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Lovingly Remastered Cult Classic FPS “Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition” Available Today on PC

Coming to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch later this year

DALLAS — 31 July 2023 — Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition, the definitive release of the cult classic FPS by original developer and publisher Apogee Entertainment, the maniacal minds at New Blood Interactive, and the gaming treasure hunters at Nightdive Studios, launches on Steam for PC and GOG today. Ludicrous Edition will launch on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and both Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 via backward compatibility later this year.

Thanks to Nightdive Studios’ proprietary KEX engine, players can hop into a time machine and experience the genre-defining ‘90s masterpiece that started an FPS revolution, built straight from the original source code. Enjoy a blast to the past with loads of new features like visuals upscaled to 4K, 60+ frames gameplay, ultrawide resolution support, controller support, increased FOV, cloud saves, and music and sound options from every ROTT era, from the original to the 2013 remake.

Rise of the Triad was ahead of its time. It was a trailblazer and a game of many firsts – the first dually wielded pistols, first capture the flag mode, and first shooter where you could look up and down!” says said Scott Miller, founder of Apogee Entertainment and original project manager of Rise of the Triad circa 1995. “It’s been an honor to revitalize a game I worked on nearly 30 years ago, and it would not have been possible without our friends at New Blood and Nightdive Studios. We can’t wait to bring it to consoles later this year.”  

When Cultists target Los Angeles for destruction, only the High-Risk United Nations Task-Force (codenamed H.U.N.T.) can end their reign of terror. Gear up and load out as one of five elite operatives, each with their own attributes, and infiltrate the cult monastery to stop their nefarious plans. Dive deep into ROTT lore with 5 full campaign modes and expansion packs, new cutscenes, and explore never-before-seen content from previously-lost beta builds. 

Run and gun through labyrinthine levels and splatter LUDICROUS GIBS across the island with over-the-top weapons. Double the fun with the gaming world’s first-ever dual-wield pistol setup, or blast the iconic Drunk Missile and watch rockets trail off with a mind of their own. Mix things up with magical weapons like the legendary Excalibat, and delete foes in the blinkof an eye with the Hand of God. 

Crank up the intensity with 11-player online multiplayer “COMM-BAT” featuring 10 unique maps. Team up and fight for power in the innovative Capture the Triad mode – the first-ever “capture the flag” mode in video game history. Or take it old school and jump into classic Normal and Team normal game modes. 

Rise of the Triad: Ludicrous Edition is available now on Steam and GOG for $19.99 USD and releases on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One along with PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S via backward compatibility later this year. Language interface options include English, French, Italian, German and Spanish (Spain). 

For more information, hit up the official websites for Apogee Entertainment, New Blood Interactive, and Nightdive Studios, plus follow @Apogee_Ent, @NewBlood, and @NightdiveStudio on Twitter.

About Apogee Entertainment

The “Apogee Model,” as described in the new book, Shareware Heroes (Aug. 2022 release), was the starting point for talented indie developers to bypass retail and sell their games using online distribution in 1990. Apogee founder Scott Miller created this new model and soon funded, mentored, and published many indie upstarts and released a legendary string of global success stories, like Commander Keen, Duke Nukem, Wolfenstein 3D, Rise of the Triad, Shadow Warrior, Max Payne and Prey, earning over a billion dollars commercially. Miller also created the 3D Realms label for Apogee, which was sold to Embracer Group in 2021.

The new Apogee Entertainment, with founder Scott Miller and longtime partner Terry Nagy at the helm, will empower today’s incredibly talented indie developers, paving the way for their global success with innovative ideas, cutting-edge marketing, and the same fearlessness that changed the industry. 

About New Blood Interactive

New Blood Interactive is a game studio founded by friends and run like maniacs. We develop, we publish, it’s Whatever™

About Nightdive Studios

Based in Vancouver, Washington, Nightdive Studios is a dedicated team of industry veterans committed to restoring the classic PC game titles of the past and making them accessible to a new generation of gamers. Hit titles from Nightdive Studios include System Shock 2, System Shock Enhanced Edition, Turok, Turok 2: Seeds of Evil, Shadowman Remastered, and PowerSlave Exhumed. Nightdive Studios’ full-fledged remake of the iconic System Shock released on May 30, 2023. Nightdive Studios is a subsidiary of Atari, Inc. More info can be found at the company’s website at www.nightdivestudios.com or on Facebook at facebook.com/NightDiveStudios or via Twitter at @NightDiveStudio.

