Witness the next chapter of Gnart’s Adventures in the world of Umbra
Oslo, Norway – November 5th, 2020 – Independent developer Snowcastle Games today announced that Earthlock Comic Book #3: Gnart Tigermoth: Chaos in Konkylia is available to download digitally today for $3.99/£2.89/€3.29. This story accompanies the Earthlock Original Soundtrack, Comic Book #1: The Storm Dog & The Clay Orchid and Comic Book #2: Gnart Tigermoth: Trouble in Ramoo as individually purchasable DLC packs for the award-winning RPG Earthlock on Steam. Players can also purchase Earthlock Collector’s Edition, which bundles in all this additional content at a discounted price of $9.00/£6.00/€7.00.
Gnart Tigermoth: Chaos in Konkylia recounts another exciting adventure in Gnart’s story, as he and Olia head to Konkylia in the far south of Umbra to represent the House of the Owl Tide during the anointing ceremony of a new High Priestess at the Tower of Lÿs. Naturally, things don’t go exactly to plan and Gnart finds himself taking on a few more responsibilities than he bargained for. Get ready for a rip-roaring adventure that will delve deeper into the history of Umbra as well as some of the characters you know and love.
The Earthlock series is set on the planet of Umbra, which has stopped spinning on its axis, meaning half of the world is completely shrouded in darkness, while the other half is constantly baked in sunlight. Along the border in the middle, there is an area that gets the best of both worlds, resulting in a lush and temperate climate.
Earthlock is available to purchase on PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch. The DLC comic books and soundtrack for Earthlock are only available on Steam and can be purchased standalone from the main game. Earthlock 2, the next mainline game in the Earthlock franchise was recently announced for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Sign up to the Earthlock 2 newsletter: HERE Add Earthlock 2 to your Steam wishlist: HERE
Codemasters® today celebrates the launch of DIRT 5™ for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, and PC (via Steam). DIRT 5, developed by the Codemasters Cheshire studio, offers a diverse mix of game modes from traditional racing across multiple terrains, arena creation through Playgrounds and a host of multiplayer features including three party games.
The ‘Out Now’ trailer can be viewed here
DIRT 5 delivers amplified racing across 70 routes, 10 locations and 13 vehicle classes. Players must master the likes of rally cars, rock bouncers, buggies, and more if they’re to prove themselves in the DIRT Series. The Career boasts the voice talents of gaming icons, Troy Baker and Nolan North, alongside Donut Media’s James Pumphrey and Nolan Sykes, and cameos from the world of gaming and motorsport.
In the most ambitious DIRT title to date, Playgrounds allows players to Create, Share and Discover custom arenas across three event types; Gate Crasher, Smash Attack and Gymkhana. Once verified by the creator, Playgrounds are available for anyone to download, and post their best scores to the global leaderboards.
“DIRT 5 is finally available, and we can’t wait to jump into the lobbies with our players,” said Robert Karp, DIRT 5 Development Director at Codemasters. “The team has done an incredible job, and there is so much variety. From Playgrounds to party modes to all-action racing, DIRT 5 gives racing fans so much of what they love and a whole lot more.”
DIRT 5 on Xbox Series X|S is available worldwide on 10 November. The PlayStation®5 version launches in North America, Australia and New Zealand on 12 November and the rest of the world on 19 November. A Google Stadia version will launch in early 2021. The game supports Xbox Smart Delivery and PlayStation’s free upgrade when players switch to an Xbox Series X|S or PlayStation 5*.
* Discless consoles require a digital entitlement to upgrade
# ENDS #
ABOUT CODEMASTERS:
Codemasters (AIM:CDM) is an award-winning British video game developer and publisher with over 30 years of heritage. The company specialises in high-quality racing games including DiRT, GRID, and the BAFTA award-winning official F1® series of videogames.
In November 2019 Codemasters acquired Slightly Mad Studios, creators and developers of award-winning IP including the Project CARS franchise.
For more information on Codemasters’ product portfolio, please visit www.codemasters.com. Join in the conversation with @codemasters on Twitter or Like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/codemasters.
