Historic trading sim drops anchor on next-gen consoles,brand-new launch trailer shows off a stunning 4K Caribbean playground
25th September – Publisher Kalypso Media and developer Gaming Minds Studios have announced that historic, seafaring trade simulator Port Royale 4 has arrived safely at port and launched on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S. A brand-new launch trailer demonstrating the enhanced weather and lighting effects as well as overall performance boost available for the new-gen versions.
Port Royale 4 for new-gen consoles includes a stunning 4K game world on PS5 and Xbox Series X (1080p on Xbox Series S), cross-gen save capability and real-time cloud rendering, and is available in both standard and extended digital editions – the latter featuring exclusive digital content such as 4 lighthouses and the blueprints to 5 magnificent parks with which players can decorate their settlements.
The ‘Buccaneers’ DLC is also available to purchase from today at Nintendo eShop at 10% off until the 3rd of October. PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X players can also pick up the DLC from today to play the brand-new ‘Buccaneer’ game mode where players can amass a scurvy crew, capture, or build their own pirate fleet and raise the notorious Jolly Roger while exploring 12,000,000 square kilometres of uncharted Caribbean Sea.
InformationTitle:Port Royale 4 Platforms:PS5, Xbox Series X|S Developer:Gaming Minds Studios Genre:Trade simulation Release:Out now – PS5|PS4, Xbox Series X|S Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch™
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About the Kalypso Media Group
Kalypso Media Group GmbH is a fully independent publisher, developer and marketer of interactive entertainment software with 150 employees in 10 locations throughout Germany, England, France, Japan, and the United States, including Kasedo Games, Kalypso Media’s digital-first label, and three development studios – Realmforge Studios (Dungeons series), Gaming Minds Studios (Railway Empire, Port Royale) and Claymore Game Studios (upcoming Commandos game). Kasedo Games also now holds a majority stake in France-based developer Bulwark Studios, increasing the Kalypso Media Group’s total development studios to 4.
Specializing in developing strategy games for a global audience on all modern platforms, Kalypso Media’s IP portfolio includes the full rights to the Tropico series, Commandos, Port Royale, Dungeons, Sudden Strike, Railway Empire, and others. Kalypso Media’s recent releases are Commandos 2 – HD Remaster and Praetorians – HD Remaster, Railway Empire – Nintendo Switch™ Edition, Dungeons 3 – Complete Collection, Railway Empire – Complete Collection, Port Royale 4, Tropico 6 – Nintendo Switch™ Edition, Commandos 2 – HD Remaster for Nintendo Switch™ and Spacebase Startopia for Nintendo Switch™. Upcoming releases include Disciples: Liberation (21/10/21). Kasedo Games’ recent releases include Filament, console and tablet versions of Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus, Distant Kingdoms (available in Steam Early Access) as well as City of Gangsters.
Space sim touches down on Nintendo Switch™ family of consoles,launch trailer available now
25th September – Publisher Kalypso Media and in-house developer Realmforge Studios have announced that Spacebase Startopia is now available for Nintendo Switch™.
Offering hours of strategic space station management action, Spacebase Startopia for Nintendo Switch™ also gives players a veritable space-buffet of extra-terrestrial entertainment – from space whale therapy sessions to cat cafes and even the time-bending Black Hole Drop – and a selection of galactic gadgetry to deck out their base and attempt to entice the interest of passing holidaymakers. In cooperation with the station’s own totally-not-homicidal AI, VAL, players will have to work to transform their base’s three unique decks into the galaxy’s #1 holiday hotspot.
Spacebase Startopia for Nintendo Switch™ is available now as a digital purchase via Nintendo eShop and is also available as a physical boxed retail version. The game can be picked up for PC via the Kalypso Store and Steam and other consoles via the PlayStation Store and Microsoft Store.
Information
Title:Spacebase Startopia Platforms:Nintendo Switch™, PS4|5 |Win/Mac/Linux, Xbox (One, Series X|S)Developer:Realmforge Studios Genre:Management simulator Release:Out now Hashtag:#SpacebaseStartopia
Information
Spacebase Startopia captivates with its original mixture of economic simulation and empire building strategy paired with classic RTS skirmishes and a good dose of humour. And as if maintaining the three space station decks, entertaining the eight alien races and defending against enemy invaders weren’t enough of a challenge, the dynamic narrator AI is not going to mince matters and commentates events in a friendly but sharp-tongued manner.
