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Coming Soon to Xbox Game Pass: Microsoft Flight Simulator, The Ascent, and More

by Megan Spurr, Community Lead, Xbox Game Pass

I hope you have a cleared-out gaming schedule, as we’ve got many games to look forward to through the rest of July with Xbox Game Pass! On July 27, we’re taking to the skies with Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox Series X|S, plus we’re continuing our 20 Years of Xbox celebration with some beloved Xbox classics I’m excited to revisit. That barely scratches the surface, so let’s jump in!

Available Today

Battlefield V (Cloud) EA Play
Enter mankind’s greatest conflict with Battlefield V as the series goes back to its roots with a never-before-seen portrayal of World War II. Lead your squad to victory in all-new multiplayer experiences like the multi-map Grand Operations. Fight across the globe in the single-player War Stories campaign. Assemble your company of customized soldiers, weapons, and vehicles – then take them on an expanding journey through Tides of War. This is the most intense, immersive, and innovative Battlefield yet. You will never be the same.

Cris Tales (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Embark on a journey across a dark fairytale world with the newly awoken time mage Crisbell and her companions on day one with Xbox Game Pass. To succeed in this Colombian love letter to classic JRPGs, you’ll need to learn from the past, act in the present, and rewrite the future.

Coming Soon

Atomicrops (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – July 22
Atomicrops is an action-packed, roguelite, bullet-hell game where you must defend and cultivate the last farm in a post-apocalyptic wasteland. Tend to mutated crops (be careful, some have teeth), marry townsfolk (ooh la la), collect cats (because who wouldn’t?!), and kill every mutant creature that tries to invade! This ain’t no ordinary farming simulator.

Raji: An Ancient Epic (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – July 22
Take on the role of Raji, a young girl blessed by the gods to defend the human realm from an onslaught of demonic beings that seek to destroy her world. Brother and sister, Raji and Golu, separated by the attacking demonic hordes, now find themselves in the middle of a great war. Raji has taken it upon herself to find her brother and put an end to this reckless conflict.

Last Stop (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – July 22
Developed by Variable State, creators of the award-winning Virginia, and available with Xbox Game Pass on day one, Last Stop is a single-player, third-person adventure set in present-day London, where you play as three separate characters whose worlds collide in the midst of a supernatural crisis.

Blinx: The Time Sweeper (Cloud and Console) – July 26
Coming to Xbox Game Pass to celebrate 20 Years of Xbox, Blinx: The Time Sweeper is a fast-paced action game featuring a cool, clever character in wild, warped worlds. The ability to control the flow of time provides a classic 4-dimensional gaming experience.

Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge (Cloud and Console) – July 26
Celebrating 20 Years of Xbox, Crimson Skies: High Road to Revenge combines thrilling aerial combat with the swashbuckling style of a Hollywood action-adventure movie. Set in an alternate 1930s world of gunship diplomacy and sinister intrigue, pilot powerful aircraft against nefarious air pirates and behemoth war zeppelins.

Microsoft Flight Simulator (Xbox Series X|S) – July 27
From Xbox Game Studios, available with Xbox Game Pass on day one of its release for Xbox Series X|S! From light planes to wide-body jets, fly highly-detailed and accurate aircraft in the next generation of Microsoft Flight Simulator on Xbox Series X|S. Test your piloting skills against the challenges of real-time atmospheric simulation and live weather in a dynamic and living world. The sky is calling!

Lethal League Blaze (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – July 29
An intense, high speed ball game with unique characters, outta sight sounds, and none of that weak stuff. In Shine City, the anti-gravity ball game has long been illegal. The group who kept playing was dubbed the Lethal League. Even now, with their sport pushed underground, players and crews compete for challenge and respect.

Omno (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – July 29
Available with Xbox Game Pass on day one! A single-player journey of discovery through an ancient world of wonders, created by solo developer Jonas Manke. Full of puzzles, secrets, and obstacles to overcome, where the power of a lost civilization will carry you through forests, deserts, and tundra – even to the clouds.

Project Wingman (PC) ID@Xbox – July 29
In an immersive flight experience, you’ll dogfight, strike, and fly your way to conquering the skies. Strap yourself into the cockpit of over 20 unique aircraft and become a true ace in Project Wingman.

The Ascent (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox – July 29
Available with Xbox Game Pass on day one, The Ascent is a solo and co-op action-shooter RPG set in a cyberpunk world. The mega corporation that owns you and everyone, The Ascent Group, has just collapsed. Can you survive without it?

DLC / Game Updates

PUBG: Battlegrounds Taego Update – Available now
Drop into the new PUBG: Battlegrounds map, Taego. This Eastern-themed 8×8 map has all the thrilling Battlegrounds moments you’ve come to expect alongside a few twists of its own. New features like the Comeback BR and self-revives will provide a whole new gameplay. Drop in to become the lone survivor of Taego. Read more here on Xbox Wire.

Minecraft: Minions DLC – Available now
Xbox Game Pass members save 10%! Do you have what it takes to become a super-villain? Grab your Minions Adventure Map and live out your evil dreams as you take on the Vicious 6 in an exciting Adventure Mode. Explore familiar places and cause maximum mischief with Illumination’s Gru and the Minions in Minecraft.

