DRAGON QUEST HEROES II ANNOUNCED FOR EUROPE AND NORTH AMERICA

LONDON (8^th December 2016) –   Square Enix Ltd., today announced that DRAGON QUEST HEROES II will arrive in Europe and PAL territories on 28^th 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 28^th April 2017, for the PlayStation®4. For more information, visit: www.dragonquest-game.com .

To watch the opening cinematic, visit: http://youtu.be/GYN5lgtdKd8

Details:

• Title:                            DRAGON QUEST HEROES II
• Release Timing:             28^th April 2017
• Platform:                      PlayStation 4 boxed and PSN digital
• Players:                        1–4
• Genre:                          Action RPG
• Age Rating:                   PEGI 12+ Provisional, USK 12 Provisional, OFLC M Provisional

Related Links:

Official Homepage: www.dragonquest-game.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DragonQuest
Twitter: @DragonQuest

About Square Enix Ltd.

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.

More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at http://eu.square-enix.com/en.

© 2016, 2017 ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/KOEI TECMO GAMES/SQUARE ENIX All Rights Reserved.

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, 8^th 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 20^th 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.

For more information on Atelier Shallie Plus: Alchemists of the Dusk Sea, please like us on www.facebook.com/ateliergames and follow us on twitter @koeitecmoeurope or visit the official site at http://www.koeitecmoeurope.com/shallieplus/.

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.

PLAYSTATION®4 (PS4™) SALES SURPASS 50 MILLION UNITS WORLDWIDE 

Sydney, December 8, 2016 – Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE) today announced that PlayStation®4 (PS4™) has cumulatively sold through more than 50 million units^*1 to consumers worldwide as of December 6, 2016, having enjoyed the best ever Black Friday week^*2 in the history of PlayStation®. This includes the sales of PlayStation®4 Pro (PS4™Pro), a high-end system that supports cutting-edge imaging technology, which launched last month.

With a vast array of exciting software titles from 3rd party developers and publishers as well as from SIE Worldwide Studios (SIE WWS), PS4 software sales also remain strong, with more than 369.6 million copies^*3 sold in retail stores globally and through digital downloads on PlayStation®Store as of December 4, 2016.

“We’re truly delighted that the PS4 community continues to flourish since launch three years ago.” said Andrew House, President and Global CEO of Sony Interactive Entertainment. “With tremendous support from our fans and partners across the globe, this year we were able to deliver an unprecedented lineup of hardware such as the new slimmer PS4, PS4 Pro and PlayStation VR. We will continue to provide the best gaming experiences available through our ground-breaking software lineup and network services, as we focus on accelerating our business and expanding the PS4 ecosystem.”

PS4’s software portfolio will continue to grow this holiday season and beyond with highly anticipated games including The Last Guardian™ (SIE WWS), Horizon Zero Dawn™ (SIE WWS), Resident Evil 7: biohazard (Capcom), Mass Effect: Andromeda (Electronics Arts), Red Dead Redemption 2 (Rockstar Games) and PS VR games such as Farpoint (SIE WWS) launching with the PS VR Aim controller for direct one to one tracking. The independent development community will also continue to deliver a variety of innovative new titles for PS4 including Yooka-Laylee (Playtonic), Boundless (Wonderstruck) and Vane (Friend & Foe Games).^*4

SIE will continue to expand the world of PS4 to deliver entertainment experiences that are only possible on PlayStation.

The PS4 system is currently available in 122 countries and regions^*5 worldwide.

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*1 Number of retail sales to consumers is estimated by SIE. Sales data in Japan collected 2/22/2014 – 12/6/2016, in North America collected 11/15/2013 – 12/6/2016, in Europe and Latin America collected 11/29/2013 – 12/6/2016, and in Asia collected 12/17/2013 – 12/6/2016.

*2 11/21/2016 – 11/27/2016.

*3 Number of retail sales to consumers is estimated by SIE. Sales data in Japan collected 2/22/2014 – 12/4/2016, in North America collected 11/15/2013 – 12/3/2016, in Europe collected 11/29/2013 – 12/4/2016, in Latin America collected 11/29/2013 – 12/3/2016, and in Asia collected 12/17/2013 – 12/4/2016. Does not include add-on content.

*4 Title line-up differs by region.

*5 Number as of 12/06/2016.

