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New Animal Crossing and Luigi’s Mansion Announced at Nintendo Direct

The latest Nintendo Direct presentation contained some surprise announcements for Switch owners. A new mainline Animal Crossing title is being developed. Not too many details are being shared at this time, but we can expect the game to launch in 2019. As an added bonus, Isabelle from Animal Crossing will be joining the roster for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.

Luigi’s Mansion 3 is also in development. Much like the new Animal Crossing, details are scarce. Luigi’s Mansion 3 is also slated for a 2019 release.

While not a first party Nintendo title, Game Freak of Pokémon fame announced their next game will be TOWN. This RPG will see players controlling a village under attack by invading monsters. TOWN is scheduled for a 2019 release on Switch.

Nintendo Switch will be seeing several ports from a variety of genres. Katamari Damacy REROLL, Cities: SkylinesWarframeDiablo III, Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, and several Final Fantasy titles headline the huge number of ports coming to the Switch in the coming months.

If you missed the latest Nintendo Direct, you can still catch the entire presentation at Nintendo’s website.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider Launches on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows

Shadow of the Tomb Raider is now out on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows via Steam. The game costs $69.99 USD or $99.95 AUD.

The third entry to the rebooted Tomb Raider franchise takes Lara Croft to Paititi, an old Mayan city that has managed to fly under the radar of the modern world, in search for a relic linked to her father. The area is full of tombs for Lara to explore, but this isn’t a normal archaeological expedition. The shadowy paramilitary organization Trinity are in the jungles looking for the relic to trigger the Mayan apocalypse. Developers Eidos-Montreal promise Shadow of the Tomb Raider will see Lara Croft blooming into the tomb raider we know and love.

Shadow of the Tomb Raider offers several improvements over previous titles. The underwater mechanics and stealth gameplay have been revised and improved. As a response to fan requests, Shadow of the Tomb Raider is also amping up the difficulty level in tombs, encouraging players to experiment and find their own ways through.

The Messenger Review

The Messenger

Developer: Sabotage
Publisher: Devolver Digital
Platform: Switch, Windows (Reviewed)
Release Date: 30 August 2018
Price: $19.99 USD – Available Here

Video Review

Overview

The Messenger is a love letter to 8-bit and 16-bit games like Ninja Gaiden and Metroidvania titles. The game has pulled in several awards at the Ubisoft Indie Series and the Montreal Independent Games Festival. Developed by Quebec City, Canada-based developers Sabotage, The Messenger features two distinct visual styles, character upgrades, a comedic plot, and a chiptune soundtrack by Rainbowdragoneyes.

Story

Our protagonist is likely the biggest slacker in a clan of ninjas. He rarely shows up to training sessions and harbours doubts about the existence of the prophesized hero from the west. Much to the shock of his teachers, the hero of the west chooses our protagonist to be the messenger who will carry the scroll that will save the clan.

The Messenger is actually more comedy than drama. It isn’t the most gripping story, but its light-hearted nature is a great counterpoint to The Messenger’s challenging gameplay. The writers pay tribute to famed retro platformers, break the fourth wall, and generally have a lot of fun with the platformer genre. There are moments where the humour is a little random, but it’s generally good enough to elicit a smile at bare minimum.

Gameplay

The Messenger does an excellent job channeling the retro platformers that inspired the game. Controls and level design are almost spot on. The controls are incredibly responsive. Skilled players will be able to chain together some YouTube worthy moves to rocket through levels due to the smooth controls. The only downside is the game is designed almost exclusively for use with a controller, as the mouse and keyboard seem to be an afterthought. There are no options available for adjusting keybinds, let alone a list of what each key actually does.

The level design is excellent. The Messenger starts out as a pretty simple 8-bit platformer, but the game becomes increasingly complex as new equipment and mechanics for maneuvering around the levels are introduced. Sabotage does an excellent job of catering to players of all skill levels. There are plenty of side paths, secret areas, and shortcuts with more difficult layouts to test the skill of veteran platformers. At the same time, there is usually an easier path for newbies that will skip a bit of currency or take a little longer to complete.

The boss fights are well made. The fights offer some interesting mechanics, and many have more than one way to attack weak spots. The Messenger offers a good amount of variation in these fights, ranging from large scale set pieces to high mobility brawls with fast moving bosses. Some boss fight intros need to be shortened though. While retrying bosses after death will skip over any conversation, many bosses have a long introductory animation that gets frustrating after watching it for the twentieth time.

The character upgrade system isn’t the deepest, but it provides a few new abilities that makes the game significantly easier. There’s plenty of room for the truly masochistic to attempt to beat the game without any upgrades. I like how The Messenger handles currency and death. Upon returning to the last checkpoint, the level repopulates all the currency, but players will lose a set number of currency as punishment for dying. The penalty is generally lower than the amount of currency that respawns, meaning struggling players will eventually get a leg up. The character upgrades are capped; however, making the overall learning curve a slow, consistent trend upwards.