Minecraft Dungeons: Echoing Void DLC and Free Gauntlet of Gales Mission – July 28
Xbox Game Pass members save 10%! Experience the End with the Echoing Void DLC. Face new enemies, collect gear, and make your way through challenging new missions to end this fight –once and for all. Plus, brave the free Gauntlet of Gales, a unique maze-like mission that puts your skills to the test through tricky trials and perplexing puzzles!

80+ Games with Xbox Touch Controls. Now on Apple Phones & Tablets and Windows 10 PCs.

Ultimate members can experience Xbox touch controls with 14 more cloud-enabled games starting today. That’s a total of 80+ games if you are counting! Touch-enabled games are also available on Apple phones & tablets and Windows 10 PCs. Head over to xbox.com/play and experience a new way to play, no controller needed.

  • Cities: Skylines
  • Darkest Dungeon
  • Fable Anniversary
  • Fable II
  • Fable III
  • Fuzion Frenzy
  • Gonner2
  • Joy Ride Turbo
  • Outlast 2
  • Steep
  • The Bard’s Tale ARPG
  • The Bard’s Tale IV
  • The Bard’s Tale Trilogy
  • The Wild at Heart

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks

After a great start to the month featuring exclusive access to Space Jam: A New Legacy – The Game in Perks, we have even more heading your away that are available now and coming soon. Don’t forget to claim them in the Perks gallery on your Xbox console, Xbox App for Windows 10 PC, and the Xbox Game Pass mobile app for iOS/Android.

PSO2: New Genesis: July Member Monthly Bonus – Available now
Get a head start in PSO2: NGS with this special member monthly bonus pack. Get your N-Half Scape Dolls (x5) to help revive you during intense battles, and Photon Chunks (x50) to strengthen weapons and units.

Smite x Stranger Things Starter Pass – Available now
Unlock the gods for the battle pass and more with the Smite x Stranger Things Starter Pass!

Spellbreak: Chapter 3 Pass – July 22
Enhance your Chapter progression with 50 levels of rewards, gold, quests, and exclusive cosmetics with this Chapter 3: The Wardens Pass!

And don’t forget, your last chance to claim the NBA 2K21 MyTEAM Bundle is coming up on August 4. Don’t miss out!

Xbox Game Pass Quests

We continue to celebrate 20 Years of Xbox with bonus points for completing Quests built around select games from our history. Don’t forget to complete your July Quests and turn them in by August 2 on your Xbox console or the Xbox Game Pass mobile app.

July Quests you can complete today:

  • Halo: The Master Chief Collection (Ultimate – 50 points): Play the game
  • Ryse: Son of Rome (50 points): Get 35 Total Kills
  • Grounded (225 points): Earn one achievement

Leaving Soon

Leaving July 31
Be sure to carve out some time to play the following games before they leave! As always, you can save up to 20% with your Game Pass membership to keep these games in your library.

  • It Lurks Below (Console and PC)
  • The Touryst (Cloud, Console, and PC)
  • UnderMine (Cloud, Console, and PC)

Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some games to play! Be sure to check out our curated list of games that have left their mark in Xbox history with the 20 Years of Xbox collection on Console and PC. Stay plugged into @XboxGamePass and @XboxGamePassPC on Twitter for updates from us. If you haven’t already, be sure to download the Xbox Game Pass mobile app to install these games as they become available. See you in August!

NBA 2K22 – Features Reveal + First In-Game Visuals

Anyone, Anywhere: First Reveal of All-New NBAÒ 2K22 Features

New features include a ground-breaking narrative experience that sees MyCAREER and the City come together, along with on-court gameplay updates, and much more

2Khas revealed an initial look at some of the new features coming to NBA® 2K22, with more deep dives coming in August and September, to reveal even more of what’s new in the next version of the best-selling NBA basketball simulation video game.

Check out the NBA 2K22 feature reveal Courtside Report for the full reveal below along with the first in game visuals.

  • Gameplay – On-court gameplay movements will give players more control on how they score the ball to improve offensive moves and combos and how they counter those moves on the defensive end;
  • Seasons –Across fan-favourite experiences, Seasons will allow players to extend and enhance their hoop ambitions long after the game’s launch with more content, more rewards, and more ways to play;
  • MyTEAM – An evolved experience gives MyTEAM players more ways to build and compete with their own dream teams. New challenges, rewards, and events make every Season fresh and unique;
  • New City* – The biggest online basketball community is getting a makeover. Step into an all-new City teeming with life, activity, and interactivity;
  • New Neighbourhood – On PlayStation®4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms, players will compete in an all-new Neighborhood built on the spacious decks of a sailing cruise ship;
  • MyCAREER – The all-new City* and MyCAREER become one in a ground-breaking narrative experience on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles;
  • MyNBA* & MyWNBA* – Build a winning franchise by making sure the staffing is just as strong as the hooping.

KEY 2K22 INNOVATIONS

ON-THE-COURT GAMEPLAY

Key on-court gameplay improvements are being implemented to give the player not only more control over how they score the ball, but also how they counter those moves on the defensive end. That’s only the beginning. More impactful gameplay changes will be introduced along with the first NBA 2K22 Gameplay Reveal trailer coming out later in August.

