Kingston Embedded Memory Solutions Featured on NXP Reference Boards
Taipei – April 8, 2021 – Kingston Technology, a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced it is partnering with NXP® Semiconductors on their new i.MX 8M Plus applications processors. NXP is a leading applications processor developer for creating infrastructure solutions involving smart technology, and Kingston is proud that its eMMC embedded memory solution is part of the reference board for its latest application processor.
Smart device makers requesting NXP’s engineering verification kits featuring the i.MX 8M Plus chipset will see Kingston’s eMMC onboard. This creates a terrific opportunity to expand the relationship with NXP and also further showcase Kingston embedded memory solutions to other IoT manufacturers. Kingston’s discrete memory and storage solutions were also embedded on NXP’s previous-generation i.MX 6 and i.MX 7 series processor boards.
“We are honored to extend our partnership with NXP, one of the top semiconductor companies in the world, on their latest i.MX 8M Plus evaluation kit,” said Kingston. “Kingston products power machines and devices everywhere from data centers to corporate and client PCs, as well as many embedded products. We have been in the memory business for over 33 years and working with NXP is a great way to enhance our embedded solutions business.”
“Our latest i.MX 8M Plus processor focuses on machine learning, vision, multimedia as well as industrial IoT devices,” said NXP Semiconductors. “As with prior NXP applications processors, it is great to work with Kingston and include their embedded memory solutions with our evaluation kits that are sent to developers and manufacturers. Our relationship runs deep on both engineering and marketing levels.”
Kingston started its embedded memory business in 2010 to address the then-growing trend toward smartphones, tablets and early-IoT solutions. As the world has increasingly adopted an automated lifestyle via smart devices, Kingston’s presence and stature in the embedded memory industry has grown tremendously. As a result, Kingston’s memory solutions can be found in industrial applications including automobile fleet tracking and devices enabling 5G telecommunications as well as many home consumer products including Bluetooth® speakers, robotic vacuums and wearables.
From big data, to laptops and PCs, to IoT-based devices like smart and wearable technology, to design-in and contract manufacturing, Kingston helps deliver the solutions used to live, work and play. The world’s largest PC makers and cloud-hosting companies depend on Kingston for their manufacturing needs, and our passion fuels the technology the world uses every day. We strive beyond our products to see the bigger picture, to meet the needs of our customers and offer solutions that make a difference. To learn more about how Kingston Is With You, visit Kingston.com.
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THE LAST KIDS ON EARTH AND THE STAFF OF DOOM VIDEO GAME LAUNCHES JUNE 4th, 2021
The Kid Friendly, Zombie Action Game Is Based On The New York Times Best-Selling Books And Emmy Award-Winning Netflix Series ‘The Last Kids On Earth’
New Trailer Released Revealing How The Heroes’ Adventure Begins
Outright Games, the leading global publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, together with Atomic Cartoons (the Kids and Family Division of Thunderbird Entertainment), and development studio Stage Clear Studios, have announced a June 4, 2021 release date for the upcoming kid friendly zombie and monster action video game The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom. The production partnership is managed by Atomic Cartoons’ worldwide agent for merchandise, licensing and video games, Cyber Group Studios.
This new action adventure is set in the best-selling, Emmy award-winning universe of The Last Kids on Earth, andwill be available June 4, 2021 on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®, Xbox and Steam. Fans can check out a newly released story trailer that illustrates how the game begins here:
In The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom, fans can immerse themselves in an all new story, exploring the massive town of Wakefield and taking on hordes of zombies. Play as the series’ legendary heroes Jack, Quint, June and Dirk, as they search for the missing pieces of the ultra-powerful ‘Staff of Doom’ and try to overcome Malondre, the Queen of the Slime Monsters, as she seeks to summon Rezzoch, the Ancient Destructor of Worlds. At launch, players will be able to jump into 1-4 player offline couch co-op mode, which will soon be followed by a patch that will add online multiplayer functionality.
