Longest Free Login Campaign Now Active; Offers Up to 14 Days of Free Playtime for Returning Players
SQUARE ENIX® invites Warriors of Light to enjoy all-new Endwalker footage with the newly released FINAL FANTASY® XIV: Endwalker™ Official Benchmark software. Featuring actual in-game areas and character models, the benchmark software gives players a chance to test their computer’s ability to run FINAL FANTASY XIV ahead of the expansion’s scheduled launch on 23rd November, 2021.
The benchmark software also features an updated character creator feature, which includes the option to create male Viera characters: a new playable race to be added in Endwalker. The appearance data of characters created through the benchmark can also be saved for use in the retail version of the game or selected as the character to appear in benchmark cutscenes.
The FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker official benchmark trailer is available here:
Additionally, a roadmap detailing upcoming content leading directly into the launch of Endwalker was revealed during the latest Letter from the Producer LIVE broadcast. Players can enjoy content additions and in-game events ahead of the release of the highly anticipated fourth expansion:
July – August
● Make it Rain Campaign – Beginning19th July and running through 11th August, players can obtain a special “Vexed” emote reward by completing event quests while also earning bonus Manderville Gold Saucer Points (MGP) from Gold Saucer activities.
● Patch 5.58 – Releasing on 20th July, the update will mark the beginning of Season 20 of The Feast alongside other content adjustments.
● Moonfire Faire – This summer-themed seasonal event will return for a limited-time starting from 13th August.
● The Rising– Marking the 8th anniversary of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn’s release, The Rising is set to begin on 27th August.
September – October
● FINAL FANTASY XV Collaboration Event – Players can look forward to the return of the popular event that brings FINAL FANTASY XV hero Noctis Lucis Caelum to the world of Hydaelyn. From 13th September, players who have reached level 50 and completed the main scenario quest “The Ultimate Weapon” can participate to earn numerous rewards, including Noctis’ hairstyle and outfit, the four-person Regalia mount, and more. Players who had previously completed this quest can once again experience this questline and adventure alongside Noctis.
● Moogle Treasure Trove Event– From 19th October and until the planned start of Endwalker early access on 19th November, players will have another chance to gather irregular tomestones to exchange for various rewards.
November Onward
● Endwalker Early Access Launch –Endwalker early access beings on 19th November and allows players who have pre-ordered the game to begin their adventures ahead of the official release on 23rd November, 2021.
● Post-Launch Events – Additional seasonal events are scheduled to land in the months following the release of Endwalker, such as All Saints’ Wake beginning in late November, the Starlight Celebration in December, and Heavensturn to ring in the new year.
Players who are currently taking a break from their adventures are invited to jump back into the game as part of the latest Free Login Campaign. Now active and running until 23rd August, eligible users can return to Eorzea and play for free for an extended period of up to 14 days – the longest play period of any Free Login Campaign to date.
With more than 22 million total registered players, there has never been a better time for newcomers to begin their adventures in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga. The expanded Free Trial now includes all content from A Realm Reborn and the Heavensward™ expansion (and updates through Patch 3.56), as well as an additional playable race (Au Ra), and three additional playable jobs (Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist). Free Trial players can enjoy hundreds of hours of award-winning gameplay and story experiences equivalent to two full FINAL FANTASY titles, without limit on playtime. More information is available here: https://sqex.to/FFXIVFreeTrial
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 161 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 82 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 82 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
ENDWALKER, SHADOWBRINGERS, the FINAL FANTASY XIV logo, CRYSTAL DYNAMICS, DRAGON QUEST, EIDOS, EIDOS MONTREAL, EORZEA, FINAL FANTASY, the FINAL FANTASY logo, THE LODESTONE, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, TAITO and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. “PlayStation" and the "PS" Family logo are registered trademarks and "PS4" and “PS5” are trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
The first thing that many think of when it comes to Monster Hunter is venturing out on a hunt, geared up and ready to slay a beast in strategic action combat to either slay it and carve pieces off or capture in a trap. Things changed a bit four years ago however when Monster Hunter Stories proved that there was room for a lighter-hearted story where players fight alongside their monsters in what ended up being a fairly straightforward RPG with some interesting ideas. Now Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin has proven that taking this spin-off series a bit further was the right choice as most issues with the first game have not only been improved upon but also serves as a great place of entry even for those unfamiliar with the franchise.
Story
Now it is worth noting that while Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is a sequel to the first game and it does continue in the same world, players will not miss out on too much if they haven’t played the original 3DS or phone version of the game. There are a few returning characters and some events from the first game are mentioned but Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin stands almost entirely on its own legs.