Visuals

The Messenger offers two visual styles, one replicating the 8-bit era and the other 16-bit. The artists have done a fantastic job as the styles are pretty much spot on. The transition between 8-bit and 16-bit is handled well. It’s cool to see how different, yet similar the game looks using 8-bit and 16-bit graphics. The sprites are animated well. While the enemies feel more like riffs on classic designs, The Messenger offers visually interesting bosses.

Audio

The Messenger’s audio experience is excellent. The sound effects are perfect replicas of 8-bit and 16-bit sound effects. The chiptune soundtrack from Rainbowdragoneyes is amazing. While the music is heavily influenced by modern dance music versus old school game soundtracks, the music serves as the perfect accompaniment to The Messenger’s slick gameplay and daredevil acrobatics. I’m happy to see the soundtrack has been made available for purchase, because it’s worth a buy on its own for game music fans.

Overall

The Messenger is a fantastic platformer. The well-crafted levels, tight controls, and excellent presentation comes together to form a satisfying package. As a gamer who is notoriously awful at platformers, I found myself drawn to The Messenger in the same masochistic way gamers have been playing Dark Souls­-type games for the last several years. Even more skilled players will still be able to tune the game to give themselves the sort of challenge they crave. While the game’s mouse and keyboard controls fall short, it’s totally worth plugging in a controller and enjoying The Messenger.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

DIABLO® III ETERNAL COLLECTION™ INVADES NINTENDO SWITCH ON 2 NOVEMBER

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DIABLO® III ETERNAL COLLECTION INVADES NINTENDO SWITCH ON 2 NOVEMBER

Digital pre-orders are open for the definitive edition of Blizzard Entertainment’s genre-defining action RPG, which includes the Reaper of Souls® expansion, the Rise of the Necromancer™ pack, and more

SYDNEY, Australia—14 September, 2018—Heed the prophecies, heroes—the newest front in the battle for the fate of Sanctuary will soon open! Diablo III Eternal Collection, the definitive version of Blizzard Entertainment’s acclaimed action RPG, arrives for Nintendo Switch™ on 2 November AEDT/NZDT, giving a whole new generation of gamers the opportunity to face down the horrors of the Burning Hells. Eager adventurers can secure their digital pre-orders starting today through the Nintendo eShop for Nintendo Switch.

Endlessly playable and continually evolving, Diablo III provides a lifetime of challenge and adventure, and the Eternal Collection includes the multitude of features, refinements, and updates that have been added to the game to date. On top of fighting through an epic story campaign that spans the High Heavens, the Burning Hells, and beyond, players can earn bountiful rewards in Adventure Mode, a never-ending onslaught of activity with constantly shifting objectives across all of the game’s locales. Diablo III Eternal Collection also includes Seasons, a recurring game mode that encourages players to create fresh characters, earn exclusive Seasonal rewards, and crush hordes of demons to earn spots on their region’s leaderboards.

“The gates of Hell will soon be opening once again, and we couldn’t be more excited to have Nintendo Switch players joining the battle,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “Whether they’re bravely diving in alone or teaming up with friends, Sanctuary’s newest heroes are in store for endless adventuring—and endless loot—when Diablo III Eternal Collection launches on 2 November.”

Diablo III Eternal Collection has been forged to take advantage of the Nintendo Switch System’s flexibility and versatility, whether players are using the Joy-Con controller or a Pro Controller. And true to Diablo’s spirit, players will have a wealth of options when it comes to cleansing Sanctuary cooperatively—parties of up to four can play together, either by sharing a screen on a single Nintendo Switch, linking their consoles together wirelessly, or connecting through the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service.

Diablo III is the fastest-selling PC game of all time.* The Reaper of Souls expansion introduced the mighty Crusader class, the infinitely-replayable Adventure Mode, and a host of other game-defining features, like the random loot-filled Nephalem Rift dungeons. In 2017, Rise of the Necromancer resurrected the fan-favourite Necromancer class from Diablo II, bolstering players’ forces with the gruesome powers of blood and bone. All of this is included in Diablo III Eternal Edition for the Nintendo Switch, on top of platform-exclusive bonus items, like Ganondorf’s cosmetic armour set, inspired by the iconic villain from The Legend of Zelda series.

Diablo III Eternal Collection for Nintendo Switch will be available on 2 November at retail stores everywhere and digitally through the Nintendo eShop at RRP $89.95 AUD / $109.99 NZD. For more information, visit https://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/diablo-3-switch. For screenshots, video, and other media, visit the Blizzard Entertainment press site at https://blizzard.gamespress.com/Diablo-III.

UBISOFT® REVEALS DETAILS FOR ASSASSIN’S CREED® ODYSSEY POST-LAUNCH PLAN

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UBISOFT® REVEALS DETAILS FOR ASSASSIN’S CREED® ODYSSEY POST-LAUNCH PLAN

Largest Assassin’s Creed Live Content Plan Unveiled, Including Season Pass Content with Two New Episodic Major Story Arcs and Assassin’s Creed® III Remastered       

Sydney, Australia — September 14, 2018 — Today, Ubisoft announced the Assassin’s Creed® Odyssey post launch plan including a Season Pass with two major, episodic pieces of narratively driven gameplay and Assassin’s Creed® III Remastered. Additionally, all Assassin’s Creed Odyssey players will have access to free content including the story-focused and episodic Lost Tales of Greece as well as daily and weekly in-game events.

