New accolades trailer highlights big award win for visually stunning title now offering discounts on several platforms
Gothenburg, Sweden – April 8th, 2022 – Thunderful and Monokel’s award-winning cinematic platformer, White Shadows, today launches on Epic and, to celebrate the launch, players can take advantage of a 25% discount on the Epic Games Store, Steam, GOG and the Xbox Store.
A new accolades trailer for the game brings into focus the strengths that won this dark and disturbing dystopian vision positive reviews from the gaming media and netted the game the German Computer Game Awards’ €60,000 Newcomer Award for “Best Debut”.
White Shadows is a cinematic puzzle platformer available for PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S where you play as a little Ravengirl trying to escape a brutal dystopia founded on propaganda that puts her at the bottom of its hierarchical social ladder. Striking architectural forms and a stunning monochrome art style combine to create a world of tragic beauty where the lies of the elite are plastered across walls, twisted forms of entertainment are used to keep everyone in their place and hope seems in short supply.
Composed of a vast network of towers rising from the void of post-catastrophe darkness into the sky above, the city our young heroine seeks to escape is a dangerous place to be. She will have to find ways to avoid the teeth of machinery primed to grind her into dust, leap across rickety infrastructure that bridges the cavernous darkness all around and avoid the watchful eyes of guards ready to gun her down. She will travel to the city’s brightest highs and delve to its darkest depths on her journey, discovering her destiny among the last free people alive.
“It’s been great to hear the ways in which White Shadows has been interpreted and enjoyed since its release,” said Daniel Wagner, creative director and co-founder at Monokel. “By bringing the game to Epic and offering some discounts, I hope more people get the chance to check out our little piece of art.”
About Thunderful Thunderful Group is a group of companies that develops, publishes and invests in games as well as distributes Nintendo products, games, game accessories and toys. Founded in 2017 Thunderful Games is one of the two business segments in Thunderful Group, the other being Thunderful Distribution. Over the last few years Thunderful Games has, organically and via acquisitions, grown into a global organization with eight development studios and over 300 employees. Besides the award-winning internal development pipeline, Thunderful Games also publishes a large number of third-party titles and invests in external game projects.
About Monokel Monokel is an independent development studio for interactive narratives. Situated in Cologne and with friends all over, we produce games that see themselves as stories – stories worth telling in a world that grows in polarization, marginalization, and injustice in the distribution of wealth and power. Our shared goal is to inspire through our stories and encourage critical thinking. We try to provide thought- and heart-provoking gameplay experiences for curious players around the world.
The nature of our work is strongly experimental. Monokel sees itself as a social company. We try to emphasize and amplify the voices of every single person who works with us. We put self-organization over classical hierarchies and talent over resumes.
As of now, we are a band of eight mostly highly likable weirdos from all kinds of different backgrounds. Our team includes an emotional support dog (Bonny, named after a famous pirate queen) and a big rubber chicken (Mono, named after nothing in particular). Bonny likes it when you hug her. Mono screams. And of course, we are very pretty. On the inside.
About Mixtvision Mixtvision is a cross-platform publisher based in Munich, Germany. A dedicated team works to publish indie games that resonate with players through moving stories and gameplay, inspire thoughts and emotions, and leave a lasting impression. Titles released to date include the critically acclaimed Far: Lone Sails, Minute of Islands and A Juggler’s Tale.
Users within Spain and the Nordics can begin harvesting happiness with friends in gamigo’s mobile sim!
Hamburg, April 7, 2022 – gamigo is pleased to announce its new mobile sim – Fantasy Town – has soft launched in Spain and the Nordic countries. Users across these regions can start enjoying the title’s vibrant mix of exploration, RPG, and adventure game mechanics while working to build their own thriving town. Produce and farm crops, trade goods, explore, and defend citizens from evil Trolls that are bent on causing harm and havoc.
“Today’s soft launch brings us one step closer to the full release of Fantasy Town,” says Jens Knauber, CEO at gamigo. “Our focus for this phase is to receive feedback from real- world players and to see what kind of engagement they provide. With crops to plant, goods to trade, and adventures to go on, there will be plenty of content for mobile players to enjoy from day one and beyond!”
