LONDON (Sept. 17, 2024) – Independent developer Indoor Astronaut today announced in a new trailer that fans can soon take part in the All Aboard! open beta weekend for their chaotic upcoming co-op game Unrailed 2: Back on Track, taking place Sept. 20 – 23* ahead of the game’s launch on Steam Early Access later this year. https://store.steampowered.com/app/2211170/Unrailed_2_Back_on_Track/
Watch today’s Unrailed 2: Back on Track open beta weekend announcement trailer here:
During the upcoming open beta weekend, creative conductors can play solo or alongside three other players for an off-the-rails adventure across two of the game’s unique and perilous biomes. Players will be able to get a sneak peek at some of the brand-new character and locomotive customization options available within the full game as they try their best to gather resources, craft tracks, gain new upgrades and overcome the wild world’s wicked challenges to reach the next station or risk becoming a total train wreck. The open beta weekend also gives players a first look at bosses, an exciting new addition to the series. To take part in the upcoming All Aboard! open beta weekend on Steam, fans can sign up to the Unrailed 2: Back on Track official newsletter via the game’s website at https://unrailed-game.com/.
Curious players eager to see more of the game can look ahead to the game’s upcoming release on Steam Early Access, which features even more diverse biomes and regions, additional permanent upgrades for their characters and trains, challenging boss battles against ferocious fiends and the new Terrain Conductor level editor tool which lets players create truly frantic and one-of-a-kind game worlds.
Unrailed 2: Back on Track will be available on Steam Early Access in 2024. Fans are invited to Wishlist the game now to stay updated for more information or follow theUnrailed! social channels for up-to-date news. For more information visit: https://unrailed-game.com/.
*Dates subject to change.
About Indoor Astronaut:
Indoor Astronaut is a super small indie studio located in Zurich, Switzerland with the goal to make co-op games more cooperative! Visit https://indoorastronaut.ch/
Before there was a “metaverse”, we got an unexpected delivery in the gaming world of Marvel vs Capcom. What started as a gimmick to attract quarters in arcades soon turned into a sensation that would take the world by storm. Despite its success, licensing, and other hiccups would get in the way of proper continuation for the franchise, as it’s been over two generations of consoles since the classic has shown itself in true form. Capcom has heard the aches and cries, however, and has delivered a large set of the classics into one set, dubbed Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics. Does this answer our prayers, or is this nostalgia grab one to leave in the past? Let’s find out.
MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics – Gameplay
Story
I suppose there are narratives to all of these games as each features a main antagonist that our heroes are uniting in order to defeat. While X-Men kind of started this crossover with Street Fighter, the franchise would evolve over time with the additions of more Marvel heroes outside of X-Men, with Capcom’s characters also following suit to broaden the roster. By the time we get to Marvel vs Capcom 2, the roster is jam-packed, featuring characters’ household names, as well as faces that have never seen much fanfare in the West. This is how I personally discovered Darkstalkers, and I would imagine it was the same for many others out there. Sure, the narrative isn’t the strong point as that is not what Capcom is known for, however, the gravity of this compilation of characters still feels just as important today, and this collection does well to celebrate that with its hefty inclusion of titles.
Gameplay
I am not going to go through every single aspect of every single title, as most will be buying this for the accessibility to all the games – rather than just to play one. I will state however that this is a very well-compiled slab of ports that all perform identically to how they did in the past. Marvel vs Capcom 2 is still a joy to play, even though it has a few technical issues compared to other, more refined releases that came afterward. As you go back and make it all the way back to X-Men vs Street Fighter, you will notice a dip in quality as the franchise was growing, but you will also notice several mechanics evolve. Playing these titles in succession is a fantastic history lesson, as while they may play a little differently, they still keep the same foundation intact that makes them a franchise.
The Punisher – Full Playthrough – MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics
This collection has also taught me one thing I seemed to forget over the years, and that is that I personally suck at fighters. A lot of us do, and that’s why this genre isn’t for everyone. That being said, with Marvel vs Capcom or whichever title you pick, you really don’t have to be good. This is a button mash-fest that revolves around luck and difficulty curves, and that is kind of what made it so appealing to start with. Sure, players can learn the combos and develop superior skills, but it’s easy to just jump in and play this title without getting your ego demolished.
