We take on the role of the Chosen One as we begin our adventure into familiar yet brand new territory steeped in Chinese mythology as we battle against demons and bosses of all kinds, including the secret boss, while running through the entirety of Black Myth Wukong’s first chapter.
Black Myth: Wukong – Chapter one – Full Playthrough
Black Myth: Wukong is an action RPG rooted in Chinese mythology. You shall set out as the Destined One to venture into the challenges and marvels ahead, to uncover the obscured truth beneath the veil of a glorious legend from the past.
Black Myth: Wukong Developer: Game Science Publisher: Game Science Platform: Windows, PlayStation 5 Release Date: 20 Aug, 2024 Price: $59.99 USD
Recommended – “Black Myth: Wukong is an impressive action RPG with some flaws, offering a wonderful series of boss rushes steeped in Chinese mythology and enough combat variation to keep things fresh at every turn.”
Smurf the date! On October 24th, embark on a grand adventure to the farthest reaches of Smurf imagination
Paris, France – August 26, 2024 – Ever wondered what goes on in the mind of a sleeping Smurf?
Get ready to dive into an all-new adventure in the Smurfs universe with the 3D platformer from Ocellus Services: The Smurfs – Dreams, where the most fantastical dreams meet the darkest nightmares. Watch the new gameplay trailer now for an epic preview of the incredible journey that awaits, through the wildest dreams of your favorite Smurfs.
Ocellus are renowned for their expertise showcased in Marsupilami: Hoobadventure. Praised by both critics and players alike, this platformer breathed new life into the iconic character within videogames.
Check out the special editions of The Smurfs – Dreams below!
Reverie / Day One Edition: Pre-order now on Nintendo Switch – PlayStation 5 – PlayStation 4
The Full Game
3D Lenticular
Stickers Sheets
Digital Thief Skin
Digital Soundtrack
Digital Artbook
Digital Deluxe Edition: Soon available on PC (Steam, Epic Game Store, GOG)
Digital Thief Skin
Digital Artbook
Digital Soundtrack
About The Smurfs – Dreams:
Gargamel has devised a new diabolical plan to capture the Smurfs. The infamous character has cast a cunning spell on the sarsaparilla bushes, the delicious favorite treat of the Smurfs, plunging them into a deep sleep. Embark on a dreamlike expedition where you must face the challenge of awakening all the Smurfs before the diabolical Gargamel reaches the village. This epic journey will thrust you into a gaming experience as thrilling as it is unpredictable, for in the world of dreams, excitement can shift at any moment into the mystery of nightmares.
The fate of the Smurf Village rests in your hands. To save it, get ready to embark on a journey to the farthest reaches of imagination!
Features:
Solo or co-op – Foil Gargamel’s machiavellian plans alone or team up with a friend for a smurf-tastic two-player gaming experience.
Immerse yourself in the Smurfs’ imagination – Each dream unfolds a unique gaming adventure with its own set of accessories, puzzles, and unveils surprises.
Set out on an adventure – Explore 4 dreamy worlds, with 12 levels and 16 mini-levels to complete and discover the secrets of the Smurf Village.
A character that reflects you – Gather all the magic orbs to awaken every Smurf and bring the village back to life. collect patterns to customize your character with new clothing and unlock various surprises throughout your journey.
A Magical artistic direction – Discover a unique and colorful artistic style that evolves as you explore different dreams.
Whether you’re playing solo or with a friend, immerse yourself in enchanting or nightmarish realms, and explore the dreams of your favorite Smurfs by traversing levels with diverse gameplay in a unique adventure where each Smurf has its own special abilities. This 3D platformer offers exciting challenges and captivating puzzles to solve, providing total immersion in a magical world where imagination comes to life.
The Smurfs – Dreams is scheduled for October 24th, 2024 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in physical and digital edition, and on PC (Steam, GOG, Microsoft Store, Epic Game Store) and Xbox One|Series in digital edition.
About Microids
Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Sloclap, Oddworld Inhabitants, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Go Nagai, Charles Cecil, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset…), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.