Fantasy Town has players taking on the role of a Lord reluctantly governing over Arsendal. They’ll construct, manage, and upgrade various buildings, farmland, crops and more to help this new land flourish and keep their citizens happy. While the town works to gather materials, players can summon citizens to explore an exciting and diverse continent and dungeons in search of rare resources. Special events will also be held regularly in-game that will reward participants that take part in several minigames, such as puzzles, runners, and building a tower using various in-game items.
Fantasy Town will be released on iOS and Android devices in 2022. To learn more about Fantasy Town, visit its official website.
About gamigo group
The gamigo group is one of the leading publishers of online and mobile games in Europe and North America. The group’s diverse game portfolio includes free-to-play titles such as Fiesta Online, Trove and Aura Kingdom and mobile games like Fantasy Town and Heroes of Twilight. Counting more than 400 employees, gamigo group is one of the largest players in the gaming industry. Besides its German locations in Hamburg (HQ), Berlin and Darmstadt, the gamigo group also has branches in Austin and Bellevue (US), and in Seoul (South Korea). In addition to gamigo AG, the group includes the subsidiaries gamigo Inc. operating as “WildTangent”, gamigo US Inc., gamigo Publishing GmbH and KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. The gamigo group strives to grow organically as well as through acquisitions. Since 2013, it has made more than 25 acquisitions, including titles, gaming and technology companies as well as individual game assets. The gamigo group is part of Media and Games Invest (MGI).
There’s an exciting new sandbox driving game on SpecialEffect’s eyegazegames.com website that’s already gaining fans across the globe. Open Drive is optimised for players who use eye gaze technology as their primary controller, and promises tricks, challenges and trophies.
Like all the games on the site, Open Drive boasts a range of eye gaze settings and controls, but it can also be enjoyed using touch, assistive mice, keyboard, gamepad, a switch or switches. The game will be regularly extended with additional worlds to explore.
Watch the promo video here:
Bill Donegan, SpecialEffect’s Projects Manager, said “Open Drive is one of twelve different games on the site with a focus on accessibility for eye gaze players, enabling them to play with friends and family, in person and online. All the games are browser-based and free-to-play, with the aim of removing as many barriers to play as possible to players all around the world.”
The release of Open Drive extends the charity’s mission to help people with severe physical challenges all around the world to play video games to the best of their abilities. SpecialEffect already offers of a range of globally available resources for accessible gaming such as EyeMine and gameaccess.info. They also provide resources such as the SpecialEffect DevKit to support accessible game development, and have helped major developers such as EA, Playground Games, DoubleFine, and Rare to make their games more accessible.
We’re indebted to The Yogscast and their worldwide community for generously helping to support the creation of Open Drive through their Jingle Jam Christmas fundraising campaign. We’d also like to thank the amazing team at Sun and Moon Studios, the game’s developers.
About SpecialEffect SpecialEffect is an award-winning UK charity helping to improve the lives of disabled people across the globe through the innovative use of technology. At the core of this mission is providing greater inclusion through the opportunity to play video games to the best of their abilities. 2022 is their 15th anniversary year.
London, UK (April 8, 2022) – From today, alien techno aficionados can listen to the soundsystem shaking electronic music heard on Knowhere in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Welcome to Knowhere EP Original Video Game Soundtrack features four EDM influenced tunes that combine breaks, beats, outworldly vocals and earth-shattering basslines to rock any dancefloor, in any galaxy. Furthermore, in response to numerous fan requests, the EP also contains the music from the “Huddle” – the anthemic power up rock build-up, as well as the Spaghetti Western influenced music for the karaoke showdown with notorious smuggler, Lipless.
A fan favourite, Knowhere is the lively mining port based inside the head of a dead Celestial being, and is full of places to drink, gamble and reflect. Our gang of misfits visit Knowhere during their adventure, giving players an unforgettable and outlandish experience while exploring this infamous destination. Music was key for making Knowhere feel alive, with each visitable destination given its own signature sound. Collectively, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Welcome to Knowhere EP Original Video Game Soundtrack brings this music together and features six out-of-this-world weird and wonderful tracks drawing inspiration from alien techno, to dark haunting industrial, to new age synthesized sound.
All featured tracks are composed, performed, and produced by BAFTA and IVOR NOVELLO nominated composer Richard Jacques, with the bonus EP available for free across all major streaming platforms from 8 April 2022.
