NO MORE TAKING TURNS IN MARIO PARTY: STAR RUSH FOR NINTENDO 3DS FAMILY SYSTEMS FROM OCTOBER 8^TH 2016

Enjoy the full multiplayer experience with only one copy of the game by downloading the “Party Guest” version to other Nintendo 3DS family systems for free*
14^th September, 2016 – Ready, set and roll on October 8^th as Mario Party: Star Rush comes to liven up Nintendo 3DS family systems with a host of new modes and minigames to enjoy. Taking turns takes a backseat as everybody scrambles across the board simultaneously, and thanks to the free Mario Party: Star Rush – Party Guest software*, it takes just one copy of the game to enjoy a full multiplayer experience. Plus, with brand new Super Mario series amiibo on the guest list, this is one portable party you won’t want to miss!

In the all-new Toad Scramble mode, players roll their dice simultaneously and move freely across an open map as a Toad. This means no more taking turns to play, leading to faster and more strategic matches. Players can also get the upper hand on their friends by recruiting Mario and his friends, who will appear across each world map. Each ally has their own unique ability and will aid Toad in collecting extra coins and bashing bosses to earn stars.

In Coinathlon mode, it’s pure skill with no dice, as competitors play a series of minigames in quick succession, whilst racing around a track collecting coins and aiming to cross the finish line first. You’ll need to have nimble fingers and remain focused if you want to win as Coinathlon is the ultimate test of your minigame skills.

Burst balloons, play a magnitude of minigames and battle some bosses to earn coins in Balloon Bash mode. Players will trade their coins for stars, and the player with the highest amount of stars at the end will be the winner. In this mode you’ll need to be quick, plot your route wisely and make each turn count, as each player has a limited number of moves. Traditional Mario Party rules coupled with simultaneous turns for a unique new approach to the series.

Party hosts who own the game can share the full multiplayer fun with three friends who’ve downloaded the Mario Party: Star Rush – Party Guest software from Nintendo eShop. Invite your friends to a local wireless game and enjoy a host of new modes, including Coinathlon and Balloon Bash. Downloading the Mario Party: Star Rush – Party Guest software also gives players the opportunity to try out some minigames in single-player after completing some multiplayer rounds.

For those who want to go solo, there is plenty of fun to be had with over 50 minigames and 7 gameplay modes to discover – take on the CPU-controlled characters and amp up the challenge by choosing between four difficulty modes.

To celebrate the release of Mario Party: Star Rush on 8^th October 2016, the guest list of Super Mario Collection amiibo will expand to include Donkey Kong, Rosalina, Wario, and a Boo amiibo that glows in the dark.  Available later on 5^th November 2016, three new amiibo from the Super Mario Collection will join the party: Diddy Kong, Daisy and Waluigi.

If solo players use a compatible amiibo in Toad Scramble, that character will appear as a support character from the start, with a rare item on hand to boost your chances of winning. And if your amiibo has save data from Mario Party 10 on the Wii U console, you can get another special die, too! Please visit our amiibo website for a full list of compatible amiibo and further details on amiibo functionality.

Also on 8^th October, an Australia and New Zealand-exclusive bundle will launch at a suggested retail price of AU$69.95, and will include a copy of Mario Party: Star Rush, a Yoshi amiibo from the Super Mario Collection and an NFC Reader/Writer, so that players can enjoy amiibo with their Nintendo 3DS, Nintendo 3DS XL or Nintendo 2DS console.

Mario Party: Star Rush and the Mario Party: Star Rush – Party Guest software launch in Australia and New Zealand on 8th October, along with amiibo figures of Donkey Kong, Rosalina, Wario, and Boo, followed by Diddy Kong, Daisy and Waluigi on 5th November.

Additional Links:
Nintendo Australia website: http://www.nintendo.com.au 
Nintendo Australia Twitter: https://twitter.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo Australia Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NintendoAUNZ
Nintendo AU on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/nintendoau

Visual Novel Developer Frontwing Launches Crowdfunding Campaign for New “Corona Blossom” Title

Tokyo, Japan – September 13, 2016 An Indiegogo campaign for visual novel developer Frontwing’s newest title “Corona Blossom Vol.2: The Truth From Beyond” has just been launched. The main goal of the campaign is to offer physical goods to overseas fans, and to fund the production of those goods, including the Indiegogo-exclusive DVD-ROM version of the game.  The Indiegogo campaign page can be accessed at the following URL: https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/corona-blossom-vol-2-the-truth-from-beyond-japan/

Corona Blossom is a visual novel series revolving around the adorable cat-eared alien R-ne, her quest to get back to her home, and the impact she has on protagonist Keiji’s life.  The first entry in the series enjoyed its own very successful Indiegogo campaign and currently has boasts 95% positive rating on Steam.