RAW FURY’S GAMESCOM 2023 LINE-UP

Check out hands-on demos for Post Trauma, Star Trucker, Kingdom Eighties, Pizza Possum and Dome Keeper from August 23-27

STOCKHOLM July 31, 2023 – Raw Fury has announced the full list of titles it will be showcasing at this year’s Gamescom. From August 23-27 at Raw Fury’s booth (Hall 2.2, Aisle C-030), attendees will be able to experience hands-on demos for several games in Raw Fury’s current and upcoming publishing line-up.

POST TRAUMA

Red Soul Games’ Post Trauma is an ambitious, modern take on classic retro horror games, blending classic fixed camera angles and gameplay mechanics with realistic visuals and intense soundscapes. Awakening alone in a hostile place, you’ll need to solve mind-bending puzzles, gathering information by exploring your unsettling surroundings, to find a way home.

Gamescom attendees can check out a playable demo of one of the game’s early chapters, set in a mysterious hospital, offering a gripping vertical slice of its major gameplay mechanics.

STAR TRUCKER

A grounded, single-player, retro sci-fi journey, Star Trucker blends the popular truck sim genre with Americana inspiration and RPG elements. Hit the ultimate open road – space – in an intergalactic big rig, hauling cargo, trading salvage, tuning in to the radio, and keeping your space suit close as you search for fame and fortune among the stars!

Visitors can experience a hands-on demo for Star Trucker. Developer Monster & Monster will also be available to offer in-person interviews with media.

KINGDOM EIGHTIES

The latest standalone entry in the award-winning single-player micro-strategy series, Kingdom Eighties draws inspiration from the neon lights and summertime nostalgia of the ‘80s to deliver an exciting new adventure. Recruit neighborhood kids, assign them roles, and expand and fortify your kingdom to defend against the overwhelming threat of the Greed.

Attendees can check out a hands-on demo for the upcoming Nintendo Switch version of Kingdom Eighties, featuring the game’s second level.

PIZZA POSSUM

Live your best possum life in Cosy Computer’s Pizza Possum, the bite-sized, all-you-can-eat arcade game where you’ve gotta eat as much food as you can without getting caught! Experience adorable hide-and-seek action as you scamper around a picturesque seaside town, causing unruly marsupial chaos, evading guards, and risking it all for every crumb!

Guests can play Pizza Possum’s single-player and local co-op demo at Gamescom.

DOME KEEPER

The developers at bippinbits will be at Gamescom to show off a first look at the new upcoming multiplayer mode for Dome Keeper, the hit roguelite survival mining game. Fans will be able to play Dome Keeper in local multiplayer at the Indie Arena.

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.

Chaos Erupts as New Servants Enter the Fray in KOEI TECMO’s Upcoming Action RPG, Fate/Samurai Remnant

To Celebrate the Launch of Pre-orders, KOEI TECMO Unleashes their Second Electrifying Trailer

BURLINGAME, Calif. – July 31, 2023 – Today, KOEI TECMO America and developer Omega Force, alongside collaborators TYPE-MOON and Aniplex Inc., unveiled the second heart-racing trailer to their upcoming action RPG, Fate/Samurai Remnant. The trailer reveals the identity and motivations of the new Servants who will be joining the fight in the latest Holy Grail War. Fate/Samurai Remnant is currently in development for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and Windows PC via Steam®, and will be available in North America Sept. 29, 2023.

Throughout the Fate franchise, pairs of masters and heroic spirits — also known as servants — have been fighting across history in a series of Holy Grail Wars, with the winning duo receiving an ancient artifact that grants wishes. Fate/Samurai Remnant continues the series’ epic Holy Grail War in Edo Period Japan as players control young samurai Miyamoto Iori alongside his servant Saber. Here, a battle between seven pairs of masters and servants is about to begin as the “Waxing Moon Ritual” unfolds in the shadows.

Adding to the chaos of the Waxing Moon Ritual will be the inclusion of Servants “Archer” and “Assassin” from other participating teams in battle. A Servant of the Archer class, Archer is loyal, courageous, and fierce. He shows respect to his Master, Zheng Chenggong, and freely maneuvers his bow and arrow throughout combat. Also seen throughout the new trailer is Assassin. A Servant of the Assassin class, he is a phantom in gray with long arms and legs that flex like whips. Assassin is said to be able to summon and manipulate serpents as his subordinates!

Fate/Samurai Remnant will also feature a number of Rogue Servants throughout the game. These highly powerful warriors do not have Masters, and if you are able to form a bond with them, you will not only be able to temporarily borrow their powers, but some of them can even accompany you in battle! And while a few of these Rogue Servants have made appearances in past Fate series titles, like Rogue Lancer, Fate/Samurai Remnant alsointroduces all new Rogue Servants to the Fate universe, like Rogue Rider!

