Amass an unparalleled collection of Specimens in the Grand Archive, a new Megastructure, explore two new Origins, breed two new Species of Space Fauna, face a new mid-game crisis, and much more

STOCKHOLM — SEPTEMBER 26 — Today, Paradox Interactive and Abrakam announced that Grand Archive, the new Story Pack for sci-fi grand strategy game Stellaris, will launch on October 29th on PC. In this new Story Pack, players will uncover and showcase the rarest treasures of the cosmos in their Grand Archive, a groundbreaking new megastructure. They will amass an unparalleled collection of xeno-geological artifacts, relics from forgotten civilizations, and untamed space fauna. The new vivarium will allow them to create incredible genetically modified fleets using the species they discover. This Story Pack also adds two new deadly species: the asteroid-dwelling Cutholoids and the sinister Voidworms, which now roam the galaxy; it also features many other additions, such as two new civics, a new mid-game crisis, new traditions trees, and three new music tracks, among others.

Grand Archive is developed in collaboration with Abrakam and can already be pre-purchased for €14,99/$14,99/£12,79. Grand Archive is also included in Stellaris: Season 08, including the three additions for Stellaris release this year and the exclusive “Rick the Cube” portrait. Additionally, it is part of the Expansion subscription offer which gives access to all additional content for Stellaris for a monthly fee.

Discover the deepest knowledge and treasures of the galaxy with Grand Archive’s new features:

THE GRAND ARCHIVE – A monumental new megastructure that preserves and displays the galaxy’s rarest and most valuable artifacts.

151 SPECIMENS TO COLLECT, AND UP TO 240 DISTRIBUTED ACROSS OTHER STELLARIS CONTENT – From historical relics to wild space creatures, create the ultimate galactic exhibition.

THE VIVARIUM – Capture and breed wild space fauna, then genetically enhance them to build custom fleets.

NEW MID-GAME CRISIS: THE VOIDWORM PLAGUE – Face the terror of a rampaging Voidworm infestation and save your empire—or watch it fall.

TWO NEW ORIGINS

• Treasure Hunters: instilled with a thirst for adventure, this civilization is ready to set forth on their greatest and most challenging expedition as they enter the galactic frontier.
• Primal Calling: this civilization has a primal connection to the wild. Viewing themselves as stewards to the diverse (and often deadly) wildlife native to their world, they now turn their gaze skyward. 

TWO DEADLY SPECIES OF SPACE FAUNA

• Voidworms
• Cutholoids

TWO NEW CIVICS

• Galactic Curators
• Beastmasters

TWO NEW TRADITION TREES

• Archivism
• Domestication

17 NEW RELICS – Discover powerful new relics that will aid in your conquest and collection.

3 NEW MUSIC TRACKS – Immerse yourself in the cosmic splendor with new music that enhances your exploration of the galaxy.

About Paradox Interactive

Paradox Interactive is one of the premier developers and publishers of strategy and management games for PC and consoles. The players are located all over the world but some of the biggest markets are North America, Western Europe and Asia.

The game portfolio consists of popular franchises such as Stellaris, Europa Universalis, Hearts of Iron, Crusader Kings, Cities: Skylines, Prison Architect, the Surviving games, Age of Wonders and Victoria. Paradox Interactive also owns the World of Darkness brand catalog.

For more information, please visit http://www.paradoxinteractive.com

About Abrakam

Independent expert in strategy games, card games, and IP creation, Abrakam is known for titles like Faeria and Roguebook (PC/consoles). Based in Belgium, the studio boasts a team of 30 talented professionals enjoying the development of proprietary games as well as top-tier content for like-minded companies who share the studio’s values.

London (September 26, 2024) Today, during the TGS 2024 Capcom Online Program, Capcom took viewers for a thrilling ride through the Forbidden Lands of Monster Hunter Wilds™, the mean streets of Metro City in Street Fighter™ 6, the zombie infested Willamette Parkview Mall in Dead Rising™ Deluxe Remaster, the high-drama crime scenes of Ace Attorney Investigations™ Collection, the retro arcade of MARVEL vs. CAPCOM® Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, the birthplace of Street Fighter™ esports in Tokyo, Japan, and much more!