As an example, I started this off with Marvel vs Capcom. I had played all of the fighters here in one form or another over the years, but this was the one I first played in an arcade. I picked a character, quickly got down the basics in the first few matches, and ended up making it to the final boss without much issue. Then I got to Onslaught. I was destroyed. Time and time again I was destroyed. That is where the strategy comes in however, as each character has their own unique feel, speed, techniques, and so on, so I mixed it up and went through almost the whole roster before finding the duo that would eventually conquer this foe. Sure, it’s a lot of button mashing to newcomers, but that becomes more nuanced and steady as you play, and then you organically learn combos and special moves without the need to mash. Has it aged well? Well, yes and no – it is an arcade fighter designed to gobble up quarters, and that hasn’t changed much, but it is a blast to play – as are all the games here.
If I had to pick my least favorite it would be Marvel Super Heroes, but rather than have complaints about the slower gameplay, my issues came down to the gem system that was never my cup of tea, as I felt balancing those gems slowed down the chaos and made it feel like I was treading water, despite my advancements in other titles played. The oddball of this collection is without a doubt The Punisher. It isn’t uncommon for Capcom just to throw in a random game “just because, and that is the role of this beat-em-up. However, it really is a gem here that acts as a pleasant break for the fingers. Players can go solo or with a friend for one of the most over-the-top brawlers in recent memory, and while the game is short, it truly is a joy to play this somewhat stiff but always charming game that I now have a special place for.
There are also the normal Capcom additions in this compilation. Galleries, jukeboxes, and so on, as well as wallpapers and filters to stylize any game to your liking. It’s quite a set and maybe one of the best in Capcom’s recent resume of re-releases, mostly due to how well these games balance each other out.
Audio
The music may be one of the most memorable elements here. From classic Capcom tunes to that infamous “Gonna take you for a ride!”, there is a lot to be happy about as the audio was preserved well and doesn’t miss a beat in keeping the experience fun and fluid. The voice work is all intact as well, and while it isn’t the best by modern standards, most will be fine with the little offerings this cast did years ago to bring these heroes to life.
Visuals
I think this may have been my most jarring part to start with as while these games are in “HD” or at least optimized for modern sets, I kept checking the filters to see if there was a way to make things a bit clearer at first. I don’t know, maybe that is just from my own time spent with crisper visuals without that haze attached, but once I got used to that look, I was fine and right at home again, though I can see why not updating that could push newer fans away. More importantly, the animations were solid and steady, and the net code thus far has not had much slowdown in any way on the PlayStation 5 version I played for this review.
Overall
Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics was really unexpected, but a very welcome sight to see. Sometimes it’s easy to forget about these dormant franchises as when gameplay evolves, they kind of get left in time. This one proves why its accessibility mattered, making for an infinitely enjoyable line of games with a lot to get excited about. The Punisher in this case is just the palette cleanser, but even it in itself is great, rounding out another solid set of re-releases from a publisher that has been really on a roll pleasing the fans that built it. Marvel vs Capcom Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is as great as you would have hoped it would be, and is sure to inspire another generation of fans as it dips its toe into a modern playing field.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
The Mana series is one that fans of RPGs have always held close to their hearts despite the fact that, compared to many other RPGs from Square Enix, hasn’t been given as much love throughout the years. In fact, while the beloved Secret of Mana and even Trials of Mana were given 3D remakes over the last few years, there has not been a brand new mainline entry in the franchise for over seventeen years. Thus when it was announced that Square Enix would release a new mainline entry called Visions of Mana with Ouka Studios as the developer, fans were delighted to see the series make a return. The question is, has this developer managed to capture the same magic that other entries have had?
Story
The world of Visions of Mana is a magical one where many species of people exist and thrive with the blessings of the elemental spirits. To sustain this way of living every four years a Faerie is sent around to the various villages throughout the land, each one tied to a specific element and selects a chosen one called the Alm. It is the duty of the Alm to travel to the Mana Tree and sacrifice themselves in order to restore the flow of Mana and continue the cycle of magic and it is the Soul Guard’s job to protect the Alms as they travel to the tree. This practice has continued for generations and Alms often rejoice in being selected as a sacrifice as failure to provide an Alm hangs as a heavy threat among the world since villages that have failed their duty have fallen to disaster and leaving no survivors.
Players take on the role of Val, the freshly selected Soul Guard, who is prepared to set out on his journey with his longtime friend Hinna who has been chosen as the Alm of Fire. Setting out on this journey the pair must travel to the other elemental villages and gather the Alm into their party as they march towards an inevitable sacrifice. Visions of Mana sets itself up as a very poignant tale of those who are cheerfully willing to sacrifice themselves if it means the world continues to spin as normal for their village but it unfortunately feels a little… bland at times as a result of this, especially with how normal most characters treat such a horrible fate.
