Defy RNG and assemble a squad of unique creatures to battle later this year on PC
THE HAGUE, Netherlands – May 23, 2023 – Good Shepherd Entertainment has announced Dicefolk, a new single-player tactical roguelite game built around dice and monster-catching mechanics, coming later this year to PC. Developed by Leap and Tiny Ghoul, Dicefolk gives you unparalleled control over every battle: take command of the dice and the order of enemy turns to gain the tactical advantage. Discover dozens of uniquely powerful creatures to recruit and create the perfect squad to win!
Dicefolk are exceptional beings that can bring magical creatures called chimeras to life from their grimoire. But some chimeras are causing havoc! As a Dicefolk whose dice-shaped artifacts can command any chimera, it’s up to you to restore peace and harmony across the land in this exciting roguelike adventure. Control your creatures using unique dice mechanics and take charge of each fight to lead your team to victory.
Key Features
Thrilling Roguelite Adventure: Collect new and more powerful chimeras to build your perfect squad while unlocking talismans to uncover more of the story. Discover different combinations of chimeras to enable new strategies for each run with endless possibilities and replayability!
Take Control of Combat: You decide the fate of the dice! Command your chimeras while choosing the faces of the dice and the order in which each party takes its actions. Your choices will determine your success as you battle a variety of wild creatures in combat.
Master Your Chimeras: Recruit your squad from a range of dozens of mighty monsters, from hardy tanks to quick attackers and more. Each chimera offers a unique set of abilities to help you shape your strategy and adapt your play style for whatever challenge comes your way!
Dicefolk is available to wishlist now on Steam. For all the latest updates, follow the team on Twitter, TikTok and YouTube.
About Good Shepherd Entertainment
Good Shepherd Entertainment is an award-winning independent game publisher based in the Netherlands. The company has built a robust global footprint, shepherding talented development teams to create impactful games that innovate, challenge, and – most importantly – entertain. We’ve done this by pairing creators with writers, musicians and IP powerhouses and through strategic partnerships with some of the industry’s most notable names, including Devolver Digital, Croteam and Perfect World. In addition to the acclaimed John Wick Hex and Monster Train, GSE’s selection of titles includes Hellboy Web of Wyrd, Showgunners, Phantom Doctrine, the Transport Fever series, and the Hard West series. For more information, visit www.GoodShepherd.games.
About Leap Studios
Leap is a game studio based in Lima, Peru, founded in 2012. Its latest releases were the visual novel Where’s Tess?, the hand-drawn brawler Tunche and the award-winning narrative game Arrog in collaboration with Hermanos Magia studio. For more information, visit www.leapgs.com
About Tiny Ghoul
Tiny Ghoul is a game collective formed by Luis Wong, Gregory Parisi and Paul Gerst. They initially met at school and collaborated on their first video game prototype. Since then, they have kept experimenting and exploring new ideas together.
Take unparalleled control of a Formula 1 Team, with deeper management, greater authenticity, and a brand-new game mode.
Cambridge, UK (23 May 2023) – Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV, ‘Frontier’) unveiled today F1 Manager 2023, the next instalment in the officially licensed Formula 1management simulation series, with deeper management systems, more dramatic racing, and an even greater commitment to authenticity. Fans are invited to assume the role of an F1 Team Principal, make their mark and lead their chosen team all the way to the top, driving every decision both on and off the track.
F1 Manager 2023 comes even closer to the 2023 FIA Formula OneWorld Championship with the brand-new Race Replay mode, which will allow aspiring Team Principals to rewrite key moments from throughout the 23-race season. Additionally, in the returning Career mode, players will enjoy a suite of highly requested feature developments, adding new dimensions to the sporting drama at every turn.
WATCH THE ANNOUNCEMENT TRAILER NOW
F1 Manager 2023 gives fans the freedom to oversee their chosen F1 team on their own terms. New to 2023 is the role of the Sporting Director, enabling deeper management of the pit crew and their training schedule, and challenging players to balance the risk of costly errors against rapid pitstop times. New weight considerations will also require players to find a balance between car performance and reliability, working within the Cost Cap to give their driver pairing every chance of success. Prospective Team Principals will define the direction of their team by setting the development focus of their current line-up, or by scouting the next generation of talent from the fully simulated F2 and F3 Championships, negotiating contracts for the following season to ensure multi-year success.