BackerKit will be used for post-campaign support, and a number of add-on rewards will be available, including Indiegogo-exclusive rewards from the first volume’s campaign.

The game’s development staff include character artist nanaca mai, the illustrator for the SD art for the Grisaia series, and Yuhi Nanao, a scenario writer who worked on “Hatsuru Koto Naki Mirai Yori” (Hatsumira, or From the Future Undying).

The entire Corona Blossom series is being localized in English by Frontwing’s brand new in-house translation team, the members of which are experienced Japanese to English translators who possess JLPT N1 certification or equivalent. It also features a brand-new system allowing simultaneous display of English and Japanese text during gameplay, as well as language switching at the press of a button.

“Corona Blossom Vol.2: The Truth From Beyond” releases on Steam in late October, with a physical release in Japan to follow.

About Frontwing
Frontwing is a developer of Japanese visual novels. Since the company’s founding in 1999 as a bishojo games developer and the release of Frontwing’s first title, “Canary’ (Canaria: Kono Omoi o Uta ni Nosete) in August 2000, we have published a number of titles in the visual novel genre. From school life love stories to hardcore adult games, as well as titles which utilize 3D computer graphics, our creations cover a diverse range of genres. Our products, as well as the characters they feature, have come to represent the world of bishojo games. Frontwing marked its first venture into the overseas market May 29, 2015, with the English release of ‘The Fruit of Grisaia’ on Steam.  We have also self-published two ‘Grisaia’ series side stories, ‘The Leisure of Grisaia’ and ‘The Afterglow of Grisaia’, with further localized titles in the works.

Frontwing is also currently planning a relaunch of their joint crowdfunding project with AKABEi SOFT2 to localize their visual novel “Sharin no Kuni, Himawari no Shojo” (“Wheel Country, Sunflower Girl).

Curve Digital Confirms the Launch Date for Dear Esther: Landmark Edition

Award-winning Masterpiece from Heralded Developer, The Chinese Room, Heads to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on September 20 with Graphical and Gameplay Updates Alongside a Brand New Developers’ Commentary

LONDON – August 25, 2016 – Established indie game publisher Curve Digital and developer The Chinese Room today announced that the critically-acclaimed, first-person narrative experience, Dear Esther, will arrive on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One as Dear Esther: Landmark Edition on September 20 for $9.99. Heading to consoles with graphical and gameplay updates in addition to a brand new Directors’ Commentary from the original development team, Dear Esther: Landmark Edition aims to follow up on the original release’s success by refining the acclaimed indie hit for players both new and returning.

The Directors’ Commentary of Dear Esther: Landmark Edition unites Jessica Curry, Dan Pinchbeck and Rob Briscoe for the first time years as they reacquaint themselves with the game which made The Chinese Room a globally known development studio. The commentary offers first-hand insight on never-before-heard details, and provides a fresh perspective on the game’s development and legacy. The Landmark Edition also features graphical and gameplay tweaks which finesse the experience on console, making this the most complete version of Dear Esther to date.

Dear Esther is a narrative-focused first-person adventure that takes place on an uninhabited Hebridean island, upon which a lone man must piece together the chain of events that led to his wife’s death. Eschewing traditional gameplay to present a truly story-driven experience, the game composes a beautifully detailed world and an emotional tale that has inspired an entire genre of games. Dear Esther was originally developed as an experimental visual and aural experience using the Source game engine, and earned multiple awards alongside critical acclaim following its original release on Windows PC in 2012.

The console release of Dear Esther will mark the start of a month-long celebration of its legacy, during which The Guardian and The Barbican will hold events in the UK to allow members of the public to get closer to the seminal narrative than ever before.

The Guardian Event on September 30 is billed as a “Directors’ Commentary Directors’ Commentary” which will see Dan Pinchbeck and Jessica Curry discuss their journey from Half-Life mod to full console release. Tickets cost £10 direct from The Guardian’s website here: https://membership.theguardian.com/event/gaming-series-dear-esther-26635208626

On October 14, The Barbican will host a unique live performance of the game’s soundtrack led by composer Jessica Curry, accompanied by an on-stage playthrough of Dear Esther complete with live narration. It is a once in a lifetime opportunity to see the major components of the game brought to life in what promises to be a highly emotional evening. Limited tickets remain here: https://www.barbican.org.uk/music/event-detail.asp?ID=20030

Developed by The Chinese Room and published on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One by Curve Digital, Dear Esther: Landmark Edition will arrive on September 20 for $9.99 / €9.99 / £7.99. This title has been rated “T for Teen” by the ESRB.

