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‘PYRAMID PLUNGE’ LAUNCHING IN EARLY ACCESS JUNE 2021 Spelunky-inspired title offers both co-op and versus modes

April 20th, 2021 — PolyCrunch Games is excited to announce its upcoming co-op roguelite platformer Pyramid Plunge is scheduled to launch June 2021 on Steam Early Access!

Pyramid Plunge is a game inspired from the classic Spelunky, with a lot of humour for all ages bringing back the handcrafted pixel-art platforming of the 90s. You’ll explore creature-infested, ever-changing pyramids. Will you be able to dodge the devious traps & get past evil creatures lurking around every corner? Oh! And don’t leave your terrified partner behind!!

Features

  • Play with lovable characters of Giorgio and Felicie, an unlikely couple each with their strengths and weaknesses.
  • Navigate your way through hordes of ancient evil creatures while exploring procedurally generated pyramids.
  • Collect lost treasures, and buy powerful upgrades and hilarious weapons from the friendly merchant Naeem (who is lost as much as you are!)
  • Cross four ancient kingdoms with their own distinct environments and secrets to be uncovered as you make your way down to the exit.
  • Explore alone or Co-op with a friend, or battle it out in a VS match where you — create exquisite chaos with bananas, frying pans, landmines, boomerangs and anything that comes under your hand to steal your opponent’s loot. Just remember to protect your partner at all times!
  • Streamer Mode allows Twitch Streamers to allow their audience to interact and cause even more havoc. Streamers can let them vote for level modifiers, events, and other surprises. They can ALSO control the Streamer’s partner or even the Bosses!
  • Compete in the daily Pyramid of the Day, where a randomly generated pyramid is kept for 24 hours, together with its leaderboard. Battle it out on the leaderboard, and if you are in the top-spot, you can claim your Pharaoh of the Day title on the game’s Discord!
  • Rewind anytime during the game, and play it in slow-mo replicating those awesome VCRs of the 90s. Re-see the spontaneous hilarious moments that you create.
  • The time is always ticking… if you lurk around for too long, the pyramid will start flooding. Who knew pyramids could flood!? Take what you can, and go go go! 

Pyramid Plunge is currently scheduled for an Early Access release in June, with a full release to follow 3-4 months after.

To learn more, visit: https://pyramidplunge.com/Twitter:@PolyCrunchGames
Discord: https://bit.ly/pyrplunge

About PolyCrunch Games
PolyCrunch is run by a normal guy with a wife and two kids. I love retro games of the 90s and now I’m trying to get back some of that vibe. All I want is to put a smile on whoever plays my games.

Focus Home Interactive accelerates its development with the acquisition of Streum On Studio, long-standing partner of the group

Focus Home Interactive is happy to announce the acquisition of the majority of the shares comprising the capital of the company Streum On Studio, paid in cash and in Focus Home Interactive shares.

Streum On, with a team of around twenty talented employees, has been a specialist in shooting games since its creation in 2007 and is the owner of the E.Y.E. Divine Cybermancy license, which immediately enthralled players when it was launched. Led by its three founders and directors Jonathan Cacherat, Pierrick Le Nestour and Christophe Longuépée, Streum On has been a solid and long-lasting partner of the Group since 2013.

Christophe Nobileau, President of Focus Home Interactive declared: “We are delighted to welcome Streum On Studio to the federation of talents we are building around Focus. This acquisition once again demonstrates our desire to create a strong, integrated group, by attracting new skills capable of taking our Group to a new level and to partner with the best talents. Streum On, with whom we wish to develop production capacities in terms of quality and quantity, has demonstrated its know-how in the development of shooting games which have been acclaimed by the press and players. We are convinced that the teams, supported by Focus’ expertise, will actively contribute to the Group’s growth.”

Pierrick Le Nestour, President of Streum On Studio declares“We are very happy to now be part of the Focus Home Interactive group. We share a common vision and our collaboration has always been very successful and fruitful. Our ambition is to offer players ever more ambitious and spectacular titles, and we know that Focus is the ideal partner to achieve our ambitions and for our games to be commercially successesfull.”

