Nintendo Continues Momentum into 2018: Dark Souls, Donkey Kong, Kirby, Mario Tennis Coming to Nintendo Switch

Updates Bring More Characters and Content to Hits Like Super Mario Odyssey, Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle and Pokkén Tournament DX

REDMOND, Wash.–(BUSINESS WIRE)– Nintendo debuted a new Nintendo Direct Mini video presentation today spotlighting a selection of first- and third-party titles coming in early 2018. Following a strong holiday season, Nintendo Switch owners will see a variety of new games and content arriving in the next few months, including DARK SOULS: REMASTERED, Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze, Mario Tennis Aces and Kirby Star Allies games, and a certain green-clad brother bringing a new mode to the Super Mario Odyssey game.

The first title in the genre-defining action role-playing franchise is coming to Nintendo Switch. DARK SOULS: REMASTERED includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, as well as improved framerate and resolution from the original DARK SOULS game for an exhilarating return to Lordran. (Graphic: Business Wire)

“Nintendo Switch is the fastest-selling home console in history, and Nintendo is not taking our foot off the gas in 2018,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “For the millions of people who just received Nintendo systems as gifts, or consumers getting ready to join the growing community of Nintendo Switch owners, Nintendo and our third-party partners have fun new games and content in store at retail or for digital purchase.”

The full Nintendo Direct Mini presentation can be viewed at https://www.nintendo.com/nintendo-direct/01-11-2018/. A sampling of some of the announcements includes:

DARK SOULS^™: REMASTERED: The first title in the genre-defining action role-playing franchise is coming to Nintendo Switch. DARK SOULS: REMASTERED includes the Artorias of the Abyss DLC, as well as improved framerate and resolution from the original DARK SOULS game for an exhilarating return to Lordran. This marks the franchise’s debut on a Nintendo platform, and now for the first time ever, this revered (and challenging) game can be played on the go. DARK SOULS: REMASTERED launches on May 25.

Mario Tennis Aces: A new Mario Tennis game is bringing a new level of skill and competition to Nintendo Switch. Mario steps onto the court in classy tennis garb for intense rallies against a variety of characters in full-blown tennis battles. New wrinkles in tennis gameplay will challenge your ability to read an opponent’s position and stroke to determine which shot will give you the advantage. And this time the game adds the first story mode since the Mario Tennis game on Game Boy Advance, offering a new flavor of tennis gameplay, with a variety of missions and boss battles. The game launches for Nintendo Switch this spring.

Donkey Kong Country: Tropical Freeze: Donkey Kong, Diddy Kong, Dixie Kong and Cranky Kong return for the franchise’s debut on Nintendo Switch. This title includes all the fun and challenge of the original game, plus a new beginner-friendly mode that lets players enjoy this critically acclaimed adventure as groovy surfing simian Funky Kong. Funky Kong can double jump, hover, perform infinite rolls and even perform infinite underwater corkscrews. Thanks to his sturdy surfboard, even spikes can’t slow him down. The game launches for Nintendo Switch on May 4.

Kirby Star Allies: Kirby’s debut on Nintendo Switch is a grand new adventure packed with content. The new Artist ability lets Kirby unleash his creativity, while the new Spider ability lets him ensnare enemies in webs. Kirby also can hurl new friend hearts at enemies to win them over with love and add them to his party. Plus, up to four friends* can team up and combine Kirby’s unique abilities with ally abilities for powerful new Friend Abilities. The game launches for Nintendo Switch on March 16.

The World Ends with You: Final Remix: This 2008 Nintendo DS game has been updated for Nintendo Switch with HD visuals and a new epilogue that sheds new light on the game’s story. Players can join rhythmic battles using either Joy-Con controllers or the Nintendo Switch touch screen. The game is scheduled to launch this year.

Hyrule Warriors: Definitive Edition: A new, ultimate version of the exhilarating action game set in the Zelda universe will include every map and mission, plus all 29 playable characters from both the Wii U and Nintendo 3DS versions of the game, along with all of the previous paid downloadable content. Play as Link, Zelda, Midna, Skull Kid and dozens more in action-packed battles at home or on the go. Additionally, the game includes new outfits for Link and Zelda based on The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild game. This new version launches for Nintendo Switch in spring.

SNK HEROINES ~Tag Team Frenzy~: Play as iconic heroines from SNK’s history in a new, two-on-two tag-team fighting game. Players can activate a variety of Special Moves with the press of a button, and make use of special items to turn the tide of battle. One of the competitors will be Yuri Sakazaki from ACA NEOGEO Art of Fighting 2, which launches today in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch. SNK HEROINES ~Tag Team Frenzy~ launches on Nintendo Switch this summer.

