RPG Classic ROMANCING SAGA 2 arrives on mobile devices today

LONDON (26^th May 2016) –   Square Enix Ltd., today announced that its RPG classicROMANCING SAGA 2 is now available on iOS and Android devices in Europe and PAL territories. While maintaining the feel of the original 1993 release, the second entry in the beloved Romancing SaGa series has been fully revamped for mobile devices – with updated background and battle graphics, optimised touch screen controls and an auto-save feature to support on-the-go play, anywhere at any time.

Now, a new generation of gamers can experience Romancing SaGa 2 with new classes, original dungeons and the “New Game+” function which allows players to carry over character attributes and items into a brand new game, enabling them to enjoy the story and obtain items they may have missed, or save lands and companions that were sacrificed originally.

Romancing SaGa 2 enables players the ability to freely explore with freeform scenarios, and fuses it with the imperial succession system that provides players the ability to adventure while taking command of a variety of protagonists and experience the history of a nation as it grows and changes.

Additionally, the game introduced what has now become classic gameplay features of the SaGa series. Adventurers can learn new techniques with the Glimmers feature by using weapons and martial arts in battle, and also utilize Battle Formations to vary the attributes of characters depending on where they are placed within a particular formation.

Romancing SaGa 2 is available now in Europe and PAL territories for £13.49 / €17.99 on the App Store and the Google Play Store.

Related Links:
Website: http://www.jp.square-enix.com/romasaga2/en/
Appstore: https://itunes.apple.com/eu/app/romancing-saga-2/id1083835330?l=ja&ls=1&mt=8
Google Play Store: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.android_googleplay.romancingsaga2_ww

About Romancing SaGa 2:
The epic tale of Romancing SaGa 2 spans multiple generations of rulers of the Vareness Empire, fighting to bring an end to a brutal war across the ages. Players play as of a series of royal rulers in a valiant struggle against the Seven Heroes.
Romancing SaGa 2 is one of the many titles in the lauded SaGa roleplaying game series. In this popular entry, released for the Super Famicom in Japanese only in 1993 and boasting sales in excess of one million copies, the player’s struggle spans multiple generations as he assumes the role of a series of rulers of the Varennes Empire in a valiant struggle against the Seven Heroes. A free scenario system—a hallmark of the SaGa series—enables the player to take command of a variety of protagonists along the line of imperial succession and experience the history of a nation as it grows and changes. This freedom of choice provides a compelling narrative that served as the cornerstone of the title’s success on its initial release.

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd., a part of the Square Enix Europe business unit, 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. 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 boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY, which has sold over 110 million units worldwide, DRAGON QUEST® which has sold over 66 million units worldwide and TOMB RAIDER® which has sold over 45 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://www.square-enix.com/eu/en/ .

© 1993, 2010, 2016 SQUARE ENIX CO., LTD. All Rights Reserved.Planned & Developed by ArtePiazza

ROMANCING SAGA, 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. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

Bigpoint teams up with global media brands to launch new puzzle adventure Hocus Puzzle

Leading global online game developer and publisher Bigpoint announces Hocus Puzzle, coming to IOS and Android on May 26th.

Hamburg, May 26, 2016 – Bigpoint GmbH, a global leader in free-to-play online and mobile gaming publishing today announced Hocus Puzzle, a bewitching puzzle adventure.

Hocus Puzzle follows the adventures of Serena as she embarks on a spellbinding adventure to defeat the evil that has drained the magic river dry. Expanding upon popular match-3 gameplay, Hocus Puzzle adds a magical twist by incorporating path-drawing mechanics. On top of this, in-game characters are not just purely cosmetic – they play an intrinsic part in both obstructing your path and solving the puzzles, adding a new layer of strategic depth.

Backed by a substantial, global marketing push that demonstrates the confidence Bigpoint has in its new casual puzzle title, Hocus Puzzle launches with strategic partnerships with major media outlets across Europe and MENA. This includes RTLII, Deutsch Telekom and Mobilcom in Germany, Publitalia in Italy, Publiespaña in Spain, Turkcell in Turkey, Onet in Poland and MBC group for the MENA region. Consumers will be engaged through major TV, online, radio, print campaigns and more.

