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February 25, 2020

WORLDS COLLIDE AS SAMURAI SHODOWN COMES TO THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR IN ALL-NEW COLLABORATION

Battle, Collect, and Train Iconic Warriors from SNK’s Famed Fighting Game Franchise from February 25 – March 16, KST

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – FEB. 25, 2020 – Netmarble Corp. is teaming up with SNK once again on THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR with an all-new collaboration featuring fighters from SNK’s iconic Samurai Shodown fighting game franchise. Netmarble is also hosting a special livestream on Feb. 25 at 4:00 p.m. PT that will star professional fighting game player Justin Wong and highlight additions to the game. Fans can tune into the livestream here: https://www.twitch.tv/playkofallstar

Until March 16, KST after update is complete, players can log into the game, collect these fighters, and complete the limited-time Samurai Shodown-themed event before the collaboration ends.

Haohmaru and Nakoruru will be available for players to collect from Feb. 25 – March 16, while rival fighters Genjuro and Charlotte will unlock March 3 – 16. And on March 10, THE KING OF FIGHTERS XIV variant of Nakoruru will also be available to collect. In addition, players can collect two additional Samurai Shodown legacy warriors, Tachibana Ukyo and Amakusa,by completing limited-time events.

Updates and in-game events include:

Samurai Shodown Events
- Super Mission – Players can collect Tachibana Ukyo and earn special cards, souls, and various growth items for the Fighter
- Score Dungeon – By completing the Dungeon, players will earn coins to exchange for Amakusa alongside affinity items and other growth items
- Time Attack – Players can play with Samurai Shodown fighters with the limited-time Time Attack mode
- Access Event – Samurai Shodown-themed Battle Card tickets, Gold, Souls, and Growth Items are available as daily log-in rewards
Other Updates
- Players can collect ’98 Mai Shiranui via a special Roulette Event
- An additional chapter of the Epic Quest launches on March 4

THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR boasts fast-paced fighting action as players battle through waves of enemies, giant bosses and rival fighter teams. The excitement is paired with cutting edge graphics, bold colors, and lightning-fast animations. In addition, this game features all of KOF’s classic fighters from ’94 to XIV, with over 130 fighters available to collect, along with more to come with seasonal events, collaborations with popular IP such as TEKKEN 7, and additional content updates for players to enjoy.

THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR is available to download on Google Play and the App Store in over 175 countries and comes with support for English, Taiwanese, Indonesian, Thai, Spanish, Italian, French, Portuguese, Russian, and German languages.

For more information, please visit THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR’s website. Also, please follow THE KING OF FIGHTERS ALLSTAR on Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, Discord, Reddit, and forum on Netmarble.com.

About Netmarble Corporation
Netmarble Corporation strives to entertain audiences of all ages around the world by providing great mobile gaming experiences. Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble is one of the fastest-growing mobile game companies and consistently ranks as a top mobile developer and publisher worldwide. With more than 6,000 employees, Netmarble has been producing and servicing some of the most successful mobile games including Lineage 2: Revolution, Blade & Soul Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, BTS WORLD, Everybody’s Marble, and Seven Knights. As a parent company to Kabam, a top mobile game developer in massively multiplayer free-to-play games, the largest shareholder to Jam City, a leading casual social game developer and a major shareholder of BigHit Entertainment, a music production and artist management company, Netmarble has a strategic partnership with CJ ENM Corporation, Asia’s largest entertainment company, Tencent Holdings, Asia’s largest internet company, and NCsoft, a prominent MMORPG company. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com

Devolver Digital’s Disc Room Hovers Ominously into View, Threatens Galaxy in 2020

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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February 25, 2020

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Devolver Digital’s Disc Room Hovers Ominously into View, Threatens Galaxy in 2020

Best game you ever saw, playable at PAX East

Cutting-edge developers Jan Willem Nijman & Kitty Calis (MINIT), Terri Vellmann and Doseone (HIGH HELL), along with safety-conscious publisher Devolver Digital have announced Disc Room, an ultra-stylish expedition into the depths of an alien deathtrap, launching in 2020.

The year is 2089, and a giant disc has appeared in orbit of Jupiter. A crew of international scientists is formed in a desperate attempt to understand the mysterious secrets contained within.

Step into the oversized space suit of a brave but reluctant scientist and explore this sprawling slaughterhouse from outer space. Attempt to discover the method behind its madness as you are relentlessly chased down by intelligent alien saw blades amid a seemingly endless labyrinth of interconnected death chambers. Stay sharp in order to navigate this murderous maze, as the seemingly straightforward slaughter unfurls into far more puzzling complexity.

