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Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Cuts into Puzzle & Dragons for the First Time as New Film Hits Theaters

Slow your breathing and use your head to protect those you care about the most

EL SEGUNDO, Calif. – May 14, 2021 – Your time has come to aid and protect the weak so that they will become strong. Perfectly timed with the new film, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba the Movie: Mugen Train, join the Demon Slayer Corps and face off against vicious, supernatural beings in a brand-new Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba collaboration for Puzzle & Dragons. Now through May 27, players can train alongside their favorite characters from the critically acclaimed manga.

Players will be rewarded with Child of Brightness, Tanjiro Kamado, as a free login bonus during the duration of the event. Tanjiro isn’t alone – his sister Nezuko, his friends, and the Hashira are all ready to put their lives on the line to take down the Twelve Kizuki. Whether you prefer Water Breathing, Thunder Breathing, or Beast Breathing, these new characters and their techniques will fit a range of playstyles.

Dungeons
Two new dungeons and classic enemies stand in your way, but no matter what, you can fight! Become stronger and follow Muzan Kibutsuji to the ends of Hell!

  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is a special dungeon with five different difficulties. Clearing it gives players a chance of receiving items like Demon Slayer Medal – Gold.
  • Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba-Fixed Team is a Fixed Team dungeon that rewards players with Demon Slayer medals and one pull from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Memorial Egg Machine for the first-time clear.

Monster Exchange
During this event, players can exchange collected Demon Slayer Medals for a Warding Mask from Urokodaki. You don’t need to complete Final Selection to fight with the Demon Slayer Corps this time, but it can still protect you from harm.

Special Bundles
If you really want to get in the demon slaying-spirit, purchase special bundles, including one with a special Demon Slayer Orb Skin! The skin features Tanjiro, Nezuko, Zenitsu, Inosuke, and Kanao.

The following special bundles will be available for purchase during the event:

  • 1 Magic Stone + Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Egg Machine: One pull from the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Egg Machine for $0.99 USD along with a Magic Stone.
  • 20 Magic Stones + ★8 Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Egg Machine Bundle: Guarantees a ★8 rarity character for $19.99 USD along with 20 Magic Stones.
  • 20 Magic Stones + Kanao Tsuyuri Egg Machine Bundle: Kanao Tsuyuri and a special Demon Slayer Orbs Skin for $19.99 USD along with 20 Magic Stones

*Please note that the Egg Machine names may be shortened in-game due to character limit restraints.

©Koyoharu Gotoge / SHUEISHA, Aniplex, ufotable

Puzzle & Dragons is a mobile gaming phenomenon that continues to see tremendous growth, featuring an addictive combination of puzzle, dungeon-crawling, and monster-collecting gameplay. In the game, players can capture, collect and evolve thousands of elemental monsters while incorporating quick thinking to chain combos and maximize the abilities and skills of their monsters. To date, Puzzle & Dragons has surpassed 80 million downloads worldwide and can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play.

For information on GungHo Online Entertainment America, visit www.gunghoonline.com.

ABOUT GUNGHO ONLINE ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA
GungHo Online Entertainment America, Inc. (GOEA) is a multiplatform publisher dedicated to delivering the best titles, content, and support for the online gaming community. Established in 2012 and led by former Square Enix U.S.A. and XSEED Games executive Jun Iwasaki, GOEA is the US division of GungHo Online Entertainment (GOE), an established Japanese publisher. GOEA’s content partners include leading developers Grasshopper Manufacture, SUPERTRICK GAMES, Game Arts, Acquire, and Gravity, all of which are subsidiaries of GOE. GOEA publishes and distributes network-oriented games for console, handheld, mobile, tablet, and MMO-style games for PC. GOEA is located in El Segundo, CA. For more information, visit www.gunghoonline.com.

BloodRayne Receives Final Enhancements With New “Ultimate Updates” on PC

The Half-Human Half-Vampire Nazi-hunting Femme Fatale BloodRayne Receives Final Major Update on PC

DENVER, COLORADO (May 14, 2021) — Today, publisher of retro-and-modern games Ziggurat Interactive is pleased to announce that they have launched a set of major updates for their enhanced “Terminal Cut” editions of BloodRayne and BloodRayne 2. This final update includes updated visuals and audio enhancements, localization fixes, gameplay balances, and more. This update comes in addition to the already impressive enhancements previously introduced by the Terminal Cut editions, which included upscaled cinematics, controller support, and improved rendering.

The Ultimate Update is a free upgrade for existing BloodRayne: Terminal Cut and BloodRayne 2: Terminal Cut PC owners via both Steam and GOG.com.