Khaled Helioui, CEO Bigpoint said: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of Hocus Puzzle for iOS and Android.” He continued, “Our carefully selected strategic partners across Europe and beyond understand our motivation and vision for the game and see the level of potential it has.” says Khaled Helioui, “The target groups of these media powerhouses fits the tone of Hocus Puzzle perfectly, which enables us to convey the intended message and gameplay experience to the audience we target, including non-gamers that we believe are going to be compelled by the game experience we have to offer.”

Gameplay features:

Defeat evil forces:
Connect potions to cast powerful spells and defeat the Master Wizard and his evil minions.

Collect costumes:
Give yourself an advantage with unique and assorted powers.

A variety of challenges:
Using clever spell runes & boosters.

Play with friends:
Challenge your friends on the leaderboard, follow their progress in restoring the river’s magical flow and share mystical gifts to gain powerful rewards!

About Bigpoint
Bigpoint is a leading global online game developer and publisher. Headquartered in Hamburg, Germany, Bigpoint designs high-quality games for all gamer segments for browser, client and mobile. They are published on bigpoint.com, as well as by more than 2,000 international distribution partners and media companies. Employees from 35 countries use state-of-the-art technology to transform the industry with innovative gaming concepts, while setting international standards to fulfill the expectations of more than 350 million gamers in over 200 countries.

KONAMI to premiere PES 2017 alongside the 2016 PES League World Finals in Milan

Sydney, May 26^th 2016 – Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. will use this year’s UEFA Champions League Final in Milan to host the 2016 PES World Finals of the UEFA Champions League eSports event and showcase the next addition to the Pro Evolution Soccer Franchise, PES 2017, for the first time.

“Exclusive to Pro Evolution Soccer, it is fitting that we use the UEFA Champions League Final, the world’s greatest club competition, and the culmination of another hugely successful PES League season to reveal PES 2017,” said Tomotada Tashiro, President at Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. “As 32 of the world’s best PES players gather to compete, our commitment to reaching new heights of realism and fun will also be demonstrated. May 27^th and 28^th will be a celebration of all that is great about football – and the first showing of PES 2017 will elevate the series to a whole new level.”

The top PES players from around the world will head to Milan for a two-day competition across May 27^th – 28^th, where KONAMI will also debut an early version of PES 2017. With the previous two iterations securing the coveted gamescom ‘Best Sports Game’ accolade, KONAMI returns to the field with a game that builds on the strong on-field performance of its predecessors and with a detailed focus on control and reproducing the skills and possibilities afforded in a top-flight match.

KONAMI’s ground-breaking FOX Engine again delivers the power for a game set to hit new heights with a host of key gameplay advances. The focus of PES 2017 is the fun in playing against another player, and all the new features support this ethos. Central to the new game is ‘Real Touch’, which authentically reproduces a wealth of ways to receive and control a pass. Different players use varying techniques and Real Touch mimics these using complex ball physics and subtle control nuances as the pass is met. The new system is then complemented with the advent of the new ‘Precise Pass’ system. Precise Pass extends the Real Touch basis of using the ability of the player with the ball to determine the accuracy of each pass. The movement of the ball in relation to the position of the player and the intended target for the pass all contribute towards its accuracy, adding a genuine feeling of excitement when a defence is split with an inch-perfect ball. For a full listing of features and details on the newly announced PES 2017, please visit: https://www.konami.com/wepes/2017/

Taking place on May 27^th – 28^th, the 2016 PES World Finals of the UEFA Champions League eSports event give two finalists an incredible opportunity to play a match pitch-side at the Stadio Guiseppe Meazza (otherwise known as San Siro) stadium, ahead of the UEFA Champions League Final. The initial heats between all 32 entrants take place at the Terrazza Martini located near the UEFA Champions League festival area. Entrants are competing for a total prize pot of 23,000 Euro, with the winner receiving 15,000 Euro and tickets to the UEFA Champions League Final, with second and third place receiving 5,000 Euro and 3,000 Euro.