Ys VIII: Lacrimosa of Dana: When the passenger liner he was aboard sank, the adventurer Adol drifted to a deserted island inhabited by vicious creatures that have evolved in many different ways. To survive, Adol must gather fellow shipwreck survivors and build a base. High-speed battles require players to change between three types of characters at a moment’s notice. The epic RPG launches for Nintendo Switch this summer.

PAYDAY 2: As players join with friends* locally or online to execute elaborate heists, full touch-screen support makes menu navigation easier than ever, while the HD Rumble feature lets them feel everything from explosions to weapon recoil right in their hands. Debuting in the Nintendo Switch version of the game, a new playable character named Joy will be introduced. Joy is a Japanese computer whiz who wears a custom LED light mask that changes her appearance as she sees fit. PAYDAY 2 launches for Nintendo Switch on Feb. 27.

Fe: In this new type of platforming adventure, players run, climb and glide their way through a dark Nordic forest to explore its living, breathing world. Use the motion controls of the Joy-Con controllers to sing in tune with creatures and plants to unlock new abilities. Each song has a distinct sound and feel thanks to HD Rumble. The game launches digitally for Nintendo Switch on Feb. 16.

Celeste: This modern take on the pure action platformer lets Madeline climb any surface on Celeste Mountain if she has the stamina. Playing in Assist Mode lets players tweak the difficulty, from a slower pace to full-on invincibility. Unlockable B-side chapters offer even more challenging adventures. The game launches digitally for Nintendo Switch on Jan. 25.

Game Updates & DLC

Super Mario Odyssey: A new mini-game called Balloon World is coming to one of the highest-rated games of all time. Once players download the free update and complete the main story, Balloon World will become available. In “Hide It” mode, players have a certain amount of time to hide a balloon. In “Find It” mode, players have the same amount of time to locate balloons hidden by other players from around the world. Players can move up the rankings** by finding hidden balloons and becoming expert hiders. The free update will be released in February with new Snapshot Mode filters and new outfits.

Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle: A new hero swings into action! Donkey Kong is headed to the game as a playable character, complete with an exclusive new storyline and world to explore. The DLC pack will release in spring and will be available for purchase individually, or as part of the Season Pass or Gold Edition of the game.

Pokkén Tournament DX Battle Pack: The Battle Pack is now available for purchase in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch and includes two Waves of Battle Pokémon and Avatar items. Wave 1 of the Battle Pack contains Battle Pokémon Aegislash and a new Support Pokémon Set featuring Mega Rayquaza and Mimikyu. Aegislash can change between two formes, and players can wield them both. Wave 2 includes the new Battle Pokémon Blastoise and a new Support Pokémon Set featuring Mew and Celebi. Wave 1 will be available Jan. 31, and Wave 2 is scheduled for Mar. 23.

Demos

Kirby: Battle Royale: The free demo is available in Nintendo eShop on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems.

Dragon Quest Builders: The free demo is available today in Nintendo eShop on Nintendo Switch.

Remember that Nintendo Switch and Nintendo 3DS feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit http://www.nintendo.com/switch/ and http://www.nintendo.com/3ds.

*Additional accessories may be required and are sold separately.
**Internet access is required.

About Nintendo: The worldwide pioneer in the creation of interactive entertainment, Nintendo Co., Ltd., of Kyoto, Japan, manufactures and markets hardware and software for its Nintendo Switch^™ system and the Nintendo 3DS^™ family of portable systems. Since 1983, when it launched the Nintendo Entertainment System^™, Nintendo has sold more than 4.5 billion video games and more than 710 million hardware units globally, including Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems, as well as the Game Boy^™, Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS^™ family of systems, Super NES^™, Nintendo 64^™, Nintendo GameCube^™, Wii^™ and Wii U^™ systems. It has also created industry icons that have become well-known, household names, such as Mario, Donkey Kong, Metroid, Zelda and Pokémon. A wholly owned subsidiary, Nintendo of America Inc., based in Redmond, Wash., serves as headquarters for Nintendo’s operations in the Americas. For more information about Nintendo, please visit the company’s website at http://www.nintendo.com.