The Ultimate Update Features:

  • (Steam) Trading Cards, badges, and emoticon support have all been added
  • (GOG) Wallpapers in HD resolutions are available in the game extras folder
  • BloodRayne: Terminal Cut
    • Textures on enemy models restored to their original console version aesthetic
    • Japanese voice-acting and subtitles added
    • Additional rendering improvements to water and other textures
    • Miscellaneous bugs fixed
  • BloodRayne 2: Terminal Cut
    • Ephemera boss fight rebalanced
    • Restoration of missing music and audio tracks
    • Improved graphical fidelity for bonus materials
    • Russian language localization improvements
    • Miscellaneous bugs fixed

“When we launched the Terminal Cut editions of BloodRayne and BloodRayne 2 in 2020, a new generation of fans were awakened to Rayne’s malevolent and lusty adventures,” said Michael Devine, SVP of Business Development. “We’ve continued to make improvements fans have been asking for, and we are excited to launch what we know are the best versions yet of the original games.”
 
The third-person horror action series BloodRayne introduced gamers to Rayne, a brutal half-vampire femme fatale traveling the world to foil Nazi plans, battle supernatural threats, and uncover more about her vampiric heritage. Featuring a unique protagonist, fast-action combat, vampiric powers, and a globe-spanning storyline, BloodRayne and BloodRayne 2 offer a dynamic and visceral gameplay experience. Beloved by fans and critics alike, BloodRayne became a true cross-media phenomenon, spanning games, comics, and films across the early 2000s.
 
BloodRayne: Terminal Cut and BloodRayne 2: Terminal Cut are available now on PC via Steam and GOG for 40% off. The Ultimate Update is available today for free to those who already own the games.
 
Ziggurat Interactive has over 40 Retro Classic titles slated for release this year, with new games every month. Keep up to date on the latest news from Ziggurat on Facebook, Twitter, and the company’s official website.

About Ziggurat Interactive

Ziggurat Interactive was launched in late 2019 with the goal of preserving and expanding the legacy of video games. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, Ziggurat creates and celebrates games — expanding the audience for both retro and new titles by making them accessible to players of all types while bringing classic licenses and new IPs to market through a variety of distribution channels across multiple platforms.

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Fractured Veil’s Mutant-Infested Hawaii Welcomes Tourists in Q2 2022 Via Steam Early Access

Fractured Veil’s Mutant-Infested Hawaii Welcomes Tourists in Q2 2022 Via Steam Early Access

SEATTLE – May 12, 2021 – Fractured Veil, the survival game set in a future Hawaii ravaged by time, technology, and mutants from Paddle Creek Games, embraces the apocalypse with an Aloha state of mind on PC via Steam Early Access in Q2 2022.

One hundred years after a teleportation system fractured reality and caused a global apocalypse, Maui’s not much of a tourist destination anymore. Horrific mutants roam the Valley Isle’s breathtaking beaches and tropical forests. The only non-mutated humans on the deserted island awaken in a facility created by a shadowy tech company. The good news: each time they die, they resurrect as a new clone. The bad news: being killed by mutants still hurts!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PHEKIXgKrMY

Make the most out of life in a fallen paradise alongside hundreds of other cloned survivors. Scour the dense 64 square kilometer map for valuable crafting resources, potential allies, and loot-filled dungeons full of useful items and challenging foes. 

Lay down roots by creating a base with an intuitive building interface for much-needed shelter from the elements, mutants, and less-than-friendly fellow clones. Claim land by building upgradeable totems capable of protecting structures and hard-earned loot while offline. In Fractured Veil, fun comes first. Forget turning off the game then coming back later only to find hours of work stolen or destroyed.

Forge alliances with fellow tropical wastelanders and venture into NPC-controlled safe zones to take on quests and trade with vendors. Complete multi-step quests to learn more about the local culture and strange circumstances that led to civilization’s downfall alone or with allies. Earn experience to unlock talents that increase stamina, health, and crafting abilities that might just make surviving another night a possibility.

Those tempted to make other survivors’ lives hell should note: someone’s always watching. AI-controlled drones patrol the map, broadcasting the action to the official Fractured Veil website, Twitch, and Steam pages. Tune in to catch up on events happening around the in-game multiverse, like deadly dungeon runs with top streamers or all-out wars between clone groups. Then hop into a veil and travel to another reality to experience life on a different server, complete with different loot.