About Ocellus Services
At Ocellus Services, we are passionate experts in the art and development of stylized video games. Collaborating with industry leaders, we also cultivate our own universes within Ocellus Games. Our team is capable of overseeing the entire creative process, from pre-production to post-production, adapting our skills to projects of any size, genre, or platform. The games, brands, and videos we have contributed to have amassed billions of downloads and views, showcasing our impact in our favorite industry, gaming!
About Peyo Compagny
Peyo Company is an entertainment enterprise dedicated to promoting and perpetuating Peyo’s work and legacy to new generations by creating new content, products, and experiences for fans of all ages. Founded in Belgium by Véronique Culliford, the company encompasses all creative and commercial activities related to Peyo’s work: Johan & Peewit, Benoît Brisefer, and, of course, the famous little blue characters, the Smurfs. Peyo Company’s various activities are managed by four subsidiaries:
Peyo Productions oversees the production of audiovisual content.
Peyo Distribution handles the commercial distribution of the audiovisual catalog.
Peyo Licensing is the global license holder for consumer products, publishing, and entertainment.
Peyo Creations encompasses the studio activities, creating new drawn works and stories.
Peyo Company and its members are dedicated to perpetuating and promoting the artistic and cultural legacy of Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo, around the world.
Sometimes, a beloved developer will sneak up a release on ya, and for the better in this case. Years ago, I got to give Attack of the Friday Monsters a spin, which was lovely and full of imagination and warmth. Today, Millennium Kitchen is back with another slice-of-life adventure in Natsu-mon:20th Century Summer Kid on the Nintendo Switch. Can this one hit those same vibes as the first, or is this a vacation worth passing on? Let’s find out.
Story
Even though there is plenty to do, the narrative here is where the heart of the game lies mostly. Players take the role of a young lad named Satoru, who lives with his parents in a travelling circus. Due to a stop in Yomogi Town, he gets to stretch his legs a little bit and stay for a month with other kids in an ideal environment to make an unforgettable summer. Every day has different, simplistic adventures to get into, which is what this gem is all about. There is something special about adolescence, it’s the same reason we value our nostalgia for that period until our last days, and Natsu-mon is about making those very memories in the best way possible. Sure, you won’t see a ton of action, but the heart is here and present throughout this little gentle adventure.
Gameplay
I should start here by stating Natsu-mon:20th Century Summer Kid is absolutely built like an open-world game, as you get to fully explore the town at your will. In some ways, it borrows a lot of gameplay trinkets from some of the Switch Zelda titles, like a cape to hover over gaps, a stamina system, and so on, yet still manages to feel like its own experience as you explore and interact with townspeople. The stamina system here has no health deductions, but instead puts a timer on Satoru’s energy, meaning the more you do, the quicker the day will get away from you. It’s a bit interesting, but can make it hard to explore as you always focus on the day’s ending. Sure, I would love to see the sights, but time always seems to be ticking and energy puts a bit more urgency to get as much done as possible.
The activities themselves are a lot of fun but don’t always feel as engaging. Players can fish, collect stickers, catch bugs, and so on, which kind of has some air of a lovely “cozy” adventure. There is also a bit of a story to latch onto, with characters holding events that you can participate in, so the freedom here is to utilize your time however you see fit, but to soak in this summer as much as you can. There is certainly a lot to do at any given moment, but I don’t know how engaging or important some of these tasks compare to each other in terms of entertainment.
That said, there is something nice about a game that has this type of focus. If you want a collect-a-thon, there is plenty here to scratch that itch. You want to feel like you’re part of this town and fall in love with some jovial souls? That’s here too. It may not seem like a lot in retrospect, but Satoru’s journey here is all about escapism, and the player simply gets to experience it through his eyes. Those wanting more action may not be too impressed, but I found my days here filled with wonder and some charming interactions.
Audio
This may be Natsu-mon‘s strongest element. From the soundtrack that holds some stunning tunes to some of the most atmospheric effects I have heard in an adventure, the audio is wonderful here. There is something special about the way the cicadas chirp or the breeze hits the trees here that makes it hard not to take it all in. There is a lot of spirit brought by the sound team to the adventure, and most beats are hard not to appreciate as you trek along for the summer.