Features
The 10-mission, fully dubbed single-player campaign will require all your skills as Commander of the Spacebase Startopia as you strive to create one of the most attractive trade and tourism destinations in the known universe
Each of the three decks will require your leadership skills — the Sub Deck containing all of the rooms vital to survival, while the Fun Deck focuses on your visitors, and the flora and fauna found on the Bio Deck provides sufficient resources for survival as well as a home for the graceful Dryads
Prevail against AI competitors, for you are not alone on the station. Sabotage your opponents’ economy or attack them with your mech units, conduct trade and beware of space pirates eager to board
The dynamic narrator AI ‘VAL’ reacts to your decisions and is always at your side in both word and deed – alongside offering the occasional extremely unqualified comment
Hone your skills as the Commander of Spacebase Startopia in the many challenges of the single-player campaign or play your way in the customisable sandbox mode
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About the Kalypso Media Group Kalypso Media Group GmbH is a fully independent publisher, developer and marketer of interactive entertainment software with 150 employees in 10 locations throughout Germany, England, France, Japan, and the United States, including Kasedo Games, Kalypso Media’s digital-first label, and three development studios – Realmforge Studios (Dungeons series), Gaming Minds Studios (Railway Empire, Port Royale) and Claymore Game Studios (upcoming Commandos game). Kasedo Games also now holds a majority stake in France-based developer Bulwark Studios, increasing the Kalypso Media Group’s total development studios to 4.
Specializing in developing strategy games for a global audience on all modern platforms, Kalypso Media’s IP portfolio includes the full rights to the Tropico series, Commandos, Port Royale, Dungeons, Sudden Strike, Railway Empire, and others. Kalypso Media’s recent releases are Commandos 2 – HD Remaster and Praetorians – HD Remaster, Railway Empire – Nintendo Switch™ Edition, Dungeons 3 – Complete Collection, Railway Empire – Complete Collection, Port Royale 4, Tropico 6 – Nintendo Switch™ Edition, Commandos 2 – HD Remaster for Nintendo Switch™ and Spacebase Startopia for Nintendo Switch™. Upcoming releases include Disciples: Liberation (21/10/21). Kasedo Games’ recent releases include Filament, console and tablet versions of Warhammer 40,000: Mechanicus, Distant Kingdoms (available in Steam Early Access) as well as City of Gangsters
Warner Bros. Games and DC have debuted the official key art for Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, the genre-bending action-adventure shooter featuring DC Super-Villains Harley Quinn, Deadshot, Captain Boomerang and King Shark. Developed by Rocksteady Studios, creators of the critically acclaimed Batman: Arkham series, Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League will combine the studio’s signature character-driven story gameplay with third-person shooter action to deliver a gaming experience unlike any other. Set in the richly detailed open-world Metropolis, the game’s original narrative follows the four Suicide Squad members as they take on an impossible mission to save Earth and kill the World’s Greatest DC Super Heroes.
Don’t forget to tune in to DC FanDome, the ultimate DC fan experience, October 16 at 10 AM PDT/ October 17 at 4 AM AEDT for an exclusive look at a new reveal from Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League.
Sequel to Critically Acclaimed 2017 Release Scheduled for Launch in 2022
Derby, 24th September 2021: Playtonic Friends are thrilled to announce not only their newest publishing partnership but the sequel to Castle Pixel’s 2017 hit, Blossom Tales, with the unveiling of Blossom Tales 2: The Minotaur Prince.
Building on the success of their first release, the team at Castle Pixel set out to bring fans of 2D action-adventure games more of the branching, entertaining gameplay they love to experience themselves coupled with a constantly satisfying challenge and “story within a story” narrative.
Think A Link to the Past meets The Princess Bride.
An ancient land. A young hero. Dungeons full of enemies with puzzles round every corner. You enter the final chamber to face off against a terrifying boss, the One Legged Pirate. No, it’s a Giant Panda. NO! This time it’s a possessed Rocking Horse. It’s up to the player to decide what they will face off against.