KOEI TECMO EUROPE REVEALS ALL-NEW ONLINE MULTIPLAYER FEATURES FOR A.O.T. 2

Compete Against Your Fellow Scouts or Recruit Them to Work Together Against the Titans, In All-New Online Modes

Hertfordshire, 11th January 2018 – KOEI TECMO Europe today revealed the action-packed online features for their upcoming action title A.O.T. 2, along with the next set of playable characters in the still growing new roster. The heavily-anticipated sequel is coming to the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Nintendo Switch™, and digitally on Windows PC via Steam® on the 20^th March 2018.

In A.O.T. 2, players can enjoy one of the newly introduced online modes to either build friendships or create enemies. Returning from A.O.T. Wings of Freedom are the co-operative online modes, alongside an all-new competitive PvP mode where players fight against each other to claim the highest score, and ascend to the top of the leader boards.

The newly introduced competitive multiplayer option, Annihilation Mode, sees two teams of four Scouts compete to earn the highest score within a set time limit. Defeating the devastating Titans is one of the most important ways to earn individual points and climb the leader board. Although, working together is also key as it can earn the team a Chain Bonus through destroying each Titan body part before subjugating them. Building and defending bases is also an efficient way of securing points. With select areas on the map allowing for base development, opposing teams will vie for the location – defending them is of utmost priority.

With A.O.T. 2’s Annihilation Mode, stopping the opposing team’s progress can be a surefire way of turning the tides during a game. A selection of different items can be used to halt the enemy in their track, including Numbing Bullets which cause the player to be temporarily paralysed, and Paint Bullets which briefly cover the opponents screen and mini-map. As a match draws to a climactic close, the stakes raise, as in the last minute any points earned are doubled. Within this time, it is imperative for players to work closely and earn as many points as possible to come out in the lead.

Online functionality is not only limited to competitive play, as players are able to take on missions co-operatively in Story Mode and Scout Missions. Gathering a team of close allies during these modes allows them to experience the gripping events while fighting against the Titan threat together.

In A.O.T. 2, players are able to select one of their favourite characters from a roster of over 30; including their own Custom Scout or one of the newly announced additions – Keith Sadies, Kitz Woermann, Dhalis Zachary and Dot Pyxis. Alongside assets of these new exciting gameplay modes, KOEI TECMO Europe released a fresh selection of images providing a deeper look at the Character Creation Studio, and the various ways it can be used to create a unique Scout, Online Communication Features and Online Weapon Development.

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. All Rights Reserved.

©2018 KOEI TECMO GAMES CO., LTD. The KT logo is a registered trademark of KOEI TECMO HOLDINGS CO., LTD.
“PS” Family logo, “PlayStation” and “PS4” logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc.
Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One and Xbox LIVE are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies.
© 2017 Nintendo. Nintendo Switch and Joy-Con are trademarks of Nintendo.
© Valve Corporation. Steam and the Steam logo are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Valve Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries.

DUSK EXPLODES INTO EARLY ACCESS WITH TWO PLAYABLE EPISODES + MULTIPLAYER

DUSK set to go live at 12:01 am Eastern Time for $20

BACKWATER, USA – Nuevo label New Blood Interactive announced today that DUSK, its Quake-inspired retro FPS developed by David Szymanski and featuring a soundtrack by metal mastermind Andrew Hulshult (IDKFA, Rise of the Triad), will go live on Steam Early Access tonight January 10^th at 9:01 pm PT/January 11^th at 12:01 am ET for a short period of time before the game’s full official launch in the coming months (http://store.steampowered.com/app/519860/DUSK/.)

Players who pre-ordered the game before Christmas of last year will receive the Digital Collector’s Edition of DUSK for free which includes the DUSK 40-page digital comic and aforementioned metal af soundtrack by Andrew Hulshult.

The gleefully violent Early Access release of DUSK includes Episode 1, which has received fan praise and media acclaim for its quick action and unapologetic homages to the mid-nineties FPS genre, and introduces Episode 2 for the first time. In addition to the campaign episodes and endless survival mode, the Early Access release also now includes the open beta run of DUSKWorld, the multiplayer component of DUSK – so you can shoot your friends in the face with double barreled shotguns.

New Blood assures fans that the game will not linger in Early Access any longer than it has to, and have a complete, lengthy and semi-entertaining FAQ here for any players with questions or concerns: http://steamcommunity.com/games/519860/announcements/detail/1587947907202018531

DUSK transports players into and underneath the creepy backwoods of the American Northeast where you wake up hanging on a meat hook and must escape using any means necessary (dual sickles in this case).  In this Quake-meets-Cabin-In-The-Woods retro FPS , you’ll encounter an onslaught of mystical backwater cultists, possessed militants and even darker forces as you attempt to discover just what lurks beneath the Earth as things get deeper and darker.

