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GET READY FOR THE SAGA OF A LIFETIME IN ‘COLLECTION OF SAGA FINAL FANTASY LEGEND’ FOR NINTENDO SWITCH

GET READY FOR THE SAGA OF A LIFETIME IN ‘COLLECTION OF SAGA FINAL FANTASY LEGEND’ FOR NINTENDO SWITCH

SYDNEY, 27th August 2020 To commemorate the 30th anniversary of the SaGa series, Square Enix Ltd., today announced COLLECTION of SaGa FINAL FANTASY LEGEND™ will arrive on Nintendo Switch on December 15th 2020.

In one digital collection, players can experience the first three titles in the revered SaGa series THE FINAL FANTASY LEGEND, FINAL FANTASY LEGEND II, and FINAL FANTASY LEGEND III. Created by Akitoshi Kawazu and originally released on Game BoyTM in 1989, long-time fans will enjoy a faithful recreation of these classic 8-bit titles in this nostalgic, pioneering adventure.

Available for the first time in Europe, COLLECTION of SaGa FINAL FANTASY LEGEND is a great introduction to this quintessential series RPG fans won’t want to miss as they journey through fantasy worlds, fight monsters, explore towns, battle dungeons, and more while enjoying brand new features that improve the experience including:

  • Character speed boost
  • Adjustable screen magnification
  • Retro display mode to replicate that glorious Game Boy experience
  • New commemorative music and illustrations

Additional features include, a special anniversary song, 8 different in-game wallpapers and the choice to play in either Japanese or English text. THE FINAL FANTASY LEGEND was the very first RPG created for Game Boy and to honour this, players can detach the Joy-ConTM controllers and hold the console vertically, using the onscreen buttons to replicate the authentic Game Boy system-like experience.

COLLECTION of SaGa FINAL FANTASY LEGEND will be available on Nintendo Switch digitally only starting December 15, 2020. The game will be available to pre-order from the Nintendo e-Shop from here.

Related Links:

Official Homepage: https://sqex.link/SaGaLegend
Facebook: www.facebook.com/squareenix
Twitter: www.twitter.com/square_enix_eu
YouTube: www.youtube.com/uksquareenix
Instagram: www.instagram.com/squareenix
#CollectionofSaGa #FinalFantasy

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 154 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 82 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 78 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

THIRD MARVEL’S AVENGERS WAR TABLE PREMIERES NEXT WEEK

THIRD MARVEL’S AVENGERS WAR TABLE PREMIERES NEXT WEEK

Digital Stream Prepares Fans for Game’s Release and Reveals More Details About First Post-Launch Content Season

SYDNEY, 27th August 2020 – Today, SQUARE ENIX® announced that the next Marvel’s Avengers WAR TABLE digital stream will premiere on September 2 at 03:00am AEST | 05:00am NZST. The presentation will include numerous world-exclusive reveals, such as an in-depth look at the first post-launch story season for the Avengers Initiative, and the unveiling of an additional post-launch playable hero.

Watch via the PlayAvengers.com channel.

The Marvel’s Avengers WAR TABLE offers an extensive look at new trailers and information about the upcoming Super Hero game. Previous WAR TABLES have included major reveals, like details on the game’s central villain, MODOK (Mental Organism Designed Only for Killing) and the unveiling of Clint Barton’s Hawkeye, who will be one of the first post-launch heroes added to the game.

Watch the first Marvel’s Avengers War Table Here

Watch the second Marvel’s Avengers War Table Here

On September 2, the third Marvel’s Avengers WAR TABLE will give all the information players need to get started on Day One of the game’s release. Special attention will be paid to the game’s progression system, hints and tips for taking on the game’s more than 50 different types of enemies, as well as additional details about Marvel’s Avengers’ high-level content.

The WAR TABLE will also dive deeper into the Avengers Initiative, where players hone their heroes to their ultimate versions after they finish the game’s Reassemble story campaign, as well as the game’s first post-launch content season. Minds will be blown and wishes granted as some of the game’s extensive slate of additional heroes, villains, missions, regions, and gameplay modes are unveiled, all of which will be made available at no additional cost.

In addition, fans can anticipate several exclusive new videos as well as insight about the design and creation of Marvel’s Avengers. Attentive viewers may also spot hidden details to whet their appetite for future content and announcements.