“Our team believes in games’ power to captivate by marrying fun gameplay with memorable storytelling” commented Rob Maher, Design Lead at Castle Pixel “The classic 2D games we grew on tested your skills from start to finish, and we’re also big fans of games that let you influence the story and world through choice. Blossom Tales 2 is our love letter to action RPGs of old but allows us to blend that satisfying challenge with delightful interactivity in a way that we love to play ourselves”
Gavin Price, CEO of Playtonic Friends, added “We’re all huge fans of the older Zelda titles and when we first played the original Blossom Tales, we were blown away by the heart and character Castle Pixel brought to their game. When the opportunity arose to work with the team on expanding that experience and helping to bring The Minotaur Prince to life we had to jump at it.”
Officially unveiled during the IndieLand Charity Stream, Blossom Tales 2: The Minotaur Prince will be coming to Steam for Windows PC and Nintendo Switch in 2022.
Playtonic Friends Twitter: @PTonicFriends Playtonic Games Twitter: @PlaytonicGames Lil Gator Game Twitter: @CastlePixel
About Playtonic Games
Playtonic Games is an independent video game developer, started by the creative talent behind some of the most popular platform games of the past (including Donkey Kong Country and Banjo-Kazooie). Their aim is to bring fun games that everyone loves to play to new and old audiences alike across multiple platforms!
Their core team of veterans mixed with fresh, youthful talent has collectively notched up hundreds of years of video game development. Their first release as Playtonic Games is Yooka-Laylee, launched in April 2017, and funded as a result of Europe’s biggest video game Kickstarter! They’re based in the heart of the Midlands in the UK near Burton upon Trent, within easy commuting distance of larger cities such as Derby, Nottingham, Leicester and Birmingham.www.playtonicgames.com
Critically Acclaimed Life is Strange and Life is Strange: Before the Storm will come to new platforms in a Remastered Collection next year
LONDON, UK (September 24, 2021) – SQUARE ENIX Ltd. today announced the new release date for Life is Strange™: REMASTERED COLLECTION – February 1, 2022
Once again harness the power of Max’s rewind ability or Chloe’s quick-witted attitude in the Life is Strange Remastered Collection. Features include:
Remastered character and environment visuals
New engine and lighting upgrades
Brand new, fully motion captured facial animation in Life is Strange
Before the Storm includes Deluxe content (outfits, ‘Farewell’ episode, Zombie Crypt outfit)
The Life is Strange Remastered Collection contains both Life is Strange Remastered and Life is Strange: Before the Storm Remastered , and will be available to purchase on Google Stadia, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, XBOX ONE®, and PC Steam on 01/02/2022.
The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions are compatible with and can be purchased on PlayStation®5 and XBOX SERIES X|S®.
About Deck Nine Games Deck Nine Games are an independent videogame developer devoted to bringing together two passions; meaningful storytelling and rich gameplay. Its talented team of developers have won awards for their work in films, TV and videogames. Located at the foot of the Colorado mountains, Deck Nine Games is focused on becoming a premium developer of narrative adventure games for consoles, PC and mobile devices. For more information on Deck Nine Games visit: www.DeckNineGames.com
About DONTNOD Entertainment Founded in 2008, DONTNOD is a French independent publisher and developer that creates video games in the narrative adventure (LIFE is STRANGETM, TWIN MIRRORTM, TELL ME WHYTM), action (REMEMBER METM) and role-playing (VAMPYRTM) genres. Each new game is an original creation offering a unique narrative experience and game mechanics, featuring strong, touching and engaging stories, shared with our players around the world. DONTNOD has a worldwide reputation and collaborates with lead publishers such as Microsoft, Square Enix, FOCUS Home Interactive, Bandai Namco Entertainment and Capcom. As a studio and as a publisher, DONTNOD continues to evolve for its own productions but now also accompanies third-party studios on creations that resonate with its editorial vision (such as PortaPlay studio).
DONTNOD (ISIN code: FR0013331212 – ALDNE) is listed on Euronext Growth Paris.
About Square Enix External Studios Square Enix External Studios is a London based development and publishing group that works with top development studios across the world, establishing new intellectual properties and developing new franchises within the umbrella of Square Enix Holdings. Square Enix External Studios have been responsible for multiple games including RPG Shooter OUTRIDERS®, the Just Cause® and Life is Strange® series, and titles such as Batman: Arkham Asylum® and Sleeping Dogs®.
