Home Blog Page 2611

Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth Review

Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth

DeveloperDaedalic Entertainment
PublisherDaedalic Entertainment
Format: PC (Reviewed)
Release Date: 15 Aug 2017
Price: $29.99USD – Available Here

Overview

Daedalic Entertainment gets a lot of respect from me. With their constant stream of quality releases, they managed to get me interested in a genre I never really cared for. After playing through their Deponia series as well as Edna & Harvey: The Breakout and Edna & Harvey: Harvey’s New Eyes games, pretty soon I found them to hold a seal of quality when it comes to point-n-click games. Despite that, I was a bit cautious when I heard that they chose The Pillars of the Earth novel as their next game release. I never read the novel and skimming through the wiki the story didn’t seem like my cup of tea. A couple of hours into the game later, I’m contemplating if should I get some sleep at 4 AM or perhaps I can find time to somehow finish the next chapter.

Story

The opening scene and the first time you take control of your character(s) is far from your average cheerful point-n-click game. We find ourselves in the woods, in the middle of the winter, with Tom Builder and his family (wife Agnes, son Alfred and daughter Matha) on their way to Shiring. Tom dreams of working as a builder on a cathedral but soon he is brought back to reality by his wife going into labor. Yes, in the middle of the woods and in the middle of nowhere. And if that didn’t seem grim enough, things only go from bad to worse from there. Agnes dies during childbirth and Tom does what every responsible father would at that point. Having no way to feed him, he abandons and leaves the newborn next to his wife’s grave. Well ok, maybe not what every responsible or sane father would do. Shortly after he gets a change of heart and comes back for the baby only to find the newborn missing. Unbeknownst to him, the baby was found by a monk from Kingsbridge Priory. The person who ends up raising the baby is our second protagonist of the story, Philip. The leader of a cell church in Kingsbridge Priory who gets unwillingly pulled into the world of political intrigues, conspiracies and backstabbing monks. Later down the road, we are also introduced to Aliena, a disgraced noblewoman and daughter of Earl of Shiring.  The lives and destinies of those three will intertwine, slowly unraveling the story that will change the lives of everyone involved, for better or worse. Considering how things were going in Book 1 so far – most likely for the worse.

Gameplay

Seeing how this is a point-n-click game, much of the gameplay mechanics is what you’d come to expect in the usual adventure game. However, there are some fresh additions that make Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth stand out. At any point in the game, you have an interactive icon in the bottom right corner that serves to guide you if you ever get stuck. It provides you with plenty of pointers on where to go and what to do next. But the next thing in the game is what I find far more interesting. In plenty of other games from this genre, things are pretty linear. Go from point A to point B, explore this and that and voila – you’re done with the current chapter/area. Yes, there is also a clear goal of where to go and what to do here but on top of that, you have a bunch of optional things to resolve and discover. For example, the first time you play as Philip you can find some mischievous monks who stole keys from the church. You can later choose to report their crime to the monks and except for granting you a Steam achievement, it doesn’t do much for the main plot. It does something else, however. All these optional tasks enrich the story and make the characters seem more alive. This time, they’re not just some background NPCs waiting to show you the way once you get stuck. It is a clever way to entice the player into exploring more and learn about the other characters in the game.

Visuals

I didn’t play a lot of games that made me frequently stop and appreciate the art but Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth sure is one of them. The main culprit for that would be the incredibly detailed hand-drawn backgrounds. It is also rare to encounter any static background outdoors. In forest areas, you can occasionally witness the snow falling or fog lifting up. Artists working on the game even made sure that some areas like church crypt or a cemetery don’t seem too bland or generic. Either way, you’ll have too many moments spamming that screenshot capture key while you play through Ken Follett’s The Pillars of the Earth.

Audio

As it turns out, the game soundtrack was composed by FILMharmonic Orchestra from Prague and the rest of the audio background is delightful, to say the least. It also often reflects on the background art in the game. You’ll notice it easily in the ominous notes through the monastery that unexpectedly raises the focus and tempo up once something relevant to the plot starts to unfold. However, if there is one aspect of the game that should be praised, it’s definitely the voice acting. Daedalic made sure to shine there by hiring the established veterans in video game voice acting such as Glen McCready and Alex Jordan.

Overall

At this point, it’s no surprise that Daedalic Entertainment released another great adventure game. What I find surprising is that they took the setting (and the story) from something seemingly dull at first glance and made it incredibly captivating. It’s all a result of a well-written story, gripping soundtrack and superb voice acting. Oh and did I mention that out of almost 8 hours that took me to complete the 7 chapters of the game, all of that only counts for Book 1? Purchasing the game also gets you the season pass, which grants you the upcoming releases of Book 2 and 3 as well. Now excuse me while I start up the game again and transition from one background to another only to take 100+ new screenshots.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

CYBERPUNK SHOOTER ‘RUINER’ DASHES AND BLASTS ONTO XBOX ONE, PLAYSTATION 4, AND PC ON SEPTEMBER 26 

CYBERPUNK SHOOTER ‘RUINER’ DASHES AND BLASTS ONTO XBOX ONE, PLAYSTATION 4, AND PC ON SEPTEMBER 26

Rengkok  – Developer Reikon Games and the street gang bosses of Devolver Digital have announced the brutal cyberpunk action shooter RUINER will hit Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC on September 26. The new ‘Ugly Heart’ trailer heralds in the release date and puts the spotlight on some of RUINER’s more extravagant weapons [https://youtu.be/8kt6SSibH9s].

RUINER is a brutal action shooter set in the year 2091 in the cyber metropolis Rengkok. A wired psychopath lashes out against a corrupt system to retrieve his kidnapped brother under the guidance of a secretive hacker friend. Combine preternatural reflexes, augmented tools, and the arsenal of fallen foes to tear down and dismantle the corporate titans of virtuality dealers at HEAVEN.

