Capcom has released a new set of gameplay videos for Resident Evil 7: biohazard. The three videos, found below, give players a detailed look at the Baker family home where the residents of the house stalk the player character though a mysterious maze filled with traps and puzzles.
Currently Resident Evil 7: biohazard is set to be released on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One,a nd PC on January 24th in North America and Europe and an updated demo was recently released on the PlayStation Store and will soon be available for the Xbox One and PC over the next few weeks.
A brand new Japanese trailer from Square Enix for Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue has launched with a particular focus on Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage. The soundtrack is awesome, the graphics look spectacular and really polished up from earlier trailers and the bosses and battles look incredible, I was especially enjoying that chain attack against all the basic heartless.
It looks like Sora, Donald and Goofy will also be making an appearance in 0.2 Birth by Sleep in some capacity but the trailer merely teases this. Aside from a few new lines of dialogues and locations the biggest feature the trailer quickly included was the ability to equip custom parts on Aqua such as cat ears, Minnie Mouse ears, shoulder armour and some decorations for her back. You can also change the colour of some of these items from a pre-made selection. It is unclear if equipping this ‘armour’ grants any stat bonuses or other abilities but it sure looks cool and I’m sure most fans will love this feature.
Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue, which contains a high-def remaster of Kingdom Hearts: Dream Drop Distance, the Kingdom Hearts χ [chi]: Back Cover film, and the new Kingdom Hearts 0.2: Birth by Sleep – A Fragmentary Passage, is currently set to be released on the PlayStation 4 on January 12th in Japan and on January 24th in North America and Europe. Check the trailer out for yourself below.
The choice between the needs of the many versus the needs of the few is something that a hero occasionally faces and Batman is no different. Over the course of Batman: The Telltale Series players have been given many choices that continue to ripple through the events later in the series and now that the fourth episode, Guardian of Gotham, has been released, does the developer successfully deliver a penultimate episode?
Story
As per usual, those who have yet to finish the episodes prior to this one should note that the following review will mention certain events that have taken place over the course of the series so continuing on past this point will likely risk spoiling major events or revelations that should be experienced firsthand.
The last time we saw Bruce Wayne he had finally discovered just who the mastermind behind the Children of Akrham was. Problem is, it wasn’t really his choice as the leader attacked him out of nowhere with the same strange drug that has caused characters to go crazy in the past and unfortunately for Bruce, he is just as susceptible to the drugs as anyone else. No matter how well you might have handled the transition of Wayne Corp. to Oswald Cobblepot, Bruce wakes up to find that he is in Arkham Asylum after brutally assaulting Oswald while under the influence.
With Bruce locked in a prison that his father had hands in creating and with Harvey Dent turning his back on him and going so far as to fully betray him, Bruce finds himself in hostile territory with no one to turn to. Or at least he would until an “ally” makes an appearance and helps him out of a tough jam. As was heavily promoted before this episode’s release, John Doe, a simple placeholder name for the man everyone knows the real moniker of is more than willing to help Bruce out and find his way out of Arkham though this assistance will likely play a heavy role later on. Bruce already has trouble on his hands though as the city of Gotham has quickly changed during his brief time in the asylum.
Despite being the second to last episode in this first season, Guardians of Gotham really doesn’t do a whole lot to move the story forward. Instead players are given a brief time in the asylum and it is likely during this time that fans of the series will get the biggest kick out of things. I say this because not only is “John Doe” played extraordinarily well here, but a couple of other familiar faces from the Batman make an appearance and can even be interacted with a bit, even though at this time Bruce has no clue who or what they are.
After this players are quickly given a small number of developments with a simplistic reveal and while it might give a bit of insight into Lady Arkham’s past the story moves along at a brisk pace making this feel like one of the shortest episodes of the release despite the actual time saying otherwise. This is primarily due to how quickly events take a turn after the aforementioned reveal that places players once again in the shoes of either Bruce or Batman though no matter how you choose to handle this situation; the end result is mostly the same though handling things as Bruce does lead to a far more interesting and nuanced development for other characters.