Thankfully the title isn’t without its own twists and turns, revealing far more details about what is actually happening with the world, why the Alms are needed at all, and plenty of confrontations with those that are trying to make a change, even if it costs them their lives. This helps keep things interesting at fairly relative intervals, at least once the player gets past the slow beginning, and some of these twists end up being quite shocking even for a Mana game. It also helps that the cast of characters that players meet, the ones that actually join them in their adventure at least, are actually quite delightful. Every single one of them is given their own story arc throughout the game, making these characters far more than meets the eye, especially in later parts of the story.
For example, the half-dragon Careena is a brash loudmouthed girl that might seem off putting at first but quickly warms up to be a personal favorite among the cast, Palamena who is a rebellious princess that is also given plenty of time to shine and these are just two examples. In fact, all of the Alms including Val are given time to grow and watching them bond with one another makes for some of the best part of their journey. This colorful cast of characters helps make Visions of Mana’s storyline far better than it initially comes off as, especially thanks to how certain story events play out that we won’t spoil here.
Gameplay
Visions of Mana is an action RPG that will find players traveling through a large variety of surprisingly wide open paths that, while all lead to the same destination, offer plenty of ways to explore. This exploration can involve finding special treasure chests, taking on groups of monsters or even special stronger variants of monsters, and even secrets that players will need to return to later once they obtain better movement abilities. Thankfully the title has a fast travel system so backtracking is usually a very quick affair. In something of an interesting take, rather than having players perform an attack to start a battle or gain advantage, combat can be triggered just by being near an enemy, though it is possible to gain a surprise attack to kick things off.
Every fight happens right there in the environment and, if players are feeling overwhelmed, can flee to the edges for a few moments to run from a fight. That’s rarely ever going to be the case though as Visions of Mana is a surprisingly easy game when it comes to standard encounters and even most boss fights only offer a small level of challenge, so longtime fans of the genre may want to bump the difficulty above normal. That being said, since the game is an action RPG all characters in the party will control relatively the same way. Each one has a standard combo attack, heavy “special” attacks, and of course jumping attacks and dodging. What makes combat far more interesting than simply hacking and slashing at enemies is the fact that every character has a wide array of abilities and spells that are incredibly customizable to the point of excess.
Not only can characters bring three characters into a fight at a time that they can swap to with the tap of a button but these characters all can have unique attack styles and patterns despite the simple mechanics combat is based around. This is enhanced even further through the Elementals system that can be equipped to a character and vastly change their combat style. As players progress through the game they will ally with various Elementals and, when equipped to a character, will either change or enhance the class they are already fighting as. For example Val can wield a regular sword, a massive claymore, or even a spear and shield depending on the elemental he has equipped while Careena may start with simply a spear she can be one of the first drastic changes as, equipped with the wind elemental, she’ll fight using fan blades in a dancer class. As characters battle using these different classes they can unlock abilities for each class on their “Elemental Path” using points earned through fighting and, eventually, some of these abilities can even be used by all possible classes the character can use if invested enough.
This level of customization when it comes to party members is already an impressive offering, especially for an action RPG but Visions of Mana goes a step further. Not only can each elemental vessel be used to unleash a powerfully devastating attack that requires a fully charged gauge to unleash but every character can equip certain “seeds” that will improve their stats or offer bonus skills as well. These ability seeds contain various passive and active skills and can help augment a character’s health, strength, or resistances or provide a number of powerful magical skills or abilities that they otherwise wouldn’t have access to. Initially the amount of seeds a character can equip is limited to two but this limit expands quite a bit through the game and players will rarely find themselves wanting for seeds unless they skip out on exploration as seeds are often found within treasure chests or even obtained through completing side-quests.
It is a bit unfortunate however that, while there are many wide open areas to explore in Visions of Mana, including the eventual ability to use steeds to traverse certain areas even quicker, the side-quests that players can accept from characters in the towns they come across are some of the most run of the mill types of busywork around. If nothing else, players can see what the reward is for completing a side-quest and if it is even worth their effort beforehand.
Audio & Visuals
Visions of Mana is a rather gorgeous looking game with so many wonderful looking environments to explore and it also happens to thrive off of nostalgia at times. Many signature enemies that appeared in the classic games return here with updated models which is a nice touch. As for the character models themselves, the main cast has a great stylistic approach to their designs and it is nice to note that their clothing also changes with their class, giving players some extra variety besides simply changing the weapon and abilities they wield. It is a bit unfortunate to note that the cutscenes that feature characters actually talking to one another, despite how charming and interesting the interactions might be, the animations for dialogue are incredibly stiff and seem out of place in a game as nice looking as this one.