Streum On Studio developed the iconic game Space Hulk: Deathwing for Focus which has sold nearly one million copies. The studio is currently working on Necromunda: Hired Gun, a spectacular action game based on one of the flagship licenses of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. The game’s release, scheduled for June 1, 2021, has generated a lot of excitement among the press and players alike.

The acquisition was funded using our dedicated M&A bank lines and comes with a long-term executive incentive plan. Streum On will be consolidated in the Focus Home Interactive accounts from April 1, 2021.

ABOUT FOCUS HOME INTERACTIVE
FOCUS HOME INTERACTIVE is one of the European leaders in the publishing, distribution, and development of video games. Its vocation is to support leading international studios in the development, production monitoring, marketing, sales and financing of their projects. As a publisher of strong brands such as The Surge, Vampyr, Mudrunner, and A Plague Tale: Innocence, the Group generated revenues of €171 million in 2020/21, up 20% compared to the previous comparable period. FOCUS HOME INTERACTIVE generates 95% of its sales internationally.
For additional information, visit www.focus-home.com
ABOUT STREUM ON STUDIO
Streum On Studio was officially founded on July 16th 2007. Our first commercial production, E.Y.E: Divine Cybermancy, released in 2011 and was praised for the quality of its world, its artistic direction and its dynamic gameplay by the players and the press alike. Our team’s know-how is a point of honor for us, as is its constant improvement. We use it to turn our passion into works and deliver products of quality.
More information on the website: https://www.streumon-studio.com

XSEED Games Releases Doggo-loving Gunslinger, Eustace, for Granblue Fantasy: Versus on PlayStation 4 and PC

XSEED Games, the independent-minded publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc. today announced that Eustace has joined the cast of playable fighters in Granblue Fantasy: Versus on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC via Steam. Eustace is the fifth of six characters in the Character Pass 2 DLC bundle which is priced at $34.99 on the PS4™ system and Steam. The erune gunslinger, sure to electrify gameplay can also be purchased individually for $6.99, and the new battle stage, Dydroit Belt, is also available now for $3.99. Additionally, the Battle Pass 3, which launched earlier this month, is available with earnable character colors, weapon skins, and more until May 10! More information about the contents of Battle Pass 3 can be found on the Granblue Fantasy: Versus news post.

Lone Wolf Eustace is a man of few words, but will stop at nothing to complete his mission…or pet every doggo. Eustace is skilled with bladed instruments and explosives, but he brings the thunder with his lighting gun, Flamek. Eustace joins the Granblue Fantasy: Versus roster as the first character to use the gun weapon, making him excellent at mid-range and long-range combat by engaging opponents from a distance. 

About Granblue Fantasy: Versus

ARC SYSTEM WORKS and Cygames have teamed up to bring the Granblue universe to home consoles in an action-packed head-to-head fighter.

In Granblue Fantasy: Versus, power, skill, and spirit collide in a quest to find the true champion of the sky. Japan’s megahit RPG, Granblue Fantasy has topped the charts, charming players across the globe with a plethora of lovable characters and story-driven mechanics. Granblue Fantasy: Versus will appeal to fans of Granblue lore and fighting games alike with robust solo or co-op gaming options. Fight against AI, fight your friends in local or online two-player matches, or team up in RPG mode and take on waves of enemies and formidable primal beasts.

Developed by Cygames and ARC SYSTEM WORKS and published on PS4™ system in North America and on Windows PC via Steam globally by XSEED Games, Granblue Fantasy: Versus is currently available for purchase for $59.99 on both platforms. The PS4™ system release has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB, the PC release has not been rated.

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

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HAUNTING THRILLER IN SOUND MIND LAUNCHES AUGUST 3RD

Grab the closest cat and pre-order now

Walnut Creek, Calif. (April 20, 2021) – Modus Games today announced that In Sound Mind, the upcoming reality-bending psychological thriller, will be creeping onto the Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC on August 3rd. 
 