The Assassin’s Creed Odyssey live roadmap plan is the biggest and most ambitious in the franchise, giving players more story content than ever in a brand new, episodic format, for the two story arcs included in the Season Pass. Players will be able to dive into new episodes as they premiere, or experience the epic adventures in their entirety once all episodes are available. Keeping in tone with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, accessing this new content will be all about player choice.

The Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Season Pass includes:

Story Arc 1 – Legacy of the First Blade: This episodic adventure will introduce players to the first hero to wield the iconic hidden blade, changing the course of history. Players will learn more about the backstory of the Assassins and why they choose to fight from the shadows. Starting December 2018, episodes will be released approximately six weeks apart.

  • Story Arc II – The Fate of Atlantis: In the second story arc, players will confront godly creatures and uncover the secrets of the legendary sunken city. In a surprising saga filled with twists and turns, players will get even closer to Greek mythology and the First Civilization. Coming autumn 2019, episodes will be released approximately six weeks apart.
  • Assassin’s Creed III Remastered: Ignite the American Revolution as Connor, the master assassin born of the beauty and the brutality of 18th century America. As a bloody revolution draws ever nearer, your clan is threatened by a powerful group seeking to crush the American Revolution and control the thirteen colonies. Shocked into action by the devastation of your village, you pledge your life to the cause of freedom, and embark on a decades-long quest to achieve it. Assassin’s Creed III Remastered will be released in March 2019 and will include :
    • All the DLCs: Benedict Arnold Missions, Hidden Secrets Pack and Tyranny of King George.
    • Assassin’s Creed® Liberation Remastered.

The Remastered editions will feature 4K and & HDR on PS4™ Pro, Xbox One X and PC, higher resolution textures, new graphics engine, and several more other graphical enhancements. Gameplay mechanics and ergonomics have also been improved. Assassin’s Creed III Remastered will be sold as a stand-alone title for players who do not own the Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Season Pass.

In addition, an extensive line-up of free content including new narrative content and in-game events will be available for all players after launch, including:

  • The Lost Tales of Greece: Free episodic questlines will release regularly in-between episodes, providing a constant flow of new stories for players to discover. These quests will feature familiar faces and new characters from the world of Assassin’s Creed Odyssey.
  • Recurring In-Game Events: Each week a new epic ship or mercenary will appear, presenting players with challenging battles as they hunt down these powerful enemies. Daily and weekly contracts will send players on new quests across Greece.
  • Discovery Tour: The educational tool that lets anyone explore the game in a conflict-free environment, will be available for Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. Players can traverse the entire interactive 3D recreation of Ancient Greece, free of conflict, time pressure or gameplay constraints, after launch.
  • Many more updates, including new monstrous and mythical creatures to defy and a New Game Plus mode presenting new challenges and the ability to see how different choices affect players’ stories.

There will be more to come as the Assassin’s Creed Odyssey development team is committed to support the game and continued improvement of the core experience with additional content, yet to be revealed. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey will be released worldwide on October 5, 2018. Gold, Collectors and Ultimate Editions owners will have access to the game three days early, starting October 2.

For more information about Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, please visit: assassinscreed.com.

ABOUT ASSASSIN’S CREED ODYSSEY
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey is an ambitious role-playing game that places choice at the center of the experience. The action takes place in Ancient Greece, a world rich with myths and legend, in fifth century BC during the Peloponnesian War between Sparta and Athens. Embodying Kassandra or Alexios, a mercenary of Spartan blood sentenced to death by their family, players will embark on an epic journey from a young outcast to a legendary hero and uncover the truth about their mysterious First Civilization lineage.

ABOUT UBISOFT
Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Tom Clancy’s video game series, Rayman, Far Cry and Watch Dogs. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. For the 2017-18 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,732 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoft.com.

© 2018 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Assassin’s Creed, Ubisoft, and the Ubisoft logo are registered or unregistered trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the US and/or other countries.

2K Announces Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI For Nintendo Switch

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2K Announces Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI For Nintendo Switch

The full Civilization VI experience comes to a home console for the first time Join the conversation on Twitter using the hashtag #OneMoreTurn

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – September 14, 2018 2K and Firaxis Games has announced that Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI, winner of The Game Awards’ Best Strategy Game, DICE Awards’ Best Strategy Game and latest entry in the prestigious Civilization franchise, is coming to Nintendo Switch™ on November 16, 2018. Additionally, 2K and Firaxis Games have partnered with Aspyr Media to bring Civilization VI to Nintendo Switch and ensure the experience meets the same high standards of the beloved series.

Originally created by legendary game designer, Sid Meier, Civilization is a turn-based strategy game in which you build an empire to stand the test of time. Explore a new land, research technology, conquer your enemies, and go head-to-head with history’s most renowned leaders as you attempt to build the greatest civilization the world has ever known.

And now on Nintendo Switch, the quest to victory in Civilization VI can take place wherever and whenever players want.

