The Hit Open-World RPG Sands of Salzaar Officially Launches on Steam
Brave the depths of the desert and experience new gameplay, revamped systems and more, available for 40% off for a limited time
SHANGHAI — Dec. 16, 2021 — XD and Han-Squirrel Studio have officially released Sands of Salzaar, the open-world indie RPG featuring large- and small-scale real-time strategy action, on Steam. This international hit with “Very Positive” (~87%) ratings since it debuted on Steam Early Access last year is available for $14.99, with a special 40% launch discount for two weeks.
Sands of Salzaar lets you lead mighty armies into epic battles while rising over a fantasy world of sprawling dunes to create your own legend, from lonesome hero to ruthless warlord. The Old Empire has fallen, leaving rival tribes to compete for control of a vast desert kingdom in an engaging story brought to life with unique hand-drawn visuals.
Customize your hero as a warrior, sorcerer, beastmaster and more, then dive into the narrative-driven open world of Story mode and the new free-to-explore Sandbox mode. Meet a variety of characters, trade across borders, unlock unique talents and establish your own city and force… Every playthrough offers new challenges and experiences that reflect the decisions you make.
Sands of Salzaar’s gameplay blends grand battles and strategy across massive sieges, dungeon combat and small-scale battles. Recruit and train your forces with new features like hero-exclusive command skills and a fresh system to upgrade units, then prepare to take down a wide range of AI troops and bosses to acquire new land, resources and even capture legendary beasts.
In addition to declaring war, players can choose to make peace and team up with rival factions utilizing diplomacy tactics. Sands of Salzaar’s 1.0 launch adds AI rebellions, tribal titles and a new Favor system between NPCs, making social relations across the land as well as within your own faction more diverse and dynamic. 1.0 also delivers reworkings of character skills and arms units across the board, an all-new UI experience, bonus side quests, mod support and a wide variety of other improvements.
For more from the Sands of Salzaar community, join the discussion on XD’s Discord server.
About XD
XD is a game developer and global publisher. Since founding in 2011, XD has been on a mission to “Impact Each and Every Gamer by Promoting the Spirit of Craftsmanship.” With an extensive portfolio of award-winning indies such as ICEY, To The Moon, Eastward, Human: Fall Flat and Terraria Mobile, and the operation of TapTap — a mobile gaming community and platform celebrated by 70 million registered users — XD is dedicated to the highest content quality in the gaming industry.
Han-Squirrel Studio is a Chinese game developer team devoted to crafting unique games based on ancient martial arts and cultures. Through their ingenuity, many of the team’s titles have received immensely positive reception from Chinese indie RPG lovers and martial arts fans.
Indie games label signs ex-Factorio developer Ernestas Norvaišas and his 2022 Steam Early Access transport city builder with a twist
Wednesday, 15th December 2021 – Team17 has today announced Sweet Transit, a train-led city builder in development by ex-Factorio 3D artist and developer Ernestas Norvaišas. Preparing to depart into Steam Early Access in 2022, Sweet Transit is home to a world where the railway is king, and trains are the sole means of transportation and expansion. As players use these mighty iron horses to build new settlements, they’ll work to create intricate production lines to grow humble villages into thriving metropolises while moving through distinct eras such as the introduction of steam power and the invention of the combustion engine.
A brand-new announcement trailer is ready to depart below, narrated by award-winning actor, director and playwright, Steven Berkoff:
Sweet Transit Key Features
Expansive train-led city builder: Starting with a single warehouse, build a thriving interconnected world of villages and cities as you expand your rail network and evolve your society
Customisable rail network: Construct platforms and stations linked by intricate railway routes to help connect settlements and ensure a painless transit for both workers and civilians
Evolve your industry: From steam to diesel, play through distinct eras of the railway and plan the most economical expansions using the technology at your disposal
Be a person of the people: Keep a close eye on your citizens and ensure their needs are met as you expand your routes and scale up your settlements
Full modding support: Create custom content via Steam Workshop, including structures, locomotives, in-game rules, progression markers, and graphics
“Sweet Transit aims to capture the satisfaction of creating intricate systems that all work together in harmony. It’s a game where you can really settle in and enjoy solving unique challenges every time you play. I’m a huge fan of city builders and trains, and Sweet Transit really is a bit of my love letter to both. I can’t wait to share more of what we’ve been working on soon.”