Hakolo Island and its residents have lived alongside monsters for years to the point that most of the villagers have “Monstie” companions that they ride while also making sure to protect the balance of nature. During an attempt with the island to try and form connections with the hunter’s guild, the Guardian Ratha that protects the island is attacked and leaves the island, causing a mass disappearance of all the Rathalos on the island and a massive disturbance in the ecosystem. Being the grandson/daughter of the legendary rider Red, the player begins their training as a rider and quickly encounters a Wyverian girl named Ena who not only knew their grandfather but is also carrying a special Rathalos egg gifted to her by your grandfather’s Ratha.
With the hunter’s guild on their heels, the player and Ena take the egg and, after going through trials to prove themselves as a worthy rider, manage to hatch the egg only to find that the small Rathalos inside is far more concerning than it should be. With mysterious beams of light and bottomless pits appearing across the land and monsters going out of control, signs have pointed towards something strange happening as this Rathalos’ markings and small wings match an ancient Wyverian legend of a Razewing Rathalos capable of bringing ruin to the world. With only the player capable of taming the beast, it is up to them to form a bond with the Rathalos and learn the secrets about the strange lights, pits, and raging creatures across the land.
Although things may sound rather dire, Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin still takes a mostly light-hearted approach to its tale even if it isn’t afraid to take some twists here and there. One of the first missions has players encounter the felyne Navirou, a returning mascot character from the previous game, that serves as the voice of the team who is not only incredibly child friendly but full of clawful puns that may be a bit over the top at times but never feel too grating.
The tale itself is lengthy and is spread across numerous areas filled with a colorful cast of characters that all get at least a little bit of time to shine as we learn more about them, mostly battling alongside them at the same time as some of the best characters end up being “battle buddies” that fight alongside the player with their own monstie.
Gameplay
Unlike the usual Monster Hunter games, Monster Hunter Stories 2 takes a different approach to combat as it instead focuses on turn-based combat with players battling in either a party of two or four as they are either battling alongside their own Monstie or with a “Battle Buddy” and their Monstie as well. The basics of combat are fairly simple to understand as they work off a “rock, paper, scissors” style of attacks with each one being strong against one and weak against another. The three styles of attack are power, technique, and speed with even weapon skills often having variations to make sure players have options open to them. These styles come into play when battling against monsters in head-to-head confrontations with power beating technique, technique beating speed, and speed beating power with the winning attack going through and dealing maximum damage and only receiving a small attack from the opposing side while draws will deal an equal amount of damage. Winning head-to-head confrontations as well as various quick time events that range from simple clashes to air battles also boost the player’s kinship gauge. This can in turn be used to either activate skills for the player or partner Monstie or, when the gauge is filled, to ride the Monstie. Riding your partnered Monstie not only restores health but gives players access to an incredibly flashy and high powered finishing move that separates the rider from the Monstie.
This means that a large part of staying alive in combat as well as dealing damage to monsters is correctly predicting what type of attack the enemy will use. Every monster will have a set pattern of attacks that they will use with occasional type-less skills mixed in, meaning that players will still need to learn the patterns of their foes to properly take them down. It is interesting to note that Monster Hunter Stories 2 does make it very noticeable when an enemy will be changing up their attack patterns as the foe will either grow enraged, coat itself in armor, fly, and more meaning players will need to change their own style to counter them or even swap their Monstie with one of six that they can have with them at any given time.
Each Monstie players can obtain will have a specific attack type between speed, power, and technique and swapping them in the middle of combat is not only easy but the Monstie will also still be able to take an action that turn. Along those same lines players will now find that they will be able to equip three different weapons at a time, being able to swap between them once a turn and still make an action as well. There are three different types of attack types in the game, slashing, blunt, and piercing with the six weapon types available in the game offering two in each category. All monsters that players battle against will have certain weapon types more effective against them in general while larger monsters will have certain parts of their body weaker to different weapons. Yes, this means that larger monsters have targetable parts that can be broken to not only limit their skills but also to give players extra item drops. For example, a monster’s tail may be weak to slashing attacks while it’s stomach is weak to blunt hits. Along those same lines, just like an enemy can change their attack patterns at times, their weaknesses can also shift at the same time so players will constantly need to keep on their toes during a battle.
Outside of combat players will be spending most of their time riding around on their favorite Monsties exploring the field to gather materials and battle monsters as well as enter monster dens and “Everdens” to locate eggs. Each of these short dungeons, that have an incredibly low amount of room variety to the point that they quickly repeat, will have a nest at the end with eggs inside and often a monster either sleeping in the nest or guarding it. Each monster egg will have a unique appearance and players will need to remember what they may or may not have already hatched if they are looking to obtain a new Monstie but it is worth noting that not only can players usually swap their egg for a different one at the risk of alerting the monster in the nest, but their quality will vary heavily as well as told by Navirou who can analyze an egg from its weight and smell.