Key features for Sid Meier’s Civilization VI on Nintendo Switch include:

  • PLAY YOUR WAY: The path to victory is the one you determine. Become the most scientifically advanced civilization, dominate through sheer military power, or become the foremost destination for the cultural arts.
  • THE WORLD’S GREATEST LEADERS: Play as one of 24 different leaders from various countries around the world and throughout history. Build an empire of lucrative trade routes with Cleopatra of Egypt, flex the military might of your legions with Trajan of Rome, or develop a powerhouse of culture with Hojo Tokimune of Japan. Each of the leaders can be played any way you prefer, with unique abilities, units, and infrastructure in their quest for victory.
  • EXPANSIVE EMPIRES: See the marvels of your empire spread across the map. Settle in uncharted lands, improve your surroundings, build new districts, and see your cities – and your civilization – prosper.
  • ACTIVE RESEARCH: Unlock boosts that speed your civilization’s progress through history. To advance more quickly, use your units to actively explore, develop your environment, and discover new cultures.
  • DYNAMIC DIPLOMACY: Interactions with other civilizations change over the course of the game, from primitive first interactions where conflict is a fact of life, to late game alliances and negotiations.
  • EXCITING AND UNIQUE SCENARIOS: Civilization VI for Nintendo Switch includes four playable scenarios, each with a different setting and style of gameplay inspired by history.  Be part of the colonization of Australia in “Outback Tycoon,” defend Poland from invaders in “Jadwiga’s Legacy”, choose a Viking leader to plunder Europe in “Vikings, Raiders, and Traders!”, or conquer the known world in the “Conquests of Alexander.”
  • COOPERATIVE AND COMPETITIVE MULTIPLAYER: Up to 4 players can cooperate or compete for supremacy via a wireless LAN.

Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI will be available on Nintendo Switch on November 16, 2018.  Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is rated PG and is available now on Windows PC. Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI is also available on iPad, Mac and Linux from Aspyr Media.

For more information on Sid Meier’s Civilization® VI, visit www.civilization.com, become a fan on Facebook, follow Civilization on Twitter and Instagram and subscribe on YouTube.

Firaxis Games is a 2K studio. 2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software
Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. The Company develops and publishes products principally through its wholly-owned labels Rockstar Games and 2K, as well as its new Private Division label and Social Point, a leading developer of mobile games.  Our products are designed for console systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services.  The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO.  For more corporate and product information please visit our website at http://www.take2games.com.

 About 2K
Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment globally for console systems, handheld gaming systems and personal computers, including smartphones and tablets, which are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms and cloud streaming services. 2K publishes titles in today’s most popular gaming genres, including shooters, action, role-playing, strategy, sports, casual, and family entertainment. The 2K label has some of the most talented development studios in the world today, including Firaxis Games, Visual Concepts, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games and 2K China. 2K’s stable of high quality titles includes the critically acclaimed BioShock®, Borderlands™, Mafia, and XCOM® franchises, the beloved Sid Meier’s Civilization series, Evolve™, Battleborn®, the popular WWE 2K franchise and NBA 2K, the highest rated* annual sports title of this console generation.

*According to 2008 – 2018 Metacritic.com

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo.

About Firaxis Games
Firaxis Games™ is one of the world’s premier game development studios, and home of legendary designer Sid Meier. Firaxis has developed some of the most successful and award-winning PC and video games on the market today, including the award-winning Sid Meier’s Civilization® series, featuring Sid Meier’s Civilization VI, for Windows PC, the expansion pack Sid Meier’s Civilization VI: Rise and Fall, for Windows PC, , Sid Meier’s Civilization V for Windows PC, as well as the critically acclaimed expansion packs, Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Brave New World and Sid Meier’s Civilization V: Gods and Kings for Windows PC. Firaxis also released the 2012 Game of the Year award-winning XCOM®: Enemy Unknown for Windows PC, the Xbox 360® video game and entertainment system from Microsoft, PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system, and Apple iOS, along with the critically acclaimed sequel XCOM 2 and the expansion pack XCOM 2: War of the Chosen for Windows PC, the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One. Firaxis Games is owned by Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc., and is part of its 2K publishing label. For more information about Firaxis and its games can be found at www.firaxis.com.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
The statements contained herein which are not historical facts are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “will,” or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for the Company’s future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including: our dependence on key management and product development personnel, our dependence on our Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles, the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games, the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games, and risks associated with international operations. Other important factors and information are contained in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the risks summarized in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” the Company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the Company’s other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

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NEW GAMES IN THE ANIMAL CROSSING AND LUIGI’S MANSION SERIES COMING TO NINTENDO SWITCH

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NEW GAMES IN THE ANIMAL CROSSING AND LUIGI’S MANSION SERIES COMING TO NINTENDO SWITCH

Isabelle from the Animal Crossing Series will also be a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate

14th September, 2018 – In a new Nintendo Direct video presentation, Nintendo revealed that new games in two major Nintendo series are currently in development for the Nintendo Switch console. Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch (working title), a new main game in the Animal Crossing series, and Luigi’s Mansion 3 (working title), will both come exclusively to Nintendo Switch in 2019. The video presentation also debuted a new Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch hardware bundle. To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit the Nintendo Direct website.