Harley Homewood, Head of Publishing, Team17, said:
“Ernestas has an impressive development history and Sweet Transit’s train-led take on city building and resource management promises something brand-new for PC players. We’re excited to help bring the game to a hungry audience of city builder fans and train enthusiasts, and we look forward to sharing more soon.”
Ernestas Norvaišas is a solo independent developer based in Lithuania. A strategy enthusiast and former 3D Artist at Wube Software (Factorio), Ernestas is now working on Sweet Transit, his debut title for PC, due for release in Steam Early Access in 2022.
About Team17 Group plc
Founded in 1990, Team17 Group plc is a leading developer, video games label, and creative partner for developers around the world. Floated on AIM in 2018, Team17, with its extensive portfolio of over 100 titles, embodies the spirit of independent games. In addition to the award-winning Overcooked!, Yoku’s Island Express, and the iconic Worms, which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020, Team17 has helped bring critically acclaimed titles including Hell Let Loose, Moving Out, Golf With Your Friends, Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair, Blasphemous, and The Escapists to gamers everywhere.
GTA Online: The Contract – Out Now – Partner with Franklin Clinton in an All-New GTA Online Story
Join forces with one of Los Santos’ most famous hustlers and his friends in GTA Online:The Contract, an all-new adventure for solo players and groups, featuring the return of Grand Theft Auto V protagonist Franklin Clinton, manager of F. Clinton & Partner, a “celebrity solutions Agency” ready to fix the special kinds of problems plaguing the high rollers of Los Santos.
With your partnership in the Agency, you’ll work alongside new and familiar faces including Franklin’s longtime friend Lamar Davis, his loyal sidekick Chop, and the Agency’s elite in-house hacker Imani. And in the Agency’s first A-List client contract, you’ll help Dr. Dre resolve a high-stakes theft.
On the streets of Los Santos, Dr. Dre’s stolen phone is the talk of the town — word is the device is loaded with never-before-heard music from Dr. Dre’s as-yet unreleased work, which you’ll need to track down before it leaks to the world. This could make or break your Agency, and you’ll be the one getting your hands dirty.
As you make headway with the investigation, you’ll discover new songs from the six-time Grammy Award-winning hip-hop legend, all premiering exclusively within this massive update to GTA Online.
You’ll also get a rare inside look at Dr. Dre working his magic at Record A Studios, a new music studio where you can hang with Dr. Dre and a special guest artist, kick back, and get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the hit-making process.
As part of your partnership investment in F. Clinton & Partner, you’ll acquire a new multi-floor, state-of-the-art office space, fitting for a high-end private solutions Agency. The property includes office space for the team and a dedicated lower level for vehicle storage. You can add further modification with an Armory to service your arsenal and a Vehicle Workshop that opens a new range of modifications ideal for completing contracts for clients.
F. Clinton & Partner is new to the scene, and you’ll need to pick up Security Contracts for clients in need to gain experience and credibility. Recover valuables and vehicles, conduct daring rescue operations, defend high-value assets, and more.
After completing a few Security Contracts, Franklin will reveal the Agency’s dirtier work in Payphone Hits — off-the-books, street-level assassinations with bonuses paid out for following specific instructions. These assignments demand a low-profile — you’ll pick up the details by answering payphones around Los Santos.
In addition to a Concierge service at the Agency, you’ll be able to call Imani and Franklin from your iFruit in Freemode to make use of their unique services and abilities, as well as request Security Contracts and Payphone Hits from the road.
The Contract has three new weapons, each a valuable instrument Franklin has accrued over his career. The Heavy Rifle is available at Ammu-Nation or to purchase and modify from your Agency’s Armory at a discount. The Stun Gun and Compact EMP Launcher are tools of the trade that are exclusively available at the Agency’s Armory.
Look out for a fleet of seven new vehicles including the Pegassi Ignus supercar, Lampadati Cinquemila sedan, and Pfister Astron SUV, which are all available from Legendary Motorsport. The Dewbauchee Champion supercar, Bravado Buffalo STX muscle car, Enus Deity sedan, and Enus Jubilee SUV have new Imani Tech modifications available to them from the Agency’s Vehicle Workshop. Slick Mines, Armor, and Machine Guns are baseline essentials for Agency work. Meanwhile, a Missile Lock-On Jammer will keep you clean of homing missiles, and the Remote Control Unit will allow you to drive the vehicle remotely.
