LONDON, UK – August 12, 2024 – Fireshine Games and ColePowered Games are excited to announce that the award-winning detective sim Shadows of Doubt will be leaving Steam Early Access and launching on the PlayStation®5 (PS5) system, Xbox Series X|S and PC 1.0 on September 26, 2024.
A physical edition of Shadows of Doubt will also be available on PS5 and Xbox Series X shortly after the game’s digital release. Pre-orders are available at retailers now.
Watch the Release Date Trailer:
Nominated for ‘Most Innovative Gameplay’ at the 2023 Steam Awards, Shadows of Doubt is an immersive crime-solving experience that puts players in the role of a private investigator.
Explore fully simulated cities and meet individual citizens each with their own name, job, apartment and daily routine on your hunt to track down a serial killer. Use a variety of gadgets to uncover evidence, investigate suspects, and approach each case your way in a city where anybody could be a suspect. Scan fingerprints, browse call logs, read private emails, bribe citizens, check CCTV, pick locks, break down doors and sabotage security systems – with multiple ways to solve each case, become the detective you want to be.
Features
Become a private investigator and track down a serial killer in a fully-simulated sci-fi noir city. Think like a detective and use a variety of gadgets to gather evidence and solve cases in a unique detective experience.
Meet individual citizens, each with their own name, job, apartment and daily routine, in unique, procedurally-generated cities where anybody could be a suspect.
Take on new cases to earn cash, purchase new gadgets and equipment, and customise your apartment. Gather evidence to build your case. Scan fingerprints, check call histories, read private emails, watch CCTV, and find key pieces of evidence to gather information and track down your suspect.
Play your own way. Pick locks, break down doors, sabotage security systems and bribe citizens for information, or stick to the law and play by the book. There are multiple ways to approach each case.
Details on the major new content and features coming with the game’s PC 1.0 update – and included in the PS5 and Xbox Series X|S versions at launch – will be revealed in the coming weeks. Shadows of Doubt is available now on Steam Early Access and can be added to your wishlist on PlayStation and Xbox.
About ColePowered Games
ColePowered Games is an indie development studio founded by Cole Jefferies, currently working on stealth detective game ‘Shadows of Doubt’. Previously developed city building puzzler ‘Concrete Jungle’.
About Fireshine Games
Fireshine Games is a global publisher of digital and physical video games based in London, England, with a focus on finding fun and bringing innovative indie gems to players around the world. Originally established in 2014, Fireshine Games has built a portfolio of digital titles and indie sensations, including award-winning titles Core Keeper and Shadows of Doubt, while partnering with studio giants to bring digital hits to physical release, including Lies of P from Neowiz, Balatro from Playstack, and Planet Zoo: Console Edition from Frontier Developments. Fireshine Games is part of the EG7 group of companies.
Xbox and Epic Games Store owners can download ‘Ultimate’ upgrade now
BROOKLYN, NY — August 12, 2024 — Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate, a director’s cut of the co-op sci-fi action roguelike from developer Moving Pieces Interactive, brings amped-up amphibious action to PlayStation 5 and Steam today.
Shoot for the stars in the remastered galaxy of Ultimate. Fire away in fast-paced skirmishes with higher enemy counts, even more overpowered builds with new classes, and much more, all with a shiny coat of boosted graphics in Unreal Engine 5.
Journey through the technicolor cosmos as spacefaring warrior duo Froggie and GERM. Thwart an alien enemy’s plot to bring about the heat death of the universe by aiming Froggie’s raygun fire from atop GERM’s mechanized samurai sword swings, deftly controlling both characters at once. Blast, slash, and dash through hordes of dragons, slimes, snipers, and more on challenging roguelike planets to save the whole dang universe!
Put the heroes’ teamwork to the test solo in a synchronous balance of ranged and melee combat, or the extraterrestrial forces of Entropy with a buddy in Best Friend mode, each taking control of one hero. Invite an alien-busting squad of up to four and take on monsters and bosses from anywhere in online co-op.
Go blaster-to-blade-to-claw-to-bowling ball-whatever-the-heck-else with giant bosses. Gather mountains of loot to create millions of gloriously broken builds mixing and matching classes, weapons, and abilities to change the pace of each run. Spark satisfying combos by powering up giant sneakers, supernatural garbage trucks, bouncing grape grenades, and much more!