Fractured Veil combines the best aspects of survival sims and MMORPGs to create an unpredictable social sandbox to explore,” said Ryan Wianko, Project Director, Paddle Creek Games. “Hunt mutants on Maui’s famous white-sand beaches, build a community with friends, or hop through veils to visit other servers: ourapocalypse has something for everyone.”

Fractured Veil will be available on PC via Steam Early Access in Q2 2022. A Kickstarter campaign is planned for Q3 2021. For more information on Fractured Veil, visit the official website, wishlist on Steam, and follow the official Twitter account.

About Paddle Creek Games

Paddle Creek Games is an independent video game studio based in Seattle, Washington and Montréal, Canada. The 12-person team is composed of industry veterans who have provided service for more than 300 titles, including Fortnite and Gotham Knights. Paddle Creek Games seeks to create engaging, systems-driven experiences that leave players with lasting memories.

Fractured Veil is the team’s first title. For more information on Paddle Creek Games, visit the official website.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: ENDWALKER LAUNCHES 23RD NOVEMBER, 2021

New Reaper Job, Male Viera Race, New Oceanian Data Center and Collector’s Edition Details Revealed Alongside Full Cinematic Trailer

LONDON (15th May, 2021) – SQUARE ENIX® announced today that Endwalker™, the fourth expansion for its critically acclaimed MMO, FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, will launch on 23rd November, 2021 and is now available for pre-order. Producer & Director Naoki Yoshida revealed the release date, alongside new information about upcoming content in the expansion, during the opening keynote address at the Digital Fan Festival 2021.

The full cinematic Endwalker trailer also debuted during the digital event, which includes a new theme song composed by Masayoshi Soken with vocals by Sam Carter from the chart-topping band Architects.

The trailer is available here

The second job that will be introduced with Endwalker is the ‘reaper’—a scythe-wielding melee DPS job who summon avatars while fighting in close-quarter combat. A first look at the reaper in action can be seen here

Additionally, male Viera will be added as a new playable race, joining the existing female Viera. The male Viera reveal trailer is available here:


 The Newly Announced Reaper Job and Male Viera Playable Race

An outline of all Endwalker content reveals from the keynote address can be found below:

  • New Job: Reaper
  • New Playable Race: Male Viera
  • New City: Old Sharlayan – a trailer can be viewed here:
  • Travel to Expansive New Areas: Labyrinthos and Mare Lamentorum – trailers can be viewed here:
  • New Threats to Overcome: The Magus Sisters
  • New Alliance Raid Series: “Myths of the Realm”
  • A New Data Center: Oceania

Additional trailers revealed during the Digital Fan Festival 2021 include:

New Area “Thavnair”

New Town “Radz-at-Han”

Dungeon Crawl

Explore Many New Towns and Areas, Including Old Sharlayan and Thavnair

A comprehensive list of content announced for Endwalker, including information from the FINAL FANTASY XIV Announcement Showcase held in February, is available here: https://sqex.to/xiZAF

The FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker Collector’s Edition

Finally, SQUARE ENIX revealed details of the FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker Collector’s Edition, which will be available for pre-order on the SQUARE ENIX Store from 12pm BST on Saturday 15th May: https://sqex.to/AO7kw

The FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker Collector’s Edition is a bundle containing a copy of the FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker Digital Collector’s Edition for Windows® and Mac, and the physical Collector’s Box.

For PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and Steam players, the Collector’s Box will be available to order as a standalone product. The Endwalker Collector’s Box includes the physical goods listed below—the box does not include a copy of Endwalker, in-game bonus items, or pre-order bonuses:

  • Endwalker Special Art Box – A unique glossy white-inlaid box that features an illustration of Hydaelyn and Zodiark by artist Yoshitaka Amano.
  • Expertly Crafted Paladin Figure – An impressive high-quality figure that showcases the Warrior of Light as a paladin using Passage of Arms to shield allies from harm. Including the base, the figure measures approximately W 6.10″ x D 8.46″ x H 7.28″ (W 15.5cm x D 21.5cm x H 18.5cm).
  • Art Collection & Frame Set – A collection of ten B5-sized (approx. 7.2″ x 10.1″ / 18.2cm x 25.7cm) art prints featuring key visuals from throughout the history of FINAL FANTASY XIV, from version 1.0 through Endwalker. The set also includes a frame so you can showcase your favorite image.
  • Azem PinA pin created to mimic the appearance of Azem’s crystal. Designed to fit in the palm of your hand at approximately 1″ x 1.2″ (2.5cm x 3.0cm).
  • Loporrit Mini Plush – A mini plush version of a Loporrit. The plush is approximately 6.5″ tall (16.5cm).