While you hit the streets, tune into the new radio station MOTOMAMI Los Santos hosted by ROSALÍA and Arca pumping tracks from across the musical spectrum — from bachata to electro and much more. New music is hitting the airwaves of Radio Los Santos and West Coast Classics as well, including exclusive new tracks from artists such as Juicy J and Mike Dean, Pusha T, Dom Kennedy, Mozzy, and more.
There are hundreds of new pieces of streetwear and accessories, including new jackets, sweaters and hoodies, baseball caps, tattoos, and new Facepaints and Hairstyles from the Barber. Plus, players who visit Record A Studios anytime between now and December 22 will receive the Westside Fitted Cap for free.
Today’s release brings several other positive changes for GTA Online. Players will now receive fewer phone calls and texts inviting them to take part in new gameplay. Now, players can use the map in the Pause menu to review and select gameplay. Highlight any contact blip on the map to see more details and launch the associated mission.
Additionally, a number of new Pause Menu Awards and Daily Objectives are now available to complete in GTA Online, and daily fees for Properties and Businesses have been reduced. Players are also now rewarded LS Car Meet reputation for completing Auto Shop Contracts, Customer Deliveries, and Exotic Exports Deliveries, and the safe capacity in the Nightclub and Arcade has been increased.
Alongside all the new additions with The Contract, you can also take advantage of weekly event bonuses and discounts in GTA Online. Visit the Lucky Wheel and LS Car Meet to see the latest prizes and contests, earn 2X GTA$ and RP on Transform Races, Weed Killer, and Welcoming Party. Plus, all who play GTA Online this week will receive the Radio Los Santos Tee, free of charge, to celebrate the legacy of LS’ long-running hip-hop radio station.
Special Bonuses
As you complete each of the missions within Dr. Dre’s Contract, look out for first-time completion cash bonuses of varying amounts. Plus, completing three Security Contracts between now and December 22 will earn you a tidy GTA$200K one-time bonus, available within 72 hours of completion.
Stay tuned to GTA Online over the coming weeks for new vehicles, holiday gifts, a new Adversary Mode featuring familiar faces, and even more surprises at Record A Studios.
Prime Gaming and Limited-Time 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.
RIDERS REPUBLIC™ SEASON ONE: WINTER BASH AVAILABLE NOW
Players Can Enjoy Winter in the Republic Until March 21
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – December 16, 2021 – Today, Ubisoft announced that season one of Riders Republic, Winter Bash, is now available through March 21 on Xbox One, Xbox Series X | S, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5*, as well as Windows PC through the Ubisoft Store and the Epic Games Store.
Winter Bash introduces the new Season Progression, in which all players can unlock exclusive rewards by collecting stars and participating in limited-time multiplayer experiences, weekly activities and live events. To celebrate the holiday season, players can enjoy Riders Ridge decorated in festive holiday colors and the sparkle of New Year’s Eve. During the holiday festivities, players can participate in exclusive challenges, earn themed-rewards and experience new twists during mass races. Winter Bash also brings a new in-game sponsor, SPECIALIZED, offering daily contracts and rewards.
In addition, the new X Games live event will run from January 14 to January 19. During this time, players can shred through new themed Shack Daddy weekly challenges and earn exclusive X Games rewards including a jacket and snowboard.
Year 1 Pass owners will also get early access to this season’s two exotic kits and can redeem the Winter cosmetic bundle, which includes a new legendary outfit. The first exotic kit to drop will be the Jumbo Bike and will be available to purchase for all players in the second week of the season. Players can get the Year 1 Pass with the Gold or Ultimate Edition of Riders Republic, or as a standalone purchase.
Private Division and Roll7 Announce OlliOlli World Launching on February 8, 2022
Pre-order OlliOlli World today for cosmetic bonus items
Private Division and Roll7 today announced that OlliOlli World is available for pre-order and will launch on February 8, 2022 digitally for the PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4, the Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch™ console. Players who pre-order the game will receive bonus digital cosmetic items, including a Bunnylord Head, Hero T-Shirt, Hero Skate Deck, Hero Tattoos, and Hero Arm Cast.
