Despite the lack of thrilling FPS titles this year, there is always room for more ideas and concepts for the genre, even if those ideas resemble a bit of everything else. That is the kind of game that Killing Floor 2 is. While the first title made a few waves years ago on PC, the second has splashed onto consoles and is looking to make a mark by feeding a currently hungry market. Is Killing Floor 2 worth a pickup, or is this release one to pass on? Let’s find out.
Story
There isn’t really a need for a story within this game, as just like Left 4 Dead and the general survival/wave based shooters, you really are just trying to stay alive against enemies who constantly grow stronger as progression is made. That said, there is a narrative that ties in to the gameplay with the player landing in the middle of an outbreak against multiple types of Zeds, which are pretty much standard zombie fare. Killing Floor 2 will definitely not enthuse someone who is looking for The Last of Us in first-person format, but it is a nice little game that makes up for its small story by simply being a great experience in every other area.
Gameplay
The core gameplay concept for Killing Floor 2 is simple. Slay Zeds, stay alive, and pick up some fantastic toys along the way in order to do so. Players start out by selecting a perk, which in this title means class. These classes range from a medic, commando, support, and so on – and allow for plenty of variation on the field. My personal favorite was “Firebug” as the player simply gets to use flammable fare to fight Zeds with. Sure, some may want some weapons that are a bit more imaginative (which a lot of modern FPS titles have turned to), but the arsenal within the game is just solid and varied enough to be satisfying, as the combat is truly where the legs of the game are found.
To say that this game is better with other players is saying it lightly. Killing Floor 2 is fast-paced, brutal, and can create tension quick as it is extremely easy to get overwhelmed. That is exactly why having up to five other players try to survive wave after wave is much more rewarding and enjoyable overall. Each round allows you to restock after each wave, with harder enemies coming out as the game progresses. Eventually, a big boss will come out to torture you all – which players can team up strategically to stay alive and achieve their overall objective. You kill Zeds, protect your team, gain cash for those slain Zeds, upgrade equipment, and kill more Zeds. There isn’t really a science to the formula, but there are so many intense moments that the game doesn’t need to deviate from the FPS realm to put on a fun show.
Those who want to just go in alone are perfectly fine as well, as the game is still great alone – which for a good while is how I played it until I dabbled with the still superior co-op portion. For a bit of PvP, a survival mode is also a part of the experience. This mode puts humans vs Zeds and to be honest, it isn’t a bad time-killer at all as both sides are fun to play as the Zeds have most of their own powers and perks to give everyone a nice breather to go to after an high velocity co-op stage.
Visuals and Audio
Visually, Killing Floor 2 is a pretty game. Even with being a tiny bit older and not having near the budget compared to something like Battlefield, there is a lot of visible polish and smoothness to the models and animations. Oh yeah, and gore. This is a very gory game. Blood splatters as you shoot Zeds. Bodies break a part. Melee weapons provide different kill animations. There are a ton of ways to kill an enemy and even though the fast pace may make you forget how many different ways you chop up an enemy, the game definitely has that little hidden layer of quality ironed in. I should also mention the environments as each map is heavily detailed. Despite telling a huge narrative, the level design makes you feel like you are a part of the chaos that is taking place from the core details provided, as there is a ton of little touches throughout that make exploring a bit well worth it.
The soundtrack is ok. I guess I am not too much of a metal person, as the music kind of was a bit too much for me and sounded like a random Spotify playlist, so I kind of just swapped to my own. The music is not bad, it just was not this guy’s preference. The voice acting is decent as well, but repeating lines and over-talkative protagonists are another reason I did not mind muting the audio altogether. I know voice acting – unlike music is about talent and not preference, but despite not minding the performances, the way there are edited in just comes off as a bit annoying.
Overall
Killing floor 2 is a great game at a great price that delivers a fun time throughout. Rather than making the player constantly jerk out their wallet to continue to feel satisfied, this title feels complete in its offerings and has a surprising amount of content. The game is fast, fluid, and a blast to play with friends, with outstanding polish that will let players quench their thirst for some old-fashioned gore. There are a few shortcomings with this title, but they are small and don’t stop the action whatsoever. If you are looking for a title to play online with friends that can scratch that same itch that past titles such as Left 4 Dead, RE: Mercs, and so on, this console port is worth its weight in entertainment and should not be missed.