Every Monstie has different field skills available to them, most of which are either searching skills or the ability to navigate through obstacles and it is a bit troubling at times that players will need to balance having a useful exploration team with having some of their favorite Monster Hunter monsters on their team. Another aspect of the aforementioned Monstie management is the Rite of Channeling that allows for players to transfer genes from one Monstie and apply it to another, either replacing a current gene or filling an empty slot. This does make the former Monstie vanish forever but does allow players to boost the strength of their own team. Gene modification can add a variety of skills to a Monstie’s repertoire and even adjust the elemental type of the creature as well if enough genes are applied.
While this may sound fairly complicated, the process is easy to learn while at the same time far from required to actually get the most out of the game. This is primarily due to the fact that, outside of a few encounters, most of the core story content in Monster Hunter Stories 2 can be managed by keeping your team leveled properly and managing your own equipment, which happens to be easier than ever. Forging weapons and armor in this entry no longer requires specific parts of a monster to properly create or upgrade an item; instead every fang, piece of hide, scale, etc. is given a point system with gear requiring a number of points to be forged or upgraded, streamlining the whole process.
It is interesting to note that Monster Hunter Stories 2 does feature multiplayer in the form of both co-op play as well as player vs player combat. Co-op allows players to take on stronger monsters with a friend and even take part in larger explorations of dens while versus mode pits players’ teams against one another in what can be incredibly varied combat thanks to the aforementioned gene modification systems never making it easy to guess what each Monstie is capable of.
Visuals & Audio
Monster Hunter Stories 2 takes a slightly different approach to the world that fans of the franchise have come to know as everything is far more vibrant and endearing. Players will come across various types of endemic life while exploring the land, encountering monsters that still retain all of their signature features and designs from the core series. Combat is fairly standard looking for a turn-based game though the Kinship Skills really take things over the top when used. It is a bit unfortunate that there is a lack of variety when it comes to monster dens as a whole, especially since players will need to regularly search through them to obtain new Monsties and eggs with rare genes.
While most of our time with Monster Hunter Stories 2 was on PC, we did test out a large portion of the game on the Nintendo Switch as well. Where the PC runs smoothly throughout; the Switch version of the game, which still looks incredible thanks to the art style choice, does suffer quite a bit when it comes to performance. Frame rates will drop quite a bit during cutscenes and during Kinship skills as well as occasionally during field exploration, though it is worth noting that it runs perfectly fine while exploring towns and during general combat.
The soundtrack for the series features some great pieces of background music that work well both when exploring the field, the various towns that all have a unique feel to them, and of course in combat. As for the voice work, the English voice cast handles their characters well, even with all of the puns that Navirou ends up putting furward.
Overall
Taking a game about hunting monsters in action packed combat and spinning it off into one where players instead fight alongside them to take down monsters is a unique twist that worked once and has worked even better the second time around. This charming sequel has improved upon the first game in almost every way with an enjoyable storyline, engaging combat that can be a bit easy at times but keeps players on their toes, and over eighty different Monsties that can join your team. Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin‘s low barrier of entry also makes it possible for even newcomers who haven’t touched the original game or the franchise as a whole able to experience the game without feeling like they are missing out, which they truly would be doing if they choose to ignore this great RPG.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
What are the most important elements that stand out in a good game? We could name a few. For me, it comes down to story, atmosphere, gameplay, and visuals. The perfect ingredients for a well-made product. But every once in a while, comes a game where one particular “gimmick” stands out and pushes everything else in the background. It’s usually a gameplay mechanic (or a part of one) that etches in everyone’s mind and people talk about it for years after the game has run its course. As an example, the acclaimed Spider-Man 2 came with a web-swinging mechanic that made history, and (sadly) no other Spider-Man game was able to replicate it properly. The developers of Boomerang X are aware of such stand-out moments in games and I imagine at one point they said “what if we just refine one gameplay feature and then make a whole game around it”.
Story
I wouldn’t say that the story of Boomerang X is nonexistent but you would have to be really creative and imaginative to put the pieces together. You wake up on a seemingly deserved island and after some hopping about, you find a makeshift boomerang. There’s not much elaboration of who you are as a protagonist. I noticed some bandages on my arms so I could assume I am badly injured from the shipwreck (also assuming that I came on a ship, to begin with) or that I’m merely a mummy. I say makeshift boomerang but that thing is surprisingly dangerous and durable. There’s more to it than meets the eye.
Gameplay
The boomerang serves as your trusty sidekick, a tool to open doors and access new areas and a means to zig-zag around the level with ease. In any case, as soon as you get a hold of yourself (and your boomerang), your goal is to find more about your surroundings, explore the island and get out of it alive. The island is seemingly uninhabited with other shipwreckers or mummies but the population of the black goo creatures is at an all-time high. Standing still will get you nowhere and likely kill you but this is the part where your right-hand weapon shines. The level structure in Boomerang X is rather simple. You go from one linear area to the other, from room to room and you try to destroy the creatures of black goo. Some will fly around and some will move about on the ground. They all quickly recognize you as their enemy so it’s a kill or be killed situation. Every time you successfully clear a room by killing a set number of enemies, you are “rewarded” with a new boomerang/platforming move or a health point (so you can survive for longer). And this is where things start to get hectic and interesting. Soon enough, you learn how to quickly recall a boomerang you just threw, how to teleport to where you just threw it, how to slow time, how to produce a scattershot with it, and so on. Now throw loads of enemies into the mix and you have a recipe for gameplay that keeps you hooked with every new area you unlock. Sure, things might get hard, you might die more often than you think but it’s that enticing voice coming from Boomerang X that persuades you with “you will definitely do it now if you try again”. It’s infuriating, addicting, and insanely fun. What more could you ask?
