Bandai Namco Europe today released DORAEMON STORY OF SEASONS: FRIENDS OF THE GREAT KINGDOM on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5 and STEAM®.
The beloved cat-type robot Doraemon once again crosses over with the popular game series “Story of Seasons” in an all-new heartwarming story.
Experience a casual farm simulation gameplay set against a picturesque landscape with realistic natural elements, such as weather, and changing seasons, designed with a delightful storybook feel. Watch firework displays, gaze into the sparkling night skies or chase the sunrise. Relax and create unforgettable memories with your friends on planet Illuma.
More than 80 of Doraemon’s secret gadgets are featured, for more fun and a dream-filled farm experience! Use secret gadgets such as the “Hopter” and “Mini Raincloud” to build a farm in the clouds or use the “Adapting Ray” to go underwater and harvest pearls! You can even bring a friend on your adventures on the planet of Illuma in 2 players offline mode.
Also coming out today, as part of the Season Pass, is the first DLC “Winter Tales”, including new outfits, a furniture set and an additional mini story, bringing a new season for Noby and friends to discover. Expect 2 other DLCs to come out, adding new experiences and fun to the game! The Special Edition and Deluxe Edition including bonus seed sets as well as the Season Pass are available.
Finally, a demo is out today, offering to give you a first taste at this cozy game experience on a foreign planet that feels like home. Progress through the free demo and get your special rewards to kick off your farm life!
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™.
Pre-orders Open Now for Action RPG Atomic Heart, Releasing Feb. 21, 2023
PARIS — Nov. 3, 2022 — Focus Entertainment and Mundfish are thrilled to announce the release date for their upcoming action RPG Atomic Heart, set in the mad utopia of an alternate post-WWII world. The game will release on Feb. 21, 2023, for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC. It is also available to pre-order now!
Enter a world of wonders and perfection in which humans and their AI creations live in harmony… or so it seems. Set the record straight on this deceitful utopia, exploring a twisted sci-fi world, blasting rogue robots, giant machines and even mutants. Adapt your fighting style to each opponent, and use your environment and upgrade your equipment to gain the upper hand in a visceral, spectacular and unforgiving combat experience. If you want to uncover the truth, you’ll have to pay in blood.
Players can pre-order Atomic Heart today to get access to exclusive weapon skins with the “Labour & Science Weapon Skin Pack.” Three editions of the title are available for pre-order: the Standard Edition, consisting of the base game; the Gold Edition, which includes the base game plus the Atomic Pass; and the Premium Edition, including all content contained in the Gold Edition, plus an exclusive digital artbook and extra cosmetics. The Atomic Pass takes the Atomic Heart experience further with four DLCs, opening up access to new areas and labs, as well as new weapons, enemies, bosses and more!
Exclusive to the Focus Store, fans can also pre-order Atomic Heart’s Limited Edition Bundle, which includes the base game on the platform of your choice (PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X in retail, or a Steam key for PC), a Steelbook®, metal poster, and the official artbook created by the developers.
Mario and Rabbids once seemed like an odd – if not unfitting combination five years ago. Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle changed that, with intuitive and strategic gameplay – laced with a silly flare that made the title a smash hit for the Switch early on. All this time later, we now have a sequel ready to refine the game further in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope. Does this blend still work, or has the mix overstayed its welcome? Let’s find out.
Story
Our tale starts a time after the events of the first title, with Mario, Luigi, Peach, and their Rabbids counterparts having fun in the Mushroom Kingdom. Suddenly, a new adventure unfolds as a species of Luma called “Sparks” (which is basically a Rabbid version) show up. The Sparks are being pursued by a villain by the name of Cursa, who with her army are out to drain the power from Mario’s new friends, while spreading darkness to every locale it visits. Our heroes then must board a ship and set out to rescue captured Sparks and clean up the darkness that is consuming the universe.
While this story isn’t exactly the most original or deep, it works well enough to have a nice charm to it. The Rabbids have more interesting roles this time around, and the whole narrative feels light and fun, without ever feeling overly forced or cheesy. The locations are also full of surprises and nods to both franchises, giving fans a bit of love as they brighten up every space they visit.
Gameplay
If the first Mario + Rabbids was able to grab you with its new approach on gameplay, this title is likely to pull you back in as everything feels more of the same, but with a lot more polish and refinement this time around. Mario and company can now move around much easier, with a lot of older styles being purged to provide an experience that feels closer to that of the Mario franchise, rather than the turn-based strategy gimmick that may have put off some as they dove into unexpectedly when booting up Kingdom Battle. The grid-based battles are now a thing of the past, with free movement now opening a lot more room for strategy and interesting mechanics. Things are still turn-based, but now Mario and the rest of the cast can now explore limited spaces, with the player able to scope out the environment, choose an action, and then switch to other characters in order to fulfill a turn successfully.