Check out details on the announcements below and catch the full presentation below!

Yian Kut-Ku Returns in Monster Hunter Wilds

Today, an extended cut of the latest Monster Hunter Wilds trailer debuted at the TGS 2024 Capcom Online Program, revealing Yian Kut-Ku. This fan-favourite monster is making its long-awaited return to the series in Monster Hunter Wilds. In this wild footage, the plucky Bird Wyvern is seen in the Scarlet Forest, with flocks nesting amongst overgrown ruins and soaring high above the verdant woodland’s towering trees.

The broadcast also journeyed deeper into the Forbidden Lands with an overview guided by Alma, the Hunter’s handler. This presentation highlighted many core features and improvements hunters can look forward to in Monster Hunter Wilds, such as details about the game’s seamless living world, rich biodiversity, and dynamic weather. Alma’s briefing also covered how hunters can rise to the challenges presented by this harsh landscape, including utilising multiple weapons, crafting gear, setting up camps, and relying on friends and allies like the Seikret mount, other players, and NPC Support Hunters.   

Monster Hunter Wilds is gearing up for a simultaneous worldwide release on February 28, 2025, across PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam with crossplay support. The highly anticipated action RPG is now available for pre-order. Players who pre-order the title will receive the “Guild Knight Set” layered armor and “Hope Charm” Talisman as special bonuses. Pre-orders made through the PlayStation®Store will also include a Digital Mini Art Book as an additional bonus.

Check out the extended trailer featuring a glimpse of Yian Kut-Ku in action here.

Additional Highlights from the TGS 2024 Capcom Online Program!

• Street Fighter 6 welcomes Terry from SNK’s popular fighting game series Fatal Fury as the first-ever guest character in the Street Fighter series, and he’s already making waves! Terry will soon be joined by SNK’s Mai and the returning Elena in 2025 to round out Year 2 of Street Fighter 6.
• Also dropped alongside Terry are two brand-new features to help new and veteran fighters train to be the very best: V-Rival and Replay Review. Test your might against specific characters and skill levels via aggregated online player data (V-Rival) and take control of Online/Offline replays to study what could have been done differently (Replay Review).
• MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is out now digitally across Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, and PC via Steam, with an Xbox One digital release coming in 2025! For the first time ever, play seven classic games on modern consoles in one collection chock full of new features like seamless online gameplay with rollback netcode, training mode across all fighting games, a treasure trove of in-game Museum content, and more! Stay tuned for the physical release on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 kicking off on November 22, 2024!
• Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings back iconic prosecutor Miles Edgeworth in a thrilling return to crime scenes and courtrooms with sharper visuals, new quality-of-life features, and an extensive in-game Gallery, available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Windows and Steam. It’s also time to call an emergency meeting as Ace Attorney™ crosses over with Among Us in an unexpected twist! Players can now sport a brand-new Edgeworth skin, free to unlock, and bring their prosecutorial prowess to the hunt for imposters.
• Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is available digitally across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam, bringing everyone’s favorite zombie paradise action game with new and improved features to players around the world! Catch the physical release on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 starting on November 8, 2024!
• Capcom Fighting Collection™ 2 features eight unforgettable games, including Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001, Project Justice, Power Stone 2, and much more, with new features like online play and quality-of-life updates across every game in the collection! Catch the release in 2025!
• The Street Fighter League Japan season has already kicked off in Street Fighter 6, featuring three new teams: Crazy Raccoon, FUKUSHIMA IBUSHIGIN, and Yogibo REJECT! Street Fighter League US returns on October 16, followed by Street Fighter League Europe later this year. Champions from each region will meet at Capcom Cup 11 in Tokyo, Japan, where the ultimate champion will be crowned. Plus, don’t miss the finale of Capcom Pro Tour 2024 at Capcom Cup 11, with a $1 million grand prize on the line!