Additionally, the FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker Digital Collector’s Edition is now available for pre-order from participating retailers, and includes the following in-game bonus items:

  • In-game Item: Arion Mount – A new mount designed to complement paladin, the signature job of Endwalker. A trailer for the mount can be viewed here:
  • Ingame Item: Wind-up Porom Minion – Porom, one of the young twins who joins your party in FINAL FANTASY IV, arrives as a minion you can share new adventures with.
  • In-game Item: Death Scythe: Reaper Weapon – The Death Scythe from FINAL FANTASY XI makes its appearance in FINAL FANTASY XIV as a reaper-exclusive weapon.

The Arion Mount and Death Scythe Digital Collector’s Edition In-Game Items

Players who pre-order FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker from participating retailers will be eligible to receive the following pre-order bonuses:

  • Early Access – Early access is tentatively scheduled to begin on Friday, 19th November, 2021 at 9am (GMT) and will allow users the ability to play Endwalker before the official release.
  • In-game Item: Menphina Earring – A gorgeous earring with a design that draws inspiration from the moon. This useful earring features attributes that will vary according to the user’s class/job and current level when equipped and grants a 30% increase in EXP up to level 80 when worn.
  • In-game Item: Wind-up Palom Minion – Palom, one of the young twins who joins your party in FINAL FANTASY IV, arrives as a minion you can share new adventures with.

Pre-order bonus codes will be delivered upon pre-ordering Endwalker and can be redeemed immediately. Thanks to the in-game items being delivered ahead of launch, anyone pre-ordering Endwalker will be able to use their Menphina Earring to catch-up to level 80 before the expansion releases on 23rd  November.

With over 22 million total registered players and a new expansion on the way, there has never been a better time for newcomers to begin their adventures in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga. The recently 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.
 
Related Links

Endwalker Teaser Site: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com/endwalker/
SQUARE ENIX® Press Site: https://www.square-enix-press.com/
The Lodestone®: http://eu.finalfantasyxiv.com
Official Facebook®: https://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyXIV
Official Twitter®: @FF_XIV_EN
Official Instagram®: @ffxiv
#FFXIV

About Square Enix Ltd.

Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as Crystal Dynamics® and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 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.

FINAL FANTASY XIV © 2010 – 2021 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.

FINAL FANTASY XIV: ENDWALKER © 2021 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD.  All Rights Reserved.

LOGO ILLUSTRATION: ©2021 YOSHITAKA AMANO

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.

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Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 with a demo and an approximate release date

Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2, the new sequel to the bestselling fishing game, will debut in Early Access for PC in the second part of 2021 – announced Ultimate Games S.A. The developers are preparing many improvements and novelties. A free demo is now available on Steam. In 2022 Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 will be released on consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch. A VR edition will also be developed.

Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 is being developed by the Polish studio MasterCode and will be published by Ultimate Games S.A.

The first instalment of Ultimate Fishing Simulator made its debut on PC in 2018, and was followed by a VR and console edition. It’s currently the highest rated simulator in its category – 88% of the game’s Steam reviews are positive and it holds a Metascore of 70/100. As the publisher informs, the PC version of Ultimate Fishing Simulator alone has sold more than 210 thousand copies, while the number of sold DLCs exceeded 270 thousand.

“Our goal is to set new standards when it comes to fishing simulators. Work on Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 has already suffered some delays, which is simply due to the fact that we want to deliver the game in the highest possible quality. The new instalment will significantly differ from the first one. We are preparing many different improvements and completely new elements. In a nutshell – Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 includes, among others, vastly improved graphics, additional third person perspective mode (TPP), as well as new dynamic water and fish AI systems” – said Rafał Jelonek, COO at Ultimate Games S.A.

MasterCode is also preparing many other novelties. The creators are promising, for example, a new version of the underwater camera with hook and fish close-ups, the possibility to fish in a given fishery during different seasons and a special fish routines system based, among others, on the time of the day. For example, the behaviour of a given species of fish during the feeding time will be different from their routines during the resting time.

As the creators indicate, Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 is a significant step towards an even more faithful representation of the reality of fishing.

When creating Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 we did not concentrate solely on avid fishing enthusiasts. We are working on two game modes – one of them will be simplified and aimed at new players, including those who have not had any contact with fishing before” – added Rafał Jelonek.

A free demo of the simulator is now available on Steam and it will give the players the possibility to check out one of the fisheries, the American Jackson National Park – Snake River. The developers have explained that the location was created with river fishing in mind, and in the demo version the fishery offers some of the content planned for the full version of the game.

Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 – features:

  • a new instalment of the top-rated fishing game of recent years;
  • numerous improvements and features;
  • diverse fisheries modelled on real locations;
  • maps with different seasons;
  • various fishing techniques (spinning, float, ground and fly fishing, sea, ice and beach fishing);
  • several dozen types of fish;
  • new dynamic water and fish AI systems;
  • FPP or TPP view;
  • boats, skills, trophies;
  • extended multiplayer mode;
  • licensed fishing equipment (such as Sakura).

The new simulator will be released on PC in the second half of 2021 – it will debut in Steam Early Access, which is planned to last around half a year. After the final release the developers will concentrate on creating DLCs. In 2022 Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 is scheduled to premiere on VR systems and consoles: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and Nintendo Switch.

Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2 (Steam):
https://store.steampowered.com/app/1136380/Ultimate_Fishing_Simulator_2

Basic information:

title: Ultimate Fishing Simulator 2
genre: fishing, simulation, sports, casual
producer: MasterCode
publisher: Ultimate Games S.A.
language: English, Polish, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Russian, Japanese, Portuguese, Simplified Chinese, Turkish
release date: 2nd part of 2021 (Steam Early Access), 2022 (PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, VR systems)

Minimum technical requirements:

operating system: Windows 7 (64-bit) or newer
processor: Core i3-6100 or equivalent
memory: 6 GB RAM
graphics card: GeForce GTX 750 or equivalent
DirectX: Version 11
storage: 12 GB of available space
sound card: DirectX compatible

Tripwire Interactive Implements ‘Next Gen Work Model’ Offering Maximum Flexibility to All Studio Employees

New Employee-Focused Customizable Work Model Adapts to Meet the Evolving Landscape of Game Development

ROSWELL, Ga. – May 14, 2021 – Tripwire Interactive, developers of the Killing Floor, Red Orchestra, Rising Storm and Maneater franchises, and Tripwire Presents, the publishing division that focuses on releasing  great games from other independent studios, including Chivalry 2, Espire 1: VR Operative and Road Redemption, today announced the implementation of their innovative and exciting Next Gen Work Model, a new hybrid work plan that will allow all members of the studio full flexibility in designating the balance between in-office and remote work. Starting immediately, the Next Gen Work Model will allow Tripwire employees to create their own individual plan with the option to work hybrid in-office and remote in any variation of their choosing, fully remote, or fully in-office. By offering fully customizable hybrid, in-office and remote work opportunities, employees at Tripwire can choose to create a work plan of their own that best suits their personal and professional needs.

As they adapted to the physical restrictions of the recent pandemic, Tripwire discovered there were great benefits to offering remote work yet found that many employees shared they were missing the benefits of on-site work. Based on this, Tripwire is taking the opportunity to formalize a new permanent, flexible work model that offers the choice of hybrid in-person and remote work plans, breaking the limitations of physical location and broadening the pool of prospective creative talent available to the studio. Tripwire believes this new approach will not only foster a more productive and creative environment amongst their teams, but will also add a layer of diversity to their staff that solely in-office work does not as easily afford. Tripwire gathered and utilized direct employee feedback while creating the Next Gen Work Model in an effort to strike a balance between creative efficiency and personal work-life balance; both of which were essential aspects in the studio leadership’s decision to implement the employee-first work model company-wide.

“By allowing flexible hybrid on-site/remote work plans we’re providing the best of both worlds with the collaborative and relational benefits of in-office work and the quality-of-life benefits of remote work,” said Tripwire CEO John Gibson. “With offering these flexible hybrid, full time remote, and full time on-site work options we’re serving the desires and needs of next generation teams.”

Tripwire will retain their physical headquarters in Roswell, Georgia as their base of operations and as an available office for employees who chose to work in an in-person capacity. The Next Gen Work Model will be available to both existing and new employees.

Tripwire continues to grow and is currently accepting applications for a variety of positions. For more details on available job openings, please visit https://tripwireinteractive.com/#/careers.  

For more information on Tripwire Interactive please visit their official website and follow them on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

About Tripwire Interactive

Formed in 2005 as a humble independent developer founded by gamers who found success in the video game modding community, Tripwire Interactive has developed and self-published multiple critically acclaimed titles in the wildly popular Killing Floor and Rising Storm franchises, which have collectively sold over 20 million units to date. The studio’s latest project, Maneater, breaks new ground in the popular action RPG genre and finds players taking on the role of a deadly shark with the uncanny ability to evolve as it feeds.