Richard commented: “I’m thrilled fans can now listen to these tracks and experience the full breadth of music we created for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. I grew up listening to everything from dance to rock to classical to synth, to name just a few. This game celebrates musical diversity, and I was fortunate to have the freedom to compose a soundtrack with Eidos-Montréal that showcases everyday inspiration, influences and eclecticism rooted in modern music.”
Full tracklisting, with descriptions from Richard –
Bizarre Bazaar – “Intergalactic synth vibes meet heavy hard-hitting breaks”
Mantlo’s Bar – “Rocket’s favorite establishment. Gritty industrial breaks with exotic astral chanting”
The Collectors Emporium – “Mesmerizing new age sonic washes featuring ethnic wind”
Showdown With Lipless – “Spaghetti Western influenced standoff, featuring the Guardians main theme”
The Huddle – “Inspirational stadium rock with rousing crowd chant”
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Welcome to Knowhere EP Original Video Game Soundtrack completes the in-game music featured in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy and sits alongside the previously launched original orchestral soundtrack, the Star-Lord Band full-length album, and the licensed music ‘80s playlist.
Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is available now on PlayStation®5 console, PlayStation®4 console, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, PC, and streaming via GeForce NOW. Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy: Cloud Version for Nintendo Switch™ is also available now in select regions.
About Eidos-Montréal Established in 2007, Eidos-Montréal™ is a premiere developer of interactive entertainment based on new intellectual properties and beloved franchises including the acclaimed Tomb Raider® and Deus Ex® series. Renowned as master storytellers, the studio builds immersive worlds and adventures that create lasting memories for players across the globe. Eidos-Montréal crafts its multiple interactive projects with close-knit teams in a hybrid work environment, keeping their focus on creativity and technological innovation. Eidos-Montréal and its network of studios, Eidos-Sherbrooke™ and Eidos-Shanghai™, are part of the Square Enix® group of companies. More information on Eidos-Montréal can be found at https://eidosmontreal.com.
About Square Enix Ltd. Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal®. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 164 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 83 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 85 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at https://www.square-enix-games.com
Gossip, Muse, Rob Zombie and Slayer star in the new Unplugged ‘Riff Pack’, launching next week
Players can shred their way through new, epic riffs as the Unplugged journey to rock-stardom continues
Sydney, Australia, April 8, 2021 – Vertigo Games, the VR specialist publishing and development arm of the global Koch Media Group, and Anotherway, VR development studio with roots at Microsoft Hololens and Activision, are launching the first ‘Riff Pack’ for their cheered-on VR music game Unplugged on April 14 (April 15 AEST). The downloadable bundle consists of tracks from Gossip, Muse, Rob Zombie and Slayer, and is coming to botch Meta Quest and PC VR* (*Valve Index Controller compatible headsets only). The Riff Pack is the first realisation of Vertigo Games and Anotherway’s plan to expand the musical library of Unplugged.
Through the use of hand-tracking technology, Unplugged offers immersive air guitar play to the tunes of world famous rock-songs. With real-life guitar -and amplifier brands, an experienced all-star rock team behind the game and a solid setlist of over 20 songs, Unplugged brings an authentic and exhilarating sense of rock-star realness. The game was awarded ‘Game of the Year 2021’, ‘Best Quest Hand-tracking Game’ and ‘Most innovative Design’ by Upload VR. Expanding its musical library with the Riff Pack was a logical next step in continuing the Unplugged tour.
About the Unplugged– Riff Pack
Shred your way through the heavy classic riffs in Unplugged’s new Riff Pack. Feel the rock ‘n roll as you dive into the loud and energetic music of some of the biggest rock legends. Rise to the top of the leaderboards and become the ultimate air guitarist. Time to rock on!
The Riff Pack includes the tracks:
Gossip – Standing in the Way of Control
Muse – Won’t Stand Down
Rob Zombie – Crow Killer Blues
Slayer – South of Heaven
Published by Vertigo Games and developed by Anotherway, Unplugged is available on Meta Quest and PC VR* for an RRP of $35.95 (*Valve Index Controller compatible headsets only). The Riff Pack is coming on April 14 (April 15 AEST) to both. For more news about Unplugged, go to their Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and sign up for the newsletter at unplugged-vr.com.