  • OFFENSE – Breaking down defenders off the dribble with new signature moves and combos, precision jump shooting, dunking in traffic, and pulling off alley-oops have all become more skill-based. Basketball IQ and stick skills play an even bigger role in separating top offensive players.
  • DEFENSE – A completely revamped shot contest and blocking system highlight an arsenal of new defensive tools at your disposal. Playing suffocating defence on the perimeter and in the paint has never felt more rewarding, giving elite defenders the ability to truly change the outcome of the game.

SEASONS

Across fan-favourite experiences, Seasons allow players to extend and enhance their hoop ambitions long after the game’s launch. Free for all 2K22 gamers in MyTEAM, MyCAREER, and The W [PlayStation®5/Xbox Series X|S] modes, it brings more content, more rewards, and more ways to play. And this year, Seasons will introduce an all-new way to level up your MyPLAYER and earn exciting MyPLAYER prizes in the City [PS5™/XBS] and in the Neighbourhood [PlayStation®4/Xbox One/Nintendo Switch/PC]. More details will be revealed about the expanding Seasons experience later in August.

MyTEAM

MyTEAM for NBA 2K22 evolves as the ultimate experience for building and competing with your own dream team on Day 1, but that’s not all. MyTEAM will continue to expand as each new Season drops.

  • MyTEAM: DRAFT – Making its long-requested return in NBA 2K22, MyTEAM: Draft has you selecting a complete lineup from a constantly-updated pool of players. Compete with your new lineup in online multiplayer games to earn rewards for your MyTEAM Collection.
  • EXPERIENCE THE EVOLUTION OF MyTEAM – Throughout the year in NBA 2K22, new challenges, rewards, and events make every Season fresh and unique in MyTEAM. On top of the many new features debuting in MyTEAM on Day 1, even more additions are coming throughout the year, including an original new game mode this holiday season.
  • CROSS-GEN PROGRESS & COLLECTION – While NBA 2K22 will offer two unique basketball experiences across the two console generations, MyTEAM progress and collections will be transferable between consoles that are within the same platform family [ie. PlayStation4 to PlayStation5 and Xbox One to Xbox Series X|S – and vice versa]. VC wallet, MyTEAM Point, and MyTEAM Token balances will be transferable within the same console families as well.

NEW CITY [PS5/XBS] & NEW NEIGHBORHOOD [PS4/XB1/NSW/PC]

The biggest online basketball community gets two very different makeovers in NBA 2K22. PS5 and Xbox Series X|S 2K22 players will step up and hoop in an all-new version of the City; PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC 2K22 players will compete while setting sail for the high seas. Take your best MyPLAYER builds and express yourself through both your game and your style in each unique online experience.

  • A LIVING, BREATHING CITY [PS5/XBS] – Step into an all-new City teeming with life, activity, and interactivity. NPCs (non-playable characters) populate the fresh City layout, while MyPLAYERs from all over the world compete in the highest level of playground basketball. An all-new Quest system for 2K22 engages MyPLAYERs with creative content while offering new ways to level up and earn rewards in this reenvisioning of the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S basketball communities.
  • MATCHMAKING OPTIONS IN THE CITY [PS5/XBS] – The City opens up new and quicker alternatives to get into online hoops. MyPLAYERs can enter select matchmaking buildings to be placed into immediate competition. Matchmaking sessions will be available for a number of game types and will contribute to all MyPLAYER progress.
  • ALL ABOARD THE 2K CRUISE [PS4/XB1/NSW/PC] – On the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC platforms, NBA 2K gamers will show out and compete in an all-new, dedicated basketball community – a Neighbourhood built on the spacious decks of a sailing cruise ship. Explore and hoop in nautical luxury, and when the cruise docks in exotic locales throughout the Season, make your way to the Excursion counter to participate in shoreside Events – all taking place completely off the ship!
  • MORE NEWS AHEAD – More new features, more new content await all MyPLAYERs in both the all-new City and the new 2K22 Neighbourhood. Stay tuned in early September to discover more.

MyCAREER

In NBA 2K22 for PS5 and Xbox Series X|S, MyCAREER and the all-new City become one in a groundbreaking narrative experience for NBA 2K. Embark on your personal journey to the pros – a sprawling MyCAREER life – by exploring the City, seeing new and familiar faces, and hooping your way to exciting new heights. Players on PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC will play out the new 2K22 narrative in a dedicated, traditional MyCAREER experience.

  • HIDDEN TALENTS [PS5/XBS] – In NBA 2K22, dreams and ambitions in MyCAREER stretch beyond the hardwood floors; players can now pursue side ventures to build a profile in lucrative and trendy spaces. Brush up against the fashion world, where the art of promotion will drive your success as a mogul. Or get involved in the hip-hop business, where your music talent opens up an intriguing lane in the industry.
  • NO PLACE LIKE HOME [PS5/XBS] – Moving up in the professional world means expanding your home lifestyle. Central to your MyCAREER narrative and progress, your personal hub represents your place in the journey to the NBA. As your profile and ambitions level up, so, too, will your home base in the City.
  • MORE TO THE JOURNEY – MyCAREER in NBA 2K22 will feature fresh faces and engaging storylines, and this year, getting drafted into the NBA is only the start of your basketball narrative. More will be revealed about the new MyCAREER experience in early September.

