Ubisoft Reflections, the developers are the team behind Grow Homeand Grow Up, has thrown back the curtains on their new FPS Atomega. The game will be launching on Steam next week on September 19th. Atomega will support up to eight players in fast-paced ten minute rounds.
Atomega is a novel FPS set in the dying moments of the universe. The laws of physics and reality are quickly disappearing. In these crazy last moments, Exoforms are roaming the universe looking to grow. These post-biological life forms are the combination of humankind, machines, and years upon years of evolution. At the beginning of each match, Exoforms start off as small Atoms and must gather mass by collecting fallen pieces around the arena or destroying other Exoforms. By collecting mass, players will be able to progress through seven phases of Exoform evolution. Ten hacks that grant temporary boosts to the Exoform’s ability are available to give players the edge in battle. The player who has collected the most mass at the end of the round is crowned the winner.
JCB Pioneer: Mars is a survival game that imagines what colonization on Mars may look like in the next several years. The game is a partnership between indie developers Atomicom, industrial vehicle manufacturer JCB, and European Space Agency astrophysicist Dr. Maggie Lieu. Using heavy construction vehicles designed specifically for the game by JCB, players will need to build the first colonies on a harsh Martian environment that makes every effort to kill players at every turn. We had a chance to give the very first Steam Early Access build a test run to see what the Red Planet has to offer.
Dr. Maggie Lieu serves as the Atomicom’s technical advisor on JBC Pioneer: Mars. She helped the team create a digital Red Planet that holds similar hazards as the real one. She also lends her voice and likeness to the game’s digital assistant. There is not much writing in the game at this point, but what is there is written properly. Instructions are easy to understand and no major spelling or grammar errors stick out.
JCB Pioneer: Mars is still very early in development. Bugs are very much a part of the game and some major features like button configuration are missing, but the core gameplay elements of construction, resource gathering, and survival are present. Currently, JCB Pioneer: Mars can only be played alone in single player, with multiplayer support in the works.
Upon booting up the game, players crash land on Mars and wake up to a very lousy Martian morning. Players find themselves in the middle of a meteorite shower and must dodge incoming projectiles as they desperately run to the safety of their first vehicle. Once inside, players are soon introduced to their small colony that they will be growing over the next several hours. Surviving Mars is more than just having enough food, water, and oxygen. Besides meteorite showers, players will need to contend with environmental hazards like vicious dust storms, high radiation zones, lava, corrosive clouds, and lightning strikes that will kill or destroy any unprotected living being or machine that decides to linger. Beyond the heart pounding moments of the game’s initial moments, JCB Pioneer: Mars can be a surprisingly tame game. There are still some tense moments when players are stuck navigating through highly hazardous areas with dangerously low health, but those are usually situations players put themselves in. For the patient, figuring out safe routes through areas rife with environmental hazards is half the challenge. The game only supports the most challenging difficulty setting, with two easier settings planned.
Currently, a short quest system that combines gets players off the ground by walking them through collecting the materials needed for building the essential elements for their colony. The quests are very straight forward and direct players to the nearest nodes to dig up the necessary raw materials for their quest. Frustratingly, players will not have the same information when they decide to harvest material on their own. There is no way to figure out what the node will provide based on the texture. The map simply marks out previously scanned raw material nodes with the incredibly vague description of the node’s rarity. There is a decent tech tree to work through at the moment and the map
Colony management and expansion is a simple affair. Each unit in the colony needs to be wired to the rest of the colony to access power, water, and/or oxygen needed to function. The menus are extremely easy to navigate and setting up new buildings is painless.
Each vehicle is designed by JCB and has its own upgrade tree that consumes Research Points to unlock new upgrades for vehicles. New vehicles and upgrades are purchased with JCB points. Since each vehicle can only follow one path through a tree, players will need to assemble a small fleet of specialized vehicles as the game progresses. I like that the game is so generous with vehicles right at the start of the game. It makes JCB Pioneer: Mars unique among survival games. Also, using the vehicles is a hit of nostalgia. It’s like an adult, sci-fi version of the construction truck toys many of us played with as children.
This brings us to one of JCB Pioneer: Mars’ biggest issues: branding. I get it. Indie development is a tough business. Most developers will lose money on their games and securing funding is hard when everyone and their mother has a crowdfunding campaign for their game. Atomicon is going a bit too far with the branding that it breaks the game’s immersion. The vehicles have their JCB branding which is about on the higher end of the standard branding for construction vehicles, but the branding seems to work its way into almost every corner of the game. Product and logo placements like the prominent Razer laptop in the habitat, the JCB mugs, and the JCB branded currency become so prevalent that it feels like gamers are paying for the privilege of being advertised to. Sure, JCB Pioneer: Mars isn’t the first game or the last that has gamers grappling with the issue of product placements and in-game ads, but JCB Pioneer: Mars is giving the previously existing boundaries a good solid push.