“Just as Germ carries Froggie around on their adventures, we never could have remastered Shoulders of Giants without the guidance of our supportive community,” said Kyle Erf, Technical Director at Moving Pieces Interactive. “We’re psyched that they love our roguelike adventure as much as we do – the Ultimate remaster is our thank you to them. We wish them luck in their next trip across the galaxy!”
Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate will bring the fight against Entropy to PlayStation 5 and PC via Steam on Monday, August 12 for $19.99 USD with Chinese, French, German, Spanish, and Brazilian Portuguese language support. The ‘Ultimate’ update is available as a free download for those who already own Shoulders of Giants on Xbox and Epic Games Store.
To learn more about Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate, check out the official website, join the battle on the official Discord server, and find Moving Pieces Interactive on social media.
About Moving Pieces Interactive
Moving Pieces Interactive is a small independent games studio based in Brooklyn, NY. They aim to create approachable games with stunning visuals and hidden depth. In addition to Shoulders of Giants: Ultimate, their catalog includes retro platformer Dodo Peak, as well as their upcoming third title, the co-op roguelike bullet hell Shoulders of Giants companion game Entropy Survivors.
Realpolitiks 3 will launch on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG later this year.
Prague, Czech Republic – August 12, 2024 – Dear World Leaders, Generals, Master Strategists, Politicians, Prime Ministers, Kings, Emperors, and other Rulers! We are delighted to bring you news of the new features in the latest installment in Fulqrum Publishing and Jujubee’s grand strategy series – Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond – which is set to release on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG later this year.
Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond places you at the helm of a modern state, where your decisions will shape the future of the world. Developers Jujubee are constantly striving for realism and complexity, offering a true-to-life experience of the challenges faced by contemporary leaders. Realpolitiks 3 offers a whole host of new features for would-be leaders to sink their teeth into – Here’s just a brief taster of how this latest edition will raise your leadership skills to new heights.
New Combat System: Realpolitiks 3 has revolutionised the series’ combat system. Units can now move freely across the map, with battles taking place along fronts in various provinces, allowing for a more strategic approach to military management. Air support can now be used to bolster your forces, and new possibilities are introduced with the inclusion of battles in Earth’s orbit and on other planets. Prepare for new challenges, as you will now need to manage not only land, naval, and air forces, but also space armies! The series has now moved away from separate battlefields and micromanagement of units, focusing instead on grand strategic decisions that can determine the fate of entire nations.
The Role of the Head of State, Politicians, and Parties: The role of the head of state and other key political figures has been significantly expanded. Your leader can gain experience and new skills, becoming a more effective ruler over time. However, beware of character flaws that may impact your governing skills – will you manage a state led by a gambler or a less-than-brilliant leader? You can also hire specialists for your ministries to leverage their abilities and create political dynasties. Choose from 18 new political systems, including anarchy, technocracy, or military junta, and shape your government according to your vision.
Space Exploration and Colonization: Take your ambitions to new heights with the ability to colonize the Moon and other planets in our Solar System. The scope of Realpolitiks 1’s colonization has returned, but in a completely new format. In addition to traditional military operations, you can now explore space, develop new technologies, and establish bases in interplanetary space. Space expansion becomes a key element of your strategy, offering unprecedented opportunities for growth.
New Building System: Provincial development has taken on a new significance in Realpolitiks 3. Players can now build multiple structures within a single province, depending on its level of development. Watch as road networks and cities expand, reflecting your progress and strategy. Every investment decision becomes more crucial, with infrastructure development being a key to success.
New “Way of Life” Mechanic:Realpolitiks 3 is introducing a new mechanic that defines a country’s current “Way of Life.” This mechanic is not directly related to the current political system or parameters, but rather signifies the long-term attitude and expectations of the population. Points are earned by the head of state and government officials. Politicians now have a new parameter—Ideology, which influences the “Way of Life” by steadily guiding the nation towards certain traits, such as authoritarianism or liberalism. These changes define the long-term development and policies of the state.
Leader and Political System Customization: At the start of the game, players will be able to choose their political system and customize your initial leader. Will you govern your state with an iron fist as a military dictator, or lead as a democratic ruler with a liberal approach? The choice is yours, and every decision has its consequences.