RELIVE THE THRILLING SEASON AS F1™ 2016 LAUNCHES ON ANDROID

Chart topping racer now on the Google Play Store

SYDNEY, 8^th December 2016 – F1 2016, the only official mobile game of the 2016 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP™, is now available on the Google Play Store, allowing Android users the chance to recreate the whole season, including the tense finale at the 2016 FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX. Following the recent chart-topping release for iPhone, iPad and AppleTV, F1 2016 is now available on the Android platform, and features all of the official content, stunning visuals, multiple game modes and pick up and play controls, perfect for gaming on the move or at home.

All 21 of the official FORMULA ONE^TM circuits from the 2016 season, including the thrilling new BAKU CITY CIRCUIT and icons of the sport such as CIRCUIT DE SPA-FRANCORCHAMPS, CIRCUIT DE MONACO and SILVERSTONE CIRCUIT, are faithfully recreated in unprecedented detail on a mobile device, and are all available in quick race, full season, custom season or time trial.

Race as one of the world’s best drivers including MERCEDES AMG PETRONAS Formula One Team’s Lewis Hamilton, Scuderia Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel, Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen, McLaren-Honda’s Fernando Alonso, Sahara Force India F1 Team’s Sergio Perez and many more, with 22 of the world’s greatest drivers and all of the 11 teams from the 2016 season represented.

• Watch the F1 2016 Mobile launch trailer here.
• Purchase F1 2016 for Android here
• Purchase F1 2016 for iOS and tvOS here

Ian Flatt, Executive Producer of the FORMULA ONE videogames at Codemasters, commented: “Following the great success of F1 2016 on the iOS and tvOS platforms, both in terms of user feedback and chart position, we are delighted to be bringing the same fantastic experience to Android users. This version of F1 2016 has been developed specifically for mobile devices but continues to deliver a console quality experience in terms of gameplay and graphics. Every car model and every circuit has been optimised from the full console game to ensure the highest quality experience, and we have pushed the technology to the absolute limits. Whether you want a quick race on your favourite circuit or an entire season of races containing practice sessions, qualifying and full length race sessions, it has been designed for playing on the go with flexible game modes that allow you to get straight into the action. The F1 2016 mobile game is great to play whether you are commuting, waiting for friends or sat at home on the sofa.

“There are four different control schemes as well as a full suite of driver assists and in game options that let you create the experience that suits you,” continued Ian. “Whether you are new to racing games or have been playing them for years, you can find your ideal gameplay experience in F1 2016.”

Follow Codemasters F1 games blog and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for future news, YouTube for the launch trailer, and visit the product website for additional information.

Iceberg Introduces Two New Playable Factions to Stars in Shadow in Steam Early Access for PC

‘Stargate’ Update – Now Live on Steam

Haarlem, The Netherlands – December 7, 2016 – With a steady stream of updates and patches in the past weeks, developer Ashdar Games and publisher Iceberg Interactive is now introducing two new factions in today’s major update to Steam’s Early Access release of Stars in Shadow, named ‘Stargate’. The turn-based 4x strategy space PC title started strongly back in September of this year, resulting in a positive user rating of 92%.

Both the new Phidi Combine faction as well as the Ashdar Imperials faction are now playable by all owners of Stars in Shadow. The Phidi Combine faction unlocks the special Mercenary Exchange, which allows the Phidi faction to hire mercenaries from any of the major races. The Ashdar Imperials faction comes with their own ancient Stargate, which acts as a one-way portal to any star system; but beware, send them too far and they cannot return.

For a complete overview of the Stargate update with all of its additions, improvements and fixes, please visit the official Steam Hub here.

Sven Olsen, lead developer of Ashdar Games says, “We’d like to thank all our Early Access participants for their support and helpful feedback and suggestions. The game has come a long way in the last few months, and the Early Access community has been an important part of that progress.”

Publisher Iceberg Interactive is expecting to launch Stars in Shadow in January 2017 on Steam and various other digital download platforms. The game can already be purchased in Steam’s Early Access program at $24.99 for PC. For more information, please visit the official Steam page: http://store.steampowered.com/app/464880/  

Some of the highlighting features for the Early Access game include:

• Epic Scope:
  Starting at the dawn of interstellar travel, progress through four eras of technological advancement. Discover the science of planetary terraforming, upgrade your infantry battalions to battle mechs, and grow your fleet from a squadron of destroyers to an armada of planet-destroying Dread Stars

• Varied Factions:
  Seven Playable factions comprising six alien races. Each faction has different research strengths and technology options. Forming alliances, conquering neighboring species, or discovering ancient artifacts may open up additional avenues of research. Choose your race wisely as it impacts which worlds will suit you, what trades or alliances may be offered, and whether your neighbors are inclined to trust you