Today’s news was accompanied by a trailer that showcases just what players can expect to contend with as they desperately cling to their last shreds of sanity:

Willing victims can download the demo and wishlist the game on Steam if they’re ready to get a taste of the terrors that lurk within: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1119980/In_Sound_Mind/
 
In Sound Mind is a first-person horror experience which pits players against the unpredictable dangers stirring within memories. Developed by We Create Stuff, the team behind the legendary Nightmare House 2 mod, and backed by an eerie soundtrack from music sensation The Living Tombstone, In Sound Mind twists seemingly simple recollections into shocking encounters with terrifying threats, unbelievable scenes, and a mysterious talking cat for good measure.
 
Pre-order In Sound Mind by visiting www.insoundmind.com keep up with the game by following @Modus_Games on Twitter. For all things Modus Games, visit the official site (https://modusgames.com) and join the conversation on Discord (https://discordapp.com/invite/modus).

About Modus Games 
Modus Games is one of the fastest-growing video game publishers in the world. The label prides itself on providing AAA publishing services to talented independent developers across the globe. Modus Studios Brazil is a full-service development studio supporting creators of inspired interactive entertainment. For more information, visit www.modusgames.com.

About We Create Stuff 
Founded in 2007, We Create Stuff is an award-winning indie game studio. The team previously created the hit horror series Nightmare House and popular puzzlers such as Portal: The Flash Version, with levels later acquired by

OUTPLAY ENTERTAINMENT PREMIERES EPISODIC THRILLER MYSTERY MATCH VILLAGE

Uncover Clues and Solve Puzzles in the New Match-3 and Hidden Object Game Available Now on Android and iOS Devices

DUNDEE, SCOTLAND – April 22, 2021 – Outplay Entertainment, the largest independent mobile game developer in the UK, launches Mystery Match Village worldwide on Android and iOS devices. The riveting and innovative match-3 puzzle game, and spiritual successor to the popular Mystery Match, takes players on an all-new adventure with bubbly private investigator Emma Fairfax as she returns to her hometown of Kingsfall to find her village shrouded in secrets that she is eager to solve.   

First released in 2014, Mystery Match changed the landscape of mobile puzzle games by being the first to include a narrative-driven match-3 experience. Building on the success of its predecessor, Outplay Entertainment introduces the anticipated follow up, Mystery Match Village, to challenge and entertain fans of mystery stories and perplexing puzzles alike.Pushing the production values and gameplay variety of the puzzle game genre, Mystery Match Village takes narrative-driven storytelling and match-3 gameplay to the next level by introducing new mechanics, hidden object searches, village restoration, episodic content with a growing cast of intriguing and lovable characters that will evolve the overall plot, and more intricate clues to hone those detective skills. 

Each episode in Mystery Match Village introduces a unique case to be solved and new characters and locations to investigate in the village of Kingsfall. Mysteries of looted family heirlooms, missing person reports, and unexplained happenings are solved by earning Stars in match-game rounds and hidden object searches for worthwhile clues. By enlisting the aid of colourful characters around town as well as a nameable feline sidekick, players can don their detective hat to solve the mysteries surrounding Kingsfall and help rebuild the town to its former glory. 

Gameplay Features Include: 

  • EPISODIC CONTENT AND MEMORABLE CHARACTERS – Released every eight weeks, episodes include new characters and storylines that evolve the overall plot and expand the village.
  • ENGAGING MATCH-3 GAMEPLAY – Highly polished puzzle gameplay with over 40 unique mechanics and 400 levels introduced at launch with 100 more levels to be added in each new episode. 
  • HIDDEN OBJECT SEARCHES – Replayable hidden object searches include storyline clues for the crime scene and offer rewards for completion. Hidden object searches become more challenging with each replay of the scene. Master scenes to unlock and earn exclusive rewards. 
  • EARN STARS TO RENOVATE THE TOWN OF KINGSFALL – Each episode focuses on a new location in Kingsfall. Through match-3 gameplay, the village can be renovated and customized with visual upgrades. 

Mystery Match Village is now available worldwide on the Apple App Store and Google Play. For more information on Outplay Entertainment and Mystery Match Village, follow the organization via its official website here, and on Twitter and Facebook.