Rogue Servants include:

  • Rogue Lancer (true name Cú Chulainn): Wields a crimson spear longer than he is, as if it were a part of himself. He has a belligerent personality and seeks out challenging battles.
  • Rogue Archer (true name Arjuna): A fighter clad in a white robe who wields a bow covered with blue flames. He is pure, always respectful, and behaves in a fair and honest manner.
  • Rogue Rider (true name Tamamo Aria): Captivates men with her dainty appearance and somewhat frivolous speech and behavior. Instead of riding on something, riding on someone seems to be her preferred form of transportation.
  • Rogue Saber: An armored warrior who rides a gray horse and wields a large sword. He is in pursuit of an enemy called the Evil Ogre, whom he seeks to destroy.
  • Rogue Berserker: A long-haired fighter who boasts a muscular body. Being summoned as a Berserker, he has lost all sense of rationality. For whatever reason, he accompanies Takao Dayu.

In addition, Fate/Samurai Remnant introduces the “Spirit Font Conflict”, an all-new gameplay element that features a competition between enemies for “spirit fonts” scattered throughout Edo. The players aim to acquire the spiritual fonts — that are ultimately the enemy’s strongholds — by making a mutually determined number of movements on a gridded map. When a spiritual font is acquired, a path passes through the ley line that connects it to one’s own base, temporarily boosting Iori’s abilities. Rogue Servants with a bond will be able to be moved as a separate unit to cooperate in the acquisition of spirit fonts. There are also Rogue Servants who will lend their assistance only in the “Spirit Font Conflict”.

Further helping boost Iori’s abilities will be his magecraft workshop located in town. This is where Iori can learn new skills that will be useful as he fights his way through the Waxing Moon Ritual. By strengthening the workshop, you can acquire skills such as the ability to have Rogue Servants accompany you in battle. There is even a sword maintenance minigame to be played in the workshop, with samurai who take care of their swords accordingly being rewarded with bonus effects in battle!

Fate/Samurai Remnant will be available in both Standard and Digital Deluxe editions, with both versions now available for pre-order. The Digital Deluxe Edition features the base game, a digital artbook and soundtrack, the Fate/Samurai Remnant Season Pass that includes three DLC sets, and the Season Pass Bonus: Hallowed Relic Sword Mountings.

Fans who pre-order the game digitally or at select retail stores by Sept. 28, 2023 will also receive Miyamoto Musashi’s special costume, “Phantasmal Dress”. 

Additionally, a special TREASURE BOX version of Fate/Samurai Remnant is currently available for pre-order. Sold exclusively through the NISA store, the TREASURE BOX includes the stunning Fate/Samurai Remnant material (art book), a B2 sized cloth poster, original soundtrack CD, Command Spell stickers, bonus costume DLC (set of two costumes), the Official Short Story Translation book, and a collectible box. For more information on Fate/Samurai Remnant, be sure to visit the official site, Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/koeitecmous and Follow us on Twitter @koeitecmoUS.

ABOUT KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP.

KOEI TECMO AMERICA CORP. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Burlingame, California. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive®, Ninja Gaiden®, Tecmo Bowl®, and Fatal Frame® series.

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©KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. All rights reserved. Omega Force is a trademark of KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD.

©TYPE-MOON/KOEI TECMO GAMES All rights reserved.

Production Cooperation Aniplex Inc.

“PlayStation”, “PS5”, and “PS4” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.

Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. ©2023 Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart – Gameplay

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Watch as Dr Nefarious ruins a celebration parade for Ratchet & Clank but problems don’t stop there. Dimensional rifts start opening randomly and the fabric of time and space is in danger while we try to take down Nefarious for good and restore balance to the universe.

Blast your way through an interdimensional adventure with Ratchet and Clank – now on PC! Help them take on an evil emperor from another reality as you jump between action-packed worlds and beyond at hyper-speed!

Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart
Developer: Insomniac Games, Nixxes Software
Publisher: PlayStation PC LLC
Platform: Windows PC / Steam / Epic Games Store
Release Date: 27 Jul, 2023
Price: $59.99 USD

Available now on Steam – https://store.steampowered.com/app/1895880/Ratchet__Clank_Rift_Apart/

Summary:

Recommended – Incredibly fluid gameplay, a great assortment of the most ridiculous weapons ever seen in a video game, and near-perfect optimization. Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart is a no-brainer if you’re on the fence about purchasing it.”

Check out our review of Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart here!