The newly revealed OlliOlli World Rad Edition is available now for digital pre-order and includes:
• OlliOlli World base game;
• First story expansion “Void Riders” containing an entirely new biome, levels, characters, gameplay, and customisation unlocks. Coming in Summer 2022;
• Second story expansion containing another entirely new biome, levels, characters, gameplay, and customisation unlocks. Coming in Fall 2022;
• “Close Encounter Skate Deck” digital cosmetic item.
The skateboarding action-platformer, developed by the BAFTA and multi-award winning Roll7, marks a bold new direction for the critically acclaimed OlliOllifranchise. OlliOlli World’s signature flow-state gameplay allows for that perfect balance between focus and relaxation, with ultra-tight controls for the smoothest experience. Players flip and flow through Radlandia, a vividly vibrant world full of colourful characters, as they search for the mystical skate gods on a quest for Gnarvana. Radlandia and its dwellers are delightfully weird and artistically gorgeous.
OlliOlli World comes with diverse and rich customisation options, allowing players to be whoever they want to be; body type, skin tone, and hair are all customisable. Players can also select from a wide variety of poses, skate tricks, and apparel to further emphasise their own unique style.
OlliOlli World includes two asynchronous multiplayer modes: GnarvanaLeague and Gnarvana Portal. The Gnarvana League is designed for those who love a challenge and want to prove their skate mastery. Leagues pit you against other players with similar skills to compete for the highest score. As contenders advance through the ranks, they get their hands (and feet) on new character items – including boards, wheels, and more. In GnarvanaPortal, players can generate original levels based on a selection of parameters like style, difficulty, and length. Each creation comes with a unique virtual 8-digit postcode which can be shared with anyone in the world, enabling players to compete against each other cross-platform.
“In OlliOlliWorld, you should expect loads of seriously wacky locations to explore and rad new characters to meet,” said John Ribbins, Creative Director of Roll7. “OlliOlli World is a love letter to the bizarre and magnificent aspects of skateboarding culture. It embraces the weird and wonderful aspects of this street phenomenon and encourages you to express yourself freely.”
“Roll7 are the masters of flow-state gameplay,” said Mika Kurosawa, OlliOlli World’s Lead Producer at Private Division. “With OlliOlli World’s perfected controls and highly-refined gameplay experience, the studio ups the ante in this lush skateboarding utopia.”
Watch the brand-new OlliOlli World Official Gameplay Overview Trailer on YouTube now.
OlliOlli World will launch digitally on February 8, 2022, on PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4, the Xbox Series XIS and Xbox One consoles, PC via Steam, and Nintendo Switch™ console. OlliOlli World is rated Everyone 10+ by the ESRB. For more information on OlliOlli World, subscribe on YouTube, follow us on Twitter or TikTok, become a fan on Facebook, and visit OlliOlliGame.com.
OlliOlli World marks the third entry in the beloved OlliOlliseries from Roll7, the BAFTA and multi-award-winning London based studio famous for re-defining genres and creating remarkable games like OlliOlli, OlliOlli 2: Welcome to Olliwood, Laser League,and NOT A HERO.
Private Division is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ:TTWO).
About Roll7 Now a Private Division studio, Roll7 is a BAFTA and multi-award-winning video game developer based in London. Since 2008, the studio has re-defined genres, creating award winning games that engage players with remarkable worlds, stylish visuals and intuitive, deep mechanics. The studio has been run as a distributed operation since 2015 and as such is a magnet for some of the most remarkable development talent from around the UK and the world. Roll7 is best known for the OlliOlli Series, NOT A HERO, and Laser League.
About Private Division Private Division is a developer-focused publisher that partners with the finest creative talent in the video game industry, empowering studios to develop the games that they are passionate about creating, while providing the support that they need to make their titles critically and commercially successful on a global scale. The Label publishes the Kerbal Space Program franchise, Ancestors: The Humankind Odyssey from Panache Digital Games, The Outer Worlds from Obsidian Entertainment Disintegration from V1 Interactive, and OlliOlli World from Roll7, with future unannounced projects in development with Moon Studios and other esteemed independent developers. Private Division continues to build its internal studio capacity, with Roll7 joining Intercept Games as internal developers for the Label. Private Division is headquartered in New York City with offices in Seattle, Las Vegas, Munich, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.privatedivision.com.