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 163 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 83 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 84 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
New Video Shows First Look at Gameplay with Multiplayer Cross-Play; Joins Xbox Game Pass at Launch
KENT, U.K. – Sept. 24, 2021 – Dovetail Games, developer and publisher of authentic sports simulation titles, today announced that Bassmaster® Fishing 2022, the Official Video Game, will release in North America and Europe on Oct. 28 for the PlayStation®5, PlayStation 4 home computer entertainment system, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, and windows PC via Steam. The title will be available with Xbox Game Pass at launch, giving aspiring anglers a multitude of options on where and how they can tackle big bass fishing.
Along with a first look at gameplay released today, Dovetail Games is sharing details on exciting new gameplay modes and features coming to the sports fishing simulator when it releases. True to real life, players can enjoy participating in the fully licensed Career Mode where they’ll have to fish their way to the top as they compete in College Series, Opens, and the Elite Series to earn an invite to the ultimate bass anglers challenge, the Bassmaster Classic. Players can take this journey on with one of the 10 Elite Series anglers or create their own custom character, complete with their choice of sponsors to support them. As players compete, they’ll experience eight diverse real-world venues hand crafted to accurately recreate the depths, fish species, native vegetation, and local points of interest, earning in-game Bass Bucks to unlock different types of lures, tackle, rods, and more so they can bring the right equipment for each unique venue.
Adding a new twist to multiplayer, Bassmaster® Fishing 2022 will pit players against each other in the ‘Bassmaster Royale’ multiplayer mode! This all-new game mode challenges anglers to be the last player fishing, competing together against the clock and challenging anglers to keep the weight of their catches above other competitors. Smart angling, location choices, and strategic use of the brand-new underwater camera will be necessary to avoid being eliminated as the competition heats up! Multiplayer features cross-play between all platforms, allowing anglers to play with friends no matter which platform they have.
Freedom Fishing is another multiplayer mode for players to jump into to do some relaxing fishing with friends. Choosing any of the eight real-world venues to explore and fish with friends for some non-competitive fishing. In this mode you can explore the waters at ease and practice so you’re ready when it comes to tournament fishing.
Developed and published by Dovetail Games, Bassmaster® Fishing 2022will release on Oct. 28 in North America and Europe on the PS5™, PS4™ system, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One/Xbox One X, Windows PC via Steam, and Xbox Game Pass. For regular updates please visit www.bassmasterthegame.com.
About Dovetail Games:
Dovetail Games was launched in 2013. Previously trading as RailSimulator.com Ltd, the business launched in 2009 initially producing and marketing the PC game Train Simulator. Today, Dovetail Games is responsible for developing train, and fishing simulation games for PC and leading consoles. http://www.dovetailgames.com.
About B.A.S.S.:
B.A.S.S., which encompasses the Bassmaster tournament leagues, events and media platforms, is the worldwide authority on bass fishing and keeper of the culture of the sport, providing cutting edge content on bass fishing whenever, wherever and however bass fishing fans want to use it. Headquartered in Birmingham, Ala., the 515,000-member organization’s fully integrated media platforms include the industry’s leading magazines (Bassmaster and B.A.S.S. Times), website (Bassmaster.com), TV show, radio show, social media programs and events. For more than 50 years, B.A.S.S. has been dedicated to access, conservation and youth fishing.
The Bassmaster Tournament Trail includes the most prestigious events at each level of competition, including the Bassmaster Elite Series, Basspro.com Bassmaster Opens Series, TNT Fireworks B.A.S.S. Nation Series, Carhartt Bassmaster College Series presented by Bass Pro Shops, Mossy Oak Fishing Bassmaster High School Series presented by Academy Sports + Outdoors, Bassmaster Team Championship, Bassmaster B.A.S.S. Nation Kayak Series powered by TourneyX and the ultimate celebration of competitive fishing, the Academy Sports + Outdoors Bassmaster Classic presented by Huk.