Visuals
I like the art style here mostly. The environments are lovely and everything animates well enough, but I did notice a couple of issues from time to time. When the world gets busy, the game has some moments of stutter. Nothing crippling or game-breaking, just kind of noticeable, in the same way Princess Peach: Showtime had a while back when it was released. The colors however are very pleasing, and the child-like drawings found in the menus really do connect the summertime experience very well to the narrative at hand.
Overall
We all need a summer getaway sometimes. Natsu-mon:20th Century Summer Kid is just that but through the eyes of our past. It’s about reliving those minor memories that felt special before anxiety, doubt, and adulthood kicked in. While it may kind of cap itself into a very kid-friendly adventure, it never falls short of heart or charm. It’s great to see a little title find life late into the Switch lifespan, and those looking for their next great getaway are sure to find a very pleasing time with Sotoru here.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
The multiplayer action gameNARUTO TO BORUTO: SHINOBI STRIKERis celebrating its 6th anniversary with the release of a new DLC! This latest update introduces Shisui Uchiha (Perfect Susano’o) bringing new secret techniques, ninjutsu, and avatar parts to enrich the shinobi experience.
A new legend rises, join the celebration in this new trailer:
To celebrate 6 years of incredible ninja action, we are thrilled to introduce exciting new in-game content and exclusive in-game events, celebratory outfits, new ninja tools and weapons, and login bonuses for players. We are grateful for being able to continue to create and expand the best shinobi experience.
Known for his blinding speed and deceptive tactics, Shisui Uchiha is a legendary figure. Get ready to witness the ultimate fusion of speed, power, and illusion. This DLC includes:
SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada will receive a new Closed Network Test letting players get their hands on the game with improvement based on the previous Closed Beta Test. This new test expands on the mission content, AI interactions, as well as a better player onboarding into the world of Amasia.
The Closed Network Test will run from 13th September at midnight CEST to 16th September at 9:00 a.m. CEST.
In SYNDUALITY: Echo of Ada, players incarnate Drifters and onboard their CRADLECOFFIN on a mission to collect AO Crystals, a rare resource, as well as discovering what happened to Amasia. They will choose a Magus, their AI companion that will accompany them on the field and with whom they’ll develop a bound, trying to survive the threats that loom during missions, from monsters to other players.
The sexy women of Black Rose Manor eagerly await their next prey.
TOKYO – August 23rd, 2024 – Last night at Anime NYC, MangaGamer announced their acquisition of Empress’ enticing Sleepless series. MangaGamer will be releasing both Sleepless – A Midsummer Night’s Dream and Sleepless – Nocturne, uncut and uncensored on MangaGamer.
This new tale from the delightfully twisted mind of Sei Shojo, the creator of Bible Black, is set in the Black Rose Manor, where Mamiya Marie, the CEO of a powerful conglomerate, lives with her youngest daughter, Maria, and a stoic maid, Aira. When Takamiya Ryohei arrives to be Maria’s new tutor, he has no idea what kind of tantalizing web he’s just fallen into. As the women lure him into debauchery, all his lesson plans soon come unraveled.
Yet all is not as it seems in the manor. Surely there must be some reason other than her daughter that keeps such a powerful and important CEO here within its halls. There’s also the mystery of why the room next door is strictly forbidden.
Later, in Nocturne, a young couple facing roadside trouble find themselves at the mercy of Black Rose Manor’s hospitality. While they wait for repairs in this lap of luxury, the two find themselves beset upon by the alluring women of the manor, each one tempted to stray from the other and explore the tantalizing experiences the manor has to offer them.
Key Features:
Sexy Storyline and Art by Sei Shojo: Enjoy a tantalizing tale written by the famous creator of Bible Black and Discipline, packed to the brim with plenty of his alluring illustrations that are sure to rouse readers.
Femodom Galore: Enjoy beautiful women taking charge in a wide variety of hardcore scenes ranging from the seductive and tempting to kinks like cum play, food play, medical play, and more.