About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. We develop and publish products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, Private Division, and T2 Mobile Games. Our products are designed for console systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO. For more corporate and product information please visit our website at www.take2games.com.
All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.
Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “will,” or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company’s future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: the uncertainty of the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and measures taken in response thereto; the effect that measures taken to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic have on our operations, including our ability to timely deliver our titles and other products, and on the operations of our counterparties, including retailers and distributors; the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on both consumer demand and the discretionary spending patterns of our customers as the situation with the pandemic continues to evolve; the risks of conducting business internationally; the impact of reductions in interest rates by the Federal Reserve and other central banks, including on our short-term investment portfolio; the impact of potential inflation; volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; our dependence on key management and product development personnel; our dependence on our NBA 2K and Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles; our ability to leverage opportunities on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S; the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games; the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games; and risks associated with international operations.
Other important factors and information are contained in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the risks summarised in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” the Company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the Company’s other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
MARVEL FUTURE REVOLUTION INTRODUCES MAGIK –THE RULER OF LIMBO – IN LATEST IN-GAME UPDATE
New ‘Spider-Man: No Way Home’ Limited-Time Content Now Live for All Players to Enjoy
LOS ANGELES – DEC. 15, 2021 – Today’s update for MARVEL Future Revolution, the award-winning open world action RPG on mobile by Netmarble, brings an all-new member of Omega Flight to player squads – Magik. Otherwise known as Illyana Rasputina, ruler of Limbo and sister to X-Men member Colossus, Magik is now officially live in the game. Netmarble is also celebrating the upcoming theatrical debut of Marvel Studios’ Spider-Man: No Way Home with all-new limited-time content themed after the film.
Magik utilizes her gigantic Soulsword, a powerful weapon made from part of her own soul, to release powerful magic and unleash enemies on the battlefield. As the ruler of Limbo, Magik has access to demonic spells; the ability to summon demons like Hydras, Imps, and Hounds; and teleportation powers through her mutant Stepping Discs ability. She also has the ability to transform into Darkchylde, Magik’s dark half, allowing her to explosively destroy enemies. Players can now experience what makes Magik unique and distinct from other playable Super Heroes, and can learn more about her character by visiting MARVEL Future Revolution’s Developer Notes HERE.
Today’s update also introduces new content themed after the upcoming Spider-Man: No Way Home theatrical debut. From Dec. 15, a new Epic Invasion called the ‘The Sinister Six’ is now available for players eager to assist Spider-Man in stopping The Sinister Six from succeeding with their menacing plans. A new Spider-Man: No Way Home-inspired costume is also available now for players to collect and customize their Spider-Man character. Spider-Man [No Way Home] has also been added as a new companion for players to recruit.
Other additions in today’s update include:
Training Grounds – PvE content where players can farm experience points to level up their Super Heroes.
New Companions – In addition to Spider-Man [No Way Home], other characters like Daredevil have been added to MARVEL Future Revolution as Companions
Various Improvements, including:
Combat Targeting System Improvements
Costume Nano-Fusion Improvements
Omega Card/Companion Presets
Content QoL Changes (Dark Zone, Omega War, Special Operations)
Developed by Netmarble Monster, MARVEL Future Revolution is the second collaboration between Netmarble and Marvel Entertainment, and a successor to the long-running hit mobile game MARVEL Future Fight, enjoyed by more than 120 million people worldwide. MARVEL Future Revolution is available to download on iOS and Android devices. For the latest news on MARVEL Future Revolution, please visit the official website (https://marvelfuturerevolution.com) and follow #MARVELFutureRevolution across all social channels:
ABOUT MARVEL Future Revolution MARVEL Future Revolution is Marvel’s award-winning Open World action RPG for mobile devices, featuring AAA-quality, 3D graphics in an original, high-stakes, adventure-driven storyline by well-known Marvel writer Marc Sumerak (Spider-Man, the Avengers and more). After numerous Earths converge in the multiverse to form an entirely new ‘Primary Earth’, players will join the newly formed ‘Omega Flight’ Super Hero team to serve as the last line of defense against a never-ending series of threats and nefarious Super Villains. With eight playable characters outfitted in iconic costumes from throughout the Marvel Universe, along with more than 400 million costume combinations per hero to choose from, players can meticulously personalize their ideal Super Heroes look while exploring archetypal locations in an Open World of massive proportions.
