Experience the Thrilling Action RPG Before the Game Releases 3rd March
Hetfordshire, 6th February 2023 — KOEI TECMO Europe and developer Team NINJA announced during this weekend’s Taipei Game Show 2023 that the final demo for their highly-anticipated action-RPG, Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty will be available from 24th February at 8:00AM GMT through 27th March 2023 at 7:59AM BST. The demo for Team NINJA’s demon-plagued epic will be available across all platforms the game is scheduled to release on, including Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and on PC via Windows and Steam®.
The final demo will feature two early stages of the game that were not available in the first demo, including Chapter 1: Village of Calamity along with Chapter 2: Two Chivalrous Heroes. Both chapters showcase the thrilling combat and intense fighting of a demon-plagued, fantasy Three Kingdoms, as an anonymous militia soldier fights his way through waves of monsters and enemy soldiers in this Later Han Dynasty epic.
Online multiplayer will also be available in the demo, and by transferring the cleared saved data from these early stages to the main game, players will earn the in-game item “Crouching Dragon Helmet” upon the game’s release.
In addition to the trailer, KOEI TECMO Europe recently revealed that those who purchase either the physical or digital version of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty by 16th March will receive special “Baihu Armor”, while those who pre-order the game digitally will receive both the early purchase bonus along with the pre-order bonus: “Zhuque Armor”.
A limited-edition SteelBook® version of Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty will also be available at launch. The SteelBook® Launch Edition includes an exclusive collectible case along with bonus DLC items “Crown of Zhurong” and “Crown of Gonggong”.
For more information on Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty, visit the official site, ‘Like’ us on Facebook, and Follow us on Instagram and Twitter at @koeitecmoeurope or @WoLongOfficial.
ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. KOEI TECMO’s best known for their signature ‘one versus thousands’ Warriors series, the fan-favourite Ninja Gaiden and fighting entertainment title Dead or Alive. Through collaboration with strong existing franchises, such as A.O.T. Wings of Freedom (Attack on Titan), has brought fan-favourite shows to life in video game form. The company’s desire for innovation and diversity has seen the creation of the critically acclaimed dark-samurai action title Nioh, which takes on new and unique gameplay styles. The company’s acquisition of GUST, developer of a variety of heart-warming titles, has seen their flagship Atelier series span generations of consoles and fans alike. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com
It has been a decade since the Dead Space trilogy came to a close and over the years fans of the franchise have remembered the series quite fondly. Now with the survival horror genre seeing something of a revival in recent years EA has chosen to revisit the series by going a step beyond a simple remaster, instead choosing to remake the classic Dead Space from scratch. As such, nearly fifteen years later Motive has brought Dead Space and the USG Ishimura back with new life just waiting to be dismembered. Perhaps the biggest worry most fans have with Dead Space is that it would tarnish their memories of the original, but thankfully all those worries can be forgotten as this new version of Dead Space sets the standard of what fans should expect from a remake, enhancing upon the original while adding fresh new content expanding upon the game in every way.
Story
Motive has kept the story beats of Dead Space the same but for those who have yet to play the original, Isaac Clarke and a small group of others travel to the ancient but legendary planet-cracking ship the USG Ishimura where Isaac’s longtime girlfriend Nicole has been stationed as a doctor. Upon their arrival the group crashlands due to malfunctioning equipment and things only escalate from there as horrifying creatures called “Necromorphs” begin crawling from the vents and killing members of their tiny crew. If Isaac has any hope of finding Nicole and escaping the Ishimura alive, he’ll be forced to dismember countless gruesome creatures right out of his nightmares while uncovering buried secrets revolving around the Church of Unitology and the mysterious Marker.