Races are more dramatic and dynamic than ever before, with shifting racing lines ensuring that drivers will duel for every vital point. A new driver confidence system underpins bold overtaking manoeuvres, with cars going wheel-to-wheel as each world-class driver verbally responds to commands via their race engineers. The fine balance of optimal tyre temperature windows creates unfolding drama as grip levels fluctuate, and split-second decisions will mean the difference between taking pole position or ending up in the barriers. F1® Manager 2023 brings all 23 season-defining races and six F1® Sprint events to life in stunning broadcast quality, with each key moment narrated by the returning Sky Sports commentary pairing of David Croft and Karun Chandhok.
F1 Manager 2023 will launch in summer 2023 digitally on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, and will also be available both physically and digitally on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The game is available to wishliston Steam, Epic and the PlayStation Store now.
For more news and information about F1 Manager 2023:
About FrontierFrontier is a leading independent developer and publisher of videos founded in 1994 by David Braben, co-author of the iconic Elite game. Based in Cambridge, Frontier primarily uses its proprietary COBRA game development technology to create innovative genre-leading games for personal computers and videogame consoles. As well as self-publishing internally developed games, Frontier also publishes games developed by carefully selected partner studios under its Frontier Foundry games label.
About Formula 1 Formula 1 racing began in 1950 and is the world’s most prestigious motor racing competition, as well as the world’s most popular annual sporting series. Formula One World Championship Limited is part of Formula 1 and holds the exclusive commercial rights to the FIA Formula One World Championship.
Formula 1 is a subsidiary of Liberty Media Corporation (NASDAQ: LSXMA, LSXMB, LSXMK, BATRA, BATRK, FWONA, FWONK) attributed to the Formula One Group tracking stock.
The F1 logo, F1 FORMULA 1 logo, FORMULA 1, F1, FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, GRAND PRIX, PADDOCK CLUB and related marks are trademarks of Formula One Licensing BV, a Formula 1 company. All rights reserved.
Announcing the new Stockholm-based premium game development studio, creating a new, next-generation online shooter
Stockholm, Sweden – 23 May 2023. Former EA DICE Creative Director Lars Gustavsson today announced the formation of new game development studio, TTK Games (Time To Kill Games).Led by game industry leaders from DICE and DICE LA, TTK Games is creating a new, high-quality next-generation online shooter.
TTK Games aims to be the respected frontrunners of connected entertainment, combining the expertise of industry veterans with the latest ideas from the new generation of developers and deep engagement with players. The studio is founded with a deliberate commitment to innovation and quality, supported by a studio culture where great ideas can come from anywhere, to provide players and online communities with new and unforgettable experiences.
TTK Games’ co-founders are:
Lars Gustavsson, CEO and Creative Director.A 24-year veteran of the games industry who worked on Battlefield 1942 as Producer and then oversaw the Battlefield franchise as Creative Director until leaving the role in November 2022 to establish TTK Games.
Daniel Berlin, Senior Design Director.Berlin joined the industry in 2007 and gained design experience on games like World in Conflict and Far Cry 3. Upon joining DICE, he worked on multiple Battlefield titles as Lead World Designer and Design Director, including the critically acclaimed Battlefield 1.
Vidar Nygren, CTO and Technical Director.A Gameplay Engineer since his teenage years, Nygren joined DICE in 1996, becoming Technical Director for the Battlefield In this role he also directed the development of the Frostbite game engine, now used across multiple titles published by Electronic Arts.
Peter Hoyles, Art Director.Hoyles joined DICE in 2003, working as an artist on numerous areas of the Battlefield franchise rising to Studio Art Director for DICE LA. Hoyles now returns to Stockholm from Skydance New Media in Los Angeles.
“For players, the phrase ‘Time to Kill’ defines how a shooter feels and how fast it plays,” said Lars Gustavsson, Creative Director and CEO. “We’ve made it our studio name and part of our studio culture. For us the term ‘TTK’ isn’t just about the craftmanship behind finding the perfect speed or immediacy of a game – it’s about how human beings have been killing time through play for thousands of years. Throughout my career I’ve made games to encourage teamwork, friendly competition and using your mind and reflexes to accomplish a goal and outwit your opponent. We are passionate about videogames, because we think there’s no better way to kill time.”
TTK Games has secured significant funding coupled with creative freedom. The studio is now recruiting for hybrid and Stockholm-based roles from graduate to lead across all disciplines.
TTK Games’ representatives will be available at Nordic Game in Malmö, Sweden from 23-26 March to meet attendees interested in learning more about the studio and founders’ vision.