Since launching in August 2021, MARVEL Future Revolution has been recognized by Apple as the 2021 ‘iPad Game of the Year,’ by Google Play as the ‘Best Competitive Game’ of 2021, and by The Game Awards – receiving a nomination for ‘Best Mobile Game’ in 2021.
About Netmarble Corporation Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a top developer and publisher pushing the boundaries of the mobile gaming experience with highly innovative games including Seven Knights 2, MARVEL Future Revolution, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, Lineage 2: Revolution, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, Blade & Soul Revolution and MARVEL Future Fight. As a parent company of Kabam and SpinX Games, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble strives to entertain audiences around the world with a variety of mobile games based on its powerful franchises and collaborations with IP holders worldwide. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com
Return to the bigger, badder streets of River City in summer 2022
Valencia, Calif. — December 15, 2021 — The River City Girls are ready for round 2! Independent game studio WayForward, in collaboration with Arc System Works, is overjoyed to confirm that River City Girls 2, the sequel to the 2019 RPG-infused beat-’em-up sensation River City Girls, is scheduled to arrive in summer 2022. Featuring six playable characters, two-player online co-op, and an onslaught of new features and bone-busting combat techniques, this official entry in the beloved River City/Kunio-Kun series is currently planned for release on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC. Recently revealed at Nintendo’s Indie World Showcase, the game’s North American teaser trailer can now be seen below.
Picking up where its predecessor left off, River City Girls 2 throws hot-blooded high-schoolers Misako, Kyoko, Kunio, and Riki — along with newcomers Marian and Provie — into the fight of their lives when an old foe returns to wreak havoc. But the girls (and guys) aren’t just giving up; they’re fighting back with new stat-altering accessories, new items, new weapons, and additional moves (such as Kyoko’s Cartwheel Kick and Misako’s Lightning Rider), along with brand-new abilities like guard-crush attacks and lift-off combos. Recruited foes are back to assist in battle — this time two can be held at once — and players can now enlist the help of hired henchmen who pack even more of a punch!
River City is more alive than ever, with a day-night cycle, more-complex terrain, more shops, new hazards, hidden areas, and an abundance of destructible objects. The brawl will take players to numerous new and updated regions of the city — including downtown slums, a tech-company campus, and an enchanted forest — and pit them against an assortment of new enemies and bosses, such as the Dragon Twins (Ryuji and Ryuichi). The heroes can even visit hideouts where they can store extra equipment, swap recruits, or just chill while listening to music.
Other additions to River City Girls 2 include improved quest tracking, three difficulty settings, and a dynamic story system with dialogue that changes depending on the player-controlled characters. And, of course, the game features a new animated intro, new comic book-style cutscenes, and a new hard-hitting synthpop soundtrack from original River City Girls composer Megan McDuffee! For more information on River City Girls 2, follow @WayForward on Twitter and Facebook, and stay tuned for updates on www.wayforward.com.
Summary
Name: River City Girls 2 Publisher/Developer: WayForward Release Date: Summer 2022 Platforms: Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PC Players: 1 or 2 Price: TBD
Key Features
Six playable characters, each with their own fighting styles and upgradable move sets!
Enhanced combat: guard crushes, lift-off combos, and more!
River City is bigger than ever! New locations with multiple routes and secret areas!
Play solo or team up with a friend, locally or online
New hired henchmen aid players in battle! Hold two recruits at once!
Loads of NPCs to meet, interact with, and punch in the face – including surprise cameos!
Awesome anime intro, comic book cutscenes, English and Japanese voiceovers, and a spectacular soundtrack featuring RCG1 composer Megan McDuffee!
About WayForward
Based in Valencia, California, WayForward was founded in 1990 and has remained an independent game developer for more than 30 years. It is home to many talented individuals including programmers, environment artists, animators, modelers, illustrators, audio wizards, designers, and team leaders. With new avenues for distributing games directly to fans, they are finally able to make the games they have always wanted to.