Most battles will have the player utilizing the environment to their advantage as they hide behind blocks and buildings for defense, moving around freely thereafter to set up and perform an attack. All characters can still use their standard weapons, which will vary in attack based on what power-ups or abilities are used within the turns of a normal battle. Players can now dash attack enemies to destroy or stun them, with a new real-time element coming into play. For example, a stunned Bob-omb can be used to chuck at a group of enemies for a quick, powerful explosion that can decide the flow of a battle instantly. The improvements show greatly here, as Sparks of Hope easily takes what was great about the first title and improves on nearly every mechanic to make the game far more accessible, while adding new depth and strategies to every encounter.
The Sparks themselves are just as fun to use in this romp, as each provide special abilities and powers to your team. Some have simple powers, such as to boost a strike or reflect incoming attacks, while others found later can unleash healing auras or drain enemy HP. While it may sound like everything is easier, the game does have a steady challenge that is found later in the game, with memorable and somewhat tricky boss battles that will test the player’s skill level as they attempt to slowly tap away at the larger health gauge. Upgrades and leveling bring a good bit of balance, with tons of customization welcoming multiple playthroughs.
I’ll be honest, I didn’t get to spend a ton of time with Kingdom Battle the first time around as it didn’t quite catch me compared to the other titles in the early Switch library. Sparks of Hope just feels so much more refreshing and enjoyable due to its new stylings and additions, and while it still isn’t going to be for everyone, it does manage to be something the player can get sucked into for hours at a time, itching to revisit each time they boot up their console. There is a ton to unlock, and the progression feels so satisfying due to better pacing and combat mechanics that are effortless to execute.
Visuals
The graphics here are outstanding. With silky-smooth animation comparable to a feature film and bold and bright colors, Sparks of Hope certainly knows how to present itself. The transition between cutscene to gameplay is also fluid, with little movements and facial expressions adding a ton of character to the whole experience.
Audio
The soundtrack is also nice, but not as memorable as other titles in either franchise. While it does its job to capture the world within, I just felt the music never quite captured the epic scope that the visuals and narrative attempted to convey. The Rabbids are fully voiced this time around and while I have never been an avid follower of that franchise, there is some humor to their slurps and chugs as they ramble. Those who want traditional will be happy to hear Mario and Luigi’s little quips as well, which kind of brings the whole game back to that 3D Mario vibe.
Overall
Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is a worthy sequel and extension of the Mario and Rabbid universe that is sure to be a gem on the platform for years to come. Where Kingdom Battle was a great attempt, Sparks of Hope is a home run, delivering wonderful gameplay in a fully realized format that feels complete and utterly satisfying. There are a lot of weird crossovers and spin-offs in the industry, but this follow-up is one that has now cemented itself as a front-runner as Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope is easily one of the best titles on the console to date.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Few could have expected that when the God of War franchise revived itself in 2018 following a five year lull that Sony Santa Monica would not only would the developer take the series in an entirely new direction but it would become one of the best games ever released for the PlayStation 4. Now comes the far more difficult challenge, trying to create a sequel to this critically acclaimed game that offers a new and interesting story while capitalizing on all of the elements that made the first game so great. So now, four years after the release of the first game, God of War Ragnarök has arrived and more than lives up to the original release, in fact surpassing it in many ways.
Story
Those who have yet to play through the events of the 2018 God of War, or might need a refresher of how certain events played out, the developers have included an informative recap of events so players can jump into God of War Ragnarök without feeling lost. This is for the best as three years have passed since the end of the original game and Fimbulwinter has struck the nine realms incredibly hard. Kratos and Atreus have been surviving the deadly winter by mostly remaining within their protected home as any time they venture outside not only are the wilds growing ever more dangerous but enemies from their past adventures are continuing are eager to take Kratos’ life.
After an unusual development that puts Atreus in danger, the pair find that their homestead is no longer a safe haven as both Thor and Odin have come to pay them a visit. Rather than seeking bloodshed however, they offer a truce should the pair choose to continue to live out their days without trying to fight against them or uncover more secrets surrounding Ragnarök. Of course, with Kratos denying their offer and the group coming to blows, Atreus and Kratos begin to search for more answers about the prophecy that surrounds the upcoming Ragnarök and the part that they may play in it. With their journey taking them through the realms and making allies with both new and old mythological beings and facing down other mythical creatures, God of War Ragnarök is expansive and sprawling both narratively and as an adventure game.