Brain in the Box and Indie Gala are bringing their next game to Kickstarter in hopes of raising funds to complete development. Voodoo is an open world survival game inspired by Shadow of Colossus. The game plunges players in a fantasy version of primal Africa where giant creatures known as the Izimu roam the world. Players will need to craft weapons and equipment to help their tribe survive and thrive in the wilderness. By defeating the Izimu, tribes are granted special totems that unlock new parts of the tech tree. Combat is designed to flow well and can be complimented with thousands of possible items.
Voodoo is built on Unity and is set to hit Steam Early Access for Windows in early 2017. Copies of the game with immediate pre-alpha access starts at €15, so be sure to check out the project on Kickstarter.
Sentai Filmworks revealed their release schedule for March 2017 this week. They also revealed the contents of their premium edition release of Is it Okay to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?. Unless otherwise stated, all releases include dual audio options and English subtitles.
The Phantasy Star Online 2: The Animation Complete Collection will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on March 7, 2017. All 12 episodes are featured with Japanese audio and English subtitles.
The Kokoro Connect Complete Collection will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on March 14, 2017.
The Girls und Panzer: This Is the Real Anzio Battle OVA will be released in a DVD and Blu-ray combo pack on March 21, 2017.
The Diabolik Lovers II: More, Blood Complete Collection will be released on DVD and Blu-ray on March 28, 2017.
Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon? will be released on DVD and Blu-ray and in a premium edition combo pack on March 28, 2017 as well. The physical items included in the premium edition include: a grimoire notebook, an exclusive custom art booklet, a Hestia and Bell lenticular art card, a poster, familia stickers and Hestia’s infamous blue ribbon. All of this will be housed in a chipboard box embossed with blue foil.
JUMP ONLINE FOR THE NINTENDO eSHOP CYBER DEAL 2016 WITH UP TO 40% OFF SELECT TITLES FROM TODAY
Discounts available on select Nintendo 3DS and Wii U download software, including My Nintendo members-exclusive discounts
25th November, 2016 – For four days only, the Nintendo eShop Cyber Deal 2016 brings you big discounts on some of the must-have titles across Nintendo 3DS and Wii U via the Nintendo eShop. From 10am 25th November until 10:59am 29th November 2016 (AEDT) in Australia and New Zealand, enjoy up to 40% off selected titles, including exclusive discounts for My Nintendo members*.
On Wii U, those looking to save Hyule from the perils of the eerie Twilight Realm will be able to get 30% off The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD, while space pilot enthusiasts can get Star Fox Zero and Star Fox Guardfor 30% off. Those who have purchased Star Fox Zero from Nintendo eShop can purchase Star Fox Guard for a special discount**. Puzzle platformer fans meanwhile can revel in the colourful world and 40% discount of Pullblox World. Those with a My Nintendo membership can sing, dance and slay like a pop star in Tokyo Mirage Sessions ♯FEfor 30% off, and discover a wonderful woolly world for 40% off in Yoshi’s Woolly World.
Anyone wanting to uncover adventures on the go will enjoy Hyrule Warriors: Legendsat 30% off, while those seeking a new life in the countryside can get 40% off Story of Seasons. Those seeking more puzzle-solving action can test their abilities with both BOXBOY! and BOXBOXBOY!which will both have discounts of 40% off. My Nintendo members will be able to choose their path and enjoy 30% off in Fire Emblem Fates, and avoid a “tearable” fate with Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam Bros.for a 40% discount.
Jump online for the Nintendo eShop Cyber Deal 2016 and enjoy big discounts on select Nintendo 3DS and Wii U Nintendo eShop titles from November 25 until November 29 in Australia and New Zealand.