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About Vertigo Games
Vertigo Games is a multi-platform VR publisher and developer with offices in Rotterdam and Amsterdam, The Netherlands and Los Angeles, California. With teams in the areas of development, publishing and LBE (location-based entertainment) distribution, the company offers a growing portfolio of quality VR games that provide novel, powerful and full-featured gaming experiences both inside of the home, and outside of the home through its leading LBE content provider and management platform SpringboardVR. Games include Vertigo Studios’ evergreen brand Arizona Sunshine®, the epic VR action FPS After the Fall®, and the music game Unplugged VR®. The company recently announced it has 5 more high-end titles in the pipeline for the coming years. Vertigo Games is a Koch Media Group company. vertigo-games.com
About Anotherway
Anotherway is a newly formed VR development studio, founded in 2020 by Ricardo Acosta and Julia Casal. For many years, Ricardo and Julia worked as developers for major clients and agencies such as Microsoft Hololens and Activision. While these environments were ideal for learning and skill development, the two always felt a need to build something of their own, on their own terms, away from the corporate grid. During lockdown, they started working on their own passion project “Unplugged”, which seemed to really resonate with the VR community. Realizing the potential Unplugged held, Ricardo and Julia decided to break their corporate chains and chase their ambitious dreams. Anotherway was finally born. unplugged-vr.com
About Koch Media The Koch Media Group is a global developer, publisher and distributor of video games, VR games, gaming hardware and merchandise.
The group’s publishing activities, marketing and distribution extend throughout Europe, America, Australia and Asia. Koch Media has more than 25 years of experience in the digital media business and has risen to become a leading global publishing partner. The Koch Media Group runs a multi-label strategy with fully owned publishing units such as Deep Silver, Milestone, Vertigo Games and Ravenscourt, publishing games for consoles, PC and VR platforms across all physical and digital channels.
Additionally, as global publishing partner Koch Media has formed long-term multi-national publishing collaborations with numerous game publishers including Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, Capcom, CI Games, Giants Software, Kalypso, Koei Tecmo, Konami, Paradox, Sega, SNK, Square Enix, Techland, Tripwire, Warner Bros, and many others.
With its parent company in Höfen, Austria, and the Publishing HQ in Munich, Germany, Koch Media 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.
The Koch Media Group owns ten game development studios: Deep Silver Volition (Champaign, IL / USA), Deep Silver Dambuster Studios (Nottingham / UK), Deep Silver Fishlabs (Hamburg / Germany), Warhorse Studios (Prague / Czech Republic), Milestone (Milan / Italy), Voxler (Paris / France) , Flying Wild Hog (Warsaw, Kraków, Rzeszów / Poland), Free Radical Design (Nottingham / UK) and Vertigo Games (Rotterdam /The Netherlands), DigixArt (Montpellier, France).Additionally, the Koch Media Group collaborates with numerous independent development studios around the world.
Part of the Koch Media Group is also Koch Films, a leading European independent film distributor with business primarily in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy as a cinema, TV, online and Home Entertainment distributor. The Koch Media Group also owns Gaya Entertainment, a leading video game merchandise company in Munich, Germany, and the Quality Assurance Facility in Olomouc, Czech Republic. Koch Media is an Embracer Group company
Join us for the first hour of gameplay for LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga as we check out the first few missions of Star Wars A New Hope Episode IV.
Play through all nine Skywalker saga films in a game unlike any other. With over 300 playable characters, over 100 vehicles, and 23 planets to explore, a galaxy far, far away has never been more fun! *Includes classic Obi-Wan Kenobi playable character
LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga Developer: TT Games Publisher: Warner Bros. Games, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment Website: http://support.wbgames.com/ Platform: Windows Release Date: 5 April 2022 Price: $49.99 USD – Available Here $89.95 AUD – Available Here
Recommended – “The Skywalker Saga is a culmination of all the LEGO games so far. The gameplay has been polished to sheer perfection and it comes with enough content to keep you busy for quite some time.”
Back 4 Blood – Tunnels of Terror DLC Expansion Launch Trailer Revealed Introducing New Cleaners Joining the Fight Against Underground Ridden Hives; Available April 13
Warner Bros. Games and Turtle Rock Studios have revealed the launch trailer for Back 4 Blood – Expansion 1: Tunnels of Terror showing off the all-new action coming to the first-person co-op zombie shooter as part of the game’s first major downloadable content (DLC), set to release on April 13.