While we won’t go into further details about the numerous revelations, characters that make appearances and the roles that they play, or the many astounding events that play out through the story, it must be said that while the first game was an impressive tale God of War Ragnarök is a step above it in almost every regard and part of this is thanks to how well developed the core cast of characters are, their interactions with one another on a minute to minute basis as players explore each location, and the developments that they undergo throughout the story. While Kratos had previously shut himself off emotionally, God of War Ragnarök begins with a far more open Kratos, at least compared to before. While still a stoic and as straightforward as they come, his interactions with Atreus and Mimir, who joins players from the start, reveal a man capable of listening to others and accepting what they have to say as well as being a bit open emotionally.
This is especially true when it comes to his interactions with Atreus, who he no longer calls “Boy,” as the group ventures forth on their journey. Atreus has learned much in his time surviving Fimbulwinter and the experiences have made him far more humble and understanding of the world around him. Of course, he isn’t without a rebellious streak as players will find him venturing forth on his own in possession of newfound confidence in himself as well as keeping secrets from his father. Combine these two with Mimir whose purpose throughout the story remains both a source of exposition and comedy and players will be in for quite a time wherever they happen to be exploring, learning more about the world through near constant banter all while advancing towards their goals.
These goals are on a far grander scale than what was previously sought after in the original release as players will find the story constantly delivering new twists and turns as they progress through the game. Between prophecy, destiny, and free will every character, both old and new, is explored and given proper respect to their developments whether they happen during a bombastic confrontation or a more tender moment of conversation in the surprisingly many moments of respite. Characters both new and old see themselves undergoing impactful developments that reveal the hardships that have shaped them and give way to new revelations that see them grow as a character or expose just what is driving them so far. In fact, many side-quests play heavily into exploring unseen sides of characters and feel like actual rewards rather than simple padding. As such no introduction feels like a waste as every character players meet plays a role in the story, even if they happen to be a more humorous role compared to others these moments of levity only serve to balance the tone of this incredibly told adventure.
Gameplay
In many ways God of War Ragnarök will feel quite familiar to those who have played the 2018 release as Sony Santa Monica has taken the more refined approach towards combat and exploration by simply adding on to what already worked so well in the first place. This means that while they may not have changed things up too much, combat in God of War was already a visceral feeling experience and has been made all the better this time around. Players will find that the Leviathan axe will feel mostly the same and also control the same with players being able to mix light and heavy attacks while also being able to throw it around at enemies and the environment and being able to recall it at the press of a button. Kratos will also immediately start with his signature Blades of Chaos and these have seen some reworking as they now can be used as a more mobile combat option as players will eventually be able to unlock abilities that can either draw enemies to Kratos and allow for easier enemy juggling as a result.
There have been some additions to these weapons however as the triangle button that previously was only used to recall the axe has now been given new life. Now players can use the triangle button, while already holding the axe, to imbue it with ice and unleash a powerful freezing attack or spin the Blades of Chaos in an arc creating a blazing wheel of carnage. In fact, freezing an enemy in place and then attacking them with fire can deal even more damage rewarding players for mixing things up in a fight. Runic abilities also see a return for both weapon types and while they aren’t quite as common as before players can use them to unleash powerful cooldown attacks to really devastate an enemy. Of course, players can also simply take to their enemies using Kratos’ fists (his key weapon when players trigger his Rage state) to deal damage and rack up the stun meter that can in turn be used to perform brutal takedowns that can instantly kill most enemies or deal massive damage to bosses and heftier foes.
Kratos’ shield also has seen some changes as players can now make use of a few different types. This includes tower style shields that are built to block an attack and send an enemy recoiling as well as a smaller high risk high reward buckler style that can be used to parry attacks and leave enemies wide open for attack. These shields can also be used as interrupt attacks for certain blue-ringed strikes from enemies that can really hurt if they land properly. Players will need to think on their feet in these fights as even on the normal difficulty setting enemies will be coming in fast and unrelenting. Layered arena designs mean foes can take shots from a distance and players will need to grapple to them or take them out with an axe throw or Atreus’ arrows but this faster style of combat also allows Kratos to leap from ledges to unleash powerful attacks both upon landing and even after climbing up a ledge.
