Rockstar is kicking it old school with the next mode to be released for Grand Theft Auto Online. The mode Tiny Racers will out on April 25th for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. A brand new trailer has been released to give people the first look at the new mode.
The stunt racing mode switches to the top down camera view the Grand Theft Autoseries was built on and sprinkles a little kart racing power ups in for good measure. The fastest racer is not always the winner in Tiny Racers, as many power ups will award players with a variety of weapons to literally destroy the competition with. All is fair in love and war!
Focus Home Interactive and Deck13 released a brand new trailer for their upcoming action RPG The Surge. The game dispenses with the traditional light/heavy attack mechanics for a more focused horizontal and vertical strikes that ties in with the game’s loot system. To salvage the best gear for main character Warren, players will need to use precise strikes to hack armour off the bodies of enemies. Healing items are extremely limited, so the game heavily favours players who use positioning and dodging to stay out of harm’s way.
Newly announced is the combat drone that accompanies Warren throughout the game. Much like Warren’s armour, the drone previously was an industrial machine. It has now been re-purposed to provide Warren with a variety of helpful abilities and buffs.
The Surge is set to launch on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Windows on May 16th.
Ubisoft® Partners With Tencent and Playcrab On New Mobile Game
Deal Brings Ubisoft’s Might And Magic Heroes® Cult Franchise to Mobile Players in China
SYDNEY – April 21, 2017 – Ubisoft has announced that Might & Magic Heroes: Era of Chaos®, a new licensed mobile game developed exclusively for China, will be published by Tencent, a leading provider of Internet value added services in China. Developed by Playcrab, a subsidiary of Ourpalm* specialized in action and strategy games, this new mobile title will be released in May and available in China on iOS and Android stores.
The agreement with Tencent and Playcrab marks a significant step forward in Ubisoft’s mobile strategy in high growth markets. This partnership gives Ubisoft an opportunity to leverage a cult brand to reach mobile players in China. Among its extensive publishing network, Tencent owns WeChat**, and has the exclusive ability to distribute games to WeChat’s more than 889 million monthly active users***. With its vast experience in developing action and RPG mobile games for Chinese players, Playcrab has an excellent track record of titles that top the charts on iOS and Android stores. According to analysts, the mobile gaming market in China generated over $10 billion in 2016****. The mobile segment is growing rapidly and experts estimate that the overall gaming market in China may have already outgrown the US, formerly the world’s largest market.
“We couldn’t have dreamed of better partners than PlayCrab and Tencent to bring the saga of Might and MagicHeroes to mobile players and to the Chinese market. Tencent is a world-leader and a hit maker when it comes to mobile games in China, and this deal shows that they are confident our rich portfolio of brands can appeal to Chinese players”, said Jean-Michel Detoc, executive director, Ubisoft mobile. “This is a significant step forward in our mobile strategy, working hand in hand with Chinese developers and publishers to create games based on our existing franchises that are tailored to Chinese players and can tap into the market’s enormous potential.”
“We’re thrilled to have Ubisoft’s Might and Magic Heroes: Era of Chaos in our lineup of games”, said Steven Han, project operations manager, Tencent. “The franchise is already supported in China by a highly engaged community of millions of fans, and we’re convinced that this new game will appeal to both fans and mobile players.”
“We’re proud to have developed, in collaboration with Ubisoft, the very first mobile installment of the Might and Magic Heroes series”, said Kevin Ye, CEO, Playcrab. “We believe this addition to the franchise is a great fit for the booming mobile game market here in China. By bringing the franchise to mobile, we offer both fans and newcomers alike an experience they can enjoy at their own pace, anywhere and at any time”.
The mythic Might and Magic Heroes series was released in 1995 and since, millions of fans around the world and in China have played its seven installments and its numerous spin-offs. The new mobile title features all the elements that contributed to the success of the series, including strategic PvP gameplay, fantastic creatures, and magic skills. In Might and Magic Heroes: Era of Chaos, Queen Catherine Ironfist embarks on a quest to unite her ravaged homeland and retake the kingdom of Erathia. While remaining faithful to the core tenets of Might and Magic Heroes, the battlefield has been transformed into an epic strategy card game, which is more suitable for mobile, and a passion for Chinese players.
For more information, visit Ubiblog to read an interview with Aurélien Palasse, head of licensing and publishing, Ubisoft Mobile China.