ABOUT OUTPLAY ENTERTAINMENT

Founded in 2010 and based in Dundee, Outplay Entertainment is the largest independent mobile developer in the UK. To date, the studio’s games have received over 150 million downloads, have been featured multiple times as Apple’s Editors’ Choice, receiving multiple BAFTA nominations and being recognized as one of the fastest-growing technology companies in the UK. With a passionate focus on making the best games, our talented and dynamic team has developed several critically acclaimed and award-winning games. With an exciting pipeline of future titles in development and continued growth on our existing games, Outplay is just getting started.

WARHAMMER VERMINTIDE 2 – CHAOS WASTES OUT NOW

Just when the heroes thought things would calm down

STOCKHOLM, SWEDEN, April 20, 2021. Independent developer Fatshark today announced that the Chaos Wastes expansion to the award-winning and multi-million selling Warhammer: Vermintide 2 is available to download for free on Steam.

The next chapter in the Vermintide 2 story has arrived, and it’s available as a free download. In Chaos Wastes, the players will -try- to reach the Citadel of Eternity, but only the pure at heart will be able to complete the journey. In order to survive the journey to the Citadel the heroes will have to leave their fancy and hard-earned armor behind and go back to the basics. The journey begins where it all began over three years ago, and armed only with simple equipment that will require skills to use effectively rather than just hiding behind a maxed out Iron Breaker (yes, talking to you, you know who you are!).

The trek can only be completed by a true pilgrim to navigate through to the unpredictable region without a map and where no journey is the same. The Citadel of Eternity is a place most have only heard of through rumours. It is said to be located in a region under the influence of the Chaos Gods and apparently Saltzpyre knows how to get there – or so he claims.

“We are excited to invite everyone that owns Warhammer: Vermintide 2 to join us in the Chaos Wastes adventure.” says Martin Wahlund, CEO Fatshark. “The Chaos Wastes expansion is available for free for all players regardless of system.”

NEW FEATURES

  • Pilgrim’s Coins – Chaos Waste Unique coins that can be traded for godly favor or weapons along the path. A wise traveler hoards them well and spends them wisely. 
  • Chest of Trials – Those seeking additional challenges while on their Pilgrimage can find them by means of the rare Chests of Trials. Opening a Chest of Trials draws the attention of a monstrous foe. Defeat the foe, and claim the reward. 
  • Shrines – Uncorrupted shrines can be found in the Chaos Wastes. Heroes can seek the favor of wholesome gods in the form of Miracles & Boons. But, of course, such favors are not earned without sacrifice. 
  • Waystone Altars – A weapon stash that contains weapons employed by previous pilgrims. Accessible through sacrificing Pilgrim’s Coins. The more Pilgrim’s Coins the Reliquary demands, the more powerful the weaponry to be found within. 
  • Potions – The road is littered with mysterious potions that offer powerful benefits… perhaps enough to help even the odds on a long and difficult journey.

THE FIFTH PLAYER

Chaos Wastes includes the Twitch Integration – the streamer’s favorite game mode – which lets the audience join in on the adventure and help the players on their journey by voting on what will happen next. 

About Fatshark®

Headquartered in Stockholm, Sweden and established in 2007 independent developer Fatshark is comprised of a team of 100+ experienced games developers, who strive to create compelling interactive experiences. Apart from Warhammer 40,000: Darktide, the team has previously developed titles including Warhammer: Vermintide 2, Warhammer: End Times – Vermintide, Lead and Gold, Krater and War of the Roses. For more information, visitwww.fatsharkgames.com

About Games Workshop®

Games Workshop® Group PLC (LSE:GAW.L), based in Nottingham, UK, produces the best fantasy miniatures in the world. Games Workshop designs, manufactures, retails, and distributes its range of Warhammer®: Age of Sigmar® and Warhammer® 40,000® games, miniature soldiers, novels and model kits through more than 529 of its own stores (branded Games Workshop® or Warhammer®), the www.games-workshop.com web store and independent retail channels in more than 50 countries worldwide. More information about Games Workshop and its other, related, brands and product ranges (including our publishing division ‘Black Library’ and our special resin miniatures studio ‘Forge World’) can be found at www.games-workshop.com.