Visuals
The game also comes with a distinct art style. The environments are giving away an illusion of being hand-drawn (although they’re not) and with a slight hint of cell shading. You have vivid colors, even in some dark and gloomy areas of the game and the enemy design is unique as well as simplistic. On top of the game standing out when it comes to visuals, I should also mention the incredible optimization and fluidity of movements. At no point, the number of details on the screen will take its toll on the frame rate or produce any sort of stuttering.
Audio
While the visuals in this game stand out, I could hardly say the same about the soundtrack and sound effects in general. The music is the, it’s not repetitive, but it’s far away from being memorable or engaging. It’s merely your companion as you destroy the enemies so you couldn’t say you did it in complete silence. For what it’s worth, some tracks such as “Kenak, the Exiled Tyrant” or “Valley of the First Nymphs” stand out but probably because I died way too many times in those sections where they were being played.
Overall
At the end of the day, Boomerang X is a game that doesn’t shoot for the stars or tries to fly a bit close to the son. It places all of its focus on one thing and it does it incredibly well. When you get your boomerang and enter the very first arena in the game, it’s too late for you. You are already hooked. The new moves and enemies are not there to only amp up the difficulty, but the intensity of the gameplay as well as the fun factor. There is nothing like the feeling of clearing a small army of enemies in this game, flying around the room, picking one enemy after another, and landing on the ground without a scratch. At this point, I might just develop incredible bias whenever I see Devolver Digital as a publisher in a game. The chances are it will be something fresh, unique, and most importantly – incredibly fun. Boomerang X is no exception to that rule.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Embark on an original 2D action-adventure set in the world of RWBY
Valencia, Calif. – July 9, 2021 – Independent game studio WayForward (Shantae, River City Girls), in conjunction with entertainment company Rooster Teeth and publisher/developer Arc System Works (Guilty Gear -Strive-), is delighted to confirm the first details and official title of RWBY: Arrowfell, an all-new action-adventure video game based on the global animated hit RWBY. Unveiled during Rooster Teeth’s virtual RTX at Home 2021 event, RWBY: Arrowfell is developed by WayForward under the supervision of Rooster Teeth, with publishing collaboration by Arc System Works, and is planned to arrive on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, and PC in 2022.
Occurring during the events of RWBY Volume 7, RWBY: Arrowfell is an original interactive chapter straight from RWBY writers Kerry Shawcross, Miles Luna, and Eddy Rivas. Players will take control of Team RWBY — Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long — and switch between them on the fly in solo or multiplayer action (local or online) as they use their trademark weapons and semblances to stop a mysterious new threat in this side-scrolling, 2D adventure.
As players explore Atlas, Mantle, and numerous surrounding environments, they will face off against the Creatures of Grimm and other enemies straight from the show, as well as never-before-seen threats. The team also crosses paths with familiar faces including General Ironwood and the Ace Operatives, plus a fearless new group of Huntresses known as Team BRIR.
In addition to voiceovers from the original cast (including Lindsay Jones as Ruby, Kara Eberle as Weiss, Arryn Zech as Blake, and Barbara Dunkleman as Yang), RWBY: Arrowfell features an original score by Dale North with vocal contributions by Casey Lee Williams. Furthermore, the game contains seven minutes of exclusively created broadcast-quality animated cutscenes, as well as a dynamic new hand-drawn art style for the in-game visuals that allows fans to experience the world of RWBY like never before.
“I am beyond excited to finally share details around our new video game, RWBY: Arrowfell,” said Rooster Teeth Senior Writer Kerry Shawcross. “This is a match made in Remnant! Rooster Teeth, WayForward, and Arc System Works are mutual fans of one another, so this is truly a dream come true for all of us. I’ve always thought a RWBY game in this vein would be perfect and it’s so incredible to see it come to life. We hope fans are as thrilled as we are when this all-new action-adventure releases next year. Believe me, it will be worth the wait!” RWBY: Arrowfell is expected to arrive on digital storefronts in 2022, and also receive a physical release on select platforms. Additional game details will be revealed in the months leading up to its release. For more information about WayForward’s lineup of games, please visit www.wayforward.com and follow @wayforward on Twitter and Facebook.