MyNBA/MyWNBA [PS5/XBS]

In NBA 2K22, team management is about more than just the players on the court; it’s about the personnel that scout them, train them, and coach them. MyNBA/MyWNBA players can build the winningest franchise by making sure the staffing is just as strong as the hooping. More details will be shared in early September for how MyNBA/MyWNBA will improve and expand.

NBA 2K22 will be released on September 10 for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC platforms. For more information, please visit the NBA 2K22 official site.

Developed by Visual Concepts, NBA 2K22 is rated PG by the OFLC.

Follow NBA 2K on TikTok, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and Facebook for the latest NBA 2K22 news.

Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*PlayStation 5 or Xbox Series X|S required to play the new-generation version of NBA 2K22.

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Death’s Door Opens for Xbox Series X/S and PC Today!

Hard work never killed anybody, but why take a chance?

Grim reapers Acid Nerve (Titan Souls) and soulless publisher Devolver Digital have disobeyed their parents and opened Death’s Door, unleashing the off-beat action-adventure onto unsuspecting Xbox Series X/S and PC owners today! 

Check out our review for Death’s Door Below:

Death’s Door Review

Death’s Door marks the long-awaited return of Titan Souls developers Acid Nerve and thrusts players into a quirky and curious world where Crows are in charge of collecting the souls of the dead.

“We can rebuild them. We have the technology. We can make them better than they were. Better, stronger, faster. And hopefully more profitable,” remarked Devolver Digital CFO Fork Parker.

Check out gameplay for Death’s Door Below:

Explore a land full of twisted inhabitants and countless secrets, bringing hope to the weird and wonderful characters you’ll meet along the way. Wield and upgrade melee weapons, arrows and magic as you track down and defeat colossal tyrants with stories and motivations of their own. 

For more soul searching, visit playdeathsdoor.com.

Approachable Strategy Sim Mini Motorways Available on Steam Now, Nintendo Switch Q1 2022

Approachable Strategy Sim Mini Motorways Available on Steam Now, Nintendo Switch Q1 2022

Round Trip Update Brings New Content to Apple Arcade 

WELLINGTON, New Zealand – July 20, 2021Mini Motorways, the minimalist strategy simulation about designing the roads of cities around the world, now graces Steam for Windows PC and macOS with its relatable and colorful maps and challenges players to keep up with the demands of their megacities. The simultaneous release of the Apple Arcade Round Trip update will feature new content, with a Nintendo Switch™ release arriving in Q1 of 2022. 

Dinosaur Polo Club, the studio behind Mini Metro, invites city planners to explore the world of Mini Motorways. Travel to 11 procedurally generated maps inspired by iconic cities. Hop from Japan’s capital across the Pacific to Los Angeles, or venture to two new celebrated cities: Dubai and Mexico City. Draw roads for commuters and build a beautiful and bustling metropolis. Use upgrades like motorways, tunnels, bridges, and the all-new roundabouts to connect residents to their destinations.

Whether tackling challenges, testing strategies, or building beautifully efficient cities, Mini Motorways uses relatable visual language and intuitive systems to weave an experience that gradually grows in difficulty. Daily and weekly challenges feature rules-altering sets of map modifiers, each requiring its own creative solution. Master the All Up Front challenge, which restricts maps to only 150 road tiles, or Mini Notorways, a variant that removes motorways from the planner’s toolbox. 

Mini Motorways builds upon the framework of Mini Metro, which sold more than five million units before taking a place in Apple Arcade’s App Store Greats collection. Balancing the dynamic audio design of Disasterpeace with elegant and colorful esthetics, Mini Motorways creates an instantly approachable experience enjoyable for all ages. In addition to the existing photo mode, the launch of a GIF capture feature makes sharing each unique city a breeze.

Mini Motorways is all about growth and problem solving,” said Casey Lucas-Quaid, Community Manager, Dinosaur Polo Club. “It’s immensely rewarding to see each new road lead to an ever-growing city, and with the launch on Steam and the release of our Round Trip update today, players now have the green light to start playing!”

Mini Motorways is now available on Steam for Windows PC and macOS with a launch discount of 10% off the regular price of $9.99 USD / 8,19€ / £6.99, as well as on Apple Arcade. It supports Arabic, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), Dutch, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese (Brazilian), Russian, Spanish, and Turkish languages.

For more information, please visit the Dinosaur Polo Club website, follow the studio on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram or search for #MiniMotorways on social media.

About Dinosaur Polo Club

Dinosaur Polo Club is an independent game development studio based in beautiful Wellington, New Zealand. Founded in 2013 by brothers Peter and Robert Curry, the studio first made waves with their award-winning and BAFTA-nominated debut Mini Metro. Created in collaboration with Disasterpeace and Jamie Churchman, Mini Metro explores relaxed and minimalist subway design. 

With an inclusive and supportive culture that believes in giving back to its creative community, the studio has grown and is now home to 18 dinos as it works on new titles with relatable simplicity.