Get a Grip on Reality and Delusion Alike in the Latest Look at the Upcoming Satirical JRPG, Headed to PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®Vita Systems on May 16
In a bid to whet fans’ appetites for the impending May 16 launch of developer ACQUIRE’s upcoming satirical JRPG AKIBA’S BEAT, publisher XSEED Games today released a brand new story trailer teasing the title’s reality-bending premise. The trailer also offers a glimpse at the game’s Akihabara-inspired environments, party-based action battle system, and hand-drawn art style, and can be viewed here:
In addition, the official AKIBA’S BEAT website launched today to help players prepare for the alternate reality adventure, featuring further information on the game’s narrative, mechanics, and otaku offerings: http://www.akibasbeat.com
About AKIBA’S BEAT
A spiritual successor to AKIBA’S TRIP: Undead & Undressed, AKIBA’S BEAT is a modern-day satirical spin on the classic Japanese RPG formula. Set in a true-to-life recreation of Tokyo’s Akihabara district (“Akiba” for short), players will take control of a party of characters led by protagonist Asahi Tachibana as they seek to rid the town of anything out of sync with reality during a repeating Sunday from which none of them are able to break away.
There are two sides to the gameplay: first, players will wander the streets and question the quirky Akihabara residents on a variety of subjects related to the mystery at hand, ultimately unlocking fantasy-themed dungeons known as “Delusionscapes” which are infested with monsters called “deluseons.” These deluseons are encountered on the map and fought in a party-based action battle system, putting players’ skills to the test and creating a uniquely challenging experience that seamlessly blends a real-life locale with the secret delusory world of its residents’ innermost desires.
AKIBA’S BEAT also features dual audio support with both English and Japanese language dialog options covering each of its nearly 22,000 spoken lines. Players who pre-order AKIBA’S BEAT will receive the game’s “cute little uggo” mascot character, Pinkun, who is phasing into reality as a 3.5” tall pocket plushie that will come with all pre-orders at participating retailers while supplies last.
Developed by ACQUIRE and published in North America by XSEED Games, AKIBA’S BEAT is headed to the PS4™ and “PSVita” systems for $49.99 and $39.99 MSRP respectively on May 16, 2017. PQube will be bringing the title to Europe on May 19. This title has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB.
Spells of Genesis Global Launch is Here EverdreamSoft’s flagship mobile trading card game hits app stores today
GENEVA, Switzerland — EverdreamSoft, the Swiss-based mobile game developer, together with partner and video game publisher All 4 Games, are proud to announce the full launch of EDS’ flagship title Spells of Genesis, available on iOS and Android devices around the world as of April 20, 2017.
“Spells of Genesis represents a paradigm shift, bringing the very unique feature of true ownership of game cards,” said Shaban Shaame, CEO at EDS. “We are excited to collaborate with All 4 Games on taking this vision to the gaming market.”
Spells of Genesis blends genres, mixing trading card hallmarks like deck collection and combat strategy with arcade gaming elements.
The global launch of the mobile trading card game will arrive with a limited special card release and a general reset of all in-game achievements, gold and cards earned, crystals collected and card level-ups, according to EDS Marketing Manager Markéta Korteova.
“The global release is not the end, but a great start of a new and even bigger adventure,” said Korteova.
“At launch there will be over 200 levels, divided into 20 campaigns. Within the first month after the launch, this number will increase to around 300 levels.”
In addition, a truly infinite challenge mode, previously called “Infinity”, will also be available, continued Korteova.
The special blockchain card that will be distributed for the global launch will be available at the start of May. The card will be distributed as a gift to all those who will have played the official game version and who have linked their game account to their bitcoin wallet by the end of April.
EDS initially soft-launched in Canada and Switzerland in late 2016. This phase was used to build further interest while resolving any issues found during the the game’s final stages of development.
The game’s trailer can be seen on YouTube here while a demonstration of the game’s new obstacle system can be viewed here.
For more information on Spells of Genesis visit spellsofgenesis.com and for more information on EDS and other upcoming projects, visit everdreamsoft.com.
About EverdreamSoft Swiss-based EverdreamSoft, developer of mobile games and applications, explores current and upcoming new technologies and their potential application in the entertainment world. Along with their flagship title, Spells of Genesis, the company is developing a blockchain gaming platform called Project Orb that will allow game studios to seamlessly embrace blockchain technology and to enter an exciting new age for the gaming industry.