CHINA THEME DRIFTS INTO KARTRIDER RUSH+ FOR MASSIVE SEASON FOUR CONTENT OVERHAUL
Popular mobile racing game receives new vehicles, tracks and more in latest update for free on iOS and Android
SEOUL – Nov. 6, 2020 – Go-kart engines are revved at the starting line for Season Four of KartRider Rush+, the hit mobile racing title from NEXON Korea Corporation, subsidiary of NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO), a worldwide leader in free-to-play online and mobile games. Beginning today, speed freaks can lap the competition with a myriad of stunning karts, clean tracks from the original PC version of the game, and riotous events on Android and iOS through the free content update, accessible via the official link here.
Today’s Season Four “CHINA” update delivers two new sleek rides, both geared burn rubber in KartRider Rush+’s action-packed gameplay. The legendary “Cyclone Solid” vehicle from the notorious Solid series packs a powerful punch, but can be taken down with Silver Gear, bought with K-Coins. Similarly, the “Wayward Bazzi” rider boasts impressive self-running technology by drifting with minimal effort.
Season Four also delivers nostalgic race tracks from the original hit PC version of the racing game’s CHINA theme. Beloved tracks such as “Dragon’s Canal” and “Ice Lantern Road” will be opened gradually for players to tear through in their new karts. Similarly, players who complete in-game quests before Sunday, Nov. 15 will unlock the Lil Wukong code and obtain the rare Wukong character. Several miscellaneous accessories, including Pane Glasses and Ink Stroke Decal will be available later in the month.
In addition to the fresh karts and tracks, KartRider Rush+’s Season Four introduces several action packed events and features, including:
Micro-Event – Players can now host their own private races and tournaments, where up to 500 live spectators can tune in for
Home-Treasure Hunt – Treasures have been hidden around players’ in-game homes, which can be looted in exchanges for various rewards
Boss Fight – In this upcoming arcade game mode, four players team up to defeat a boss to earn K-Coins, Lucci and Chest Rewards. Boss Fight mode will be available in December.
KartRider Rush+ is the latest IP-based development from the smash hit KartRider online game, which has grown in popularity since it was first introduced in Korea in 2004. KartRider Rush+ promises the fun-filled legacy of the KartRider brand, with revamped 3D cartoon graphics and a sense of control optimized for mobile devices. The game also implements KartRider’s original core components, such as Kartbody, Track, Game Mode and driving techniques, while introducing new mobile-only modes such as Ranked Mode and Relay Race.
Stay on the look-out for more information about KartRider Rush+ leading up to launch. Additional information for members of the press:
About NEXON Co. Ltd. NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO) is a worldwide leader in free-to-play online and mobile games. Founded in Korea in 1994, Nexon developed one of the world’s first graphics-based massively multiplayer online games. Nexon also pioneered the concept of microtransactions and the free-to-play business model, setting a new standard in which play is free, and users have the option to purchase in-game items to enhance their experience. Nexon currently services nearly 100 titles in more than 190 countries. The Company is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan and its shares are listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.
Warner Bros. Games and NetherRealm Studios has revealed a new Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate Gameplay Trailer showcasing the return of the fan-favourite fighter, Mileena. The product of Shang Tsung’s diabolical cloning experiments, Mileena is a fusion of Tarkatan blood and Edenian physiology, making her the perfect blend of Baraka’s ferocity and Kitana’s athletic grace. The evil hybrid benefits from the strengths of both bloodlines in battle, utilizing extraordinary speed, nimble acrobatic prowess and terrifyingly raw savagery, along with her trademark sai, sharpened claws and new twists on her classic special moves.
Brought forward in the timeline by Kronika, Mileena has learned of her tragic future – her brief reign as Outworld’s Empress and her death at the hands of D’Vorah and Kotal Kahn. Determined to regain her throne, Mileena has begun Outworld’s civil war anew and will destroy any Kombatants that stand in her way. Mileena joins the roster as a new playable fighter on 18th Nov. as part of Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate and Kombat Pack 2.
To view and share the Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate | Official Mileena Gameplay Trailer
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimatepre-orders are available now providing immediate access to Mortal Kombat 11, Kombat Pack 1 and the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Expansion upon purchase.