Treat yourself to the first world of this doggone great game
SAN FRANCISCO – September 24, 2021 |Skystone Games and Stonebot Studio are thrilled to announce that a brand new demo for the upcoming The Last Friend is now available. The demo provides players on PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store) a chance to experience the first level of the game with its fascinating blend of tower defense and brawler systems. It’s a terrific chance to try out this truly unique gameplay experience ahead of its full launch on September 30, 2021 for PC via Steam and EGS. It will be launching soon after for the Nintendo Switch.
The demo provides players with a taste of the combat and strategy in the game as well as a peek at upgrading dogs, how the Alpha levels up and gains powers, as well as van customization. Along the way, players will meet various characters from the game’s storyline all the way up to the first major boss level, The Firewall!
The Last Friend Pre-Order Announcement Trailer
Preorders for The Last Friendare currently available via Steam, EGS, and the Nintendo eShop through the official website. In addition, a limited number of players have a chance to immortalize their own dog inside the game world via a limited run of just 400 units called the “True Frens” Edition. More details about that special campaign can be found on The Last Friend site.
About The Last Friend
Seamlessly blending both the arcade action of games like Streets of Rage with the strategical thinking of titles like Plants vs. Zombies, The Last Friend quickly becomes a battle of man and canine standing stalwart against the end of the world. The Last Friend brings in a horde of super-powered dogs to help players drive back the violent mutants and gangs of the apocalypse in a fun, fast-paced hybrid of Brawler and Tower Defense.
You’ll work your way across a vast dystopian, wasteland rescuing doggos who will in turn help you save the world in your roving battle station of conversion van that would make Harry from Dumb and Dumber incredibly jealous.
Main Game Features:
Tower Defense meets Brawler with a seamless blend of genres
Combo-driven combat with special moves and powers galore
Dozens of Dogs to Rescue with powers to upgrade as your progress
Over 50 challenging and replayable levels to master and reap rewards from
Survive the wasteland in an upgradeable roving battle station
And yes… you can pet the doggos.
About Stonebot Studio
We are an Animation and Video game Studio. And we love what we do.
About Skystone Games
Skystone Games aims to be a global leader in video game publishing with a passion for uncovering rich new experiences highlighting incredible talent worldwide. Founded by industry veterans David Brevik (Creator of the Diablo franchise) and Bill Wang (Perfect World & Giant), Skystone Games has multiple development projects. The company’s first five titles, Boundary, Undying, The Last Friend, Underworld Dreams, and Spacelines from the Far Out, will soon launch on various platforms. Skystone is actively seeking more partners. More information can be found at Skystone.Games.
Build Your Dream Disney Life, Explore Immersive Worlds, and Befriend Characters from Across Disney’s Beloved Franchises
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (September 23, 2021) – Leading video game publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. has announced that Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition will arrive on Nintendo Switch this holiday season. Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition is an immersive life simulation game that gives players the freedom to build a life alongside beloved Disney characters, explore Disney-themed worlds full of fun adventures, and engage in a variety of exciting activities and mini-games.
In Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition, players will begin by creating their own in-game avatar and choosing from thousands of customization options to fully express themselves. Upon beginning their adventure, players will be greeted by Mickey Mouse and friends and settle into Castleton, where they will make their homes and meet colorful personalities. These new residents of Castleton will gradually become acquainted with their friendly neighbors and gain access to mysterious portals, which lead to new worlds with even more characters to befriend.
With six unique worlds to explore, Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition boasts an array of vibrant locations that Disney fans will recognize, each home to plenty of fun activities and thematic mini-games. From interior decorating and managing a café to starring in Magical Dream parades and adventuring through dungeons, Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition has an abundance of activities that everyone can enjoy.
“Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition offers Disney fans experiences they’ve only dreamed of, on their Nintendo Switch,” said Lin Leng, Senior Director of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “Between dancing with Disney princesses and embarking on quests with magical characters, we can’t wait for players to experience all the magic of Disney Magical World 2: Enchanted Edition on the go!”
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for all major video game consoles, iOS, Android, and online platforms. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. is the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime based video games including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL Z®, and ONE PIECE®. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com or www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS
Jump on a Nimbus Cloud, Awaken New Powers, and Test Your Skills Against Fearsome Foes from Home, on the Couch, or On the Go!