MYTHICAL GAMES SURPASSES 1M ACCOUNTS MILESTONE AS “GODFATHER OF VINYL TOYS” MICHAEL LAU COLLABS ON NEW COLLECTION FOR BLANKOS BLOCK PARTY
Next-Generation Gaming Technology Studio Celebrates More Than 1 Million Accounts with Limited-Edition Digital Collectibles from World-Renowned Toy Artist
Michael Lau, known as the “godfather of designer toys” and credited with paving the way for toys being recognized as art, has created three unique Blankos characters in collaboration with Mythical. “Box B”, the first limited-edition CrazySmiles character in the collection and a brand-new silhouette for Blankos, arrives on Monday, Dec. 20 at 3 p.m. PDT / 6 p.m. EDT / 11 p.m. UTC available in-game and on the Blankos website. Box B will be a limited-time drop, with unlimited availability for ten minutes, at a price point of $99.99. Additional characters from the Michael Lau x Blankos collection will be available in drops planned for January and February 2022.
“I’ve always wanted to see my Gardener characters be applied in a game context,” said Lau. “Working with Blankos Block Party, which celebrates collectible and playable digital vinyl toys in the game, is simply a perfect match.”
Now available on both Mac and PC, players can sign up for free to experience the unconventional world of Blankos, styled like a giant block party where they can compete in and explore a variety of minigames, including racing, shooting, vibe collection and more.
Digital items in Blankos Block Party are playable assets that have the same utility as any skin or accessory a player might buy or earn in another game, but unlike most games, in Blankos Block Party players actually own what they earn or buy and can sell their items for cash when they no longer need or want them, unlocking the real-world value of their time-based and monetary efforts in-game. And because collectors have verified ownership and proof of authenticity of their in-game items in this play-to-earn experience, they can take an active role in increasing the rarity and value through customization, upgrades, competing in special events and more, giving them the opportunity to profit just by playing Blankos.
Mythical kicked off a promotion with Amazon Prime Gaming this week, running from December 2021 to March 2022 with six exclusive Blankos Block Party content drops available only to Amazon Prime members. Players who earn these items can sell many of them, including a new Prime-exclusive Blanko, to other players on Mythical’s secondary marketplace.
“We’re so proud of how far Blankos Block Party has come this year as we work to create a best-in-class ‘Play to Own’ game, and we’re thankful to the community that has joined us on this journey, as well as our partners, like the venerated Michael Lau – someone I am a huge fan of – who have contributed such amazing designs to Blankos,” said Jamie Jackson, co-founder and chief creative officer of Mythical Games. “Reaching 1M accounts on our platform is a momentous occasion and we’re thrilled to see our players not only enjoying the game, but earning real money for their gameplay in the Mythical Marketplace. Bringing Blankos to Mac this month, and now to Amazon Prime Gaming is an opportunity to expand the game even further, allowing us to gather important feedback in these last stages of our Early Access as we add more content and continue to explore new concepts for integrating blockchain technology* to bring players true ownership.”
Blankos Block Partyis now available in Early Access on PC and Mac. The Mythical Marketplace, where players can buy and sell Blankos in peer-to-peer transactions for real money, is in open beta globally for buying and selling in supported regions.
The newest Party Pass and Party Pass+ are live as well, bringing more ways for players to earn through gameplay. The “Manilla Chill” pass, featuring content from award-winning toy designer, graffiti artist and illustrator Quiccs Maiquez (QUICCS), includes up to three new limited-edition Blankos, six accessories, new emotes and more. Via the Party Pass, players can earn limited-edition characters and accessories by completing daily, weekly and monthly challenges. Mythical partners with artists, creators and brands to bring these curated playable NFTs into the game for players to earn or buy. Previous collaborations have included collections from the late Nipsey Hussle’s The Marathon Clothing and award-winning artist Quiccs.
For all the new news, big announcements and exclusive drops from Blankos Block Party, please join our community:
*Blankos Block Party and the Mythical Marketplace are built on an EVM-compatible sidechain using a Proof of Authority consensus model that is more environmentally friendly and sustainable than the Proof of Work model. Neither the game or marketplace require any mining or cryptocurrency to operate, nor for players to participate.
