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EA UNVEILS BATTLEFIELD 1 REVOLUTION AND BATTLEFIELD 1 INCURSIONS, AT GAMESCOM

EA UNVEILS BATTLEFIELD 1 REVOLUTION AND BATTLEFIELD 1 INCURSIONS, AT GAMESCOM

Revolutionise Your Play – New Modes, New Maps, New Conflicts Available Now

Players Can Get A First Look at Competitive Play in Battlefield 1 Incursions 
Closed Alpha , Beginning in September

SYDNEY, Australia – August 22, 2017 – DICE, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) today unveiled a Revolution for Battlefield™ 1. In the complete Battlefield 1 experience, Battlefield 1 Revolution allows players to experience the dawn of all-out war through epic multiplayer battles where no battle is ever the same, immersive single player War Stories, more maps, deeper progression and new modes, all in a single package. Battlefield 1 Revolution is now available worldwide for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Origin on PC. In addition, Battlefield 1 Incursions is a new intense gaming experience being developed in collaboration with players, and optimised for competition. Players can register now for the Closed Alpha beginning in September.

Battlefield 1 Revolution is the quintessential way to join the Battlefield community and experience war on an unmatched scale. Battlefield 1 Revolution contains the Battlefield 1 base game and Battlefield 1 Premium Pass which includes four themed expansion packs*, each filled with all new maps, new modes and more, making it the complete Battlefield 1 experience. Players will have immediate access to Battlefield 1 They Shall Not Pass, featuring six maps including the game’s first night maps, Nivelle Nights and Prise de Tahure. Players can further expand the battle with Battlefield 1 Revolution in Battlefield 1 In the Name of the Tsar in September, partake in amphibious warfare in Battlefield 1 Turning Tides set to launch in December, and the most infamous battles of the Great War in Battlefield 1 Apocalypse,available in early 2018. Those who purchase Battlefield 1 Revolution will also receive the Red Baron Pack, Lawrence of Arabia Pack and Hellfighter Pack which contain themed weapons, vehicles and emblems based on the famous heroes and units.

Also available today for those that own Battlefield 1 Revolution or Battlefield 1 Premium Pass is Lupkow Pass, the first map to be released from the upcoming expansion In the Name of the Tsar. In Lupkow Pass, players can battle it out in the snow-covered ravines and treacherous vertical drops of World War I. Then, when the full expansion releases in early September, players will further enter the war’s biggest front with the Russian Army and the Women’s Battalion of Death with five additional all new maps and two new Operations. In the Name of the Tsar also includes 11 new weapons, the new Ilya-Muromets Heavy Bomber vehicle, the Putilov-Garford Heavy Armored Car, the new Supply Drop game mode, new medals, dog tags, service stars and more, making it the most extensive update in Battlefield franchise history.

In the Battlefield 1 Incursions Closed Alpha, players will be introduced to a tight, teamplay focused competitive experience in the game. Competitors will have to put their skills to the test in intense 5 vs. 5 matches, creating dramatic moments that include the signature Battlefieldvehicle gameplay. Starting in September, players in the Closed Alpha will be able to choose from eight different kits (Trench Surgeon, Control Leader, AT Assault, Battle Mechanic, Mortar Support, Raid Leader, Shock Assault, Proximity Recon) on the modified Battlefield 1 Giant’s Shadow map, and rank up to gain access to improved weapons and abilities based on a combination of time and performance. The Battlefield 1 Incursions Closed Alpha is just the beginning of the team’s journey in crafting a long term-competitive experience in collaboration with the Battlefield community. The features, content, and systems of Battlefield 1 Incursions may change between Closed Alpha and its final, finished form. More details on the competitive gaming structure and events will be shared in the coming months.

For more information on Battlefield 1, please visit www.battlefield.com or join the conversation on FacebookYouTube and Twitter ®. Press assets for Battlefield 1 are available at http://info.ea.com.

*Check www.battlefield.com/games/battlefield-1/premium often for details and release dates for each expansion pack

About Electronic Arts
Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: EA) is a global leader in digital interactive entertainment. The Company delivers games, content and online services for Internet-connected consoles, personal computers, mobile phones and tablets. EA has more than 300 million registered players around the world.

In fiscal year 2016, EA posted GAAP net revenue of $4.4 billion. Headquartered in Redwood City, California, EA is recognised for a portfolio of critically acclaimed, high-quality blockbuster brands such as The Sims™, Madden NFL, EA SPORTS™ FIFA, Battlefield™, Dragon Age™ and Plants vs. Zombies™. More information about EA is available at www.ea.com/news .

EA, EA SPORTS, Origin, The Sims, Dragon Age, Plants vs. Zombies, Battlefield, and Battlefield 1 are trademarks of Electronic Arts Inc. John Madden, NFL, NHL, NBA, PGA TOUR, UFC and FIFA are the property of their respective owners and used with permission. “PlayStation” is a registered trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc.