Multiple Endings: Your actions and performance will determine which woman’s interest you pique, whether or not you uncover the secrets of the manor, and what fate you ultimately meet here in Black Rose Manor
Full HD: Enjoy the captivating artwork in exquisite detail and full 1920 x 1080 resolution.
Will Takamiya or the young couple ever manage to leave Black Rose Manor? Or will they ultimately succumb to the temptations and debauchery on offer? Will they find happiness in the end… in one form or another? Or will they uncover its dark secrets and pay the price? If you wish to know, then the manor awaits…
For more information on Sleepless, as well as other titles from MangaGamer, be sure to join their discussion on Discord or follow MangaGamer on Twitter and Facebook. You can also check out their blog for comments from the staff and other featured articles!
ABOUT MANGAGAMER.COM MangaGamer.com is the world’s biggest publisher of English translated Visual Novels. Since its launch in July 2008, it has offered services where fans can download and enjoy popular Visual Novels such as 07th Expansion’s Higurashi When They Cry series,Alicesoft’s infamous Rance series, and Novectacle’s critically acclaimed The House in Fata Morgana right from their home.
New gamescom trailer confirms Odd Bug Studio’s snow-ravaged sequel is set to launch on PC and consoles in the heart of winter.
Friday, 23rd August 2024 – United Label, CI Games’ home for highly ambitious, lovingly-crafted videogames, has confirmed during Microsoft’s official gamescom broadcast today that Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter will release in February 2025 on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation®5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch™. The second part of Odd Bug Studio’s mediaeval rodent opus, Whiskers of Winter sees players take up the mantle of Arlo – son of the Warden of the North – in an epic quest across the harsh northern land to overcome an ancient evil from the frozen wastelands beyond.
Set in the aftermath of the original game’s southern war between Rat and Frog, Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter builds upon its predecessor’s foundations, introducing all-new monster hunting against the gigantic beats of the North, while also elevating the franchise’s critically-acclaimed combat system with a number of new gameplay features. Also returning to the series are the distinctive, gruff tones of multi-award-winning voice actor, Doug Cockle (The Witcher 3, Baldur’s Gate 3, Alan Wake 2) who once again narrate Arlo’s campaign of bloody revenge.
A Tails of Iron 2: Whiskers of Winter demo is available to play throughout gamescom at the Indie Arena Booth, Hall 10.2, F010g-E019, giving players the chance to steel themselves for the treacherous battles to come in February 2025.
Tails of Iron 2: Whispers of Winter features:
An expanded campaign of violence and revenge – Whiskers of Winter’s ‘tail’ of Arlo’s fight against the ferocious Dark Wing Bats is an intense experience, featuring a semi-open RPG world set across six varied biomes to explore, and new animal factions to discover.
Challenging combat – Building upon the series’ trademark hardcore combat, Tails of Iron 2 features enhanced weapons gameplay, including four elemental effects (fire, ice, electricity, and poison) to imbue Arlo’s arsenal with unique abilities to use against foes.
NEW Monster hunting gameplay – To tip the balance against the new fanged army of Dark Wing Bats,Arlo can track down and overcome 15 gigantic and challenging beasts to harvest their cadavers for rare upgrade materials.
Improved base building – Construct and upgrade the devastated settlement of Winter’s Edge to gain access to more powerful items from the smithy, tastier meals at the kitchen, a wider range of powerful traps from the shoppe, and more!
NEW Day and night system – Arlo will face different foes depending on the time of day, with more enemy types added as additional monsters are hunted down and vanquished.
About United Label
Founded in 2018, United Label is CI Games’ home for highly ambitious, lovingly crafted videogames. Röki, the label’s inaugural release, received critical acclaim upon its launch in late 2020, and was nominated for best ‘Debut Indie Game’ at both The Game Awards and BAFTA Game Awards. In summer 2021, the company published Eldest Souls, a pixel-art boss-rush game, which became an instant hit among top streamers globally thanks to its challenging but fair Soulslike combat. This was followed shortly afterwards by Tails of Iron, a stunning adventure-RPG. United Label’s objective is to work with both highly experienced independent studios and passionate start-ups, offering them a strong publishing structure built for success. For more information about United Label, please visit www.unitedlabelgames.com.