But, what kills you only makes you stronger.

Absorb extraordinary abilities from the very discs that dice you into pieces. Invincibly dash, bend time, even clone yourself as you become one with the disc. Persistent punishment quickly solidifies into razor-sharp survival skills, as our scientist dies their way toward the deeper more devastating purpose of the disc.

In Disc Room, the only way out is through Death.

“I don’t understand any of this shit,” says Fork Parker, President of Devolver Digital.

Disc Room will make its playable debut at PAX East, Feb. 27 – Mar. 1.

Sharpen your senses at www.discroom.com and follow segmented alien lifeforms @kittycalis, @jwaaaap, @doseonetweets, @terrivellmann on their interdimensional communication platforms for multitudinous musings.

Streets of Rage 4 Video Debuts Final Playable Brawler in Cybernetic Powerhouse Floyd, Reveals Two-Player Online, up to Four-Player Offline Co-Op

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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February 25, 2020

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Streets of Rage 4 Video Debuts Final Playable Brawler in Cybernetic Powerhouse Floyd, Reveals Two-Player Online, up to Four-Player Offline Co-Op

PARIS (Feb. 24, 2020) – Streets of Rage 4 publisher and co-developer Dotemu (publisher of Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, developer of Windjammers) with co-developers Lizardcube (Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap) and Guard Crush Games (Streets of Fury) today announced the iconic series’ return will support two-player online and up to four-player offline co-op when it launches this spring. A new trailer released today also revealed a first look at the final and all-new playable character joining the roster ahead of Streets of Rage 4’s upcoming release on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. The four-player co-op and new character will be playable for fans attending PAX East in Boston, February 27 through March 1st on the show floor in booth 28051.

The new character, Floyd, dishes out serious damage with his incredibly strong cybernetic arms, a cutting-edge upgrade courtesy of Streets of Rage 3’s playable cyborg, Dr. Zan. Although Floyd’s movement and health recovery are slower than most, he boasts the longest reach among the playable roster and tremendous power, ensuring any combo he puts an enemy through will be devastating.

See Floyd and the intensity of four-player co-op in action by watching the full video

Streets of Rage 4 reunites Axel, Blaze, and Adam for the first mainline Streets of Rage game in more than 25 years. The highly anticipated sequel embodies the classic trilogy’s gritty, neon-streaked urban atmosphere in a fully original experience boasting a strikingly fluid hand-drawn art style. New skull-cracking playable characters, expanded combat abilities, and a pulsing soundtrack from an all-star lineup including series composers Yūzō Koshiro (Streets of Rage 1, 2, & 3, Sonic the Hedgehog) and Motohiro Kawashima (Streets of Rage 2 & 3, Shinobi II) make Streets of Rage 4 an all-out brawl of a lifetime.

For more on Streets of Rage 4, visit www.streets4rage.com, check out www.facebook.com/StreetsofRage4, and unleash on @Dotemu, @Lizardcube, and @Guard_Crush’s follow buttons on Twitter or join us on Discord: https://discord.gg/TFw3a7k

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About Dotemu
Dotemu is a French video game company specializing in modern releases of beloved retro games. Our mission is simple: give every gamer access to yesteryear’s classic video games on today’s platforms, including PC, mobile, console and more. Working alongside the world’s most cherished and recognized publishers, the Dotemu team has published a number of global top-sellers across both PC and console including Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, with additional development and publishing work on Windjammers 1 and 2, several games in the Ys series, and more.

Founded in 2007, Dotemu leverages its considerable technological know-how to maintain the original spirit of classic games while giving them a second life as rediscovered gems for a new generation of gamers.

About Lizardcube
Lizardcube is a Parisian games studio founded by game industry veteran Omar Cornut (Pixeljunk Shooter, Tearaway, Soul Bubbles, Dear ImGui) and traditional comic/animation artist Ben Fiquet (Soul Bubbles). It is best known for the acclaimed remake of Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, praised for its gorgeous art style and retro engineering marvel.

About Guard Crush Games
Guard Crush Games was founded in 2009 by Jordi Asensio and Cyrille Lagarigue based on their passion for classic beat-em-up and side scrolling titles. The team is best known for its XBox 360 release, Streets of Fury, and follow-up on PC Streets of Fury: Extended Edition in 2015, which revel in over-the-top action and capture the studio’s love for fun side scrolling brawlers.

