seems like all is lost until Iori’s fate as a Master finalizes, summoning the powerful fighter Saber to his aid who not only manages to hold off the attacking foes but helps Iori escape.
Saber informs Iori that they are one of seven Master Servant pairs that have been chosen to partake in the Waxing Moon Ritual, this game’s version of the Holy Grail War. The last pair standing will find themselves able to use the power of the ritual to have any of their wishes granted, but when Iori sees the devastation caused by the powerful Servants’ abilities, he resolves himself to fight alongside Saber and put a stop to the other Masters to try and protect Edo from being destroyed in the conflict. Despite their resolve, things quickly start to go out of hand, with this ritual being far more complicated and involved than any of them, even the most vested participants, could have predicted.
Although Fate/Samurai Remnant is something of an action RPG at its core, it isn’t afraid of offering a very well detailed, extensive storyline that fits in with some of the best writing in the Fate franchise so far, including some of the most popular Grand Order arcs. As players progress through the game they will find that it tells its tale with a deliberate and elaborate narrative that makes sure to touch upon every element that a Fate fan would love while also explaining in detail for those who may not be familiar with the series. Sure, some newcomers may not get every reference, but longtime fans will instantly be able to recognize the numerous family ties, historical events, and of course the appearance of certain Servants that happen throughout the game, though even these may come as surprising as these little reveals often come with twists of their very own.
The biggest highlight of Fate/Samurai Remnant is the bond that develops between Iori and Saber throughout the game. Initially the pair are rather unfriendly to one another, though they quickly find common ground as Saber delights in learning more about the world and how it has changed since their time while Iori’s openness to Saber’s personality and interactions is an incredibly warm and welcoming one. It also helps that Saber is incredibly charming in their own right, standing right near the top of Type-Moon Servants as being a wonderful addition to the lore and nearly every interaction with them is a delight, especially as players learn more about them and their friendship with Iori grows in a believable enough manner, including the eventual revelation of their True Name. That isn’t to say that other Servants and Masters aren’t slouches either. The cast throughout the game is incredibly strong, with even the simpler characters still having their own motivations and reasons for fighting. It also helps that the Rogue Servants that players can recruit also have their own unique stories and interactions. While most of the Rogue Servants, and a few primary ones as well, will be familiar to longtime fans of the franchise, the game doesn’t rely on this fact and helps establish them quite well here in Waxing Moon Ritual, with a few specific ones playing notable roles despite their familiarity.
Now, it is worth noting that Fate/Samurai Remnant is the type of game to be played through at least twice and for good reason, as the New Game Plus mode that becomes available upon the game’s first completion offers an expanded storyline, altered ending, and even brand new scenes for players to learn more about nearly every aspect of the game’s storyline. Some moments are the same, though the game will signify this so players can freely skip repeat scenes, making it an easy title to replay and one that must be played twice to experience just how wonderful the story can be once everything falls into place.
Gameplay
As mentioned before, Fate/Samurai Remnant is an action RPG of sorts as players will find themselves roaming the town and taking part in missions and battles that will often pit the pair Iori and Saber against a decent number of foes. This isn’t a Musou game though, rather than taking on hundreds of enemies most fights will involve facing off against a number of simpler small foes with a larger more imposing enemy, either a large demon or a Servant, serving as the real threat. Most of the time, players will find themselves controlling Iori with Saber as an AI companion though Rogue servants can also be recruited to help in fights. As Iori, every combo string consists of a series of light attacks with a heavy attack that varies depending on when it was input into the combo string but the real depth of combat comes from Iori’s fighting styles and spells.
Earth style comes with a recharging auto-block that keeps players safer from incoming blows at the cost of speed and power, Water is a fast flowing stance best used to take down large groups of enemies, Wind that sees Iori being able to cast spells while wielding his blade, Fire, that increases with damage the lower Iori’s health is, and finally Void, a powerful stance that comes at the cost of his own health. All of these stances can also allow players to use Magecraft spells at the cost of Gems, usually obtained from defeated enemies, that can buff the player, heal them, or straight up attack an enemy.
Not every foe can be defeated simply, especially since despite being a Master, Iori is still a human. Many demonic enemies and Servants will have “Seals” that can reduce any normal attack to nothing and these seals can only be broken through the use of spells, attacking foes when they are left open and “glowing,” or using the game’s Affinity meter to call in the help of Saber or other Rogue Servant. As players fight alongside Saber, their Affinity gauge will fill up allowing players to trigger powerful highly damaging skills at will with Saber even offering to use these skills for free sometimes.