As mentioned a bit before, the English voice cast for Visions of Mana does a wonderful job with their characters and it is quite surprising to see some of the different accents the game plays with. This level of voice acting does wonders to make the character interactions even better, and, as said before, help carry the story. The soundtrack features a collection of solid background music with some real great tracks mixed in throughout, especially in more dire moments and boss battles.
Overall
Visions of Mana manages to survive the Mana series’ long time on ice and helps establish itself as a new solid entry in the franchise. With some very enjoyable and highly customizable combat mechanics and a great cast of characters that helps carry the somewhat lackluster storyline through to its end, this action RPG is one that manages to deliver a gorgeous looking experience despite its flaws.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
I recently covered The Plucky Squire in a preview, but now that I’ve had the chance to dive into the full version of the game, I’m back with a more detailed exploration. The timing of this deep dive couldn’t be better, as I’ve been craving a high-quality puzzle platformer lately. What caught my attention with The Plucky Squire is its intriguing mechanic of switching between 2D and 3D perspectives, which introduces a dynamic layer to the gameplay. Furthermore, I must reiterate that, as a fan of Devolver Digital, I have yet to encounter a game from this publisher that hasn’t lived up to expectations. With its stunning artwork, intuitive yet challenging puzzles, and some downright hilarious boss fights, The Plucky Squire seems to have all the makings of a memorable adventure. So, let’s journey back into the whimsical world of this magical picture book, shall we?
The Plucky Squire Gameplay
Story
I’ve already gone through most of the story in the preview so I’ll try to summarize it here. There is a nameless magical land in a picture book filled with magical creatures, scary monsters, and (of course) an evil wizard. The evil wizard Humgrump is destined to lose from our protagonist Jot over and over again. After all, every story needs to have a happy ending, right?
However, the plot takes a fascinating turn when Humgrump becomes self-aware of his existence within the book. In a desperate bid to change his fate, he rewrites the narrative, banishing Jot from the picture book and thrusting him into our 3D world, which is both bewildering and perilous. Jot now finds himself navigating a strange new dimension, encountering quirky companions such as talking snails and perpetually hungry cats. It’s up to Jot to find his way back into the 2D realm, solve intricate puzzles, fend off adorable yet formidable monsters, and ultimately confront Humgrump to restore the story’s balance.
Gameplay
The gameplay of The Plucky Squire is a little bit of everything thrown in. You have your adventurous sections where you just have to swing your sword at the enemies and avoid their telegraphed attacks. Then there are puzzle sections where you have to jumble a couple of words in a puzzling text (puzzling heh, see what I did there) until you get a solution that will open you a new path.
As you might imagine, the combat in The Plucky Squire is nothing revolutionary. You try to hit enemies faster than they get a jump on you, avoid their attacks, go for openings, and win. It’s that easy! Boss fights are a whole different story (and they feel like they were taken from other games) since every one of them is a different mini-game where you either need to win in a boxing match against a badger, shoot some arrows a la Robin Hood or try to catch a slippery fish for the win.
Puzzles are also pretty straightforward once you get the gist of them. Let’s say you enter an area with a large closed door and there is a sentence on the ground saying “These doors are closed.” It’s describing exactly what you see, right? Except there is a word not far away that says “open”. What you need to do is to take that word and replace it in a sentence instead of “closed” and voila, the doors are open now. The more you progress the more intricate and complicated such puzzles are even though they all follow the same premise. Later on, you’ll have to find the necessary words in previous pages (by leaving the picture book yourself and flipping the pages to go back the puzzles will slowly “level up” as you move through the story.
Visuals
As I said, the game will often switch from 2D to 3D where the main goal will be pretty much to get back into the book. I have to say that I like the 2D sections much more since they seem designed with so many details and love while the 3D sections kinda look like they were cobbled together with free Unity assets. Every new chapter in The Plucky Squire feels like a story on its own while introducing new characters, and new platforming gimmicks, and all of that will often conclude in a hilarious boss fight or a mini-game.
Some 3D sections in The Plucky Squire occasionally steal the spotlight, such as the makeshift cardboard castle level, which is a delightful and visually striking departure from the norm but still, the picture book levels are where the game really shines.
Audio
As far as this segment goes, The Plucky Squire has some incredible voice work and the characters are all hilarious – no exceptions! It’s a shame that voice acting isn’t more present in the game since I really love that narrator. Everything else in The Plucky Squire, including some events that progress the story, will have the usual moving text bubbles and that’s pretty much it.