About Curve Digital

Curve Digital is the largest publisher of independent video games on console formats in the world. Working with high profile developers such as Mike Bithell (Thomas Was Alone), Dan Marshall (The Swindle) and Olli Harjola (The Swapper), Curve helps individuals and small teams bring their games to a larger audience. Curve actively publishes on PC, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Wii U and 3DS.

Ubisoft^® Announces Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection as Franchise Surpasses 100 Million Copies Sold 

Sydney, Australia — September 14, 2016 — Today, Ubisoft^® announced that Assassin’s Creed^® The Ezio Collection will be available on November 17 for PlayStation^®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One. Fans of the series and new players alike can relive the adventures of legendary Assassin, Ezio Auditore da Firenze, as the franchise’s most celebrated games come to current generation consoles.

Assassin’s Creed has become one of the most popular video game franchises of all time, with more than 100 million copies sold to date. The series’ compelling, innovative gameplay, rich narrative and detailed, historically-accurate open world environments have spawned a passionate and global fan following. As players’ interest in Assassin’s Creed has grown, Ubisoft has expanded into Assassin’s Creed-themed books, comics, and short films, and is now set to release a major motion picture from January 1, 2017 in Australia.

“This is a huge milestone for the Assassin’s Creed franchise, but we believe the best is yet to come,” says Etienne Allonier, Brand Director for Assassin’s Creed. “Having seen what’s gone into the movie and into future Assassin’s Creed games, we think fans and newcomers alike will be excited by everything Assassin’s Creed has to offer.”

Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection includes the acclaimed single-player campaigns and single-player add-ons for Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed Brotherhood and Assassin’s Creed Revelations, with enhanced graphics for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Telling an epic three-part story of vengeance, intrigue, and romance, Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection lands on shelves this November for gamers who want to relive the Renaissance and experience the thrilling adventures of Ezio in Florence, Venice, Rome, and Constantinople, or newcomers stepping into the world of Assassins and Templars for the first time.

The Assassin’s Creed series tells the tale of the centuries-old battle between Assassins and Templars through rich storylines and captivating characters. Assassin’s Creed is an action-adventure series set in fully realised open worlds throughout notable times in history such as the Third Crusade, the Golden Age of Pirates and the Industrial Revolution. Using the infamous hidden blade and other tools and weapons specific to the time period, players will fight for the greater good from the rooftops in Italy to the shores of Cuba through the core tenets the series is known for: combat, stealth, navigation and parkour.

In addition to the single-player content, Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection includes the complete Assassin’s Creed Lineage and Assassin’s Creed Embers short films, giving a clearer glimpse into the background of the dashing yet dangerous Ezio Auditore da Firenze, from beginning to end.

Additionally, Ubisoft announced the release of the Assassin’s Creed: The Ezio Collection Collector’s Case. Exclusive to Uplay Shop the Collector’s Case brings back souvenirs from the Auditore Family crypt. Along with the game, players will discover a set of exclusive lithographies, the game’s official soundtrack, featuring a selection of 40 tracks from the three games and an exclusive Black Edition collectible bust of Ezio Auditore.

For the latest on all of Ubisoft’s games, please visit http://www.ubiblog.com.

About the ASSASSIN’S CREED movie
Through a revolutionary technology that unlocks his genetic memories, Callum Lynch (Michael Fassbender) experiences the adventures of his ancestor, Aguilar, in 15th Century Spain.  Callum discovers he is descended from a mysterious secret society, the Assassins, and amasses incredible knowledge and skills to take on the oppressive and powerful Templar organization in the present day.

ASSASSIN’S CREED stars Academy Award® nominee Michael Fassbender (X-Men: Days of Future Past, 12 Years a Slave) and Academy Award winner Marion Cotillard (The Dark Knight Rises, La Vie en Rose). The film is directed by Justin Kurzel (Snowtown, Macbeth); produced by New Regency, Ubisoft Motion Pictures, DMC Films and Kennedy/Marshall; co-financed by RatPac Entertainment and Alpha Pictures; and distributed by 20th Century Fox . ASSASSIN’S CREED opens in theaters worldwide on December 21st, 2016.

About Ubisoft

Ubisoft is a leading creator, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment and services, with a rich portfolio of world-renowned brands, including Assassin’s Creed, Just Dance, Watch_Dogs, Tom Clancy’s video game series, Rayman and Far Cry. The teams throughout Ubisoft’s worldwide network of studios and business offices are committed to delivering original and memorable gaming experiences across all popular platforms, including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs. For the 2015–16 fiscal year Ubisoft generated sales of €1,394 million. To learn more, please visit www.ubisoftgroup.com.