The audio/visual presentation is shaping up nicely. The art style is an excellent near future design that smartly mixes current technology with a sleek near future look. Mars is exactly how I would imagine it based on the mass of pictures sent back by probes. The sound effects are solid. I like the fact that most of the tutorial messages are narrated, and I hope they finish up the rest for the game’s final release.
JCB Pioneer: Mars is the love child of survival games and construction vehicle sims. The addition of the heavy construction vehicles adds a unique twist to the game that will need to be leveraged to the fullest to distinguish the game from the crowded survival game space. There is plenty of development left to go before the game is ready for launch, but the basics building blocks for an very playable Early Access title are already in place. The biggest challenge for Atomicon still lays before them as they generate more content for the game, add new features, and implement the quality of life features that will keep gamers playing.
Warner Bros. released a new trailer today for Middle-Earth: Shadow Of War featuring the Dark tribe of Orcs. As their name suggests, the Orcs of the Dark tribe lurk in the shadows to strike down their enemies when they least expect. Their skills in assassination and treachery will make them a challenging foe for Talion.
Middle-Earth: Shadow of Warpicks up after the events of Middle-Earth: Shadow of Mordor. Now in possession of the Ring of Power, Talion is on a quest to defeat Sauron and the Nazgul. Gamers can expect a larger, richer world in comparison to the previous title, filled with iconic locations and characters from the Lord of the Rings lore. Middle-Earth: Shadow of War is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows on October 10th.
2K is capping off the WWE 2K18roster with the fourth and final round of roster reveals. The final 47 wrestlers are being headlined by WWE Superstars Breezango, who play a starring role in the latest WWE 2K18trailer.
The following 47 wrestlers are joining the previously announced roster:
Aiden English
Alicia Fox
Batista
Big E
Billie Kay
Bo Dallas
Booker T
Charlotte Flair
Christian
Curt Hawkins
Curtis Axel
Darren Young
Enzo Amore
Epico Colon
Fandango
Goldust
Gran Metalik
Heath Slater
Jack Gallagher
Jake Roberts
JBL
Kassius Ohno
Kofi Kingston
No Way Jose
Noam Dar
Peyton Royce
Primo Colon
Rhyno
Rich Swann
R-Truth
RVD
Shane McMahon
Shawn Michaels
Stephanie McMahon
Steve Austin
Sting
Sycho Sid
Tatanka
Tatsumi Fujinami
The Brian Kendrick
Titus O’Neil
Trish Stratus
Tyler Breeze
Typhoon
Tyson Kidd
Ultimate Warrior
Xavier Woods
WWE 2K18 is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on October 17. Those who preorder the game will get the games four days early on October 13th along with some in game bonuses. For the first time in a decade, WWE is coming to a Nintendo console. Unfortunately the Switch version has been delayed to Spring 2017 (Winter 2017 for those in the Northern Hemisphere).
Rockstar announced that they will be remastering L.A. Noirfor the latest generation of gaming platforms. The game will launch with all DLCs on Switch, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on November 14th. The Switch version will feature enhancements designed for the console, such as a Joy-Con support and portable touch screen controls during the detective segments. The PlayStation 4 and Xbox One versions will focus on updating the game’s visuals to make the most out of the latest generation of consoles. Gamers can expect visual upgrades like HD textures, improved lighting effects, and cinematic camera angles. The game will run natively at 1080P on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One and 4K on PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X.
PC gamers are not being left out in this announcement as Rockstar has possibly given them the best release yet. L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files will be a HTC Vive exclusive that re-designs the game’s mechanics for VR. The game will come with seven cases from the original game. It does not appear that L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files will launch at the same time as the console remasters.
EB GAMES ANNOUNCES NEW PLAY BEFORE RELEASE GAMES AND ESPORTS TOURNAMENTS FOR EB EXPO 2017
Australia’s leading video games retailer EB Games is excited to announce new eSports tournaments and loads more playable before release games at EB Expo, Australia’s world-class video games and pop culture event. EB Expo 2017 will be held 7th-8th October at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre. Tickets are available at EB Games & Zing Pop Culture stores, Ticketek or online at www.ebexpo.com.au.
Fans of the massively popular Far Cry series will get hands on with Ubisoft’s latest instalment, Far Cry 5 months ahead of the game’s release in 2018. The awesome Ubisoft line-up continues with The Crew 2 and Just Dance 2018 plus Dragon Ball FighterZ and Ni No Kuni 2 from Bandai Namco.