Since then, Tripwire Interactive has expanded its business with the publishing division, Tripwire Presents, turning its experience and resources to include publishing titles spanning multiple platforms and genres from other talented independent studios. Tripwire Presents aims to help like-minded independent studios bring their titles to market, including Chivalry 2 developed by Torn Banner Studios, Espire 1: VR Operative developed by Digital Lode, and Road Redemption developed by EQ Games and Pixel Dash Studios. All product titles, publisher names, trademarks, artwork and associated imagery are trademarks, registered trademarks and/or copyright material of the respective owners. All rights reserved.

R-Type Final 2 Review

R-Type Final 2

Developer:Granzella
Publisher:NIS America
Platforms:Switch (Reviewed), PC, Xbox One, Playstation 4
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $39.99 – Available Here

Overview

One of the most respected, but possibly overlooked genre is the shoot-em up (also known as schmup). While incredibly addicting, current times have evolved the genre to take a more explorative take on worlds, which in turn slowed down development from once hot franchises in the market. R-Type, one of the staples – has returned after a long hiatus from consoles, bringing us back to basics with a refinement of gameplay and content alike in R-Type Final 2. This new selection has been delivered after successful crowdfunding campaigns, but does it do enough to scratch the itch? Let’s find out. 

Story 

Story elements have never been a strong point of any side-scrolling shooter, but alas, there is one present for the sake of progression within Final 2. This plot follows the story from Operation Last Dance, putting the player in control of a ship and letting them go straight to work. Sure, there isn’t some stellar narrative, but the brief moments of attempted storytelling work well enough. Like most arcade shooters of this type, the world itself is so condensed that you can form an understanding of the environment through organic level exploration, but if you are like myself, you probably just enjoy plopping down, picking a ship, and taking off to mindlessly take out waves of enemies. Final 2 provides that sense of satisfaction, and while I feel there definitely should be some fleshing out in this area – the gameplay is ultimately the reason most fans will be interesting in diving in here.

Gameplay 

It has been a long time since I have played any R-Type before Final 2, so I definitely went in with a foggy recollection of what to expect. This franchise is known for slowing down the pace of a “bullet hell” experience, which in theory should create a layer of strategy that would make up for the slower pace of gameplay. Instead, Final 2 kind of sputters a bit due to some confusing design choices, going from hectic to calm without warning, making for an engine that feels like it is hiccuping in difficulty to create a false sense of spontaneity. It’s not crippling and doesn’t make or break the experience, but it does add some needlessly frustrating moments due to an odd checkpoint system in place.  

Maybe I am just spoiled now by instantly re-spawning ships, or maybe R-Type was just sticking to its own heritage. Either way, the end result provides a bit of a mixed bag where it matters, as I found myself wanting to take more frequent breaks from the game due to the tedious nature presented. There is a lot going on in each stage (five total) and most are rather lengthy with a motley assortment of foes. Players can of course upgrade their ship on the go, acquiring power-ups and techs that offer extra offensive and defensive elements alike. Even with those upgrades, that checkpointing ritual present here seems to rear its head a bit more often than it should, as the environmental hazards that also accompany each difficulty add intensity, but don’t do enough to actually provide a natural sense of change. Think of it like a volume switch. Most would expect when you up the difficulty, more enemies and hazards would appear. Final 2 seems to just paste in new obstacles that change the way the entire stage feels, so instead of a gradual progression, it feels like more assets were placed in a stage for the simple sake of difficulty.  

In a standard shoot-em up, fine. That works on paper. For a game pulling towards trial-and-error progression, you have an experience that just feels clunky and rushed. On the plus side, the customization is aplenty, and players will have a lot to collect that will later start to change their sessions in a positive way. It just takes a bit too long to get there. 

Visuals

Visually, R-Type also has a bit of a lukewarm presentation. The environments look great. The ships look great and the animations create an intense aura of chaos. The 3D art style however with the 2D backdrops don’t blend very well, and personally brought back memories of Mighty No. 9. In a screenshot, this style looks fine. When all the cogs are moving, it looks a bit cheap and for a namesake like R-Type, I would expect to see more refinement to blend such well-designed models with the stages you traverse.  

Audio

The soundtrack is the star here. Even though the gameplay and visuals leave a lot to be desired, the music within Final 2 is great. Maybe that is the issue thinking back, as the sometimes moody, sometimes rocking beats set a pace that the world you are in doesn’t always feel a part of. Regardless, the sound team did a stellar job and fans of the franchise will be thrilled to know that they will have a toe-tapping selection of beats and nostalgic effects to tickle their eardrums as they trudge through.  