To view the official Back 4 Blood – Expansion 1: Tunnels of Terror launch trailer here:
The trailer introduces two new playable Cleaners debuting in this expansion – Sharice, an axe-wielding firefighter known for her defensive prowess, and Heng, a tough as nails, no-nonsense restaurateur skilled at slaying Ridden with his knife. The video provides a detailed look at the new Ridden Hives PvE cooperative activity, where teams of up to four players can explore the cavernous depths of seven Ridden infested areas full of labyrinthine tunnels below Evansburgh. To earn rewards, players must outmanoeuvre the new Warped Ridden, including the landmine-setting Urchins, horrifying Shredders, and damage-dealing Rippers. These Ridden variations are also playable in PvP Swarm mode and can be earned, along with the new Cleaners, for use in PvP matches.
Additionally, the Tunnels of Terror expansion will include seven new legendary weapons, eight exclusive character skins, 12 new weapon skins, new cards, and more. The expansion will also coincide with the release of the No Hope difficulty, a free update for all Back 4 Blood owners adding an extra level of challenge for elite players. Please note, all playable content included in the expansion will be accessible by all players in a party as long as one player in that party has purchased the expansion.
Back 4 Blood is a first-person co-op zombie shooter from critically acclaimed developer, Turtle Rock Studios, available now for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC. Back 4 Blood – Expansion 1: Tunnels of Terror will be available on April 13 as part of the Back 4 Blood: Ultimate Edition, Back 4 Blood: Deluxe Edition, Back 4 Blood Annual Pass, or via standalone purchase. The Back 4 Blood story takes place after a catastrophic outbreak where most of humanity has either been killed or infected by the parasitic Devil Worm. Hardened by unspeakable events and emboldened to fight for the last of humanity, a group of apocalypse veterans called the Cleaners have rallied to take on the infected horrors known as the Ridden and reclaim the world.
This first look at gameplaysets the stage for the harrowing events that follow, giving you just a taste of what’s in store. Unimaginable choices await you as the other counselors of Hackett’s Quarry Summer Camp struggle to survive an unpredictable night of horror.
During the prologue of The Quarry, teenage camp counselors Laura (Siobhan Williams) and her boyfriend Max (Skyler Gisondo) drive to Hackett’s Quarry Summer Camp one night earlier than they were scheduled to arrive. Things do not go as planned.
Key features for The Quarry include:
YOUR STORY, THEIR FATE. Will you dare to check what’s behind that trap door? Will you investigate the screams echoing from within the forest? Will you save your friends or desperately run for your life? Every choice, big or small, shapes your story and determines who lives to tell the tale;
A STUNNING CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE. Cutting-edge facial capture and filmic lighting techniques, combined with incredible performances from an iconic ensemble cast of Hollywood talent, bring the horrors of Hackett’s Quarry to life in a pulse-pounding, cinematic thrill ride;
ENJOY THE FRIGHT WITH FRIENDS. Place your faith in up to seven friends in online play*, where invited players watch along and vote on key decisions, creating a story shaped by the whole group! Or, play together in a party horror couch co-op experience where each player picks a counsellor and controls their actions;
CUSTOMIZE YOUR EXPERIENCE. Adjustable difficulty for all gameplay elements let players of any skill level enjoy the horror. And if you prefer to watch rather than play, Movie Mode lets you enjoy The Quarry as a binge-worthy cinematic thriller. Select how you want the story to unfold, kick back, and munch on some popcorn in between all the screams!
The Borderlands series has introduced players to such a large cast of colorful characters that when a fantasy based DLC for Borderlands 2‘s Tiny Tina was released, fans took to it quite quickly. Now nearly a decade later Tiny Tina has been given her own game focused entirely around a fantasy setting created around “Bunkers and Baddasses,” Borderlands’ own version of D&D. Does this mean that Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is something of a fantasy skinned Borderlands? Kinda, but that is far from a bad thing as tight gunplay, fantastic characters and comedic writing, and solid design make this looter shooter well worth diving into.
Story
Set sometime after the events of Borderlands 2, players will find themselves taking on the role of Newbie, a new player that has been deemed as the Fatemaker with Tiny Tina serving as the world’s dungeon master. Newbie is joined at the table by the freedom of the world loving Valentine, voiced by Andy Samberg, and the more chaotic but rule-oriented Frette, voiced by Wanda Sykes. The Wonderlands have come under attack by the revived Dragon Lord, voiced by Will Arnette, who initially comes off as a standard main villain but quickly turns into something far more as he moves beyond Tina’s control and starts adding his own elements into the already ridiculous tales that she weaves.