The Nintendo Direct presentation revealed a diverse line-up of games headed to Nintendo Switch, including a massive collection of classic FINAL FANTASY games, an HD remake of the beloved Katamari Damacy, and adaptations of some best-selling card and board games like Carcassonne and Pandemic.

If that’s not already enough, the Nintendo Direct also unveiled other details for the paid Nintendo Switch Online membership service which starts on 19th September, highlighted a selection of Nintendo 3DS games and revealed more details about previously announced Nintendo Switch games like Yoshi’s Crafted World, DAEMON X MACHINA and Mega Man 11.

Some of the highlights revealed in the video include:

Nintendo Switch

  • Animal Crossing for Nintendo Switch (working title): A new mainline game in the Animal Crossing series – the first since Animal Crossing: New Leaf debuted on Nintendo 3DS in 2013 – is slated for a 2019 release exclusively for Nintendo Switch.
  • Isabelle Joins the Fight!: Taking a break from assisting mayors and just being an all-around lovely pup, Isabelle from the Animal Crossing series is joining the roster as a playable fighter in Super Smash Bros. Ultimate.
  • Luigi’s Mansion 3 (working title): The next instalment in the spooky series is currently in production, and will launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch in 2019.
  • Nintendo Switch Online: With Nintendo Switch Online, members gain access to online play, and Save Data Cloud backup in compatible games, the NES – Nintendo Switch Online growing library of classic games with added online play, special offers and a smartphone app with features to make online gaming sessions more fun and engaging for supported games. In addition to Splatoon 2, more online games will support voice chat through the app, including Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, ARMS and Mario Tennis Aces. Nintendo Switch owners won’t automatically become members when the service launches on 19th September, so they will need to purchase an individual or family membership in order to keep enjoying online play in compatible games. For more information about the service, visit https://www.nintendo.com.au/switch-online. A free seven-day trial will also be available. At launch, 20 NES games, including Super Mario Bros. 3, The Legend of Zelda and the newly announced Pro Wrestling – available for the first time since its 1987 release – and Ice Hockey will be available to play, with more games added regularly.
  • Nintendo Entertainment System Controllers: Playing Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Switch Online will feel even more authentic by using the new, wireless Nintendo Entertainment System Controller, available for purchase exclusively for paid Nintendo Switch Online members. This re-creation of the original, iconic NES controller comes in a pack of two for AU$79.95 and can be charged by attaching to a docked Nintendo Switch console. NES Controllers will be available for pre-order from 19th September. For more details, visit https://www.nintendo.com.au/switch-online.
  • New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe: Up to four players can enjoy this revamped version of the classic Wii U launch game when it comes to Nintendo Switch on 11th January 2019. Mario, Luigi and Toad return as playable characters, and are joined by Nabbit and Toadette, who can transform into new character Peachette by grabbing a Super Crown, offering new ways for beginners to play together with friends and family. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe will also include New Super Luigi U, the first platformer with Luigi in a starring role, at no extra charge. Between both games, there are a whopping 164 courses to play.
  • Yoshi’s Crafted World: Play as an adorable Yoshi travelling through a world crafted from household items like boxes and paper cups in this new Nintendo Switch platforming adventure. After traveling through a stage, players can start at the goal and journey back to the start on the “flip side,” the rear side of the course, to discover new secrets. Yoshi’s Crafted World launches on Nintendo Switch in autumn 2019.
  • Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate edition: This upcoming Nintendo Switch bundle features the Nintendo Switch console – complete with Super Smash Bros. Ultimate branded Joy-Con controllers and dock – and a download code for Super Smash Bros. Ultimate with a suggested retail price of AU$549.95. The Nintendo Switch Super Smash Bros. Ultimate edition launches on 9th November. (The download code for the game won’t be active until the game launches on 7th December.)
  • FINAL FANTASY Extravaganza!: High-definition versions of some of the most beloved FINAL FANTASY games of all time are coming to Nintendo Switch. This includes FINAL FANTASY VII, FINAL FANTASY XII: The Zodiac Age, FINAL FANTASY IX, FINAL FANTASY X and FINAL FANTASY X-2. This is the first time any of these FINAL FANTASY games have been released on a Nintendo console. Starting today, FINAL FANTASY XV Pocket Edition HD will soon be available to download in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch and three other games in the FINAL FANTASY universe will launch on Nintendo Switch in the near future: The levelled-up edition of WORLD OF FINAL FANTASY MAXIMA launches on 6th November, Chocobo’s Mystery Dungeon EVERY BUDDY! launches this summer, and Nintendo GameCube co-op game FINAL FANTASY: CRYSTAL CHRONICLES Remastered Edition with online multiplayer and no need for a link cable comes to Nintendo Switch in autumn 2019.
  • TOWN (working title): GAME FREAK, the developer of the Pokémon series, has created a new RPG exclusively for Nintendo Switch. In TOWN, players must take up arms against invading monsters, all within the walls of a single village. TOWN launches for Nintendo Switch in 2019.
  • Super Mario Party: In the newly-revealed Sound Stage mode, up to four players can each shake a Joy-Con in rhythm-based gameplay, while the River Survival mode offers the series’ first four-player co-op. Plus there’s 80 new mini-games, a single-player Challenge Road, the mini-game gauntlet Online Mariothon and much more. Super Mario Party launches for Nintendo Switch on 5th October and is available for pre-purchase on Nintendo eShop and the official Super Mario Party website, with purchasers receiving double My Nintendo Gold Points when the game is released.
  • Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!: During the adventure, players will be able to use their partner Pokémon (either Pikachu or Eevee) to overcome obstacles using Secret Techniques. These are skills that only partner Pokémon can use, like chopping down trees, traveling across water or soaring in the sky. Both games launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch on 16th November. A bundle that includes a Nintendo Switch console, Pikachu and Eevee themed Joy-Con, a pre-installed version of either Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! or Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! and the Poké Ball Plus controller will also be available on the same day.
  • Katamari Damacy REROLL: New fans will be joining the chorus when an HD remaster of the classic Katamari Damacy comes to Nintendo Switch, complete with HD rumble, gyro control and multiplayer support with the Joy-Con controllers. Katamari Damacy REROLL launches in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch this summer.
  • Asmodee Digital: Asmodee Games is bringing full adaptations of best-selling card and board games like Carcassonne, Lord the Rings: Living Card Game, Pandemic, Munchkin and Catan to Nintendo Switch, starting this December.
  • DAEMON X MACHINA: In this stylish action game first revealed at E3, the world and its inhabitants are on the brink of extinction. As a mercenary, you’ll pilot a powered-suit called an Arsenal and face runaway AI. Defeat enemies and acquire parts that can be equipped on the fly or brought back to base to craft new armaments. Use additional tactics by changing between projectile and melee attacks or take the fight on foot to gain an advantage in battle. DAEMON X MACHINA launches for Nintendo Switch in 2019.
  • Capcom Beat ’Em Up Bundle: Some of Capcom’s most classic arcade games like Final Fight, Captain Commando and Knights of the Round are coming to Nintendo Switch with up to four-player local or online play. This also includes games that have never launched on home consoles before, like Powered Gear and Battle Circuit. The bundle launches in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch on 18th September.
  • Cities: Skylines: The acclaimed city-building game will be available today in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch, which means players can manage resources, improve quality of life, energise businesses and stimulate growth, anytime and anywhere.
  • Civilization VI: When the acclaimed strategy game comes to Nintendo Switch on 16th November, it will do so with an exclusive four-player wireless LAN multiplayer mode.
  • Mega Man 11: Mega Man 11 busts onto Nintendo Switch on 2nd October, while a free demo already available in Nintendo eShop. In addition, players will be able to unlock helpful in-game items for use in the full game by using the existing Mega Man amiibo figure from the Super Smash Bros. series.
  • Splatoon 2 Version 4 Update: Starting today, the first set of new weapons in the Kensa Collection are coming to Splatoon 2 as part of the new Version 4.0 update. These familiar weapons are painted with stylish monotone designs. In addition, significant new Splatfest changes are coming as part of this update. From the beginning of October, Version 4.1 will bring a new stage, new songs and more Kensa Collection weapon sets complete with new sub and special weapons.
  • Mario Tennis Aces Version 2.0 Update: After downloading a free update to the action-packed sports game on 19th September, players will have access to a new online co-op mode that lets players participate in time-limited missions with other players. Complete objectives while these missions are active and players will receive special outfits, characters with alternate colour schemes, and more. Also, be on the lookout for new upcoming playable characters like Birdo, Shy Guy, Koopa Paratroopa and Petey Piranha.
  • Diablo III: Eternal Collection: The Nintendo Switch version of this classic action-RPG will have players on a journey through Sanctuary, where they’ll vanquish the armies of Hell and plunder powerful loot as one of the seven playable classes. Up to four players can adventure together via local or online multiplayer. The Nintendo Switch version of the game features exclusive Legend of Ganondorf cosmetic armour, compatibility with all current amiibo figures, and more. Diablo III: Eternal Collection launches on 2nd November.
  • Starlink: Battle for Atlas: Do a barrel roll and defeat Wolf’s team in the Star Fox mission, exclusive to the Nintendo Switch version of the game. Starlink: Battle for Atlas launches for Nintendo Switch on 16th October.
  • Two RPGs on the Way!: Fans who love playing role-playing games anytime and anywhere are in luck. The World Ends with You -Final Remix- from SQUARE ENIX launches 12th October, and Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country comes to Xenoblade Chronicles 2 owners with the Expansion Pass on 14th September, before it hits shops as a standalone packaged version on 21st September.
  • Warframe: New fans can join more than 38 million players for free-to-start co-op space-ninja action when Warframe launches for Nintendo Switch on 20th November.
  • Just Dance 2019: With Just Dance on Nintendo Switch, there’s no excuse for players to not get down to Camila Cabello, Bruno Mars and Cardi B. at home, in the middle of the park or even at the dentist’s office. Just Dance 2019 launches on 26th October.
  • EA SPORTS FIFA 19: EA SPORTS FIFA 19 is fast approaching. Time to warm up and prepare for kick off when it launches for Nintendo Switch on 28th September.
  • Team Sonic Racing: Team Sonic Racing launches for Nintendo Switch this summer.
  • NBA 2K19: The highest-rated basketball simulation franchise returns to Nintendo Switch with NBA 2K19, available on now.
  • NBA 2K Playgrounds 2: Get ready to jam in this sequel to the smash-hit NBA arcade game, as NBA 2K Playgrounds 2 comes to Nintendo Switch this spring.
  • LEGO DC Super-Villains: Why so serious? Play as The Joker, Harley, Lex Luthor and the rest of the best of the worst in the new LEGO DC Super-Villains game, launching for Nintendo Switch on 19th October.