Terry Malham, CEO of Outright Games: “We are delighted to reveal more details about this exciting original story that serves as the backdrop for our interactive addition to the amazing universe, of The Last Kids on Earth. Our partnership with Cyber Group Studios has allowed Outright Games to work on some of the most exciting kids’ entertainment franchises in the world today. The Last Kids on Earth has proven to be a perfect fit to adapt into a video game, and along with our partners at Cyber Group, Clear State and Atomic Cartoons, we’re confident that fans and newcomers alike will fall in love with what we’ve got in store for them”.
The brand-new game is based on The Last Kids on Earth book series from Penguin Random House, which has sold more than five million copies in print around the world, in addition to being named to numerous best-selling book lists such as TheNew York Times, USA Today, and TheWall Street Journal. A new Last Kids graphic novel, “Thrilling Tales from the Treehouse” was also published on April 6th 2021, which includes six brand new short stories by Max Brallier, and full-color art by Anoosha Syed, Xavier Bonet, Lorena Alvarez, Jay Cooper, Christopher Mitten and The Last Kids on Earth series illustrator Douglas Holgate.
Max Brallier, Author of best-selling book series, Netflix Series Creator: “We started with books, then went interactive on Netflix, and now fans of the Last Kids on Earth have the power in their hands to fully control the fates of Jack, Quint, June and Dirk as they take on the greatest foes ever faced in their battle to save the world. The world of The Last Kids on Earth just keeps on growing, and I can’t wait to see how readers, viewers and gamers around the world respond to the next exciting chapter in the journey of these beloved characters.”
In addition to the best-selling books, an animated Last Kids Netflix series premiered in 2019 with a 66-minute special that won an Emmy Award for “Best Special Class Animation Program.” It was followed by two additional seasons in 2020, and a special interactive episode entitled “Happy Apocalypse to You” started streaming on April 6th 2021. To produce the interactive episode, Atomic Cartoons leveraged interactive Netflix technology that requires viewers to make choices using their remote control to advance the story.
The animated series features the voice talents of Mark Hamill, Rosario Dawson, Catherine O’Hara, Keith David, Bruce Campbell, Garland Whitt, Montse Hernandez and Charles Demers, in addition to Nick Wolfhard voicing the lead character Jack Sullivan.Wolfhard, Hernandez, Whitt and Demers will also voice their characters in the upcoming video game.
IP rights for The Last Kids on Earth were acquired in 2017 by Thunderbird Entertainment Group, the parent company of Atomic Cartoons. In addition to the Netflix series and video game, Atomic also has launched a toy and merchandise line based on the series with Jakks Pacific, and a T-Shirt line with Hot Topic.
Matthew Berkowitz, Chief Creative Officer, Atomic Cartoons and Thunderbird Entertainment: “We are thrilled that The Last Kids on Earth and the Staff of Doom is only a few short months away from release! It’s been incredible to see this completely original story, with brand new series villain Malondre, come to life in such an epic fashion! We can’t wait for fans around the world to play as Jack, June, Dirk and Quint. Outright Games and Stage Clear Studios have done a phenomenal job bringing our heroes, monsters, zombies and the town of Wakefield to life for an absolute romp of a time. They have truly delivered a wholly unique Last Kids experience!”
About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe S.A.S., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for all major video game consoles, iOS, Android, and online platforms. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including PAC-MAN™, GALAGA™, TEKKEN™, SOULCALIBUR™, ACE COMBAT™ and DARK SOULS™. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe is the premier publisher for anime-based video games including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL™, and ONE PIECE™.