Santa Clara, Calif., (September 24, 2021) – Leading anime video game developer and publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. announced DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT + A NEW POWER AWAKENS SET is now available for the Nintendo Switch in the Americas. Developed in Japan by video game developer CyberConnect2; DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT makes its way to the Nintendo Switch along with the “A New Power Awakens Set” which contains action-packed content from the New Power Awakens Part 1 and New Power Awakens Part 2 DLCs.
In DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT + A NEW POWER AWAKENS SET players will experience their favorite DRAGON BALL Z story arcs, meet beloved friends, battle powerful enemies, and uncover some long-running mysteries from the DRAGON BALL Z universe along the way. Beyond the epic battles, players will live life in the DRAGON BALL Z world as they fight, fish, eat, and train as Goku. The game’s expansive campaign and abundance of side quests offer endless hours of action and exploration.
“We’re excited to launch this classic story of the most famous Saiyan, Goku, on Nintendo Switch and give fans the full DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT experience, whether at home or on the go,” said Lin Leng, Senior Director of Marketing at BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “We’ve seen players from around the world enthusiastically jump into the role of Goku and other famous DRAGON BALL Z characters; now we’re excited to extend that legacy by offering Nintendo Switch fans their chance to experience the explosive story arcs of DRAGON BALL Z.”
Based on the seminal works of the acclaimed DRAGON BALL series creator, Akira Toriyama, DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT recounts the adventures of the most powerful Saiyan to have ever lived—the legendary Goku. The DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT + A NEW POWER AWAKENS SET on Nintendo Switch will include the base game plus:
New Transformations for Goku and Vegeta
New Super Attacks
Level Cap Unlocks
New Soul Emblems
Experience Point Items
DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT is available now in theAmericas for the Nintendo Switch as well as PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and PCs via STEAM®. DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT features English and Japanese voice-over along with subtitles in Neutral-Spanish and Brazilian Portuguese. For more information regarding DRAGON BALL Z: KAKAROT or other products from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.com, or follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or join the conversation on Twitter at: https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.
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About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for all major video game consoles, iOS, Android, and online platforms. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. is the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime based video games including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL Z®, and ONE PIECE®. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com or www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS.
All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
With the NBA season set to tip-off in a little under a month fans of basketball have been eager to see what the latest entry in the long running NBA 2K series has to offer. Coming off of a release that saw a number of changes to a few aspects of the game, NBA 2K22 has refined many of these aspects even further while also implementing a number of new on the court mechanics to bring a certain authenticity to the game. That being said, with these on the court changes and a number of other additions off the court, are these modifications for better or worse?
Story
Over the past few games the NBA 2K games have tried to tell a more structured storyline and this time around Visual Concepts have decided to go the opposite route. This time around players will take their own character, named however they want, and call them “MP” (likely short for MyPlayer) who is a popular YouTube star known for their basketball skills. The only problem is, MP may be making a name for himself against randoms online, he hasn’t attempted trying out for the NBA draft, going to college, or even playing in the NBA’s minor league, the G League.
With your roommate as an initial manager players will step foot into The City as their own character and find countless NPCs to talk to, some of which have quests or challenges to take on, and start building their path to being a superstar, be it by building their brand off the court or taking to the court and proving their skills for real. This change to storytelling actually works rather well as player choices do feel rather interesting as they build their character’s career as they wish and the storyline itself actually is rather lengthy in nature, going far beyond that of previous entries.
Gameplay
In many ways, NBA 2K22‘s on the court gameplay has remained perhaps the best that a basketball fan could ask for and things have gotten even better this time around. Last year Visual Concepts introduced a shot meter that was a bit rough around the edges and this time the company has taken the time to polish things up. Now not only does the shot meter take into account a player’s various stats but it will also factor in how open or well-defended a shot may be as well as the tiredness of the player. This means that players can easily sink a three pointer in the open and then struggle with a contested jump shot depending on what is happening around them. This aspect not only feels more authentic but also rewards players for playing as part of a team rather than trying to rush the basket, especially since a more fatigued player can have a smaller shot meter as well. That being said, the title does reward the player with a nice highlight whenever they manage to sink a perfect shot which is a great touch.