With the setting basically being a game within a game, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands works incredibly well as many great developments can happen completely unexpectedly due to the nature of Bunkers and Baddasses’ take on Dungeons & Dragons. Tiny Tina is at her best when she is playing off of other characters and the addition of Valentine and Frette makes their interactions and narration over the events happening in the game almost always outstanding with plenty of great comedic writing and events mixed in as a result, far improved from what was generally found in Borderlands 3. There are plenty of references to various elements of pop culture including a number of more common events that can happen during any good Dungeons & Dragons session as well which is a nice touch.
This includes things such as the players putting Tina on the spot due to events taking an unexpected turn, or killing an important character, or even the thing that puts any good DM to the test, players taking far too much interest in a background character and completely ignoring the plot. Writing these elements into the narration as well as having Tina work well as a dungeon master by playing off the characters almost always makes for a great laugh. As for the player, Newbie mostly interacts entirely with the Dragon Lord himself who acts and comments separately from the player characters, becoming a fairly memorable enemy as a result.
It is great that the comedic writing and the narration work so strongly here as the core storyline is a bit simple in nature. Sure, players will still encounter a large number of outrageous quests including one that straight up has players killing little blue cartoon characters from the ‘80s that make sure that they really never know what to expect, but the overarching storyline is fairly tame in nature and, outside of a few emotional revelations that happen outside of the game board, rather straightforward which is a bit disappointing considering how much creative freedom this fantasy spin-off shows throughout most of its side-quests.
Gameplay
One of the first things that players will notice that is different from the norm is that Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands has done away with specific characters for each class and instead allows them to build a character’s appearance from scratch with quite a few customization options right off the bat, with more unlocked from drops within the game, and selecting their chosen class at the start of the game. There are six classes to choose from such as the elemental Clawbringer, rogueish Stabbomancer, health-balancing Graveborn, ice-focused brawler Brr-Zerker, magic oriented Spellshot, and ranger styled Spore Warden. Half of these classes come with a companion of some form and each class has its own unique traits that players can take advantage of. Some may be a bit easier to learn than others but thankfully there is a nice balance found between these classes. This is especially true since, after reaching a certain point in the game, players will be able to choose a second class to compliment their first. This second class is a bit weaker than if chosen as the primary but will offer nearly every benefit just the same, meaning that if players start as a Clawbringer and second class with Graveborn they will have two companions with them at all times to help deal damage in the field.
One thing that hasn’t changed is the fact that Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands still features an absolutely ridiculous number of guns available for players to use. They now feature a variety of different medieval or magical appearances though many still simply look like a standard gun and while many of the manufacturer’s names have been changed, the special features of each one remains mostly the same. This ranges from guns with limitless clips that only overheat, weapons that are thrown when reloading and now explode into either magical spells or flying fairies or hydra heads that deal extra damage, and ones that have special effects anytime a critical hit is struck. This is simply the tip of the iceberg as far as weaponry goes as players will encounter loot of all types while playing through the game and while there are plenty of weapons that are far superior to others, most weapons work well enough even if they aren’t a legendary drop.
A few other smaller elements have been altered such as shields now being called “wards,” the inclusion of a variety of melee weapons that increase the players melee attack and offer additional effects, the addition of dark and arcane damage types to the previous fire, freost, poison, and normal damage, and one of the bigger changes, spells now replace grenades. Spells work based around cooldowns and various spells can come with a number of charges that refill over time. These spells come in a variety of forms and types, from those that ripple out from the player’s location to being fired directly from their hand or charged over time to simply calling down a meteor or large ice spike to deal massive damage. In addition to this change, spells can also be used while the player is in the “Save Your Soul” stage to revive themselves unlike grenades.
As for the places players will be fighting through, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands features many large stages ranging from medieval style cities to creepy woods and graveyards as well as plenty of mysterious sunken ruins as well as a unique take on an overworld. Rather than feature any vehicle sections to travel around, players will find themselves in chibi form on an overworld board created by Tina herself where rivers are orange cola, bottlecaps serve as shortcuts, and cheesy poofs are accidental obstacles. Here in the overworld players will find themselves traveling between places, encountering side-quests, and facing off against random encounters that can either be punched out or taken head-on. These random encounters drop players into a mini-area where they must slay a certain number of enemies to complete the encounter. These types of battles are unfortunately extremely common as not only is this type of fight used during random encounters but also during any mini-dungeon or cave exploration as well as serve as the core element of the game’s endgame content.