About TTK Games TTK Games is a new studio aiming to be the respected frontrunners of connected entertainment. Based in Stockholm, Sweden, TTK exists to combine the expertise of industry veterans with the latest ideas from the new generation of developers. TTK is building the next generation of online shooters. Find out more at TTKGames.com. *All product names, logos, and brands in this press release are the property of their respective owners.
May 23rd, 2023 — The World of Tanks ANZ Premier League 2023 – Split 1 (ANZPL) Finals will be one of the fiercest competitions in ANZPL history, when three teams hailing from Perth, Sydney and Adelaide battle it out for a prize pool of $25,000 at Fortress Sydney, this Saturday 27th May.
Knocking out the reigning champions, the North Sydney Sentinels, Adelaide Action X will join the Perth Panthers in their first ANZPL finals. They will go head-to-head with the South Sydney Skorpions who have remained unlucky in their quest for victory in the last two finals.
The ANZPL is World of Tanks’ esports 5v5 competitive mode, featuring state-based teams, a single round robin, the grassroots league in the ANZBL, and culminates in an offline LAN final to determine the best team in ANZ for World of Tanks.
Matteo Rango, World of Tanks Competitive Product Manager, says the North Sydney Sentinels have won the World of Tanks ANZPL for two years running, and seeing them bow out to the Adelaide Action X shows the intensity of the season and how it can be anyone’s victory.
“It will be a true East Coast vs West Coast match, with Adelaide Action X and the Perth Panthers going into their first finals against South Sydney Skorpions. This season has been unpredictable from the beginning, and it’s exciting to know that whoever emerges victorious, will become winners for the first time,” said Matteo.
The World of Tanks ANZPL 2023 – Split 1 Finals will be held live at Fortress Sydney on Saturday 27 May, from 6.30pm – 11pm AEST. There is a pre-finals program that is free for all to participate, starting from 1pm – 4pm AEST, and will include ERB racing, trivia, challenges against a World of Tanks pro player, community chat and lots of prizes up for grabs.
Tickets to the World of Tanks ANZPL 2023 – Split 1 Finals are free and registration can be found here https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/world-of-tanks-anzpl-2023-split-1-grand-final-tickets-623378089647. There is a paid ticket option of $10, which gives a player access to the community bar tab, and $20 will include in-game goodies. All proceeds from the ticket sales will be donated to Game On Cancer.
For more information on World of Tanks, the World of Tanks ANZ Premier League or to download World of Tanks for free, visit www.worldoftanks.asia.
Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus. Operating since 1998, Wargaming has grown to become one of the leaders in the gaming industry with 16 offices around the world, including studios in Chicago, Prague, Shanghai, Tokyo, Vilnius and Belgrade. Millions of players enjoy Wargaming’s titles across all major gaming platforms. Our flagship products include the free-to-play hits World of Tanks, World of Warships and World of Tanks Blitz.
World of Tanks PC is the first team-based, massively multiplayer online action game dedicated to tank warfare. Throw yourself into the epic tank battles of World War II with gamers all over the world. Your arsenal includes over 600 armoured vehicles from 11 nations, carefully detailed with historical accuracy.
HELL-A, CALIFORNIA / Sydney, Australia, 23rd May 2023 | Players can completely immerse themselves in HELL-A as the Dead Island 2 Official Soundtrack is available to listen to for FREE on 45 different streaming platforms including Spotify, iTunes and YouTube.
Ryan Williams, composer and senior audio designer at Deep Silver Dambuster Studios created the majority of the tracks, with experienced British music consultancy and creation company Feel For Music also contributing. In addition to his work on the Dead Island 2 soundtrack and game score, Williams has weapon design and cinematic SFX expertise too. His lifelong love of all things horror has been a driving force behind his creative output.
Dead Island 2 is out now on Xbox Series X/S and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment systems from Microsoft, PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4 computer entertainment systems and the Epic Games Store for PC.
Deep Silver develops and distributes interactive games for all platforms. The Deep Silver label means to captivate all gamers who have a passion for thrilling gameplay in exciting game worlds by creating products of the highest possible quality, always focusing on what the customer desires. Deep Silver has published more than 200 games since 2003, including its own brands like the open world extravaganza Saints Row, the zombie action franchise Dead Island, and the gritty, post-apocalyptic Metro series. Upcoming highlights from Deep Silver include the next entries into the TimeSplitters and Dead Island franchises. Deep Silver development studios include Deep Silver Dambuster Studios and Free Radical Design, both in Nottingham, UK and Deep Silver Fishlabs in Hamburg, Germany. For more information please visit www.deepsilver.com. All product titles, publisher names, trademarks, artwork and associated imagery are trademarks, registered trademarks and/or copyright material of the respective owners. All rights reserved.