Many combat arenas now also feature objects in the environment that can be used as powerful tools. These include chunks of rock that can be whipped around using the Blades of Chaos or even a tree trunk/pillar that can be ripped out of the ground and swung like a bat to take down foes, rewarding situational awareness. That isn’t to say that combat is flawless. The fast paced nature of combat can be a bit of a detriment at times as later areas of the game can occasionally begin to throw quite a few enemies at Kratos’ group and the the finesse of the combat mechanics can begin to go out the window a bit in these encounters and turn into a hectic battle where Kratos can be stunlocked far too easily. It is nice to note however that some combat issues with enemies attacking from all sides are alleviated a bit by either Mimir or Atreus chiming up when enemies are attacking from certain directions and a yellow and red directional warning of where pressure is coming from.
As players travel and fight through the realms they will gather plenty of materials from environmental puzzles that make use of Kratos’ wide array of tools to solve. These range simply from using the Leviathan axe to freeze items, to using a reflective surface to angle specific bounces, and more as the group’s tool kit expands in expected and surprising ways that we won’t spoil here. Players are encouraged to revisit old areas from time to time as certain areas will remain locked off without the correct tool and both Atreus and Mimir will often remark as such when players try them early as well as provide hints about a puzzle that might be stumping players though occasionally these hints can come a little fast. These materials can in turn be used to enhance Kratos’ weapon attachments and armor to help improve his various stats. Along these same lines XP gained from encounters can be used to learn new moves for both Kratos and Atreus with these moves then being leveled up further through actual use in combat before they can be given special traits as a final bonus such as having Kratos’ axe throw deal additional freezing damage.
One must also give praise to just how impressive the boss and mini-boss encounters are in God of War Ragnarök and while we won’t say exactly who and what players will fight against it must be said that the quality and even the quantity of these battles are far more impressive than the original game. These encounters are often true tests of how well they’ve managed to learn Kratos’ combat styles and often will push players to the edge. Thankfully these fights do feature some solid checkpoints so players won’t find themselves too annoyed should they fall in combat without a resurrection stone. Battles such as these can really drive home just how impressive God of War Ragnarök can feel at times, especially once players begin to face off against end-game and some of the post-game battles that truly take things to the next level.
Visuals & Audio
The attention to detail in God of War Ragnarök is astounding. Everything from the details on the weapons that Kratos uses and the armor he wears have been lovingly designed with intricate details to provide a level of polish that few games have ever seen. The realms that players travel through as well are just as impressive as before with each of them now bearing unique scars from the long Fimbulwinter that have changed their layouts and designs remarkably. Thankfully the variety of these locations remains high due to these changes and players will never find themselves wanting when traveling to a new realm and seeing just how different it is from another. The character models of Kratos and every other character are handled impressively with well-animated facial structures helping drive home the emotional impact of scenes. The same level of detail is carried over to the monster designs as there are way more enemy types than what was found in the previous game and these creatures range from being simple slugs or flying eyeballs to monstrous beasts that would be more at home in a certain monster hunting game. Combine this with the fluid nature of combat and the visceral nature that sees executed enemies fly apart and any fight can turn into a glorious looking display of action and violence.
The cast of characters in God of War Ragnarök have all seen their impressive voice actors return to reprise their roles with new characters being given just as much attention to their roles as the old. Kratos’ voice actor continues to nail the direct tone of the character while also offering a softer edge to the dialogue while Atreus’ newfound confidence is exhibited perfectly through his voice actor’s portrayal. The soundtrack also continues to be as impressive as ever with a slew of orchestral tracks that remain some of the best around, especially when it comes to the intense fight scenes that accompany them. The wide range of tracks fits perfectly for the series as lighter tracks fit for exploration and moments of downtime but pick right up the second Kratos draws his axe.
Overall
Surpassing or even living up to the expectations that God of War 2018 set was a tall order and Sony Santa Monica has managed to meet them. God of War Ragnarök is a first-class example of how to take an already impressive series and showcase just how much it still has to offer. With a gorgeous presentation, meaty combat heightened by the haptic feedback from the controller, and a compelling emotional story steeped in its own take on Norse mythology, God of War Ragnarök cements itself as another must play of the generation.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
November’s World of Warships update brings Japanese light cruisers into Early Access, submarines spanning Tier VI-X enter the tech tree, and a host of graphics improvements are introduced
AUSTIN, TEXAS (November 3,2022) — Wargaming, publisher and developer of the naval multiplayer free-to-play game World of Warships, is bringing a shipment of brand-new content in Update 0.11.10. With a range of Japanese light cruisers entering Early Access, submarines exiting Early Access and diving into the Tech Tree, alongside visual improvements introduced across a number of maps. On top of all this, World of Warships sees the introduction of a Battle Pass, and a new season of Clan battles.