“After the success of the Hotline Miami series and the impending cash money windfall of RUINER and Absolver, Devolver Digital will only publish games with masks now,” noted Devolver Digital CFO Fork Parker.

Reflexes will be put to the test as players take aim at HEAVEN, the monolithic corporation behind the entertainment networks bringing people real sensations in virtual worlds. The masked hero will utilize a fantastic array of weaponry and gadgets in concert with fluid movement and tactical strikes to save his kin and discover the hidden truths of Rengkok.

If you or someone you love is looking to become an unstoppable psychopath with a super sweet video helmet strapped to their face, please visit ruinergame.com and follow @RuinerGame on Twitter.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE UNVEILS UPCOMING RELEASE OF COLOSSAL SEQUEL FOR THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL ‘A.O.T. WINGS OF FREEDOM’ GAME

KOEI TECMO EUROPE UNVEILS UPCOMING RELEASE OF COLOSSAL SEQUEL FOR THE HUGELY SUCCESSFUL A.O.T. WINGS OF FREEDOM GAME

Abandon All Fear In Omega Forces Latest Action-Packed Title, Based On The Worldwide Anime Hit Attack on Titan!

Hertfordshire, 21st August 2017 – KOEI TECMO Europe is proud to reveal today that a sequel to 2016’s titanic action game, A.O.T. Wings of Freedom, is in development by Omega Force. To celebrate the announcement, KOEI TECMO Europe has released a teaser site which reveals the title, and stunning key art, of the latest game based on the worldwide anime series phenomenon, ‘Attack on Titan’.

Building on the fast-paced action the series is famous for, and featuring an abundance of new mechanics, the gripping sequel will be released across Europe as ‘A.O.T. 2’ in Early 2018. Players will once again don the renowned Omni-Directional Manoeuver Gear as they fight and repel the fearsome Titans that threaten humanity, and restore peace within the walls.

While more information about the game’s release, platforms, and narrative will be unveiled in the coming weeks, KOEI TECMO released an immersive teaser trailer featuring famous scenes from the comics and anime, fully rendered with in-game graphics.

To keep up to date with the latest news on ‘A.O.T. 2’ please visit the official site at www.koeitecmoeurope.com/aot2, Like www.facebook.com/koeitecmogames, and Follow us on Twitter @koeitecmoeurope

ABOUT KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD. is a publisher of interactive entertainment software for current generation consoles, handhelds and digital download content based in Letchworth, Hertfordshire, UK. The company is a wholly owned subsidiary of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD., headquartered in Yokohama, Japan. TECMO is best known for the Dead or Alive® and Ninja Gaiden®series. KOEI is best known for its Dynasty Warriors® and Samurai Warriors® franchises. On April 1, 2009, KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD was established as a result of the TECMO, LTD. and KOEI Co., Ltd. merger. More information about KOEI TECMO EUROPE LTD and its products can be found at www.koeitecmoeurope.com

Based on the manga “Shingeki no Kyojin” by Hajime Isayama originally serialized in the monthly BESSATSU SHONEN magazine published by Kodansha Ltd. ©Hajime Isayama,Kodansha/”ATTACK ON TITAN”Production Committee.

©2017 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a registered trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.

England legend and global icon David Beckham signs long-term, exclusive deal with KONAMI as latest PES Legend Ambassador

England legend and global icon David Beckham signs long-term, exclusive deal with KONAMI as latest PES Legend Ambassador

Sydney, 21st August 2017 – Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. has added another legendary player to its enviable PES 2018 roster of Legends with the signing of England midfield genius and global superstar David Beckham.

Arguably the most recognizable football player of modern times, David Beckham’s 20-year career saw him win 19 major trophies as he played for title-winning teams in England, Spain, Italy and the United States of America. He was the first British player to be featured in 100 UEFA Champions League matches, and enjoyed an international career that garnered 115 England caps. His incredible ability from dead-ball and set-piece situations resulted in dozens of truly memorable goals before his retirement in 2013.

KONAMI is delighted that such a leading light of world football has agreed to join PES.  The Leyton-born star will see his incredible career recreated in-game as a Legend in the forthcoming PES 2018.

“It’s a great honour to join the roster of legends that work with KONAMI as PES Ambassadors,” offered David Beckham. “I look forward to seeing my career represented in this fantastic game, and working with such a talented team of people who obviously love football as much as I do.”

Following PES 2018‘s launch on September 14th, several versions of David Beckham from key points of his illustrious career will be featured in the game’s myClub mode across different campaigns. A total of five eras will be represented, from his formative years in England, through to his times in Spain, Italy and the United States of America, alongside one representing his International profile. Using KONAMI’s proprietary scanning and animation systems, Beckham’s unique playing style and abilities will be faithfully recreated for those playing the hugely popular myClub mode.

The addition of David Beckham to PES 2018 perfectly reflects the new game’s message that it is “Where Legends are Made.” Fans will be able to experience this directly in myClub as they build a team from scratch and draft Legends such as Diego Maradona, and now David Beckham, into their team. Additionally, making his debut as an in-game player, the world’s fastest man and most recognisable athlete in the world, Usain Bolt, will be also available within the myClub mode as an exclusive pre-order bonus.

“David Beckham is rightfully a legend within the game, and we are delighted to welcome him to the PES family,” commented Jonas Lygaard, Senior Director Brand & Business Development at Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. “His fantastic career and all he has achieved will be faithfully recreated for those playing PES 2018, and we look forward to working with him as we unite to promote PES 2018 as the definitive football title.”

PES 2018 boasts more new features and enhancements than any PES title in the last 10 years, with more new ways to play and no part left untouched. The series’ famed gameplay offers total control over the on-field action, as users guide players that behave, move and react just like their real-life counterparts. New additions to the control systems add more fluidity to the game, while a new user interface makes accessing the many facets of the game a simpler process. KONAMI has also confirmed that the PC edition of the game will enjoy total parity with that of the leading console iterations.