Outright Games is a global video games publisher with a focus on quality family entertainment to a worldwide audience. Founded in 2016, Outright Games has established its place in the market delivering engaging interactive games of beloved entertainment licenses globally. Outright Games brings stories and characters to life with titles including favourites such as Jumanji: The Video Game with Sony Pictures, Paw Patrol: On a Roll with Nickelodeon, Ben 10 with Cartoon Network, and Dragons: Dawn of New Risers with NBC Universal. With an Outright Games title there will be fun for all the family to enjoy. For more information please visit: www.outrightgames.com
About Stage Clear Studios:
Stage Clear Studios is a long-established, award-winning game development studio based in Madrid, Spain. The company portfolio encompasses more than 30 releases on PC and console, ranging from platform ports to full releases on the latest platforms. The goal is always the same: reward the trust of both player and publisher with a quality game.www.stageclearstudios.com
About Cyber Group Studios:
Cyber Group Studios is a leading producer and distributor of animated series and a developer of global entertainment brands for children and families worldwide. Founded in 2005 and employing around 150 people, the company has set offices in Paris (France) and Los Angeles (USA), studios in Paris and Roubaix (France) and has structured strategic partnerships in Russia and China. Cyber Groups Studios creates and promotes content for Broadcasters, Digital Platforms, Theatres and Direct-to-Consumers (home entertainment, interactive games, consumer products). The company’s dedication for managing content resonating with kids and families globally has earned Cyber Group Studios multiple international awards. For more information, visit: www.cybergroupstudios.com
About Atomic Cartoons and Thunderbird Entertainment:
Thunderbird Entertainment Group (TSXV:TBRD, OTC – THBRF) is a global award-winning, full-service, multiplatform production, distribution, and rights management company, headquartered in Vancouver, with additional offices in Los Angeles, Toronto, and Ottawa. Thunderbird creates award-winning scripted, unscripted, and animated programming for the world’s leading digital platforms, as well as Canadian and international broadcasters. Thunderbird’s vision is to produce high quality, socially responsible content that makes the world a better place. The Company develops, produces, and distributes animated, factual, and scripted content through its various divisions, including Thunderbird kids and family (Atomic Cartoons), Thunderbird factual (Great Pacific Media) and Thunderbird productions. Thunderbird is on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at @tbirdent. For more information, visit: www.thunderbird.tv.
PGA TOUR® 2K21 Introduces New TravisMathew and PUMA Golf Gear
Collection of hot new lifestyle and sports apparel available now in the MyPLAYER store
2K and HB Studios today announced TravisMathew and PUMA Golf gear has arrived in PGA TOUR® 2K21*, keeping MyPLAYERs swinging with swag on the cutting edge of modern golf fashion.
The TravisMathew collection includes three polo shirts, three hats and three shoes, marking the brand’s PGA TOUR 2K21 debut. PUMA Golf introduces an all-new oversized hat and new shoe. The gear is available to all players in the PGA TOUR 2K21 in-game shop.** PGA TOUR 2K21 is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC, Stadia and Switch.
Starting today, tankers can celebrate the 60th anniversary of the first-ever manned spaceflight
This coming Monday will mark 60 years since man’s first foray into space as six decades ago Yuri Gagarin, and his capsule Vostok 1, journeyed into outer space and completed 1 full orbit around Earth. Such an occasion demands a great celebration and World of Tanks is bringing exactly that to its players.
To the Stars! is a two-pronged event which will see players acquire Star Points. By acquiring this special form of in-game currency through daily missions, they themselves will get great rewards, such as a unique 2D style based on Vostok 1 and the man himself, Yuri Gagarin, as well as some other valuable goodies. Gagarin will be an in-game commander, dressed in his iconic orange flightsuit, who will represent the U.S.S.R. nation. His voicelines have been specially recorded by a professional voice actor who has mimicked both the diction and intonation of this Soviet hero. This part of the event will run until April 19th.
Alongside the personal progress, players need to join forces to complete a set of common goals: completing stages daily from today to April 12th. Just like personal progress, it will require players to earn Star Points and these will be added to a shared “Star Point vault” between all tankers, so everyone’s contribution is crucial. Once the required Star Points have been acquired, more of Gagarin’s story unfolds. Besides more details becoming available, players will also get increased XP multipliers in battles between April 12th and 19th.
During the event, tankers can visit a special event website dedicated to the first-manned spaceflight and this significant astronautical milestone. The World of Tanks team worked closely with Galina Gagarina, daughter of Yuri, during the creation of this event to make sure her father’s story was told as accurately as possible.
“Yuri Gagarin proved that humans can live and operate in space. His flight encouraged and gave hope to all those who dreamed of this! It kickstarted the deep understanding of humanity’s role in preserving and developing our cosmic home—Earth,” says the daughter of the legendary cosmonaut. “I’m happy to know that, through the millions-strong audience of World of Tanks, the memory of mankind’s first foray into space will be preserved for years to come!”