Check out all the latest in the world of video games, anime, and entertainment at Capsule Computers:

Website: https://www.capsulecomputers.com.au/
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SEGA Announces Gamescom 2023 Line-Up Full of World-First Consumer Experiences

Sydney, Australia – 31st July 2023:  SEGA® will be attending Gamescom 2023 with a roster full of global first hands-on experiences for attendees and a host of great titles from across its diverse portfolio. From the 23rd – 27th of August, attendees stepping onto the SEGA stand at Gamescom will be transported into a SEGA wonderland with themed areas for some of its biggest upcoming titles, a lounge area featuring even more playable games and a very special collaboration with the LEGO® Group, to mark this month’s launch of all new LEGO Sonic The Hedgehog.

Watch the line-up reveal here.

SEGA will be located in Hall 8 of the Koelnmesse, in Cologne, Germany and the 1100m² stand is packed with the world’s first public hands-on experiences, including:

  • Sonic The Hedgehog’s™ latest adventure in the eagerly awaited, Sonic™ Superstars.
  • Creative Assembly’s hero-based, multiplayer extraction shooter, HYENAS™.
  • The all-new action-adventure brawler from Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio, Like a Dragon Gaiden: The Man Who Erased His Name™.
  • Two new titles from ATLUS’ critically acclaimed Persona series: Persona™ 5 Tactica and Persona™ 3 Reload.
  • The latest DLC for Creative Assembly’s grand-strategy epic, Total War™: WARHAMMER® III.

Elsewhere on SEGA’s sizeable Gamescom stand are hands-on stations for Total War™: PHARAOH, Samba De Amigo: Party Central™, Endless™ Dungeon and Etrian Odyssey™ Origins Collection.

Gamescom 2023 is running from the 23rd – 27th of August in Cologne, Germany and you can find SEGA in Hall 8. If you can’t make it over to Germany for the show, be sure to keep up with all the SEGA reveals and news from the show via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and TikTok.

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.

HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED 2 – TURBOCHARGED TO INCLUDE VEHICLES FROM THE FAST & FURIOUS SAGA

Sydney, Australia – July 31, 2023 – Milestone, a leading global racing game developer, and Mattel, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAT) have announced a collaboration with Universal Games and Digital Platforms to include content inspired by one of cinema’s most popular global franchises, Fast & Furious, in the recently announced Hot Wheels Unleashed™ 2 – Turbocharged. The new title will be available on October 19 for PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store.

From day one, players will be able to enjoy the unstoppable Dodge Charger SRT Hellcat Widebody, one of the iconic cars of the Fast & Furious Saga, with more vehicles from the franchise to be added post-launch as a downloadable content purchase.

This collaboration seals an exciting new synergy in the gaming industry, blending fan-favourite intellectual properties from two entertainment companies that have established themselves across pop culture. The association between Hot Wheels Unleashed™ and Fast & Furious emerged earlier this year in Universal Pictures’ Fast X, the latest chapter in the global blockbuster Fast & Furious Saga, where Dominic Toretto’s son Brian and sister Mia played the game in the film. Thanks to the engaging new gameplay mechanics of Hot Wheels Unleashed™ 2 – Turbocharged, fans will be able to replicate some of the most spectacular stunts performed in the films.

Besides boosting and drifting, Hot Wheels Unleashed™ 2 – Turbocharged gives players the opportunity to Jump and Double Jump, new mechanics that can be used to outmanoeuvre rivals or to dodge obstacles in tight spaces, whereas the Lateral Dash is the perfect tool to force opponents off the track or use them as bouncing pads. All of this will be possible while exploring the five brand-new environments featured in the game: an Arcade room that evokes the era of coin-operated games, a residential Backyard transformed into a racing arena, a Mini Golf Course situated in a Wild West town, a Dinosaur Museum, and a retro-style Gas Station diner.

With this collaboration, revealed through an adrenaline-filled trailer, Hot Wheels Unleashed™ 2 – Turbocharged proves to be a truly transmedia experience, extending well beyond the gaming community to Hot Wheels® and Fast & Furious fans worldwide.

“We’re delighted to bring these two iconic racing franchises even closer together in Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged, building on years of collaboration with our wonderful partners at Universal Games and Digital Platforms” said Mike DeLaet, Global Head of Digital Gaming at Mattel. “You’d be hard pressed to find a more natural pairing than Hot Wheels and Fast & Furious, and the team at Milestone have done an outstanding job with bringing these fan-favourite vehicles to life in authentic Hot Wheels Unleashed fashion”.