ABOUT DEEP SILVER DAMBUSTER STUDIOS
Deep Silver Dambuster Studios is a AAA game developer with a heritage spanning over 20 years, with around 170 designers, narrators, artists, programmers and engineers making up the talented team.
Established in Nottingham (UK), the studio was founded by a passionate team of games industry veterans, with the genesis of the studio traced back to the late 1990s, when several people formed Free Radical Design where they worked on TimeSplitters.
In 2014 the studio was acquired by Deep Silver and rebranded Deep Silver Dambuster Studios. It released Homefront: The Revolution for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in 2016. In the 12 months following the launch of Homefront it released additional Resistance Mode content and three individual story expansions; The Voice of Freedom, Aftermath and the final story bookend, Beyond the Walls.
The studio is now developing the next instalment in the highly successful Dead Island series of games.
PLAION is a leading independent developer and producer of games and entertainment products, with nine development studios and five publishing units based all over the world. Founded in 1994 as Koch Media, PLAION offers a unique breadth of services and solutions, dynamically growing its business to push ourselves and our partners to the forefront in all the segments we operate in. PLAION runs a multi-label strategy, with fully owned publishing units, such as Deep Silver, Prime Matter, Milestone, Vertigo Games and Ravenscourt, publishing games for consoles, PC and VR platforms across all physical and digital channels. Additionally – as a global publishing partner – PLAION has formed long-term multinational publishing collaborations with numerous game publishers including Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, Capcom, Focus Multimedia, Giants Software, Koei Tecmo, Paradox, Sega, SNK, Square Enix, Techland, THQ Nordic, Tripwire, Warner Bros and many others. With its parent company in Höfen, Austria – and the HQ in Munich, Germany – PLAION owns local publishing companies in Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Australia, the United States as well as Japan and Hong Kong. PLAION owns nine game development studios: Deep Silver Dambuster Studios (Nottingham, UK), Fishlabs (Hamburg, DE), Warhorse Studios (Prague, CZ), Milestone (Milan, IT), Voxler (Paris, FR) , DigixArt (Montpellier, FR), Flying Wild Hog (Warsaw, Kraków, Rzeszów, PL), Free Radical Design (Nottingham, UK) and Vertigo Games (Rotterdam, Amsterdam, NL). Additionally, PLAION collaborates with numerous independent development studios around the world. Part of PLAION is also PLAION PICTURES, a leading independent film distributor in Europe with a library of more than 1.400 titles. Further business operations include Sola Media, a sales agency and production company for family entertainment, Spotfilm Networx, a multi-channel streaming network, and a sub-label dedicated to Japanese animation. PLAION also owns the leading video game merchandise company DPI Merchandising (Denver, Roseburg, USA and Munich, DE) and a Quality Assurance Facility in Olomouc, CZ. PLAION is an Embracer Group company.
AEW’s Highly Anticipated Console Video Game Will Enter the Ring on June 29
Sydney, Australia – May 22nd, 2023: Arcade wrestling game fans rejoice – it’s almost time to climb the ladder and make yourself famous! THQ Nordic GmbH and All Elite Wrestling (AEW) have confirmed that they will bring developer YUKE’s highly anticipated arcade wrestling creation AEW: Fight Forever to PS4™, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo® Switch on Thursday, June 29, 2023.
A word from AEW: Fight Forever creative director Kenny Omega:
“When I first signed with AEW, Tony Khan gave me the opportunity to assemble the best gaming team that understands and respects professional wrestling, to make the best wrestling games ever,” said Kenny Omega, Executive Vice President and former AEW World Champion and World Tag Team Champion at AEW. “Thanks to our incredible collaboration with Geta, YUKE’s and THQ Nordic, a new era of professional wrestling gaming is quickly approaching. AEW: Fight Forever has exceeded my highest expectations, and I’m confident that June 29 will be a momentous day for wrestling fans and gamers alike.”