Anyone familiar with Dead Space will know mostly what to expect when playing through this remake but Motive has made a number of changes, both big and small, that not only expand upon the story but make it all the more interesting by having Isaac actually engage with the story as a character. Whereas Isaac spoke in the sequels, the original Dead Space left him as a silent protagonist that barely reacted to the gruesome sights he saw and simply took orders. Now, while Isaac does speak sparingly, he takes an active role in conversations with Hammond and Kendra as well as even interacting with characters that were never actually seen before and instead only heard through audio logs. By making Isaac interact with the story not only are we able to see how the hardships and influence of the Marker begin to affect him but also see a more emotional side to his story with Nicole, who is also given far more story agency this time around through additional audio logs, visual logs, and side-story content.
Alongside the big change of having Isaac speak and the smaller changes here and there involving how certain events play out, where they happen, and how certain characters meet their fate, the biggest addition to the story of Dead Space is the addition of side-stories. Though small in number, these side stories expand greatly upon the events that happened on the USG Ishimura once the Marker was brought on board as well as how things devolved into their current state, heightening the role that the Church of Unitology plays into the game, and even some important backstory that wasn’t touched upon in the original.
These various adjustments and additions to the story makes it so players never quite know what to expect even if they already know the story, making for a great way to experience the start of Isaac’s journey once again or perhaps for the very first time. Of course, those looking for something brand new will also find that the ability to view an alternate ending by obtaining every piece of a certain object in New Game Plus will find even more reason to delve back into the shadowy horror filled halls of the Ishimura once more.
Gameplay
Just like with the narrative, Motive’s remake of Dead Space has made a number of refinements to the way Isaac moves around the Ishimura and fights against the Necromorphs that can appear from any vent to completely refining a few previously rougher sections entirely. These changes have improved many aspects of the game while still sticking true to the same aspects that fans will fondly remember. A few of these changes involve the Ishimura itself as players will find that they are no longer limited by a “level” system with the tram. As players progress through the game they will unlock various parts of the ship that have been previously locked down and, once unlocked, these areas can be revisited at any time. This means that areas that players may have been traveling through in chapter 3 can be easily visited in chapter 10 and there is some good reason for this.
The aforementioned side quests that players can now undertake will often have players revisiting old locations to uncover a previously hidden audio log or open an inaccessible door. Another aspect that plays a role here are Security Levels. As Isaac ventures through the Ishimura he will encounter doors, lockers, and chests that require a higher security clearance to open and the only way to raise it is to progress through the story. This works both as a way to give players a chance to still have items to loot upon revisiting an area for side content as well as giving extra incentive for exploring every part of the ship. It is also worth noting that the concept of using a Node, the main upgrade resource, to open a door is no longer a thing in Dead Space. All Node doors have been replaced either with small puzzles that players must solve by moving or shooting a fuse, swapping electrical power from life support or something else to open a door, and more allowing players to freely upgrade Isaac’s arsenal as they see fit.
The various weapons that Isaac has at his disposal feel as familiar as ever and, thanks to the new “peel” system we will discuss in a moment, pack quite a punch. Like always Isaac will receive his signature plasma cutter weapon but unlike before players will no longer need to purchase other weapons as all other weapons will now be found organically throughout the game. Along with this, all empty upgrade slots on weaponry has been removed making it so every Node spent is improving a weapon or Isaac’s suit in some way. That being said, every weapon in Dead Space be it the Ripper, Line Gun, or even the Force Gun have three attachments around the ship that will unlock additional upgrade slots for each weapon as well as add unique upgrades to the weapon. For example, the Plasma Cutter can be improved to light enemies ablaze after a couple shots.
All of these weapons are impactful as ever and the game’s dynamic drop system that drops ammunition, health, credits, etc. from stomped corpses and containers related to the weapon player’s are primarily using remains as strong as ever. Alongside the well-tuned tools of destruction and the return of the ever helpful Stasis blasts, Isaac has gained a few abilities earlier than before. Players can now use Kinesis to rip pipes off walls or even blades from fallen Necromorphs and launch them at enemies to deal tons of damage or even pin one to the wall, killing the target, while saving ammo. This feature previously wasn’t available until Dead Space 2 and, just like Kinesis, the zero gravity navigation has also been taken from the game’s sequel. Players will no longer jump randomly around to flat surfaces in zero gravity as Isaac can now use his suit’s thrusters to float and zip around making all zero gravity sections a delight, especially when facing off against enemies far nimbler than Isaac is.