When it comes to music, the game features a charming soundtrack that complements its whimsical aesthetic. The tunes are catchy and fit well within the fantasy theme, though none of the tracks stand out as particularly memorable. The music serves its purpose effectively, enhancing the overall experience without becoming intrusive or repetitive.
Overall
What makes the overall formula of The Plucky Squire is that, as you play, the game tries a little bit of everything. A somewhat hectic mix of puzzle platforming and chasing collectibles that sticks the landing. One thing I would hold against The Plucky Squire is a bit disappointing length of The Plucky Squire and overall game difficulty that’s a walk in the park on both settings. In any case, in the end, it is a cute little platformer with unique gameplay gimmicks that’s definitely worth your time.
capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Join the brave knight Jot as he leaps between dimensions, battling the evil wizard Humgrump and solving puzzles along the way. Along his journey, Jot faces a honey-hoarding badger in a boxing match and even feeds an overweight cat, all in pursuit of defeating Humgrump.
The Plucky Squire Gameplay
Storybook characters discover a three-dimensional world outside the pages of their book and must jump between 2D & 3D realms to save their friends in this charming action-adventure.
The Plucky Squire follows the magical adventures of Jot and his friends – storybook characters who discover a three-dimensional world outside the pages of their book. When the malevolent Humgrump realizes he’s the villain of the book – destined to lose his battle against the forces of good for all eternity – he kicks the heroic Jot out of its pages and changes the story forever.
THE PLUCKY SQUIRE Developer: All Possible Futures Publisher: Devolver Digital Platform: PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch Release Date: 17th September, 2024 Price: $29.99 USD
Recommended – “A well-thought-out mixture of 2D/3D gameplay with some creative puzzle platforming. Although the difficulty is a walk in the park, everything else in the game makes The Plucky Squire stand out”
The multi-million RPG/Life Sim expands into all-new territory featuring new story-driven campaign, new visuals, new gameplay, new locations and lots more!
Chongqing, China – 17th September: The award-winning independent studio, Pathea Games, proudly presents ‘My Time at Evershine’, the most adventurous and immersive installment in the beloved ‘My Time’ series yet! Building on the overwhelming success of its predecessors, My Time at Sandrock and My Time At Portia, this new chapter innovates and redefines the life-simulation genre. Designed to appeal to both life-simulation fans and RPG enthusiasts, My Time at Evershine features deep role-playing elements, from meaningful character progression to expansive exploration and quests. Pathea invites everyone to build a new home together.
The multi-million selling ‘My Time’ series expands with a fresh and exciting formula that builds on everything players loved. Featuring a stunning new art direction, revamped gameplay mechanics, a diverse cast of romanceable characters, 40+ hour narrative brimming with exploration and, new to the series, town management. RPG fans will find themselves right at home.
In My Time at Portia and My Time at Sandrock, players embraced the role of the builder, tasked with completing essential jobs to keep the town running—often taking on work others avoided. My Time at Evershine, however, introduces a fresh dynamic, transforming the player’s role and elevating you from builder to Governor. As the city’s key figure, you’ll start with nothing more than a modest campfire, but your vision and leadership will drive the development of the entire city and its citizens. With other characters handling the smaller, routine tasks, your role as Governor feels more relaxed, giving you the freedom to focus on shaping the city’s future and dive into the dangers that await.
Please watch the teaser trailer below to get a first glimpse of My Time At Evershine:
The following features are promised for the sequel:
All New Story-driven Campaign Be the Governor of a brand-new settlement on the fringes of the Free Cities, facing the almighty Duvos Empire. Recruit settlers, build infrastructure, tame the wilds, and lead your people to create a new idyllic stronghold for the Alliance filled with enchanting characters and memorable stories to enjoy. This new sequel will feature a more defined antagonist, bringing even more adventure and excitement than ever before.
New Art Direction My Time At Evershine is the most beautiful and realistic game in the franchise to date. Environments are more expansive and varied, characters look more realistic, and animations are motion-captured to create a more believable world.
Multiplayer Co-op For the first time in the My Time series, the campaign can be enjoyed both solo and in co-op mode with up to four players, making it perfect for family and friends. The host controls the pace of the main story, while all players share resources and money, allowing everyone to collaborate and contribute to the adventure together.
Build a Society This ambitious sequel casts players as the all-powerful Governor, who can not only build new facilities, and explore but also command a team of recruitable and customizable NPCs. These NPCs handle the day-to-day tasks like construction and resource gathering, allowing the Governor to focus on more important decisions.