Grand Strategy Engine and Cutting-Edge Technology: Fulqrum Publishing and Jujubee are excited to introduce a suite of groundbreaking technologies that elevate the game beyond its predecessors. The new Grand Strategy Engine, along with their proprietary Strategy Forge tools and the advanced AI system GS-AIM, mark a significant leap forward in their development capabilities. These state-of-the-art technologies not only distinguish this installment from previous entries but also address some of the critical issues players experienced in Realpolitiks 2.
Thanks to the Grand Strategy Engine, players can now enjoy much shorter save and load times, making for a more seamless and immersive gameplay experience. The Strategy Forge tools have empowered the game’s designers to create more intricate and dynamic game systems, ensuring a deeper and more engaging strategy experience. Meanwhile, the GS-AIM provides smarter and more responsive AI, offering a more challenging and realistic opponent in both diplomatic and military engagements. With these innovations, Jujubee has not only improved the overall stability and performance of the game but has also acheived the highest standard in the grand strategy genre.
And that was just a brief taster of what awaits you in Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond when it launches on PC via Steam, Epic Games Store and GOG later this year. Get ready to step into the world of Realpolitiks 3 – a simulator that will make you feel like a true leader!
Realpolitiks II update
That’s still not all! The new tools and technologies developed during the development of Realpolitiks 3: Earth and Beyond has benefitted existing entries to the franchise. Thanks to these advancements, RealPolitiks II has finally squashed a bug that has been pestering fans for years – the dreaded time-freeze bug. New occurrences of the bug have now been eliminated, though players already affected by it may have to either load an earlier save or start a new game.
About Fulqrum Publishing
Fulqrum Publishing is a global games publisher with a diverse portfolio of titles, including in-house and independent productions. Fulqrum Publishing released over a hundred games, including the critically acclaimed titles like Men of War, King’s Bounty, Space Rangers, Fell Seal, Forgive me Father and many others.
About Jujubee
Jujubee is the game development studio behind such titles as “FLASHOUT 3D”, “Suspect in Sight”, “Realpolitiks”, “KURSK” and “Deep Diving Simulator”. The studio was founded by former members of CD Projekt RED, Traveller’s Tales and Infinite Dreams and its goal is to create great looking and addictively fun games for all main gaming platforms – including consoles, iOS, Android, Mac, and PC. The company is publicly listed on New Connect (market organized and operated by the Warsaw Stock Exchange).
Lofty Sky’s Story-Driven Sci-Fi Adventure Game and Animated Series Features Familiar Voice Actors from Anime, Interactive, and Television – Character Audio Novellas Now Available to Introduce the World of numen9 Ahead of the Game’s Launch
TORONTO & LONDON: MONDAY, AUGUST 12, 2024. Indie publisher ESDigital Games and Toronto-based film and game production studio Lofty Sky Entertainment, are sharing the roster of talented voice actors featured in the upcoming narrative game Sky of Tides and the animated series set in the same universe, Sky of Tides: ATLA. The cast of each contains voices recognized from television, anime and other popular video games.
Sky of Tidesis a story-driven sci-fi adventure with RPG elements set in a technologically advanced universe on the brink of war. Set on numen9, the game explores the aftermath of a great calamity that fractured the planet, floated the oceans into the sky, and split the land into nine separate planetoids. Players follow Rin, voiced by Ginger Sue (Devil May Cry: Peak of Combat, Dragonheir: Silent Gods, My Time at Sandrock). Rin must search for her missing father following his disappearance under mysterious circumstances and heal the broken planet of numen9. Along her journey, Rin encounters a diverse cast of characters that present choices that will shape both Rin and numen9’s future
Sky of Tides: Atla is an original five-episode animated series that will be available exclusively for a limited time and at no extra charge as an unlockable reward in the game. It explores the world of numen9 from the perspective of another protagonist, Atla Gildeon, voiced by Angela Tran (Genshin Impact, The Titan’s Bride, Joey & Ella). The series will also be included in special retail box sets of the game being sold by ESDigital Games. More platforms where the series can be watched will be announced at a later date.