Warhammer: Vermintide 2 © Copyright Games Workshop Limited 2021. Vermintide 2, the Vermintide 2 logo, GW, Games Workshop, Warhammer, The Game of Fantasy Battles, the twin-tailed comet logo, and all associated logos, illustrations, images, names, creatures, races, vehicles, locations, weapons, characters, and the distinctive likeness thereof, are either ® or TM, and/or © Games Workshop Limited, variably registered around the world, and used under licence. © Fatshark AB 2018-2021. All rights reserved to their respective owners.

CONNECT, CREATE AND CELEBRATE IN WARFRAME’S 8TH ANNIVERSARY WITH FREE REWARDS AND MORE TODAY

Redeem the Dex Rhino Skin and Connect With Friends for a Month-Long Anniversary Celebration With Weekly Challenges and Rewards

LONDON, ONTARIO – April 19, 2021 – Warframe®’s 8-Year Anniversary Event begins today and we’d like to connect, create and celebrate with our amazing community over four weeks of fun-filled challenges, contests, rewards, livestreams and even merchandise. We invite Tenno from all platforms, including the newly launched Xbox Series X|S, to join in the celebration from Monday, April 19 through Monday, May 17. Log into Warframe right now to get started by redeeming the Dex Rhino Skin!

Connect With Your Friends
The free Dex Rhino Skin is just the beginning. During the following month, in-game Weekly Alerts will activate to give players the chance to earn cool Dex-style gear, fashion frame accessories, and items from the past seven years. Gear up with new custom accessories, show off your styling new Fashion Frame, and have fun!

The Weekly Alert schedule runs as follows:

Week of April 19th: 2 Alerts and Weekend Credits Booster

  • Items – Dex Sybaris, Weapon Slot and Excalibur Dex Skin

Week of April 26th: 2 Alerts and Weekend Affinity Booster 

  • Items – Dex Dakra, Weapon Slot and Dex Nouchali Syandana

Week of May 3rd: 2 Alerts and Weekend Credits Booster 

  • Items – Dex Furis, Weapon Slot and Dex Liset Skin

Week of May 10th: 3 Alerts and Weekend Affinity Booster

  • Items – Excalibur Dex in Action Glyph, Excalibur Dex Noggle, Dex Raksaka Armor

Additionally, Call of the Tempestarii is now live across all platforms. Players who return for the live event will be able to experience a new Quest, the Railjack system revamp and the new Warframe, Sevagoth. 

Create With Your Community
Whether you’re new or a veteran, there has never been a better time to make friends or celebrate with teammates. Have you ever wished you had someone to witness the hard-fought defeat of an impossible boss? Now is the time to capture that moment! Starting today, Tenno can choreograph epic team moments of stylish action as they crush tough-to-beat foes in the Squad Take-Down Contest. Enter here forums.warframe.com/topic/1260116-squad-take-down-contest-is-live/

Use the easy-to-access Captura (screen-capture tool) to share your best moments with us. If you’re good enough, the first-place squad each will receive Octavia Prime. We’ll also offer awards for 2nd through 5th place, too!

Celebrate Eight Years With Us 
Come celebrate eight years of incredible content, story-telling, and gripping action by visiting our new Warframe microsite. It’s full of original artwork, time-limited 8-year merch and more! 

Time to get started. Log in now for your free Dex Rhino Skin, play in style with new fashion frame accessories, track the weekly Alerts to grab previous anniversary offerings, and have fun! Visit the our 8-Year Anniversary site:  www.warframe.com/anniversary

To keep up with the latest updates, be sure to follow Warframe on Twitch, YouTube, Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. Download Warframe on Steam PC, Epic Games Store, PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Nintendo™ Switch.