Nintendo 3DS

  • Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn: The hit Wii game Kirby’s Epic Yarn is warping to Nintendo 3DS. Every stage in the original Wii version is stitched in, but this Nintendo 3DS version has some new features, like the ability to craft bigger yarn balls, summon bead-collecting wind and play two new modes featuring familiar faces King Dedede and Meta Knight. Kirby’s Extra Epic Yarn is scheduled to launch for the Nintendo 3DS family of systems in 2019.
  • Mario and Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey: One of the most acclaimed games in the Mario & Luigi RPG series is getting a remake on Nintendo 3DS. In addition to the game’s revamped graphics and tweaked gameplay, a new side story follows Bowser Jr. as he gathers an army, creates formations, supports his allies with an arsenal of moves, and generally causes chaos (in the best way possible). Mario & Luigi: Bowser’s Inside Story + Bowser Jr.’s Journey will prove two adventures are better than one on 26th January.
  • Luigi’s Mansion: Two players who each own the game can team up to explore and capture ghosts in Luigi’s Mansion, a Nintendo 3DS remake of the classic Nintendo GameCube launch game. This new version of the game also features amiibo support. Tapping one of the four compatible amiibo will reveal where Boos are hiding and heal Luigi when he talks to Toad, among other bonuses. Luigi’s Mansion will haunt the Nintendo 3DS family of systems on 20th October.
  • YO-KAI WATCH BLASTERS: Whether players throw their allegiance behind the Red Cat Corps or the White Dog Squad, YO-KAI WATCH BLASTERS will let players team up with friends locally or online to tackle the most action-packed battles in the series yet. A free “Moon Rabbit Crew” software update on 27th September will add new missions, new areas to explore, new Yo-kai to befriend and new Big Boss Yo-kai. YO-KAI WATCH BLASTERS: Red Cat Corps and YO-KAI WATCH BLASTERS: White Dog Squad are now available for Nintendo 3DS.

To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit the Nintendo Direct website.

Additional Links:
Nintendo Australia website: http://www.nintendo.com.au/
Nintendo Australia Twitter: https://twitter.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo Australia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo AU on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nintendoau

KATAMARI DAMACY REROLL™ ANNOUNCED FOR NINTENDO SWITCH AND STEAM FROM BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INC.

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KATAMARI DAMACY REROLL™ ANNOUNCED FOR NINTENDO SWITCH AND STEAM FROM BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INC.

Keep Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’ Rollin’ (Yeah!)

SANTA CLARA, Calif., (September 13, 2018) – Leading video game developer and publisher BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announced that The Dashing Prince and King of All Cosmos will return on December 7, 2018 in Katamari Damacy REROLL™ for Nintendo Switch™ and PC via STEAM®. Roll through inventive and quirky levels gathering up progressively larger items to beat each level’s “par” size before the timer runs out. With its unique visual style and fun J-pop soundtrack, Katamari Damacy REROLL is a truly memorable title for anyone who is young at heart!

The King of All Cosmos has knocked out all the stars in the sky after a particularly rambunctious night of fun. Realizing his mistake, The King has tasked his young son, The Prince, to go to Earth and roll up as many things as possible to recreate the missing celestial bodies. Paper clips, books, cars, buildings, mountains, and continents, nothing is too big or small for The Prince and his adhesive Katamari ball. Katamari Damacy REROLL will feature remastered graphics and cut scenes as well as new motion controls optimized for the Nintendo Switch. Using the left and right Joy-Con controllers while the Nintendo Switch is in TV mode or Tabletop mode, players can move The Prince around with ease by simply turning their wrists.

“Katamari Damacy is a game of pure joy. From the whimsical story, colorful graphics, cute characters, and delightful J-pop soundtrack, the game simply exudes light-hearted fun.” said Abelina Villegas, Associate Brand Manager for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “We aim to delight returning fans of the franchise as well as those who may not have had a chance to be on the ball the first time around with Katamari Damacy REROLL.”