Perhaps more than ever a player’s final choice in this episode might have the most impact of the entire season so far. So much in fact that it I would recommend creating an extra save file simply to see how things might play out in the fifth episode because depending on how you handle this situation, players will find themselves in a highly different place and with so many questions still left unanswered and the story leaving Bruce reeling it will be incredibly interesting to see just how things play out in this upcoming finale.
Gameplay
Batman: The Telltale Series – Guardian of Gotham makes use of the same type of playstyle that fans of the series are familiar with at this point. There is a small of exploration that allow the player to examine various things and interact with characters, the return of the crime investigation mechanics that see Batman linking various pieces of evidence in an effort to recreate a crime scene, and of course plenty of quick time based fighting sequences.
Thanks to a certain event taking place at the same time of these fights, players will find that Batman’s style of combat is far more limited this time around and this leads to quite a few interesting action sequences that will keep players on the edge of their seat depending on how they progress the story.
Visuals & Audio
Players will see a handful of new locations this time through and though the character designs of many of the new characters seen in Arkham are worthy of praise, especially “John Doe,” the actual area itself is designed in a sparse manner that is unimpressive. Outside the asylum there are a number of well-designed looking scenes and the aforementioned combat sequences remain a real treat.
The voice work this time around is handled fairly predictably with the returning voice actors handling their roles well while the voice actor cast for “John Doe” fits the role perfectly.
Overall
Due to poor pacing issues and the lack of major developments until the very end, this fourth episode feels as if it was delivered as more of a teaser for other possible future elements more than deal with the current problems. That being said, with only one episode to go Telltale Games has definitely left players with a major cliffhanger but thanks to the way things have been handled in Guardians of Gotham, it feels like it will be quite challenging to wrap everything up in a single episode.
NITROPLUS BLASTERZ: HEROINES INFINITE DUEL MAKES WINDOWS PC PREMIER TODAY WITH NEW FIGHT-READY FEATURES
XSEED Games Teams Up with ‘Skullgirls’ for Steam Launch of 2D Crossover Fighting Game; PC Version Offers Rebalanced Characters, Added Animations, Previously Released DLC, and More
Torrance, Calif. — December 8, 2016 —XSEED Games, the independent-minded publishing brand of Marvelous USA, Inc., today announced that its 2D crossover fighter Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel is now available on Windows PC via Steam® for $29.99 with a 10% launch week discount. Expertly developed by the studio behind the Arcana Heart series of fighting games, EXAMU, the title boasts an intuitively balanced game engine, stunning artwork and animation, and satisfyingly fast-paced fighting action sure to delight players of all skill levels.
A special discount offer has been extended to Steam owners of the fellow fast-paced 2D fighter Skullgirls, with patrons of the title able to receive 25% off of their purchase of Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel between December 8 and December 18, which when combined with the game’s 10% launch week discount offer Skullgirls owners on Steam a total 35% discount. Conversely, players who pick up Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel within the 10-day window will receive 75% off a purchase of Skullgirls on Steam.
Originally released for the PlayStation®4 and PlayStation®3 computer entertainment systems, the Windows PC release of Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel mirrors the latest version of the game still popular in Japanese arcades, offering rebalanced characters, added victory poses and animated stage backgrounds, as well as a brand new color palette to celebrate the PC version. All DLC from the console release, including the additional fighters Homura from the SENRAN KAGURA series and Heart from the Arcana Heart series, is also included.