Uncover Forbidden Knowledge With Curse of the Dead Gods’ New Gameplay Overview Trailer

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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February 25, 2020

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Uncover Forbidden Knowledge With Curse of the Dead Gods’ New Gameplay Overview Trailer

Focus Home Interactive & Passtech Games’ action roguelike raids Steam Early Access on March 3

PARIS — Feb. 24, 2020 — Focus Home Interactive and Passtech Games’ Curse of the Dead Gods is coming to Steam Early Access on March 3, but you can get a closer look at the world, mechanics and dangers waiting for you with the game’s new overview trailer.

Curse of the Dead Gods is a roguelike action game full of fast-paced combat, intense challenges, and a variety of weapons, relics, curses, traps, enemies and powerful bosses to master. Seek untold riches, divine powers, and eternal life — then rise to fight again when your greed leads to death. Delve deeper into accursed, ever-changing labyrinths of bottomless pits, deadly traps, and malicious monsters. Slay the false deities to amass gold, new weapons and mighty relics, but beware the corruption building inside you with each step forward — these curses promise great power, but demand a high price…

Early access will kick off a roadmap of frequent updates with rich content and improvements based on community feedback, including new temples to explore, each with their own unique look, traps and enemies, plus new game modes, mechanics, weapons, curses and relics.

Curse of the Dead Gods will be showcased this week at PAX East, February 27 to March 1, at the Focus Home Interactive booth (#29017). Join us on February 27 at 5 p.m. CET/11 a.m. ET for an exclusive game presentation with the studio on our official Twitch channel.

Azur Lane: Crosswave Review

Travis Bruno

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February 25, 2020

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Azur Lane: Crosswave

Developers: Compile Heart, Felistella
Publisher: Idea Factory International
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 4 (Reviewed)
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $49.99 – Available Here

Overview

Taking historical figures or items and transforming them into girls has been a fairly long standing tradition in Japanese games as we have seen everything from historical and mythical figures, to firearms, locations, and of course boats be transformed in such a way. While Japan may have had their own ship girl game flourish at one point, it never quite made a splash worldwide until a Chinese take on the same type of story by the name of Azur Lane exploded in popularity. With plenty of fans around the world it only made sense that a console game would eventually be developed and now that Azur Lane: Crosswave has made its way to the West, is it worth picking up for fans of the franchise?

Story

For those unfamiliar with the franchise, Azur Lane places players in the role of Commander over a military base where ship girls are constructed using “Wisdom Cubes.” These ship girls, called Kansen, are all derived from World War II ships and feature various bits of personality and themes that can relate to their historical counterparts. That being said, players for Azur Lane: Crosswave do not really require too much knowledge from the original mobile game to enjoy the story as it is mostly separate, outside of certain themes, from the original story going so far as to place the focus on a ship that hasn’t been added into the mobile game at the time of release.

In an alternate world four powerful nations have managed to find peace with one another, Eagle Union (USA), Royal Navy (England), Iron Blood (Germany), and the Sakura Empire (Japan) have flourished throughout the years of peace with only “friendly” military exercises being conducted between the four great nations. That is until a new mysterious threat appeared by the name of Sirens. These strange and otherworldly seeming foes threaten the peace that has held the world together for so long and it is up to the ship girls named “Kansen” to find out just what the Siren want and eliminate the threat.

During a military drill a pair of ships from the Sakura Empire, the energetic and eager to prove herself Shimakaze and spotlight hating Suruga encounter a fleet of mass produced Siren ships that have floated into their territory. Despite Suruga’s warnings to stay away, Shimakaze charges forward and sinks the Siren fleet only to find that they leave a number of strange physics defying cubes floating around. After reporting their findings, Akagi chooses to hold a special exercise that gathers together a number of ships from the four great fleets, including a couple from Dragon Empry, under the guise of training in an attempt to find more of these cubes. Only once everyone arrives, new more powerful Sirens make their appearance and things begin to grow far more dire for the Sakura Empire.

Azur Lane: Crosswave tells an almost exhaustive story that sees many of everyone’s favorite ship girls interacting with one another in various ways with the core storyline following the growth of Shimakaze and Suruga learning to work with others while facing off against the Siren threat. That being said, it is a bit unfortunate that those who may be fans of other nations will be disappointed to see that so much emphasis is placed on Sakura Empire with the Eagle Union and Royal Navy playing mostly second fiddle and even then many popular characters are only given a bit of time to shine, generally through secondary side events, compared to the main role of Shimakaze.

It is also worth noting that Azur Lane: Crosswave can be seen as more visual novel than shooter at times since there are some extremely lengthy dialogue sequences that seperate most fights. Some of these scenes are optional but for the most part players can spend upwards of ten minutes between fights and while this isn’t much of an issue considering one of the highlights in Azur Lane: Crosswave is seeing these ship girls interact directly with one another, it does feel like these story segments could have been broken up a bit better to pace out the action more.