Death’s Door Review

Death’s Door

Developer: Acid Nerve
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platforms: Xbox Series XPC (Reviewed)
Release Date: 20 July 2021
Price: $19,99 USD – Available Here

Overview

Ah, good old Devolver. Whenever I review a game published by them, I try to sneak in a praise of Devolver Digital. Not because I’m a fanboy, far from it. It’s just that their publishing repertoire speaks more of them than they ever could. If I’m uncertain about the quality of the game but see that they’re behind the wheel, I’m almost positive it will be a sure hit. When I first stumbled upon Death’s Door, it looked to me like a combination of The Legend of Zelda from the NES era, a little bit of Transistor, and some Hollow Knight sprinkled all over to seal the deal. Let’s see how right or wrong I was with my assumption.

Story

Acid Nerve is a familiar name if you’ve already played Titan Souls. This time, in Death’s Door, you are a crow-like grim reaper. It’s a mundane field job from 9 to 5, together with filling office paperwork and everything. Luckily, the emphasis in the gameplay is put on the field job part and that’s where you come in. Your honest work of killing bosses and harvesting souls gets interrupted when one of those souls is taken away by a thief. Who are they, why did they do it and what do they want? It’s probably something more than a stolen soul since they now have one. You must track down that thief to new and dangerous realms and get that soul back before your shift is over.

Gameplay

To quote one meme “there is a little something for everyone” when it comes to gameplay in Death’s Door. It doesn’t take much to master the gameplay here. You have your trusty sword, a bow with a limited number of shots (although it is super useful for damaging enemies from a safe distance), and some more unlockable skills later along the way. But the tricky part is the enemies. There are plenty of them, they all have unique attacks and all bosses require death or two before you figure out how to properly take them down. It’s a learning experience, you know. Luckily, all of the enemy attacks are easily telegraphed. One turtle-like enemy will commence a long preparation before rolling in a straight line and another one (with big claws) will start with a slow wind-up. So in the end, it’s all about properly noticing enemy attacks and moving out of their way than it is being good with a sword and a bow.

Visuals

One word, four letters: cute. It is a peculiar word to use in this case since the environments in Death’s Door could only be described as grim, bleak, and something unsettling. However, after running around through some autumn red gardens and stone walkways invoking ancient Greece and you’ll see how in the end creativity and imagination in level design always takes a spotlight even in levels filled with dread and despair. As you start the game, your main hub, your huge office level is dominantly black and white but the more levels you unlock and the more you explore, the bleakness at the start is replaced with a bigger and bigger color palette. Every level, later on, is brimming with details, whether we’re talking about intricate stone carvings, unmarked wooden coffins all over the place, or incredibly detailed marble castles rising in the distance. There are plenty of top-down action RPG games in the wild now, but none of them have such a level of polish and detail as Death’s Door.

Audio

Again…….one word, six letters: superb. The soundtrack alone is worth a listen outside of the game. The tunes range from adrenaline-filled themes made for intense boss fights in mind to tranquil sounds of exploration after you murder just about every enemy on the level and decide to snoop around every nook and cranny. The composer David Fenn made some good work in making sure that the soundtrack stands out. If you’ve already played Titan Souls or Moonlighter before, you’re already familiar with his tunes and the love and care that he pours into every track.

Overall

If anything, it would be easy to just describe this game as a spiritual successor to Titan Souls and call it a day. But there’s so much more to Death’s Door than meets the eye. The intricate level design, incredible soundtrack, and dynamic gameplay raise it way above the rest of the indie releases for this year. It’s short but challenging, combining the very best of the Hollow Knight and Zelda series into something new and beautiful. It’s a textbook example of a game that you don’t expect much from and end up being pleasantly surprised.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Hunt: Showdown’s New Map, DeSalle, Is Live on PC Servers Today

Hunt: Showdown’s New Map, DeSalle, Is Live on PC Servers Today

This exciting new setting for Crytek’s competitive bounty hunting game comes to PlayStation®4 & Xbox One in early August

FRANKFURT, Germany July 20, 2021 Hunt: Showdown’s brand-new map, DeSalle, is officially available on PC today. It is expected to arrive on PlayStation®4 and Xbox One in early August, following a soft launch on test servers. DeSalle brings a fresh new setting to the game, giving players 16 compounds to explore and joining the game’s roster of other maps, Stillwater Bayou and Lawson Delta

DeSalle’s unique design compared to Hunt’s previous maps is its focus on verticality, with more routes and approaches throughout. Upper DeSalle and Lower DeSalle – the map’s two main compounds – intertwine with one another to give the map a Wild West feel (you can even charge through the swinging doors of a saloon!). Players will discover not only a city to battle in, but also a mansion, quarry, prison, and so much more.

The new map has so far received huge praise from players on the test server, particularly for its level design, audio, and attention to detail. Eagle-eyed players have already found a ton of Easter eggs hidden around the map, with more still yet to be uncovered.

“We’re so pleased to see such great praise for the map on the test server, with players pointing out that the map is fun and fresh, as well as graphically stunning. The team has worked so hard, and it’s great to see the community so happy – we can’t wait to release it on all the other platforms for everyone to play,” said Loïc Raimond, Live Service Producer for Hunt.

The Hunt: Showdown team hopes players enjoy the map as much as they’ve enjoyed working on it. New players can grab Hunt: Showdown for 50% off on Steam for a limited time, with a range of DLC also available at a discount. For more information about Hunt: Showdown, visit: www.huntshowdown.com.