“To have a blockbuster title like Far Cry 5 playable nearly 6 months before its release is a privilege usually reserved for industry insiders, and we can’t wait to bring that experience to the Gold Coast.” said Marketing, Brand, Events and Engagement Director Debra McGrath.
EB Games can also confirm Bethesda’s highly anticipated title Wolfenstein II, winner of over 100 E3 awards will also be playable before release. This comes in addition to the already stellar EB Expo line up, including Super Mario Odyssey and Xbox One X both playable before release, as well as the reveal of the Buffy the Vampire Slayer: 20 Years of Slaying Fan Party, free entry to any EB Expo ticket holder.
Competitive gaming is back and better than ever with a host of competitions and prizes to be won across the whole weekend. Throughout Saturday, Minecraft competitors will battle it out culminating in an epic finals showdown on Sunday. Nintendo Switch fans can look forward to daily competitions across Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, Pokken Tournament DX and ARMS. Stay tuned for further tournament registration and schedule details.
Kids of the 70s, 80s and 90s will also get to relive their favourite gaming memories with arcade machines, pinball machines and over 40 free-to-play retro consoles all playable on the EB Expo show floor.
“We’re absolutely thrilled to bring together such a broad variety of games and events at the Expo. There’s no better place to be than on the Gold Coast this 7th-8th October.”
A full-line up of games and events can be found at the EB Expo website at www.ebexpo.com.au. Tickets are on sale now from EB Games, Zing Pop Culture, Ticketek and ebexpo.com.au
Battle system of CODE VEIN is varied and offers a lot of possibilities for players
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment Europe reveals today new screenshots about the upcoming action title CODE VEIN. The new assets highlight more details about the battle system, the character creation tool and 2 new characters.
Battle system of CODE VEIN is varied and offers a lot of possibilities for players:
For example the Gift system allows them to use up to 8 gifts during battles to temporarily increase attacks or defense actions. Some other gifts are passive and they are gained with specific items or equipment.
With the Stamina Gauge, players will be able to manage all of their actions including attacks, evading, dashing and Drain. This is crucial to control their actions and they will need to be very attentive to the stamina gauge to survive in CODE VEIN. With a successful Drain action, the number of Ichor points will be increased as well as the maximum number of Ichor stock. A Special Drain, performed under special conditions, will not only increase the number of Ichor and the stock but also cause a massive damage to enemies. The Special Drain action will be possible after a successful parry with the same timing as the enemy’s attack, a successful attack from the back or a combo attack.
Player character abilities are temporarily increased with the Focus System during battles when they are receiving or dodging an attack and when they are surrounding by multiple enemies. This system allows players to fight back in extreme situations and get power boost when they decide to intentionally place themselves in danger. They can for example negate an attack, increase their own attack and throw enemies in the air!
The PartnerAction will also help players during fights. Companions will support them by attacking from the side, enhancing the skills and sharing Health Points when it’s needed.
The new assets of the day reveal also more details about new characters and the Character Creation where players will be able to create their own protagonist from the gender, body and hair styles to the voice of the character.
The young leader Louis really wants to help Revenants suffering from bloodlust. He ventures into the isolated land of VEIN looking for the source of Blood Beads to use it as a substitute for human blood. With his one-handed sword he is a swift attack expert and can elude with the armor type Ogre.
Io is a female Revenant who explores with the protagonists. She has no memories about her past but she knows very well VEIN. She will be extremely useful for the player character!
CODE VEIN is a third-person action RPG that finds players assuming the role of a Revenant. After stumbling into Vein, players embark into the world with a companion picked from the various residents of Vein to uncover lost memories and an exit out of this new demented reality. The world of CODE VEIN is dangerous, full of vicious enemies and monstrous bosses to put players’ combat skills to the test.
Today, we’re proud to announce new versions of the blockbuster detective thriller L.A. Noire, are scheduled to release on November 14, 2017 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One.
Alongside these three new console versions, we’re taking our first steps into virtual reality with L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files, featuring seven select cases from the original game rebuilt specifically for a virtual reality experience on the HTC VIVE.
Set against the seedy and violent underbelly of 1940’s Los Angeles, L.A. Noire is the story of decorated veteran and newly minted detective Cole Phelps as he investigates an escalating series of cases inspired by real-world crimes. Each successfully solved case brings Phelps greater success, but also brings him closer to the dark criminal heart of post-war L.A.