KOEI TECMO EUROPE INTRODUCES NEW COMBAT ELEMENTS FOR SAMURAI WARRIORS: SPIRIT OF SANADA
Navigate Ninja-laden Nights, Outlast Longer Battles, and Exert Sengoku Era Strategy to Bring Glory to the Sanada Clan in Upcoming Action Title Headed to PlayStation®4 and Steam®
Hertfordshire, 20th April 2017 – KOEI TECMO Europe revealed today exciting details on new battle features, playable characters, and other new gameplay additions available in the upcoming action title set in Sengoku Era Japan, SAMURAI WARRIORS: Spirit of Sanada. An action-packed trailer was released today to showcase the game’s latest take on the Warriors series’ signature combat system, and a freshly baked batch of screenshots introduce the newly playable character Sasuke – a young man trained in the ways of the ninja by Hattori Hanzō who, despite detesting Samurai, becomes close to Yukimura and the Sanada Clan. SAMURAI WARRIORS: Spirit of Sanada is scheduled to release on 26th May 2017 for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and digitally on Windows PC via Steam®.
SAMURAI WARRIORS: Spirit of Sanada features the time-tested “one versus thousands” gameplay style of the Warriors series with a plenitude of new additions. For example, combat will now occur over a longer period of time across multiple battlefields with the inclusion of Multi-Stage Battles. Through these intense conflicts, players will be able to experience historical events like never before and witness situations develop first hand. On Secondary Battlefields, players will be able to engage in battles where the Sanada family did not play a major role, and earn extra experience and items for participating while witnessing key historical events from another perspective.
Outside of combat, players can enjoy a variety of activities in the Castle Town, such as gathering information, interacting with townspeople and completing Feats – tests of combat that reward players with coins. When six coins are accumulated, these Sanada Six Coins can be used on the battlefield to trigger Stratagems – special strategies which will alter the flow of battle. The effect of a Stratagem will differ each time it is used, allowing for unique opportunities to change the tide of battle, and these strategies can be further enhanced by utilising the newly implemented passage of time features to one’s advantage. During the day, Officers will appear on the battlefield more frequently and players will be able to see the entire map and enemy locations, whereas at night enemy placements will not be visible and Ninjas will appear to stealthily attack their opponents.
SAMURAI WARRIORS: Spirit of Sanada weaves the tale of the Sanada Clan through its fascinating characters as it follows the footsteps of fan-favourite SAMURAI WARRIORS figure Yukimura Sanada. As players journey from boyhood and rise to the title of “The Crimson Demon of War,” they gain a deeper perspective on Yukimura’s motives, struggles, and upbringing. Although his honesty and devotion to the Sanada Clan initially cause him to question the schemes of his father, Masayuki, Yukimura’s training and travels teach him his father’s true intentions, eventually allowing him to discover his own reasons for fighting as he masters the ways of the spear. When his father and brother join opposing factions, Yukimura must make a difficult decision – and determine his own destiny.
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
BARE YOUR FANGS WITH CODE VEIN™, A THRILLING 3RD-PERSON ACTION-RPG FROM BANDAI NAMCO ENTERTAINMENT AMERICA INC.
Lust for Blood and Live for Death As You Search for Answers to the Forgotten Past
SANTA CLARA, Calif., (April 20, 2017) – Leading interactive entertainment company BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announces CODE VEIN™ for release on major home consoles in 2018. Feast on the blood of enemies through a journey across a massive interconnected world to unlock its mysterious sanguine past in this thrilling action-RPG.
In the not too distant future, a mysterious disaster has brought collapse to the world, as we know it. Towering skyscrapers, once symbols of prosperity, are now lifeless graves of humanity’s past pierced by the Thorns of Judgment. At the center of the destruction lies a hidden society of Revenants called Vein. This final stronghold is where the remaining few fight to survive, blessed with Gifts of power in exchange for their memories and a thirst for blood. Give into the bloodlust fully and risk becoming one of the Lost, fiendish ghouls devoid of any remaining humanity.
CODE VEIN is a third-person action RPG that finds players assuming the role of a Revenant. After stumbling into Vein, players are tasked to 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.
Revenants also have access to Blood Veils, devices capable of draining the blood of their enemies in order to enhance their own abilities. Exploiting these enhanced abilities known as Gifts, players can change their form to increase their strength, weaken enemies, and utilize new weapon abilities with overpowered attacks. Utilizing the vast array of weaponry along with each character’s Gift, players can adapt and strategize to a variety of battle conditions that suit their play styles.