The new game also introduces more ways for fans to play. Full 11-Vs-11 online options are joined by co-operative 2-Vs-2 and 3-Vs-3 modes with support for local guests. The much-requested ‘Random Selection’ match returns with all new content, while the Master League implements pre-season tournaments, a new transfer system and pre-match interviews and an insight to the changing rooms. Similarly, ahead of next season’s eSport tournament, the official PES LEAGUE has been integrated into the main game.

PES 2018 will be released on September 14th for PlayStation®4 and Xbox One™. The game will also be available via Steam in a version that has undergone substantial improvements in terms of aesthetics and content, ensuring the game enjoys parity with the current gen formats. PES LEAGUE will also be included in PES 2018 in order to support the growing eSport culture.

For more information, please visit: https://www.konami.com/wepes/2018/

About Konami Group

KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION was established in 1973, and became a holding company of the Konami Group on March 31, 2006. KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION covers the fields of “Digital Entertainment Business”, “Health & Fitness Business”, “Gaming & Systems Business” and “Amusement Business”. KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION went public on Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1988 and the London Stock Exchange in 1999. Home Page URL: www.konami.co.jp. Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. is a wholly-owned subsidiary, responsible for popular franchises like Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill and Pro Evolution Soccer amongst other top sellers. Konami Group is also the manufacturer of the wildly popular Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME, which has sold more than 25 billion cards worldwide. For more information concerning Konami Digital Entertainment and its products, please visit www.konami.com.

All copyrights or trademarks are the property of their respective owners and are used under permission.

HYPER UNIVERSE BLASTS INTO EARLY ACCESS ON STEAM AUGUST 24

HYPER UNIVERSE BLASTS INTO EARLY ACCESS ON STEAM AUGUST 24

Get Hyped for Nexon America’s Unique Blend of MOBA and a Side-Scrolling 2D Action Game
LOS ANGELES – Aug. 18, 2017 – Turning the multi-player online battle arena (MOBA) genre on its head, Nexon America’s unique take on MOBAs, Hyper Universe, will enter Steam Early Access next week, beginning Thursday, Aug. 24, 2017, available in North America, South America, Europe, and Oceania.

The game will be available for $15.99, but for a limited time between Aug. 24-27 the first players to join will receive a 38% discount at Hyper Universe Steam Page. Players jumping into the Early Access will get to play 28 diverse characters (24 given, 4 earnable) called “Hypers”, and the Delta Station Map, party matchmaking, and much more. Early Access players get to keep the unlocked Hypers for free and earn a special emblem.

Nexon America is also rolling out a “Founder’s Program” which grants free access to Founder’s Pack to honor Early Access players. Starting today, players can enter sweepstakes to be part of “Founder’s Program” and win free Founder’s Pack.

Featuring the unique blend of a side-scrolling fighting game with the highly strategic, team-oriented gameplay found in a MOBA, Hyper Universe’s stylized look and action-oriented mayhem will challenge players in a whole new way. Check out the new Hyper Universe trailer that will get you hyped for this Early Access release.

In Hyper Universe, players will take control of one of a multitude of battle-ready “Hypers” and use their insane abilities to defeat the opposing team and bring about victory. Taking many shapes and sizes, the Hypers range from a mage who rains down giant snowmen on his enemies, to a mongoose riding astride an armored rhinoceros, to a tentacled Admiral with the power of the kraken at his call, and more.

Played using a two-handed keyboard and game controllers playable with PS4, Xbox, Logitech, and Steam, Hyper Universe challenges players with five turrets to dominate and defend across multi-level, side-scrolling maps, as they jump up and run down the ladders, bust through floors, and warp behind the enemies to save the universe. The six character classes include a Tank, Bruiser, Specialist, Striker, Support, and Assassin.

Hyper Universe can be purchased for $15.99 on Steam Early Access at http://store.steampowered.com/app/591530/Hyper_Universe/. For more information visit, http://hyperuniverse.nexon.net.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/playhyper
Discord: https://discordapp.com/invite/playhyper
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/playhyper/
Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/playhyper
Twitter: https://twitter.com/playhyper
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playhyper

About CWAVESOFT
Cwavesoft Inc. is an independent game studio located in Seoul, South Korea. Its purpose is to create a new and fun experience for gamers with our games born from our CREATIVITY & CHALLENGE(spirit), and to CHANGE the world with the experience. Hyper Universe will present it to you as the very first work of Cwavesoft Inc.

About Nexon America Inc. http://www.nexon.net

Nexon America is subsidiary of NEXON Co., Ltd. (“Nexon”) (3659.TO), a global leader in online games, with more than 100 live games operated across more than 190 countries. Nexon pioneered micro-transactions and the free-to-play business model, and is widely credited with unmatched global expertise in sophisticated live game operations, nurturing player communities, and for sustaining titles for years, even decades. Founded in Korea in 1994, the company is now headquartered in Japan and listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. In 2017, Nexon was placed on the Nikkei Stock Index 300.

gamescom 2017: World’s Most Powerful Console Makes European Debut and Kickstarts Global Pre-orders

gamescom 2017: World’s Most Powerful Console Makes European Debut and Kickstarts Global Pre-orders

Over the weekend, during Xbox @ gamescom Live, we announced global pre-orders for Xbox One X starting today, with a limited edition, fan-inspired design of the world’s most powerful console that features a custom color and vertical stand and the words “Project Scorpio” printed on the console and Xbox Wireless Controller. Pre-orders are now open and available here. November 7 can’t come soon enough!