Players who already own Mortal Kombat 11 can upgrade their experience by pre-ordering Kombat Pack 2 now. Current Mortal Kombat 11 owners can also purchase Kombat Pack 1 or the Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Expansion for $59.95
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate and Kombat Pack 2 pre-orders will receive the Time Warriors Skin Pack at launch featuring three new character skin variants, including “Dark Web” Noob Saibot, “HCF” (Halt and Catch Fire) Liu Kang and “BloodKode ” Skarlet.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimateoffers the definitive Mortal Kombat 11 experience with the addition of Kombat Pack 2 featuring new playable fighters Rain, Mileena and Rambo, along with the previously released Mortal Kombat 11 main game, Kombat Pack 1 and Mortal Kombat 11: Aftermath Expansion.
Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate is scheduled to release globally beginning 18th Nov. on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®4 Pro, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, Nintendo Switchä, PC and Stadia. Additionally, Mortal Kombat 11 and Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate owners and new buyers on PS4 or Xbox One can access free upgrades to the PS5 or Xbox Series X|S versions of their game at no additional cost, delivering 4K dynamic resolution, enhanced visuals, improved loading times and more, available in conjunction with the Mortal Kombat 11 Ultimate launch.
Warner Bros. Games, a division of Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Inc., is a premier worldwide publisher, developer, licensor and distributor of entertainment content for the interactive space across all platforms, including console, handheld, mobile and PC-based gaming for both internal and third-party game titles. Additional information about Warner Bros. Games can be found at www.warnerbrosgames.com.
About NetherRealm Studios
NetherRealm Studios is a leader in the development of interactive entertainment, and the creator of the billion-dollar Mortal Kombat franchise. Mortal Kombat has spawned two theatrical films, multiple television series, and has sold over 42 million games to date. Located in Chicago, Illinois, the award-winning NetherRealm team has been working and creating games together since 1992. Additional information about NetherRealm Studios can be found at www.netherrealm.com.
*** These videos/trailers may only be displayed if it is behind an age-gate that: (1) is age-neutral (i.e., requires the user to input their date of birth or select it from a drop-down bar); (2) employs reasonable technical measures to keep underage users from re-entering their age after initially being denied access; and (3) does not display any ESRB rating information on the trailer player or the age-gate itself. Failure to implement these requirements may jeopardize your ability to obtain material of this nature from us in the future. ***
New Japanese Destroyer Tech Tree and Large Cruiser Campaign, Two New Legendary Tier Ships, and Gameplay Improvements
This November, World of Warships: Legends adds a group of new Japanese Destroyers along with the new Yasen Butai Leader and Tokyo Express campaigns, giving players the opportunity to add a ton of firepower to their Japanese fleet. In addition, the update brings two new Legendary Tier destroyer projects to the Bureau, gameplay improvements to secondary armaments, and preparations for Black Friday later this month. Importantly, as the next-gen consoles are finally getting to the players, we’re happy to announce that World of Warships: Legends will be available for Xbox Series X/S by the end of November, while PlayStation 5 players will get to enjoy the sea battles shortly after the console is released.
The Japanese destroyer tech tree will be split this update starting at Tier IV, bringing some alternatives to the tried and true Japanese torpedo boats. Minekaze, Hatsuharu, Shiratsuyu, and Akizuki are the new additions, these ships offer more capable main battery guns as you move up the tiers, unlike their older counterparts who focus on torpedoes. The Tier VII Akizuki in particular mounts the superb Japanese 100mm guns, featuring nimble turrets and a high rate of fire! Although more gunfire-focused, these ships still carry the powerful Japanese torpedoes for tricky situations. The entire line is available for research from the start of the update, so players can start unlocking these new destroyers right away.
Two new campaigns will run during the update. For the next four weeks, players can work on the Yasen Butai Leader campaign to unlock the Tier VII Japanese large cruiser Azuma. This super cruiser of sorts was designed to replace the Kongo-class battleships as leaders of the Yasen Butai, or “Night Battle Force”. Armed with nine 310mm guns and decently protected, the Azuma can fight almost any target at range with her powerful high-explosive shells. Azuma is defined by her outstanding gunnery and large health pool, fit for long-range combat. Players can battle through the 100 milestones with Admiralty Backing to unlock this monster of a cruiser. Afterwards, the shorter Tokyo Express campaign begins. It will run for two weeks to give players the chance to get the Japanese commander Raizō Tanaka along with a bunch of gear by completing 40 milestones.