“CODE VEIN provides a fresh anime aesthetic and blood-curdling gameplay twists to the popular 3rd-person action RPG genre,” said Eric Hartness, Vice President of Marketing for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “The talented development team at BANDAI NAMCO Studios is creating a tightly crafted experience filled with plenty of challenge that our fans crave along with a smart and engaging story that is sure to draw players deeper into the world of CODE VEIN. Let the feast begin!”
BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc., part of BANDAI NAMCO Holdings Inc., is a leading global publisher and developer of interactive entertainment for all major video game consoles, iOS, Android, and online platforms. The company is known for creating and publishing many of the industry’s top video game franchises including PAC-MAN®, GALAGA®, TEKKEN®, SOULCALIBUR®, and ACE COMBAT®. BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. is the premier publisher in the Western hemisphere for anime based video games including NARUTO SHIPPUDEN™, DRAGON BALL Z®, and ONE PIECE®. More information about the company and its products can be found at http://www.bandainamcoent.com or www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS
SEE THE MINIATURE MULTIPLAYER MAYHEM UNFOLD IN THE FIRST MICRO MACHINES WORLD SERIES GAMEPLAY TRAILER MICRO MACHINES TO MAKE A TRIUMPHANT RETURN ON 23rd JUNE
Codemasters today released the first gameplay trailer for the hotly anticipated return of the classic gaming franchise Micro Machines ahead of the release on PlayStation® 4, Xbox One and Steam (PC) on 23rd June. You can watch the miniature mayhem unfold in the first Micro Machines World Series gameplay trailer, playing at www.micromachinesgame.com.
Whether driving a SPY CAR destroying a HOVERCRAFT with a NERF Blaster in the Games Room, or a DUMP TRUCK blowing up a TANK with a Dynamite Launcher in the Garden, Micro Machines World Series will have players of all ages smiling from ear-to-ear while delivering absolute carnage.
Executive Producer, Chris Gray, said: “Micro Machines World Series is a fresh new take on the franchise that is great fun for previous players and those new to Micro Machines. It’s a firm fan favourite and we are delighted to be bringing it to the PS4, Xbox One and PC.
Chris continued: “In addition to the return of the classic Race and Elimination modes, we are extremely excited by the new Battle Arenas. Having 12 players in the same match, all fighting it out with a variety of vehicles and crazy weapons is great fun. Gamers are going to love it.”
Players will take on a whole new way of racing in Micro Machines World Series. Not only will players be able to burn rubber across the Kitchen table in familiar 4 player ‘sofa style’ local races but also enter into larger 12 player on-line races. So many players on one screen seriously increases the challenge, and all 12 vehicles jostling for position and hurtling toward each corner makes it even more perilous and exciting.
In addition to the code racing modes are the Battle Modes which pit up to 12 players into the same arena for frantically competitive multiplayer games including CAPTURE THE FLAG and TERRITORY as well as 6v6 TEAM DEATHMATCH. All of these are set to the interactive backdrop of 15 battle arenas including The Laser Lab, Buzzsaw Battle and negotiating the HUNGRY HUNGRY HIPPOS board without being eaten.
Players can personalise their Battles with 12 new vehicles including the SPY CAR, HOVERCRAFT, MONSTER TRUCK or G I JOE H.I.S.S TANK, each with their own strengths and weapons. Players will set off trying to crush, smash and destroy opponents with numerous new weapons including the Dynamite Launcher, Tidal Wave, Cobra Turret and NERF Blasters. Every vehicle also has a level of customisation with new skins, completely changing the original look. The inclusion of Emotes, Victory Poses and Grave Stamps also add to the camaraderie and bragging rights at the end of a match.
Adding to the hilarity and fun of Micro Machines, the UK release is narrated by the one and only Brian Blessed. In his own, recognisable and unique style Brian bursts forth announcing the start of races as well as “ENEMY FLAG TAKEN” and “MICRO MACHINES IS ALIVE!”
Follow updates from the Micro Machines team on Facebook.
Logitech announced the release of the Logitech G413 mechanical gaming keyboard today. Part of Logitech’s G series of gaming peripherals, the keyboard features a standard 104 key design with Logitech’s exclusive Romer-G switches. The switches have a short actuation distance of 1.5mm, allowing for quicker response time compared to Cherry MX style switches. The Romer-G switch also uses a box-like stem to provide clearer lighting. The case is built with aircraft grade aluminium top and features a USB passthrough port.
The Logitech G413 will come in two versions. Carbon has an all black look with red LED lighting and the Silver edition will feature a silver top plate and white LEDs. Both keyboards carry an MSRP of $89.99 USD. The Logitech G413 Carbon will be available at retailers worldwide, while Silver is a Best Buy exclusive.