ABOUT DIGITAL EXTREMES
Founded in 1993 by James Schmalz, Digital Extremes ranks as one of the world’s top independent video game development studios. Originating with the co-creation of Epic Games’ multi-million unit selling Unreal® franchise including Unreal and Unreal Tournament, Digital Extremes went on to develop Dark Sector®, BioShock® for the PlayStation®3, the BioShock 2 multiplayer campaign, and The Darkness® II. The studio has reached its greatest critical and commercial success with the free-to-play action game, Warframe®, boasting a global community of 60+ million registered players on PC, PS5™, PS4™, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™. For more information about Digital Extremes, visit www.digitalextremes.com. To sign up for Warframe, visit www.warframe.com.
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SaGa Frontier Remastered Review

SaGa Frontier Remastered

Developer: Square Enix
Publisher: Square Enix
Platforms: PlayStation 4 (Reviewed), PC, Switch
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $24.99 – Available Here

Overview

In recent years the SaGa series of games have been getting remastered, giving new generations of JRPG fans a chance to see just how unique some of these titles were when they originally released in the 90s. The latest game to be remastered is more than just a simple visual upgrade however as Square Enix’s work with SaGa Frontier Remastered goes beyond a fresh coat of paint. With the addition of new story content as well as some quality of life improvements, is this remake worth it for both newcomers and even those who played the original 1998 release?

Story

Unlike a standard JRPG, players are immediately given the choice to select from seven different characters to serve as their protagonist with each one of them having a different storyline from one another. This unique approach allows players to witness a number of different storylines all at once, though the actual length and quality of each one can vary wildly especially due to the game’s heavy focus on player freedom and the fact that some characters’ stories simply aren’t as strongly written as others. These stories explore things such as revenge, destiny, one’s place in the world, and more with more than a few storylines ending up quite impressive. 

That being said, there are more than a few occasions where players will either feel completely lost given the way the story is presented or miss out on certain side-events entirely due to the aforementioned focus on player freedom. SaGa Frontier Remastered focuses heavily on presenting a “Free-Form Scenario” where players are mostly given free reign of where to go and what they wish to do. The core story for most characters are fairly easy to follow, and the game even gives players an in-game hint as to their journey so far but it is entirely possible that a player may end up locking themselves out of a side-quest filled with rewards or extra recruitable characters simply by performing an extra activity or even leveling a skill too much. It is also worth noting that there are multiple points of no return with no advanced notice as well as choices that will affect certain characters’ endings so players will want to play cautiously.

One thing that is rather interesting is that players will often find other main characters while playing through a separate character’s storyline. Occasionally these are brief appearances while other times they may be able to join the player’s party entirely. This can lead to points where a party is absolutely packed with characters but only feature a handful that actually interact with the story as a whole. 

As for one of the biggest improvements to SaGa Frontier Remastered, players will find that not only have there been a number of scenes added to a few characters’ storylines but, once certain conditions are met, a brand-new playable character Fuse, who was previously cut from the game, will be unlocked. It is worth noting that Fuse’s storyline is easily the most interesting and worthwhile of the bunch though players will want to wait as long as possible to play through it as his story provides extra context and new perspectives on many storylines.

Gameplay

As usual with Square Enix’s remasters, SaGa Frontier Remastered has seen a number of quality of life improvements. These come in the form of an improved user interface that makes it a bit easier to navigate through the menu system, the aforementioned Story Chart to keep track of your character’s story progress, as well as a New Game+ mode that is a major improvement as it allows players to start new playthroughs and choose what they want to carry over, such as items, techniques, and more. 

The company has also added in the ability to set the game’s world speed and battle speed to either 2x or 3x as fast as normal which can be a bit risky when it comes to navigating the world as most enemies respawn or are so tightly packed that players can quickly find themselves overwhelmed but in battle it is a major improvement primarily thanks to the sheer amount of fights most players will be getting into and how lengthy some attack skills can be. Finally, and perhaps most importantly given Saga Frontier’s difficulty spikes and lack of warning if the player wanders somewhere enemies can one shot their team, a highly frequent auto-save system.

Battles in SaGa Frontier Remastered are another unique part of the game as it may look simple but is far more complex than it initially appears. Characters are not given any actual levels and instead gain stat points at the end of battle, improving their combat power over time while the more players battle. Players are encouraged to grind standard battles, as utilizing various weapon skills can trigger a “glimmer” that unlocks new skills, they will find that random enemies in dungeons will grow alongside the player’s team to match their abilities. This means that players will need to think on their feet and learn how to properly create “combo” attack skills with their party to best annihilate foes while trying to stay alive at the same time since the enemy can and will do the same and more than a few times even simple weak enemies can annihilate a party member in an unforgiving round of combat.