The Bureau is getting two new projects for players to work on, namely unlocking the Legendary Tier destroyers Khabarovsk and Shimakaze. Like the other Legendary tier ships, unlocking these destroyers will be a long-term goal attained by logging in daily and acquiring boosts from your fleet and commander roster, as well as participating in battles. Khabarovsk is a large Russian destroyer with a set of punchy 130mm guns, built for gun duels with destroyers and even some cruisers thanks to her comparatively sturdy construction. The Shimakaze is the pinnacle of the Japanese torpedo destroyer concept, carrying fifteen long-range torpedoes and boasting a solid top speed.
There are some gameplay improvements arriving in this update as well, most notably in the form of a new consumable for battleships: Enhanced Secondary Targeting. This will significantly improve the accuracy of your secondary battery guns for 30 seconds, which can couple with a new skill for brawling commanders, as well as tweaks to a few other abilities. Overall, secondary armaments should perform much better after this update!
The update also brings a sneak peak at what is in store for this Black Friday, including the 4 new Black Fleet ships: Mutsu B, Indianapolis B, Atago B, and Blyskawica B! This will be the first reappearance of the Blyskawica in over a year, including her unique commander–Jerzy Świrski. These exclusive ships will be available for a limited time, and the Atago B in particular will only be available via the new Black Friday containers.
It’s a packed update this time, with plenty of new ships and projects for players to start working on! Brace yourselves, and turn the tide!
Free Evolutionary Arms Race Card Pack for all Preorders
KENSINGTON, MD — 5 Nov. 2020 —Evolution Board Game, the strategy game of adaptation from North Star Digital Studios with more than 3 million players worldwide across physical and digital editions, will rule the wilds of Nintendo Switch on 10 Dec. 2020. Pre-orders start today at 9:00 a.m. PT.
Pre-order before launch and receive the new Evolutionary Arms Race Promo Pack add-on containing five brand new trait cards for free. Show deadly stripes with the new Nintendo Switch exclusive tiger skin in local and cross-platform matchups.
Evolution, 2019’s Digital Board Game of the Year, has been rebuilt from the ground up with lightning quick Joy-Con™ support, making it the perfect platform for online play*, pass and play, and board gaming on the go. Its robust features include everything players of digital board games could ask for:
Master a single player campaign with 21 levels and distinct A.I. opponents
Chat or start real time and asynchronous games from your friends list
Find new opponents with skill-based online matchmaking
Climb the online multiplayer rankings and single player progression ladder
Keep cards close to the chest with pass and play optimized for Nintendo Switch
Test yourself against weekly challenges
Discover gorgeous hand-drawn species hidden throughout the game
Start from humble beginnings with an intuitive learn-while-playing tutorial and select traits to develop species to survive the harsh realities of the natural world. Are they at risk of being eaten by predators? Protect them with horns or a hard shell. Having trouble finding enough food in the watering hole? A long neck brings previously inaccessible food within reach.
Tinker with the nigh-infinite amount of genetic combinations while enjoying new artwork, animations, and a campaign mode complete with deadly bosses. Ascend the leaderboards and become the best digital board game biologist in the world, earning new avatars and other rewards. Cross-play with PC, Mac, iOS, and Android means there’s a whole world to play against.
Evolution Board Game arrives on Nintendo Switch on 10 Dec. 2020. everywhere except Japan, Korea, and Hong Kong. It is priced at $19.99, with pre-orders open today for Nintendo Switch and the full game available now on Steam, iOS, and Android. For more news about Evolution Board Game and other projects from North Star Digital Studios, follow them on Twitter and Facebook or visit the official website.
*All online features require an active Nintendo Online subscription.
About North Star Digital Studios
North Star Digital Studios is a digital board game development house based in Kensington, MD. Founded in 2014 by passionate digital board gamers Scott Rencher and Dominic Crapuchettes, the company is devoted to making digital board games at the level of best-in-class video games.