Japanese light cruisers come to Early Access
Leading this update is a new range of Japanese light cruisers added to Early Access. This collection of medium-range ships boast a good firing range, with ships ranking Tier VIII upward featuring large quantities of main battery guns. These ships have high-damage and high-range torpedoes to destroy their enemies from afar, and are well camouflaged, enabling cruisers to get the surprise advantage in approaching opponents without being detected.
Players have a number of ways of securing these impressive vessels, with Agano, Gokase and Shimanto available in consecutive bundles, and Omono waiting as the final reward for combat missions.
Submarines sink into the tech tree
Following the introduction of playable submarines to Early Access in Update 0.11.9, German and American submarines have become researchable to all players by moving into the Tech Tree. Spanning Tier VI-X, these submarines are lethal, hidden under the water with powerful torpedoes. The German submarines offer players low visibility and long range acoustic torpedoes, whose tubes are able to reload simultaneously, while American submarines are equipped with short-range acoustic torpedoes and a rapid reload time.
Alongside this, each nation’s submarines are equipped with their own unique set of consumables. German U-boats offer access to both reserve battery unit and an improved submarine surveillance consumables, while the American vessels have the enhanced rudder gear and enhanced hydrophone consumables.
Visual improvements across the board
Update 0.11.10 also brings a host of graphics improvements to the game. Visuals for a number of maps including “Mountain Range”, “North” and “Strait” have received highly detailed textures, and the “Northern Lights” map has also seen an overhaul to more realistically depict aurora borealis. Vegetation models have also been upgraded across all maps, and ships see improved graphics with a convincing wetting effect implemented, wave divergence changes and dynamic reflections all updated for improved realism.
Battle Pass inbound
Rounding out this update, World of Warships is also releasing a new Battle Pass, which rewards daily and weekly combat missions with two different reward chains up for grabs, a free one and a premium one available for purchase. Four different Brawls will take place across this update, with the first stage kicking off on November 7th. In addition, the 19th season of the Barracuda Clan Battles begins shortly after Brawls on November 9th, with a seven-on-seven format for Tier X ships.
About World of Warships World of Warships is a free, historical, online combat PC game from Wargaming. With its massive fleet of most iconic war vessels, including four different ship classes and strategically designed environment, World of Warships provides the ultimate naval warfare gaming experience, suitable for everyone. Thanks to its largest collection of historically accurate ships available to play, World of Warships prides itself as a digital ship museum and a focal point for naval history enthusiasts. New thematic content and innovative game modes are being added on a regular basis, providing a diverse and exciting gameplay to its broad player base.
One franchise – multiple platforms After the successful launch of World of Warships on PC, its unique gameplay and design has been adapted to bring free massive naval battles to other platforms with World of Warships: Legends available on PlayStation and Xbox and World of Warships Blitz on iOS and Android mobile devices. Official website: http://www.worldofwarships.com
About Wargaming
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 17 offices around the world, including studios in Chicago, Prague, Shanghai, Tokyo and Vilnius. 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. Official website: wargaming.com
BEGIN YOUR SPIRITUAL NIGHTMARE IN THE CHANT,OUT NOW ON PC AND CONSOLES
It´s Time To Land On Glory Island, Survive The Cosmic Cult Horror And Face Your Darkest Fears. The Supernatural Journey Starts Now.
Sydney, Australia – 3 November, 2022 – Brass Token and Prime Matter are excited to present the launch trailer for The Chant. The single player horror-action-adventure game is out now on Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC and will illuminate your mind (and your screen) with its vibrant psychedelic vibes and supernatural atmosphere.
It´s time for Jess to pack her clothes, get in the boat and head to a remote island for her spiritual retreat. The Pacific Northwest coast is beautiful at this time of year. She goes in search of enlightenment, but things take an unexpected and terrifying twist. She must choose: Fight or flee?
Can Jess survive the unfolding horror, reverse the chaos and find her inner peace?
The Chant is a cosmic horror-action-adventure game. With a mix of survival action gameplay, character- and lore-driven storytelling, players will need to uncover the dark mysteries of the island’s past. Mind, Body and Spirit are at the center of The Chant and balancing these stats is key to survival and progress.
A colourful, psychedelic landscape surrounds players taking the role of Jess. To advance through The Chant‘s unique and supernatural environment they’ll need to choose their battles carefully and fight for survival using spiritual abilities and weapons.
A spiritual combat system
The spiritual combat system allows players to collect and craft items they find on the island to create weapons like sage sticks and essential oils. Managing resources is key to survival. Should you take your chances in close combat — or succumb to panic and flee? When low on supplies or outnumbered, it’s sometimes best to run away.