Facing off against the numerous Necromorph forms feels as dangerous as ever as their upgraded designs feel just as grotesque and twisted as before. Motive had made limb-cutting a bit more interesting this time around as the primary way to take down enemies and it has to do with the aforementioned Peeling system. Rather than simply taking damage, Necromorphs now have layers of flesh, muscle, and bone that will be exposed as players deal damage to any given limb, showing players just how close they are to severing one. This means that putting two shots into a Slasher’s leg may expose its skeleton, confirming that the next shot will remove it entirely. This can be incredibly gruesome at times as some weapons take things to the next level. The ripper is an example that just shreds an enemy’s limbs apart and sends blood spraying everywhere while the flamethrower can reduce an incoming Necromorph to a walking skeleton before it goes down. Few games could even get away with the amount of gore that players can witness as they tear apart enemies but with a fully upgraded force gun, any enemy has a chance to be flayed and slain in short order. This level of gore simply from killing Necromorphs does make the inclusion of a sensitivity and warning option a bit of a strange choice. It is good that this option is there for players who may not want to see certain events happen but displaying constant warnings about upcoming visual deaths, gore, and more is a bit odd when every enemy encounter is a bloody one.
Now as for what has been completely overhauled, and for good reason, are the turret sections of the game. Previously these sections saw players needing to take control of a mounted turret and a minimal amount of health that could easily ruin harder difficulty runs and now have been changed entirely. While we won’t say specifically what players will be shooting at for newcomers, these sections now take place in zero gravity and sync the turret to the player’s own aim in a system that works far better than what was previously included.
Visuals & Audio
Although the original Dead Space pushed some boundaries at the time, especially by integrating the HUB entirely on Isaac’s back, it was also released in 2008 making it more than ready for a visual makeover and Motive has done an exceptional job here. The USG Ishimura is a dirty worn ship that looks as aged as it is meant to be with bad lighting, failing systems, and horrible monsters screaming for Isaac’s blood possibly appearing from any corner. Not only this, but thanks to some clever tinkering with the “Intensity Director” can make certain jumpscares with the ship or enemies happen entirely different from playthrough to playthrough. While certain events will always happen the same way, a death may expose a completely different type of scare or none at all the next time through.
As for the blood and gore, Motive has made sure to take things to the next level here. As mentioned before, the Peeling system has amplified the amount of viscera that players will experience in every enemy encounter and watching plasma cutter rounds seer through flesh to bone is a sight that never gets old. On top of the gore from enemies a lot of attention to detail has been given to the character models and even Isaac’s own rig that often gets covered in dripping blood from defeated enemies or even ice that melts as players travel from areas with no atmosphere to warmer areas back inside the ship.
By lovingly crafting the atmospheric horror found within the halls of the Ishimura Motive has made it so players will always feel like they are on the edge of their seat. Between creepy atmospheric sounds, rustling and growling in the vents and moving around the player as they progress through areas, and even basic spaceship sounds players will find themselves in for a real scary treat here. The voice work for the characters is handled nicely and Isaac’s voice actor from the sequels returns to provide his new voice work here. Along with the aforementioned sound effects the company has put a lot of effort into crafting incredibly fitting background stinger music and horror themes that feel right at home with this type of action horror.