Marvel’s Avengers will release simultaneously for the PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and PC on September 4, 2020. Marvel’s Avengers will be available on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X when the consoles launch in the 2020 holiday season. Players who own the current-gen version of the game will be able to upgrade to the next-gen version at no additional cost, regardless if players are moving from PlayStation 4 to PlayStation 5 or Xbox One to Xbox Series X. Those moving their saves to next-gen consoles will transfer their player profiles and progression so they can pick up right where they left off. In addition, cross-gen play will be supported so PS5™ players will be able to play with their friends on PS4™ and Xbox Series X players will be connected with their friends on Xbox One.

ABOUT MARVEL’S AVENGERS

Marvel’s Avengers offers players a truly rich experience, with a combination of Hero Missions and War Zones. Hero Missions are single-player only and are part of the initial Campaign. They are designed to showcase each hero’s unique abilities as you reassemble your growing roster. War Zones can be played solo or with a group of up to four players* as any Hero in your roster. Each mission dynamically scales based on the team size and player level.
 
Players in Marvel’s Avengers are also able to customize Earth’s Mightiest Heroes in a number of ways. While each Super Hero plays true to their unique power sets, each has the flexibility to play differently based on the gear you equip them with and the skills you enable, so no two player’s heroes plays in exactly the same way. Each hero has dynamic combo systems, Heroic moves, an intrinsic ability, and signature move sets to unlock and customize – many inspired by classic moves from the 80 years of Marvel history in all media, others crafted as originals just for this game.
 
Players also customize these iconic Super Heroes with classic, fan-favourite, and all-new original outfits, including Iron Man’s suit from the 2014 Original Sin storyline, or Thor’s Donald Blake identity, which is a nod to an alias of Thor’s who first appeared in 1962’s Journey into Mystery issue #83.
 
Marvel’s Avengers is an ambitious game, starting with a global high-stakes race to reassemble and rebuild the Avengers. But that’s just the beginning. To ensure a continuing heroic experience for all players, the narrative of Marvel’s Avengers expands through the Avengers Initiative, and threats escalate with each new post-release Super Hero, region and story arc delivered to players at no additional cost once they own the core game.
 

*Internet connection required. Your platform’s online multiplayer requirements will apply.


Related Links
Official Homepage: www.playavengers.com
Official Twitter: @PlayAvengers
Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PlayAvengersGame/
Official YouTube: http://youtube.com/PlayAvengers
#PlayAvengers #Reassemble #EmbraceYourPowers
 

# ENDS #


About Marvel Entertainment
Marvel Entertainment, LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, is one of the world’s most prominent character-based entertainment companies, built on a proven library of more than 8,000 characters featured in a variety of media for over eighty years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing, publishing, games, and digital media. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2020 MARVEL
 
About Crystal Dynamics
Crystal Dynamics® has developed and published over 30 award-winning titles during its 28-year adventure. Some of the most beloved franchises include Gex®, Legacy of Kain® and most recently, TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 77 million copies worldwide. With over 30 video game titles released and hundreds of awards, the heroine Lara Croft® has been a cultural icon for over 20 years and has made an indelible mark on virtually every facet of entertainment. Most recently, Crystal Dynamics expanded its operations by opening Crystal Northwest™ in Bellevue, Washington.
 
For more information on Crystal Dynamics, please visit http://www.crystald.com/, their Twitter account, Facebook page, or their LinkedIn page.
 
About Eidos-Montréal
Eidos-Montréal™ (a Square Enix® studio) is focused on creating immersive and captivating experiences. For the last decade, the development teams at Eidos-Montréal have orchestrated the successful reboot of the DEUS EX® series (Deus Ex: Human Revolution®, Deus Ex: Mankind Divided®), released the latest entry in the THIEF® franchise, and have also played a key role in the development of the award-winning TOMB RAIDER® series.
 
For more information on the studio, please visit https://eidosmontreal.com/ and find us on TwitterInstagramFacebook and LinkedIn.
 
About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix 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 154 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 82 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 78 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
  
Developed by Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montréal. Development support provided by Nixxes. All rights reserved.

CRYSTAL DYNAMICS, the CRYSTAL DYNAMICS logo, CRYSTAL NORTHWEST, EIDOS, EIDOS-MONTRÉAL and the EIDOS-MONTRÉAL logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Limited. SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd. DEUS EX, DEUS EX: HUMAN REVOLUTION, DEUS EX: MANKIND DIVIDED, DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, GEX, LARA CROFT, LEGACY OF KAIN, SPACE INVADERS, TAITO, THIEF, and TOMB RAIDER are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. Nixxes and the Nixxes logo are trademarks of Nixxes Software BV. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. STEELBOOK is a trademark of Glud & Marstrand and is marketed globally by Scanavo.