For more information regarding Katamari Damacy REROLL and 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 on Twitter 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

 Digital Board Game Armello Comes to Life on Nintendo Switch™ 27 September

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 Digital Board Game Armello Comes to Life on Nintendo Switch™ 27 September

Preorders for acclaimed game start today on Nintendo eShop

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – 14 September 2018 – Armello, the acclaimed fantasy digital board game from League of Geeks, will launch for Nintendo Switch™ on 27 Sept. 2018. Both Armello and Armello – Complete Edition are available to pre-order today via the Nintendo eShop for $19.99 USD / €19.99 / £14.99 and $39.99 USD / €39.99 / £29.99, respectively.

The Complete Edition includes the base game bundled with the four Bandit Clan heroes, eight additional playable characters from the “Usurpers” and “Rivals” hero packs, two alternative board skins from the “Seasons” pack, additional hero skins, and the premium dice pack. Including all content and improvements since the game’s 2015 debut, Armello on the Nintendo Switch™ combines the best of the intricate, magical strategy that has captivated so many with accessible and on-the-move gameplay of Nintendo’s popular console.

In the Kingdom of Armello, mighty heroes from the realm’s five clans – Bear, Rabbit, Rat, Wolf, and Bandit – embark on a perilous journey to challenge the crazed lion king for his crown and save the land from a dark, corrupting force known as the Rot.

Select one of 20 champions and embrace their unique strengths, weaknesses, and character-specific hero abilities while vying against three opponents also out to usurp the throne. Overcome the competition by any means necessary in this rich hybrid of role-playing and tabletop games.

With a collection of characters, a variety of victory conditions, procedurally-generated maps, dynamic questlines, unlockable items, collectables, and more, every match of Armello has something different to offer and brings worlds of cards and dice alive in new and magical ways.

“For over three years now, Armello has taken the experience of playing board games with a table full of friends and brought that to life in a virtual space,” said Trent Kusters, co-founder and director, League of Geeks. “Not only does Armello play brilliantly on the Switch, whether docked or on the go, but players new and old will inherit years of content, updates, and improvements when Armello launches on Nintendo Switch.”

An IGF, Indiecade, and SXSW awards finalist, Armello is also available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Windows PC, Mac, Linux, iOS, and recently launched for Android. It supports English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Brazilian Portuguese, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (both Simplified and Traditional) language options.

To learn more, visit Armello’s official site, follow the game on Twitter, and like it on Facebook.

About League of Geeks
League of Geeks is a Melbourne-based Australian indie developer made of industry veterans. The development team members’ resumes cite famous AAA franchises, including Pokémon, Grand Theft Auto, Fallout, BioShock, Dragon Age, and Warhammer.

League of Geeks’ goal is to create innovative games in original fantasy worlds with engaging stories. For more information, please visit League of Geeks’ official site

NEW SUPER HEROES WARP INTO MARVEL FUTURE FIGHT

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NEW SUPER HEROES WARP INTO MARVEL FUTURE FIGHT

First Video Game Debut of Infinity Warps Comic Book Event Introduces Wild Mash-Ups of Popular Marvel Characters

LOS ANGELES (September 13, 2018) – Netmarble Corp., the fastest growing mobile games company worldwide, today unveiled four new mash-up Super Heroes for its action RPG game for mobile devices, MARVEL Future Fight. Featuring new Super Heroes from Marvel’s latest major comic book event, Infinity Warps, this update brings new mash-up characters of popular Marvel Super Heroes, Arachknight, Ghost Panther, Iron Hammer and Weapon Hex, into the fray as they join the war for control over the reborn Infinity Stones.

The latest game update will also add new uniforms for existing characters in the game, with Agent Venom’s Agent Anti-Venom uniform, Quicksilver’s Marvel Legacy uniform, and Medusa’s Monsters Unleashed uniform. Beginning with the new update, players can also now collect and upgrade specific uniforms in the all-new Uniform Collection feature to receive special rewards. Hawkeye and Loki’s new classic uniforms have been added to this new game feature.

In this update, newly updated heroes as well as more heroes like Agent Venom, Quicksilver, and Medusa can now unlock their potential and reach level 70. In addition, Black Panther can now advance to Tier-3, and Thanos will now be available to challenge in World Boss Ultimate.

Finally, a new game mode, Heroic Quest, will now give players a set of quests called a “Heroic Quest Pack” to complete within a given time, with rewards given to players upon completion of each “Heroic Quest Pack”.

MARVEL Future Fight recently celebrated its third anniversary, hosting special in-game events for its more than 86 million players around the world. The game is currently available worldwide in the App Store® and Google Play™.

App Store®: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/marvel-future-fight/id955705796

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.netmarble.mherosgb

For more information on MARVEL Future Fight, please visit http://marvelfuturefight.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 5,000 employees, Netmarble has been producing and servicing some of the most successful mobile games including Lineage 2: Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, Everybody’s Marble, and Seven Knights. As a parent company to Kabam, a top mobile game developer in massively multiplayer free-to-play games, and the largest shareholder to Jam City, a leading casual social game developer, 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

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 over seventy-five years. Marvel utilizes its character franchises in entertainment, licensing and publishing. For more information visit marvel.com. © 2018 MARVEL

App Store is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the US and other countries.  App Store is a service mark of Apple Inc. Google Play is a trademark of Google Inc.