We also revealed more details about the most diverse line-up of games coming to the Xbox family of devices, highlighted by the news that over 100 new and existing Xbox One titles will be enhanced for Xbox One X to take advantage of the world’s most powerful console including Halo 5, NBA 2K18, Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus, ReCore: Definitive EditionFIFA 18, Star Wars Battlefront IIBelow and remastered versions of Disneyland Adventures, Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure and Zoo Tycoon. Head on over to Major Nelson for the full list of games planning enhancements for Xbox One X.

Regardless of what type of gamer you are, there has never been a better time to be Xbox fan.

Custom editions added to the Xbox One Family

Xbox One X Project Scorpio Edition

Be the first to experience the Xbox One X designed for the biggest fans — the Project Scorpio Edition featuring a custom color, vertical stand, and “Project Scorpio” printed on both the console and controller. Available to pre-order now, starting at $649 AUD.

Xbox One S Minecraft Limited Edition Bundle

For the countless enthusiasts who’ve sent us their designs, posted their requests, or simply dreamt of a console built out of grass and dirt blocks – this one’s for you. The Xbox One S Minecraft Limited Edition Bundle (1TB) includes a custom designed grass block console, Xbox Wireless Controller – Minecraft Creeper, Minecraft system sounds, vertical stand and transparent underside with Redstone circuit accents. This exclusive bundle also includes a full game download of Minecraft plus the Redstone Pack, a collection of unique skin packs. Available only in limited quantities, it’s a must-have for avid Minecraft players and collectors. The bundle is available for pre-order now and will be launching in all Xbox One markets, except China and Brazil, on October 3, 2017.

Xbox Minecraft Creeper and Pig Wireless Controllers

Prepare to create, explore, and survive your own Minecraft adventure with two new Xbox Wireless controllers: the Minecraft Pig controller, featuring an adorable pink Pig design – and the Minecraft Creeper controller, with that iconic green Creeper design. Both feature textured grip for enhanced comfort, and ABXY buttons with classic Minecraft font. Play the way you want to play with custom button mapping to personalize your controls and Copilot to play any game with two controllers linked so you can use them as one.  And with Bluetooth technology, you connect your controllers to play wirelessly with your Windows 10 PCs and tablets. Both of these controllers are available for pre-order now, and will be launching in the U.S. at Microsoft Stores and Target on September 5, 2017, and available more broadly beginning September 12, 2017.

Xbox One S Shadow of War Bundles

For those who can’t wait to get their hands-on Middle-earth: Shadow of War, the new Xbox One S Shadow of War Bundles are the best way to do it this October. Each bundle comes with an Xbox One S with either a 500GB or 1TB hard drive, Middle-earth: Shadow of War, an Xbox Wireless Controller, 1-month Xbox Game Pass subscription and 14-day Xbox Live Gold trial.

Xbox Design Lab comes to new countries

We’re thrilled to announce that we’re expanding Xbox Design Lab to over 20 additional European countries starting August 22, 2017. This extends Xbox Design Lab beyond United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, United Kingdom, France and Germany. On August 22, fans living in Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Spain, and Sweden will be able to order their custom controllers online through local-language websites. In addition, the European Union websites above will enable shipping to Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Estonia, Finland, Greece, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Romania, Slovakia, and Slovenia.

Xbox One gets a new look and feel

The Xbox One family will receive a big update with a new look and feel later this fall – available now in preview – designed to make the Xbox gaming experience more personalized and social than ever. Now, you can customize your Xbox One Home to be uniquely yours and view all the content you love at-a-glance! Further details about what’s next for gamers on Xbox are available here.

 

One of our largest, most diverse games line-ups at gamescom 2017

During Xbox @ gamescom Live, we showcased one of our largest, most diverse line-up of games from developers around the world and highlighted our commitment to delivering amazing games and experiences for gamers on both console and Windows 10 PCs.

PlayerUnknown himself, Brendan Greene, joined the Xbox @ gamescom Live event to discuss the epic Battle Royale title that is coming exclusively to Xbox One in the Xbox Game Preview program later this year and to announce that the game will be published by Microsoft on Xbox One.  As an expansion of the partnership announced at E3, this collaboration will help Bluehole accelerate console development while maintaining quality across platforms and provide resources ranging from technical to sales and marketing.  For those that don’t know, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds has seen runaway success in Early Access on PC and is a tactical, last-man-standing shooter being developed with community feedback where players must fight to locate weapons and supplies in a massive 8×8 km island to be the lone survivor.

We are proud to have great games coming to PC, including Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, Forza Motorsport 7, Crackdown 3, charming platformer Super Lucky’s Tale and cross-play between Xbox and PC on fan favorite Sea of Thieves. We are bringing more features and games to PC gamers around the world including things like Mixer broadcasting, updates to Game Mode, Game Bar and added support for HDR screenshots.

Xbox Game Pass

Building on the momentum from our new gaming membership, Xbox Game Pass, which gives you unlimited access to over 100 Xbox One and Xbox 360 games – for one low monthly price, all in full fidelity, without any streaming or connectivity issues, we’re bringing Game Pass to eight new countries: Argentina, Brazil, Israel, Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, South Africa, Turkey and UAE. Next month we will also add seven new titles including ReCore: Definitive Edition. It will also be available as a digital and retail purchase as well as a free upgrade to existing ReCore players.

Assassin’s Creed Origins

Journey into Ancient Egypt, the most mysterious place in history, during a crucial period that will shape the world. Discover the secrets behind the Great Pyramids, forgotten myths, the last pharaohs, and the origin story of the Assassin’s Brotherhood. For the last four years, the team behind Assassin’s Creed IV Black Flag has been crafting a new beginning for the franchise. Fight in a completely new way where you transition seamlessly between unique ranged and melee weapons, and take on multiple enemies at once. Choose your Assassin skills while exploring the full country of Ancient Egypt, engaging in multiple quests and gripping stories along a journey that will change civilization. Available across the Xbox One family of devices starting October 27, 2017 and as an Xbox One X enhanced title alongside the console’s launch on November 7, 2017.

Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare

Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare is a full expansion coming to Halo Wars 2, featuring a new campaign with Blur cinematics, exclusive new multiplayer Leaders, new maps playable across Halo Wars 2 classic multiplayer and Terminus Firefight – a unique game mode in the expansion set on a dynamic map where players build bases and armies to defend against waves of enemy forces. Halo Wars 2: Awakening the Nightmare releases on Xbox One and Windows 10 PC on September 26 and as an Xbox One X enhanced title with 4K and HDR support on November 7.

Halo 5: Guardians

Announced earlier this year, Halo 5: Guardians returns as an Xbox One X enhanced title with 4K support and is set for release this holiday.

ReCore: Definitive Edition

ReCore: Definitive Edition lets players experience the game’s mysterious and dynamic world with enhanced visuals (increased resolution and HDR), a brand-new adventure, and the long-awaited T8-NK Corebot who joins Joule, Mack, Seth, Duncan, and Violet as they explore new environments and dungeons while battling the deadly Obsidian Cult. The game will be available next week, on August 29, and the enhancements and additional content will be provided as a free content update for current owners of original ReCore release. New players can download the ReCore: Definitive Edition within their Xbox Game Pass membership or purchase it as an Xbox Play Anywhere game for Xbox One and Windows 10 PC.

Forza Motorsport 7

Forza Motorsport 7 is the first Forza game built from the ground up for Windows 10 PCs. It is the ultimate racing experience with over 700 cars, dynamic skies and weather that are different every time you return to a track, a new career mode inspired by real-world motorsport and support for a wide range of PC configurations and peripherals. Also, for the first time ever, fans who want to test drive Forza Motorsport 7 on Windows 10 PCs can play the demo ahead of the game’s release. Forza Motorsport 7 is available for pre-order on Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, releasing globally on September 29 for Ultimate Edition with Early Access and October 3 for Deluxe and Standard Editions. Stay tuned to Xbox Wire and ForzaMotorsport.net for additional details on Forza Motorsport 7 demo in the coming weeks.

State of Decay 2

We’re taking a deeper look at how State of Decay 2 is bigger, badder and bolder than the previous game. The number one ask from fans was to bring four player co-op multiplayer, and that’s exactly what we did. State of Decay 2 features cross-platform co-op, where you and up to three of your friends can survive together regardless of which platform you prefer to play on.

Jurassic World Evolution

During today’s livestream Frontier Developments debuted their newest title Jurassic World Evolution, launching in summer 2018. Jurassic World Evolution places players in control of operations on the legendary island of Isla Nublar and the surrounding islands of the Muertes Archipelago and challenges players to build their own Jurassic World as they bioengineer new dinosaur breeds, and construct attractions, containment and research facilities. Every choice leads to a different path and spectacular challenges will arise when “life finds a way.” Find out more at https://www.jurassicworldevolutiongame.com.

PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds

Coming to Xbox One as a console launch exclusive in Xbox Game Preview later this year, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds is a tactical, last-man-standing shooter being developed with community feedback where players must fight to locate weapons and supplies in a massive 8×8 km island to be the lone survivor.

Sea of Thieves

With Sea of Thieves, we are extremely excited to show off cross-play for the first time, showing that Sea of Thieves is a game that brings players together, regardless of device. Alongside this, we’re delivering the PC experience our players expect, with the game playable in 21:9 and 4K and 60FPS on the show floor.

Since the Insider Program launched, players on both PC and console have shared valuable feedback that has already helped shape Sea of Thieves. Join the Insider Program for a chance to play the Technical Alpha and shape the game into the pirate game you’ve always wanted on Windows 10 PCs and Xbox One.

Middle-earth: Shadow of War

Wield a new Ring of Power and confront the deadliest of enemies, including Sauron and his Nazgul, in a monumental battle for Middle-earth. This open-world action RPG is brought to life through the expansion of the award-winning Nemesis System. The robust personalisation from Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor is now applied to the entire world where the environments and characters are all shaped by player actions and decisions, creating a personal world unique to every gameplay experience. Available as an Xbox Play Anywhere title across the Xbox One family of devices and Windows 10 starting October 10, 2017 and as an Xbox One X enhanced title alongside the console’s launch on November 7, 2017.

Cuphead

Available (finally) beginning September 29, 2017, as an Xbox Play Anywhere title, Cuphead is a classic run-and-gun action game heavily focused on boss battles. Inspired by cartoons of the 1930s, the visuals and audio are painstakingly created with the same techniques of the era, i.e., traditional hand-drawn cel animation, watercolor backgrounds and original jazz recordings. Play as Cuphead or Mugman (in single-player or local co-op) as you traverse strange worlds, acquire new weapons, learn powerful supermoves and discover hidden secrets while you try to pay back your debt to the devil!

Surviving Mars

Haemimont Games and Paradox Interactive debuted their first gameplay trailer for their upcoming management and survival game, Surviving Mars. In Surviving Mars, players will experience the wonder and danger of the red planet. From Landing your first rocket to building up a bustling metropolis of domes that house your first colony. Tackle the dangers of life support with the help of drones, survive meteor storms and discover mysteries. Welcome to life on Mars.

Disneyland Adventures

Experience the magic of Disneyland Park like never before. Take a journey where stories come to life and dreams come true, right in your living room. Disneyland Adventures allows children, families and Disney fans of all ages to explore Disneyland Park, step into adventures based on attractions, engage in challenging quests and interact with beloved Disney characters, remastered in 4K Ultra HD and HDR.

Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure 

Rush: A Disney-Pixar Adventure invites families and fans of all ages to experience the worlds of six beloved Disney-Pixar films like never before. Team up with characters from “The Incredibles,” “Ratatouille,” “Up,” “Cars,” “Toy Story,” and “Finding Dory” to solve puzzles and uncover hidden secrets, all remastered in 4K Ultra HD and HDR.

Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection 

Let your imagination run wild with Zoo Tycoon: Ultimate Animal Collection, now remastered in 4K Ultra HD and HDR. Build, manage, and maintain your dream zoo alone or with up to four players on Xbox Live. This zoo simulation will charm animal lovers of all ages.

Super Lucky’s Tale

Developed by Playful Corp., Super Lucky’s Tale is a delightful, playground platformer for all ages that follows Lucky, the ever-optimistic, energetic, and lovable hero, on his quest to find his inner strength and help his sister rescue the Book of Ages. Along the way, players encounter a hilarious supporting cast of friends and adversaries. Available on November 7, Super Lucky’s Tale will deliver a state-of-the-art gaming experience on the Xbox One family of devices and Windows 10 PCs and supports Xbox Play Anywhere.

For additional news, highlights, exclusive reveals and a behind-the-scenes look at some of your favorite games throughout the week of gamescom, check out news.xbox.com.

Tune in Tuesday for Exciting Age of Empires News at gamescom

This week on Tuesday, August 22 at 5:00 a.m. AEST we’ll get a first-look and hands-on preview with the recently announced Age of Empires: Definitive Edition at gamescom 2017. And that’s not all — we’ll be revealing some exciting news about the Age of Empires franchise and more.

20 years after its launch on PC in 1997, we announced at E3 2017 that Age of Empires: Definitive Edition is coming exclusively to Windows 10, with a closed beta available for registration now. Created as an homage to fans of the series and PC gamers everywhere, Age of Empires: Definitive Edition will bring back the original Age of Empires and its Rise of Rome expansion with 16 civilizations to explore, all the while including beautifully enhanced graphics, entirely re-orchestrated soundtrack, brand-new narrative, major gameplay improvements, Xbox Live support for multiplayer, and more.

We’ll have more details to share with you soon after the livestream event at gamescom on Tuesday, August 22. In the meantime, check out the trailer above for what to expect in Age of Empires: Definitive Edition, and sign up for a Mixer account in order to join the livestream on Mixer starting on Tuesday, August 22 at 5:00 a.m. AEST!

Links to embedding the livestream onto your site are below. Let us know if you have any questions.

www.mixer.com/ageofempires                              Stream with English CC

www.mixer.com/ageofempiresCC                         Stream with English Open Captions (burned in Video)

Frontier Announces Jurassic World Evolution™

Frontier Announces Jurassic World Evolution™

Players Will Be Able to Build Their Own Jurassic World™ Park in the New PC and Console Game Launching Summer 2018
Cambridge, UKAugust 20, 2017 — Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV) today announced its new game, Jurassic World Evolution, and revealed the first trailer. Based on Universal Pictures’ iconic film franchise and created in collaboration with Universal Brand Development, the game expands on the official Jurassic World mythology and puts players in charge of cinema’s greatest tourist destination – where they will have the opportunity to create and manage their own Jurassic World. Launching in summer 2018, Jurassic World Evolution will be coming to PC, the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, and the Xbox One all-in-one games and entertainment system.

“As long-time fans of the entire Jurassic series we’re thrilled to be putting players in charge of their own Jurassic World,” said Frontier’s Chief Creative Officer, Jonny Watts. “We’re excited to bring over fifteen years of management, simulation, and creature development expertise to a destination and franchise that remains an inspiration to us.”

Jurassic World Evolution evolves players’ relationship with the Jurassic World film franchise, placing them in control of operations on the legendary island of Isla Nublar and the surrounding islands of the Muertes Archipelago. Players will build their own Jurassic World as they bioengineer new dinosaur breeds and construct attractions, containment and research facilities. Every choice leads to a different path and spectacular challenges arise when ‘life finds a way.’

The game is scheduled to release next summer and Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom will be in theatres June 2018.

Follow Jurassic World Evolution on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube. For the logo and trailer, visit Frontier.co.uk/Press.

About Jurassic World

With all of the wonder, adventure and thrills synonymous with one of the most popular and successful franchises in cinema history, this all-new motion-picture event sees the return of favorite characters and dinosaurs—along with new breeds more awe-inspiring and terrifying than ever before.  Welcome to Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.

Stars Chris Pratt and Bryce Dallas Howard return alongside executive producers Steven Spielberg and Colin Trevorrow for Universal Pictures and Amblin Entertainment’s Jurassic World: Fallen Kingdom.  Pratt and Howard are joined by co-stars James Cromwell, Ted Levine, Justice Smith, Geraldine Chaplin, Daniella Pineda,
Toby Jones, Rafe Spall, while Jake Johnson, BD Wong and Jeff Goldblum reprise their roles.

Directed by J.A. Bayona (The Impossible), the epic action-adventure is written by Jurassic World’s director, Trevorrow, and its co-writer, Derek Connolly.  Producers Frank Marshall and Pat Crowley once again partner with Spielberg and Trevorrow in leading the team of filmmakers for this stunning installment.  Belén Atienza joins the team as a producer.  www.jurassicworld.com

About Frontier Developments

Frontier Developments is the studio behind Elite Dangerous, LostWinds and Planet Coaster, founded in 1994 by games industry veteran David Braben. Frontier’s development strengths are immersive and fun gameplay design with unparalleled artistic quality, all enabled by its cutting-edge in-house COBRA game development technology and a talent for getting the best out of hardware and UI.

Elite Dangerous is available now for PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Planet Coaster is available now for PC. Other Frontier titles include RollerCoaster Tycoon 3, Thrillville, LostWinds, Kinectimals, Kinect Disneyland Adventures, Zoo Tycoon, Tales from Deep Space and ScreamRide.