Overall

R-Type Final 2 at its core isn’t a bad game. In fact, there are moments I had a ton of fun as there were some intense sections that got me to the edge of my seat several times. It’s the rubber-banding of difficulty and odd design choices (both visually and mechanically) that take away from this otherwise solid shooter, which seems to be always ready to offer a bevy of content despite not being tied together properly. You won’t hate it, but I do think most will find it to be an odd duck that comes off as a niche title in its own niche market. It is always pleasant to see the rebirth of an old friend and Final 2 doesn’t necessarily commit sins to the genre, but it is one adventure to definitely test the waters with before you make the plunge into due to its polarizing offerings. 

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

CLASH OF CHEFS VR SERVES MULTIPLAYER MUNCHIES ON OCULUS QUEST AND STEAM VR HEADSETS THIS SUMMER

FLIP BURGERS, CHOP VEGGIES, AND TWIRL PIZZA DOUGH IN SPECIALLY THEMED RESTAURANTS ONLINE OR ACROSS 80 SINGLE-PLAYER LEVELS

New-York, May 13, 2021— Developer Flat Hill Games has announced that delicious virtual reality cooking game Clash of Chefs VR will exit Early Access and launch for the original Oculus Quest and Oculus Quest 2 headsets this summer alongside other Steam VR-compatible devices including Oculus Rift, Valve Index, HTC Vive, and Windows Mixed Reality. Clash of Chefs VR allows foodies to play with their meals like never before, challenging them to prepare American, Italian, and Japanese recipes as quickly as possible to defeat online or asynchronous multiplayer opponents and climb the leaderboard. In addition, fans can ripen their skills across 80 different single-player levels.

The final, complete version of the game will include content currently unavailable in the Early Access version, such as a new themed restaurant, achievements, customization features, and more.

Watch the tomatoes, lettuce, and mozzarella fly in today’s trailer:

“Oculus Quest’s catalog is hyper-curated to ensure a high degree of player satisfaction and great return on investment for developers,” says Adrian Djura, CEO and Founder of Flat Hill Games. “We’re proud that our virtual food frenzy, Clash of Chefs VR, will soon be featured among other quality titles on the headset’s platform.”

As players begin mastering the culinary arts, customers will demand increasingly complex dishes. Fans must carefully measure bacon on burgers, beans in burritos, shredded cheese in pasta bowls, and noodles in ramen if they hope to earn a top spot on the leaderboard and become one of the world’s best virtual chefs. Of course, players are welcome to smash plates over a waiter’s head or toss ingredients in their opponent’s face whenever they want to spice up the food fight.

Clash of Chefs VR exits Early Access and launches for Oculus Quest and Steam VR headsets this summer. To keep up to date with the latest information on the title, please like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, subscribe to our YouTube channel, join our Discord channel, visit our website, and wishlist the game on Steam.

About Flat Hill Games
Founded in June 2018 by a group of industry veterans, Flat Hill Games is an independent studio passionate about virtual reality. The company’s first game, Clash of Chefs VR, is now available as an Early Access title on Steam. Clash of Chefs VR will launch for Oculus Quest and Steam VR headsets this summer.

The Classic Adventure Game Psychonauts Available Now with Xbox Game Pass

Psychonauts Available Now with Xbox Game Pass

by James Spafford, Communication Manager, Double Fine Productions

Earlier this month, we announced that the original Psychonauts would be coming soon to Xbox Game Pass, and today we’re excited to share that Psychonauts is available now with Xbox Game Pass for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 PC. Psychonauts is a psychic-comedy adventure from the mind of Tim Schafer and brought to life by the strange game-wizards at Double Fine Productions. The game follows the story of a young psychic acrobat named Razputin, where you explore the fantastic realm of the inner mind – join the Psychonauts!

Originally released in 2005, Psychonauts has resonated with fans of all ages for nearly two decades thanks to its mixture of comedic storytelling and inventive level-design. As Raz expands his psychic abilities, he must leap into the minds of those around him and explore levels based on their personalities and neuroses. A happy-go-lucky Psychonaut agent’s mind is a constant dance party with secrets lurking in the unlit corners; the mind of a conspiracy theorist is full of twisting roads and pathways that loop in every direction imaginable. Combined with sharp wit and a cast of memorable characters, every step forward in Psychonauts is a step into the unknown and wonderful world of our minds.