Max Chuvalov, Publishing Director for World of Tanks, adds: “We would like to thank Galina Gagarina for all the help and advice she gave throughout the project. We are happy to share her father’s story with all our players and hopefully by doing so, more people will become inspired!”
Players will be able to track both their own and the shared progress here. For more information about the To the Stars! event, visit https://worldoftanks.asia/.
About World of Tanks
World of Tanks is the first team-based, massively multiplayer online action game dedicated to armoured warfare. Throw yourself into the epic tank battles of World War II with gamers all over the world. Your arsenal includes over 600 armored vehicles from 11 nations, carefully detailed with historical accuracy.
Wargaming is an award-winning online game developer and publisher headquartered in Nicosia, Cyprus. Operating since 1998, Wargaming has grown to become one of the leaders in the gaming industry with 5,500 employees and offices spread all over the world. Over 200 million players enjoy Wargaming’s titles across all major gaming platforms. Their flagship products include the massively popular free-to-play hit World of Tanks and the strategic naval action game World of Warships.
Wizard World Signature Series Presents Nostalgia Opens Saturday With ‘Walker, Texas Ranger’ Stars
Exclusive Ten-Event Subscription-Based Series Continues Through June 12 With Other Classic Favorites; Fans Can Purchase Live Video Chats, Virtual Photo Ops, Recorded Videos, Signed Photos
LOS ANGELES, April 7, 2021 – Four stars from the hit TV series “Walker, Texas Ranger” kick off the Wizard World Signature Series Presents Nostalgia on Saturday when Clarence Gilyard Jr, Sheree J. Wilson, Nia Peeples and Judson Mills participate in a live Q&A, the first of 10 events through June featuring exclusive opportunities to connect with classic icons of the small and big screens. Wizard Brands, Inc. (OTCBB:WIZD) today announced the full slate of Nostalgia events, continuing April 17 with the creators of “X-Men: The Animated Series,” through June 12. The subscription-based program offers fans multiple options that provide exceptional value and insider access, including live Q&As, exclusive themed and branded merchandise, compelling content and interactive experiences.
Gilyard (“James Trivette”), Wilson (“Alex Cahill”), Peeples (“Sydney Cooke”) and Mills (“Francis Gage”) will reunite to discuss their roles and on-set stories from the 1993-2001 hit action drama beginning at 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. ET. The Wizard World Signature Series Presents Horror also continues Saturday with its fourth entry, “Stephen King’s It,” featuring standouts Emily Perkins, Brandon Crane, Ben Heller, Marlon Taylor and Adam Faraizl, at 4 p.m. PT / 1 p.m. PT. Visit www.wizardworld.com for the complete schedule of Signature Series events.
A variety of subscription offerings allow fans to select individual Signature Series events, selections of five or 10 or a bonus package with access to every Q&A and numerous extras. Since last March, Wizard World has conducted more than 200 free Q&As with celebrities, artists, authors and more, as well as paid live video chats, virtual photo ops, autographs and recorded video messages.
Wizard World continues to offer a selection of free panels and special events via its streaming platforms, with such regular topics as “Doctor Who,” “The Walking Dead,” Pure Fandom, Popular Culture Psychology, the nerdy trivia game WizQuiz and more every week.
Upcoming Wizard World Signature Series Events · Saturday, April 10, “Walker, Texas Ranger,” Clarence Gilyard Jr, Sheree J. Wilson, Nia Peeples, Judson Mills · 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT (Nostalgia) · Saturday, April 10, “Stephen King’s It,” Emily Perkins, Brandon Crane, Ben Heller, Marlon Taylor, Adam Faraizl · 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT (Horror) · Saturday, April 17, “X-Men: The Animated Series Creators,” Eric and Julia Lewald · 1 p.m. ET / 10 a.m. PT (Nostalgia) · Saturday, April 17, “Friday the 13th, Part VI: Jason Lives,” Thom Mathews, Kerry Noonan, Vincent Guastaferro, Cynthia Kania · 4 p.m. ET / 1 p.m. PT (Horror)
About Wizard Brands, Inc. (OTCQB: WIZD) Wizard Brands, Inc. (www.wizardbrands.com) is an activist conglomerate that optimizes performance and profit in the companies it acquires, restructures, and operates.