Players can eventually unlock the ability to burn a large amount of meter to take direct control of Saber and unleash their powerful attacks at will, tearing through foes with their immense power and flashy skills. Playing as a Servant is a real power trip, especially compared to Iori. This isn’t a knock on Iori however, as his combat is nuanced and allows for tons of in-depth customization ranging from skill unlocks, various pieces of equipment to modify, and much more but nothing quite matches up to the power players will feel when directly controlling a Servant. Unfortunately, these moments make Iori’s standard gameplay feel a bit too slow and generic at times, especially once Seals start to appear in nearly every fight, hampering the combat that persists throughout the game outside of story specific moments.
Outside of standard combat players will also find themselves taking part in Spirit Font wars that will see Iori and his allies battling for control of the various ley-lines that run throughout the massive city. Players will fight alongside Iori and their allies to capture fonts all while making sure to protect their own from enemies that, when encountered, must be fought and defeated. Players can make use of Mystic Codes that can be crafted and purchased as expendable bits of support ranging from simple boosts to massive sweeping node takeovers. These Spirit Font battles are interesting the first few times but tend to drag a little even though they give players the most playtime with other characters besides Iori.
Outside of standard battle, players will find that there are plenty of little activities to do in Fate/Samurai Remnant. There are collectables to gather, scenes to view with Saber, animals to pet, little mini-games to take part in back at Iori’s home, and of course challenging optional foes to take down and side-objectives to complete, a few of which only appear in New Game Plus to give those looking for extra challenge plenty to enjoy.
Audio & Visuals
With Fate/Samurai Remnant being released on the PlayStation 5 the action remains incredibly fluid no matter what type of chaos is unfolding on the screen, even with the flashy Affinity attacks and use of Noble Phantasms the game never stutters. The character models for the cast are wonderfully handled in great detail for all of the Master and Servant characters, mimicking their gorgeous looking 2D character portraits that are used for dialog scenes. There are numerous in-game cutscenes that look absolutely wonderful when put into action and the title isn’t afraid of using some stylistic CGs for important moments.
The title only features the original Japanese voice work which, given the setting and nature of the game, is fitting and the voice actors handle their roles incredibly well here, with returning characters seemingly featuring the same voice actors fans will be familiar with. As for background music the title features a wonderful collection of tracks that work quite well, especially during boss fights, but fit nicely during peaceful exploration through the town and back at Iori’s house as well.
Overall
Fate/Samurai Remnant offers an engrossing and exciting story that tells a unique take on the familiar Holy Grail War by grounding it a bit more in reality while still offering all of the fantastical elements that the franchise is known for. By being both accessible to newcomers and offering plenty for longtime fans of the franchise, Fate/Samurai Remnant has something for everyone in its story while the action RPG combat is a bit on the simpler side when controlling Iori, it really opens up when Servants are available. Between this level of action and attention to detail to craft a stellar story with interesting characters, Fate/Samurai Remnant is a compelling action game no matter your familiarity with Type-Moon’s works.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Our young samurai quickly finds himself thrust into the middle of the Waxing Moon Ritual taking place in the Edo period in Japan. Facing off against numerous Masters and Servants, he luckily summons a Servant of his own, a young Saber to serve as his sword but can this girl help lead him to victory in this new war in Fate/Samurai Remnant?
The battle over the Waxing Moon which could grant any and all wishes — the Waxing Moon Ritual. The seven individuals seeking their wish, or Masters, are the bearers of the Ritual. The seven Heroic Spirits, or Servants, are summoned to this world by their Masters. The curtain rises on the battle between the seven Masters with their seven Servants.
Traverse the city of Edo and become victorious in the Waxing Moon Ritual. Fight, explore, converse… Many elements are deeply intertwined in this action RPG!
Fate/Samurai Remnant Developer: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Publisher: KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. Platform: Windows, PlayStation 5|4, Nintendo Switch Release Date: 29 Sep, 2023 Price: $59.99 USD
Recommended – “Fate/Samurai Remnant’s engrossing writing and simplistic but engaging combat system make this a title worth exploring no matter your familiarity with the Fate franchise.”