Gameplay

When not watching the various ship girls talking with one another or potentially facing down a Siren through conversation players will be spending the rest of their time on the ocean battling against a variety of mass produced war ships, airplanes, and even other ship girls at times. All battles in Azur Lane: Crosswave take place in the ocean where players can bring a party of three attacking ships and three assistant ships to take down a variety of foes that spawn in the area using a number of tools at their disposal that vary depending on the ships being used.

These tools will vary depending on the types of ships that the player is controlling with destroyers being able to use low damaging but constantly firing cannons as well as torpedos, light cruisers that have stronger cannons that require some reloading alongside torpedos, aircraft carriers capable of launching ship attacks, and even battleships that fire devastating attacks that require quite a bit of reloading though nearly every ship will also be equipped with anti-aircraft guns that automatically target incoming planes. Each of the ship girls also has two special skills that vary from character to character though generally they involve a lock-on cannon barrage/air-strike and then either a team buff or extra volley of cannon fire and these skills also recharge throughout combat.

It is worth noting that the three assistant ships that are part of the player’s party only provide back-up bonuses to the primary team through skills that either activate randomly or on timers with these bonuses ranging from boosting various stats for a short period of time to providing some repairs to the team. It is nice to see that fleet building in Azur Lane: Crosswave continues to take advantage of various team bonuses that are similar to those found in the mobile game as some ship girls gain additional bonuses when paired with one another.

That being said, nearly every battle in Azur Lane: Crosswave won’t require too much extra planning as they are designed to feature the same style of success as the mobile counterpart. To receive an “S” rank on a mission players must defeat all foes, not allow any of their party to sink, and complete it in under two minutes and every fight in Story Mode was easily able to be completed under these circumstances. This is rather unfortunate as these quickly finished fights can be a real delight but due to their nature they often end far too quickly considering how much story content often takes place between fights. That being said, there are some “Extreme” fights that can be fought outside of the story mode that do require some extra grinding and careful team composition but for the most part players will be able to bring their favorite ship girls into combat without worrying about failing as a consequence.

Those that do want to power up their characters, or add more to their roster, will find that Azur Lane: Crosswave allows for some fairly straightforward character building, New ship girls are built using “A Points” that are obtained after completing battles and it is possible to replay battles to earn extra points while more ship girls unlock for building by advancing the story. As for powering up these characters, it is done by acquiring gear either through item crates that spawn on the map or by purchasing them through either of the two shops in the game. Shiranui’s shop is simple and offers a wide variety of goods while Akashi’s shop is far more expensive and occasionally offers rare items in-between fights. This gear can then be powered up further using upgrade plates that vary depending on the item type. It is also interesting to note that the “Pledge” mechanic has also been carried over to allow for players to provide one final boost to a ship girl’s stats once their affection reaches the maximum limit.

Visuals & Audio

By taking advantage of the fact that the source material already has highly detailed character art the developers of Azur Lane: Crosswave were able to easily create some amazing looking visuals for the game’s lengthy visual novel segments, there are even some extra variants added in for some characters to provide a bit of extra detail to some scenes. Additionally a number of new pieces of CG artwork has been created to show off a few events and these are similarly high quality. The in-game 3D models for the ships that players can control are nicely detailed, especially some of the fancier ships such as Unicorn, Kaga, Akagi, and others and these details really stand out when players use the “Photo” gameplay mode that allows players to take three of their favorite characters and pose them in various ways. One thing that must be said about the design of the game is that the water that players battle on is absolutely gorgeous looking, something that is essential in any ship fighting game even if the ships this time around happen to be girls.

This release of Azur Lane: Crosswave features only the original Japanese voice work accompanied by English subtitles but players will be rather surprised at just how much of the game’s dialogue is actually voiced. Nearly every single line in the game’s story mode is voiced by the original Japanese voice actresses for the characters which is a nice touch to help keep players interested in longer scenes. It is a bit unfortunate however that voice clips that play while traveling on the map and during a battle are not subtitled however. As for the game’s soundtrack there are a number of decent sounding tunes that play alongside boss battles but for the most part the background music is rather forgettable.