Puzzle Bobble Journey Now Available on the App Store and the Google Play Store 

Puzzle Bobble Journey Now Available on the App Store and the Google Play Store 

Classic Puzzle Game Has Arrived

SYDNEY, 22ND August 2017 – TAITO Corporation (Main office: Shinjuku, Tokyo, herein after TAITO) today announced the release of the classic puzzle game “Puzzle Bobble Journey” on the App Store® and Google Play™ Store for mobile devices and tablets.

Brothers “Bubblun” and “Bobblun” have been turned into dragons by the curse of a witch. The brothers blow and burst bubbles to search a way to turn back into human form. Bust-A-Move/Puzzle Bobble’s classic, exciting play formula is simple but addictive: connect three or more bubbles of the same color to remove them from the field and progress.

Features:
– Shoot bubbles to match 3 or more of the same color to make them pop!
– Complete your missions in every stage such as “Pop all the bubbles!”, “Reach the target score!” and “Save Chack’n!”!
– Clearing a stage unlocks the next stage. Move forward on your way!
– Skillfully use the helpful items and characters to advance stages!
–  “EASY MODE” to assist “Guide & Change Up” functions are now available!
– The game includes 270+ stages with a variety of mechanics!
– Players can purchase maps to play additional stages from Stage 271.

TitlePuzzle Bobble Journey
DateAugust 22, 2017
TerritoryWorldwide
Copyright© TAITO CORPORATION 1994, 2017 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
URLApp Store

https://itunes.apple.com/au/app/id1245988397

Google Play

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=jp.co.taito.puzzlebobblepremium&hl=en

 

Formula 1® enters esports with the launch of the Formula 1® Esports Series

Formula 1® enters esports with the launch of the Formula 1® Esports Series

SYDNEY, 22ND August 2017 – Formula 1, the pinnacle of motorsport, today announced their entry into the esports arena with the launch of the Formula 1® Esports Series. The competition, starting in September 2017, will see fans and gamers from all over the world battle it out to uncover  the best virtual F1 driver and be crowned the Formula 1 Esports Series World Champion. The Formula 1 Esports Series is a partnership between Formula 1, the world’s premier motor sport; Codemasters, the leading racing game developer and publisher; and Gfinity, the global leader in esports events and competitions. The 2017 F1 Esport Series will be the first year of an annual competition, highlighting the sport’s long-term investment in esports and gaming as well as its continued ambition to build a greater connection with wider audiences, especially younger fans.

The launch of the competition coincides with the release of the official F1™ 2017 game allowing gamers to get closer to Formula 1 than ever before. Releasing worldwide on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC (via Steam) on August 25th, F1 2017 is the most feature rich game in the franchise’s history and the new F1 Esport Series will be open to players on all three platforms. Competitors will race through three different stages. Qualification events will take place throughout September to determine  the quickest 40 drivers: these will progress to the live semifinal events, to be hosted at the Gfinity Arena in London on October 10th and 11th. The top 20 will progress to the Finals, which will take place at the Yas Marina as part of the 2017 FORMULA 1 Etihad Airways Abu  Dhabi Grand Prix on 24th and 25th November. At the end of a three-race event, the first Formula 1 Esports World Champion will be crowned on the same weekend as the final 2017 Formula 1 Grand Prix. Alongside the pride and prestige of being the first ever champion, the winner will also be the Formula 1 Esports Champion Expert for 2018 and will automatically qualify for the semifinals of next year’s Formula 1 Esports Series. The first winner will also be offered the opportunity to live the full experience of a Formula 1 race by attending one of the 2018 Grand Prix, as well as becoming a character in the F1™ 2018 game: a timeless reminder of his or her’s accomplishment.

Sean Bratches, Managing Director, Commercial Operations at Formula 1 said:

“This launch presents an amazing opportunity for our business: strategically and in the way we engage fans. First, it’s a growing category with tremendous fan engagement that we’re entering in a big way; and we are proud to have Codemasters and Gfinity joining us on this ride. Of course as we do in Formula 1, we’ll continue to evolve and innovate in the way we run this virtual counterpart to the F1 Championship to ensure we provide the most exciting and enjoyable experience we can for our fans.”

Frank Sagnier, CEO at Codemasters said:

“Esports is one of the fastest growing sectors of gaming already attracting audiences in the tens of millions. We are delighted to be announcing this incredible racing series with Formula 1 for our upcoming F1 2017 game. The highly competitive nature and high-speed  spectacle of the sport combined with the authenticity of our game will provide a thrilling experience for players and viewers across the world. We look forward to engaging more deeply with our loyal and passionate community, and to bring new fans to both our game and the sport itself.”

Neville Upton, CEO, Gfinity said:

“Formula 1 entering esports is a ringing endorsement for what spectacular entertainment esports provides and how vital it is to cutting-edge organisations that want to push the boundaries of entertainment and fan experience. Like Formula 1, Gfinity has the experience, skill and infrastructure to put on world-class events and we look forward to delivering fans the Formula 1 esports Series with excellence.”

All the details about the Formula 1 Esport Series and how to compete are available at F1Esports.com.