Overall
Sometimes when a remake is announced fans wonder just whether or not the game actually deserves such treatment, especially one from only a few console generations ago. Thankfully Motive and EA have proven that Dead Space more than deserves the remake treatment it was given and has created an extremely memorable survival horror game into an even more iconic version of its former self. Between enhanced graphics, deeper storytelling, new puzzles, and plenty of ways to dispatch the Necromorphs that roam the ship, Dead Space is a remake that sets the standard for what fans should expect.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Walk through the first hour of Ghost of Tsushima on the Playstation 5, where we fight for honor to save a loved one in the start of one of 2020’s finest titles.
Uncover the hidden wonders of Tsushima in this open-world action-adventure from Sucker Punch Productions and PlayStation Studios, available for PS5 and PS4.
Forge a new path and wage an unconventional war for the freedom of Tsushima. Challenge opponents with your katana, master the bow to eliminate distant threats, develop stealth tactics to ambush enemies and explore a new story on Iki Island.
Ghost of Tsushima Developer: Sucker Punch Productions Publisher: PlayStation Studios Platform: PlayStation 5, Playstation 4 Release Date PS4: July 17, 2020 Release Date PS5: August 20, 2021 Price: $69.99 USD
Deliver Us Mars shoots for the stars and delivers with an engrossing tale of space, betrayal, and choice. Follow us as we take you through the first hour of the anticipated follow-up, where we are introduced to protagonist Kathy.
Deliver Us Mars is an atmospheric sci-fi adventure taking you on a suspense-fuelled, high-stakes mission to recover the ARK colony ships stolen by the mysterious Outward.
Deliver Us Mars Developer: KeokeN Interactive Publisher: Frontier Foundry Platform: Windows, PlayStation 4/5, Xbox Series X, Xbox One Release Date: 3 Feb, 2023 Price: $29.99 USD
Available now on the following platforms:
PlayStation® 5, PlayStation® 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC via Steam
New Tour Begins at EVO Japan in Late March and Ends with Global Finals
AMSTERDAM, Netherlands (Feb. 6, 2022) – Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. announced at the TEKKEN World Tour 2022 Global Finals that next year’s tournament, TEKKEN World Tour 2023, is coming this March as an entirely in-person TEKKEN7 competitive event. The tournament will feature a global leaderboard, with results tallied from region free and in-person MASTER+, MASTER, CHALLENGER, and DOJO events held throughout the world. The top players from each event type will be awarded with points, with the highest point earners on the global leaderboard eventually advancing to the Global Finals to fight for the title TEKKEN World Tour 2023 Champion.
This year’s initial MASTER+, MASTER, CHALLENGER, and DOJO in-person competitions begin at EVO Japan on March 31, followed up with MIXUP in Lyon, France on April 22. For more information on event dates, locations, and signups, please visit tekkenworldtour.com, and spread the word on social media with #TWT2023.
During TEKKEN World Tour 2023, players will have several opportunities to earn points and climb the leaderboards via several types of events. These include:
DOJO Events
Beginning in mid-March, tournament organizers can enter their applications for DOJO events directly through the TEKKEN Esports Tournament Portal. DOJO events for TEKKEN World Tour 2023 will start from March 31. These events are offline, in-person competitions open to all players around the world, with the number of awarded points being scaled according to the number of participants. Live streams and stream verification will now be required for all participating DOJOs. For tournament organizers, more information will be coming soon on the official tekkenworldtour.com website.
MASTER+, MASTER and CHALLENGER Events
With these events, players will be able to freely participate and earn points at events all over the world. These are officially supported and the stakes are higher with more points awarded for the global leaderboard.
Check out the all-new TEKKEN World Tour 2023 trailer here:
Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC.
Bandai Namco Europe is producing intellectual property for a global audience, and is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, PARK BEYOND™, and the upcoming UNKNOWN 9™ Awakening – developed by the recently acquired Reflector Entertainment based in Montreal, QC.
Bandai Namco Europe serves as the Headquarters of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe, which is known for creating and publishing many of the Toy & Entertainment industry’s top franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TAMAGOTCHI™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, DARK SOULS™ and the recently released ELDEN RING™.