Plus Double Pay on Biker Sell Missions and Freemode Events, Free Sidearms at Ammu-Nation and More
Call a buddy up, slide behind the controls of a weaponized Caracara or one of six other artillery-infused vehicles, and attempt to outmaneuver and outscore your competition in Target Assault Races, the ultimate marriage of horsepower and firepower. To make it extra gratifying, all Target Assault Races are dishing out Triple Rewards between November 5th and 11th.
Double Rewards in Freemode Events Keep your eyes peeled for challenges firing off both at regular and at random, especially since all Freemode Events are paying out 2X GTA$ & RP.
Double Payouts in Biker Sell Missions Bikers with active trading operations can earn a pretty penny offloading contraband this week with all Biker Sell Missions paying out Double. If you need help getting your scuffed boots in the door, all MC Clubhouses and Biker Businesses are all 40% off until November 11th.
Free Thruster Skulls Livery Spiff up your Thruster by playing GTA Online any time this week to receive the Skulls livery, free of charge.
On the Podium This Week: The Vapid Caracara 4×4 Once you cash out your slots winnings, make sure to stop by the lobby of The Diamond Casino & Resort to give the Lucky Wheel its daily spin to walk away with GTA$, RP, clothing, mystery prizes and more. This week on the podium is the hyper-alpha Vapid Caracara 4×4 wrapped in the Atomic Sponsor livery, which automatically grants legal exemption from observing stop signs.
Discounts Ammu-Nation is looking to offload all surplus stock this week, giving away all pistols for free through November 11th.
There are also a range of discounts available on vehicles, including rugged buggies, the aforementioned Thruster and the Vapid FMJ super car. The full list of vehicle discounts follows below.
Vehicles:
Vapid Desert Raid – 40% off
Vapid Trophy Truck – 40% off
Vapid FMJ – 40% off
BF Ramp Buggy – 40% off
Mammoth Thruster – 30% off
Maxwell Vagrant – 30% off
HVY Barrage – 30% off
Prime Gaming Benefits
GTA Online players who successfully connect their Rockstar Games Social Club account with Prime Gaming will receive GTA$200K for playing any time this week. In addition, Prime Gaming members will receive the Vespucci Canals Nightclub location for free, plus 80% off the Emperor ETR1 and 70% off the LF-22 Starling.
To ensure access to future benefits, make sure to visit Prime Gaming and sign up.
There comes a time in every long running series that someone wants to try something a bit different and when it comes to the Yakuza series, the best time for that was after the events of Yakuza 6. Sure, prequels and remakes of the original few releases in the series were a nice way to bring newcomers into the fold but it was time for something brand new that changed the series mostly from the ground up and that happens is what Sega has attempted with Yakuza: Like A Dragon. Featuring a brand new protagonist, a new combat system, and even mostly focusing on a new location, is this latest entry in the franchise a worthwhile risk?
Story
Now let’s get things out of the way real quick, while the Western release of Yakuza: Like A Dragon is being treated mostly like a game on its own, it is still part of the mainline series and is even directly called the seventh entry in the core franchise in the Japanese release. Newcomers who have not played any of the latter games in the Yakuza series may not find themselves too confused about most of the events in Yakuza: Like A Dragon as it still serves as its own narrative but not only are there numerous references and callbacks to previous events in the franchise but some late story developments may leave newcomers a bit stumped so players should be prepared for that especially since there is no simple in-game way to learn about past events in the series’ history.
Anyways, Yakuza: Like A Dragon follows the brand new protagonist Ichiban Kasuga who players quickly learn is as straightforward and enthusiastic as they come. Within the first few hours of playing as Ichiban it becomes clear that, despite being a yakuza, he follows a strict code for heroism, partially due to his rather rough upbringing and seeking solace in the heroes found in video games, As such when he is asked to take the murder rap for a higher up in his yakuza clan’s family, he happily abides even if it means going to jail for fifteen years right at the turn of the century. With the hope of being welcomed with open arms, Ichiban willingly accepts his prison term but a fight that tacks three additional years onto his sentence not only extends his time in jail but leaves him out in the cold once he is released from prison.