About Universal Brand Development

Universal Brand Development globally drives expansion of the company’s intellectual properties, franchises, characters and stories through innovative physical and digital products, content, and consumer experiences. Along with franchise brand management, Universal Brand Development’s core businesses include Consumer Products, Games and Digital Platforms, and Live Entertainment based on the company’s extensive portfolio of intellectual properties created by Universal Pictures, Illumination Entertainment, DreamWorks Animation, and NBCUniversal cable and television. Universal Brand Development is a business segment of Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, and part of NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation (NASDAQ: CMCSA).

© 2017 Frontier Developments, plc. All rights reserved. Frontier, Cobra, Frontier Developments and the Frontier Developments and Cobra logo(s) are trademarks or registered trademarks of Frontier Developments, plc.

© 2017 Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc.   Jurassic World, Jurassic World Evolution and their respective logos are trademarks and copyrights of Universal Studios and Amblin Entertainment, Inc.  Licensed by Universal Studios.  All Rights Reserved.

BLUEHOLE, INC AND MICROSOFT ANNOUNCE EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP FOR PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS

BLUEHOLE, INC AND MICROSOFT ANNOUNCE EXPANDED PARTNERSHIP FOR PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS
From Gamescom 2017, PUBG to be Published by Microsoft on Xbox One

SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA – August 20, 2017From Gamescom 2017 – Bluehole, Inc., announced today that PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS (PUBG), the first standalone Battle Royale game with more than eight million units sold on Steam, will be published by Microsoft on Xbox One. Through this partnership, Microsoft will help accelerate console development and maintain quality across all platforms. Bluehole, Inc. will maintain full development and creative control of PUBG, continuing to bring the best Battle Royale experience.

“Our goal is to deliver the best Battle Royale experience to a global audience and our partnership with Microsoft will allow us to do just that,” said Chang Han Kim, VP of Bluehole, Inc and Executive Producer for PUBG. “This partnership with Microsoft will accelerate the development and delivery of PUBG to console players around the world as we utilize their vast resources and impressive technical, sales and marketing expertise.”

“I couldn’t be more excited to be working with the team at Bluehole to bring Playerunknown’s Battlegrounds exclusively to our players on Xbox One this year,” said Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox. “We’ve been huge fans since the very earliest days, and worked hard to bring the game successfully to our E3 briefing. The announcement of our publishing the game on console today is an evolution of the strong partnership we’ve been building over many months.”

A last-man-standing shooter, PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS is the ultimate life and death fight, as it drops players on a realistic 8 x 8 km island with visuals that showcase Unreal Engine 4’s capabilities. Starting with nothing, gamers must fight to locate weapons, vehicles and supplies as they strive to be the lone survivor.

PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS is now available on Steam Early Access and is launching exclusively on Xbox One as part of the Xbox Game Preview program in late 2017, with the final version launching in early 2018 across the Xbox One family of devices.

To learn more about PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS, please visit www.playbattlegrounds.com, ‘Like’ it on Facebook, and follow its development on Twitter @PUBATTLEGROUNDS for all the latest updates and news from the team.

PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS – Not Just a Game. This is Battle Royale.
# # #

ABOUT BLUEHOLE
Founded in 2007 and based in Korea, Bluehole, Inc. is the developer of the popular action MMORPG, TERA, which has attracted over 25 million registered users worldwide. TERA is live in seven different territories including North America, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Europe and Russia and has reached the #1 spot on Steam’s MMORPG charts. Having achieved high standards and worldwide recognition for its online roleplaying games, the studio has also expanded into the mobile gaming market. Bluehole’s first non-MMO title, PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS, has sold more than eight million units since its Early Access launch on March 23, 2017. PLAYERUNKNOWN’S BATTLEGROUNDS is fully developed and published by Bluehole worldwide. For more information, visit www.bluehole.net/en.

Escape from Tarkov Preview

Escape from Tarkov

Developer: Battlestate Games
Publisher: Battlestate Games
Platform: Windows

Escape from Tarkov is a highly realistic FPS with RPG elements set in the fictional city of Tarkov. The game is currently in closed beta, with guaranteed beta invitations going out to those who have pre-ordered the game. I had a chance to check out the latest closed beta build that introduced a swath of balancing changes, the new Shoreline map, and a new economic system.

Set in an alternate version of Russia, the fictional city of Tarkov has been shut down and sealed after a massive conflict breaks out between UN peacekeepers, Russian troops, and two private military companies. In Escape from Tarkov, players take on the role of mercenaries employed by USEC, the private military company hired by the shadowy multinational corporation Terra Group, or BEAR, a private military company started by the Russian government to investigate the dealings of Terra Group. To survive, players will need to scavenge enough equipment and weapons to escape the city of Tarkov while the streets are filled with bloodthirsty scavengers and desperate mercenaries. While the full launch will include a full story mode, the story elements in the closed beta is limited to the text messages players will receive from the variety of fences and merchants in Tarkov.

Escape from Tarkov’s closed beta is a little different from the run of the mill survival game. Instead of permanently sitting in one giant map, players participate in individual raids set in different areas of Tarkov. Players first need to choose the equipment they will take into the zone with them. New to the closed beta is the ability to insure their items for a small fee. If the player happens to die in the area, any item that is not looted by another player will be returned to them after a set amount of time. Players will then be spawned near a set spawn area and must make their way to one of the designated escape zones. If the player can escape the zone successfully, they will be able to keep all the items they bring out with them in their inventory. In the final game, players will raid each area in the city in a set order so they can unlock a free roam mode.

Each zone is rated by difficulty and the ideal party size for the zone. Escape from Tarkov is designed for teams of three to eight players, which makes solo play quite challenging. Currently, Customs is the only zone that is designed for single players. During the testing period, an offline mode is available that lowers the difficulty level for single players, but no progression is saved. It is a good place for new players to experiment and learn the ropes of the game, but it is clearly not the long-term solution Battlestate Games has in mind.