Meaningful Relationships Social play was a key part of My Time At Sandrock and My Time At Portia. In My Time At Evershine Pathea is set to expand these systems even more. Players can recruit up to 3 followers to stay with them during day-to-day tasks or they can dispatch them to do their bidding across Northern Eufala. Pathea is targeting 8 to 10 romanceable characters in the campaign with dozens of other characters spread throughout the game. Players will also have to take their followers’ needs and wants into account with tiredness and hunger impacting morale and performance. RPG players will love the deep character interactions and the ability to forge meaningful relationships, with romanceable characters integrated into the storyline and more opportunities to develop connections earlier in the campaign.
Tame A Wild New Frontier 3 years after the events of My Time at Sandrock, the Duvos Empire has taken over the Orzu Ruins which Ethea also claims as their own, leading to a tense situation just north of the Alliance of Free Cities border in the Northern Eufaula region. In response, the Alliance has launched the North Development Plan to move settlers into the area and establish a new City-State for better defense. Evershine is one of six major new settlements in the area and will prove pivotal in the ongoing hostilities.
Mod Support My Time at Evershine will include full mod support for both single-player and multiplayer modes, allowing players to customize and expand their RPG experience. Whether you’re playing solo or with friends, the possibilities for creativity and new content are endless.
My Time At Evershine is still very early in development but Pathea is committed to the above features with more new additions to be revealed when the Kickstarter goes live on 24th September worldwide. Pathea warmly invites all those interested in this exciting new direction for the My Time series to head to the Kickstarter page today to sign up and back the sequel as soon as the funding window opens, please visit: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mtae/my-time-at-evershine-the-next-my-time-tale
“My Time at Sandrock cost a lot, like $12-million-a-lot, and still counting, we expect Evershine’s budget to be somewhere in the ballpark as well,” explained Zifei Wu, Creative Director of the My Time series.
“Having extra funding at this early stage of development allows us to plan for bigger and better features, and allows the community to give us direct feedback while we’re still deciding key elements of the game’s design and execution”
Pathea is committed to launching My Time At Evershine on PC, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and future Nintendo platforms yet to be announced. There is lots more to be revealed about this ambitious sequel over the coming months. To stay up to date on all future announcements, speak directly with the development team and see in-development videos, screenshots, art and more, please join Pathea’s official Discord server here: https://discord.com/invite/patheagames
ABOUT PATHEA
PATHEA GAMES is one of China’s leading development studios that makes video games for audiences the world over. Its aspiration is to bring memorable moments to players that stay with them for a lifetime, through building fun and immersive experiences. Pathea’s most popular IP: ‘My Time at Portia’ and ‘My Time at Sandrock’ have generated over 3.5 million unit sales worldwide with future installment ‘My TIme At Evershine’ currently in development. Visit Pathea.net to find out more.
Global digital release, European physical version and Asia distribution for stunning new Metroidvana-inspired action game
Limassol, Cyprus – 17th September 2024. Global Indie publisher ESDigital Games is thrilled to announce that AWAKEN: Astral Blade, their action-packed Metroidvania side-scrolling action game, will be released globally via digital distribution on 22nd October 2024 for PC (via Steam and EGS) and PlayStation 5. Watch the release date trailer below
AWAKEN – Astral Blade is a dark Metroidvania side-scrolling action game in which players take on the role of bionic Tania, a clone from the OS-CR100 series created by Dr. Herveus, as she ventures deep into the rainforests in search of a missing team of researchers. Tania’s journey truly begins when she uncovers ancient secrets buried deep within the ruins in the forest, leading her to confront the mysteries of her origins and her ultimate destiny.
Developed by Dark Pigeon Games, AWAKEN: Astral Blade is part of the third phase of the China Hero Project, Sony Interactive Entertainment Shanghai’s games incubation program that funds and supports Chinese video game developers and received the ‘Best in Play GDC 2024’ award at this years show.
ESDitgital Games will be partnering with other leading video game publishers for the launch of AWAKEN – Astral Blade to ensure that all gamers across the globe can experience this thrilling new game. On the same launch day, fans across Europe will be able to get their hands on a fantastic PlayStation 5 physical boxed edition from publishing partner Meridiem.
Meridiem will release the special physical version of AWAKEN – Astral Blade for PlayStation 5. The physical ‘Tania’s Edition’ will include a specially designed slip case, a printed Lore Book revealing more about Tania’s history and the mysterious Jacha City, and the digital soundtrack and a sticker featuring the Mech Mutant Prototype. That’s not all! PlayStation fans will also receive access to the post-release content DLC and additional outfits for Tania (including the exclusive PlayStation outfit!).