With easy-to-execute combos, cinematic cut-ins on “Lethal Blaze” attacks that run the gamut from awe-inspiring to adorable, and assist mechanics that allow for up to six on-screen characters at a time, combat in Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duel is guaranteed to stay fast and flashy. The game is populated by numerous heroines from the visual novel company Nitroplus’ rich collection of IPs, including playable characters Ein, Mora, Ruili, Al Azif, Saya, Ignis, Anna, Muramasa the 3rd, Kibanohara Ethica, Saber, and Ouka, as well as fan favorite mascot character Super Sonico. Players can also test how their skills stack up online against one another via network play with other gamers on Windows PC.
Developed by EXAMU and published on Windows PC worldwide by XSEED Games, Nitroplus Blasterz: Heroines Infinite Duelis now available on Steam with Steam Achievements, cloud saving, and leaderboard support for $29.99, €29.99, and £24.99, with a 10% launch week discount. The Windows PC version is not rated by the ESRB. The console version of this title has been rated “T for Teen”.
More information on the game can be found at http://www.nitroplusblasterz.com. For more information on XSEED Games products, please visit www.xseedgames.com. Fans can also follow XSEED Games on Facebook at www.facebook.com/XSEEDGames and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/XSEEDGames.
Dive Into Virtual Reality And Fight The Viral Legion
Amsterdam, The Netherlands – December 8, 2016 – Global publisher My.com is proud to debut their first virtual reality PC game, VR Invaders, which is scheduled for release via Steam VR December 15. This brand new game offers a visceral shooter experience on your favorite VR platform in exceptional graphical detail. VR Invaders takes place in the near future and thanks to global corporations, virtual reality programs offer the perfect distraction from life’s hardships. To the delight of the corporations, some people spend almost all of their life logged into the VR programs. However, not everyone stays logged in voluntarily. Sometimes a VR user can’t disconnect because of a software bug or a virus. Corporations often hire freelance hackers called Divers to protect their profits and extract the “Stuck”.
VR Invaders is developed by My.com’s in-house studio and delivers a story driven dive into Virtual Reality for HTC Vive, Oculus Rift & Touch owners. Build on Unreal engine 4, VR Invaders puts the player in the role of a Diver. They are special members of a virtual reality rescue force that plunges into VR when dreams turn into nightmares. During a routine operation to rescue a “stuck” user, the player will have to fight back unexpected hordes of droids created by a vicious virus program. Equipped with a blaster that has multiple firing modes and a time-bending energy shield, players can rush through a variety of levels with challenging bosses at the end of each level. Players will be able to use power ups to slow time or even equip dual blasters, which will significantly help in critical situations that are created by the virus program.
KEY FEATURES
We must go deeper – Engaging story with interesting characters, which unfolds as you “Dive” into a virtual reality program of a future world to save a user that is stuck, and to battle the unforeseen causes of the glitch.
Fast-paced action – Shoot with a blaster and block bullets with a shield. Core mechanics are easy to grasp, but using them to the fullest against all the threats will be a challenge.
Various levels – Virtual reality is vast. You’ll see radically different and gorgeous environments, from claustrophobic and dark, to enormously big and bright. Level structure shapes the gameplay.
Hordes of droids – Enemies are numerous in quantity and type. Each one behaves differently and demands a change in combat tactics. A memorable boss awaits at the end of every level.
Slow motion shield power – Freeze time to a halt when you need breathing space. Use this to kill lots of enemies at once or to check that no one is attacking you from the side.
Multifunctional blaster – Gather power-ups from killed enemies to temporary transform your cyber weapon into various more powerful modes, such as a laser, a plasma gun or dual blasters.
Different play modes – After completing a level in story mode, you can replay it in rating mode on three different difficulty levels to get a high score and become the best cyberspace diver.
SHADOW WARRIOR 2 ‘THE WAY OF THE WANG’ FREE DLC AVAILABLE NOW
– Who Wants Some Harder Wang? –
Austin, TX – Independent developer Flying Wild Hog and free DLC connoisseurs Devolver Digital have released Shadow Warrior 2: The Way of the Wang, a free DLC pack for the hit first-person slasher on Steam and GOG. Shadow Warrior 2 will be 25 percent off through the weekend to celebrate the launch of the new free DLC.