About RWBY
In a world filled with horrific monsters bent on death and destruction, humanity’s hope lies with powerful Huntsmen and Huntresses. Ruby Rose, Weiss Schnee, Blake Belladonna, and Yang Xiao Long are four such Huntresses in training whose journeys will take them far past the grounds of their school, Beacon Academy. Though each may be powerful on their own, these four girls must overcome dark forces and work as a team if they truly hope to become the next generation of Remnant’s protectors.
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.
About Rooster Teeth
Rooster Teeth is a fan-driven, community-built entertainment company. From humble origins in a spare bedroom, Rooster Teeth created the web series Red vs. Blue, an innovative form of entertainment for a changing media landscape that sparked the growth of a passionate global fandom. From that foundation, Rooster Teeth pioneered a direct-to-consumer lifestyle brand for its growing online following with subscriptions, advertising, e-commerce, and live events. Rooster Teeth produces several original content series including RWBY, the most popular western-style anime series today, The Rooster Teeth Podcast, and daily video series featuring an in-house cast of influential talent. With broadcast and live-action production capabilities and a world class animation studio, Rooster Teeth engages industry-leading networks, streaming entertainment services and creative talent to develop projects that reach global audiences through its Studios division. Rooster Teeth cultivates the gaming lifestyle it helped define with partnerships through its industry-leading video-first podcast network, The Roost. Rooster Teeth has a massive global footprint of more than 45 million subscribers to its YouTube Network, 5 million unique weekly viewers across its RoosterTeeth.com hub and more than 4 million registered community members. The company was founded in 2003, and is a subsidiary of Otter Media, a WarnerMedia company. Discover more at RoosterTeeth.com.
About Arc System Works Arc System Works is a developer and fighting game specialist from Japan — best known for the Guilty Gear series and the BlazBlue series. More recently, the newest title Guilty Gear -Strive- has garnered international critical acclaim for its innovative fighting system and spectacular 2.5D visuals. For more information, please visit the official website at www.arcsystemworks.com
Hunt: Showdown’s New “DeSalle” Map Launches on PC Test Servers Today!
New gameplay trailer reveals the long-awaited map, hitting Hunt’s live servers on all platforms later this summer
FRANKFURT, Germany – July 9, 2021 – Crytek is delighted to announce that Hunt: Showdown players can set their sights on a range of new experiences and challenges as a new map called “DeSalle” comes to the game’s PC test servers today. DeSalle will launch on live servers for PC, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One later this summer. The new map will be the first to launch for Hunt: Showdown in three years and expands the roster of the game’s maps to three, joining Still Water Bayou and Lawson Delta as settings for the game’s high risk, high reward competitive match-based gameplay.
DeSalle Map Gameplay Trailer:
A foreboding new autumnal theme sets the tone for DeSalle, where players will hunt clues, monsters, each other, and new “Miner Grunt” enemies equipped with blinding helmet lights. DeSalle features 16 distinct new areas as it combines the decayed urban sprawl of two wild west towns alongside expansive mountainous, industrial, and farm regions. New urban settings in the map include a prison, church, bank, and saloon. Players will also hunt and fight through a shipyard, watermill, fort, quarry, coal mine, and new farmyard areas.
“We are delighted to launch DeSalle, a map which will bring a really new feel to the bayou,” said Fatih Özbayram, Senior Producer for Hunt: Showdown. “DeSalle is designed to bring more verticality to the game with climbable areas where players can take the high ground. The new map presents a wide range of new gameplay possibilities and more approaches for players to take towards their target, whether roaming town streets, stalking through a shipyard, or exploring the depths of a quarry.”
Hunt: Showdown is out now for PC, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One. Find out more about the game by visiting www.huntshowdown.com.
About Hunt: Showdown
Hunt: Showdown is a competitive first-person bounty hunting game that packs the thrill of survival games into a match-based format. Set in Louisiana in 1895, the game boasts a mixture of PvP and PvE elements that creates a uniquely tense experience. It’s not just the creatures who are a threat—it’s every Hunter on the map. In the classic game mode, a match of Hunt pits 12 players—playing solo or in teams of two or three—against each other as they race to take out gruesome beasts for a bounty they must collect and get off of the map. Hunt’s quickplay mode offers a shorter match for solo players to scavenge for weapons as they compete for a diminishing pool of bounty. The higher the risk, the higher the reward–but a single mistake could cost everything. For more information, visit www.huntshowdown.com.
Get ready for stylistic & gory action in Within the Blade!
9th July 2021, There’s just one week to go until the console digital release date of 16th July 2021 for this distinguished retro styled stealth action-platformer Within the Blade (WTB) on PlayStation, Xbox and Nintendo Switch!.Raved about on the PC, now console gamers can feast on the challenging action that unfolds……………
Publisher: Ratalaika Games Developer: Ametist Studio Price: $10.99/€10.99/£9.99 Release Date: 16/04/21 Genre: Action-Platformer with RPG elements
As players progress in WIB, they will encounter new and unique enemies which forces them to learn new battle tactics, better the quality of equipment and learn new skills – but they will keep an eye on the durability of the weaponry selected. When it breaks, players will be forced to combat enemies hand to hand.