Just don´t let the parasitic creatures on the island prey on your negative emotions — or they will become stronger.
The Chant´s soundtrack has been created by the renowned composer Paul Ruskay, adding a 70s horror-folklore vibe that perfectly conveys the supernatural experience, adding a rich soundscape throughout the game.
“We’re deeply excited to release our first game and we hope others enjoy all the care and curiosity our team put into it”, Mike Skupa, Creative Director of The Chant.
Welcome to your spiritual nightmare!
The Chant is a cosmic horror-action-adventure game developed by Brass Token and published by Prime Matter, launching today on Xbox Series X/S, PS5 and PC.
The Chant is playable on NVIDIA GeForce NOW — giving gamers instant access to GeForce PC performance, on nearly any PC, Mac, SHIELD TV, Android, iOS device or Chromebook without any downloads.
Based in Vancouver, Canada, Brass Token is an independent video game development studio led by AAA industry veterans who have worked on titles such as Bully, Sleeping Dogs and Gears of War. This focused team combines their passion for storytelling and inventive game mechanics to create timeless third person action experiences.
About Prime Matter:
Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Prime Matter the premium gaming label dedicated to delivering a range of diverse and immersive games from amazing gaming development talent all around the globe.
Working across projects of all styles, scopes and sizes, single-player, co-op to live ops, from producing to publishing, from ambitious teams taking their first step that need full support without compromising their dream to larger established successful studios searching that next step in the global market and building of brands.
Prime Matter looks to lead through creativity, expression and passion, with games that will grip and enchant with enthralling story-telling, winning an audience with its incredible moments and larger-than-life experiences. Prime Matter is a proud member of the PLAION Group, formerly known as Koch Media.
Brawlhalla, Rocksmith+, Hungry Shark World and Trackmania will release activations designed during this year’s Green Game Jam throughout the month of November
PARIS – November 2, 2022 – Today, Ubisoft announced that four of its titles will release in-game activations in November to raise awareness about environmental topics and mobilize millions of players for the planet in anticipation of the 2022 United Nations Climate Change Conference. Brawlhalla, Rocksmith+, Hungry Shark World and Trackmania will each launch the green activation their teams submitted to this year’s Green Game Jam, organized by the Playing for the Planet Alliance, an initiative facilitated by the UN Environment Programme (UNEP). As a founding member of the Alliance, Ubisoft has committed to acting on its responsibility as one of the world’s leading video game companies to not only reduce its own carbon footprint, but also to educate and inspire its global communities to act.
Beginning November 2, Brawlhalla players will be able to purchase a new in-game Emote that animates the growth of a Yggdrasil tree, with all proceeds from the Emote supporting reforestation in the real world through The World Tree Initiative activation.
Rocksmith+ will also kick off its activation, Tonewood, on November 2, which aims to educate players about the environmental impact of wooden instrument production with new “Discover” video lessons and free themed cosmetics.
Hungry Shark World’s Protect the Baby Sharks Event will begin on November 8, inviting players to rescue baby sharks and preserve the future of the ocean’s ecosystems.
Finally, Trackmania will host its Green Weekend starting November 11. Over the summer, players created and submitted tracks with environmental themes. The three winning tracks will be featured as Track of the Day and playable for free.
Each game will also work with a partner to ensure that these in-game moments translate into real-world action. Hungry Shark World will team up with Glowing Glowing Gone to amplify their campaign in support of greater ocean protection and the preservation and restoration of coral reefs. Brawlhalla, Rocksmith+ and Trackmania will give money to their partner Ecologi to contribute to reforestation efforts by planting more than 20,000 trees, which combined with those planted through other activations this year, puts Ubisoft on track to exceed a total of one million trees planted over 12 months.
What makes video games a unique form of entertainment is their ability to immerse the player and make them an active participant in the world around them. This makes games the ideal playground to concretely show players what is at stake when we talk about climate change,” said Nicolas Hunsinger, Director of Corporate Environmental Sustainability at Ubisoft. “We’re proud of the ways in which the Brawlhalla, Rocksmith+, Hungry Shark World and Trackmania teams have leveraged their creativity to engage players in conversations about environmental issues and inspire them to act.”
Mobilizing Ubisoft’s communities for the planet through games is one essential pillar of the company’s environmental commitment, Play Green. It complements Ubisoft’s rigorous approach to reducing its carbon emissions and contributing to global carbon neutrality. Ubisoft set a science-based target in line with the Paris Agreement to help limit global warming to 1.5°C by 2030, which was validated by the Science Based Target Initiative. The company has committed to reducing its absolute scope 1 and 2 GHG emissions by 42% by 2030 from a 2020 base year and ensuring 67% of its suppliers by spend will have science-based targets by 2026.