Following huge growth during the 2014/15 season, PES League is truly a global tournament opening the competition to players from Peru, India, and Saudi Arabia, and hundreds of thousands of people have entered this season. French reigning champion, Rachid Tabane, will return to defend his title, having emerged victorious in Berlin last year.

PES League originally started in 2001 by KONAMI as a national tournament in France, and later broadened its scope to become a full-scale global tournament. With the PES World Finals taking place on the same weekend as the UEFA Champions League Final, it’s one of the biggest football spectacles in the world and draws a great deal of attention each year.

KONAMI will be revealing more at E3, held from June 14th. Stay tuned for more information.

About Konami Group

KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION was established in 1973, and became a holding company of the Konami Group on March 31, 2006. KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION covers the fields of “Digital Entertainment Business”, “Health & Fitness Business”, “Gaming & Systems Business” and “Pachinko & Pachinko Slot Machines Business”. KONAMI HOLDINGS CORPORATION went public on Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1988 and the London Stock Exchange in 1999. Home Page URL: www.konami.co.jp. Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. is a wholly-owned subsidiary, responsible for popular franchises like Metal Gear Solid, Silent Hill and Pro Evolution Soccer amongst other top sellers. Konami Group is also the manufacturer of the wildly popular Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME, which has sold more than 25 billion cards worldwide. For more information concerning Konami Digital Entertainment and its products, please visit www.konami-europe.com.

About UEFA

UEFA is the governing body of European football. UEFA’s mission is to promote, protect and develop European football at every level of the game, to promote the principles of unity and solidarity, and to deal with all questions relating to European football. For more information, please visit UEFA.org

NEW POKÉMON GO DETAILS REVEALED

Battle mechanics and more unveiled for upcoming Pokémon mobile game

SCORE RUSH EXTENDED – BRILLIANT SHOOT ‘EM UP ‘BULLET HEAVEN’ ACTION – COMING TO PLAYSTATION®4 ON MAY 31

Twain Harte, CA – May 25, 2016 – Xona Games has teamed up with indie publishing label Reverb Triple XP for the upcoming release of Score Rush Extended, a classically-styled shoot ’em up for the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system. Score Rush Extended builds upon the original Score Rush (a #1 hit in Japan) — challenging players to use formidable weaponry to battle near-endless waves of enemies in both solo and cooperative modes (up to four players) in “bullet hell” styled gameplay. The battles never slow down and players won’t get even a second to catch their breath from the insane action and vibrant visuals. Score Rush Extended is set for a May 31 release on PlayStation 4.

Watch the Score Rush Extended trailer HERE: youtube.com/watch?v=iYxBfC0RFxM

Please call a doctor if you end up playing Score Rush Extended over 4 hours or longer.

Score Rush Extended is the newest entry in Xona Games’ Score Rush series of fast-paced shooters. The original console version of Score Rush hit #1 on the Xbox Live Marketplace in Japan, and has been a favorite of fans of the shmup genre since its original release. Score Rush Extended challenges players to battle a near-endless onslaught of enemies, using a mind-melting mix of fantastic firepower and skillful evasive maneuvering to blast and blow up anyone who gets in their way. Elite players can even try DUAL PLAY, controlling two fighters at once. Featuring a hard-driving musical score by Dragon Music, Score Rush Extended is a feast for the eyes and ears.

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ABOUT XONA GAMES

With more than a dozen awards under their belt, the team at Xona Games knows what it takes to build an awesome retro-styled game. With titles like Score Rush and the Decimation X series, Xona focuses on what players love about classic genres while bringing them to modern platforms – from PC, to HTML5 and consoles.

ABOUT REVERB TRIPLE XP 

Reverb Triple XP provides a spectrum of services customized to focus on the publishing and marketing needs of indie game developers. Triple XP titles stand out with excellent gameplay, creative design, and that elusive fun factor. A cornerstone of the program is that the developer retains creative control and ownership of its intellectual property while receiving a custom solution tailored to their exact needs. Reverb Communications has over twelve years of experience in public relations and marketing. Reverb Triple XP builds on that foundation by pairing it with production and distribution services.