L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files for HTC Vive delivers seven of the original engrossing, self-contained cases from L.A. Noire rebuilt specifically for virtual reality, blending breathtaking action with true detective work to deliver an unprecedented interactive experience.
L.A. Noire for the Nintendo Switch features the complete original game and all additional downloadable content, with specific enhancements including a Joy-Con mode with gyroscopic, gesture-based controls, HD rumble and new wide and over-the-shoulder camera angles, plus contextual touch screen controls for portable detective work.
L.A. Noire for PlayStation 4 and Xbox One delivers the complete original game and all additional downloadable content with a range of technical enhancements for greater visual fidelity and authenticity, including enhanced lighting and clouds, new cinematic camera angles, high resolution textures and more. Plays natively in 1080p for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One consoles, and stunning 4K for PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X, these versions capture the grit and grime of the City of Angels like never before.
For more information, visit the updated website at rockstargames.com/lanoire and keep an eye out for more from L.A. Noire: The VR Case Files and L.A. Noire for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One both there and at the Newswire in the weeks ahead.
Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, an official Dungeons & Dragons Idle Clicker Game, now available in Steam Early Access.
VICTORIA, BC – Sept 7, 2017 – Codename Entertainment is proud to announce that Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms is now available in Early Access on Steam. Gamers and Dungeons & Dragons fans around the world can begin their quest on PC and Mac today.
Idle Champions is an idle clicker game where players must assemble and organize a party of Champions and master the art of Formation Strategy. Players unlock new Champions, upgrade them to reveal special abilities, and collect epic gear. The key to success is learning how to combine each Champion’s abilities to maximize damage or the amount of gold earned. Only then can the player defeat an onslaught of increasingly powerful monsters.
As players upgrade Champions, they choose specializations to increase their power further. Specializations need deep strategic thinking by the player as one specialization may increase the power of an ability but at the cost of another ability. Choices are permanent until the player completes each adventure.
Idle Champions of the Forgotten Realms, the world’s first idle clicker game set in the celebrated universe of the Forgotten Realms. The game is the award-winning studio’s first licensed video game in partnership with Dungeons & Dragons.
Key Features:
Unlock Renowned Champions
Collect renowned Champions from the world of Dungeons & Dragons, including fan-favourites from the Force Grey series. Unlock more Champions and gear to add to your party that will be added to the game in limited-time events after launch.
Formation Strategy
Mastering the position of each Champion to maximize their special abilities is the key to completing each adventure. Each Champion’s abilities and gear requires careful thought to create the best combination. Only the most powerful formations will defeat the waves of Dungeons & Dragons monsters.
Explore the Forgotten Realms
Take your Champions on a journey through the Sword Coast. Players will be able to explore familiar locations within the Forgotten Realms as they tackle each adventure. After launch, the game will be updated with content inspired by the official Dungeons & Dragons adventures, starting with a trip to Chult with the Tomb of Annihilation.
Regular Events
The game is updated regularly with limited-time events. Completing events unlocks new Champions and gear to add to the player’s collection.
About Codename Entertainment
Codename Entertainment Inc. is the award-winning indie video game studio based in Victoria, British Columbia. The studio’s last game, Crusaders of the Lost Idols, has remained popular since launching in 2015. It has stayed in the Top 1% of games by current player count on Steam. It’s also one of the Most Played games out of more 113,000 on Kongregate.com, and it is consistently ranked in the Most Popular Games on Armorgames.com.
About Wizards of the Coast
Wizards of the Coast LLC, a subsidiary of Hasbro, Inc. (NASDAQ:HAS), is the leader in entertaining the lifestyle gamer. Wizards’ players and fans are members of a global community bound together by their love of both digital gaming and in-person play. The company brings to market a range of gaming experiences under powerful brand names such as Magic: The Gathering and Dungeons & Dragons. For more information about our world renowned brands, visit the Wizards of the Coast Web site at www.wizards.com
MercurySteam announced an open beta for their upcoming third person shooterRaiders of the Broken Planet. The open beta will consist of two missions and will run from September 15 to 16 on PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. “First Round” is the single player only tutorial mission. Players will control Harec, the leader of the raiders, in this mission. “Hanging by a Thread” is a single player and multiplayer mission where players will sneak aboard an airship to recruit the warrior Lycus Dion for their cause.
Raiders of a Broken Planetis a 4 VS 1 asymmetrical shooter that pits four players against a protagonist who leads an army of AI enemies. The human raiders arrive on the Broken Planet by accident. They now seek to control the Aleph energy source for power and a way back to Earth. While the humans battle over Aleph, Harec rises to unite the indigenous people of the Broken Planet and boot out the war hungry humans.