Nina Williams is the latest character to join the TEKKEN 8 roster. Developed for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC, TEKKEN 8 will make the most of the latest generation of console, using the Unreal Engine 5, along with character models completely remade from the ground up as well as a new combat philosophy focused on aggressiveness, creating even more spectacular and fun fights.
Watch the announcement trailer for Nina Williams
Nina Williams, the silent assassin that first appeared in Tekken is known from her smooth and deadly Assassination style. She’s also armed with weapons to defeat her foes in style. For TEKKEN 8, her moves and techniques are also enhanced, including introducing new abilities to fit with the philosophy of “aggressiveness” in the game’s new combat system.
She has been involved in the Mishima Saga in various ways for a long time. It remains to be seen how she will be involved in the story of TEKKEN 8.
Nina Williams joins the other already announced characters for TEKKEN 8, Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mishima, Jun Kazama, Paul Phoenix, Marshall Law, King, Jack-8, and Lars Alexandersson.
TEKKEN 8 is under development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC
Explore an eerie archipelago and unearth its secrets next month on PC, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox; cast a line for a free Nintendo Switch demo soon.
Friday, 3rd February 2023– Team17 and Black Salt Games have today announced that DREDGE, the upcoming sinister fishing adventure, will launch on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Xbox consoles on 30th March. Pre-order dates will be announced soon alongside a free demo for Nintendo Switch players.
Newbie anglers will be able to pick up the DREDGE base game for £21.99/$US 24.99/€24.99 on Steam and consoles, or a Digital Deluxe Edition for £24.28/$US 26.99/€26.99 on Steam and £23.99/$US 26.99/€26.99 on consoles. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes the Blackstone Key DLC item, granting players access to the mysterious workshop on Blackstone Isle and all pre-orders will also feature an in-game, exclusive custom fishing rod, giving players an upgrade to their starting gear to help jump-start their thalassic career. A Physical Deluxe Edition of the game will also be announced soon.
Trawl below for a brand-new release date reveal trailer:
In DREDGE, step into the boots of a down-on-their-luck fisherman and explore a collection of remote islands while scouring the surrounding depths for a variety of fish and valuable, deep-sea curios. Once your trawler is full, sell your spoils while completing quests and unravelling more about each area’s peculiar denizens. Reinforce your vessel, skills, and knowledge to dredge deeper and reach more secluded lands, but keep a close eye on the time. You might not like what finds you in the dark…
DREDGE Key Features
Unravel a Mystery: Captain your fishing trawler across a collection of remote islands, each with its own inhabitants to meet, wildlife to discover, and stories to unearth
Dredge the Depths: Scour the sea for hidden treasures and complete quests to gain access to strange new abilities
Study Your Craft: Research special equipment and upgrade your boat’s capabilities to gain access to rare fish and valuable deep-sea curios
Fish to Survive: Sell your discoveries to the locals to learn more about each area, and upgrade your boat to reach even more secluded locations
Fight the Unfathomable: Strengthen your mind and use your abilities to survive trips out on the water after dark
DREDGE is being developed by Black Salt Games. To keep up to date, wishlist the game on Steam now, like it on Facebook, follow on Twitter and join the community on Discord.
About Black Salt Games Black Salt Games is a small indie studio from Christchurch, New Zealand driven by a love for video games. The team’s debut title, DREDGE, is due to release on PC, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, and Xbox consoles on 30th March 2023. Visitwww.DREDGE.game for more information.
About Team17 Digital Founded in 1990, Team17 Digital is a leading developer, video games label, and creative partner for developers around the world. Part of Team17 Group plc, which floated on AIM in 2018, Team17 Digital has an extensive portfolio comprised of over 120 titles, and fully encapsulates the spirit of independent games. Team17 Digital’s portfolio of multi-award-winning and award-nominated in-house brands include Hell Let Loose, Golf With Your Friends, The Escapists, and the iconic Worms franchise, alongside its games label partner titles, including the award-winning games Blasphemous, Greak: Memories of Azur, and Overcooked! franchise. Visit www.team17.com for more info.
Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.
“PlayStation” is a registered trademark or trademark of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
Twenty one more games from gaming industry legends THEC64 and Toapaln are coming to Evercade Cartridges this April, joining the existing 35+ Evercade Phsyical Release Library
● 14 Games included on THEC64 Collection 2 featuring greats like California Games, Pitstop II, Uridium and more. ● 7 arcade games from the venerable Japanese developer Toaplan including Fire Shark, Twin Cobra, Wardner and more on Toaplan Arcade 2 ● Support for all Evercade systems, including 4 games best played in Evercade EXP TATE Mode ● RRP £17.99|$19.99|€19.99 per cartridge ● Releases April 28, 2023. Pre-order from Feburary 17, 2023
LETCHWORTH, UK: Blaze Entertainment is delighted to announce the first two collections of the 2023 Evercade Cartridge line-up.
Releasing in April 2023, Evecade fans can revisit more classic games close to their hearts with THEC64 Collection 2 and Toaplan Arcade 2 Collections.
THEC64 Collection 2 is the sequel to 2022’s first home computer collection from Evercade. It was the first time that these games were available to be played on portable devices legally, using the Evercade Handheld and recently released Evercade EXP, and is one of Evercade’s most internationally popular cartridges.
This second collection continues the library of with well-rememberd titles including California Games, World Games, Uridium, Pitstop II and more. 14 games in total are included and are selected/modified to be able to be played with ease and convenience on an Evercade device – eliminating as much use as possible of a virtual keyboard. The collection comes with a full colour manual with the physical cartridge that details all control schemes.
Toaplan Arcade 2 brings 7 more arcade greats from the legendary arcade developer. As well their famous shooter titles, Toaplan also created games across other genres including racing. Highlighted here along side such classics as Hellfire, Fire Shark and Twin Hawk are Rally Bike (a motorbike racing game) and Wardner, an early platformer for Toaplan. The collection also includes bonus interviews with Toaplan staff in the manual, and each vertically scrolling game is playable using Evercade EXP’s TATE mode functionality
Both collections will be available to pre-order from February 17th, 2023, ahead of their release on April 28th, 2023. Evercade cartridges RRP is £17.99|$19.99|€19.99 per cartridge collection. You can find your closest retailer at evercade.co.uk/retailers.
All collections are playable on Evercade devices, including the Evercade VS and recently released Evercade EXP. The Evercade EXP also comes with bonus content built into the device. 18 Capcom games are included without the need for installation, code redemption or cartridge! 14 arcade greats and 4 home console classics can now go with you anywhere you want to go! A full colour manual is also included for the Capcom collections.
*These games are played best in Evercade EXP’s TATE Mode.
NOTES Evercade VS home console systems are currently available worldwide from Amazon and other local retailers.
Evercade EXP Standard Edition handheld gaming system will be available globally and include the IREM Arcade 1 cartridge collection and 18 built-in Capcom games.
Evercade Handheld (original) is now discontinued and will feature a final firmware update for compatibility with future releases soon.
Evercade devices play games via emulation on bespoke cartridges. There are currently 37 collections available or to be released before 2023.
Evercade announced a new roadmap today teasing 14 cartridge collections over the new 12 months that are due to be released, including the return of the popular Game of the Month feature for Evercade VS and now Evercade EXP users.
Evercade emulates a wide range of systems and highlights modern retro games created by indie developers, with support for five decades of gaming. Including Amiga based games that will be released in 2023.
Evercade cartridges have three distinct colour schemes to highlight their content. Red coloured boxes feature home console collections from multiple systems across five decades of gaming. Purple indicates Arcade game collections and Blue is for home computer collections.