Telltale Publishing bringing the hit survival game ‘7 Days to Die’ to PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on June 28th

Developer Interview and Special Pre-Order Bonus

Telltale Publishing today announced that the hit survival horde crafting game 7 Days to Die will release on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One for the first time on June 28th as both a digital and retail product in North America, and digitally in Europe; and will be available on July 1st for the first time at retail in Europe. The recommended retail price is $29.99 USD or equivalent, and the game is currently available for pre-order at GameStop, Best Buy, GAME, and Amazon. 7 Days to Die is published in collaboration with the Dallas-based independent developer, The Fun Pimps.

Set in a brutally unforgiving post-apocalyptic world overrun by the undead, 7 Days to Die is an open-world survival game that is a unique combination of first person shooter, survival horror, tower defense, and role-playing games. It presents combat, crafting, looting, mining, exploration, and character growth, in a way that has seen a rapturous response from fans worldwide, generating hundreds of thousands of hours of community content on YouTube and other streaming video platforms.

Fans of Telltale’s The Walking Dead series in partnership with Skybound will be excited to learn that pre-ordering 7 Days to Die will give them exclusive access to 5 character skins from Telltale’s hit series, including Michonne and Lee Everett.

The console version of 7 Days to Die adds a new multiplayer mode supporting local split-screen for couch play, additional online multiplayer modes and features will be revealed in the coming weeks. The game will be supported by exciting DLC content, with details to be revealed in the near future.

This new interview with 7 Days to Die developers gives insight into what inspired the immensely popular “survival horde crafting game” , as well as what players can expect in the console version.

7 Days to Die is currently available for Windows, Mac OS X, and SteamOS and Linux in Early Access on the Steam platform.

For more information on The Fun Pimps, visit the official website, follow  @7DaystoDie on Twitter, and like 7 Days to Die on Facebook .

For more information on Telltale Publishing, visit the official website, Facebook, and follow@TelltalePublish on Twitter

HITMAN Episode 3: Marrakesh Launches next week on May 31

COPENHAGEN, May 25, 2016 – Io-Interactive is delighted to announce that the launch date for HITMAN Episode 3: Marrakesh will be on May 31, 2016.
The mission titled: ‘A Gilded Cage’ enlists Agent 47 to take out two targets, private investment banker Claus Strandberg and Army General Reza Zaydan.

In a city teaming with life on the brink of a full-scale riot, these are the moments before a coup d’état, where the visible military presence exacerbates a situation where tensions are running high.

Bustling Berber markets, alleyways crammed with stalls and shops, a clinical Swedish consulate and shaded rooftop terraces are just some of the areas that players can explore in Marrakesh.

HITMAN Episode 3: Marrakesh will present players with a range of new in-game Challenges and Opportunities that will keep them busy along with an entirely new setting for Escalation Contracts and Elusive Targets.

HITMAN started with a Prologue and Paris location in March, Episode 2: Sapienza in April and now Episode 3: Marrakesh on May 31. From here HITMAN will deliver regular content updates, including three additional locations; Thailand, the United States and the season finale in Japan later in 2016.

Episode 3: Marrakesh is FREE as part of the Full Experience Pack. Owners of the Intro Pack can choose either the Upgrade Pack for $50, which will then include all of this year’s content as it’s released including  live and bonus content – or choose to purchase the location individually for $10 (or local equivalent).

HITMAN is available on the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, and Windows PC.

Related Links:       hitman.com / facebook.com/hitman / twitter.com/hitman /reddit.com/r/hitman

About HITMAN
HITMAN is the sixth game in the blockbuster series and is the culmination of a journey started by Io-Interactive more than 17 years ago. It builds on the critically acclaimed and commercially successful foundation of games like Silent Assassin, Blood Money and the recent Hitman: Absolution.

About Io-Interactive
Io-Interactive, a Square Enix Studio, is the creative force behind some of the most talked-about multiplatform videogames to emerge in the last decade. Starting with the praised and ground-breaking Hitman series, Io-Interactive has since developed the cult classic “Freedom Fighters”, the controversial “Kane & Lynch” series and the adorable “Mini-Ninjas”. Dedication to creating original IP and unforgettable characters and experiences are the hallmarks of Io-Interactive.