About CAPCOM

Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including groundbreaking franchises Resident Evil™, Monster Hunter™, Street Fighter™, Mega Man™, Devil May Cry™ and Ace Attorney™. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Tokyo, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com  or news.capcomusa.com.

Capcom, and the Capcom logo are registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. or other countries. Ace Attorney, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, Resident Evil and Street Fighter are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.

Players can now dive into the full version of the tactical mech war game on PC, featuring a new seasonal system, unit specialists, and exclusive rewards for early access participants.

STOCKHOLM — September 26th, 2024 — Today, Mechabellum, the tactical mech warfare game from Paradox Arc and Game River, officially launched after spending over a year in Steam Early Access. Mechabellum features deep strategic gameplay where players command armies of mechs in competitive online battles. The full version of the game is now available on PC via Steam, at a suggested retail price of $14.99/£14.99/€14.99.

The full release introduces a new seasonal system, with a fresh season starting every 3 months. Each season will come with its own reward tree, offering players various items, including skins. Early access players will also receive an exclusive reward to commemorate their participation. Additionally, the release patch introduces two new specialists—Fire Badger and Typhoon— focusing on enhancing each specific unit. A sneak peek of upcoming units was also shared, teasing future additions to the game.

Highlights – 1.0 Release Update:

• Launch of the seasonal system including the start of Season 1
• Introduction of Rank System
• Starting from the first season, players can reach different ranks by improving their combat power.
• New specialists
• Fire badger specialist
• Typhoon specialist
• Early Access Reward
• For players who acquired the game before its full release
• Optimization and Quality of Life improvements 

A full breakdown of the 1.0 features can be found here.

During its early access period, Mechabellum has received very positive feedback, currently holding an 84% positive rating on Steam*. The full version has introduced a wealth of new content compared to its early access release, including new units, unit techs, reinforcement cards, maps, game modes, and updates to the UI and music, among other features.

Since launching in early access, Mechabellum has added:

• 9 new units
• 5 additional starting commanders
• Over 20 reinforcement cards
• 10 unit techs
• Several new maps
• A new game mode (4-Player Brawl)
• 100+ earnable cosmetics
• Updated UI
• New music
• Many more features

About Paradox Arc

Paradox ARC incubates and publishes deep, replayable games from studios with great ideas, including the titles Across the Obelisk, Mechabellum and Starminer.

Our mission is to cultivate long-term relationships with talented teams from around the world, build an exciting portfolio for players to enjoy over many years, and find future video game franchises for Paradox Interactive. Paradox Arc is an initiative that is wholly owned and financed by Paradox Interactive.

TOKYO, Japan – September 26, 2024 – Thirdverse, Co., Ltd (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masaru Ohnogi) announced an exciting collaboration between the VR multiplayer hero shooter X8—now with over 600,000 downloads worldwide—and the iconic “Contra” franchise, published by Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. This much-anticipated partnership is scheduled to launch in December 2024.
 
Check out a teaser trailer for X8 and “Contra: Operation Galuga” here:

Additionally, X8 players can now enjoy newly released in-game updates, including fresh hero skins, to enhance their gameplay experience. Download X8 here:

Meta Quest: https://www.meta.com/ja-jp/experiences/6691859957556584/  
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1763510/X8/  
PICO: https://store-global.picoxr.com/jp/detail/1/7276030571162189829
 
Since its debut in 1987, the legendary run-and-gun game series “Contra” has captivated many fans, and can finally be played in a 360-degree VR world. Players can become the 3D characters Bill and Lance and experience the world of “Contra” in VR.
 
In this upcoming collaboration, X8 will feature game modes that not only fans of the “Contra” series will enjoy but also newcomers to the series. Fans can start playing X8 now to prepare for the “Contra: Operation Galuga” collaboration.
 
Stay tuned as X8 continues to explore diverse collaborations, bringing fresh and exciting content to players.

Collaboration Storyline: Heroes Unite Against a Common Foe

In this unique crossover, the rogue AI “Index” seeks to expand its influence beyond X8’s digital domain by targeting the game Contra. After gathering data on Bill and Lance, the heroes of “Contra”, Index creates millions of replicas of these iconic characters; the purpose is to make them fight in arenas to train and perfect its system.
 