Evercade Cartridges list:
About Blaze Entertainment Blaze Entertainment, formed in 2018, are the creators of the Evercade – a retro gaming console that uses cartridges to deliver officially licensed curated collections of retro and retro-inspired video games. Launched in 2020, the Evercade line-up has grown to over 200 games and continues to grow, with partnerships including Atari, Bandai Namco, Interplay, Codemasters, Team 17 and many independent game designers and publishers. Based in the UK, the Evercade has found a passionate audience around the world of retro enthusiasts, offering a high quality and low entry gaming option providing nostalgia for gamers and a physical range of releases for collectors.
Consider the weight of every decision as The Great War: Western Front arrives on PC on March 30
Commanders can experience Petroglyph’s WW1 RTS for themselves during next week’s Steam Next Fest.
Cambridge, UK – 3 February 2022. Frontier Foundry, the games label of Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV), and developers Petroglyph (Command & Conquer™: Remastered, Star Wars™: Empire at War), announced today that upcoming World War 1 RTS, The Great War: Western Front will launch on March 30 on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. Additionally, players who pre-order can access the battlefield and lead their forces three days early, from March 27. Offering a mix of thrilling turn-based grand strategy and real-time strategy combat across one of WW1’s crucial theatres of war, players will take direct control of either the Allied Forces or the Central Powers as they seek to relive or redefine history.
Ahead of the game’s launch, players are invited to assume command of the front line for the first time during Steam Next Fest, which begins on February 6. Commanders will lead the Allied Forces through a section of the game’s tutorial and campaign, before leading them in a Historic Battle – The Battle of Passchendaele, which provides the perfect opportunity to trial their tactics.
Watch the pre-order trailer here:
Players can also choose to enhance their experience with Victory Edition. A detailed digital field guide provides additional intelligence on the war, whilst five stunning digital wallpapers showcase a selection of the game’s hand-drawn concept art and motifs. Additionally award-winning composer Frank Klepacki’s evocative original soundtrack can form the backdrop to moments of epic conflict, solemn triumph and quiet deliberation even away from the battlefields.
The Great War: Western Front places players in charge as they aim to lead their faction to total victory in one of the world’s most pivotal conflicts. Taking the position of dual-role commander, they will take total control of the Western Front. Switching between the turn-based grand strategy role of the Theatre Commander and the RTS controls of the Field Commander, the decisions they take in both roles will have effects that will sway the course of the conflict, or even change its outcome.
Players will have to make tough choices, balancing the outcomes of their decisions in both the Theatre and the Field, be it the effect on the faction’s National Will, or on the soldiers in the trenches. Before the battle begins, Commanders will carve lasting trenches to define their strategy, undermine enemy emplacements or issue heavy bombardment orders on key targets, leaving scars on the landscape, which will remain upon their return.
Alongside an immersive campaign following the struggle for the Western Front, players will also relive a selection of some of WW1’s defining events in Historical Battles, which feature footage taken from the Imperial War Museum’s vast archives. Those set on reshaping history can create their own battlefield scenarios in Skirmish mode or choose to take on fellow Commanders in Multiplayer.
The Great War: Western Front launches on March 30 on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store for a suggested retail price of £29.99/€34.99/$34.99 and £34.99/€39.99/$39.99 for Victory Edition. Players who pre-order either edition will be able to draw up their battle plans three days earlier, from March 27.
About The Great War: Western Front The Great War: Western Front is the definitive WW1 strategy game. Play the deciding role in history with this real-time tactical experience as you take charge in the iconic Western Front from 1914 to 1919. Pick your faction and lead your forces to victory, both by directing your armies in gritty real-time battles and by commanding your side on the Western Front as you guide high-level decisions in turn-based strategic gameplay. Think like a Commander to either relive history – or redefine it. Partnering with the Imperial War Museums, revel in an authentic historical strategy game that captures the gravity and intensity of The Great War.