Wizard World Virtual (www.wizardworld.com) creates and builds global interactive online communities for affinity groups by sourcing, producing, marketing, and streaming exclusive proprietary events and Signature Series content. Wizard World Virtual powers a content-rich channel that provides fans with the opportunity to connect directly with celebrities via a variety of video platforms.
Wizard World Vault (www.wizardworldvault.com) features some of the most popular pop culture memorabilia from the Wizard World Live and Wizard World Virtual events, along with items from featured artists and exhibitors in the memorabilia world.
Wizard World Live produces comic, gaming, and pop culture conventions across North America that celebrate the best in pop culture: movies, television, gaming, live entertainment, tech, comics, sci-fi, graphic novels, toys, original art, collectibles, contests, and more. Each event features topical programming and entertainment with celebrity Q&A’s, comics-themed sessions, costume contests, movie screenings, evening parties and more.
Jevo (www.getjevo.com) is one of the world’s first fully automated gelatin shot makers. We are expecting to expand Jevo’s applications and are moving toward a distributor-based model. We intend to explore potential verticals, targeting the spa and fitness, medical, senior living, and educational sectors, among others, as Jevo’s patented gelatin delivery system has the potential to play in sectors far beyond the hospitality industry.
GIORNO GIOVANNA GAMEPLAY AND LAUNCH TRAILERS RELEASED FOR JUMP FORCE
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today debuted both the gameplay and launch trailers for Giorno Giovanna, who will be striking a pose alongside the rest of the JUMP FORCE roster as paid DLC on April 13 (early access for Characters Pass 2 owners beginning April 9). To experience the Passione boss in all his golden glory, head over to the following YouTube links (ready for embedding):
Gameplay Trailer:
Launch Trailer:
Giorno is the fifth and final member of JUMP FORCE Characters Pass 2, which also features the currently available Shoto Todorok, Meruem, Hiei, and Yoruichi Shihoin. By purchasing Characters Pass 2 for $17.99, players will immediately obtain Shoto Todoroki, Meruem, Hiei, and Yoruichi Shihoin, as well as gain early access to Giorno Giovanna starting April 9. Each character may also be purchased separately for $3.99.
JUMP FORCE is available now for the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system system, Xbox One and PCs via STEAM®; the JUMP FORCE Deluxe Editionis also currently available for Nintendo Switch.
PAC-MAN 99 ARRIVES TODAY ON NINTENDO SWITCH FROM BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INC.
Compete Against 98 Other PAC-MAN Players in This Thrilling Free-to-Start Battle Royale!
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (April 7, 2021) – Leading video game publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. has announced that PAC-MAN™ 99 will be available later today for the Nintendo Switch. PAC-MAN 99 is the latest entry in the long-running PAC-MAN franchise with an online multiplayer experience unlike any other in the series’ history. Ninety-nine PAC-MAN players compete against each other until one remains. Chomp down on Power Pellets to activate special power-ups and send Jammer PAC-MAN to opponents’ mazes to become the last PAC standing. PAC-MAN 99 is a special offer for Nintendo Switch Online* members at no additional cost.
Developed by Arika Co., Ltd., PAC-MAN 99 takes the classic PAC-MAN arcade gameplay that has been loved by millions around the world for the past 40 years and creates a brand-new multiplayer battle royale experience against 98 other players. Knock out other players by sending Jammer PAC-MAN to opponents’ mazes by touching a Power Pellet and defeating ghosts. Jammer PAC-MAN will clog up the competition’s maze and slow their PAC-MAN down, making it harder for them to avoid ghosts and clear out their maze of Pac-Dots. In addition to making ghosts vulnerable, Power Pellets also give PAC-MAN special abilities including increasing his speed or sending more Jammer PAC-MAN to other players’ mazes. Each ability comes with a drawback so choose your strategy wisely.
“PAC-MAN 99 delivers a frantic and fun multiplayer take on the storied PAC-MAN gameplay,” said Pearl Lai, Brand Manager for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “The quick pick-up-and-play structure of the game coupled with the play anywhere nature of Nintendo Switch makes it the perfect experience for anyone looking for a bit of good-natured competition PAC-MAN has always been known for.”