Among the best-known cast of the Sky of Tides game and series are American voice actor and director Todd Haberkorn, who has voiced characters in many popular anime and games including Dragon Ball Z and Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3. He brings the role of Lu D’Lorah – father of the game’s main character, to life, and voices Commander Ox in the animated series. Damien Hass, a familiar face from Smosh Games and the Damien & Shayne Show, as well as the voice of several characters from the show Clarence and games including Grand Theft Auto V, Halo Wars 2, and Fortnite, is the voice of Reef in the Sky of Tides game. Also notable are ex-USAF officer-turned voice actor and author, Joe Zieja, whose works include Fire Emblem: Three Houses and Just Cause 4. He voices the role of Streak in the game. And popular variety streamer Briana “Storymodebae” Williams joins the cast, voicing the character of Drifty No-Hive in both the game and animated series.
In addition to the actors mentioned above, the cast of the game and/or the series includes:
Zoleka Vundla voices the character Nikki in the game.
Caleb Yen voices the character of Kryll in the series.
Tricia Brioux brings the role of Chairman to life in both the game and series.
Chelly Li performs the role of Yana in the series.
Conrad Haynes performs the role of Thrace in the game.
David Shatraw voices the character of Loaj in the game.
Mark Graue performs the role of Rin’s grandfather, Kenneth Sohan in the game.
B Marks voices the character Sage Sid in the game and Dr. Ugane in the series.
Brent Mukai, as Sage Opaldeen in the series.
“It’s been a fantastic experience working with this incredibly talented cast. They helped us fully realize the characters of numen9 as we imagined them and their rich performances brought our universe to life,” said Jason Loftus, CEO and executive producer at Lofty Sky Entertainment.
As an entrée into the world of Sky of Tides, the studio will release nine audio diaries or novellas providing backstories for each of the main characters. Players can sign up to receive these novellas on the new Sky of Tides site.
“We wanted to introduce players to our characters and the unique world of numen9 before they play the game,” said Loftus. “So we worked with the actors to create this series of audio novellas as something that can live outside the game but bring players in.”
Press and consumers attending Gamescom later this month will be able to check out all-new gameplay for Sky of Tides at the Indie Arena booth in Hall 10 (2nd level, Space 10) from Wednesday, August 21 through Sunday, August 26. The game will also be part of this year’s Courage Cologne event at devcom Developer Night on Tuesday, August 20 (tickets). Press attending Gamescom are encouraged to meet with the developers on the ESDigital booth in the Galaktus bizhub (Hall 4.1, booth D-011).
A GDC 2023 Pitch Winner and nominated for GDC 2024 “Best in Play”, the Sky of Tides game will be launching for PC via Steam and the Epic Game Store, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One and X/S consoles, and the Nintendo Switch soon. The publisher will announce at Gamescom the timing of the game’s release and provide a new demo.
Wishlist on Steam. The Sky of Tides: Atla series will be unlockable in the game exclusively for a limited time, with additional distribution channels to be announced at a later time. For more information, please visit https://esdigital.games/.
About Lofty Sky Entertainment Inc.
Lofty Sky Entertainment is an independent media company that creates engaging stories and experiences across digital mediums from games, film, TV, and virtual reality. Established in 2017, the Toronto-based team has garnered significant critical acclaim, including the 2018 Canadian Screen Award-nominated narrative game Shuyan Saga and the feature film Eternal Spring, which became the first animated film selected as Canada’s official submission to the 2023 Oscars for best international feature. The game team consists of developers, game designers, and artists who work on multiple original IPs at the studio.
About ESDigital Games
ESDigital Games is a global video games publishing company specializing in premium indie and mid-core games for both PCs and consoles. ESDigital Games portfolio includes the 80s-themed point-and-click adventure Unusual Findings and the Early Access releases of roguelike action RPG Scholar of the Arcane Arts, the twin-stick shooter REMEDIUM, RTS tower defense and match-3 mechanics title Cats on Duty and the complex alchemy RPG Battlejuice Alchemist. Other exciting titles in development include the side-scrolling Metroidvania-inspired Awaken – Astral Blade, the story-driven sci-fi adventure Sky of Tides, the sci-fi stealth action game Steel Seed, and the awe-inspiring action-adventure title Island of Winds as well as new unannounced titles in development. ESDigital Games has offices in London and Limassol, Cyprus.
CD PROJEKT RED and EC1 Łódź today announced that Art For All, an event dedicated to those interested in a career in the creative industry as well as to those passionate about video games, film, and art, will play host to an additional suite of attractions available to all attendees.
Snapshot:
Art For All, an event organized by CD PROJEKT RED and EC1 Łódź, will take place this September 7th at EC1 Łódź in Łódź, Poland.