About Crytek

Crytek is an independent video game developer, publisher, and technology provider dedicated to pushing the boundaries of gaming with its cutting-edge 3D game development solution, CRYENGINE. Headquartered in Frankfurt am Main, Germany, Crytek has created multiple award-winning titles, including the original Far Cry, the Crysis series, Ryse: Son of Rome, The Climb, Robinson: The Journey, and Hunt: Showdown. Crytek delivers fun and innovative gaming experiences for PC, consoles, and VR and continues to grow its reach in the games-as-a-service market. Every Crytek game is created with CRYENGINE, which can be used by anyone to develop games.

Make your iPhone and iPad into a bird sanctuary with Wingspan – a relaxing, award-winning strategy card game that’s now available on iOS

After conquering PC, Switch, and Xbox One, it’s now time for Wingspan to win the hearts of iOS players. Switch your mobile device on and let this unique, immersive gameplay experience soothe you.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – July 20th, Poznan, Poland.

Card games are perfect on mobile as touching the screen gives you an experience not available on other platforms – the immersive feeling of handling the cards. You can take your deck anywhere and enjoy it whenever you need a couple of minutes to relax. Wingspan gives you exactly that. A whole plethora of amazingly drawn, animated, and voiced birds to choose from. You and your friends can enjoy its addictive gameplay via local or online multiplayer of up to five players. And on top of that, it offers a beautiful soundtrack that will put your mind at ease.

Download Wingspan from the AppStore (https://apps.apple.com/us/app/wingspan-the-board-game/id1459520638) for $9.99.

ABOUT WINGSPAN

Wingspan is a relaxing, award-winning strategy card game about birds for one to five players. In this exciting adventure, become the keeper of a nature reserve serving as a shelter for many bird species. Each bird you play can build a chain of powerful combinations in one of your three habitats – Forest, Wetland, or Grassland. Every habitat focuses on a key aspect of growing your reserve.

WINGSPAN’S MAIN FEATURES:

  • Discover and attract the best birds in this relaxing strategy card game.
  • Play single-player mode or compete with your friends in local or online multiplayer of up to five players.
  • Based on an award-winning, competitive, and card-driven board game.
  • Find hundreds of unique, animated birds with real-life audio recordings.
  • Learn the many ways of accumulating points with birds, bonus cards, and end-of-round goals.

Wingspan is now available on iOS.

More information about the game can be found on the publisher’s FacebookTwitterYouTubeInstagram, and Discord.

AKIBA’S TRIP: Hellbound & Debriefed Available Now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PC

XSEED Games Invites Otaku Tourists to Return to the Streets of 2011 Akihabara in 10th Anniversary Release of Vampiric ‘Debriefing’ Action-RPG

Check out our review here:

Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed Review

TORRANCE, Calif. July 20, 2021 – XSEED Games, the independent-minded publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc., announced today that the ‘Debriefing’ Action-RPG AKIBA’S TRIP: Hellbound & Debriefed  is now available for Nintendo Switch™ system, PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and the Windows PC via Steam, GOG.com, and Humble Store by Humble Bundle. Known as AKIBA’S TRIP Plus in Japan, this prequel to the cult-hit AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed – which has sold 500,000 units worldwide – takes Western players to the series’ starting point for the first time with enhanced HD graphics and dual Japanese and English options.

AKIBA’S TRIP: Hellbound & Debriefed is available as a physical Day 1 ‘10th Anniversary Edition’ for a MSRP of $49.99 (Nintendo Switch, PS4™ system). This includes the game, a 96-page art book celebrating the series, and a 2-disc CD soundtrack all packaged within a custom box. A ‘Digital Deluxe Edition’ for $49.99 (PC, PS4™ system) is also available, while the base game can be purchased digitally for $39.99.

This 10th anniversary release transports players to Tokyo’s Akihabara district, complete with accurate street layouts and shops based on those operating in 2011. But watch your back, for a paranormal threat with a deadly weakness to sunlight lurks in the shadows of Electric Town. After joining a faction, the player hunts vampiric foes and tears off their clothes to expose them to sunlight, all while dressed in stylish customizable outfits. Your decisions affect the course of the story, which culminates in one of several different endings, and determine if an all-out war breaks out in Akihabara!

Return to an accurately modeled Akihabara circa 2011 and explore the bustling streets and back alleys of this otaku paradise. But beware the seedy underworld lurking in the shadows! After finding his missing friend unconscious and bleeding in an alley, young otaku Nanashi is attacked by a sinister figure straight out of a horror manga and left to die. As he lies dying, a mysterious young lady offers him some of her blood, saving his life but changing it forever.

Now he’s a Shadow Soul, one of the very creatures that attacked him and his friend, and has superhuman strength and stamina…as well as a deadly weakness to sunlight. Caught up in a world of supernatural politics, Nanashi must contend with NIRO, a covert agency dedicated to hunting down paranormal threats, and an inhuman family of Shadow Souls. It’s up to him and his friends, the self-styled ‘Akiba Freedom Fighters’, to preserve the peace of Akihabara and prevent all-out war from tearing the town apart.

Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is developed by ACQUIRE Corp. and published for the Nintendo Switch™ system and PS4™ system in North America and globally on Windows PC by XSEED Games. The game will be released by publisher Marvelous Europe on July 23 and released in Japan as AKIBA’S TRIP: First Memory on May 20. The title has been rated “M for Mature” by the ESRB for all platforms. Find more information at the game’s official website: http://www.akibastrip.com/hellbound/.