A paid DLC bundle will be available at launch to enhance the PAC-MAN 99 experience with additional modes including an offline CPU Battle mode, private matches to play against friends, special score and time-attack challenges, and 20 alternate skins of classic BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc. games including DIG DUG®, GALAGA®, and more! The PAC-MAN 99 DLC bundle can be purchased $29.99 and the classic character skins can be purchased individually for $1.99 through the Nintendo eShop.
*Nintendo Switch Online membership (sold separately) and Nintendo Account required for online features. Not available in all countries. Internet access required for online features. Terms apply. nintendo.com/switch-online
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About PAC-MAN
Born on May 22, 1980, PAC-MAN immediately rose to meteoric popularity, first in video game arcades, then on the pop culture stage and through an array of branding and entertainment appearances throughout the 1980’s and 1990’s.
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for all major video game consoles, iOS, Android, and online platforms. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. is the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime-based video games including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL Z®, and ONE PIECE®. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com or www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS
Curse of the Dead Cells?! Indie Roguelikes Collide in New Update for Curse of the Dead Gods on April 14
PARIS — April 7, 2021 — Focus Home Interactive and Passtech Games have partnered with Motion Twin and Evil Empire for “Curse of the Dead Cells,” a new crossover event featuring the smash-hit indie roguelikesCurse of the Dead Gods and Dead Cells. On April 14, players will be able to download a free update for Curse of the Dead Gods on PlayStation®4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC featuring special new content inspired by Dead Cells.
Here’s what surprises Dead Cells fans can discover in Curse of the Dead Gods when the new event kicks off next week:
New Curse — Curse of the Headless: Players will move faster but take more damage, with a visual twist emblematic of Dead Cells’ main character.
Three New Weapons: The Sword of Conjunctivius, the Broadsword of the Knight, and the Crossbow of the Condemned.
New Challenge Room that can be found during runs featuring a Dead Cells Cursed Chest, a special challenge and a rare weapon.
The update will also include other new content for Curse of the Dead Gods players, including a new two-handed weapon style and an additional Curse. For more on the game, visit www.focus-home.com/en-us/games/curse-of-the-dead-gods.
Coming later this year to PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Switch
Espoo, Finland – April 7th, 2021 – Improx Games are proud to announce that their brain-teasing puzzle adventure game The Last Cube is coming to PC, Switch, Xbox, and PlayStation platforms later this year. Set in a series of surreal otherworldly landscapes, it’s up to you to discover the history of this mysterious alien civilization.
The Last Cube is a richly atmospheric puzzle game about guiding a cube through a plethora of moody, monolithic chambers as you uncover the story behind this peculiar world. Explore a wide array of brutalist architecture ranging from foggy nightmarish abysses, to oppressive lava lit factories, to uplifting natural landscapes full of golden rays of sunshine glistening against mountains. Coupled with an epic soundtrack that thoroughly enriches the atmosphere, and an abstract story of a dying world on the cusp of ruin, The Last Cube is a moody, mysterious puzzler that fully immerses you in its derelict world.
Each of The Last Cube’s stages introduces a new type of sticker you can latch onto a side of your cube, introducing an entirely new mechanic. Some will allow you to dash through barriers, others will create makeshift stairs, and some grant the ability to teleport over bottomless gaps or conjure temporary, but useful cube friends. Positioning your cube to acquire the desired stickers on the correct surface can range from pleasingly simplistic, to masochistic head scratchers as you scramble through The Last Cube’s 100+ puzzles. New mechanics are introduced at a breezy clip, rapidly expanding one’s perception of what your cube is capable of.
Clamouring through each chamber offers a sturdy challenge, though only the most dedicated players will uncover all of The Last Cube’s bevy of collectibles and bonus stages littered throughout the adventure. Do you have what it takes to solve the puzzle tracks left by your ancestors and save this peculiar world from collapsing?
“We’ve identified the audience who loves atmospheric puzzle games with lightweight narrative – we ourselves love these games. The Last Cube is an experience that delivers exactly that, while the unique mechanics also bring a whole novel aspect to it”, said Max Samarin, creative director at Improx Games. “You might have played certain cube games as a kid, but not executed like this. And it’s not just about the puzzles – it’s also a cosmic adventure through a varied, alien world full of mystery and wonder that draws players from outside the puzzle genre as well.”