Featuring 25 levels and some unforgettable boss encounters, players can also complete additional tasks to gain more experience and money to help level up their ninja.
Game Features
Over 100 types of weapon that players can find or craft
Branching skills to level up and master
Secrets to unlock, with epic items to find
Randomly generated levels
5 unique acts with 5 levels
Distinct visual style, with a distinct medieval feel
An Action-Platformer Like no Other! Live in the Shadows, Die by the Sword!
About Ratalaika Games:
Ratalaika Games S.L. is a game development company focused on 2D games, visual novels, and the console market. We are porting & publishing games to consoles from XBOX to PS5, PS4 & Nintendo Switch. Our main objective is entertainment, so come to play with us!
Moscow, Russia — July 9th, 2021 — 1C Entertainment and Prime Matter are delighted to reveal Greflet’s Song, the first piece from the official King’s Bounty II soundtrack, giving players a taste of what to expect from the music of Nostria.
The piece was written by award-winning music composer and producer Raney Shockne. Based in Los Angeles, Shockne has written and produced songs for Pitbull, Giorgio Moroder, Britney Spears, Foxes, Matthew Koma and has scored over 30 films and 100 television shows. He is also known to video game fans for Bard Songs from Dragon Age: Inquisition, additional pieces for Cyberpunk 2077, Star Wars Battlefront II, Tron Run/r, and The Sims franchise.
Greflet’s Song is performed by acclaimed Russian musician and YouTube star Alina Gingertail, who has amassed over 1.3 million subscribers thanks to her hugely popular covers of songs from games, films and TV.
“I haven’t been this excited in a very long time. For so many years, I have been recording covers for my favorite songs from video games. And now the moment has come when I can proudly present the first original song for King’s Bounty II official soundtrack, created with famous music composer and producer Raney Shockne (the creator of ‘Sera Was Never’ from Dragon Age: Inquisition and other great soundtracks),” said Alina Gingertail.
“The guys from King’s Bounty II team gave me a chance to collaborate with Raney on the in-game music! I’m really excited and can’t wait to present all our songs, play the game myself and ride around Nostria. I heard the in-game world is quite big, that there’s an epic story and the tactical battles are great… but for now, listen to the new song. For Nostria!” King’s Bounty II will launch on August 24th on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and PC. Pre-orders are available now.
About 1C Entertainment 1C Entertainment is an international group with offices located in Warsaw, Gdansk, Prague, Budapest and Moscow and operating in the segments of game production, distribution and services for video game developers. The company releases video games for all platforms through its global network of partners digitally and in retail. 1C Entertainment has successfully launched over 100 game titles including critically acclaimed series – IL-2 Sturmovik, King’s Bounty, Men of War and Space Rangers. Recent releases include such games as Ancestors Legacy, Deep Sky Derelicts, Fell Seal: Arbiter’s Mark, Ion Fury and Secret Government (in Early Access). For more information about 1C Entertainment and their games, please visit the official 1C Entertainment website.
About Prime Matter Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Prime Matter the premium gaming label dedicated to delivering a range of diverse and immersive games from amazing gaming development talent all around the globe. Working across projects of all styles, scopes and sizes, single-player, co-op to live ops, from producing to publishing, from ambitious teams taking their first step that need full support without compromising their dream to larger established successful studios searching that next step in the global market and building of brands.
Prime Matter looks to lead through creativity, expression and passion, with games that will grip and enchant with enthralling story-telling, winning an audience with its incredible moments and larger-than-life experiences. Prime Matter is a proud member of the Koch Media Group.
It’s Time to Delve into a Captivating World Teeming with Content: Quests, Rich Lore, Thrilling Combat, Pets, Custom Houses, and Flying Mounts
KARLSRUHE, GERMANY (JULY 9, 2021) – Gameforge — leading Western publisher of popular multiplayer online games including NosTale, OGame, Metin2, Elsword, and TERA — are thrilled to announce with partners Wangyuan Shengtang & Aurogon that their massively multiplayer online role-playing action game Swords of Legends Online is now available for PC! Starting today, players can finally immerse themselves in the rich, expansive, and visually stunning world, and delve into the mystical story told through fully voiced cutscenes. Legendary warriors will play as one of six initial classes and embark on incredible quests, join forces with formidable allies to take down challenging foes, and rest their weary heads in a home among the clouds —easily accessible thanks to their trusty flying mounts!
“The reception the community has shown Swords of Legends Online since its announcement in April has left us overwhelmed with gratitude,” said Noemi Feller, Vice President of Products at Gameforge. “We are incredibly appreciative of the thousands of players who took part during the Alpha and Beta, providing us with their valuable impressions of the game. We have worked diligently to examine and implement their feedback, and are proud to release something that will provide players a legendary experience.”