Notes to Editors:
*My Nintendo members-exclusive discounts terms & conditions:
You must have a Nintendo Account and have chosen to receive promotional emails
Your Nintendo Account has to be linked with the Nintendo Network ID linked to your Nintendo 3DS and Wii U
Only Nintendo Accounts created before Nov 28th are eligible
You’ll need to have visited Nintendo eShop on the device you wish to download the software on, at least once
After fulfilling all conditions, it may take up to three hours until the discount is available
**Star Fox Guard is AUD$13.00/NZD$17.00 for those who have already downloaded Star Fox Zero from the Nintendo eShop on the same Wii U. This is an ongoing discount that will continue beyond November 29.
Ubisoft are one of the biggest companies in gaming and while their latest big title Watch Dogs 2 may be suffering to meet sales expectations that hasn’t spoiled their holiday spirit. Ubisoft will be giving away a game, wallpaper, greeting card, gif or something else random every day for the next 30 days. All these gifts can be claimed for PC only (with one exception) and the promo runs until December 23rd. Most gifts will only be available to download the day they come out.
Thanks to some poor source code protection, some people have already found out what every day will bring and the full list is below courtesy of Reddit user MrFujiKicker. In addition to all the goodies below, at currently unannounced times 300 copies of some of their latest titles will be made available for free in a first come first serve fashion. The first game available through the promo is Rayman Classic for mobile devices.
November 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
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Sat
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3
4
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7
8
9
10
11
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13
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24 Rayman Classic on Mobile
25 30% off Ubisoft Games
26 Exclusive Collection of E3 2016 Cards
27 Ubi30 Exclusive GIF
28 For Honor GIFs
29 Ubi30 360 Image
30 Just Dance Greeting Card
December 2016
Sun
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
1 Ubisoft DIY Advent Calendar
2 Steep Wallpaper
3 Exclusive Digital Posters from E3 2016
4 Rabbids Holiday Goodies
5 WWW Wallpaper
6 Ubisoft Cocktail Recipes
7 Assassin’s Creed 3 on PC
8 Ubisoft Wrapping Paper
9 300 Game Giveaway
10 Watch_Dogs 2 Wallpaper
11 Ubisoft Gift Tags
12 Ubisoft Dessert Recipes
13 Ghost Recon GIFs
14 Wallpaper for Mobile
15 Prince of Persia on PC
16 Rayman Legends on PC
17 Splinter Cell on PC
18 The Crew on PC
19 Rayman GIF
20 Steep GIF
21 Exclusive 2017 Digital Holiday Cards
22 Ubi30 Wallpaper
23 Ubisoft Holiday Decorations
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25
26
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31
Definitely some classic titles there. This is all in addition to the current Ubisoft 30 year promotion which is giving away a free PC title each month. This month it’s Far Cry 3: Blood Dragon, with the previous game being Beyond Good & Evil. To claim either reward you must first be a member of Ubisoft’s Uplay service and download the Uplay client as that is how you download the free game of the month. You don’t even have to download, just adding them to your library will allow you to come back to them at any time. Follow this Ubi30 link to be taken straight to the promotion page.
With the recent release of Dragon Ball Fusions over in North America one would think Dragon Ball gaming couldn’t get any better than. But now even more good news has come from Bandai Namco, with the confirmation that at least the first major patch that was applied to the Japanese version of the game is also coming stateside. Straight from the official press release:
A free DRAGON BALL Fusions downloadable update will be released in early 2017 that will implement online battles, an online special moves trading function, new characters, new fusion possibilities, and more. Additional details pertaining to the free update, including its release timing, will be shared at a later date.
This update was made available in Japan in early September and as mentioned above introduced an all new online battle function, the ability to trade special moves with friends and new story quests. A second patch is being made available for Dragon Ball Fusions in Japan that contains content from the most recent Future Trunks arc of Super. I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of that update spill into the first International release patch as a similar thing happened with the patches for the last 3DS release, Dragon Ball Z Extreme Butoden.
Dragon Ball Fusions is out now in North America, while those in Europe and Australia will have to wait until February. At least the patch might already be on the cart saving us a download I guess…
Black Friday is here, so it means crazy sales at everyone’s favourite digital distribution services. Here are some of the best deals for PC games around the web.
Steam
Steam is running calling it their Autumn Sale this year. The prices will stay the same until November 29th, but new featured deals will cycle each day. Here are some of our favourites:
Dragon Age Inquisition@ 75% off (The Game of the Year Edition is at an all time low of 63% off)
Ubisoft
All of Ubisoft’s recent and upcoming release will net buyers a free copy of Tom Clancy’s The Division, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege, or Far Cry Primal.