The only actual fights that do seem to feature set enemy strength are boss battles, making for some rather interesting scenes where either a boss will destroy the player’s party in a few moves or be overwhelmingly destroyed since the player spent too much time fighting against constantly respawning and nigh-unavoidable enemies. That being said, it is possible to run from most fights should they become too annoying to deal with.

Visuals & Audio

SaGa Frontier Remastered has been given a significant visual upgrade over its original release and it appears that the development team did their best to try and keep some of the nostalgic look of the original game while bringing it a bit closer to today’s standards. Character models are smoothed out and unique with plenty of flashy techniques while the backgrounds players battle against and explore feature tons of variety. The monsters that players fight are a bit of a mixed bag however as some have seen a nice improvement while other enemy models still look rather rough, creating an unsettling looking mix during some of the bigger fights.

The soundtrack for the game still features the same classic music as before and it is great to say that there are even some new music tracks that have been added into the game to fit into the brand new content that is on offer in this remaster.

Overall

SaGa Frontier Remastered is easily the best way to experience this classic RPG but it also continues to suffer from the same design decisions of the past that made it both unique but also off-putting for some. With great quality of life improvements and brand new content, longtime fans will easily want to dive back into this RPG but the ambitious “Free Scenario” aspect of the story that can easily leave some left wandering aimlessly or missing content alongside wild difficulty spikes may turn others away.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Jetboard Joust Rockets onto Nintendo Switch, Atari VCS May 18

Jetboard Joust Rockets onto Nintendo Switch, Atari VCS May 18

BATH, England – 20 April 2021 – Jetboard Joust, a joyous fusion of classic arcade shoot-’em-ups and modern roguelikes from publisher Freedom Games and developer BitBull, blasts onto Nintendo SwitchTM on Tuesday, May 18, 2021. In keeping with Jetboard Joust’s old-school lineage, the game will also be available on the upcoming Atari VCS on May 18, 2021.

Jetboard Joust’s handheld debut comes three decades after the release of its predecessor, Skateboard Joust for the Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC microcomputers. Experience an action-packed mashup of old-school arcade action with modern roguelike design by patrolling the skies for alien invaders on a rocket-powered jetboard.

Maintain altitude to avoid incoming fire while trading laser blasts with extraterrestrial invaders. Wield a wide variety of weapons and rescue the planet’s would-be abductees from a monstrous fate. Overcome throngs of foes by turning the jetboard into a screen-clearing ballistic missile capable of wiping out advancing armadas, mutated creatures, and massive bosses.

Plunder gold coins in each procedurally-generated stage to purchase powerful upgrades, such as new armor, an expanded armory, and a range of jetboard tuneups that allow the hero to dominate the skies. Advance through the campaign, choosing branching paths after completing each world before squaring up against massive, multi-stage boss fights on the road to victory.

“When I developed the original Skateboard Joust as a kid in 1989, I never would have imagined one of my games would be available on a Nintendo console,” said James Closs, founder, Bitbull. “So I am over the moon to be launching Jetboard Joust for Nintendo Switch on May 18!”

Jetboard Joust debuts on Nintendo Switch and Atari VCS May 18, 2021 for $9.99 USD. It supports English, French, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) language options. Jetboard Joust is also out now on Steam for PC and Mac.

To learn more about Jetboard Joust, please visit the Steam Page, check out the development blog, and join the BitBull community on Twitter, Instagram, and Discord.

About Freedom Games

Freedom Games is a publisher dedicated to offering best-in-class services to partners and providing players worldwide with unique and memorable experiences. With over 50 years of combined industry experience at the executive level, Freedom Games seeks to leverage its expertise to facilitate great games and even better publishing experiences.

For more information, visit the official website.

About BitBull Ltd.

BitBull is a Bath-based independent studio founded by veteran game designer James Closs. With over thirty years of experience creating everything from 8-bit home computer games to award-winning mobile titles, BitBull has seen it all and strives to leverage that know-how to deliver compelling, classic gameplay-driven experiences for modern audiences.