About AWAKEN – Astral Blade
Weave your own story in this dark 2D side-scrolling action fairy tale game. Join a bionic girl Tania, as she is sent into the rainforests of the Horace Islands in search of a missing team of researchers. Once there, Tania discovers Karpas energy flooding through the islands, mutating the animals and plants into deadly mutants.
As she journeys deeper into the forests, Tania discovers the centuries-old remains of Jacha City, a long-lost civilization thought extinct, and with it, the former Royal Altar and ground zero of the Karpas energy source. Here Tania’s journey truly begins as she discovers ancient secrets buried deep within the ruins and she must discover the truth of the Kapras Energy and the truth of her own origins and destiny.
Features
Kill your enemies with a wide range of combos: from the fastest to the slowest. Parry enemy attacks to gain an advantage, use the Quick Rise ability to get back into the fight, and run at enemies as they attack to slow down the world around you and gain immunity to damage. Combos and skills will also help you get through hordes of enemies and defeat bosses.
Control the course of the story, help Tania make decisions at crucial moments in the game and follow your own path to reveal mysteries of the past and present. Different routes can lead you to different endings. Search the Horace Islands for clues and information about the mysterious and dangerous world of AWAKEN – Astral Blade.
Collect the mysterious Aether and use it for your own benefit. Improve Tania’s combat skills and strength, or spend it on different abilities useful in various situations. How about upgrading your weapons or trading some Aether for useful items? The choice is yours.
Don’t waste your time traveling. The map is designed to save you time while exploring it. If you have trouble in combat, you can reduce the difficulty level and get some useful Skills. Tania always finds cheerful words for you even in your darkest moments. Because this is not only her story, but also yours.
The physical AWAKEN – Astral Blade Tania’s Edition will be released on 22nd October for PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam and EGS. For more information, please visit https://esdigital.games/
About ESDigital Games
ESDigital Games is a global video game publishing company specializing in premium indie and mid-core games for both PC and consoles. ESDigital Games’ upcoming releases include the stealth-action title Steel Seed, the Metroidvania-inspired Awaken – Astral Blade, the alchemy RPG Battlejuice Alchemist, the story-driven sci-fi adventure Sky of Tides, the twin-stick sci-fi shooter Memory Lost, and the puzzle adventure Island of Winds, as well as several unannounced titles currently in development. Their current portfolio includes the RTS tower defense and match-3 mechanics title Cats on Duty, the ’80s-themed point-and-click adventure Unusual Findings, the tactical card combat game Deck of Ashes, and the Early Access releases of the twin-stick shooter REMEDIUM and the roguelike action RPG Scholar of the Arcane Arts.
Today we invite you to take an in-depth look at Shattered Space in this deep dive with Bethesda Game Studios. Uncover the many mysteries surrounding House Va’ruun and explore an isolated, handcrafted new location in Starfield’s first major story expansion.
Watch the Deep Dive
In Shattered Space, Starfield’s first major expansion, players will visit the homeworld of House Va’ruun for the first time. Explore a fully handcrafted new location and unravel the mysteries surrounding the followers of the Great Serpent. House Va’ruun is on the brink of collapse and their people need help finding a path forward. When your sudden presence on their hidden home planet is seen by some as divine intervention, it’s up to you to restore House Va’ruun and decide the fate of this secretive faction.
Shattered Space launches on October 1 for Xbox Series X | S and PC. Owners of the Premium or Constellation Editions of Starfield will receive Shattered Space as part of their original purchase. Owners of the base edition can still purchase the Premium Upgrade for access to Shattered Space plus other digital items including Digital Art Book, Original Soundtrack, 1,000 Creation Credits, and the Constellation Skin pack.
Sydney, Australia, 17 September 2024: The wait is over, heisters! PAYDAY 3 Anniversary Update Part 1 is out now, bringing an exciting wave of fresh content to commemorate the game’s anniversary.
Dive into the heart of the financial world with Chapter 4: Fear & Greed launch trailer, where players must infiltrate and rob one of the most secure trading floors in existence:
Paid and Free Content
The PAYDAY 3 Anniversary Update Part 1 introduces Chapter 4: Fear and Greed, available to Gold Edition and Gold Pass owners and for separate purchase on PC, Xbox Series S|X, and PlayStation 5.
This expansion includes the Stock Exchange Heist, three new weapons, new mods and cosmetics, along with four new masks, suits, and gloves. Additionally, free content for all players features Houston as a new playable heister, the Minigun M135, new masks, and Twitch drops.