Eighteen years behind bars places Ichiban’s story a few years after the final events of the previous Yakuza games meaning that he is now living in a world where all of those events have played out and, in many ways, allows players to view his experience as something entirely new, which as mentioned before works well for newcomers throughout at least half of the game. To avoid spoiling things we’ll avoid going into detail but viewing Ichiban’s rise from the literal bottom makes for an incredibly interesting experience and one that highlights a few parts of life that very few people, let alone games, get a chance to see and explore as we see people at the lowest points in their lives still striving to make a living and survive.
Ichiban may serve as a great new protagonist but he is also accompanied by an engaging group of party members that all come from different walks of life and have been experiencing hard times. Learning more about these characters and their personalities as well as interacting with them while walking through the unique streets of Isezaki Ijincho and Kamurocho makes for a real treat. This allows for not only the core story to develop rather nicely as Ichiban’s rise from the bottom is as an engaging mystery as ever but Yakuza: Like A Dragon’s side-stories and supporting cast pull their weight just as strongly, making for an exciting and brand new story that is steeped in lore that may go over some newcomers’ heads.
Gameplay
The biggest change in Yakuza: Like a Dragon comes in the way that it handles combat. Players will still be able to openly roam the streets, enter shops to buy items, search under vending machines for loose change as a new feature, take part in both familiar and new mini-games, and of course encounter plenty of random people wanting to throw down with Ichiban and his friends. Unlike the action brawler that it previously was, Yakuza: Like a Dragon features a turn based battle system where the face buttons are used to make basic attacks, guard, use skills, or use an item. As usual skills take MP to use and can provide various elemental damage, boost the stats of the party, heal members of the team, debuff enemies, and more while attack skills now make use of mashing X or properly timing Y to deal out additional damage. Even when the enemy is attacking players can play an active role by pressing the defense button when struck for a “perfect guard” that reduces incoming damage, making sure players are able to stay on their toes.
For the most part, Yakuza: Like a Dragon‘s switch to a turn based system works rather well as battles are more interesting and a bit more strategic than they previously were as enemies will have weaknesses to certain elements, can be knocked down to deal additional damage with a follow-up blow, and more but there are some hiccups here that generally boil down to poor pathing and a certain lack of control. In battle all fighters will roam the area at will with players having no control of how they actually move outside of pointing them toward a target they want to attack. This means some elements, such as kicking or picking up a garbage can to use as a weapon, cannot be used effectively if the character moves slightly to the side or runs into another enemy and finds their attack interrupted. More than a few times there were also moments that, in a tight location, characters would get stuck having to move around a car or guard rail to actually use their attack, breaking the flow of battle. This also becomes a problem when using AoE skills as players may issue an order when everyone is grouped up only to find them spaced out entirely by the time the character saunters over to attack.
In interesting fashion, players will eventually obtain the ability to change their character’s job. These jobs all have a number of skills at their disposal and level up separately from the character themself, allowing for players to tinker with every character’s playstyle a bit until they find a party set-up that they prefer. It is worth noting that to change jobs Ichiban will need to have his personality attributes at certain levels, such as Passion and Intelligence, with these being raised by completing tasks, selecting certain dialogue choices, and more while the party can change their jobs depending on their relationship with Ichiban as players can interact with their party both at their base of operations as well as talk with them while walking around in the city. Considering that only one job can be leveled at a time and changing from that job takes any stat gains with it, players are a bit deterred from experimenting too much, especially since the game can feature a bit of a brutal difficulty curve at times, putting brawler fans in a tougher situation but this level of challenge should be welcoming for most RPG fans.
Outside of combat and class changing Yakuza: Like A Dragon features most of the classic elements that make the series as memorable as it is. Players can make use of an over-the-top summoning system that will be an absolute delight every time it is used, even if it costs a fee sometimes, take part in many classic tabletop games and arcade games in the Sega arcades in the city, take part in Sonic Racing style go-kart races through the streets in “Dragon Kart,” and even collect enemy types in the Sujidex that documents the many incredibly odd enemies that Ichiban will face off against, management simulation, and more to give players plenty of things to do outside of the core gameplay loop should they choose to.