In celebration of Swords of Legends Online official launch, Gameforge has released an exciting new cinematic trailer, which can be viewed below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2zRbwB7ruIc
Based on the legends that inspired the multi-award-winning television series, several movies, novels, and a series of games including the recent MMORPG Gu Jian Qi Tan Online — which first launched in China in July of 2019 — Swords of Legends Online introduces a fully remastered edition of the popular AAA saga to a whole new audience in Europe and the Americas, presented in glorious, high-definition visuals designed to take advantage of modern hardware. Following a successful Beta phase where players were able to test the waters, MMO fanatics in North and Latin America and Europe will soon be able to jump into the action themselves and explore a fascinating and strikingly beautiful world steeped in and inspired by the poetic lore of ancient Chinese culture.
Key Features:
A Fantasy World Unlike Any Other: Inspired by the cultural myths and legends of ancient China, Swords of Legends Online features a vibrant tapestry of rich characters, fantastical settings, and a visual aesthetic that pays tribute to the lore that influenced the game—from historically accurate costumes down to the distinct flora and fauna of each region.
Gods, Demons, and Brave Warriors: A fascinating tale of an ancient war between light and darkness only scratches the surface of an ongoing story that features powerful artifacts, epic battles, ferocious monsters, cults, brave warriors, and a quest to unlock the power of the Ancestral Sword!
A Class for Every Playstyle: Whether you prefer the up close and personal melee warfare of the Berserker or the healing and support abilities of the Bard, with six initial classes, Swords of Legends Online allows you to play to your strengths and be an effective party member.
Fast and Fluid Traversal: With such a vast amount of content available to explore, the ability to move quickly and gracefully across the map is vitally important. Characters in Swords of Legends Online can utilize sprinting and double-jumping in classic Wuxia style.
Post-Raid Chill Zone: After a long day of battling demons for the fate of the world, players can retire to their home in the clouds, with fully customizable houses on their personal private islands in the sky which friends can visit! If you don’t feel like hosting, hop on a flying mount and explore a neighborhood filled with other players’ cozy abodes!
Swords of Legends Online is now available for Windows PC via the official Gameforge client, Steam, and Epic Games Store with text language support in English, French, and German, and English voiceovers. The game is available in three editions: $39.99 USD (€39.99), $59.99 USD (€59.99), and $99.99 USD (€99.99).
About Wangyuan Shengtang & Aurogon
Beijing Wangyuan Shengtang Entertainment Technology Co., Ltd. is a Chinese culture inheritor connecting legendary stories to the world through excellent gaming experiences. With three high-level Dev teams including Shanghai Aurogon, Beijing Joyfun and Beijing Xiang Yue, Wangyuan has created iconic game brands such as the renowned “Gujian” Series and “Faith of Danschant”.
Founded in 2002, Gameforge is a leading Western publisher and operator of widely acclaimed Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) and Browser-based game titles. Gameforge builds highly active and enduring global communities by supporting players through the greatest quality LiveOps, provision of localized content, engaging community management, and frequent delivery of meaningful updates.
Gameforge’s diverse portfolio of highly successful gaming brands provides different worlds with engaging experiences for players from all walks of life: core MMORPG titles AION, TERA, and Metin2, beloved anime MMOs Elsword and NosTale, strategy-focused browser games like OGame and Ikariam, along with other classic titles such as 4Story and Runes of Magic.
New title announcements, livestream gameplay and more!
Torrance, Calif. — July 9, 2021 — Aksys Games announced that they will reveal a slate of new titles, present new looks at previously announced titles, livestream gameplay and special guests at the All Aksys event taking place on their official Twitch channel, AksysGames, on Friday, August 6th beginning at 9:00 a.m. PDT.
Some of the games to be featured at the event include:
RICO London (NSW, PS4™, Xbox One) – The door-kicking, gang-busting crime fighters are back and this time they’re in 1999 London. RICO London is a first-person shooter about making an impactful entrance, blasting the bad guys, and taking care of business.
Blazing Strike(PS4™, PS5™, NSW, PC) – Inspired by classic arcade fighting game series from industry greats such as Capcom and SNK, the upcoming 2D fighting game from developer RareBreed Makes Games is Blazing Strike evokes the excitement and nostalgia of 2D pixel art genre pioneers while incorporating a unique games system with modern mechanics.
Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi (PS4™, Xbox One, NSW, PC) – Tokyo, 1979. When a massive, mysterious structure suddenly rises from the ground, the government sends a team to investigate. You have been selected to join an elite group of underground explorers employed by Cassandra Company. Unfortunately, you are not the only one searching these caverns. Terrifying monsters lurk in the shadows. Dangerous criminals hunt for resources. Large numbers of people are missing. The test of your survival skills begins now…
Pups & Purrs Animal Hospital (NSW) – Become the very best veterinarian ever! These adorable pets aren’t feeling well, so let’s give them the care they need! Pups & Purrs Animal Hospital is a simulation game in which you can have a dream job taking care of cute, fluffy friends.