KONAMI debuts PES 2017 ‘Trial Edition’, offering easy access to 2016/17 PES LEAGUE season
Sydney, 25 November 2016 – As Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. looks to establish its highly-regarded PES 2017 title as a key eSports player, the publisher has today released a special ‘Trial’ Edition of the game, offering key game modes and full access to this year’s official PES LEAGUE competition starting from December, on PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®4 in Europe, and globally on Steam, today. The Xbox One version will launch globally, November 26th. The PlayStation®3 and PlayStation®4 version will launch in the Americas on November 28th.
PES 2017 Trial Edition is a free download that gives users access to key PES 2017 content. At its very heart is the famed gameplay that has won countless praise for its realism and intuitive controls. The Trial Edition allows the user to play matches with nine fully licensed teams from both club and national competitions. FC Barcelona, Arsenal FC, and Club Atlético de Madrid represent the cream of Europe, while Boca Juniors, Club Atlético River Plate, Sport Club Corinthians Paulista and Clube de Regatas do Flamengo showcase the South American talent in the full game. The German and French national teams are also available, giving a spectacular cross section of talent and playing styles to the novice PES player.
Matches are played within stunning recreations of the Camp Nou and Neu Sonne Arena, and the PES 2017 Trial Edition also allows full access to the Skills Training section, as well as access to the new dedicated PES LEAGUE mode. The in-game PES LEAGUE mode has been created to make accessing the Official PES eSport competition much simpler. Beginning December, players simply register via www.pesleague.com and enter their details into the game, whereupon they will be able to play against their peers as they vie for a place in this season’s PES World Finals which will be held in June 2017.
The PES LEAGUE has seen huge growth in recent years, and the 2016/17 event will be open to players from all over the globe, each looking to represent their region to take the title from current holder, Rachid Tabane – the first person to retain a title since the league launched.
Full details of KONAMI’s exciting plans for this year’s Official PES LEAGUE will be announced early December.For more information, please visit us at: https://www.konami.com/wepes/2017/eu/en/
SETTLE INTO THE ADDICTIVE PUZZLE GAME PICROSS 3D: ROUND 2 – COMING TO NINTENDO 3DS FAMILY SYSTEMS ON 3rd DECEMBER 2016
Immerse yourself in over 300 charming puzzles at your own pace, including special amiibo puzzles, and try it now with a free demo from Nintendo eShop
25th November 2016 – Prepare to put your mind to the test with a series of engrossing 3D puzzles as Picross 3D: Round 2 – the latest addition to the Picross series – lands on Nintendo 3DS family systems on 3rd December 2016. After a demanding day, Picross 3D: Round 2 is the ideal game to unwind with its collection of serene puzzles. Use logical reasoning and your analytical ability to reveal the hidden objects by chiselling away a multitude of blocks in this absorbing cerebral experience. With over 300 brain-teasers, including a series that can be unlocked using amiibo, there’s a puzzle style to suit everyone.
Players will need to use logic and analyse each puzzle to figure out which blocks need to be removed in order to bring shapes to life. Set in a Parisian-style café with the expressive sounds of the accordion and soothing saxophone melodies, Picross 3D: Round 2 sets the mood for lovers of puzzle games, inviting them to pick a book of themed puzzles off the café’s shelf and settle in. New to the series is the ability to add colour to blocks, adding a new layer of intricacy to puzzles: not only do players need to select the correct blocks to remove, they also need to work out which ones need painting to create perfectly sculpted objects.
We all sometimes struggle to deal with our own daily obstacles, and a quick game of Picross 3D: Round 2 might be just the thing to help, as it’s all about approaching challenges from a new perspective. There are hundreds of compelling 3D puzzles to engross players, with a gradual increase in difficulty to keep their grey matter on its toes. Each time a challenge is successfully completed, the object is satisfyingly brought to life in 3D and can be viewed from any angle by simply flicking the stylus across the Touch Screen.