About Michael Lau
Known as the “Godfather of the Designer Toys”, Michael Lau Kin-man is an acclaimed Hong Kong artist born in the 1970s when the city was at the peak of industrialization and a world leader in toy manufacturing. Every toy was a rare treasure to young Michael and played a key role in his childhood. His growing passion for toys eventually led him to a career in toy design where he conceived as a form of art.
A graduate from the First Institute of Art and Design in Hong Kong in 1992, Michael held his first solo painting exhibition at the Pao Galleries of the HK Arts Centre in 1993. In 1999, Lau merged his creativity and passion in art, toy and action figures and created the “Gardener” series with 99 pieces of 12-inch action figures that juxtaposed his favorite G.I. Joe action figures and street culture for a solo exhibition at the Hong Kong Arts Centre. His unique artistic expression garnered global attention and brought him the opportunity to showcase his works in Japan, the Museum of Contemporary Art in Taipei and Shanghai, London and Paris, leading the global trend of collectible designer toys as an independent artist.
While being recognized as the pioneer who launched the trend in the 90s as featured in the article “20 Trends Sweeping the Globe” by Forbes Magazine (January 2008), Michael has been committed to his contemporary art creation in recent years to actively promote his creative vision – “All Art are Toys, All Toys are Art”.
Anders Lauridsen & Raw Fury Partner to Publish SKALD: Against the Black Priory in 2022
Return to the golden age of classic RPGs with SKALD’s free playable prologue, available on Steam and GOG.com
STOCKHOLM – Dec. 15, 2021 – Raw Fury, the chaotic-good publisher from Sweden, and developer Anders Lauridsen have announced a partnership to officially release SKALD: Against the Black Priory in late 2022. This nostalgic RPG combines the charm of classic role-playing games with richly illustrated grim-dark fantasy and Lovecraftian horror.
SKALD: Against the Black Priory lets adventurers delve into an elaborate fantasy setting full of horrific monsters and memorable characters. Explore hand-crafted environments and engage in gripping turn-based combat as you unravel SKALD’s sinister secrets through lovingly drawn pixel-art illustrations and multiple-choice dialogues. Despite its nostalgic charm, SKALD: Against the Black Priory is packed with smoothly integrated enhancements and will appeal to RPG fans old and new alike.
“Forming a party with Raw Fury allows me to take my dream project to the next level,” said Lauridsen. “SKALD is going full sail ahead now, and I can’t wait to bring my amazing community something that will both bring back warm memories as well as create new ones for years to come!”
The playable prologue of SKALD: Against the Black Priory is available for free on Steam and GOG.com. More information will be revealed by the Bards of Raw Fury in 2022.
About Anders Lauridsen
From the frozen fjords of the Norwegian arctic north, Anders Lauridsen is a game developer that loves making bespoke, narrative-heavy role-playing games.
About Raw Fury Raw Fury is a boutique indie (un)publisher founded in 2015 by Jonas Antonsson, Gordon Van Dyke, and David Martinez. We do not care about genres or mechanics. We care about experiences and emotions. We want to help developers make magic.
SCARLET NEXUS DLC PACK 2 AND FREE UPDATE AVAILABLE NOW
DLC Pack 2 along with a free content update have been announced for SCARLET NEXUS, the thrilling Action-RPG where players take on the role of Yuito Sumeragi and Kasane Randall, two new recruits to the Other Suppression Force, and powerful wielders of psychic abilities. DLC Pack 2 will be part of the SCARLET NEXUS Season Pass and is available now. SCARLET NEXUS is currently available on the Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and PC via STEAM®.
A new trailer detailing the contents of the new DLC Pack 2 and free update can be found at the following YouTube
Contents of the new DLC Pack 2 and free update include:
Paid DLC – “Bond Enhancement Pack 2”
New costumes and weapon skins for all playable characters in collaboration with famed artist DaisukeRichard.
10 new Bond Episodes to further expand upon character relationships.
New power-specific effects when using SAS to connect with an ally who has learned Nexus Drive.
Free Update Ver. 1.05
Battle Simulator– rematch against boss fights from the main story campaign as well as from challenge missions.
Over 20 new challenges for players to test their skills.
A new lineup of “Exchange” items in the Shop that includes plugins, weapons, and more.