“Since our initial announcement, fans worldwide have shown unbridled passion around the launch of Fight Forever, and AEW has proven through our exciting storylines and hard-hitting wrestling action that good things come to those who wait,” said Tony Khan, CEO, GM and Head of Creative of AEW. “With Fight Forever, Kenny and our world-class team have delivered an authentic, nostalgic feel of wrestling games past, along with the unmatched creativity that AEW brings to the table. It’s going to be cool to see our fans finally getting a fresh and much-needed alternative next-gen console wrestling game on June 29. AEW has the greatest fans on the planet, and I’m excited for them to experience this new way to engage with our stars.”
Recognised for its retro approach to design including hand-crafted animations and nostalgic arcade feel, AEW: Fight Forever presents wrestling fans with their first chance to pull off wrestling moves only seen on the wildly popular AEW programming. Online co-op wrestling is going completely next level with Tag-Team matches that feature sequences of team manoeuvres performed with simple commands. A long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers, career mode, wrestler customisation, signature AEW arenas, multiple match types and even some good ol’ fashioned unsanctioned fun await!
Developed by YUKE’s Co. Ltd, AEW: Fight Forever is the arcade wrestler that harkens back to the Golden Age of wrestling games. Players can look forward to pulling off the most current wrestling moves seen on wildly popular AEW programming. This, in addition to innovative tandem offensive moves. Online co-op wrestling is going completely next level with Tag-Team matches that feature sequences of team manoeuvres performed with simple commands. A long roster of the most popular AEW wrestlers, deep career mode, wrestler customisation, signature AEW arenas, multiple match types and even some good ol’ fashioned, unsanctioned fun await!
AEW: Fight Forever is coming to PS4™, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo® Switch on June 29th, 2023. Follow @aewgames for news and updates!
Founded by CEO, GM and Head of Creative Tony Khan in 2019, AEW is headlined by CM Punk, Jon Moxley, Thunder Rosa, Chris Jericho, Bryan Danielson, Claudio Castagnoli, Kenny Omega, The Young Bucks (Matt and Nick Jackson), Adam Cole, Sting, FTR, Jungle Boy, Jade Cargill, Dr. Britt Baker, Scorpio Sky, Hangman Page, Sammy Guevara, Matt Hardy, Samoa Joe, Swerve Strickland, Miro, Lucha Bros., PAC, Wardlow, Darby Allin, Nyla Rose, Red Velvet, Ruby Soho, Toni Storm, Hikaru Shida, Athena, Malakai Black, Andrade El Idolo, Christian Cage, Eddie Kingston, Ethan Page, Orange Cassidy, Ricky Starks, Powerhouse Hobbs, Luchasaurus, Lance Archer, Keith Lee and many more. For the first time in many years, AEW is offering an alternative to mainstream wrestling, with a roster of world-class talent that is injecting new spirit, freshness and energy into the industry.
“AEW: Dynamite” airs every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. ET on TBS and attracts the youngest wrestling audience on television. The fight-forward show “AEW: Rampage” airs every Friday from 10-11 p.m. ET on TNT. AEW’s multi-platform content also includes “AEW Dark” and “AEW Dark: Elevation,” two weekly professional wrestling YouTube series, “Being the Elite,” a weekly behind-the-scenes YouTube series, and “AEW Unrestricted,” a weekly podcast series. For more info, check out:
About YUKE’S Co., Ltd. After developing the world’s first 3D wrestling video game engine for the PlayStation, YUKE’S has continued to lead the world in fighting game technology. YUKES’ main expertise lies in having the foresight and planning ability to methodically research the subject matter of an upcoming title to be able to transform the product into the optimal consumer gaming experience, and having the technology at hand required to do so. YUKE’S has undertaken the planning & development of numerous game titles which have been released across markets worldwide. We will continue to provide entertainment, dreams, and profound inspiration to people around the world through the creative expression of innovative ideas.
Wrocław, Poland–May 22, 2023–Techland celebrates the 10th anniversary of Call of Juarez: Gunslinger with a bundle of exclusive, Old West-themed items and a week-long sharpshooting Undead or Alive event playable in Dying Light 2 Stay Human.
10 years have passed since the legendary Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, Techland’s flagship Wild West series of yore. This epic adventure of a ruthless bounty hunter on the trail of the West’s most notorious outlaws captured the attention of millions of gamers worldwide.
To celebrate, Techland is bringing the western style to Dying Light 2 Stay Human. During the Undead or Alive event, running from Wednesday, May 31, 7 am PT / 10 am ET until Wednesday, June 7, 7 am PT / 10 am ET, players will need to keep their aim sharp and nerves cool to dispense legendary justice with the help of a Gunslinger-themed Boomstick, AKA Mean-ass gun.