Syberia 3 Launch Trailer: Let the Great Migration begin!
Sydney, April 20, 2017 – Syberia 3 will be available May 6th in Australia and New Zealand on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The last trailer of Syberia‘s epic saga new chapter, takes us on Kate Walker’s enchanting adventure and outlines her path through the challenges she will face in helping the Youkols complete the great migration of the snow ostriches.
Her journey in the heart of Siberia to accompany these proud animals to their sacred lands, the place of their reproduction, promises to be a true expedition punctuated by situations as unexpected as her encounters with strange characters and trials that will all solicit her mental abilities and events that will shatter her life.
“Kate Walker therefore continues her imaginary wandering like a lost star no longer constrained by its sun. Through this Eastern European landscape sublimely tired by wars and utopias”, declares Benoit Sokal, author and art director of Syberia‘s saga.
The enchanting music created by the composer Inon Zur perfectly illustrates the universe imagined by Benoit Sokal and sublime the mysterious atmosphere of this new trailer.
About Syberia 3
Impersonating Kate Walker, players will benefit from a brand new way to freely explore striking landscapes and circumvent their mysteries and puzzles in ways they have not experienced before.
The story begins when Kate is found left for dead on a shore by the Youkol tribe, a nomadic people caring for their snow ostriches during migration. Trapped, prisoners in the city of Valsembor, they will have to find together a way to continue their journey in a chase against their enemies and unexpected challenges. While at the same time, Kate’s past is catching up with her…
Syberia 3 is developed by Koalabs Studio and will be out May 6th in Australia and New Zealand on PC, PS4, and Xbox One. It will be fully doubled in French, English, German, Polish, Russian and subtitled in French, English, German, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Polish, Russian, Czech, Korean, Simplified Chinese and Traditional. The original soundtrack of the game is handled by Inon Zur (Fallout 4, Dragon Age, Prince of Persia), already in command on Syberia 2.
Mindscape Asia Pacific Pty Ltd, is Australia’s leading publisher and distributor of kids, NextGen games and home and business software for Computers, Nintendo, Playstation, XBox and online platforms. The company’s portfolio of award-winning products include Acronis, Alawar Entertainment, Anuman Interactive, Broderbund, Encyclopaedia Britannica, Hoyle Games, Idea Factory, IMSI Design, iolo, Kalypso, Konami, Legacy Games, Nancy Drew, Nuance, PopCap, Punch, Rising Star Games, Roxio, The Learning Company, The Fighter Collection, Universal Music and Zemana. Visit www.mindscape.com.au.
About Microïds
Created in 1985, Microïds is an international publisher of multi-platform video games based in Paris (France). Today, it represents Anuman Interactive’s video game business in all its forms. Managed by creator Elliot Grassiano, Microïds keeps getting stronger and continues to widen its large game catalogue with genres as varied as adventure, management, simulation and action. Through its adaptations of iconic titles such as “Syberia” or “Amerzone” on new supports or through its original creations (“Subject 13“, “The A.B.C. Murders“, “Yesterday Origins“), Microïds is developing on PC, Mac, Playstation, Xbox One as well as iOS and Android. Besides its heroes and heroines from original creations (Kate Walker from “Syberia“, Victoria Mc Pherson from “Still Life“), Microïds also creates new titles including other characters or authors from other media (comic books, cinema, literature) such as Garfield, Lucky Luke or Agatha Christie. Microïds is currently developing Syberia 3 scheduled for 2017. For more information, visit the official website www.microids.com, the Facebook Page, Twitter, or Instagram.
About Benoit Sokal
From comics to video games: a singular artist. In 1978, Benoit Sokal starts drawing for the magazine “To Follow”. It was during this period that he created the character of Inspector Canardo. In 1996, he launched the video game project “Amerzone” published by Microïds. Benoit Sokal is one of the first graphic novel artists to design, implement and supervise the entire production of a video game. He later became creative director at Microïds, which published in 2002 his second video game “Syberia“. He was recognized as “Person of the Year” at the 2002 video games Phenix Awards, Syberiawas crowned “Best adventure game of the year” in 2002 in the USA. In April 2004, the release of Syberia 2, meets the same success as the first episode of the saga and was met with enthusiasm from fans all over the world. Since 2013, Benoit Sokal is dedicated to writing and creating the highly anticipated Syberia 3.