This level of player control is extended to almost every aspect of the game as player’s offensive dribbling options are fluider with the option to string together offensive moves being far easier than before though be careful, as the stamina meter will play a role. Along those same lines defensive options have also been expanded upon with players having more control of perimeter defense and being able to properly shut down an offensive play along with a number of new types of shot blocks and other aspects, including enhanced stealing mechanics. This level of control also appears to have made a major improvement regarding the game’s AI as team AI on both offense and defense can now be properly trusted at times. By coupling the aforementioned stamina system with the fact that teammates now can properly move and defend as a unit as well as try and become open more on offense makes this team game all the more natural and perhaps the most enjoyable the franchise has been in some time, and considering the general quality of the on the court mechanics, that is quite a compliment.
One of the biggest aspects of NBA 2K22 is “The City” that serves as both sandbox and hub of most of the game’s online interactions. The city allows players to take their very own character and grow them from the ground up in an effort to become an NBA legend with MyCareer. Here players will talk to various NPCs that will progress their story with certain tasks, access various shops that they can further customize their characters at, ranging from barbershops to brand name clothing stores. It is also worth noting that while a certain level of in-game advertisement makes sense for a sports game such as this, there comes a point where it crosses the line and NBA 2K22 has left that line in the dust. There are various courts to take on other players in online competition through either pick-up games in the Park, which have been dialed back a bit, or even strange races. Navigating through the city is unfortunately a bit of a chore despite the fact that players are given a skateboard to move around a bit faster and can eventually unlock additional modes of transport but none of which help alleviate the navigation issues.
Monetization in 2K22 is worse than ever and nowhere does this rear its head than in online matches. While it is entirely possible to grind out VC (Virtual Currency) and upgrade your player over time, it is disheartening to immediately run into nearly maxed out players who have paid to win while the player’s character is low rated because after a certain point, no matter how good you are, these points matter. With everything in the game costing VC in some regard and the title often prompting players with various deals, it quickly becomes far more annoying than last year’s entry, even with the MyTeam mode being given a slightly easier monetization touch this time around.
As usual MyTeam will still consist of players being able to create their very own team using various card packs containing players and more. While players can open up their wallets to buy card packs NBA 2K22 rewards players with a large amount of free packs as well as opportunities to unlock additional packs without too much extra hassle, though be wary of trying to take your team online as the aforementioned lack of balance will still play a role here with.
Then of course players will still have the robust MyNBA franchise mode offering a massive amount of content for players to dig into as they take over a team or set of teams and manage them however they wish. This mode is largely the same as before, featuring such a breadth of single player content that it is easy to lose yourself in the mode. It is also worth noting that there is also now a WNBA counterpart as well as a number of women’s basketball teams to play as, though these aspects of the game are still kept rather simple compared to their fully fleshed out counterparts which is rather disappointing considering how far the WNBA has come as a league.
Now, it is worth noting that throughout my time playing NBA 2K22 the title has suffered from many bugs that have ranged from halting progress in the MyCareer mode to crashing the entire Xbox Series X in the middle of gameplay. While the title is being patched and recently was, bugs do continue to persist including the title crashing to the Home screen during online play as well. While this should be taken with a grain of salt as patches are being worked on and applied readily, players should be wary of a buggy/game crashing experience.
Visuals & Audio
Once more NBA 2K22 continues to impress by presenting both gorgeous play animations as well as excellent recreations of player likenesses. There are a number of new animations in the game on both the offensive and defensive side of things and almost every aspect of the court is designed to look as authentic as possible, and even The City is designed well enough despite the advertisement overload. That being said, there is one design aspect that is a bit of a problem in 2K22 and that happens to be the streamlined menus that may look better initially but now require digging through to access most options.
Players will also find that the company has managed to secure a very solid soundtdrack to accompany NBA 2K22 and have even given players an option to listen to music while traveling through The City, making the inclusion all the better. As for the voice acting, most of the performances are handled well enough though players shouldn’t expect anything too exceptional when it comes to the in-game commentary.
Overall
NBA 2K22 continues the series’ ever growing improvements to the on-court gameplay with new tweaks making the shot meter better than ever and a number of other additions that create a far more fluid and team-based game than we have seen in years. Unfortunately both technical problems and the absolute mess of microtransactions that players will find around every corner continue to drag down a game that offers so much great basketball beneath these annoyances.
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