About Frontier Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV) is a leading independent developer and publisher of videogames founded in 1994 by David Braben, co-author of the iconic Elite game. Based in Cambridge, Frontier uses its proprietary COBRA game development technology to create innovative genre-leading games, primarily 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 Frontier FoundryFrontier Foundry is the games label of Frontier Developments. By forming partnerships with quality external developers and leveraging the company’s proven publishing expertise, Frontier Foundry is best placed to bring players unique and memorable new games that break boundaries and create legacies.
About Petroglyph Petroglyph is an independent development studio based in Las Vegas, Nevada, with a roster of award-winning, best-selling titles including Star Wars: Empire at War, 8-Bit Armies, and the Command & Conquer Remastered Collection. Founded in 2003 by members formerly of Westwood Studios (Command & Conquer, Dune), Petroglyph’s expert team and genre-defining track record is geared to bring deep and innovative new strategy titles to players everywhere.
Pre-order Purchases Will Give Early Access to Players on Feb. 23, With the Full Release Coming Feb. 28
KENT, U.K. —Feb. 3, 2023— Dovetail Games today announced CATAN – Console Edition is available to pre-order with both Standard and Deluxe Editions giving fans of the popular board game a way to get trading, building, and settling with Early Access beginning on Feb. 23. Pre-orders of CATAN – Console Edition: Deluxe will give would-be Catanians a 10% discount as well as a custom Dice Skin, custom Hex Frame and access to five pre-set game board layouts from the previous real-world CATAN World Championship event, which took place on the island of Malta last November. These boards will be playable in both single and multi-player game modes.
Five days of Early Access, available only with pre-orders on either Edition, will unlock from Thursday Feb. 23 giving players a head start on implementing their game strategies or those new to the experience the chance to learn the ropes. A host of features are included relating to single-player, couch multiplayer, and online multi-player. Dynamic AI comes in the form of individual characters based on those within CATAN’s distinctive lore and each have their own gameplay strategies. Cross-play also features, bringing PlayStation and Xbox players together on the island of Catan.
Couch multiplayer is also available, with only one console required to play with up to four friends around the TV and the ability to track resources on a smartphone with CATAN Card Companion, even without the need to install an app.
Regardless of gameplay mode, players will become immersed as explorers on the island of Catan, with islanders populating hexes and working away to gather each of the five resources: brick, grain, ore, wool, and lumber. Ships float in the Harbors, smoke rises from the chimneys of Cities and the Robber is waiting to take resources away. Plus, there are plentiful sheep wandering round! Players can zoom in and see all the action up close, or play in the traditional ‘top down’ view for an overall look at the board. A behind-the-scenes video released by Dovetail Games last week shows the game in action, revealing a thriving, animated board and aesthetic true to that of the hugely-popular original board game.
“Anyone who is familiar with CATAN can look forward to how we’ve brought this iconic board game to life,” said Studio Producer Natalie Dodd. “We aimed to provide authentic gameplay that fans know and love, while retaining the essence of the board game in our digital iteration. We can’t wait to see Catanians playing from the couch and online. Both new players to the game and CATAN fans will really enjoy the immersive experience.”
Dovetail Games are developing CATAN: Console Edition with support from Nomad Games. It is now available for pre-order on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. It will be released for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One consoles Feb. 28 with Early Access coming to pre-order players on Feb. 23.
Dovetail Games is an award-winning developer and publisher of market leading simulation entertainment software, based in Kent, UK. Our core products are Train and Fishing simulators, which are available for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
About CATAN® Created by Klaus Teuber and originally released in Germany in 1995, CATAN (formerly “The Settlers of Catan”) is a contemporary classic and today available in more than 40 languages. It has sold more than 40 million units worldwide and its universe of games consists of numerous expansions, extensions, scenarios, standalone games and digital adaptations. CATAN is developed by CATAN GmbH (catan.com) and released by several publishing partners around the world.