Overall

Azur Lane: Crosswave is a solid fit for fans of the original mobile game and maybe even a decent enough starting point for those looking to get into the franchise as the game’s core combat is enjoyable, albeit a bit too easy and kept to far too small of a level and the storyline, while a bit rough around the edges and featuring scenes that are so long that, despite being enjoyable most of the time, can drag the pace of the game to a crawl, is solid in presentation and gives players plenty of time with their favorite characters, though mostly if they are from the Sakura Empire.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Dreams Review

Dustin Spencer

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February 24, 2020

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Dreams

Developer: Media Molecule
Publisher: Sony
Platform: PlayStation 4
Release Date: February 14, 2020
Price: $39.99 USD – Available Here

Overview

Why just create a great game, when you go further and have your audience use it to push their own imagination and creativity? Media Molecule have been cranking out these types of experiences for over a decade, and are now ready to dive into Dreams. Dreams acts as a creation suite where players can create and share their own games, all of which utilizing multiple engines and mechanics that are just as fun to play as they are to create. Is Dreams’ this generation’s answer to Little Big Planet, or is it a thought that is sure to be forgotten? Let’s find out.

Story

There is indeed a story to tell within Dreams. The whole game presents itself in kind of a naïve way, where we meet a little poof called an imp who acts as our cursor and guide to this fantasy universe. While the atmosphere is nice, the narrative that comes with the game Media Molecule built within Dreams is what is truly special. Art’s Dream is a fusion of multiple genres and features a protagonist of the same name who is out to reunite with his love and save his beloved dragon in the process.

It sounds a bit silly, but the whole narrative is actually quite dark and deals with deep themes such depression, regret, and insecurity in a very upfront manner, with a tale that feels good to progress through. There are so many likable characters as well, like a train conductor who bursts into song at random and little robots who are almost as endearing as the lovely environment they are allowed to explore. Most players will easily breeze through this little sampler title within two hours, but it does set a nice example of what can be created, while also giving Dreams its own definitive centerpiece – much like Sackboy was to Little Big Planet.

Gameplay

To speak of the gameplay in Dreams, you have to speak about two different elements. One would of course be the actual gameplay, and the other would be the actual creation tool within. For the gameplay, I am mainly going to reference Art’s Dream, as it again that was created to show off all of the offerings this experience has as a whole. Art goes from a noir-themed point and click, to a platformer, to a rhythm romp, to a visual novel, to a twin-stick shooter in just a short time, and thankfully – most works well.

I know it is a bit like nagging to bring up the “floaty” stylings of Little Big Planet that I didn’t care for, but when I first downloaded Dreams, my biggest fear was that it would feel like that. I didn’t really care for platforming in that game, and thankfully, everything feels far more weighted and enjoyable within Dreams. The platforming sections do not really have a lot of thought out processes, but they do just enough to feel satisfying. The player has the ability to add chaos to create an illusion of further depth, which really broadens the potential of what you can make or play. It isn’t just about platforming though, as you can also craft other genres, such as a wonky sports title, or a story heavy point and click. It is all about who built the experience and who plays it, for the most part.

I did have some slight frustration when dealing with tutorials when it came to world building, as the camera had issues following my precise movements – leading to a giant pink imp failing myself for a minor test. I also noticed some players kind of rush their little creations and either make vague, meaningless romps, or do not fully realize mechanics for a game that simply functions – without the bells and whistles. I could easily see a lot of ping-pong or walking simulators built here. Again, like LBP – this comes down to creator for the most part, so hopefully as this title ages, more creativity will come out.

Visuals

Visually, there is a lot to praise within Dreams. The game has a very eye-pleasing art style with dark, rich colors that set a specific atmosphere for the player. The hints and design choices add a lot of accessibility for the world creator as well, letting the player get full reign of every angle and perspective of their game. Animations kind of have that intentional stiffness for some characters and models, but with Media Molecule – this seems to be something included by choice to enhance personality of what may have been bland characters otherwise.

Audio

The music is fantastic within Dreams. Art’s Dream really shines with the soundtrack, as the jazzy tunes and original songs make it feel like you just landed a free ticket to an animated feature. There is a lot of character in the included music within, and you definitely can lean on that if you are having trouble creating that spark for your own experience. The sound effects also create a lot of atmosphere and help define moments for levels within, with little chimes and chirps that pop out and add layers to minor mechanics.