THE NEXT GENERATION OF BLACK OPS IS HERE! CALL OF DUTY: BLACK OPS COLD WAR PUSHES PLAYERS TO THE BRINK STARTING NOVEMBER 13TH

#1 Selling Call of Duty Series Returns with Direct Sequel to Original Black Ops; Coming to Current and Next Generation Platforms

Features Cross Generation Crossplay Support, Loads of Free Multiplayer and Zombies Post-Launch Content for Call of Duty Players to Play Together

Call of Duty: Warzone and Black Ops Cold War Will Share Post-Launch Content, Building on the Free-to-Play, Free-For-Everyone Experience Played by More Than 75 Million Players Worldwide

Multiplayer Gameplay Reveal Coming September 9th

SANTA MONICA, Calif. — August 26, 2020 —The iconic, #1 selling series in Call of Duty history returns to fans around the globe with the all-new Call of Duty®: Black Ops Cold War. A direct sequel to the original, fan-favorite Black Ops, and set in the early 1980s, Black Ops Cold War, drops players into the depth of the Cold War’s volatile geopolitical universe in a gripping experience where nothing is as it seems. In addition to the story campaign, Black Ops Cold War will bring an arsenal of Cold War weapons and equipment into the next generation of Black Ops Multiplayer combat, and an all-new co-operative gameplay experience with Zombies. 

Developed for next generation consoles by Treyarch and Raven Software, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is scheduled for release on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC on Battle.net starting November 13th with versions for PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X to release in Holiday 2020, depending on when consoles are available to consumers.

“We are excited to launch the next blockbuster title in Call of Duty, one of the most iconic franchises in entertainment with over 100 million players across console, PC and mobile,” said Bobby Kotick, CEO of Activision Blizzard. “Black Ops Cold War will deliver a thrilling experience that will not only set the bar for next generation action games but also keep our players connected to their friends.”

“What better way to reveal Black Ops Cold War than together with our players from inside Call of Duty: Warzone,” said Byron Beede, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Call of Duty, Activision. “Black Ops Cold War delivers on all fronts – from the thrilling Story Campaign, to the next generation of Multiplayer, a brand-new Zombies experience and bringing awesome new content into Warzone following release.  We’re excited to have our development teams led by Treyarch and Raven bring this next, great Black Ops experience to the next generation of platforms.”

It’s an honor to develop an all-new story for Call of Duty: Black Ops players,” said Dan Vondrak, Sr. Creative Director, Raven Software. “Black Ops Cold War picks up right after the original, dropping players into a conspiracy-filled thrill ride set in the 1980s. Fighting alongside fan favorite-characters like Woods, Mason and Hudson, players will battle to uncover the truth. Everything isn’t what it seems, as players choices help shape the outcome of the narrative. We cannot wait for fans to experience it themselves.”

Black Ops Cold War is not only a celebration of what makes the Black Ops series special, but it’s also a new beginning for the next generation of players,” said Mark Gordon, Co-Studio Head, Treyarch. “As developers, being able to bring this kind of experience to a new generation of consoles is an incredible opportunity.” 

“Today is only the start,” continued Treyarch Co-Studio Head Dan Bunting. “Treyarch will deliver a connected, next-generation Multiplayer, as well as a new Zombies experience – say nothing of our plans to expand and extend Call of Duty: Warzone with new experiences for all. There’s much more to come!”

In pure Black Ops style, Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War fuses elements of 1980s pop culture through a mind-bending conspiracy story, where deception and subterfuge are the norm in the gripping single-player Campaign. In this sequel to the original Call of Duty: Black Ops, players encounter historic figures and learn hard truths as they battle around the globe through iconic locales like East Berlin, Turkey, Vietnam, Soviet-era Moscow, and more. As elite operatives, players attempt to stop a plot decades in the making as they follow the trail of a shadowy figure named Perseus, who is on a mission to destabilize the global balance of power and change the course of history. Beyond the Campaign, players will bring a wide selection of Cold War weapons and equipment into the next generation of Multiplayer combat and an all-new Zombies experience.

The title features cross-play support across current and next generation systems with cross progression across all modes. Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War will also offer a Battle Pass system and deliver a steady stream of free post-launch content, including multiplayer maps and modes, Zombies experiences along with a robust schedule of in-game community events.

Tune-in September 9th to Twitch.tv/CallofDuty for the highly-anticipated, worldwide reveal first-look at Black Ops Cold War’s Multiplayer gameplay.  Black Ops Cold War will also support and build on the hit, free-to-play experience Call of Duty: WarzoneTM. Black Ops Cold War includes shared progression features with Warzone, adding brand new inventory items that can be used in both Black Ops Cold War and Warzone. Warzone players will still have access to all of their Call of Duty: Modern Warfare® content, including Operators and Weapon Blueprints previously earned.