The aforementioned Boomstick can only be discovered during the event, when players will have a chance to come across it around Special Infected (except Virals), Postal Vans, Ambulances, and Military Trucks.
Players who channel their inner Billy the Kid can complete certain goals during the week-long event and get the opportunity to unlock exclusive items that hark back to Call of Juarez: Gunslinger, including the likes of Ray McCall’s charm, Dynamite, machete-like Bowie Knife (both weapon and blueprint), along with 25 Pilgrim Tokens to exchange for gear at the Pilgrim Outpost website.
Techland is also releasing more select items such as Silas Greaves Outfit, the Gunslinger Paraglider, and Dynamite blueprint along with Bowie Knife weapon and blueprint mentioned above in the Gunslinger Bundle ($6.99), the West’s finest addition to a notorious outlaw’s inventory.
Do right by Silas Greaves’ legacy when all is said and done… and head to the Pilgrim Outpost to find out more.
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To help us create unforgettable experiences for all Dying Light 2 Stay Human players, we invite them to join the conversation on Discord, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube – we’ll be waiting!
For more information about Dying Light 2 Stay Human and Techland, head to www.dyinglight2.com
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About Techland
Techland is one of the biggest and best-known Polish game developers with studios in Wroclaw and Warsaw. For over 30 years, we’ve carried a tradition of providing gamers with unforgettable experiences. We’re an international team of over 400 highly-skilled professionals driven by a passion for gaming, always striving for the best quality.
We’re fueled by the support of our global community built on the foundation of successful AAA franchises such as Call of Juarez, Dead Island, or Dying Light. The gamers’; trust in our games has resulted in our newest project, Dying Light 2 Stay Human, selling more than 5 million copies across all platforms within the first month after release.
On top of continuously growing the world of Dying Light through a robust post- launch support plan for Dying Light 2 Stay Human, we’re also working on an unannounced AAA Open World Action RPG set in a brand new fantasy universe; our biggest project to date.
Techland’s mission strictly determines every aspect of our work: we want to create unforgettable experiences.
The highly anticipated title evolves the LEGO games experience with a vast open world, high octane racing and deep customisation system
Last Friday, 2K Games and the LEGO Group announced LEGO® 2K Drive, the ultimate AAA driving adventure game, is available in Australia and New Zealand for Nintendo SwitchTM, PlayStation®5 (PS5™), PlayStation®4 (PS4™), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Check out the high octane launch trailer packed with LEGO fun here.
From an incredible team of genre experts at Visual Concepts, LEGO 2K Drive combines the best elements of open world driving and fast-paced competitive racing, along with a diverse vehicle customization system. Made to be played solo or together, the game offers robust co-op and thrilling competitive multiplayer with crossplay, allowing players to group up together across platforms, on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store.* Online, local co-op, and local wireless play with friends is also available on Nintendo Switch. More information on game modes, ways to play together, customisation, and more, can be found here.
LEGO 2K Drive launches with incredible value, with a vast trove of playable (and replayable!) content that will continue to grow post-launch with four unique, Drive Pass Seasons***. Additional details on the Drive Pass Seasons can be found here.
“We’ve arrived at the first step in the multi-title partnership between 2K and the LEGO Group and we could not be more thrilled,” said Tina Walsh, Head of LEGO GAME Marketing. “With LEGO 2K Drive, Visual Concepts and 2K have taken the LEGO games experience fans know and love and evolved it in an exciting new way, delivering a game that both existing and new LEGO audiences will want to dive into.”
“LEGO 2K Drive is a dream project come to life for our team at Visual Concepts, who are deeply passionate about driving and open world games,” said Greg Thomas, President of Visual Concepts. “Regardless of playstyle, there is so much packed into Bricklandia for fans to discover, and we can’t wait for them to experience our take on a world only made possible through LEGO magic.”
Three editions of LEGO 2K Drive are available:
The Standard Edition is available for $89.95 AUD / $99.95 NZD** on Nintendo SwitchTM, PlayStation®4 (PS4™), Xbox One and PC, and $99.95 AUD / $109.95 NZD** on PlayStation®5 (PS5™) and Xbox Series X|S in both physical and digital formats.