“We are proud and excited to collaborate with Universal Games and Digital Platforms to bring the legendary Fast & Furious franchise to the virtual tracks of Hot Wheels Unleashed 2 – Turbocharged” – said Andrea Loiudice, Publishing Director at Milestone – “This partnership will fuel the adrenaline of players worldwide, who will unleash their imagination behind the wheel of their favourite Fast & Furious vehicles. We appreciate Mattel’s contribution to such a significant collaboration and we can’t wait to witness the thrill and joy it will bring to gamers worldwide”.

Hot Wheels Unleashed™ 2 – Turbocharged is available now for pre-order on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. For more information, visit hotwheelsunleashed.com.             

Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.

” “, “PlayStation” and “” are registered trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All rights reserved

Fast & Furious Franchise (c) 2023 Universal City Studios LLC. All Rights Reserved.

About Milestone

Founded in Milan in 1996, Milestone S.r.l. is one of the leading and longest-established racing game developers in the world.  The 200+ people team is responsible for hit series like MotoGP™, MXGP, and Monster Energy Supercross – The Official Videogame, as well as RIDE and Gravel, Milestone’s own IPs. For more information, please visit www.milestone.it.

HOT WHEELS UNLEASHED™ 2 – Turbocharged © 2023. Published and Developed by Milestone S.r.l. All rights reserved. HOT WHEELS™ and associated trademarks and trade dress are owned by, and used under license from, Mattel. ©2023 Mattel. All manufacturers, accessory suppliers, names, tracks, sponsors, brands and associated imagery featured in this game are trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest catalogues of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & Friends®, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, Monster High® and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming, music, and live events. We operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Since its founding in 1945, Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com

About Universal Games and Digital Platforms
Universal’s Games and Digital Platforms group leverages the vast portfolio of IP and characters from NBCUniversal. The Games and Digital Platforms group is a business unit of Universal Products & Experiences (UP&E), which is chartered with globally expanding the company’s intellectual properties, franchises, characters and stories through innovative physical and digital products, engaging retail and product experiences across our expansive global theme park destinations (for both owned and 3rd party IP), location-based venues, e-commerce product platforms, and retailers around the world. Along with global brand strategy and creative, UP&E’s three lines of business include Consumer Products, Games and Digital Platforms, as well as Theme Parks Products & Retail. The company’s extensive portfolio includes properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination, DreamWorks Animation, and NBCUniversal Television and Streaming. UP&E is part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation. www.universalproductsexperiences.com.

About THE FAST SAGA
The Fast & Furious saga is a phenomenon. For more than twenty years, the franchise has stoked passion in an ever-expanding audience and has earned more than $7 billion at the worldwide box office, Universal Pictures’ record-smashing, homegrown Fast & Furious films have become the studio’s most-profitable and longest-running franchise. Across social media platforms, the fan following for the movies and cast has grown into the biggest of any active franchise.

THE CLIMACTIC FINALE OF FINAL FANTASY XIV: ENDWALKER AWAITS AS PATCH 6.5: GROWING LIGHTREVEALED

Two-Part Patch Arrives in October 2023 and January 2024 Ahead of an Action-Packed Run-Up to Dawntrail Expansion’s Launch

31st July, 2023 – Following on from announcing a brand-new expansion for critically-acclaimed MMO FINAL FANTASY XIV OnlineDawntrail™ – SQUARE ENIX® has revealed the first details for Patch 6.5, titled “Growing Light,” which includes the climax for the award-winning Endwalker™ expansion that will pave the way for new adventures ahead.

During a special Letter from the Producer LIVE broadcast at the FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2023 in Las Vegas, Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida shared that the main scenario for Patch 6.5 is set to arrive in two parts: part one with Patch 6.5 in Early October 2023 and part two with Patch 6.55 in Mid-January 2024.

A full replay of the broadcast can be found here: https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1884848378?t=0h44m44s

Concept Art for Two New Dungeons coming in Dawntrail

Patch 6.5 will also mark the culmination of work to expand the Duty Support system within FINAL FANTASY XIV Online – a feature that enables tackling content with a party of NPC allies as opposed to other players. With the patch’s release, it will be possible to complete all main scenario dungeons from A Realm Reborn™ through Endwalker using the system, enabling players to comfortably experience the stories of Eorzea on their own.