About Square Enix, Inc.
Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX, EIDOS® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix Group. The Square Enix Group operates a global network of leading development studios and boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property, including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 110 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 66 million units worldwide; TOMB RAIDER®, which has sold over 45 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly-owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at http://na.square-enix.com/.

Hitman © 2016 Io-Interactive A/S. All rights reserved. IO-INTERACTIVE and the IO logo are trademarks of Io-Interactive A/S. AGENT 47, HITMAN and the HITMAN logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Limited. SQUARE ENIX and the SQUARE ENIX logo are registered trademarks or trademarks of Square Enix Co. Holdings Ltd. The “PS” Family logo are registered trademarks and “PS4” is a trademark of Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. All other trademarks are the properties of their respective owners.

DESIGN A HERO – SAVE VIDEO GAMES: 88 HEROES WANTS YOU!

From Your Brain, Straight Into the Game! Win the Chance to Have Your Own Character Design Appear as a Playable Hero in Forthcoming Action Game

Los Angeles, CA – May 25, 2016 – Today, video game publisher Rising Star Games and game developer Bitmap Bureau want YOU to don your brightest cape and tightest spandex as they invite you to become a part of 88 Heroes’ design process. Pick up your finest crayon and wow us with your most creative hero designs and your delightful doodle could become the game’s 88^th playable hero!

The criteria are simple: design a hero (or zero!) with a unique skill that will help or hinder players as they navigate the side-scrolling enemy-filled and booby-trapped levels. Entries may be submitted digitally by any means. You could scribble a doodle on a fast food wrapper, create a rich and lore-filled backstory for your hero in a 100-page document – or anything and everything in between.

To help you on your way, we’ve provided a basic template accompanying this press release HERE. Just remember, the three essentials to include are: a visual sketch or drawing of the hero (as basic or elaborate as you like), the hero’s name (keep it clean!), and a description of the hero’s unique skill. That’s it! Closing date for entries is 30^th June 2016. Send entries to [email protected] or tweet your entries @88heroesgame

88 Heroes is a chaotic 2D platformer that is as fun to watch as it is to play, where each level completed or untimely death brings a new uniquely skilled hero into the action. With just 88 minutes to complete all 88 levels, you’ll need every one of the 88 heroes to stop the dastardly Dr. H8 destroying the Earth! Are you up to the challenge?

Struggling to create your killer character concept? Here are some examples of the heroes and their skills that already feature in the game:

• Gonan – Muscle-bound warrior wielding a mighty sword that’s slow to swing but can slash through scenery to create shortcuts
• PowerTron – Robo law enforcer who fires missiles that are deadly to enemies, but also himself
• Neutron Brothers – Scientists fused together in a lab blunder, who can teleport through walls and even into enemies to kill them
• Max Velocity – With a rocket pack strapped to his back there’s nowhere he can’t fly, but he’s a piloting nightmare
• Invisible Sheriff – You can’t hide from the law if you can’t see it coming; hard to see but also hard for enemies to hit.

For more inspiration, follow the ever-growing assembly of daily character reveals for 88 Heroes on Twitter. And, watch the latest trailer on YouTube.

Developed by Bitmap Bureau and published by Rising Star Games, 88 Heroes will release on PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system, PC, Mac, Linux and Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, with a target release date of August 8, 2016.

For more information on 88 Heroes, please visit the official site: 88heroes.com.

Follow Rising Star Games on Twitter and visit the official Rising Star Games website.

Please see the competition terms and conditions, found here.

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ABOUT BITMAP BUREAU

Bitmap Bureau is a creatively ambitious UK games studio. Founded by Mike Tucker, Stefan Barnett and Matt Cope, they boast over 50 years combined industry experience. Nothing will stop these hard bitten game-making gumshoes, trying to crack the case of video game perfection! bitmapbureau.com/

ABOUT RISING STAR GAMES

Rising Star Games is a privately held video games publisher with a global reach. With operating offices in Europe and USA the company publishes video game entertainment across all gaming platforms from Sony, Microsoft, Nintendo and via Steam. With decades of combined experience and a genuine passion for interactive entertainment, Rising Star Games is proud of its ever-expanding and enormously diverse catalogue of over 120 titles.

www.risingstargames.com