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is scheduled for release globally November 13th for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC on Battle.net. Next-Gen versions of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War are scheduled for release Holiday 2020, depending on when consoles are available to consumers.

Starting today, fans who pre-order or pre-purchase select digital versions of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War will instantly unlock digital rewards, including Black Ops Operator Frank Woods for play in Call of Duty: Warzone and Call of Duty: Modern Warfare now, and receive early access to the Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War Multiplayer Open Beta. Open Beta dates to be announced soon. For further pre-order and pre-purchase information and the full list of digital retail options and next generation bundle offerings, please visit (https://support.activision.com/black-ops-cold-war/articles/call-of-duty-black-ops-cold-war-editions-faq). 

Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War is published by Activision, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), and developed by award-winning studios Treyarch and Raven Software. Black Ops Cold War for the PC delivers a fully optimized experience, developed by Beenox, exclusively for Battle.net, Blizzard Entertainment’s online gaming service. The title includes additional development support from High Moon Studios, Activision Shanghai and Sledgehammer Games. For more information and the latest intel check out: www.callofduty.com, www.youtube.com/callofduty and follow @Treyarch, @RavenSoftware and @CallofDuty on Twitter and Instagram and Facebook.

About Activision

Headquartered in Santa Monica, California, Activision is a leading global producer and publisher of interactive entertainment. Activision maintains operations throughout the world and is a division of Activision Blizzard (NASDAQ: ATVI), an S&P 500 company. More information about Activision and its products can be found on the company’s website, www.activision.com or by following @Activision.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-looking Statements: Information in this press release that involves Activision Publishing’s expectations, plans, intentions or strategies regarding the future, including statements about the expected release date, pre-orders, features, functionality, gameplay, and reveal of Call of Duty: Black Ops Cold War, including its connection with Call of Duty: Warzone, are forward-looking statements that are not facts and involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause Activision Publishing’s actual future results to differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements set forth in this release include unanticipated product delays and other factors identified in the risk factors sections of Activision Blizzard’s most recent annual report on Form 10K and any subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. The forward-looking statements in this release are based upon information available to Activision Publishing and Activision Blizzard as of the date of this release, and neither Activision Publishing nor Activision Blizzard assumes any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements believed to be true when made may ultimately prove to be incorrect. These statements are not guarantees of the future performance of Activision Publishing or Activision Blizzard and are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, some of which are beyond its control and may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. 

*Actual platform availability and launch date(s) subject to change. Beta may begin on different dates for each platform. See www.callofduty.com/beta for more details. Minimum Beta duration is 3 days. Limited time only, while beta codes last, at participating retailers. Internet connection required. Online multiplayer subscription may be required.

 # # #

ACTIVISION, CALL OF DUTY, CALL OF DUTY BLACK OPS, CALL OF DUTY WARZONE, MODERN WARFARE, and WARZONE are trademarks of Activision Publishing, Inc. All other trademarks and trade names are the properties of their respective owners.

“PlayStation” is a registered trademark and “PS4” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Mafia: Definitive Edition Impressions

Mafia: Definitive Edition

Developer: Hangar 13
Publisher: 2K
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows (Previewed)
Release Date: 25 September 2020

Video Impressions

Originally released in 2002, Mafia was part of the early wave of open world shooters from the early 2000s. More linear than the competition, Mafia’s realistic take on crime in the city drew a fan base that still looks at the game fondly to this day. After 18 years, Hangar 13 has been entrusted with remaking the beloved shooter. Dubbed Mafia: Definitive Edition, the original game is running on an improved version of the Mafia III engine and features new content like new gameplay features and story missions. We had a chance to check out a preview build of Mafia: Definitive Edition with chapters one to five and ten ahead of the full launch on September 25th.

The script has been reworked. Parts of the dialogue has been improved or expanded. Scenes have been changed to make more sense. Looking back at the original cut scenes, a lot of cheesy and cringey lines have been axed for the better.

Gaming has changed a lot in 18 years. Gamers have come to expect more quality of life features as they have matured into adults with more responsibilities and limited time. Hangar 13 has clearly put some thought into the Mafia: Definitive Edition remake. Instead of simply remastering the game with modern graphics, the game is a proper remake with the inclusion of much needed quality of life changes. Players can now save time by skipping long drives between quest locations.