Overall

Dreams is a home run for Media Molecule. Art’s Dream, which is simply just a sampler platter within the game – could easily have released as a digital title and receive praise. Knowing that this is just the tip of the iceberg of what we will potentially see is really exciting, as it has been a while since we had such an accessible platform to create a fully realized experience. Sure, there are limitations, but those are up to the creator and the player, and those without any imagination will still have plenty to do with the hundreds of games already available to play.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

NETFLIX REVEALS TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTRON TRILOGY: SIEGE DETAILS AND TEASER TRAILER

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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February 23, 2020

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NETFLIX REVEALS TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTRON TRILOGY: SIEGE DETAILS AND TEASER TRAILER

CHAPTER ONE – ‘TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTRON TRILOGY: SIEGE’

LOS ANGELES, CA – Feb. 22, 2020 – Netflix and Hasbro, Inc., in partnership with Rooster Teeth, today released the first teaser trailer for Chapter One of the highly anticipated TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTRON TRILOGY, premiering on Netflix. The Series raises the stakes of the Autobot and Decepticon war with Chapter One having six, twenty-two minute episodes, complete with a new animation look and style that presents the TRANSFORMERS bots like you’ve never seen them before. The TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTRON TRILOGY plunges us deep into events that live at the heart of this legendary franchise, with SIEGE shining a spotlight on a critical timeframe in TRANSFORMERS history on Cybertron.

TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTRON TRILOGY: SIEGE begins in the final hours of the devastating civil war between the Autobots and Decepticons. The war that has torn apart their home planet of Cybertron is at a tipping point. Two leaders, Optimus Prime and Megatron, both want to save their world and unify their people, but only on their own terms. In an attempt to end the conflict, Megatron is forced to consider using the Allspark, the source of all life and power on Cybertron, to “reformat” the Autobots, thus “unifying” Cybertron. Outnumbered, outgunned, and under SIEGE, the battle-weary Autobots orchestrate a desperate series of counterstrikes on a mission that, if everything somehow goes right, will end with an unthinkable choice: kill their planet in order to save it.

Rooster Teeth (RWBY, gen:LOCK) is producing the original series for Netflix, and Polygon Pictures (Godzilla, Knights of Sidonia) is serving as the animation studio. TRANSFORMERS veteran F.J. DeSanto (Transformers: Titans Return, Transformers: Power of the Primes) is serving as showrunner on the series with several contributing writers, including George Krstic (Megas XLR), Gavin Hignight (Transformers: Cyberverse), and Brandon Easton (Agent Carter, Transformers: Rescue Bots).

“We’re thrilled to be working with Rooster Teeth, Netflix and Hasbro to bring this fan-oriented MORE THAN MEETS THE EYE story to life,” said Shuzo John Shiota, Polygon Pictures Inc. (PPI) President and CEO. “The TRANSFORMERS universe has so many rich characters and engaging stories. Getting the opportunity to be part of the team bringing the robots in disguise to life in this new trilogy is unbelievable.”

“The TRANSFORMERS brand is a global phenomenon with toys, consumer products, films, television shows, and literature, resonating with millions of passionate fans around the world,” said Tom Warner, Senior Vice President for the TRANSFORMERS franchise for Hasbro. “This brand new Netflix series will add to the incredible slate of TRANSFORMERS offerings with a truly unique story that will delight both existing fans and those being introduced to the wonder of robots in disguise.”

“TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTRON TRILOGY marks the inaugural production for our Rooster Teeth Studios division and we’re proud to be partnering with and entrusted by Hasbro and Netflix,” said Matt Hullum, Rooster Teeth co-founder and Chief Content Officer. “As fans of these characters, it’s been a joy bringing our storytelling and animation expertise to this project. This teaser trailer is just a taste of what’s to come in this series, and we can’t wait to see what the fans think, especially our Rooster Teeth community!”

The Series voice talent cast includes Jake Foushee (Optimus Prime), Jason Marnocha (Megatron), Linsay Rousseau (Elita-1), Joe Zieja (Bumblebee), Frank Todaro (Starscream), Rafael Goldstein (Ratchet), Keith Silverstein (Jetfire), Todd Haberkorn (Shockwave, Red Alert), Edward Bosco (Ultra Magnus, Soundwave), Bill Rogers (Wheeljack), Sophia Isabella (Arcee), Brook Chalmers (Impactor), Shawn Hawkins (Mirage), Kaiser Johnson (Ironhide), Miles Luna (Teletraan I, Cliffjumper) and Mark Whitten (Sideswipe, Skywarp).

More details regarding Chapter Two, TRANSFORMERS: WAR FOR CYBERTRON TRILOGY: EARTHRISE and Chapter Three coming soon.

About Hasbro

Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS) is a global play and entertainment company committed to Creating the World’s Best Play and Entertainment Experiences. From toys, games and consumer products to television, movies, digital gaming, live action, music, and virtual reality experiences, Hasbro connects to global audiences by bringing to life great innovations, stories and brands across established and inventive platforms. Hasbro’s iconic brands include NERF, MAGIC THE GATHERING, MY LITTLE PONY, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH, MONOPOLY, BABY ALIVE, POWER RANGERS, PEPPA PIG and PJ MASKS as well as premier partner brands. Through its global entertainment studio eOne, as well as its entertainment labels, Allspark Pictures and Allspark Animation, Hasbro is building its brands globally through great storytelling and content on all screens. Hasbro is committed to making the world a better place for children and their families through corporate social responsibility and philanthropy. Hasbro ranked No. 13 on the 2019 100 Best Corporate Citizens list by CR Magazine, and has been named one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies® by Ethisphere Institute for the past eight years. Learn more at www.hasbro.com, and follow us on Twitter (@Hasbro) and Instagram (@Hasbro).