Stay tuned throughout November for more updates on these four games! For more information, please visit www.ubisoft.com and WWW.playing4theplanet.org/green-game-jam-2022. About Ubisoft Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids®, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew®, Tom Clancy’s The Division®, and Watch Dogs®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2021–22 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2,129 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.
Sydney, Australia –November 3, 2022 – Today, Ubisoft® unveiled more details about the exciting post-launch plans for Mario + Rabbids® Sparks of Hope. Players will continue their journey through three downloadable contents, available on Nintendo Switch™.
In the Tower of Doooom, players will face the greatest challenges! Madame Bwahstrella needs Mario, Rabbid Peach and their friends to clean her multi-dimensional tower and save their old friend Spawny! Coming early 2023, this extension will add a new combat game mode in which players will face highly strategic battles as they make their way to the top of the Tower.
The second downloadable content will have our Heroes travelling to a brand-new planet. Players will be able to explore new environments, filled with fun characters to meet, secrets to discover, but also new enemies to face. This new story content will be available mid-2023.
In the last DLC, Rabbid Mario, Rabbid Peach and Rayman® will join forces in a surprising, fun and epic adventure. Players will be able to control Rayman and follow our Heroes as they explore a new and mysterious place. This DLC will arrive late-2023.
All downloadable contents require players to own Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope and are included in the game’s Season Pass. Tower of Doooom is exclusively available for Season Pass owners, while the two other expansions can be bought separately. The Season Pass is included in Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope Gold Edition, on Nintendo Switch™ exclusively. For more information about this edition, please visit https://store.ubi.com/mario-plus-rabbids-sparks-of-hope/60a4d7030d253c0e6c630899.html
About Mario + Rabbids® Sparks of Hope Only the most extravagant team of Heroes can rekindle the sparks of hope across the galaxy! Team up with Mario, Rabbid Peach and their friends on a cosmic journey to defeat Cursa and save the galaxy! Explore planets throughout the universe that are filled with strange inhabitants, memorable quests and hilarious secrets! Outwit enemies in an innovative combat system mixing turn-based tactics and real time action. Combine forces with the Sparks’ immense energy and anything becomes possible…for better OR worse!
About Ubisoft
Ubisoft is a creator of worlds, committed to enriching players’ lives with original and memorable entertainment experiences. Ubisoft’s global teams create and develop a deep and diverse portfolio of games, featuring brands such as Assassin’s Creed ®, Brawlhalla®, For Honor®, Far Cry®, Tom Clancy’s Ghost Recon®, Just Dance®, Rabbids, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six®, The Crew®, Tom Clancy’s The Division®, and Watch Dogs®. Through Ubisoft Connect, players can enjoy an ecosystem of services to enhance their gaming experience, get rewards and connect with friends across platforms. With Ubisoft+, the subscription service, they can access a growing catalog of more than 100 Ubisoft games and DLC. For the 2021–22 fiscal year, Ubisoft generated net bookings of €2,129 million. To learn more, please visit: www.ubisoftgroup.com.
In recent months, some of the games coming to PS VR2 next year have been showcased, such as Horizon Call of the Mountain, Resident Evil Village, and more. Today, PlayStation Australia is happy to share the first details of 11 new PS VR2 titles and the experiences that you’ll be able to enjoy after PS VR2 launches on February 22.
Don’t blink – Immerse yourself in this fast-paced roller coaster action-horror-shooter where every move you make, and everything you see, could mean the difference between life and death.
A battle-focused shooter, Crossfire: Sierra Squad will have you fighting a seemingly endless enemy force with high AI intelligence. This first-person shooter incorporates innovative features offered by PS VR2, and is planned to launch on PS VR2 in 2023.
From the minds at Funktronic Labs comes a new single player roguelike experience filled with immersive gunplay and moody mystery. As the last line of defence against the darkness, you will enlist in the ranks of the Light Brigade and journey into the Sunken World as many times as it takes. The Light Brigade will be available for pre-order starting November 15.
Cities: VR is a VR adaptation of the leading city-builder, Cities: Skylines, where you get to build and manage the city of your dreams. With the power of the PS5 the developers are able to bring you great detail, allowing you to watch your city come alive all the way from the bustling streets to a bird’s eye view in a smooth experience. Cities VR – Enhanced Edition will be available for pre-order starting November 15.