The problem with this is that while enemy spread during normal levels and exploration is handled incredibly well, these contained fights are often the exact opposite. Not only do enemies often either spawn too slow for players to actually feel like they are being threatened or spawn too far away in the area and need to be hunted down as a result. This leads to many mini-dungeon encounters being more about hunting down an enemy in a corner or waiting for them to spawn than anything else.
Once players hit the level cap of 40 they will continue to grow stronger as every level from that point on will reward them with “Myth” points that can then be applied to various stats such as improving the character’s own abilities, increasing damage done by spells, melee, and firearms, boosting drop rates, increasing run speed, and more. This type of endgame leveling works rather well though when combined with the lackluster endgame that is the Chaos Chamber things can begin to feel a little stale in the postgame since there are no raid bosses of any form and the only way to actually fight a boss again is through the Chaos Chambers.
These Chaos Chambers are unlocked once players have beaten the game and serve as the only real source of endgame content at the moment. While players will be able to partake in a variety of these modes, increasing their Chaos rank is the primary reason for tackling these challenges. The chamber places players into a series of battles in the same aforementioned mini-areas as other encounters and will run them through a gauntlet of these in a row. Players will be able to take a small “roguelike” approach by being able to choose between portals when advancing through each round with rewards ranging from extra loot, more diamonds that can be spent at the end of a run on loot spewing bunny statues or used to purchase buffs for the current run, and selecting a challenge that will modify encounters and increase diamond drop rate. These chambers are fun for a bit, especially since higher levels of chaos can be rather challenging even for a well-built character, but unfortunately they become incredibly stale far too quickly and suffer from the same issues as every other small encounter.
Now, as for the game’s co-op features Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands features all of the same options fans have grown to be familiar with, with the added bonus of being able to allow everyone to receive different loot so there are no fights for drops. The title features some great couch co-op that works flawlessly as well as online multiplayer that supports cross-play between platforms but unfortunately online multiplayer remains an issue even at this time. While it is possible to remain connected to other players for a solid play session, these instances are few and far between as the consistently dropping SHIFT servers mean that not only are players constantly disconnected from one another but even trying to find proper matches can be an issue at times due to long wait times and connection issues.
Visuals & Audio
The same art style that has been used in previous Borderlands games remains the same in Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands only this time the fantasy reskin has done a solid job creating a unique world with enough variety in gun and weaponry appearances to keep things feeling fresh countless hours into the game. The amount of character customization options is quite pleasing and can be changed at any time once players reach a certain point a few hours into the game and the areas that players are able to explore sample wonderfully from the fantasy world including desert oasis, haunted swamps, medieval towns, and more. The enemy design is also handled quite nicely though it is a bit unfortunate that there aren’t a few more enemy types in the game as players will quickly begin to see countless repeats of foes even outside of stages that would make sense for such enemies.
As mentioned earlier, Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands features something of an all star cast including plenty of comedy greats and it is all the better for it. Celebrity appearances can often hamper a game but with Andy Samberg, Wanda Sykes, and Will Arnette leaning into their roles so heavily it helps bring the comedy to another level entirely, especially since they play so well off of Tina. Along those same lines the generic NPC dialogue is often quite funny as skeletons will remark how they are dying a second time or have a bone to pick with the player and much more.
Overall
Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands successfully puts a fantasy twist on a familiar formula by changing just enough to keep things feeling fresh while still retaining most of the best aspects of the series it is spinned off from. With the support of some great writing for its characters, outstanding voice work, and wonderfully over the top combat that is constantly changing thanks to the options available to players, this looter shooter remains just as strong as a spin-off as it would as a standalone game. With plenty of options open to players when it comes to classes, powers, spells, and ridiculous weapons Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands won’t disappoint even if it plays things a bit too safe at times.
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Capitalize on an Assortment of Business Bonuses This Week
2X GTA$ and RP on Work and Challenges, Salary Boosts and Bonuses for Associates and Bodyguards, and More
The black market is bustling and upstart criminal enterprises in GTA Online are poised to make a killing this week — as are their executives and personnel. GTA Online on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S features the Career Builder, where new players starting out (or anyone looking to reset their character) can tap into the local underground by choosing one of four career paths: Executive, Biker, Gunrunner, or Nightclub Owner.