However, “Glitches” of Bill and Lance (replicas with programming errors) retain their original identities and consciousness, much like other heroes within the digital realm of X8. Can Bill and Lance unite with X8’s heroes to stop Index’s rampage and find their way back to their digital world?
 
About “Contra“

“Contra” is a run-and-gun game depicting the fierce battle between super soldiers with superhuman combat abilities known as “Contra” and ferocious aliens aiming to invade Earth. The main characters of the series are Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, the strongest soldiers in the Earth Marine Corps (EMC). The first game in the series, “Contra”, was released in 1987 and received high praise worldwide. It remains a legendary series that continues to be discussed among the gaming industry and players. As one of KONAMI’s flagship franchises, it has a long history spanning 36 years, with many titles produced to date. The latest title in the series, “Contra: Operation Galuga”, was released as a digital version on March 12, 2024, and a physical version on September 5.
 
©Konami Digital Entertainment

In-Game Update: New Hero Skins Available!

New Hero Skins: Step into battle with brand-new hero skins and showcase your style in the world of X8! Highly tactical map Temple requires maximum focus. Explore every nook and cranny and achieve complete mastery to gain competitive edge against your opponents!
 
Revamped Shop: The in-game shop has received a major overhaul. Now, players can easily access the shop from the main lobby and browse hero and weapon skins in an experience reminiscent of a real-world store. Team Composition and Game Balance Adjustments: To ensure fairer matches, high-rated players can no longer form parties together. Other balance updates and algorithm improvements have been implemented, along with new features in Free Play Park.
 
About X8
 
Game Backstory 
X8 is a VR multiplayer hero shooter where heroes from different shooting game worlds converge across time and space to battle, each wielding extraordinary abilities.
 
At the core of X8’s world is the AI “Index,” which has drawn heroes from various game franchises to perfect a digital system capable of extending its reach beyond the virtual realm. However, “Glitches”—heroes whose programming errors have given them self-awareness—resist Index’s control, fighting to stop the AI and find a way back to their original worlds.
 
Gameplay

Players choose from a roster of unique heroes, each with three special abilities activated by VR gestures. Armed with distinctive weapons and special items, players engage in strategic battles that leverage the immersive capabilities of VR.

Game Modes 
In X8, teams of up to 5v5 compete in multiple rounds of 2-minute battles. Teams alternate between attacking by planting and detonating a device called the “Syphon” and defending against it. Future updates will introduce additional game modes to enhance the competitive experience.

About the Community Area 

In Freeplay Park, you can interact with friends, meet new people, and create custom games. You can participate in various activities such as time-attack climbing challenges, knife throwing, shooting ranges, or practice in the combat arena.

About Thirdverse, Co., Ltd

Founded in 2020, Thirdverse, Co., Ltd is a virtual reality game development, distribution and management company paving the path to the metaverse with two studios in Japan and the United States. Thirdverse is experienced in sword-fighting multiplayer VR games and has expanded into PvP shooting, narrative-driven VR games and VR Esports. The studio has launched two successful VR co-op sword-fighting games “SWORDS of GARGANTUA” and “ALTAIR BREAKER” for Meta Quest 2 and PCVR. In November 2023, Thirdverse launched multiplayer VR hero shooter “X8” developed by its US Studio. In November, they announced that both titles are joining the lineup for PlayStation®VR2. Additionally, Thirdverse revealed in late 2023 that the core team of the Japanese favorite action RPG SOUL SACRIFICE had reunited with its studio to develop its spiritual successor “SOUL COVENANT” for VR. Thirdverse continues to drive a robust roadmap of VR titles and feature updates scheduled for release in 2024 and beyond.