Learn more about XSEED Games’ products at www.xseedgames.com. Fans can also follow XSEED Games on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Twitch, get in-depth info from their localization blog, and join the discussion on their Discord server at http://discord.gg/XSEEDGames.

About XSEED Games

XSEED Games is the independent-minded publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc., a wholly owned subsidiary of Marvelous Inc., which is a publicly traded company listed in the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. Formed in 2004 and located in Torrance, California, XSEED Games publishes interactive entertainment content for PC and consoles from the Marvelous portfolio as well as from a wide variety of third-party partners. Whether it’s Marvelous properties such as STORY OF SEASONS (Bokujo Monogatari), SENRAN KAGURA, and Rune Factory, or third-party titles such as the Corpse Party and AKIBA’S TRIP series or Granblue Fantasy: Versus, XSEED Games has grown its reputation among gamers with its critically acclaimed localizations and commitment to fans, remaining ever dedicated to its “indie spirit, player-first” approach.

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Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed Review

Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed

Developer: Acquire
Publisher: XSEED Games
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 (Reviewed), Switch
Release Date: July 20, 2021
Price: $39.99 USD – Available Here

Overview

Often we hear about strange and unique titles being developed and released in Japan never to see the light of day outside of the country exactly because of their unique focus. That is why when Akiba’s Trip: Undead & Undressed, a game about stripping enemies down to their underwear in broad daylight, was released in the West it came as quite a surprise. This was especially true as that game was in fact a sequel to a PSP release years prior that never saw the light of day in the West. Now ten years after the release of the original, Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is finally being released on a number of platforms in English, giving everyone a chance to see where this stripping story begins.

Story

Rumors have been circulating about strange blood drinking creatures in Akihabara and when the Main Character’s friend suddenly becomes a shut-in after experiencing a traumatic event, they travel to the city to learn the truth. Shortly after doing so they find such a creature, a vampiric being known as a Shadow Soul and end up being beaten down in an alley. At the brink of death, a young woman shares some of her blood with a kiss to try and revive you, essentially turning the player into a Shadow Soul as well. It doesn’t take long before the mysterious government organization tracking the Shadow Souls appears to bring the player in and offer them a choice, either work for NIRO or burn in the sunlight.

With the Shadow Souls bites draining their victims of all motivation, essentially turning them into lifeless shut-ins, the group seeks to take over as much of Japan as possible with their own members and it is NIRO’s mission to put a stop to them. Now, infused with their near invulnerability to normal damage and heightened strength, it is time for the player to join the ranks of NIRO and learn how to capitalize on their greatest weakness, being stripped naked in the sunlight. However, with there being discontent among the ranks of the Shadow Souls and mysteries remaining around NIRO, will the player eventually choose a side in this war for Akihabara?

The foundation of the plot works well and moves at a fairly brisk pace as players are initially limited to working with NIRO before being let off the leash and learning more about the various aspects of both factions. This eventually leads to players being able to make a number of choices that can lead to a few different endings, some of which have additional variants as well to give players some incentive to run through the story a second time to see how things can play out differently.

It is clear almost from the onset that the writers for Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed knew just how ridiculous the concept of the game is and ran with it, allowing multiple playthroughs for the story alone to be worthwhile. The characters, most of which are entirely based around decade old archetypes are taken to such an extreme that they are almost endearing, are handled well with a number of the main characters being rather great as a whole. That being said, while these characters are rather fun on their own, those expecting the same level of quality and content found in the sequel will be disappointed here as not only are there fewer choices and options as a whole but the characters are also not fleshed out nearly as much.

The same thing can be said about the various side quests that players can take on. While a few of them do give players extra insight into the world and some background on the characters they are interacting with, especially in one case, most of them have nothing to do with the story and simply serve as busywork that grows extra tiresome due to the fact that many revolve around beating a certain character only for the target to not spawn properly.

Gameplay

At its core Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is a fairly slow brawler with players having to do battle against other residents of Akihabara, either Shadow Soul or human, and strip them to win. This is done through a clunky combat system that allows for players to target the head, body, and feet of their opponents though until players purchase skill books that allow them to actually use combo attacks, not only are they limited to targeting a single point at a time but even then they are limited to a slow four hit combo. Once an enemy is damaged enough, their clothing will begin flashing and can be stripped off with a long press of the proper face button though it is also possible to grab slightly weakened clothing and try and strip it off by mashing buttons or simply doing enough damage to shred the clothing. 

Players will also be at the mercy of this system as their clothing can be both stripped and shredded if they aren’t careful. Unfortunately thanks to the complete lack of a lock on system and a flimsy targeting system, fighting more than one enemy at a time can be rather annoying in this game and even worse when taking on multiple foes at a time. While it is possible to “chain-strip” enemies when multiple pieces of clothing are weakened, groups of foes will often have the QTE button prompts either change mid-motion or wildly swing the camera to a distant foe when closer targets are available. This has nothing to do with the fact that the game loves to give enemies the ability to juggle the player, allowing larger groups to deal out a lot of damage when they otherwise shouldn’t have a chance.