• Stylized Setting:
  A distinctive comic-book art style and an original, detailed universe backstory draw you into an immersive game world. Interact with a unique cast of alien characters, make friends and influence people, or crush your enemies and see them driven before you

• Focused High-Level Strategy:
  Build a vast and varied empire, taking advantage of the unique traits offered by different alien populations and the worlds they inhabit. A streamlined resource and planetary improvement model keeps the game moving even when your empire grows large

• Deep Turn-Based Tactical Combat:
  Face off against your opponents in complex 2D turn-based tactical battles. Counter your enemy’s missile barrage using point defense or interceptors, then close to energy weapon range! Stars in Shadow’s tactical engine includes several features rarely seen in turn based games. Multi-ship commands keep even large fleet battles fast-paced, and smart unit behaviors allow tight control with minimal micromanagement. Auto-resolve battles that are a foregone conclusion, while retaining the ability to replay any engagement to see exactly what happened

ABOUT STARS IN SHADOW

Stars in Shadow is a turn-based 4X sci-fi strategy game. Explore the stars, settle distant worlds, and build an interstellar empire. Recover ancient technologies and negotiate with alien leaders. Created by a pair of passionate strategy gamers, Stars in Shadow features streamlined empire management, sophisticated turn-based tactical combat, and detailed world building.

ABOUT ASHDAR GAMES

Ashdar Games is a small development studio based in British Columbia. Stars in Shadow will be its first title. The project is a collaboration between two avid strategy gamers, Sven Olsen and James (Jim) Francis, both of whom are excited to have a chance to create a game in the genre that they love.  Sven’s background is in academic computer graphics, while Jim is best known for his webcomic, Outsider. 

About Iceberg Interactive 
Iceberg Interactive is an independent video game publisher founded in 2009 by an international group of games industry veterans and is located in Haarlem, The Netherlands. Staffed with avid gamers, Iceberg works closely with an international assembly of game developers, both midsize and indie. Garnering attention with acclaimed releases over recent years, including Endless Space, Endless Legend, StarDrive 2 and Starpoint Gemini 2, the company has an exceptional line-up, including Oriental Empires, Killing Floor 2, Starpoint Gemini Warlords, Dawn of Andromeda, Lord of Rigel and Stars in Shadow – with further promising games in the pipeline.

First Contact Entertainment Releases VR Sci-Fi Action Game  ROM: Extraction for HTC Vive and Oculus Rift with Oculus Touch

New studio’s ambitious VR debut available now on Steam

SANTA MONICA, Calif. – Dec. 7, 2016 – New virtual reality studio First Contact Entertainment has released its debut game, ROM: Extraction, for the HTC Vive VR headset and Oculus Rift with Oculus Touch support on Steam. The title is a classic pick-up-and-play arcade shooter, developed natively for VR in Unreal Engine.

“ROM: Extraction is all about dropping players right into the action and keeping them coming back for more,” said Hess Barber, co-founder and president of First Contact Entertainment. “The addictive fun of its high-energy, round-based play sessions is the foundation on which we’re building an evolving, groundbreaking VR game.”

The team at First Contact has leveraged its background crafting AAA first-person-shooter games and cutting-edge VR projects to give ROM: Extraction an intense, highly replayable punch. Players defend themselves against extraterrestrial robots by utilizing their “Reflex” power (the ability to slow down time), which brings an unprecedented style of strategic combat to VR—which First Contact has dubbed “throw, slow and shoot.”

ROM: Extraction features the first-person immersion of VR, intuitive motion-based controls, a cooperative social screen, multiple difficulty settings, and global and local leaderboards. The game also includes a dubstep soundtrack composed by Twin Moons, the alias of EDM artist Le Castle Vania.

A full DLC plan ensures fresh and engaging content that further reveals the ROM universe will soon follow the game’s initial launch. Players can expect cooperative multiplayer, new levels, enemies, weapons, power-ups and more in the coming months.

ROM: Extraction is available now on Steam for $19.99, with a bonus 15% off discount at launch. For more information, please visit the ROM: Extraction Steam store page, and follow the studio on Facebook, Twitter and www.firstcontactent.com.

About First Contact Entertainment

First Contact Entertainment is a new studio focused on creating VR games and experiences with the highest production values. Drawing from experience building some of the most innovative VR games, the company’s mission is to become the top independent AAA VR game development team in the industry.