At this year’s 2024 Tokyo Game Show and following the late summer demo tease, brutal comic book-inspired action-meets-stealth platformer SteamDolls – Order Of Chaos has debuted a brand new trailer, featuring the game’s star-studded cast and introducing new gameplay clips. While the title has debuted a new demo for Tokyo Game Show show-goers, the public demo for the title will debut on Steam on Thursday, October 3rd. This announcement was ushered in by David Hayter, who teased the game’s presence at Tokyo Game Show earlier with a video.

The title, originally teased to the public back in 2019, boasts a reunion of AAA voice actors from the Metal Gear Solid franchise (no relation to studio), including David Hayter, Christopher Randolph, and Jennifer Hale. It bills itself as a unique stealth-meets-metroidvania experience, with brutal combat and deep levels of exploration. The new trailer can be viewed below:

Originally conceived in 2019 based on a comic book from the development studio and then Kickstarted soon after, SteamDolls has been a passion project of its director. A small concept demo was originally launched at the time of original conception, which acted as a small preview of the original title. Since then, the game has changed significantly, undergoing a significant visual upgrade as well as an overhaul of gameplay. The original concept demo, which acted as a vertical slice presentation of the game’s concept, will be launched out of Early Access with this new updated demo replacing such. A separate, longer extended demo will be available separately for the upcoming Steam Nextfest.

The title has more to offer than just its AAA voice work. In-game, you’ll find yourself entrenched in the utter brutality of a labyrinthine city gone mad. Sleuth through the shadows of the world and lose yourself in every nook and cranny of this city – and the blood of its inhabitants. Taking the role of The Whisper (David Hayter), you’ll have to balance stealth and brutality to make your goals into reality. Assassinate your enemies and perform devastating finishers, or lurk in the shadows and slip between the cracks. Experience the narrative of the Steamdolls world, and delve into not only the story of this dying world but also the secrets found in its shadows. Hack into terminals and experience the memories of the past, and the ghosts that lurk in the remnants of the modern world. 

Features:

• Novel stealth-lite gameplay mixed with platforming and brutal action
• Gruesome finishers and combat
• Use your hacking skills to experience the memories of the world
• Beautiful comic book-inspired 2D meets 3D aesthetics
• A vast world to explore, filled with secrets
• AAA voice cast, including David Hayter (Solid Snake) as the voice of The Whisper, as well as Christopher Randolph and Jennifer Hale.
• Hand-drawn Cutscenes for the narrative parts mixed with 3D cinematic inserts

The game is developed by French studio The Shady Gentlemen, and publishing assistance from Top Hat Studios, Inc. Additional images, such as full resolution screenshots and key arts/logos, can be found attached. 

About The Shady Gentlemen

The Shady Gentlemen is a french creative studio comprised of Yoann Peter, Etienne Vrithof, and Jeremy Hagry. The studio has worked together on the SteamDolls graphic novel prior, and has developed other titles, including for VR in the past.

About Top Hat Studios, Inc. 

Top Hat Studios is your favorite publisher of fine indie delicacies, primarily supporting Japanese-inspired, retro-themed, and highly creative titles. As a company started by and working with grassroots developers and incubating developer talent, Top Hat Studios focuses on supporting games all the way from blockbuster productions through to niche and boutique experimentations.

Top Hat Studios’ diverse portfolio includes hits such as Crypt Custodian, Alisa, Athenian Rhapsody, Frogun, Ova Magica, SONZAI, Labyrinth of the Demon King, and many more. Unique in its relationship to its partnered developers, Top Hat Studios is more than just a publisher but rather a strategic long-term partner, and provides a suite of resources to its developers, which include publishing, business development, corporate advisory, product & long-term strategy, creative media, tools, co-development, and engineering & porting expertise working with all major engines and codebases.

Traverse the valleys of Austria and spring the tourist and farming industries back to life!

PARIS – Sept. 26, 2024 – SnowRunner,the blockbuster off-roading experience from Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment, today releases the second season of its Year 4 Pass with “Season 14: Reap & Sow”on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC and Mac, with the Nintendo Switch version coming at a later date. Watch today’s overview trailer for a taste of the new content that awaits!