Escape from Tarkov is a highly realistic shooter in the same vein as the ArmA series. Damage is ruthlessly high and is affected by both the type of ammunition fired and any armour worn in the area. For example, shooting an enemy in an armoured area with an AP round will grant damage bonuses, while hitting an unarmoured bonus will be less effective than a normal bullet. The weapon mod system offers endless options for weapons, rivaling Tom Clancy games for the sheer number of scopes, suppressors, and muzzle brakes available for bolting onto weapons. It is as if the only weapon mod missing in Escape from Tarkov is the coffee machine.

The game’s control scheme is nearly as complex as ArmA titles, too. While most players will be able to do quite a bit with the standard FPS control scheme, players will need to learn how to use some of the more advanced keys to get the most out of the game. Escape from Tarkov offers an incredibly fine level of control when it comes to movement. Players can dial in the exact movement speed to stay as quiet as possible, then break out into a dead sprint for cover when ambushed. Since cover is literally the difference between life and death, the game even offers the same level of control over how far to peek out behind cover, exposing the player as little as possible in a gun fight.

Escape from Tarkov uses an RPG style inventory and skill system. The inventory uses a series of bag slots and menus for navigation. It is easy to get a hang of, but desperately needs some inventory management functions like auto-sorting. The skill system will be familiar to anyone who has played The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, as players earn skills by practicing them in the field. Battlestate Games is throwing in a twist by having skills slowly degrade over time if the skill is not practiced.

 

 

The game is a niche title, especially in its current state. Navigating through the city of Tarkov is quite challenging at the moment as the map is barebones and the compass is still on the developers to do list. Since the karma system has yet to be implemented, the game is pretty much running on a kill on sight policy. Escape from Tarkov’s learning curve is extremely high. New players will have to spend time playing the game in offline mode and possibly relying on guides online to memorize important landmarks, raid exits, and spawn points before they can make some serious progress. The Scav mode gives players a little breathing room to explore the city while online. Players spawn in as a randomly geared scavenger in game and can keep anything they can grab if they escape successfully from the area. The only problem is players must wait an hour between Scav runs. The AI are ruthless right now, with sharp vision and some impressive aim. Making stupid mistakes like running out of cover or staying too long in one spot is punished without mercy.

The audio/visual presentation is very good right now. The gunfire sounds incredible. I can’t count how many times I nearly leapt out of my seat with shock and fear when the quiet peace of the Russian country side was suddenly interrupted with gunfire. The graphics are solid, with excellent textures and models. Most of the animations are good, though some of the hand animations look very unnatural. Probably the worst offender is the odd angle the wrist contorts in when trying to open drawers.

Currently, Escape from Tarkov is a niche FPS that will really cater to the hardcore shooter sim fan. The game is unforgiving to new players, and the need to memorize maps only makes it all the more challenging. Gun nuts will be enamoured with Escape from Tarkov’s weapon mechanics. The game is still early in development, so it will be interesting to see how Battlestate Games will adjust the game’s balance and learning curve over the next several major updates.   

A Cerebral Wonderland: Playmind’s Nightmare World “The Inner Friend” Plans Worldwide Premier At Gamescom

A Cerebral Wonderland: Playmind’s Nightmare World “The Inner Friend” Plans Worldwide Premier At Gamescom

Studio’s Debut To Hit Cologne from 22nd to 26th of August In The Indie Arena Booth [Hall 10.1 Booth A-20]

London, U.K. — August 21 , 2017 — Playmind, a gaming and digital media studio with over 15 years of experience, is proud to announce its presence at Gamescom 2017 with the studio’s first game, The Inner Friend for PS4, Xbox One, PC and VR.

Throwing players into an Alice in Wonderland type world where dreams and nightmares are intertwined, The Inner Friend takes place inside the physical realisation of a subconscious universe. Players are led through this 3D world by a myserious Shadow, acting as a witness to his childhood memories, collecting each one to rebuild what was once a safe haven.

Together, the player and the Shadow descend always deeper, unraveling a rich but wordless story, but every journey has to end. What secrets hide in its darkest corners?

“The game will see players descend into an eerie world made of scattered memories and unresolved traumas,” offered Playmind founder Emmanuel Sévigny. “By exploring a nightmarish landscape, they’ll come face to face with their childhood fears.

“The Inner Friend inhabits a rich visual environment, supported by an immersive soundscape, and cinematic music that promotes immersion and deep emotional moments. Intenionally dark, scary, and mysterious at times, the environments are surrealist representations of memories and fears. Movement, imagery, and music are the key means of communication the player’s got to interact with the Shadow, their guide throughout this descent.”

The Inner Friend is the first game by Canadian outfit Playmind, which was first formed in 2002. Since then, founder Emmanuel Sévigny has been creating state of the art AR,VR and interactive installations as well as digital environments and event-based games.

Sévigny first started work on The Inner Friend two years ago, building on his experience developing event-based games and interactions for advertising, museums, events, world fairs and performances.

The Inner Friend will hit PS4, Xbox One, PC and VR in  2018.

About Playmind

PLAYMIND is a gaming and digital media studio that has an accurate perception of the ever-changing digital culture. For more than 15 years, PLAYMIND has been specializing in the design and development of digital media. The studio combines strategic analysis and prototypes using cutting edge technologies to create strong immersive experiences. PLAYMIND focuses on mobile, VR, AR, console and event-based video games, on digital interactions and immersive environments for advertising, museums, events, world fairs and performances. PLAYMIND is developing its first.

For more information visit http://theinnerfriend.com/ or follow at: https://www.facebook.com/theinnerfriend/ and on Twitter https://twitter.com/playmind