This can be mitigated a bit by, as mentioned before, purchasing skill books that make attacks flow a bit better, equipping and buffing the strength of various weapons that range from computers and otaku goods to straight brass knuckles, and of course equipping clothing that most likely you have taken off of another unfortunate soul and buffing it to increase its durability. As a result there is something extremely addictive about gathering some unique clothing, of which there are hundreds, and strengthening it as much as possible to take on the next challenge. Even then though players should be prepared for some frustration at the game’s aged combat system, especially when long fights end up turning into failures due to a bug.

As mentioned before, a large number of side-quests are available in the game and while most of them focus on delivering certain items or tracking down a certain target and beating them, others can rely entirely around defeating a large number of foes at a time. These group battles often are a great source of money but also frustration as on more than three occasions the fights ended with the need to reset the area entirely due to an enemy either getting stuck fleeing from the area not allowing the next foe to spawn as a result or an enemy spawning under the ground preventing them from being targeted. 

Outside of taking on side-quests to improve your standing with NIRO, the Shadow Souls, or the people of Akihabara, players will be spending the rest of their time simply exploring the relatively small areas of Akihabara. These were likely designed as such due to the limitations of the PSP at the time and it really shows here as many locations are limited to such a small scope that it is possible to get knocked out of an area and to the map in combat with ease. It is also worth noting, likely once again due to the aforementioned limitations, that players can only change their equipment on the map screen. 

Many of these areas have a few odd activities to take part in such as claw games, mini-games that are odd little time wasters, and of course a maid cafe where players can play some simple games with the maids. In fact, players can even spend a bit of time with their little sister by dropping plenty of money on her so she can dress up for them in what feels like quite a step even for this game that freely explores a variety of other otaku aspects such as crossplaying, animal girls, maids, and more. 

Visuals & Audio

Being the tenth anniversary of a game released on the PSP, there is really only so much that even a high definition upgrade can do and Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is proof of that. The few anime cutscenes, CGs, and character portraits look as crisp as possible but that is basically where the upgrades seem to stop. While there is some improvement on the character models they remain quite rough looking to the point that they are still worse looking than those found in the sequel. It is also worth noting that while there are a great number of pieces of clothing in the game including plenty of wacky outfits, the actual fan-service is a bit of a miss for the most part. This is due to the fact that any time a Shadow Soul is stripped the character model turns blue, obscuring the smaller designs of the model as a whole.

As for the voice work, XSEED has done an outstanding job making sure that the English voice cast for the game is as fitting as possible and the voice actors do a great job here. This is especially true when players pick some of the more outlandish dialogue choices as the way some characters react is outstanding. Of course the Japanese voice track is there for those who prefer it and the soundtrack is fairly standard for a game such as this though it is nice to note that there is a solid insert song as well as a great opening song from ClariS.

Overall

Akiba’s Trip: Hellbound & Debriefed is like junk food, not great for you but addicting. The game is completely unabashed in being a bit of a pervy game focused around fighting people in the streets and stripping them to their underwear but despite this lack of shame the actual combat and fan service is barely serviceable as the age of the mechanics and design choices hurt both aspects. As a result, the witty writing helps the strong story in serving as the best aspect of the game, well that and being able to dress up as a knock-off Sentai character and beat down vampiric maids and businessmen in the streets.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Intense matter-morphing action platformer CreatorCrate is being released on Steam August 11th

Use your 3D Printer powers to escape from a high-security space station

Denver, Colorado, USA – July 20th, 2021 – Indie game developer Jori Ryan has revealed some unique insights on the development of her game CreatorCrate. As a part-time developer, she has built CreatorCrate from scratch and is entirely self-taught. She discusses the design philosophy behind the game, influences, and her motivation to finish the project after a lengthy development period. CreatorCrate will launch on Steam and itch.io on August 11th.

In CreatorCrate, you play as a prototype CreatorCrate, an incredible machine that can convert anything to pure matter and convert that matter into anything from a gun to a picnic table to even a human body! Yes, humans are made of matter too, and CreatorCrate will have to ‘recycle’ its enemies to maintain its health and keep resource levels high. You will have to contend with a variety of enemies across an array of hazardous environments, with only your trusty robot arm and your ingenuity to guide you. Use your ability to create to turn the tide in your favour: melt an escape route with a vial of acid, make a powerful weapon to return fire, or terrify your enemies with poorly made clones. Be careful of shifts in gravity: in one area, you might be floating through a firing squad, in another you could be flung into the immense void of space by the space station’s spin. Procedural generation keeps the action fresh each time, so every playthrough is a new challenge!

More information on CreatorCrate:
Add CreatorCrate to your Steam wishlist: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1027060/CreatorCrate/
Follow CreatorCrate on Twitter: https://twitter.com/CreatorCrate
Visit the CreatorCrate website: https://creatorcrate.net
Join the CreatorCrate Discord community: https://discord.com/invite/a8gKVtf

About CreatorCrate Games
Development on CreatorCrate was started over 7 years ago by Jori Ryan while she was studying art at college. A consistent side project, many collaborators including Viktros, Raven Mazique, and Jenni Nexus have left their mark on the game until the game reached its final finished form. CreatorCrate was inspired by hard science fiction with circular space stations that generate their own gravity through rotation.