The level of police simulation was a hit and miss in the original Mafia. Unlike other games in the genre, Mafia’s police were incredibly strict. Players could be fined for minor traffic infractions like running red lights or draw the attention of the police for more serious crimes like assault. Some players loved the more realistic depiction of crime and punishment, while others found obeying traffic signals and following the speed limit to be utterly mind numbing. Hangar 13 now gives the players the freedom to use the original simulation levels or opt for more lax policing that is more in line with later Mafia titles.

Compared to the original Mafia, the audio/visual experience in Mafia: Definitive Edition has been improved significantly. The first thing I noticed when comparing footage of the original game with the Definitive Edition is how lush the new version is. The rural areas of the original game look like a green desert in comparison. Overall, Lost Heaven looks more like a lively city thanks to the greater details and more unique objects throughout the city. The character animations are more realistic looking due to the use of motion capture. Since the script has changed, all the lines had to be recorded from scratch. The acting quality is much better this time around. The new cast is using a variety of accents to breathe life into Lost Heaven with great success.

The improvements in Mafia: Definitive Edition is obvious right off the bat. If “Definitive Edition” was not part of the title, I suspect many gamers who never heard of Mafia in the first place would just assume the game is a brand-new modern title. Based on my time with the Mafia: Definitive Edition preview build, old fans of the original game have plenty of reasons to be excited.

New Paw Patrol: Jet to the Rescue Trailer and Poster Released

Nickelodeon and Paramount Pictures released a new trailer and movie poster for their upcoming film Paw Patrol: Jet to the Rescue. The new trailer introduces viewers to the film’s plot and the Paw Patrol’s new high speed hardware.

The new film is set in Barkingburg where the Duke of Flappington has stolen a set of gems that causes objects to levitate. He is now on a dastardly plan to raise Barkingburg to the sky so he has his very own aerial city to live in. With Ryder in jail, Skye will rally the remaining team members to take on the Duke with a little help of PAW Patrol’s new fighter jets.

Paw Patrol: Jet to the Rescue is set to hit Australian cinemas on September 10.

Wasteland 3 Review

Wasteland 3

Developer: inXile Entertainment
Publisher: inXile Entertainment
Platforms: PlayStation 4Xbox OneWindows (Reviewed)
Release Date: 27 Aug 2020
Price: $59,99USD – Available Here $99.95AUD – Available Here

Overview

As strange as it may seem, I have a small list of expectations when it comes to video games. I had them way before I started writing about them and it is not a big list. There are only three things that I ask for; gameplay, story, and visuals. That is all three in order of appearance. A game without enticing gameplay is nothing, even if it comes with a great story. And if you have an engaging story on top of that, you can even look past the shoddy visuals. But what Wasteland 3 taught me these days is that there is a hidden expectation that I never paid attention to. It is like that secret ingredient in Coca-Cola, we know it’s there but it is shrouded in a veil of mystery. But I am talking about the atmosphere. It is something that Wasteland 3 radiates with and it is something that can carry a whole game.

Story

The presentation of Wasteland 3 is a bit cunning. It starts off as a typical post-apocalyptic game where every man, woman, and child is fighting for themselves – all united in a common goal to just get through one more day. You play as a group of Desert Rangers. You’re quickly greeted with an extensive character creation screen where you can set up a plethora of parameters and skills. The story starts with a bang. Our convoy gets ambushed on thin ice (not a figure of speech) and after fighting off some bandits, our next course of action is to meet the mysterious Patriarch and do his bidding. That would be to find his kids (with peculiar names) called Liberty, Valor, and Victory and bring them to him. Alive, that is. Can’t say that it’s a really easy task. In any case, that’s where the story starts to roll out. The rest of the Wasteland 3 is filled with twist and turns at every corner. Even such minor things as recruiting a specific companion can have a mild impact on the story.

Gameplay

If you played its predecessor, then you’ll be familiar with the formula. Wasteland 3 still goes with the classic CRPG approach with isometric, tactical combat where proper planning is half of the battle. Besides being smart how well you do in combat is also determined by the number of action points. These are spent when moving on the field and attacking. Any action points that you have left can be saved for the next round. You can explore the wasteland with up to six characters in the party. Four of them are reserved for your fully customizable members while the two are left for the companions that you discover while exploring. The extensive customization and skill system and open tactical approach will make sure that every encounter is tense from start to finish. Some members of the party will end up bleeding after the battle and with serious injuries, while others will reap the experience rewards and gain new skills. What I like about Wasteland 3 is that it feels way more user friendly than the previous game.