Players interested in trying the game out can head to The Last Cube’s Steam page and download the demo, which demonstrates the variety in the puzzles and mechanics that will be further expanded in the full game.
About Improx Games With their roots in game jams and pixel graphics, five Finnish students founded Improx Games in 2016. Their first game gathered over 150,000 downloads on Steam and 8 million views on YouTube. As the team’s rate of mastering their craft has grown exponentially, the next project they started is quite ambitious. Since 2017, Improx Games has been working on a beautiful 3D puzzle platformer – The Last Cube, which is already winning awards and earning nominations internationally. The Last Cube is set to roll out on PC and consoles in 2021.
As much as they can be a form of escapism from life, video games can also be a good medium to tackle some more serious topics. Spec Ops: The Line showed us that war isn’t all that magnificent as Hollywood tends to portray it Another game with an incredibly long name, The Missing: J.J. Macfield and the Island of Memories, can teach you a lot about gender identity and being comfortable with who you are. The ending of Mass Effect 3 taught us that we should never have high expectations from life, especially when it comes to decent video game endings. With all that said, the topic of depression and anxiety is something that you’ll rarely see in this medium. And that’s for a good reason. If you do it wrong, you’ll just get some people mad. If you depict it only as a selling point of your game, you might make even more people mad. That is why only a small selection of games that have dealt with such topics have been brutally honest and unforgiving in the depiction of depression and anxiety.
Today we are chatting with Shirli Ainsworth, the person behind Borealis and the sole creator of Venus: Improbable Dream, a visual novel that doesn’t shy away from being honest, as well as engaging.
First of all, am I correct in labeling you as the sole creator of the game? Just a quick glance at the Steam store page tells me that it probably took a lot of effort and work hours to piece all that together. Is Shirli also the mastermind behind the soundtrack, the art, and not just the story?
Yes, I’m the sole creator of the game. I hired an artist to create the character sprites and CGs, because that’s the only area I’m not capable of, and a friend lent a hand with some of the GUI customizations. Other than that, I wrote the story, coded the game, wrote and recorded the soundtrack, and edited/produced everything.
2. What was the main inspiration behind the story of Venus: Improbable Dream? I noticed that the main character has a body disfigurement and another character later in the story is shown as disabled so obviously, that made me remember Katawa Shoujo.
The game’s story was mainly born from wanting to portray two people coming together to achieve something great through the power of music, as music is the biggest thing in my life. However, the more I started to flesh out the story and explore who the characters were and what their feelings and motivations were for things, I realized that I wanted to incorporate mental health struggles. That topic ended up being much more prominent than I’d originally planned, but I’m happy about it. I love content that shows mental health/disability in a realistic way and highlights important issues that often get ignored, like support for boys/men with mental health struggles especially – that’s the whole reason I made Kakeru a male protagonist. As you say, Katawa Shoujo was massive for me. It was the first visual novel I ever played back in 2013, and thanks to how well it dealt with those themes, I really identified with it. I have to say though, I didn’t really have other VNs in mind when I was creating my own. I kinda just went with what I felt was right.
3. Valve has fairly recently eased up the restrictions on accepting games to their store (and sometimes they were pretty strict on vsual novels). How hard it is for an indie dev to stand out on Steam?
It’s incredibly hard to stand out on Steam, and as an indie dev in general! I certainly don’t feel as though I’ve made much progress with it at all. The industry is saturated with so many content creators trying to get you to buy their thing, so it’s like trying to yell over the noise of an entire stadium full of screaming people – it’s very difficult to make yourself heard. It can be pretty disheartening, but I keep hoping that the right people will find Venus: Improbable Dream if I keep plugging away.
4. You’ve been a musician for quite a while so it’s no surprise that music plays a big part in the story of Venus: Improbable Dream. Did your music expertise help you a lot in creating the soundtrack and shaping the story of the game?