FINAL FANTASY XV ANNOUNCED FOR PC

FINAL FANTASY XV ANNOUNCED FOR PC

NVIDIA and SQUARE ENIX Team-Up to Deliver Spectacular Version With GameWorks Technology and Other Advanced Features 

SYDNEY, 22ND August 2017Square Enix Ltd., today announced they are bringing FINAL FANTASY® XV to Windows PC. Set for release in early 2018, FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION comes loaded with NVIDIA® GameWorks™ technology and other advanced PC features adding cutting-edge graphics and physics simulation technologies with support for NVIDIA’s capture and share tools.

SQUARE ENIX will use its cutting-edge Luminous Engine* together with NVIDIA GameWorks and other advanced technologies to make FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION the definitive version of the game with support for native 4K and 8K resolutions, as well as HDR10 and DOLBY ATMOS®. FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION boasts a wealth of bonus content from the console versions originally available through the Season Pass and free updates, while the addition of a new first-person mode allows a more immersive experience than ever before.

“With the help of NVIDIA, we are creating a stunning visual experience in FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION, one worthy of this beloved franchise,” said Hajime Tabata, Director of FINAL FANTASY XV at SQUARE ENIX. “NVIDIA pushes the pace of innovation in our industry, and that benefits gamers and developers alike.”

FINAL FANTASY XV WINDOWS EDITION will include the following GameWorks technology for real-time graphics and physics simulations:

  • NVIDIA Flow – to create dynamic, combustible fluid, fire and smoke.
  • NVIDIA HairWorks – to create dynamic, life-like hair and fur for characters, animals and monsters that inhabit the game.
  • NVIDIA ShadowWorks – to enable characters to cast shadows on themselves.
  • NVIDIA Turf Effects – to create dynamic grass and vegetation in the game environment.
  • NVIDIA VXAO – adds depth and realism based on the physics principles shadows and light.

There is also support for both GeForce® Experience™ capture and share tools:

  • NVIDIA Ansel™ an in-game photography tool that allows gamers to compose shots from any position, adjust with post-process filters, capture HDR images in high fidelity formats, and share screenshots in 360 via a smartphone, PC or VR headset.
  • NVIDIA ShadowPlay™ Highlights automatically captures a gamer’s greatest gaming achievements in video and screenshot and enables seamless sharing through social channels.

FINAL FANTASY WINDOWS EDITION will be available Early 2018 for Windows PC. For more information about FINAL FANTASY XV, please visit: www.finalfantasyxv.com

Related Links:
FINAL FANTASY XV YouTube: https://YouTube.com/FinalFantasyXV
FINAL FANTASY XV Twitter®: @FFXVEN
FINAL FANTASY XV Instagram: @FFXV
FINAL FANTASY XV Facebook: https://en-gb.facebook.com/ffxv/

Madman Made Several Major Announcements at SMASH 2017

Madman Entertainment made several announcements at their panel at SMASH 2017 this weekend. They will be bringing new anime films to Australian cinemas and highly-anticipated anime titles to home video in the near future.

The brand-new romantic fantasy film from Studio Shaft, Fireworks, will be coming to cinemas in Australia and New Zealand in the near future. The Irregular at Magic High School: The Girl Who Summons Stars will also be screened in cinemas across both countries. Premiere dates for both films will be announced at a later date.

The original 1992 anime adaptation of Sailor Moon will be coming to Blu-ray for the first time in Australia this December. Madman’s release will use Japan’s new HD remasters instead of Viz Media’s HD remasters, and it will be a full season set. Additionally, they will also be re-releasing Sailor Moon in full season DVD sets. A review of their limited edition release of the first 24 episodes can be read here.

Ronja the Robber’s Daughter, co-produced by Studio Ghibli, will be coming to home video in Australia in the future, as will Polygon Pictures’ anime series Ajin. More details about these releases will be posted as they become available.

Final Fantasy XV Coming to PC in Early 2018

I think I can sum up the reaction for PC fans today in two words: holy crap. Square Enix announced that they will release Final Fantasy XV on PC in early 2018, less than two years after the game launched on PlayStation 4. This is incredible news for PC owners. Up until now, they have had to settle for the MMO titles or ports of old Final Fantasy games from PlayStation 2 and PlayStation 3 era launched years before.

Square Enix will be partnering with Nvidia to implement GameWorks technology such as Nvidia HairWorks and VXAO. The PC version of the game without a doubt will overshadow the PlayStation 4 version’s graphics as the PC version has native 4K resolution that can be scaled up to 8K

While the minimum system requirements have yet to be posted, the game already has a Steam page.

New Assassin’s Creed Origins Cinematic Trailer Released for Gamescom 2017

With Gamescom 2017 about to kick off, the trickle of Gamescom trailers is starting to turn into a flood. Ubisoft is starting their stream of releases with a bang by unveiling a new cinematic trailer for Assassin’s Creed Origins. Set to Leonard Cohen’s “You Want it Darker,” the trailer shows the local Egyptians paying tribute to a masked pharaoh before the video cuts to a mummy being made from a dead body and the Greek armies waging war. We then see the game’s protagonist Bayek ambush the pharaoh and his guards. While Bayek is able to dispatch the guards, his target disappears Obi-wan Kenobi style and leaves behind his clothes and a cobra.

Assassin’s Creed Origins is scheduled to launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows on October 27, 2017.

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.