Visuals & Audio
Now it is worth noting that this review is of the Xbox One version of Yakuza: Like a Dragon but even then this release of the game features incredibly detailed looking character models and over-the-top special effects for some of the crazier skills that players can unleash on their enemies. A lot of credit can also go into the strange and unique enemy designs that players encounter as Ichiban’s “Dragon Quest” mind sees even standard looking thugs morph into the strangest of humans. The only real obvious downsides here come in the form of some rough looking textures throughout the city in places as well as some long load times, though it is worth noting that the overall design and layout of the city players explore is still phenomenal and will likely only be improved in the Series X version of the game.
This also marks the first time since Judgement that a Ryu Ga Gotoku game has been given an entire English voice over should the player choose to use it. The English voice cast has done an incredible job voicing the characters here though players always have the option to switch back to the Japanese voice cast should they choose. It is worth noting that even with the English voice work option being selected some of the generic dialogue from shopkeepers will still be presented in Japanese.
Overall
Sega took a big risk when they made so many changes to the standard formula for Yakuza: Like A Dragon but thankfully none of these changes have hurt the game in any way and have only made a more unique experience. While it is not as “welcoming” to newcomers as it may initially seem, the story presented here is an engrossing one that tackles subjects rarely touched upon all while offering a new combat system that has a few hiccups but comes together as a solid experience that could only grow from here.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Time-Traveling Platformer YesterMorrow Now Available on PC, Consoles
SYDNEY – 5 Nov. 2020 –YesterMorrow, the time-traveling puzzle platformer from developer Bitmap Galaxy and publisher Blowfish Studios, warps between worlds today on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows PC via Steam and GOG.
Traverse timelines as Yui, a girl with temporal abilities trying to correct the mistakes of the past. Search the post-apocalyptic present harnessing the mysterious power of the Everlight for a way to bring back the good old days and defeat the malicious Shadows who destroyed her home.
Bounce between the timelines to solve puzzles and help Yui restore a mythical clock that controls the flow of time. Scour hidden spots imbued with magic that boosts Yui’s newfound abilities, such as time-freezing powers and energy bombs. Master a range of skills to push back the Shadows and square off against challenging bosses.
Traverse lush forests, climb through icy caverns, and hunt relics in wind-swept ruins. Discover how locations have changed and evolved over the years to understand the calamity plaguing the world. Learn more about the world by uncovering richly detailed lore, allowing Yui to piece together the story of everything that came to be before choosing a path forward.
“YesterMorrow is an adventure that spans distinct timelines and is packed with secrets to uncover,” said Ben Lee, co-founder, Blowfish Studios. “Yui’s journey is one for the ages, and we’re proud to bring YesterMorrow to PC and consoles to time-traveling gamers today!”
YesterMorrow is out on Steam and GOG for PC, Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One for $19.99 USD / €17.99. It features English, French, German, Spanish, Russian, Slovak, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and Japanese language options.
The game is also out in China today on Steam in partnership with co-publisher Gamera Game. ORENDA will distribute the title across Asia for Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation 4, and PC in 2020.
For more information on YesterMorrow, please visit thewebsite, follow the game onTwitter, and join the Blowfish Studios community onTwitter andFacebook.
About Blowfish Studios
Blowfish Studios is an award-winning independent game developer and publisher based in Sydney, Australia. We strive to release original multi-platform games while also collaborating with developers from around the world. As developers first, we bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise to any partnership. Our team provides development services to get the game release ready, porting to all major platforms, platform approval, marketing, and promotion to the world.
To learn more about Blowfish Studios, please visit theteam’s website.
About Bitmap Galaxy
Bitmap Galaxy is an award-winning independent game developer based in Slovakia. Comprising members with decades of AAA industry experience, Bitmap Galaxy pours passion and excitement for gaming into every facet of their projects to create memorable and enjoyable titles for players across the world.
To learn more about Bitmap Galaxy, please visit the team’s website.