In this busy modern world, we don’t have always have time in our busy schedules to play games for long periods, so Picross 3D: Round 2 is ideal for players who fancy a quick, spontaneous gaming session lasting a few minutes or a lot longer. Longer puzzles don’t have to be conquered in one setting, with the option to save progress and return to complete it later, and with a range of difficulty modes, Picross 3D: Round 2 can be enjoyed by anyone, no matter their skill level. Players who are new to the world of Picross can choose easy mode to get to grips with how to play, and once they’ve mastered the basics, they can raise the difficulty to medium or even hard mode for the ultimate Picross challenge.
Another new feature comes in the form of puzzles accessible through amiibo figures. By scanning compatible amiibo*, players can unlock nine exclusive character-themed puzzles. Supported amiibo include: Mario, Luigi, Bowser, Yoshi, Link, Kirby, Meta Knight, King Dedede, and Peach & Toad, which both offer one and the same puzzle.
Enigma enthusiasts can try out Picross 3D: Round 2 for themselves right now by visiting Nintendo eShop and downloading a playable demo.
Prepare to put your mind to the test and use logic to solve over 300 engrossing 3D puzzles as Picross 3D: Round 2 lands on Nintendo 3DS family systems on 3rd December 2016.
* Using the NFC functionality on New Nintendo 3DS or New Nintendo 3DS XL systems, or by using the NFC Reader/Writer accessory for other Nintendo 3DS family systems.
Cricket fans from around the world, get that scorecard ready for December 22!
Sydney, November 25: Home Entertainment Suppliers and Big Ant Studios have today announced the release date for the hotly anticipated Don Bradman 17.
Throughout Don Bradman Cricket 17, players will have access to the most authentic and realistic cricket game of all time. Featuring fully motion-captured players, stadium, player, team and logo creator modes, and for the first time in a cricket game, female players, this year’s game offers cricket fans dozens upon dozens of hours of precise, accurate gameplay.
“We have built completely new batting, bowling and fielding mechanics based on player feedback,” Big Ant Studios CEO, Ross Symons said. “With Don Bradman 17 releasing right in the heart of the Aussie cricket season, we’re looking forward to players recreating the classic moments of the summer of cricket in their homes.”
“We were overwhelmed by the success of our first run at Don Bradman Cricket,” Symons added. “To this day players from around the world play it daily, whether they are simulating their favourite test team matchups, or playing games with as little as one over each side. We think they’re going to love the enhanced career mode, refined on-field mechanics, and enhanced visuals and animation. After all, many of the changes came as a direct result of feedback from our most dedicated fans.”
The game will be available through retail and digital channels on December 22, and will be released on the Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. A PC (Steam) will be available one month later.
“The first Don Bradman Cricket game did a wonderful job of reflecting the heritage of The Don, and giving cricket fans around the world an authentic and accurate rendition of the sport on their gaming consoles,” Rina Hore from the Bradman Foundation said. “We’re looking forward to seeing how fans respond to this year’s greatly enhanced version.”
You can pre-order Don Bradman Cricket 17 at leading game retailers today.
About HES
Home Entertainment Suppliers Pty Ltd (HES) are a Sydney-based firm specialising in the distribution of video game consoles, games and accessories throughout the Australian market. Established in 1984, HES are the exclusive distributors of Playseat and Tru Blu games in Australia, including 2003’s record breaking NRL Rugby League for PS2, XBOX and PC. HES also has a video game publishing arm, Tru Blu Entertainment.
About Big Ant Studios
Big Ant Studios is a leading Australian game development studio. Developers of the critically-acclaimed Don Bradman Cricket, the Rugby League Live series, and Casey Powell Lacrosse, Big Ant Studios produces premium sports and racing content for all major platforms including PlayStation 4, Microsoft Xbox One, and PC. For more information about Big Ant Studios visit www.bigant.com
About Bradman Foundation
The Bradman Foundation is a not for profit charitable trust supported by Sir Donald Bradman to honour and strengthen the game. The Foundation seeks to ensure that Don Bradman’s name is forever synonymous with cricket, as a cultural institution promoting his legacy through the Museum’s collection, youth education and university scholarship programs and other philanthropic endeavours.