About Odd Bug Studio
Founded in Manchester, UK in 2014, Odd Bug Studio is the team behind the 2017 2D VR platformer, The Lost Bear, and the 2021 critically acclaimed anthropomorphic adventure-RPG, Tails of Iron. Odd Bug Studio is currently developing a Tails of Iron sequel, Tails of Iron 2:Whiskers of Winter, which is set to launch on PC and consoles in 2025. Proudly on a mission to create odd games, more information about Odd Bug Studio can be found at www.oddbug.co.uk.
Combat Update Revolutionizes Sengoku Dynasty with Game-Changing Combat and Perks Ahead of Version 1.0 Release
Oberhaching, Germany, August 23rd 2024 – Developer Superkami and publisher Toplitz Productions are thrilled to announce a pivotal update arriving for its multi genre open-world RPG, city builder, life simulation and survival game Sengoku Dynasty.
The Ikigai update is set to be the most impactful update for Sengoku Dynasty yet, introducing a new perk based progression system as well as a refined combat system for those seeking the way of the warrior or more streamlined production mechanics for those on a more peaceful path.
The new perk system has been revamped to allow for deeper perk tree mechanics, like multilevel perks or locking one skill behind another with different benefits depending on the role you choose, warrior, leader, craftsman or monk.
Since launching into Early Access last August, Sengoku Dynasty has continuously evolved through a series of updates that have refined gameplay mechanics, enhanced historical accuracy, and added immersive content. The latest addition – combat – brings a new dimension to the game, staying true to the turbulent era the game depicts.
When fully implemented into the game the combat system in Sengoku Dynasty will bring dynamic combat mechanics that players can utilize including full-body movement, for chaining combos with quick and heavy attacks, parries and blocks, with different weapons offering unique advantages.
Skill is another factor of combat, and with the new combat feature, skill based fighting will depend greatly on a players own skill and gear. Those who prefer an economical playstyle can craft superior weapons and armor, while highly skilled players can triumph even with basic equipment.
The Ikigai update will introduce a beta version of the combat system, featuring basic bandits and their camps. Players will have the opportunity to test and provide feedback, helping the developers refine the system before the official release. This collaborative approach ensures that the final combat mechanics will meet the community’s high standards.
This latest update will also provide an improved production system,managing villagers work tasks will now be much easier, workplaces will offer better visual clarity, while improved notifications and warnings will better inform you of any production issues.
With version 1.0 on the horizon, Sengoku Dynasty will continue to expand with extensive combat features, a dynamic dynasty system, bandit camps, seasonal quests and events, a character editor, and more endgame content. The arrival of each update brings the player community closer to an immersive living world that perfectly encapsulates the essence of feudal Japan.
About Superkami
Superkami is a studio with one mission – to let talented people make the best games they can. As an agile, fully remote studio with a team all over the world consisting of experienced veterans and ambitious newcomers they seek to bring unique content to a whole new audience through their innovation and style. Their first announced title is Sengoku Dynasty – an open-world survival builder set in the beautiful world of medieval Japan.
About Toplitz Productions:
The German-Austrian publisher, whose name originates from the mysterious Toplitz Lake in the heart of Austria, develops and publishes games with “heart & soul” for all platforms. The company consists of a healthy mix of experienced industry veterans and young talents, all of whom are passionate gamers. They enjoy working with creative developers on many exciting titles, such as those from the “Dynasty” and “Giant” series.
Mark your calendars and immerse yourself once again in the world of Benoît Sokal this November 2024
Sydney, Australia, August 23, 2024 – Microids and Microids Studio Paris are proud to present a new gameplay trailer forAmerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy. The remake of the cult adventure game designed by Benoît Sokal, the creator of the famous Syberia saga, will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in November 2024.