Yoshida also discussed the upcoming collaboration with Mediatonic’s party royale obstacle course smash hit Fall Guys. The “Warriors of Light Fame Pass” is set to release in Fall Guys on 22nd August 2023, with a new Fall Guys-inspired Gold Saucer attraction arriving in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online as part of the Patch 6.5x series. For more information on the collaboration, please visit: https://sqex.to/qSFeH

Further features announced for the Patch 6.5x series include:

Patch 6.5 – Early October 2023

  • New Main Scenario Quests (Part 1) – The next chapter in the story of the Warrior of Light.
  • New Dungeon – New challenges await in The Lunar Subterrane.
  • New Trial – A challenging new battle against Zeromus awaits in both Normal and Extreme difficulties.
  • New Unreal Trial –Fight in The Singularity Reactor (Unreal) against the fearsome Thordan.
  • New Alliance Raid: Myths of the Realm #3 – Explore the mysteries of Thaleia.
  • Duty Support Expansion –With the addition of Duty Support to The Drowned City of Skalla, The Burn, and The Ghimlyt Dark dungeons, it is now possible to play through all main scenario dungeons from A Realm Reborn to Endwalker solo.
  • Various Job Adjustments
  • Player Versus Player Updates
    • PvP Series 5 Begins
    • Crystalline Conflict Minimap and UI Updates, New Arena: The Red Sands
    • There will be no new Crystalline Conflict season at the time of Patch 6.5. Season 8 will begin with Patch 6.48, scheduled for release on Tuesday, 8 August, and continue through the release of Patch 6.51.
  • Island Sanctuary Updates – New sanctuary ranks and visions, new gathering area, new materials, craftable items, crops, animals, isleworks handicrafts, structures and more.
  • Miscellaneous Updates – New Custom Deliveries: Margrat, Aetherial Reduction Update, Fishing Log update, Armoire update and more.

Patch 6.51 – Late October 2023

  • Splendorous Tools
  • New Variant Dungeon: Aloalo Island –Players can enjoy a new variable-difficulty dungeon designed for 1-4 players, with the difficulty of enemies scaling depending on party size.
  • New Criterion Dungeon: Aloalo Island – High difficulty four-player content featuring a visually similar area to the Variant Dungeon, but with a set route. Criterion dungeons will feature two options of difficulties, “Criterion” and “Criterion (Savage),” each with their own unique set of rules and characteristics.

Patch 6.55 – Mid-January 2024

  • New Main Scenario Quests (Part 2)
  • Endwalker Tribal Alliance Quests
  • Tataru’s Grand Endeavour Continues
  • Somehow Further Hildibrand Adventures
  • Further Manderville Weapons

Patch 6.5x Series

  • Fall Guys Collaboration – Experience the fun of the Blunderdome with a FFXIV twist, as select courses come to the Manderville Gold Saucer.

Announced this weekend during the FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2023 in Las Vegas, new expansion FINAL FANTASY XIV: Dawntrail will bring the game’s first graphical update as well as an abundance of new content when it releases in Summer 2024, including an increased level cap, multiple new jobs, sprawling new areas, new allied tribes, new dungeons, and new core battle content such as FATEs, Hunts, Treasure Hunts, and sidequests, and much more.

More information on Dawntrail will be shared at the FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2023 in London on 21st – 22nd October 2023, as well as during the Fan Festival 2024 in Tokyo, scheduled for 7th – 8th January 2024. For future updates on how to watch the livestreams of these events, please keep an eye on the Lodestone: https://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/

With more than 27 million total registered players, there has never been a better time for newcomers to begin their adventures in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga. The expanded Free Trial now includes all content from A Realm Reborn™ and the Heavensward™ expansion (and updates through Patch 3.56), as well as an additional playable race (Au Ra), and three additional playable jobs (Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist). Free Trial players can enjoy hundreds of hours of award-winning gameplay and story experiences equivalent to two full FINAL FANTASY titles, without limit on playtime. More information can be found at: http://sqex.to/FFXIVFreeTrial

For more information on FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker™, visit the official site at: https://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/endwalker/

Endwalker Site: https://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/endwalker/

About Square Enix Ltd.

Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories 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 180 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 88 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com

© SQUARE ENIX – LOGO ILLUSTRATION: ©2021 YOSHITAKA AMANO – © 2023 Mediatonic Limited. All rights reserved.

The Mediatonic logo, Fall Guys, and the Fall Guys logo and characters are trademarks or registered trademarks of Mediatonic Limited in the USA and elsewhere.

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Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm – Gameplay

A young knight begins his journey by finding a lost lockbox that has fallen into nefarious hands only to face down a monster octopus. After facing down this trial, he returns home to learn more about the history of the world and acquires a powerful weapon at the start of Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm.

Sequel to the critically acclaimed action adventure. Experience a gorgeous new third-person 3D view and embark on an epic journey that unfolds the mysteries of what happened 1000 years ago.

Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm
Developer: Cornfox & Brothers Ltd.
Publisher: FDG Entertainment
Platform: Windows, Switch, PlayStation, Xbox Series X
Release Date: 2nd August, 2023
Price: $29.99 USD

Available here – https://www.fdg-entertainment.com/games/oceanhorn-2-knights-of-the-lost-realm/

Summary:

Recommended – Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm’s release on more platforms offers the best possible experience with the game that harkens back to classic adventure games but doesn’t quite match up.”

Check out our review of Oceanhorn 2: Knights of the Lost Realm here!

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Pikmin 4 Review

Pikmin 4

Developer: Nintendo
Publisher: Nintendo
Platforms:Switch
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $59.99 – Available Here | $79.95 – Available Here

Overview

Pikmin has been around now for over twenty years, but it has been over a decade since a new entry appeared on consoles. Nintendo are ready to garden yet again however, with Pikmin 4 launching on the Switch. Featuring a fleshed out story, new mechanics, and a lovable mutt, this installment is looking to remind us of this underdog yet again. How does Pikmin 4 measure up? Let’s find out.

Story

Pikmin 4 has a cozy, if not familiar narrative of Olimar cruising in his ship, only to have to send out an SOS for his rescue yet again after a not-so-perfect landing. In true style, The Rescue Corps come to save the day, but also have a malfunction, causing another crash landing. The goal now is for this team to regroup, and gather enough valuable resources to take off yet again while still hunting for their missing captain. Oatchi, a newly discovered dog of sorts has allied the team on this mission, and his powerful sniffer and strength will be the key to our heroes’ success this time around.

There is something so soothing about Pikmin. There always has been, but the 4th installment keeps that approach alive with its lovely narrative and endearing cast of characters. Always with a warm atmosphere and presence, each cutscene plays out like an animated feature, and there is always something to make the player smile as they progress forward in this whimsical little adventure.

Gameplay

This is where the magic happens, as they say. Nintendo do not have a ton of “strategy” titles within their library, but Pikmin 4 is rich in strategy as players control not only themselves and their squad, but also Oatchi – your assistant canine species who is able to achieve greater feats than a small group of Pikmin ever could. Oatchi performs wonderfully, as players can control him much like a normal Pikmin, knocking down walls, digging up treasure, and even carrying the entire Pikmin squad that may be following you at the time.

Gone mostly are the fruit expeditions of Pikmin 3, replaced with “Treasures”, which are mainly human inventions or tools such as forks, batteries, and even some of Nintendo’s very own platforms from the past. Its always a delight to come across these objects, so players must strategize to safely pick each up and ensure their safe transit back to the ship. Locales include underground, indoors, and of course the usual outside fare, but this time players can now go out at night thanks to Glow Pikmin. These segments after dark play out more like a tower defence romp, where the player must protect the ship from creatures attracted to the glow of the ship, adding a new slice of urgency to the experience.

To be honest, the game still feels like any other Pikmin title, despite its new additions. The goals are still more of the same, and even with Oatchi, the difficulty is never overwhelming to any Pikmin tamer who is paying attention to the hazards before them. If it isn’t broke is the mindset here, and that works wonders in creating a refined, if not overly familiar adventure. Danori Battles bring back the highly addictive player vs player mode, where each one attempts to keep their squad alive from danger while collecting as much treasure as possible. As someone who has spent hundreds of hours with friends and family in Pikmin 3’s “Bingo Battle”, I must say this is just as good for the most part, offering one of the most compelling and competitive multiplayer experiences yet again that so many still do not know about.

As for length, the main narrative will not take a ton of time as most should be able to do all in under twenty hours. The replay value is had in the co-op with friends (which still has yet to feature online compatibility), along with the extra Olimar missions that can be unlocked by progression of the main campaign.

Visuals

There is no title on the Switch so full of color and charm as Pikmin 4. That kind of is the point of these adventures, but alas- the visuals are non-stop eye candy that are simply gorgeous, with lovely detail and wonderful animations. I am a bit of a Pikmin lover, and I will admit that the closer camera did take some getting used to, but after a while, even the most seasoned players should easily be able to adjust without much issue to the slightly changed format.

Audio

The music is also lovely. There is something so charming about the soundtrack, which even will get your little squad to hum with it, tugging relentlessly at your heartstrings as you work even harder to keep them from danger. The audio throughout the game only compliments the warm nature of the tunes, blending together like a perfect painting to create a setting that is just so different and unique from any other Nintendo produced experience.