For more information, visit the official Twitter.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… TO INCLUDE EXTRA EPISODE, DUNGEONS, AND MORE AT RELEASE

Costumes, Weapons, and Soundtrack Option from NieR:Automata Available to Players for Free

SYDNEY (Apr. 20th, 2021) Today, SQUARE ENIX Ltd. unveiled a plethora of extra content for NieR Replicant™ver.1.22474487139…,the modern re-telling of the cult classic NieR Replicant, that fans of the series and newcomers can enjoy. The updated version of the game will not only become more accessible for modern audiences with fully remastered visuals, a re-recorded soundtrack and all-new voice dialogue, but will also include brand-new story content, extra dungeons and costumes, including multiple NieR:Automata™ themed costumes & weapons, the NieR:Automata playable soundtrack, and more.

Further details on the extra content that will be included for the game at launch is below:

  • Extra Episode – Players can enjoy new scenarios and exhilarating boss battles by playing through the game, which includes an all new “Mermaid” episode featuring a wrecked ship and a little girl, and more.
  • Extra Dungeons from “15 Nightmares” – Previously released as downloadable content for the original release in Japan and similar to “The World of Recycled Vessel” in the West, fans will be able to undertake a series of challenging dungeons as the “15 Nightmares” protagonist in the world of recycled vessel. Playing through the dungeons will unlock a variety of weapons, as well as extra costumes, “Kabuki” and “Samurai.” You will also be able to change the appearance of enemy bullets to Emil’s face through the option menu after obtaining either of the costumes.
  • Soundtrack from NieR:Automata – Players will unlock an option to switch to select background music tracks from the critically acclaimed NieR:Automata after completing the first playthrough.
  • Guest Cast from NieR:Automata – The English and Japanese voice actors of 2B and 9S will be featured in the game.

In addition to the costumes obtainable from “15 Nightmares”, starting at launch, players will be able to download a free “4 YoRHa” costume pack to swap their character’s costumes and weapons to fan favourite designs from NieR:Automata, including 9S, 2B and A2.

The “NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… Extra Content Trailer” can be viewed at

SQUARE ENIX also released a 15 second live-action commercial over the weekend, titled “NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… | CM | Shinjuku ver.0.25 | 2nd”, featuring a ruined city overrun with enemy Shades.

Check out the video at:

Several pre-order bonuses and the track listing for the mini soundtrack were also recently revealed. The mini soundtrack includes three tracks from the White Snow Edition soundtrack CD Disc 1—“Hills of Radiant Wind”, “Song of the Ancients”, and “Kainé”. Platform specific details include:

  • PlayStation®4 system – All editions will include an exclusive PlayStation®4 system dynamic theme and avatar set. Pre-orders will also include a digital copy of the mini soundtrack.
  • Xbox One – Pre-orders will also include a digital copy of the mini soundtrack.*
  • Steam – All editions will include a special digital wallpaper collection. Pre-orders will also include a digital copy of the mini soundtrack.

* Xbox One users can only play the mini soundtrack in-game only via a designated app. Music data cannot be extracted outside the console.

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… will launch for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One family of devices including Xbox One X, and PC (Steam®) on April 23, 2021.

Related Links:

Official NieR Series Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/NieRGame
Official NieR Series Twitter: @NieRGame
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/SquareEnixNA
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/niergame
Official Page: www.niergame.com  
#NieR
#NieRReplicant

About NieR Replicant™ ver.1.22474487139…

NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… is a modern re-telling of NieR Replicant, a third-person action-RPG which originally released in Japan in 2010, and is the highly anticipated prequel to NieR:Automata™, the post-apocalyptic action-RPG that has shipped/downloaded over 5 million copies worldwide. Players are invited to experience a dark, apocalyptic world as they join a brother’s captivating quest to cure his sister of a deadly disease – a quest which will in turn make them question everything. Developed in collaboration with Toylogic, NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… brings together an all-star team including acclaimed director YOKO TARO (Drakengard® / NieR:Automata), composer Keiichi Okabe (TEKKEN / Drakengard / NieR:Automata), and producer Yosuke Saito (DRAGON QUEST® X / NieR:Automata). NieR Replicant ver.1.22474487139… will release for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One family of devices including Xbox One X, and PC (Steam®) on April 23, 2021.


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.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com.