Over the next four weeks, weekly bonuses will highlight each of these paths and reward them accordingly — this week features incentives on an assortment of illicit activities. And if you’re just starting out, check out our guide to GTA Online for tips and tricks tailored to all walks of life in Los Santos.
This week also marks the return of popular multiplayer modes Extraction, Land Grab, Cross the Line, and Roadgame, so there is no shortage of competition to get into on the streets.
2X GTA$ and RP on MC Work, VIP Work, and Challenges
For those on the Biker path, Motorcycle Clubs can rally their members and tussle for dominance — or spark an in-gang rivalry — for extra pay this week. All MC Work and Challenges such as Joust and Criminal Mischief are paying out Double Rewards.
New Executives looking to make headway can launch VIP Work and VIP Challenges from the SecuroServ CEO section of the Interaction Menu. Completing these tasks with your Organization will net 2X GTA$ and RP for all involved through April 13.
Associate and Bodyguard Salary Boosts and Bonuses
An Executive is only as powerful as their underlings and henchpersons. Luckily, salaries for Associates and Bodyguards recruited via SecuroServ are tripled through April 13.
In addition to the nice pay bump, Associates, Bodyguards, or MC Members who tag along to successfully complete a Gunrunning Sell Mission, Nightclub Management Mission, Biker Sell Mission, or Special Cargo Sell Mission will receive a bonus to the tune of GTA$250,000, delivered within 72 hours of completion.
3X GTA$ and RP on Mobile Operations Missions
Aspiring Gunrunners can make the most of your Mobile Operations Center by taking part in Mobile Operations across Los Santos this week to get triple the usual GTA$ and RP. If you’ve yet to move your operations into the twenty-first century, pick up an MOC and its Upgrades and Modifications, all 30% off this week.
Business Discounts:
Take advantage of a wide assortment of Business-related discounts that are 80% off this week. Class up your Executive Office space by decking out the Interior layout or equipping the premises with a Gun Locker. Outfitting your Bunker with a Gun Locker or installing a Shooting Range on-site are also discounted, along with Nightclub Dancers and Dry Ice, as well as MC Clubhouse Murals and Furniture Option B.
Only on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S
Hao’s Premium Test Ride: Imponte Arbiter GT
Visit Hao’s Special Works located in the heart of the LS Car Meet to scope out this week’s Premium Test Ride, a modified Imponte Arbiter GT. Give it a test drive or purchase it directly from Hao, and once it’s yours, see how it fares in the latest HSW Time Trial by flooring it between Textile City and Stab City.
Hao’s Special Works Time Trial
See how Hao’s Special Works vehicles fare in the latest HSW Time Trial by flooring it between Textile City and Stab City.
3X GTA$ and RP on Stunt Races
Take a break from the world of illegal trade and three-piece suits to hit the stunt track. All Rockstar-Created Stunt Races are paying triple GTA$ and RP through April 13.
Car Meet Prize Ride: Shitzu Hakuchou Drag Determined LS Car Meet members who place in the top three in five Pursuit Races this week will get a Shitzu Hakuchou Drag to ride and customize to their tastes.
Test Out theCheval Taipan, Karin Futo GTX, and Invetero Coquette D10 Visit the Test Track located inside of the LS Car Meet to give the Cheval Taipan, Karin Futo GTX, and Invetero Coquette D10 a spin around the columns, challenge your peers to a randomized Scramble, or race against the clock in a Time Trial, without the need to spend any of your savings.
On The Diamond Casino Podium: Annis Savestra Stop by the lobby of The Diamond Casino & Resort to spin the Lucky Wheel and walk away with GTA$, RP, clothing, accessories, snacks, mystery prizes, and — if you’re really lucky — the keys to the Annis Savestra whirling atop the podium nearby.
Discounts:
There are a range of vehicles on sale this week, including the Mobile Operations Center — see below for the complete list.
Pfister Comet Safari – 50% off
Pfister Comet SR – 50% off
Dinka Sugoi – 45% off
Pfister 811 – 45% off
Maibatsu Penumbra FF – 40% off
Prime Gaming Benefits
GTA Online players who successfully connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account with Prime Gaming will get GTA$100K just for playing anytime this week.
To ensure access to future benefits, make sure to visit Prime Gaming and sign up.