Overall

Pikmin 4 is a masterpiece. Nintendo are not trying to top their other franchises with Pikmin, and never will. I truly think this franchise was created to live in the underbelly of the brand, offering those willing to look something unique and different in terms of both gameplay and objectives. Sure, more could have been done to make this title sing as outside of Oatchi, this title doesn’t take a lot of risks, but with a ton of treasures to collect and a multiplayer game that is simply outstanding, there is a lot of value within this title that will be appreciated by fans for years to come. Pikmin 4 stands right with its predecessors in a line of titles that are pure quality and joy, and those who give it a chance are sure to find their cooldown title in these lavish terrains.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

SQUARE ENIX ANNOUNCES “DAWNTRAIL”NEW FINAL FANTASY XIV ONLINE EXPANSION COMING WINTER 2024

Xbox Series X|S Launch, Graphical Update and Even Further Expanded Free Trial Also Confirmed

29th July, 2023 – SQUARE ENIX® is today announcing Dawntrail™, the fifth and latest expansion pack for its critically acclaimed MMO, FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, set to launch in Winter 2024 (southern hemisphere).

The expansion was first revealed by Producer and Director Naoki Yoshida during his keynote address at the FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival 2023 in Las Vegas, alongside a new teaser trailer offering a taste of the adventures to come as the Warrior of Light ventures to the New World, Tural for the first time.

The trailer can be seen here:

The new expansion will bring an abundance of fresh content, including an increased level cap, multiple new jobs, sprawling new areas, new allied tribes, new dungeons, and new core battle content such as FATEs, Hunts, Treasure Hunts, and sidequests, and much more. Some of the features players can look forward to include:

  • Journey to the New World, Tural, and its capital, Tuliyollal
  • Explore new areas, including the mountainous Urqopacha and the forest of Yak T’el
  • New Allied Tribes, including the diminutive Pelupelu who wear distinctive masks and inhabit Urqopacha
  • Level Cap increase from 90 to 100
  • Multiple New Jobs
  • Core Battle Content including FATEs, Hunts, Treasure Hunts and Sidequests
  • New Dungeons
  • New Threats, including Valigarmanda
  • Duty Support Update
  • New Gear and Recipes
  • Expansive New Lifestyle Content
  • New Variant Dungeons, Alliance Raid, 8-Player Raid and Ultimate Raid
  • PvP Update
  • Ongoing Content Updates, including a Blue Mage Update, Inconceivably Further Hildibrand Adventures, New Plans for Deep Dungeons and a Gold Saucer Update

In addition to these features, Dawntrail will introduce the game’s first graphical update for both character and world visuals, including:

  • Improvements to screen-wide aesthetic appeal
  • Higher resolution textures and shadows
  • Improved material qualities

Also in the keynote, it was revealed the existing FINAL FANTASY XIV Online Free Trial would be expanded even further during Patch 6.5. When it launches, the Even Further Expanded Free Trial will add all the content from the Stormblood™ expansion (and updates through Patch 4.58), including the Red Mage and Samurai playable jobs, and allow newcomers to venture all the way up to level 70 with no limits on play time. 

In a surprise announcement, Yoshida was joined onstage during the keynote by CEO of Microsoft Gaming Phil Spencer to confirm the long-awaited Xbox version of the critically acclaimed MMO will be launching on Xbox Series X|S in Autumn 2024 (southern hemisphere), with an open beta starting during the Patch 6.5x series. The digital-only release will also enjoy 4K support on Xbox Series X. More information will be revealed soon, with details available at: https://sqex.to/OR0KZ

Finally, Yoshida revealed an upcoming collaboration with Mediatonic’s party royale obstacle course smash hit Fall Guys. The “Warriors of Light Fame Pass” is set to release in Fall Guys on 22nd August 2023, with a new Fall Guys-inspired Gold Saucer attraction arriving in FINAL FANTASY XIV Online as part of the Patch 6.5x series. For more information on the collaboration, please visit: https://sqex.to/qSFeH

The Warriors of Light Fame Pass Trailer can be viewed here:

 With more than 27 million total registered players, there has never been a better time for newcomers to begin their adventures in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga. The expanded Free Trial now includes all content from A Realm Reborn™ and the Heavensward™ expansion (and updates through Patch 3.56), as well as an additional playable race (Au Ra), and three additional playable jobs (Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist). Free Trial players can enjoy hundreds of hours of award-winning gameplay and story experiences equivalent to two full FINAL FANTASY titles, without limit on playtime. More information can be found at: http://sqex.to/FFXIVFreeTrial

About Square Enix Ltd.

Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories 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 180 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 88 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.