Still to come in Early Access over the coming weeks is Episode 3, Endless Arena 3, achievements, trading cards, leaderboards and more.

New Blood has also laid out plans for the game’s post-launch, which includes The DAWN SDK, Steam Workshop support, co-op, plus Mac and Linux versions of the game.

And probably other stuff too.  Even a big box physical collector’s edition. Nice.

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16-Time Grammy Award-Winner Sting Stars In Cast Of Voice Actors In Newest Where The Water Tastes Like Wine Trailer From Good Shepherd Entertainment

AMSTERDAM – Jan. 10, 2018 – Good Shepherd Entertainment has released a new trailer for Where the Water Tastes Like Wine, the upcoming adventure game from co-developers Dim Bulb Games and Serenity Forge. This latest video reveals the title’s principal voice cast, including renowned singer-songwriter, musician and actor Sting, who voices one of the game’s main stories.

“Where the Water Tastes Like Wine is a unique storytelling experience,” said Sting. “I’m happy to be a part of this visionary collaboration.”

Where the Water Tastes Like Wine is a wistfully imaginative American folklore game about sharing stories and traveling while surviving manifest destiny. Wander through a century of American history, encountering and exploring an eclectic variety of people, perspectives and personal tales along the way. The surreal journey features truly gorgeous illustration from Kellan Jett, combining dramatic 2D visuals with a 3D overworld map of the United States.

Other notable cast members voicing stories include Dave Fennoy (The Walking Dead: A Telltale Games Series), Cissy Jones (Firewatch), Kimberly Brooks (Mass Effect) and many more. The full list of voice talent within the game can be found here.

Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/447120/Where_the_Water_Tastes_Like_Wine/

Where the Water Tastes Like Wine is expected to launch on Windows PC in early 2018.

About Good Shepherd Entertainment

Good Shepherd Entertainment publishes video games from independent artists worldwide and operates a proprietary investment platform for a growing global network of qualified investors seeking risk-mitigated participation in the $130B video game industry. Originally established in the Netherlands in 2011 as an equity crowdfunding platform under the name Gambitious BV, the Company became a publisher in 2014 with the release of Train Fever, which was the first game ever successfully published with equity crowdfunding. The Company has since funded and released over a dozen original games across eight digital platforms. The founders of Devolver Digital and Croteam, two very successful companies in independent game development and publishing, invested in the Company and joined its management in 2012. The Company rebranded in 2017 as Good Shepherd Entertainment following an investment by Advance/Newhouse, having established a track record of success with both independent developers and investors. www.GoodShepherd.games

About Dim Bulb Games

Dim Bulb Games was founded by Johnnemann Nordhagen, co-founder of Fullbright and sole programmer on Gone Home. WTWTLW, a game inspired by the folk tales and folk music of America, is the first project by the studio. https://twitter.com/dimbulbgames

About Serenity Forge

Serenity Forge, based in Colorado, U.S., aims to create meaningful, value-driven interactive experiences that challenge the way you think. We pride ourselves in the care and dedication we put into our work, whether that be our own IPs or those of our collaborators. http://serenityforge.com

CYBERPUNK THRILLER ‘THE RED STRINGS CLUB’ LAUNCHES JAN. 22

– Preorder Now and Get ‘Gods Will Be Watching’ for Free –

VALENCIA – Independent developer Deconstructeam and amateur bartenders Devolver Digital announced that point and click thriller The Red Strings Club will launch Jan. 22. Eager cyberpunk fans can preorder now on Steam to receive 20 percent off and a free copy of Deconstructeam’s debut game, Gods Will Be Watching, for free or as a giftable copy if they already own it.

The Red Strings Club is a cyberpunk narrative experience about fate and happiness featuring the extensive use of pottery, bartending and impersonating people on the phone to take down a corporate conspiracy. The professed altruistic corporation Supercontinent Ltd. is on the verge of releasing Social Psyche Welfare, a system which will eliminate depression, anger and fear from society. However, the bartender of a clandestine club and a freelance hacker don’t regard this evolution as an improvement, but as brainwashing. Alongside unwitting company employees and a rogue empathy android, the duo will pull all the strings they can to bring down this scheme.

Deconstructeam first splashed on the indie game scene with 2014’s Gods Will Be Watching, a game jam project turned debut release with partner Devolver Digital. The team’s first effort went on to gain critical acclaim for its bold narrative and unorthodox approach to the point and click adventure genre. The team has continued their work with notable entries in the world’s largest game jam competitions, with a few of these experiments coming together to assemble The Red Strings Club.

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