Visuals

Graphically, the game isn’t anything praiseworthy but the change in environment is more than welcome. The monochromatic tone of the game coupled with snow-covered environments works well with a chilling and unforgiving nature of the game. However, there is some love poured into his aspect, especially when you stop to admire well-made animations and hilariously gruesome gore effects. Regardless of the environment change, one of the staples of Wasteland is the ever-present sense of dread and despair depicted throughout the world. For better or worse, you can rely on the same here as well.

Audio

If an extensive combat system and rich dialogue choices are the signatures of the Wasteland series, the audio and incredible voice acting is also where the game shines. Wasteland 3 takes it even further on this front, with even more voice lines and enriched for main and supporting characters, NPCs included. When some characters are bit light when it comes to mental stability (as one might be in a post-apocalyptic world), you can clearly sense it in their pronunciation and how they talk and behave. But most importantly, Wasteland 3 has an impressive repertoire of incredible music handpicked by none other than Mary Ramos, the music supervisor for a number of Quentin Tarantino movies. Do you know all those tracks that you have to google after the latest Tarantino movie cause they’re just that good? Well, she is the creative mind behind it and I’m sure you’ll feel her contribution to Wasteland 3.

Overall

The good thing about Wasteland 3 is that is is very loosely connected to the previous games. While the playthrough of the first and second games won’t hurt, it is far from recommended. Another thing that I like is that the whole Wasteland series is an evolving experience. Sure, there was a gap of 20 years and some between the first and second games (and the third one is coming out today) but none of the games so far felt like a step back.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Risk of Rain 2 Review

Risk of Rain 2

Developer: Hoppo Games
Publisher: Gearbox Publishing
Platform: PlayStation 4, Switch, Xbox One, Windows (Reviewed)
Release Date: 11 August 2020
Price:  $24.99 USD/$35.95 AUD – Available Here

Video Review

Overview

Sequels are usually predictable. A game is expanded with a few new mechanics and the story continues. Hoppo Games has opted to throw this convention out the window with Risk of Rain 2. Instead of continuing with the praised 2D platforming gameplay, the developers decided to reinterpret the game as a third person shooter for the sequel. After 17 months in early access and a short delay, Risk of Rain 2 is finally out in full.

Story

Like its predecessor, Risk of Rain 2 does not offer much of a storyline but rather some context for the game. The game does have a surprising amount of writing in the logbook. These entries are usually collected as drops as the game progresses and provide an enjoyable little break that breathe a bit of life into the game.

Gameplay

Risk of Rain 2 is a third person shooter that retains the spirit of Risk of Rain. Players choose a character, each with unique skills, to take into a run. Each run consists of a chain of levels where players rush to find a teleporter to send them to the next level. Each level is picked from a pool of possible maps, and all the loot, enemies, and shrines are randomly placed. The game is a tricky balance between exploring the level to get enough enemies to survive the boss fight at the teleporter and rushing through the level as quickly as possible as enemy spawn and difficulty levels increase as time progresses. As a rogue-lite, items collected between runs do not carry over, but unlocked characters and artifacts do.

Combat feels tight and is enjoyable. While the game is no longer a 2D platformer, combat still has several nods to the game’s roots like highly telegraphed attacks, plenty of dodging, and epic boss fights. The boss fights become more common as the game progresses as the bosses start spawning as normal enemies instead of only at the teleporter. Combat usually feels fair due to the emphasis on learning how to deal with big telegraphed attacks; however, the 3D nature of the game means dodging is not always the most reliable way to avoid damage. Players will have to lean heavily on using the environment to stay out of the enemy’s line of sight or kite them around. Part of the fun of combat is how runs are rarely the same because items are the main source of power in the game. There are a lot of items with a variety of modifiers, from humble stat increases to some weird and wonderful effects. Unless the player uses certain artifacts to control their drops, the random drops means players will need to think on their feet to adapt to the items they are dealt.

Risk of Rain 2 is an ability heavy game where each character approaches combat differently. Every player should be able to find a few characters they enjoy, and the alternate abilities tweak the character’s playstyle enough to keep the game fresh. The characters have been designed for a variety of skill levels and controller methods, so players who are just picking up a controller for the first time will have characters that rely on lock on attacks and positioning, while high skill mouse and keyboard users will have a few high risk/high reward snipers to choose from.

The game can be incredibly challenging due to the randomness and the increasing difficulty level as time progresses. The game currently has three difficulty levels that adjust player health regeneration, player damage reduction, and the rate at which the difficulty increases. I found the difficulty jump between the easy and normal difficulty levels to be very high. I think a custom level that allows players to specify the exact values would help bridge the gap between difficulty levels.