© 2016 Ubisoft Entertainment. All Rights Reserved. Watch Dogs, Ubisoft, and the Ubisoft logo are trademarks of Ubisoft Entertainment in the US and/or other countries.

ALL YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS DETAILED IN NEW TRAILER

Build for Fun, Build for Adventure and Build to Save the World

SYDNEY 14^th September 2016 –   Merging the creative worlds of block-building games and RPG adventure, Square Enix Ltd.,  today detailed everything that builders will need to know about DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS™ in an all new “What is DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS?” trailer.

The trailer introduces the basics of building – such as gathering materials and crafting items in order to build anything you can imagine. The trailer also features how players will complete quests to help friendly NPC’s while battling the evil Dragonlord to restore peace to the shattered realm.

To watch the new trailer visit: https://youtu.be/RvWDiCuYb_s

Fans who pre-order the Digital Day One Edition of DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS through the PlayStation® Store or participating retail stores will receive exclusive in-game items to enhance their block-building adventure.

DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS will arrive across Australia & New Zealand on 13^th October 2016 for the PlayStation®4 Computer Entertainment System and PlayStation Vita (digital only). For more information visit: www.dragonquest-game.com

Related Links:

Official Homepage: www.dragonquest-game.com 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/DragonQuest

Twitter: @DragonQuest

Huge ‘Outerlands’ Update for Space Sim Starpoint Gemini Warlords on PC

New Trailer Released Featuring Latest Early Access Improvements

Haarlem, The Netherlands – September 13 2016 – Iceberg Interactive and developer Little Green Men Games hope to thrill both current and new players of highly anticipated Starpoint Gemini Warlords with a huge new Update today, titled ‘Outerlands’. The Update adds a multitude of gameplay and station options to the gorgeous looking space sim, currently in Steam Early Access.

Starpoint Gemini Warlords ‘Outerlands’ Update v.0610 includes:

• Added docking in-game sequences
• Added docking bay interiors
• Several new space stations designs
• Added outlaw/pirate spaceship design
• Added new customization system with set of tools to visually remake your docked ship
• Added random encounter quests
• Added in space “ship-to ship” trading menus as part of between ship communication
• Added Steam Trading Cards

For the full-length changelog of this Update, please click here.

Little Green Men Games’ CEO Mario Mihokovic says: “This update is the second one in a series of larger upgrades for Starpoint Gemini Warlords. We’re excited to say that it is also the first one that includes community suggestions from Early Access users! Examples are the docking bay interiors, meant to make the game more immersive, as well as the recreation of customization panels, which now offer far more options and control over the customization process. Another surprise will be introduced in the following updates: an entirely redesigned skill system and enhanced UI, both as a direct result of feedback from the community. You guys are making the development process tougher but it is also very engaging. Thanks!”

Features available in the Early Access version include:

• The full game world which is almost 10 times larger than the game world in Starpoint Gemini 2
• Start with a prologue of the story-line and continue in unlocked Freeroam with conquest mode
• Headquarters features about 70% complete
• 13 of 19 planned freelance mission types are in. Roughly half the modifiers too
• 80% of planned ships are in (approx. 65)
• 60% of random encounter types are present. Roughly half the modifiers too
• 1 of 4 character classes
• Most of the ship’s equipment and weapons
• Docking sequences and docking bay interiors
• Customization panels when docked, with full complement of options

Starpoint Gemini Warlords is available in Steam’s Early Access program, at a current price of $ 24.99. For more information about the game, please visit the official website at www.starpointgemini.com , as well as the Facebook and Twitter profiles.

About Starpoint Gemini Warlords

Starpoint Gemini Warlords is a unique blend of space sim, RPG and 4X games focused on larger ships, ranging from gunships to carriers. Command your starship, send your war fleets into enemy territory, lead your heroic companions into battle, build up your stronghold, trade, mine, salvage and remind your enemies why they fear you.

About LGM Games

LGM Games is a growing team of highly motivated and talented programmers, writers, 3D and 2D artists and animators, all sharing the same passion for video games. Our mission is to create new worlds and adventures, with players – for players. LGM Games stands behind the successful Starpoint Gemini series, from our debut title in 2011 to the 2014 sequel, along with countless expansions. LGM’s vision of space-flavored RPG simulation games continues to evolve and grow, with many more exciting elements to be revealed in the future. To learn more about Little Green Men Games, visit: http://www.inter-corona.com.

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.

Play it cool!