The Awesome Editionis available for $149.95 AUD / $159.95 NZD** and includes a new vehicle, vehicle flair, and an in-game LEGO minifigure. Players will also receive the ‘Year 1 Drive Pass’ which is a bundle that includes the Premium versions of Seasons 1-4 of the Drive Pass, the Awesome Pizza Vehicle and 550 Coins.***
The Awesome Rivals Editionis available for $179.95 AUD / $189.95 NZD** and includes multiple new vehicles, a vehicle flair, and in-game LEGO minifigures. Players will also receive the ‘Year 1 Drive Pass’ which is a bundle that includes the Premium versions of Seasons 1-4 of the Drive Pass, the Awesome Pizza Vehicle and 550 Coins.***
Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
*Crossplay not available on Nintendo Switch. Certain features and online play require Internet connection and 2K Account. Online console play requires paid subscription.
**Based on 2K’s suggested retail price. Actual retail price may vary. See local store for info.
***Drive Pass rewards require unlocking with gameplay. Year 1 Drive Pass includes the Premium versions of Seasons 1-4 of the Drive Pass which unlocks additional premium rewards through gameplay. Year 1 Drive Pass is included with LEGO 2K Drive Awesome Edition and Awesome Rivals Edition. Also available for individual purchase. Base game, 2K Account and internet connection required. For more information on the Drive Pass, go to https://lego.2k.com/drive/drive-pass/.
About LEGO
The LEGO Group’s mission is to inspire and develop the builders of tomorrow through the power of play. The LEGO System in Play, with its foundation in LEGO® bricks, allows children and fans to build and rebuild anything they can imagine. The LEGO Group was founded in Billund, Denmark in 1932 by Ole Kirk Kristiansen, its name derived from the two Danish words LEg GOdt, which mean “Play Well”. Today, the LEGO Group remains a family-owned company headquartered in Billund. However, its products are now sold in more than 140 countries worldwide. For more information: www.LEGO.com.
About 2K
Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber, and HB Studios. 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports, and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA® 2K; renowned BioShock®, Borderlands®, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization® and XCOM® brands; popular WWE® 2K and WWE® SuperCard franchises; as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR® 2K. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at 2k.com and on the Company’s official social media channels.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. The Company develops and publishes products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, Private Division, and Zynga. Our products are currently designed for console gaming systems, PC, and Mobile including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO.
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When The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild launched for the Switch, it set a new bar for an entire genre, further cementing Nintendo’s famed series as a system seller. Half a decade later, a sequel has been released to attempt to capture some of that magic a second time around. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom has everything you could want in a sequel, with ambitious new mechanics and a brand new chapter to dig into, but can lightning strike twice on the Nintendo Switch? Drop your metal items as we take a look and find out.
Story
All is not how you left it. Years after Link’s victory over Ganon – a reawakening takes place that separates Link and Zelda, leaving link with a new arm while the princess disappears. Yeah, on paper the plot follows the general feel for the franchise. Link and Zelda have to take down a new form of Ganon to save Hyrule. Tears of the Kingdom however has expanded the plot by bringing new happenings that must be fixed, such as the Upheaval which has caused chaos to fall over the region, as the world turns to the only hero that can truly stop the terror from plaguing it.
I truly do not think there could be better writing or pacing in any story if Nintendo tried. Rich with lore and a touch of nostalgia, Tears of the Kingdom feels captivating and interesting throughout, bringing so many new story elements that one would have to play through more than once to catch everything that this sequel has to offer. Sequels are already hard enough to remain engaging when set in the same world as the first title, but everything just feels so new and inviting within this title that it feels you’re pushed along effortlessly as you spend countless hours simply exploring. The characters are warm and likable, the setting is gorgeous, and Link’s role feels more important than ever before.
Gameplay
This may a world once traveled, but it certainly will not feel like it this time around. To say the Ultrahand mechanic changes things is putting it lightly. Players now can use Link’s new arm to fuse together almost anything, crafting vehicles, weapons, bridges, and so on, with the main purpose of exploration and puzzle-solving. Need to get across a cliff? Now you can chop down some trees and build a bridge, or maybe instead you can strap a rocket to a cart and zoom over the edge for a quick yet risky thrill. Every objective is left in the hands of the player as they explore this world in their own way, and the open-endedness of these mechanics mean no two people will have the same playthroughs as there never is a wrong solution.