The learning curve is on the higher end of the spectrum without becoming painfully masochistic. While basic shooter skills will get players through the first level consistently, players will need to learn quite a bit to become good at the game. Map layout, enemy attack patterns, and how to avoid damage is all necessary for deep runs.

The controls are good for the most part. The limited number of skills and tightly executed controls works well for the genre. My only issue is there are a few key bindings that are permanently locked to certain functions like opening chat. I would prefer the developers allow us to rebind all keys freely.

Risk of Rain 2’s gameplay is very good. It is a solid hybrid of horde mode shooters and rogue-lite platformers. The addictive loop that made Risk of Rain unique is still recognizable, even though Risk of Rain 2 is now a 3D shooter. The lack of randomized levels can be dull after a while, but I understand why the decision was made. The heavy reliance on using line of sight to avoid damage means learning the map becomes part of the strategy. Additionally, getting lost trying to find the teleporter is intensely frustrating as it drags out the game and increases the difficulty for little gain. A randomly generated level would infinitely increase my rage as I ran to several occasions where it took 20 minutes to find a teleporter. Unfortunately, it is just a no-win situation for the developers.

Visuals

Risk of Rain 2 does an excellent job of taking Risk of Rain’s visual style into the 3D space. The two games share a muted colour scheme and simpler character models. Risk of Rain 2 doesn’t translate the pixelated look by using voxels though, opting to use a flatter palette of colours to create a lo-fi style. I particularly like the environment artist’s choice to use lots of shades of a single colour to create each map as it gives the game a distinctive look.

Audio

The audio experience in Risk of Rain 2 is solid. The sound effects are enjoyable. The soundtrack is fantastic and compliments the game well.

Overall

Risk of Rain 2 is a solid shooter that channels the spirit of the original game in a new format. The game has some unpleasant spikes in the difficulty curve, and the premade maps can get a little repetitive at times. But much of this can be overlooked due to the game’s addictive gameplay loop and excellent audio/visual presentation. For the gamers who skipped on Risk of Rain because 2D platformers are not their thing, Risk of Rain 2 offers them the rare opportunity to see what all the fuss is about in a genre that may be more familiar.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues Video Game Coming to PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch & Xbox One on October 27

Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues Video Game Coming to PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch & Xbox One on October 27

Embrace your destiny in this new co-op beat ‘em up, inspired by the rivalry & action of the hit Netflix series

MINNEAPOLISAug. 26, 2020 Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues, a new, side-scrolling, beat ‘em up action game inspired by Sony’s critically acclaimed series, coming to Netflix later this year, has been announced for PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One. Launching Oct. 27, 2020, Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues features RPG-like progression, the opportunity to play as your favorite characters from the world of Cobra Kai, and two-player couch co-op.

Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues delivers an original two-fold story from dueling perspectives made in collaboration with the series showrunners, complete with character-driven cutscenes and dialogue featuring the voices of Ralph Macchio, William Zabka and more. Play as Daniel LaRusso and his students at Miyagi-Do Karate, or their Cobra Kai rivals, led by Daniel’s old rival, Johnny Lawrence. The choice is yours, but only completing both sides of the campaign will unlock the ultimate ending.

Swap between eight playable characters seamlessly in battle, each with their own unique upgradeable attacks, combos and skill trees. Face down fierce enemies and bosses in hard-hitting brawls and explore the Los Angeles of the Cobra Kai universe across 28 story missions. The fight is in your hands!

Cobra Kai: The Karate Kid Saga Continues is published by GameMill Entertainment. For more information, visit playcobrakai.com.

About GameMill Entertainment

GameMill Entertainment, located in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is a third-party publisher of casual games for the mass market consumer. Development platforms include PC, Nintendo Switch, Microsoft consoles including the Xbox One video game and entertainment system, and Sony consoles including the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and mobile devices. With development across the globe, GameMill is a source of entertaining and fun games for all ages. For more information, please visit https://gamemill.com.

About Sony Pictures Consumer Products

Sony Pictures Consumer Products (SPCP) is the licensing and merchandising division of Sony Pictures’ Motion Picture Group and Sony Pictures Television for Sony Pictures Entertainment (SPE), which is a subsidiary of Tokyo-based Sony Corporation. SPE’s global operations encompass motion picture production, acquisition, and distribution; television production, acquisition, and distribution; television networks; digital content creation and distribution; operation of studio facilities; and development of new entertainment products, services and technologies. SPE’s Motion Picture Group production organizations include Columbia Pictures, Screen Gems, TriStar Pictures, Sony Pictures Animation, Stage 6 Films, AFFIRM Films, and Sony Pictures Classics. For additional information, visit http://www.sonypictures.com/corp/divisions.html.