Olympia Soirée (NSW) – With her entire clan wiped out years ago, Olympia has been isolated for most of her life. Now she lives as the only person on Tenguu Island who can perform the ritual that restores light to a world shrouded in darkness. The heads of each Primary district—Red, Blue, and Yellow—lead a society governed by the island’s rigid class structure. As Olympia travels between the districts, she discovers their wonders and their weaknesses, as well as an entire underground community of shunned individuals whom she becomes determined to help. If she can find the person destined to be her soulmate, she will finally be able to open her heart and reveal her true name, continue her bloodline, and save the world before it is destroyed.
Dairoku: Agents of Sakuratani (NSW) – Ever since she could remember, Shino Akitsu has had the ability to see what others could not: spirits, apparitions, and indescribable creatures. As an adult, this talent leads her to join a secret government agency: The Occult Action Department. Her assignment is with the Sixth Special Preventions Office, and her job is to monitor the powerful beings who travel between her world and the worlds beyond. From her office in Sakuratani, a town in a different dimension, Agent Shino meets several otherworldly individuals with vastly different personalities and abilities: a nine-tailed fox spirit, a mischievous oni, and more. Part gatekeeper, part travel guide, she does her best to get to know these entities and keep them from getting into inter-dimensional trouble.
Variable Barricade (NSW) – A member of a prestigious family and heiress to a fortune, Hibari learns that her eccentric grandfather is determined to find her a husband. He arranges to house her in a luxurious villa along with four handsome, hand-picked bachelors and her private butler. As her suitors try to win her hand by any means necessary, Hibari endures endless everyday trials and temptations. Has her grandfather chosen poorly, or is there more to these fellows than meets the eye? Through all of this, Hibari has two important goals: frighten off each of these marriage candidates, and absolutely refuse to fall in love. To stay up to date on all the news, follow Aksys Games on Twitter and Instagram at @AksysGames, and join our Thursday livestreams on Twitch at AksysGames, with stream highlights and trailers on our YouTube channel.
About Aksys Games
One of the Top 10 Metacritic Publishers of 2020, Aksys Games Localization, Inc. is a visionary video game publisher committed to publishing unique and high-quality interactive content for all current-generation platforms since 2006. Its lineup of games includes the wildly successful BlazBlue, Under Night In-Birth, and Guilty Gear franchises, Little Dragons Café, the award-winning Spirit Hunter: Death Mark and Spirit Hunter: NG adventures and Code: Realize titles. More information about Aksys Games and its unique products can be found on the company’s website, www.aksysgames.com. ###
Discover the collector’s and limited edition of the game!
Paris, July 9th 2021 – Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All! is expected this fall on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC. Check out the game various editions below.
Limited Edition
Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All! with limited edition box
A keychain
Two sitckers sheets
A content to be revealed soon
Collector’s Edition
Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All! with limited edition box
Figurine (27 cm)
A keychain
Two sitckers sheets
A content to be revealed soon
About Asterix & Obelix : Slap Them All!
Be prepared to prove your bravery! Asterix and Obelix: Slap them All! Is set in 50 B.C. Gaul is entirely occupied by the Romans and only one small village of indomitable Gauls still holds out against the invaders. Play as Asterix & Obelix and set sail to the most iconic places in the comic book series while battling Roman legionaries, pirates, brigands and even the dreaded Normans.
Mr Nutz Studio is in charge of developing Asterix and Obelix: Slap them All! and making this adventure as respectful to the original material as possible. The developers chose to go with an artistic direction very close to the comic book where the characters, the scenery and also the animations are hand drawn. A real tribute to the 2D animated classics and a style that will surely appeal to fans and retro gamers alike.
Unlike the magic potion, the gameplay recipe is pretty straight forward and holds no secrets. Think about the core mechanics defining the beat’em up genre and sprinkle with some local co-op! By Jupiter, by Teutates.. These Gauls are crazy!
Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All! will launch in Fall 2021 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One Consoles, Nintendo Switch and PC. The game will be backward compatible on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.
Game information:
Title: Asterix & Obelix: Slap them All!
Genre: Beat‘em up
Platforms: PS4, Xbox One Consoles, Nintendo Switch, PC/Mac – Backward compatible on PS5 and Xbox Series X|S
Release date: Fall 2021
Developer: Mr. Nutz Studio
Publisher: Microids
Language (audio): English, French and German
Language (text): English, French, Italian, German and Spanish
Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset, Philippe Dessoly and Pierre Adane), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, including Asterix & Obelix, and Titeuf, Garfield, Fort Boyard, XIII and Blacksad, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.