From the creators of popular and award winning titles Job Simulator and Vacation Simulator, comes an original creation—the comically catastrophic Cosmonious High! In this single player alien adventure players take on the role of a Prismi, a rare alien species that can adapt to any situation. Cosmonious High will be available for pre-order starting November 15.
Together with Steel Wool Studios, tinyBuild Games is bringing you the most immersive Hello Neighbor experience yet using virtual reality in the all-new Hello Neighbor: Search and Rescue, coming to PlayStation VR2 & VR! Hello Neighbor: Search and Rescue will be available for pre-order starting November 15.
Jurassic World Aftermath Collection | Developer: Coatsink
This reworked version of the popular survival adventure game combines both Part 1 and Part 2 into one complete collection. In addition to taking advantage of PS VR2’s new capabilities like headset rumble and use of 3D audio, Coatsink have added volumetric lighting, enhanced post-processing effects and faster loading times, which really enhance the immersive nature of this experience.
Pistol Whip is an award-winning physical action-rhythm game where thrilling gunplay and dynamic tracks collide, creating a dreamscape world for players to blast, duck, and dodge their way through to become the ultimate action hero.
Zenith: The Last City is coming to PlayStation VR2 as a first day launch title! Ramen VR has added hundreds of hours of new content, made massive graphics updates, and leveraged the PS VR2 features to bring you a truly next level experience of Zenith’s gorgeous open-world. Zenith: The Last City will be available for pre-order starting November 15.
After the Fall, an intense co-op shooter set in a post-apocalyptic version of Los Angeles, is coming in 2023 to PS VR2! Thanks to the new PS VR2 features, every slide you rack and magazine you release can now be felt throughout your entire hands through haptic feedback, while each gun now mimics its real-life counterpart in trigger pull weight using dynamic use of adaptive triggers.
For those of you who have yet to experience the watery world of Tentacular in VR, you’re in for a real treat for the senses! Tentacular plunges you into the ocean-dwelling hulk of a gigantic mild-mannered mollusc, raised among humans on the bustling and eccentric island of La Kalma. Tentacular will be available for pre-order starting November 15.
For more information on the games, head to the PlayStation Blog.
This blast from 2009’s past is making a comeback of brick-breaking proportions.
WELLINGTON, NZ – 2 November 2022 – Shatter Remastered Deluxe,the optimized version of the critically acclaimed game that redefined the brick-breaking genre from developer and publisher PikPok, releases on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and on PC via Steam for Windows, Linux and MacOS today.
Shatter Remastered Deluxe debuts on modern hardware with five electric game modes, couch co-op options, global leaderboards, and more. Enjoy the classic arcade-like action with native 4K 120 FPS support, and a modernized interface.
Dive into an immersive single-player campaign comprising 71 intense levels across 10 different worlds. Master mind-bending shots, launching balls and altering trajectory by harnessing the unique Suck and Blow mechanic. Unleash power-ups like the Maneuveraballand Unstoppaball to chain massive combos together, and prepare your ultimate attack Shardstorm in preparation for formidable boss fights at the end of each world.
Seek additional challenges in alternative game modes, including Time Attack, Endless Mode, and Boss Rush. Gather an ally and break bricks in local co-op sessions, or compete to be the best on global leaderboards for the ultimate bragging rights. Shatter Remastered Deluxe is accompanied by an award-winning and mesmerizing soundtrack from composer Module.
“Shatter originally exploded onto the scene in 2009, and we were thrilled with the reception it earned from fans and critics,” said Mario Wynands, CEO of PikPok. “With Shatter Remastered Deluxe, we are bringing this innovative brick-breaking experience to a new generation of players and taking the opportunity to modernize and optimize for today’s PC’s and consoles. We are confident the immersive arcade action will thrill fans of the original game while simultaneously winning lots of new ones along the way.”
Shatter Remastered Deluxe is now available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC (Windows, Linux and MacOS) via Steam for $9.99 USD. It features Arabic, Chinese (Traditional and Simplified), Croatian, Czech, Dutch, Danish, English, Finnish, French, German, Hebrew, Hindi, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese (Portugal), Portuguese (Brazil), Romanian, Russian, Spanish (Spain), Spanish (Mexico/Latin America), Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, and Vietnamese language support.
PikPok is a Wellington, New Zealand-based video game developer and publisher of great games across mobile, tablet, and desktop. With a portfolio of original, licensed, and third-party developed properties, PikPok delivers games that appeal to all players with pick-up-and-play gameplay, high-quality art, and immersive audio design which provide rich game experiences. PikPok has released successful original games including Rival Stars® Horse Racing, Agent Intercept™, Into the Dead® 2, Flick Kick® Football Legends, and Shatter™.