About Cobra Kai

In the highly-anticipated return of two iconic characters, the arch-rivals from the legendary Karate Kid film series reunite over 30 years after the events of the 1984 All Valley Karate Tournament. Now living in the affluent hills of Los Angeles, Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) leads an enviable life with his beautiful family, while running a successful string of car dealerships throughout the valley. Meanwhile, his high school adversary, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka), whose life has taken a rocky turn, seeks redemption by reopening the infamous Cobra Kai karate dojo. Their lives inevitably become intertwined and the rivalry is reignited, setting forth the next generation of “karate kids” in COBRA KAI. COBRA KAI is produced by Overbrook Entertainment in association with Sony Pictures Television.

Farming Simulator 19’s “Alpine Farming Expansion” Gamescom Trailer Showcases Grass Harvesting Gameplay & Brand-New Vehicles!

Farming Simulator’s newest harvest arrives Nov. 12 on PC, Mac, PlayStation®4 & Xbox One

PARIS Aug. 26, 2020 Farming Simulator 19, the largest Farming Simulator experience in the franchise’s history, is getting even bigger on Nov. 12, 2020, with the new “Alpine Farming Expansion” for PC, Mac, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One. To kick off gamescom, GIANTS Software and Focus Home Interactive have released a new gameplay trailer showing off the upcoming DLC’s all-new Alpine map, as well as the wide range of new activities, vehicles and machinery you’ll get to experience!

The “Alpine Farming Expansion” brings players the new environment of Erlengrat, a mountainous valley packed with tons of exciting things to do, including lucrative mountain farming and grass harvesting. You’ll find new equipment in your garage, too, with over 30 true-to-life vehicles and farming machines from brands like Aebi, Lindner, Pöttinger, Rigitrac, SIP and more joining the fun.

The Alpine Farming Expansion can be pre-ordered now on PC and Mac. It will also be available as part of both Farming Simulator 19’s Season Pass and Premium Edition, already available digitally on PlayStation®4 and Xbox One.

BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA’S TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK IS SET TO TAKE NINTENDO SWITCH PLAYERS ON A ONE-OF-A-KIND RHYTHMIC RPG ADVENTURE

BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA’S TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK IS SET TO TAKE NINTENDO SWITCH PLAYERS ON A ONE-OF-A-KIND RHYTHMIC RPG ADVENTURE

Follow Don-Chan’s Drum Beat Through Different Periods of History and into the Future for a Whimsical and Musical Adventure

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (August 26, 2020) – Leading video game and interactive entertainment developer and publisher, BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., today announced TAIKO NO TATSUJIN™: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK, a two-games-in-one package for the Nintendo Switch®, slated for launch in the Americas in winter 2020.

Currently in development by Tokyo, Japan based DOKIDOKI GROOVEWORKS Inc., TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK officially brings two never-released-in-the-west Taiko no Tatsujin titles (Taiko no Tatsujin Rhythmic Adventure 1 & 2) to players outside of Japan; delivering a one-of-a-kind experience to the cult-classic Japanese rhythm game. TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK presents a unique storyline as players set out on two different Role-Playing-Game (RPG) adventures taking them through different periods in history, and into the future, to battle over 250 different monsters, bosses, and enemy drums.

Players will need to hone their rhythmic drum playing skills in order to beat enemies. Completing challenging rhythmic combos will deal more damage to enemy characters, leading to their defeat. However, old enemies can become future allies as players are able to invite vanquished foes to join their party to take-on even more powerful enemies and bosses. Fans of the series will also be able to enjoy classic Taiko no Tatsujin gameplay in TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK’s Rhythm Game Mode which will feature over 100 songs and six entirely new tracks.

“The Taiko no Tatsujin series is one of the most unique and beloved franchises in BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment’s illustrious portfolio of titles. With TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK, we’re excited to finally officially offer western players two games from the series that were originally exclusive to Japan,” said Abelina Villegas, Associate Brand Manager for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK  will deliver a double dose of fun and RPG adventure through its challenging rhythmic gameplay that will surely delight longtime fans and new players alike.”

TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK for Nintendo Switch is scheduled for launch on in the Americas in winter 2020. For more information about TAIKO NO TATSUJIN: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK or other titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., please visit; https://www.bandainamcoent.com, follow us on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or join the conversation at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

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About BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc.

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

TAIKO NO TATSUJIN™: RHYTHMIC ADVENTURE PACK & © BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Inc.