About Netflix

Netflix is the world’s leading streaming entertainment service with over 167 million paid memberships in over 190 countries enjoying TV series, documentaries and feature films across a wide variety of genres and languages. Members can watch as much as they want, anytime, anywhere, on any internet-connected screen. Members can play, pause and resume watching, all without commercials or commitments.

About Rooster Teeth

Rooster Teeth is a pioneering media and entertainment company responsible for some of the biggest online series in history, such as the award-winning and longest-running web series, Red vs. Blue. They also produce the globally acclaimed animated series RWBY, the first western anime series to be distributed in Japan; the award-winning Rooster Teeth Podcast; and Immersion, a reality format that brings video game theory to the real world. Rooster Teeth has a massive global footprint of more than 45 million subscribers to its YouTube Network, 5 million unique monthly visitors to its RoosterTeeth.com hub and 3 million registered community members. The company was founded in 2003, and is a subsidiary of Otter Media, a WarnerMedia company. Discover more at RoosterTeeth.com.

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Dungeon Defenders: Awakened Summons RPG Action Today on Steam Early Access

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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February 23, 2020

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Dungeon Defenders: Awakened Summons RPG Action Today on Steam Early Access

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – 22 Feb. 2020 – Dungeon Defenders: Awakened, the epic return of Chromatic Games’ multimillion-selling co-op tower defense action RPG series, is now available via Steam Early Access. This “0.9” version incorporates fan feedback from a successful closed beta ahead of its full Windows PC and Nintendo Switch release in Q2 2020.

Embark on a new, time-traveling adventure to rescue Etheria from the malevolent Old Ones, battling across new levels and reimagined fan favorites from the original Dungeon Defenders. Take up arms as one of four unique heroes and unleash their bespoke offensive and defensive abilities against the evil hordes who seek to wrest control of the kingdom’s Eternia Crystals.

Team up and strategize with other Defenders in the Build Phase, preparing for an action-packed onslaught of orcs, dark elves, goblins, and fearsome bosses. Place defensive fortifications in the enemy’s path to halt their progress and pummel them with ballistic towers to thin their ranks. Then turn the tide of battle in combat, unleashing powerful spells and attacks.

Etheria’s heroes will acquire new loot for prevailing over the Old Ones’ minions between rounds. Reaping the spoils of war allows players to collect and equip new weapons, gear, trusty pet companions, and other treasures to help them tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

Dungeon Defenders: Awakened debuts on Steam Early Access with 12 maps, four difficulty settings, four playable characters, 12 pets, additional game modes, and more! Throughout Early Access, Chromatic Games will unleash fresh content updates each month, including even more game modes, bosses, vendors, more animal companions, and other surprises to amaze even the most seasoned Defenders.

“We’re excited to begin sharing Dungeon Defenders: Awakened with the world today on Steam Early Access,” said Augi Lye, CEO, Chromatic Games. “We can’t wait to continue engaging with our awesome community and implement their feedback over the next couple of months as we continue to refine Awakened and make it the greatest Dungeon Defenders experience possible for the 1.0 release for Nintendo Switch and PC in Q2 2020.”

Dungeon Defenders: Awakened is now available on Steam Early Access. Dungeon Defenders: Awakened will launch on PC and Nintendo Switch in Q2 2020 with cross-save functionality followed by PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and the first free DLC in Q3 2020.

For more information about Dungeon Defenders: Awakened, please visit the official website, follow the development team on Twitter and Facebook, and join the community on Discord.

About Chromatic Games

Chromatic Games is a new independent game studio based in Gainesville, Florida comprised of key original Dungeon Defenders developers, industry veterans, and fresh talent. Dedicated to forging player-first experiences in a fun, supportive environment, the team aims to revisit its roots with a rejuvenated mindset, building this beloved franchise up to reach new heights.

To learn more about Chromatic Games, please visit the studio’s website.