Over a decade ago, Rare dropped Banjo Kazooie Nuts and Bolts, a vehicle builder title with a lot of heart and a large world to make use of your finds. The game had a small following but never seemed to outrun the disappointment from fans that it wasn’t the game they expected to release at the time. Tears of the Kingdom echoes a lot of the same sentiment with its crafting, yet nails the execution as everything feels so second nature for this universe. You will pass by wheels and boards scattered across the lands in common fashion, but are never required to utilize these techniques in any “perfect” fashion, so one can merely take the tools of their choosing to travel and fix puzzles when they want, rather than feel like they are in some sort of forced gimmick.
This title still retains the same energy and quality that we would expect from a Zelda title, as from bombs, to bows, to generally everything else, the combat still feels more of the same. Now, you can upgraded your arsenal with crafting at any given time, and it mostly feels seamless and accessible. The Ultrahand allows players to rotate items and glue them together with a magical adhesive. Players can then add magical elements that act as motors and fans to give them movement, which allows inner creativity to take over as they attempt to solve the many issues happening around them. Combat feels fluid and tight throughout, and the camera does an impeccable job at staying with the player, no matter how hectic the situation.
If I had to name any flaws within this massive experience, it would probably be centered around the Ultrahand’s button mapping, but that can be slightly adjusted as it takes a bit to get used to managing all of the powers that are given to you without accidentally pulling up the wrong one. Even that comes well with practice, and this is an experience that most will be so busy with the most minor of chores that they won’t even realize when they are close to seeing the game end. I know that is an odd bit of praise, but engagement in open world titles matter, and I never wondered to myself “how much more before I beat the game?”, I simply felt like I was in a sandbox of ideas with an epic story unfolding around my hero, as there is so much to do and see that tedium or boredom never really became an issue like it did when I first played other titles within this same franchise.
Visuals
The graphics are much like its predecessor in almost all ways, running silky smooth with a ton of detail and atmosphere throughout. Everything is so well animated that its hard not to get excited when a pile of sticks and boards that you spend ten minutes building on starts to move and take off, granting the player with a firm feeling of satisfaction as their work comes to life. There are a lot of dark corners in Hyrule, but sunlight and beauty is always a small trek away, and the game makes everything fit together like a well-executed puzzle, despite how large this world really is.
Audio
The audio is of course top notch as well, and is sure to be yet another soundtrack that is celebrated for generations. From lively tunes that give the player a chipper tone to the dark and looming suspenseful tracks that quickly create angst, this arrangement is stunning and demands a good pair of headphones or speakers as you move on within the main narrative. The voice acting is also well done, and there is just enough familiarity to always remind you of the franchise you’re in, as at times I think I had to be reminded due to how different this title truly feels compared to not only Breath of the Wild, but all the other games that came before it.
Overall
Tears of the Kingdom is going to be a cornerstone for the Switch. Make no mistake, the game isn’t absolutely flawless, but its ability to bring in such refined and engaging mechanics to an already explored world in such an effortless manner is outstanding and deserves countless praise. Sure, the story is great and there will be a lot for long-time fans to see, but Nintendo have managed to take gimmickry that other developers failed to capitalize on in the past and make it work without any issue in this universe, which is surely to set winds of change in a genre so desperate for it. I have never been a huge Zelda fan, as something never clicked for myself with the storied franchise. The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom changed that with this entry, as it really is one of the best titles not just for the Nintendo Switch, but for Nintendo as a whole in their long, illustrious history. Well done, Link.
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Lost in the dungeon of the Sealed Lands we find ourselves starving and about to die of dehydration when we stumble across the corpse of a strange and massive monster. Not wanting to end up as yet another victim of the dungeons, we eat the decomposing monster only to pass out and wake up somewhere that not only has some supplies but can also be used as a base for future adventures. With a party seemingly out of nowhere the only way to fuel our escape is through defeating monsters and eating them along the way in Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook.
Tighten your pack and loosen your belt before digging into this dungeon-crawling survival adventure! Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook spices up the classic SRPG formula with deliciously fun cooking-based mechanics. Indulge in detailed character creation for your party, gather resources, ingredients, and items while exploring, and fight monsters in tactical combat. Then kick back by the campfire as you use what you’ve collected to cook meals that can give you the edge for your next course of dungeon delving.
Monster Menu The Scavenger’s Cookbook Developer: Nippon Ichi Software Publisher: NIS America Platform: Nintendo Switch, Playstation 5, PlayStation 4 Release Date: May 23, 2023
Recommended – “Cooking up monsters in Monster Menu: The Scavenger’s Cookbook is a delight but simple gameplay and generic dungeons prevent this unique SRPG from making the most of its potential.”