Shadow Warrior 2’s The Way of the Wang DLC opens up a new area within the game’s hub town, presenting seven special trials for Lo Wang to unlock and overcome. Players will be able to earn new crafting abilities, weapon gem slots, and base weapon upgrade perks upon completing each new trial with the prized Fist of Gozu weapon waiting for those that complete the final Trial of the Ancient God mission. Shadow Warrior 2 fans will also find three new ‘Insane’ difficulty levels for the game and five new achievements waiting for them in the DLC pack.
“The fact is Shadow Warrior 2 was a hit for Flying Wild Hog and Devolver Digital and frankly we have more money than we can handle at the moment,” said Fork Parker, CFO at Devolver Digital. “Our team of lethal but fiscally responsible ninja accountants advised me to go ahead and giveaway The Way of the Wang DLC for free and write it off on our taxes. So there you go, you cheap bastards.”
Launched in October, Shadow Warrior 2 has been a critical and commercial success for the independent Polish developer Flying Wild Hog. In its first week alone, the sequel enjoyed a fourfold increase in sales over the 2013 Shadow Warrior reboot.
The sequel follows the further misadventures of former corporate shogun and anti-hero, Lo Wang, who after the events of the first game is surviving as a reclusive mercenary on the edge of a corrupted world. The formidable warrior must again wield a devastating combination of guns, blades, magic and wit to strike down the demonic legions overwhelming the world he inadvertently corrupted.
Shadow Warrior 2 is available on Steam [shadowwarrior.com] and is set for release on consoles in early 2017. For more information please hit up whowantssome.wang or follow @shadowwarrior on Twitter.
Galaxy on Fire 3 – Manticore by Deep Silver FISHLABS launches globally on the iOS App Store
Take course for the hazardous Neox Sector in the most ambitious sci-fi mobile game ever
HAMBURG, Germany – December 8, 2016 – Deep Silver FISHLABS are happy to announce today’s release of the highly anticipated sci-fi epic Galaxy on Fire 3 – Manticore on iPhone, iPad and iPod touch. Beyond intense gameplay, rich content and a gripping storyline, Galaxy on Fire 3 – Manticore offers high-end 3D graphics, native touchscreen controls and professional voiceovers. In terms of scope, ambition and technical excellence, it sets a new standard for mobile games, with production values on par with a AAA console title.
“With Galaxy on Fire 3 – Manticore we place an entire universe in our players’ pockets,” says Michael Krach, Head of Studio at Deep Silver FISHLABS. “From day one, we present a rich game with a deep lore and a wealth of content. And we will constantly build upon this foundation in the months and years to follow. This is by far the biggest and best Galaxy on Fire game we have ever made.”
Set in a dark and gritty patch of space known as the Neox Sector, the game tells a tantalizing tale of danger and deceit. As bounty hunters operating from the Manticore as their base, players go after the galaxy’s most wanted criminals. As the story unfolds, they hunt informants, explore the star map, obtain new ships and find the cause of a cataclysmic event called The Shattering.
Key Highlights:
Play the latest evolution in the most popular sci-fi action game franchise on mobile
• “Space Trinity”: Advance in the story, take on missions and explore the galaxy at your own pace
• Get ready for intense dogfights as you defeat the bosses and clear the pirate gangs
• Explore a meticulously designed game universe set in space
• Fly spectacular spaceships and mount powerful weapons
• Share a connected experience and hire your friends’ ships as wingmen
Today’s iOS release of Galaxy on Fire 3 – Manticore is accompanied by the launch of a cinematic CGI trailer as well as an original digital comic created by Dark Horse Comics.
Galaxy on Fire 3 – Manticore can be downloaded from the Apple App Store for free in all major territories bar select Asian markets, where a fully localized version will arrive at a later point. Also, an Android version of the game is already planned and will arrive in the first half of 2017.