NEW BATTLE ROYALE-MOBA-RPG HYBRID HUNTER’S ARENA: LEGENDS BEGINS CLOSED BETA TESTING TODAY

Press Releases

Philip Federico

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February 23, 2020

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NEW BATTLE ROYALE-MOBA-RPG HYBRID HUNTER’S ARENA: LEGENDS BEGINS CLOSED BETA TESTING TODAY

30,000 players from around the world set to be first to block, attack, stun and counter their way through beautifully-rendered worlds

SEOUL – Feb. 21, 2020 – From now until Sunday, Feb. 23, pre-approved players from select regions will be battling it out or banding together in Hunter’s Arena: Legends, the highly-anticipated battle royale, MOBA and Action RPG hybrid from breakout development studio Mantisco. Earlier this month, countless players around the world signed up for the chance to experience strategic and ruthless combat that has been further streamlined since the alpha test late last year.

Although sign-ups are now closed, Community members can tune in during the Closed Best Test period to check out more than 1,000 popular streamers and content creators such as Grimmmz, LilyPichu and A_Seagull playing Hunter’s Arena: Legends.

The Hunter’s Arena: Legends closed beta test is happening at the following times:

America: Now until Sunday, Feb. 23 from 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. (GMT -7)
Europe: Now until Sunday, Feb. 23 from 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. (GMT +1)
Asia: Now until Sunday, Feb. 23 from 6 p.m. to 12 p.m. (GMT +9)

Players can also check out the official new Hunter’s Arena: Legends guide here, which contains the latest info and updates implemented over the past few months.

Since the Alpha Test period in October 2019, the Hunter’s Arena: Legends team has continually revamped the gameplay and battle mechanics to reflect user feedback. Today, Mantisco reveals new details about the game’s unique history and genre-bending features, including:

The World of Hunter’s Arena – Following the Chinese classic novel The Creation of Gods, demons were sealed into tombs after a great battle. Now, as Demon Tombs are mysteriously being opened, Hunter’s grow suspicious of one another as they must fight back against the freed spirits
Unprecedented Combat – Similar to popular fighting games, players can call upon game mechanics such as attack, block, counter and short stun to combat enemies. Players can also create diverse strategies by combining maneuvers
Diverse Characters – During the Closed Beta, players can wield 10 characters including the new additions Sum Jung and Geonhong, each equipped with unique attack ranges, skills and attributes
Battle Royale – Out of the 60 players who enter the area, there can be only one survivor. Players can go head to head or hunt the thousands of increasingly powerful monsters for valuable items and Experience to level up their characters
Strategic World – The gorgeous battle arena offers a myriad of terrains that allow for multiple combat strategies from sneak attacks to aerial and high ground maneuvers to take down the competition.

In Hunter’s Arena: Legends,magical yet dark landscapes beckon combatants into an enchanted realm where 60 players enter and only one leaves. From snowy mountains to dense forest to dangerous lava fields, detailed and semi-realistic terrain impacts how players do battle. Special dungeon areas allow players the choice to work together to fight boss monsters for powerful rewards.

More information about Hunter’s Arena: Legends can be found at:

ABOUT MANTISCO

Mantisco is an independent game studio based in Seoul, Korea. The team is composed of industry veterans that worked on such games as Street Fighter 3, Yu-Gi-Oh!, Lineage 2, Counter-Strike Online, Blade & Soul and more.

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Focus Home Interactive & Lightbulb Crew’s Othercide Coming This Summer

Press Releases

Philip Federico

-

February 23, 2020

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Focus Home Interactive & Lightbulb Crew’s Othercide Coming This Summer

Fight, fall and rise again in this horror-inspired tactical RPG for PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC

PARIS – Feb. 21, 2020 – Focus Home Interactive and Lightbulb Crew have revealed that the gothic tactical RPG Othercide will come to PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC this summer. Othercide marries the dark art design and world-building of the horror genre with the deep systems and challenges of a strategy game for a truly gripping experience.

Combat in Othercide is a spectacular dance of actions and counters built around a dynamic turn system. Command an army of Daughters, haunting echoes of the greatest warrior to ever live, in deadly battles against horrific dread creatures and bosses birthed from the worst of humanity’s crimes. Interrupt enemy attacks while planning and setting up your own chain of actions later in the timeline to perform devastating assaults on your foes.

Othercide’s visually stunning universe is ruthless: you’ll face deadly missions, roguelite features like limited resources and permadeath, and the difficult decision to sacrifice one Daughter to make another stronger. Your prowess in combat will decide the fate of your Daughters, shaping their stats, abilities and personalities for better or worse, evolving over time into a reflection of your actions.

Othercide will be showcased at PAX East at the Focus Home Interactive booth (#29017) from February 27 to March 1. For more information on the game, check out https://www.othercidegame.com.