Double Fine Productions is immensely pleased to bring Psychonauts to Xbox Game Pass, allowing diehard fans and new players alike to experience the classic that started everything ahead of the release of Psychonauts 2 later this year. Keep an eye on the studio’s Twitter for more information on a “book club” style series of streams that span an entire playthrough of the game and feature guests who worked on it back in the “old days.”

This Week in GTA Online: Double Rewards on Special Vehicle Work and Business Battles, Triple Rewards on Target Assault Races, Free Tee, Weaponized Vehicle Discounts, and More

Earn Double Rewards on Special Vehicle Work Plus Bonuses on Target Assault Races, Business Battles, and More

You’ve established an underground sanctuary for illicit weapons trafficking, utilized advantageous bonuses to maximize your R&D capabilities, and unleashed a fleet of weaponized terrors on the streets of Southern San Andreas. Now transition smoothly from the war room to the board room this week with double rewards on Special Vehicle Work, as well as discounts on Executive Offices and their customizations.

Plus, embrace the unholy matrimony of military weaponry and high-octane racing with triple rewards on Target Assault Races.

2X GTA$ and RP on Special Vehicle Work

There are other ways for gunners and drivers to team up and earn a living: Special Vehicle Work provides the perfect opportunity to not only showcase your skills moving rare and modified vehicles, but also rake in double rewards. CEOs can launch Special Vehicle Work from the computer at their Executive Office.

3X GTA$ and RP on Target Assault Races

The camaraderie between a good driver and gunner can be borderline telepathic: speeding through checkpoints, cutting down targets with ruthless efficiency. Nowhere is their relationship on better display than in Target Assault Races, all of which are paying out tripled rewards to all comers, all week long.

2X GTA$ and RP on Business Battles

Keep an eye out for Business Battles firing off regularly in your session and for precious cargo on the highways and byways of Los Santos — you’ll earn double the usual GTA$ and RP for stealing, intercepting, assassinating, and all other manners of unsavory behaviors this week.

Triple Rewards on Motor Wars for the Rest of May

Jump out the cargo hold, find a vehicle (and a weapon, if you’re lucky), fight for your life, and earn triple GTA$ and RP for competing in Motor Wars this month.

Play This Week to Claim Your Free White Vom Feuer Hoodie

Don’t look now, but you’ve got a spot on your shirt — feel free to cover it up with the White Vom Feuer Hoodie, yours free for logging into GTA Online anytime this week.

Galaxy Livery for Rank 100+ Players

As part of our continuing celebration of the most dedicated members of the community, all GTA Online players Rank 100 and above will receive a free Galaxy Livery for their Anti-Aircraft Trailer (available within 72 hours of logging in after May 24th). Blow ‘em out of the sky — with style.

On the Podium this Week: The Declasse Drift Yosemite
After a long day of felonious activity, stop by The Diamond Casino & Resort to unwind. Saunter over to the Lucky Wheel, for example, and give it a spin to walk away with GTA$, RP, clothing, snacks, and all sorts of mystery rewards. This week’s top prize on the podium is the Declasse Drift Yosemite, a tricked-up pick-up that practically runs on crude, unrefined intimidation.

Discounts

Looking to put that white collar on and make some morally questionable power plays in sky-high conference rooms? Snap up an Executive Office and customize it to your exacting specifications — you will save 50% on the brick and mortar and all its upgrades, modifications, and renovations if you do it this week.

As for street-level crime: don’t get caught lacking in a firefight — stock up by visiting the Weapons Workshop inside your Mobile Operations Center, Avenger, or any other upgrade compatible installation to refill your Mk II ammo, half off all week.

Once you’re stocked up, you might be in the market for a new vehicle. Think bigger, heavier, with machine-guns built right in. If that got you salivating, there’s a range of weaponized vehicles on sale, below.

Weaponized Vehicles:

Anti-Aircraft Trailer — 40% off
Benefactor Turreted Limo — 40% off
Jobuilt Phantom Wedge — 40% off
Karin Technical Aqua — 40% off
BF Dune FAV — 30% off
Vapid Caracara — 30% off
Bravado Gauntlet Hellfire — 30% off
HVY Menacer — 40% off

Prime Gaming Bonuses and Benefits

GTA Online players who successfully connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account with Prime Gaming will receive the Kosatka submarine’s Sonar Station for free, along with GTA$200,000 just for playing any time this week.

In addition, Prime Gaming members receive exclusive discounts, including 80% off the Ocelot Jugular and Enus Stafford, plus 35% off the Veto Modern go-kart.

To ensure access to future benefits, make sure to visit Prime Gaming and sign up.

Check Rockstar Support for details and limitations.