I think being a musician was most of the reason I even made a game in the first place. I’ve always loved to write stories from being a child, but despite being a dedicated gamer, making a game was never something I’d ever thought about. When I discovered VNs and realized that there was free software available to create them, I thought it’d be a cool way to tell a story, but it was mainly the idea of working music into the story as a big plot point and device that was appealing. I wanted to make music the main premise. And yes, I certainly used a lot of my music knowledge when creating the soundtrack. I had a lot of fun composing the pieces, and I was mindful of trying to use certain devices effectively. For example, I used instruments to build an association with characters. Haruka plays the flute, and so sometimes, when Kakeru is alone and thinking about her, a flute will appear in the background music to add to that association.
5. How did you approach the topics of depression and anxiety in this game? If someone were to make a different game tomorrow that talks about these issues, what should they definitely try to avoid when it comes to the depiction of mental health?
Honestly, I just went with my gut. I’ve suffered from mental health issues for a long time myself, and have friends and family that suffer too, so I know from myself and them what people tend to respond to or dislike when it comes to discussing these issues. When it comes to things to avoid, I’d mainly just recommend ignoring the tropes that you see in a lot of other games. Often you’ll see a protagonist who hates everything and everyone and uses that front to ‘explain’ their issues without actually providing a genuine backstory or a reason. It kinda gives mental health the idea of just being “I hate the world, man”, when in reality it runs incredibly deep with people’s personal insecurities and has a horribly strong hold on them. A lot of games can accidentally give protagonists a very shallow appearance, and therefore their story doesn’t really represent realistic mental health issues very well.
6. If money is no object, what game would you set out to make tomorrow? What would be Shirli’s dream game?
Oh, if money weren’t a thing! I’m not quite sure – I’d like to make another visual novel, although I don’t have any plans, so I’m not sure what it would be about. But it would have amazing art, including the backgrounds – that’s something I really wished I’d been able to afford to do with Venus: Improbable Dream. I wanted fully illustrated backgrounds, but I funded the entire game from my own personal pocket, and could only afford the sprites and CGs. Fully illustrated everything is a dream! I also love pixel horrors, in complete contrast to what I’ve created so far, so I’d be tempted to give one of those a go too.
7. Aside from the obvious pick of Katawa Shoujo, what were some other games that made an impact on you with their story and surprised you?
It’s a cliche to say, but Clannad is incredible. Key are a fantastic company capable of delivering really emotional stories, and Clannad totally knocked me out – a lot of crying was done! Moving away from visual novels, I absolutely love the To The Moon game series. Kan Gao is brilliant, and the story of To The Moon itself is really bittersweet. That game is a wonderful way of taking what looks like your average RPG/adventure game and making something really touching from it. One last thing I’d really like to mention is something not very well known, but I want to shine a light on it; the credits of Venus: Improbable Dream feature a memorial to someone called Robert Brock, aka Wertpol. He was an indie dev who made a truly brilliant set of games, the best of which is called Presentable Liberty. He had a real gift for making games that looked like nothing much on the surface, and then suddenly carving out this really emotional story out of nowhere with it. Presentable Liberty has you thinking “okay, this is just whatever” at the beginning, but by the end, you’re angry, upset, full of affection and a sense of loyalty, and fully invested in everything before you even realize what’s happening to you. Wertpol passed away under tragic conditions, but his work inspired me for sure, even with the small amount of content he made.
8. Venus: Improbable Dream is your first release for PC and although the game is fairly new (barely a month at the time of writing this), is there some upcoming project that we should look forward to? What game would you like to create next?
I’m so deep into trying to get people to play Venus: Improbable Dream that I really can’t think about anything else right now! Also, being honest, creating games was never an ambition of mine – it was something that came out of a side interest. I’m a musician before and after everything, so what’s going to come next from me is certainly music. However, I’m not ruling out the possibility of making another game in the future – I’m going to start putting myself out for commission, so I’ll be available to write soundtracks for other people’s games. In fact, I’ve already started – my good friend and fellow indie dev Daisy Games is releasing a sinister puzzle game later this year called Dark Sheep, and I’ve written and recorded its soundtrack. I’m certainly not going to disappear, so don’t worry!
To keep up with Shirli and her upcoming projects, be sure to follow her on Twitter and check out Venus: Improbable Dream on Steam.