Upcoming Sales Overview:
Xbox Sales: Running until September 30, with a 60% discount on PAYDAY 3 base game, Gold and Silver Editions, along with other discounts.
Steam Sales: Starting today and running until September 23, with a 60% discount on PAYDAY 3 base game, Gold and Silver Editions, amongst other discounts.
PlayStation Sales: Running until September 25: Silver Edition, Syntax Error content, and Trifecta Loot Bag, amongst other discounts.
Out Now! The PAYDAY 3 Anniversary Update Part 1 has officially launched! Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to PAYDAY, this update is packed with exciting content and fresh challenges to keep you engaged. Assemble your crew and get ready for the ultimate heist!
Starbreeze is an independent developer, publisher and distributor of PC and console games targeting the global market, with studios in Stockholm, Barcelona, Paris and London. Housing the smash hit IP PAYDAY, Starbreeze develops games based on proprietary and third-party rights, both in-house and in partnership with external game developers. Starbreeze shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm under the tickers STAR A and STAR B. For more information, please visit starbreeze.com
About PLAION
PLAION is a dynamic and diversified business in the global entertainment sector, masterfully crafting franchises that captivate audiences worldwide. Boasting a vast network of eight game development studios, fifteen regional publishing offices, three game publishing labels including Deep Silver, and PLAION PICTURES as an independent film publisher and distributor, the company extends its influence with merchandise production and expansive distribution capabilities across the globe. Founded three decades ago, PLAION has firmly established itself within the entertainment arena. With a diverse range of services and solutions, PLAION stands as the premier publishing partner for console and PC games across both physical and digital channels. Moreover, its strong foothold in the Virtual Reality (VR) domain highlights the company’s commitment to varied gaming experiences. PLAION is an Embracer Group company.
About Deep Silver
Deep Silver is PLAION’s flagship publishing label, and the home of captivating gaming worlds from the gripping post-apocalypse of Metro, to the twisted paradises of Dead Island to the authentic Medieval landscapes of Kingdom Come Deliverance .For more information, please visit www.deepsilver.com
Bethesda Softworks ANZ is excited to unveil an epic fan event at PAX Australia, offering attendees a deep dive into the captivating universes of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. This unique experience will take place from October 11-13, 2024, at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre. Fans are invited to embark on an unforgettable journey through the iconic Gold Road of Tamriel and the post-apocalyptic wasteland of Fallout 76.
The Elder Scrolls Online Tavern: Come celebrate the 10th Anniversary of The Elder Scrolls Online in a setting that brings the lore to life! Step into the heart of Tamriel at our carefully crafted Elder Scrolls Online Tavern. With authentic décor, live bard performances, a mysterious Daedric Prince, and themed drinks, this cosy tavern is the perfect gathering spot for fans. Whether you’re a seasoned Dragonknight or a newcomer to Tamriel, the Tavern offers a welcoming atmosphere to share stories and connect with fellow adventurers.
Rich Lambert, the Game Director of The Elder Scrolls Online, will also be joining us at PAX Australia! He’ll be participating in panels focused on the game and its community. Don’t miss his keynote on “The Music of The Elder Scrolls Online,” featuring special guest Lara6683, a talented pianist and streamer. This must-see event will be held at the Quokka Theatre on October 11 at 1:00pm AEDT.
The Fallout 76 Skyline Valley C.A.M.P.site Handheld Lounge: Escape the hustle of PAX Australia in our Fallout 76 Skyline Valley C.A.M.P.site Handheld Lounge. Inspired by the Pioneer Scouts of Skyline Valley, this space offers comfortable seating, faux campfires and more. Relax, recharge, and bond with fellow Vault Dwellers in our version of Shenandoah National Park.
DOOM: The Dark Ages, Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, and Starfield: Shattered Space: Immerse yourself in the worlds of Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, DOOM, and Starfield with our interactive photo opportunities. Step into DOOM: The Dark Ages and be the slayer, become the famed adventurer with Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, or snap a selfie after joining House Va’Ruun in Starfield: Shattered Space. These photo spots are designed to create lasting memories and are perfect for sharing your experience with friends and fellow fans.
“We’re thrilled to bring our worlds to life in such an immersive way” said Simon Alty, VP and Managing Director (APAC) at Bethesda Softworks. “This event is our way of giving back to our dedicated community, creating a space where fans can come together to celebrate their love for these incredible games.”
Join us for a weekend filled with adventure, camaraderie, and unforgettable moments. We can’t wait to see you in Melbourne!
For updates and more news about these events in the lead up to PAX Aus 2023 fans should make sure to follow Bethesda ANZ on Twitter and Facebook.