About Gamera Game
Gamera Game was officially established in Shanghai, China in 2018 with a focus on independent game publishing and a commitment to promoting fun and interesting games to major game platforms. With many years of experience under their belt, the team boast a huge love of games. Becoming friends with game developers is the starting point, and this allows Gamera Game to enthusiastically invest in publishing. They have established friendly cooperative relations with numerous independent game production teams at home and abroad.
To learn more about Gamera Game, please visit the team’s website.
About ORENDA
Founded in 2015, the core values of ORENDA – creativity, innovation and diversity – have driven them to expand into all forms of entertainment. ORENDA is experienced in sales and marketing, with a track record of publishing great games globally. They combine their connections with TV-media, magazines and influencers to bring games from around the planet into Asia and out to the world. To learn more about ORENDA, please visit the team’s Facebook page.
Sydney, Australia, November 6th, 2020 – Koch Media GmbH, a leading, global publishing partner and Wizards of the Coast announced today that both companies are entering into a physical publishing agreement for the co-op action RPG Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance. With its extensive local marketing and communications experience and networks, Koch Media will be fully responsible for physical publishing activities around the world.
Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance was announced in 2019 at The Game Awards. A spiritual successor to the original video game series, Dark Alliance features popular characters created by best-selling fantasy author R.A. Salvatore, hacking and slashing their way through the icy tundra of Icewind Dale. The third-person action RPG will allow up to four players to take on legendary monsters from the Dungeons & Dragons multiverse as one of four unique characters, including the scimitar-wielding drow, Drizzt Do’Urden or one of his unique companions Cattie-Brie, Bruenor or Wulfgar. The game features local or online co-op and will release on consoles and PC (digital only) in 2021.
“We’re confident that Koch Media’s expertise and reputation as a leading global publishing partner for video games will be beneficial on our quest to launch Dark Alliance,” said Chris Cocks, President and CEO of Wizards of the Coast. “This partnership is a natural choice for us as we continue to find new ways to bring unique Dungeons & Dragons experiences to life for our growing global fanbase.”
Koch Media’s CEO Klemens Kundratitz adds: “We are delighted to welcome Wizards of the Coast as a new partner for our global publishing business. The high standards they set for their franchises and the passion behind their games ensure us that Dungeons & Dragons: Dark Alliance is a perfect fit for our wide portfolio and will be a major success for both companies.”
About Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc., is an award-winning developer and publisher of tabletop and digital games that ignite a sense of adventure in passionate players around the globe. Best known for publishing groundbreaking fantasy franchises, MAGIC: THE GATHERING® and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS®, Wizards is dedicated to bringing together world-class talent to create unforgettable play experiences at its headquarters in Washington and studios in Austin and Montreal. Learn more at www.wizards.com.
About Koch Media
Koch Media is a global developer, publisher and distributor of computer and videogames, gaming hardware and merchandise.
The company’s publishing activities, marketing and distribution extend throughout Europe, America and Australia. Koch Media has more than 25 years of experience in the digital media business and has risen to become a leading games publishing partner. Koch Media runs a multi-label strategy with fully owned content providers, including the labels Deep Silver, Milestone and Ravenscourt which publish games for consoles and PC across all physical and digital channels.
Koch Media has formed long-term multi-national publishing collaborations with numerous game publishers including Bethesda, Capcom, Codemasters, Konami, Koei Tecmo, NC Soft, Sega, Square Enix, Warner and many others. With its parent company in Höfen, Austria and the Publishing HQ in Munich, Germany, Koch Media owns local publishing companies in Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Australia and the United States.
The Koch Media group owns six game development studios: Deep Silver Volition (Champaign, IL / USA), Deep Silver Dambuster Studios (Nottingham / UK), Deep Silver Fishlabs (Hamburg / Germany), Warhorse Studios (Prague / Czech Republic), Milestone (Milan / Italy) and Voxler (Paris / France). Additionally Koch Media collaborates with numerous independent development studios around the world.
Koch Media also owns Gaya Entertainment, a leading games merchandise company in Langenfeld, Germany and the Quality Assurance Facility in Olomuc, Czech Republic. Furthermore, with Koch Films the Koch Media Group runs an established film business. Koch Films is a European independent film distributor with business primarily in Germany, Switzerland, Austria and Italy as a cinema, TV, online and Home Entertainment distributor.