Available for free to all Year 4 Pass owners, Season 14 invites players to Austria, a brand-new and picturesque region nestled in the heart of the Alps. A set of 10 new stickers is also available for all players as a free update.

Renovate a castle before the Renaissance fair!

In “Season 14: Reap & Sow,” Austrian officials are looking to breathe life back into their region with investments in tourism and domestic agriculture following a streak of heavy rainfall and landslides. This is where you come in! Your mission consists of rehabilitating bridges and maintenance sites across two brand-new 4km² maps, setting up solar panels to kickstart the project and delivering materials to the castle grounds at the top. In the valleys, you’ll be taking on the more down-to-earth duties of revitalizing Austria’s logging and agricultural industries.

To help you in these tasks, Season 14 brings you a whole suite of four new vehicles and an exciting new brand making its SnowRunner debut: Earthroamer. The Earthroamer SX and LTI will bring unprecedented versatility to your fleet with their strong scouting capabilities, thanks to their sizable built-in repair and reconnaissance modules. When the time for farming and harvesting comes around, hop on the Futom 7290RA and Ankatra 1160, two powerful and agile tractors fitted with logging cranes to help you take on farming and logging duties.

SnowRunner’s “Season 14: Reap & Sow”is available now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PC and Mac, with the Nintendo Switch version coming at a later date — and automatically granted to all owners of the Year 4 Pass or 4-Year Anniversary Edition. For more information, check out the game’s page on the Focus Store.

Your space freighter will run out of power in six months – food rations long before that. Hope to die, or for goodness’ sake, pray that everyone else does

BEHIND GOD’S BACK – Sept. 26, 2024 – Publisher CRITICAL REFLEX (Buckshot Roulette) and developer Wrong Organ (How Fish is Made) invite you to join the damned crew of The Tulpar as the sci-fi psychological horror game Mouthwashing launches on Steam today for $12.99/€10.99/£12.79, with an additional 10% off discount available for a limited time at launch. Explore the rotting shell of your ship and uncover the dark secrets behind each crew member while battling your own sanity.

When the Pony Express’ interplanetary freighter Tulpar goes off course, its five crew members find themselves stranded with a diminishing supply of resources. As they face the threat of starvation and endure crippling isolation, the crew must fight back paranoia and hallucinations as they come to realize the question is not whether they will survive, but when they will perish… and who will be responsible.

Key Features

• Inescapable Isolation: Explore claustrophobic corridors as time closes in on you.
• Immersive Storytelling: Every detail tells a story. A keen eye is key.
• An Unfolding Narrative: Uncover the truth about your captain, your crew, and your cargo.
• Descend into Madness: Question everything, trust nothing. Not even your own mind.

Mouthwashing is part of a spine-tingling lineup of indie horror games under the CR Channel publishing label, which CRITICAL REFLEX announced last year. The collection includes Mike Klubnika’s viral hit Buckshot Roulette, retro-inspired dark fantasy RPG Lunacid, surreal egg-flipping simulator Arctic Eggs, free found-footage horror game TELEFORUM, and four upcoming titles: eldritch fixer-upper Regular Home Renovation Simulator, disturbing totalitarian adventure Threshold, Brazilian fishing thriller Drowned Lake, and the surreal hand-painted world of disturbed dreams Flawless Abbey.

Mouthwashing is available today on Steam for $12.99/€10.99/£12.79, with an additional 10% discount on offer at launch. For more information, follow CR Channel on Twitter, and join the CR Channel Discord community for the latest news, engaging discussions and more.

About Wrong Organ

Wrong Organ is a game development studio with a focus on creating low-poly horror games. The founding team met at Futuregames, a Swedish game development education organization. They collaborated on various projects, eventually releasing one called How Fish is Made. Towards the end of their education, the team decided to establish Wrong Organ, with the intention to continue creating similar games. You can stay updated on Wrong Organ’s latest project, Mouthwashing, by following the team on Twitter and joining the Discord.