Dive back into the captivating universe of Benoît Sokal and discover new stunning visuals. You play as an intrepid journalist whose adventure begins in a mysterious lighthouse. Your mission? Find the egg of the white bird and bring it back to Amerzone aboard the incredible hydrafloat. The gameplay sequences in this trailer reveal a return to the fundamentals of point-and-click with total immersion in a story rich in twists and turns. Explore the enigmatic beaches of the Stranded Isle, where every detail matters and every step brings you closer to the truth. Solve new puzzles and be amazed by breathtaking landscapes. This remake promises to delight longtime fans while captivating a new generation of players. Get ready to embark on an unforgettable adventure where mystery and exploration are the watchwords.
Discover the 25th Anniversary Limited Edition of Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy
The Media Book included in this special edition pays tribute to the graphic work done by the legendary Benoît Sokal in 1999 and the efforts of the Microids Studio Paris teams in 2024 to breathe new life into this point-and-click adventure masterpiece.
About Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy
Driven by the remorse-filled story of a fallen explorer, play as a journalist in search of adventure and truth as you discover a forgotten land, the Amerzone! You will need to delve into the past and investigate the remnants of this land full of secrets. Will you find the key to the mystery behind the Great White Birds, the endemic species of Amerzone?
An ode to exploration and discovery: explore an ancient land built by years of secrets, browsing realistic environments and enjoying a both eerie and appealing ambient
Facing multiple riddles in a quest for truth: in a scenario faithful to the original game but enriched with new features, find clues, face tough puzzles and solve the case of the great white birds
Fascinating and complex characters to interact with: discover people with deep backstories and elaborate designs, study their expectations and fix the errors from the past
Amerzone – The Explorer’s Legacy will be available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC in November 2024.
About Microids
Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Sloclap, Oddworld Inhabitants, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Go Nagai, Charles Cecil, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset…), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.
The Art of Survival: Latest gameplay trailer, showcasing the battle for humanity’s future.
Oberhaching, Germany, August 23rd 2024 – Developer SpaceRocket Games and publisher Toplitz Productions are pleased to reveal their new gamescom trailer for Permafrost, their exciting new addition to the survival game genre.
Players in Permafrost will need to find ways to survive the bone-chilling sub-zero temperatures which will have an effect on their characters capabilities as they hunt elusive prey, set traps, build essential shelter and repurpose salvaged machinery to craft the tools needed for their survival.The bleak, open-world landscape sets the stage for a challenging existence set against the brutal elements, wild animals and hostile factions in the wake of the cataclysmic ‘shattering’, an apocalyptic moon phase phenomenon that has plunged the world into an eternal deep freeze.
Exploring the open world with a canine companion at your side, the long abandoned and derelict towns and cities now devoid of human life could potentially contain essential resources, in Permafrost, one man’s scrap is another man’s treasure.
Players of Permafrost have the opportunity and freedom to forge their own path whether it’s banding together to rebuild society or carving out a place for themselves in the unforgiving wilderness. Deadly combat will be inevitable for maintaining safety against various threats. Players will make use of primitive weapons and firearms, whether facing hostile enemies or natural predators in this relentless sub zero battle for survival.
Permafrost will provide both single player and co-op play for up to 4 players and is scheduled to launch on Steam early access in 2025 on PC.
About Toplitz Productions
The German-Austrian publisher, whose name originates from the mysterious Toplitz Lake in the heart of Austria, develops and publishes games with “heart & soul” for all platforms. The company consists of a healthy mix of experienced industry veterans and young talents, all of whom are passionate gamers. They enjoy working with creative developers on many exciting titles, such as those from the “Dynasty” and “Giant” series.
Stay up to date and learn everything worth knowing about Toplitz Productions by following the company on Twitter, Facebook, the official website and Instagram.
About SpaceRocket Games
SpaceRocket games was founded in 2023. However, the seeds of what would become the flagship project, Permafrost, were sown a bit earlier. Initially, in December 2022, a dedicated trio began to mold the prototype in a somewhat informal setting. Fast forward to the present, and our team has expanded to 15 members. This diverse group consists of talented game designers, programmers, and graphic artists. Our ranks include both individuals just making their debut in the game development world and seasoned veterans who’ve contributed to numerous projects.