About Deep Silver FISHLABS
Deep Silver FISHLABS is Koch Media’s mobile unit operating under the premium publishing label of Deep Silver. Having spearheaded 3D mobile gaming for more than a decade, the Hamburg-based studio has assembled an award-winning portfolio of international top titles such as the acclaimed Galaxy on Fire saga. In addition to developing their own IPs in-house, the 92-strong team of Deep Silver FISHLABS also provides comprehensive publishing services for co-operant independent developers from all over the world. To date, the games of Deep Silver FISHLABS have generated a total of 120+ million downloads. www.dsfishlabs.com
About Koch Media
Koch Media is a leading producer and distributor of digital entertainment products (software, games and films). The company’s own publishing activities, marketing and distribution extend throughout Europe and the USA. The Koch Media group has more than 20 years of experience in the digital media business, and has risen to become the number one distributor in Europe. It has also formed strategic alliances with numerous games and software publishers: Bethesda, Capcom, Kaspersky Labs, NC SOFT, Sega, Square Enix and Tecmo-Koei, etc. in various European countries. With Headquarters in Planegg near Munich/Germany, Koch Media owns branches in Germany, England, France, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Spain, the Nordic regions, Benelux and the United States. www.kochmedia.com
DRAGON QUEST HEROES II ANNOUNCED FOR EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA
LONDON (8th December 2016) – Square Enix Ltd., today announced that DRAGON QUEST HEROES II will arrive in Europe and PAL territories on 28th April 2017.
Set in an all-new world with new heroes and story, DRAGON QUEST HEROES ™ II is an action-RPG that sends players on a grand adventure to restore order to a once peaceful world, with thrilling battles of epic proportions along the way. With the addition of multiplayer functionality, players can form a party of up to four online to conquer swarms of enemies and defeat gigantic monsters.
DRAGON QUEST HEROES II brings together a cast of numerous unique characters each with unique moves and abilities, including a host of familiar faces from the DRAGON QUEST® series and two brand new heroes to choose from cousins – Lazarel and Teresa.
Story
Once upon a time, many years ago, there was a long and terrible war. When the war finally ended, the people of the world made a solemn pact never to fight again. The world was divided into seven realms and peace reigned for a thousand years.
One day, cousins and fellow knights-in-training Lazarel and Teresa reunite in the Kingdom of Harba, far from their Dunisian home. Little do they suspect that the Dunisian army is about to invade, with their old friend Prince Cesar at the helm.
The long-kept peace is broken and the world descends into chaos. With the aid of High King’s envoy the cousins must travel to Accordia for a meeting with the Supreme Sovereign of the Seven Realms to find a solution and bring back peace to the world!
DRAGON QUEST HEROES II will be available on 28th April 2017, for the PlayStation®4. For more information, visit: www.dragonquest-game.com .
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX®, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories as part of the Square Enix group of companies. Square Enix Ltd. also has a global network of leading development studios such as IO Interactive™, Crystal Dynamics®, and Eidos Montréal. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 115 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST, which has sold over 68 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 46 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
DRAGON QUEST HEROES, FINAL FANTASY, the FINAL FANTASY logo, DRAGON QUEST, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, SPACE INVADERS and TAITO are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix Group. “PlayStation,” “PlayStation Portable” and “PS4” are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Computer Entertainment. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
KOEI TECMO EUROPE INTRODUCES CHALLENGING NEW BOSS MONSTERS IN ATELIER SHALLIE PLUS: ALCHEMISTS OF THE DUSK SEA
Details on Amazing Synthesis Abilities, Powerful New Items and Content-Packed DLC Await
Hertfordshire, 8th December 2016 – KOEI TECMO Europe today announced the Synthesis system, as well as further information on the new content featured within Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea. The game will launch on the 20th January 2017 digitally for the PlayStation®Vita handheld entertainment system, and in a physical Collector’s Edition exclusively available through NISA’s online store.
Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea features a Synthesis system which allows players to craft more efficient items using ‘Synthesis Skills’. These abilities can be utilised by adding certain materials to the cauldron which can bestow a variety of effects upon the final item, such as granting extra uses or increasing the resulting effect. All materials fall under one of four elemental attributes: fire, water, wind and earth. When combined successfully, these elements can activate a ‘Chain’ which further enhances items, resulting in bonuses stronger than those obtained through executing standard synthesis.
Players can make the most of their powerful new concoctions when taking on the brand new boss battles that appear in Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea. The most prominent of those bosses being the powerful ‘Beast King’s Champion’; a foe of overwhelming strength which will require a skilled team equipped with strong weapons to have any chance when facing off with an enemy the likes of him!
Aside from tackling these new bosses, Shallistera and Shallotte can partake in a wealth of other missions through the ‘Life Task’ system in the game, now returning with new touch screen functionality specifically for the PlayStation® Vita. By progressing the story, characters will discover exciting new missions to undertake. Completing these optional objectives will reward the player with experience points, while Special Life Tasks will pit players against powerful enemies to really pump up the danger.
Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea contains a myriad of brand new costumes designed specifically for the Plus version of Atelier Shallie, ensuring that any Alchemist can craft their own unique style. Players can choose from the Crimson Guard, Grand Pirate Dress, Lady Villain and Cobalt Saber costumes to dress up their team, along with having access to all of the downloadable content originally released for the PlayStation® 3 version of the game.
A slew of screenshots was released today, showcasing the powerful boss encounters, unique monsters, stylish costumes and synthesis system revealed in today’s announcement.
About Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea
Packed with brand new content and plenty of new secrets to uncover, Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea is the upcoming portable Plus version of 2015’s Atelier Shallie: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea, previously exclusive to the PlayStation®3 computer entertainment system. The game tells the tale of Shallistera, the daughter of a tribal leader who embarks on a voyage to find a solution to the drought affecting her homeland, and Shallotte, a struggling alchemist who dreams of “hitting it big.” Both are joined by a diverse cast of characters who will help them throughout their journey around the world of Dusk. Players will encounter the quick-thinking Kortes, Shallistera’s childhood friend and bodyguard, Wilbell voll Erslied, a grand magician in training, Jurie Crotze, a lone-wolf treasure hunter, and Miruca Crotze, a childhood friend of Shallotte’s who works as a blacksmith.
Paramount Pictures has teased that they will be releasing a trailer for their new Baywatch film tomorrow. The film, based upon 90s television series of the same name, will be directed by Seth Gordon and stars Zac Efron and Dwayne Johnson. The television series has a claim to fame for immortalizing David Hasselhoff as a bronzed beach-going lifesaver in the popular consciousness. The series is also known for its buxom women in bikinis and swim suits, including stars like Pamela Anderson, in its cast.
The film is set to released in the middle of next year and we’ll keep you updated as more comes out. I, for one, hope they find another hit translation from small screen to silver screen like they did with the most recent Star Trek film.
After this players are quickly given a small number of developments with a simplistic reveal and while it might give a bit of insight into Lady Arkham’s past the story moves along at a brisk pace making this feel like one of the shortest episodes of the release despite the actual time saying otherwise. This is primarily due to how quickly events take a turn after the aforementioned reveal that places players once again in the shoes of either Bruce or Batman though no matter how you choose to handle this situation; the end result is mostly the same though handling things as Bruce does lead to a far more interesting and nuanced development for other characters.
Thanks to a certain event taking place at the same time of these fights, players will find that Batman’s style of combat is far more limited this time around and this leads to quite a few interesting action sequences that will keep players on the edge of their seat depending on how they progress the story.
The voice work this time around is handled fairly predictably with the returning voice actors handling their roles well while the voice actor cast for “John Doe” fits the role perfectly.