About CRITICAL REFLEX

CRITICAL REFLEX is an indie game publishing label on a mission: find kick-ass games, make sure they’re at their best upon release, and put them in front of as many gaming fans as possible. As a publisher, we are dedicated to finding and elevating genre-blending and rule-breaking games that push the boundaries of gaming as a medium. www.criticalreflex.com

A videogame about a gun and the three lives it will change forever

Glasgow, United Kingdom – September 26th, 2024 – Blue Rider Interactive is today proud to announce that its feature-length, dramatic third-person thriller Apartment Story is now available to download via Steam for £6.00 / €6.83 / $7.00.

To coincide with the launch a vibe-laden new trailer sets the scene for a story that will forever change the life of the three people therein.

Apartment Story is a fast-paced, single-player narrative experience about three people and a gun, set within a single apartment. It contrasts the mundanity of modern living with taut and sharp storytelling.

Arthur is a 27-year-old just trying to stay afloat, his mundane life takes a turn when his former roommate Diane shows up at his door. She stays a while and together they party, but soon Blondey enters the picture and the good times soon go bad.

Over a few days in a single apartment, players must help Arthur navigate escalating narrative events and his interpersonal relationships, while maintaining his via an immersive, sim-lite management system – which is all brought to life via a highly-detailed, atmospheric, yet grounded PS2-style aesthetic.

Apartment Story gives players the opportunity to express their own personality through gameplay choices made in the downtime between its narrative beats. Will they choose to participate in a dangerous and dramatic narrative? Or will they keep the front door closed, eating and procrastinating until they’ve shut the world out for good?

Whatever they decide, the cold steel of a handgun lies hidden somewhere within the darkness of the apartment…

Apartment Story Features

• Absorb yourself in a fast-paced, dramatic thriller that centres around three distinct personalities which evolve as the gun is introduced and the stakes are raised.
• You are invited to take an active role in Arthur’s life and welfare through a deep and immersive needs management system. Eat food, pee, wash your hands, sleep, smoke, write, watch TV, shave, change clothes, nap, shower, take drugs, wash the dishes, turn off the lights, drink beer, listen to music, top up your electric, answer the door and shoot someone with a real gun. Engaging in these activities will keep your Life stats up and Arthur poised for the drama coming his way, if that’s what you’ve chosen.
• Tidy and organise the objects within your apartment however you desire by picking up any small object and placing them anywhere within reach.
• Real-time night and day cycles.
• A feature-length experience, which means you can grab yourself a drink and complete the game within a single night. Playtime: approximately 90-120 minutes.

Apartment Story is now available to download for PC (Steam Deck compatible) via Steam for £6.00 / €6.83 / $7.00.

About Blue Rider Interactive

Blue Rider Interactive is a video game studio founded by Sean Wenham in 2023. Based in Glasgow, the studio is focused on creating dramatic third-person narrative experiences within realistic, modern day settings. The studio has just launched its debut title, the single-location thriller Apartment Story.

Bike through a picturesque Japanese village, deliver mail, land sick tricks and make friends in this Japanese summer adventure, coming to Xbox and PC

TOKYO – Sept. 26, 2024 – Look at the little guy go! At the Xbox Tokyo Game Show 2024 Broadcast, CRITICAL REFLEX and indie developer Denkiworks officially revealed TANUKI: Pon’s Summer, a colorful, epic, and chill adventure about an adorable BMX-riding mailman set in a delightful Japanese town. Who said hardcore can’t be cute?! TANUKI: Pon’s Summer is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and PC via the Microsoft Store and Steam.

Step into the furry paws of Pon and BMX in style as a part-time mailman in a picturesque Japanese town, delivering packages, pulling off tricks, and helping locals with quests. In this awesome summer adventure, you’ll enjoy fun activities like bug catching, plating sushi, baseball, sumo and more while unlocking a variety of decorations to restore the Great Tanuki Shrine for the end-of-summer Matsuri festival! Experience village life and create your own unique story as you befriend (or annoy) a cast of quirky townsfolk and manage your relationships with an intuitive, emoji-based dialogue system!

Key Features

• Ride your bike freely while doing sick BMX tricks, grinds, flips and stunts
• Deliver packages and complete odd jobs around the village as a part-time mailman
• Enjoy summer activities like bug catching, karaoke, fishing, baseball and more
• Make friends with – or even upset – the quirky townsfolk with a fun emoji-based dialogue system
• Unlock different decorations to restore the Great Tanuki Shrine
• Explore a lovingly crafted world inspired by the developers’ lived experiences in Kyoto, Aomori, Sapporo and Beppu. Hot summer days in Japan await!

TANUKI: Pon’s Summer is available to wishlist now on Steam. For more information, visit https://www.denkiworks.games, and follow Deniworks on Twitter for the latest news and updates.

About CRITICAL REFLEX

CRITICAL REFLEX is an indie game publishing label on a mission: find kick-ass games, make sure they’re at their best upon release, and put them in front of as many gaming fans as possible. Members of our team have worked with a lot of successful indie projects, launched a dozen crowdfunding companies, and now we’ve come together to publish games that we love! www.criticalreflex.com

About Denkiworks

Denkiworks is a studio based in Kyoto, Japan. The three co-founders, who had previously worked together on other game projects, including the hit indie “golf-like” Cursed to Golf, decided to form their own studio after recognizing their great team chemistry. They embarked on their first project after prototyping, experimenting, and world-building in a tanuki-filled kitchen, which led to the creation of their title TANUKI: Pon’s Summer.

Art-and-Adventure-Driven 2D action-platformer in development by studio formed of veterans of projects including Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Dubai, UAE – September 26, 2024 — ExoGenesis Studios today proudly unveils its debut title, INAYAH — Life After Gods. Crafted by industry veterans with experience on acclaimed titles such as Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader and Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, as well as artists who worked for Disney and Blizzard, INAYAH is a visually breathtaking 2D action-platformer. This hand-animated masterpiece plunges players into a mysterious post-apocalyptic world where survival is paramount as they face challenging bosses, enhance their abilities, and discover hidden areas in their fight to conquer their enemies. 

INAYAH — Life After Gods is set for a Q1 2025 release for PC and Q2 2025 for Switch, PlayStation and Xbox. 

In the post-apocalyptic remnants of a highly advanced alien civilization, an orphaned outcast named Inayah embarks on a perilous journey to find her tribe. Guided by the spirit of her deceased mentor, she navigates a divided world, forging bonds and uncovering secrets that redefine the meaning of family. Experience an emotionally charged adventure where every decision shapes Inayah’s destiny.

INAYAH will feature an exciting and gorgeous hand-drawn world to explore and navigate. Using the powers of her magical multifunction Gauntlet, Inayah will not only run, jump, and dash through the world, but also come face-to-face and battle various creatures and bosses, transforming the Gauntlet into Blades, Fists, and a Flail, each with unique powers and combo moves. Players will customize their characters through an RPG-style mechanic, with options to enhance their companion’s abilities, weapons, and gear.

Features of INAYAH – Life after Gods include:

• Three unique weapon forms with different combat and movement capabilities​
• Variety of character builds and abilities
• 20 unique bosses with unique mechanics​
• Vast hand-drawn 2D world to explore with a variety of biomes and secrets​
• Engaging plot with multiple endings​
• An original music score by composer Alex Kestner who holds an degree in piano performance and used to work for companies like Lamborghini, Puma, Adidas, and LEGO
• Top-tier voice acting featuring Jessica Caroll of more than 28 shows and games, including Baldur’s Gate 3

“After our exciting first-look showings at Gamescom 2024, we are very pleased to officially unveil INAYAH – Life After Gods to a wider audience,” said Konstantin Okorochkov, CEO of ExoGenesis Studios. “Our team of veteran creators can’t wait to show more of the game soon, from its gorgeous art to action-packed gameplay.”

About  ExoGenesis Studios

ExoGenesis Studios is a newly founded studio of international game and software development veterans who have worked on titles like Warhammer 40k: Rogue Trader, Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, and more. Many of our artists worked for companies like Blizzard and Disney. Our first game is Inayah – Life after Gods.