The latest slate of attractions announced includes access to EC1 Łódź’s exhibits, featuring in-depth looks at the history of video games, at a symbolic cost of 1 PLN.
The full program can be found on the official website, which features a full list of speakers as well as the various lectures, discussion panels, demos, workshops, and portfolio reviews that attendees can take part in.
Tickets for Art For All can be purchased for 35 PLN and give attendees full access to the attractions available throughout the day.
CD PROJEKT RED and EC1 Łódź have announced that apart from the full event program, which currently boasts a star-studded lineup with lectures, discussion panels, demo sessions, and portfolio consultations, attendees will also receive access to select attractions of the Centre of Comics and Interactive Narratives located in EC1 Łódź, including the Retro Zone, featuring games from the 1980s and 90s, the innovative Game Lab, which serves as an introduction into the complexities of game development, and the latest exhibit Anatomy of Comics, dedicated to all aspects of comic books.
Accompanying EC1 Łódź’s offerings will also be additional attractions from Art For All’s partners, with demonstrations of the latest technology and software used to create video games and films — including pro-grade tablets for artists from Wacom presented in collaboration with IT Media, 3D printers from Prusa and get3D, motion-capture equipment from PCC. AMA Film Academy will also show off a sample film production, game dev school Futuregames will present projects created by its students, and publishing house Editions Caurette will have their shop set up for all those wishing to grow their collection of premium art books from industry-renowned artists. Attendees can also memorialize their time at Art For All with partnered tattoo studios, who will have a selection of flash tattoos to select from. The event will also feature various video game developers such as 11 bit studios, Bloober Team, Render Cube, and CD PROJEKT RED, who will have booths available to answer questions from those interested in starting their game dev journey.
The full Art For All program can be found on its official website. It contains a breakdown of all activities and features a full list of speakers and their bios, notably including developers from CD PROJEKT RED such as Art Director Paweł Mielniczuk, Environment Art Director Kacper Niepokólczycki, Associate Game Director Paweł Sasko, Senior Environment Artist Anna Bulavina, as well as Sound Manager Krzysztof Popiel. Further lecturers include co-founder of The VFX Mentor Albert Szostkiewicz (Dune, Spider-Man: No Way Home,Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows), Marketing Video Lead at Raw Power Games Tomasz Wikliński, and vocalist, music video director, comic book writer, and frontman of Cool Kids of Death Krzysztof Ostrowski.
Tickets for Art For All are available for purchase on the official EC1 website for 35 PLN. Each Art For All ticket holder can explore the various attractions offered by EC1 Łódź with a symbolic payment of 1 PLN.
Art For All is organized by CD PROJEKT RED and EC1 Łódź, and sponsored by Displate and On Lemon. Its partners include AMD, AMA Film Academy, Editions Caurette, Get3D, IT Media, PCC, Prusa, SteelSeries, WACOM, Moonshine, and Modliszka studios. The event is held under the auspices of Łódź City Council as part of the “Łódź Creates (“Łódź Kreuje”) and “EC1 Łódź – The City of Culture” (“EC1 Łódź – Miasto Kultury”) promotional programs. More information about the event is available on its official website and social media channels such as Instagram, Facebook, and X.
About Promised Land Art Festival
Promised Land Art Festival brings together professionals working in film, gaming, and other creative industries. Focusing on the exchange of knowledge and experience, the event plays host to dozens of activities: from hands-on workshops, talks, and demos to Q&A and networking sessions. Leading and collaborating in these are speakers from some of the most recognizable brands in the industry. The festival is organized by acclaimed games developer CD PROJEKT RED and held under the auspices of Łódź City Council as part of the “Łódź Creates (“Łódź Kreuje”) and “EC1 Łódź – The City of Culture” (“EC1 Łódź – Miasto Kultury”) promotional programs.
About CD PROJEKT RED
CD PROJEKT RED is a game development studio founded in 2002. It develops and publishes video games for PCs and video game consoles. The studio’s flagship titles include the futuristic RPG Cyberpunk 2077, its spy-thriller expansion Phantom Liberty, and The Witcher series of games, including The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and its two expansions. In collaboration with Studio Trigger, CD PROJEKT RED also created the award-winning Netflix anime series Cyberpunk: Edgerunners, set in the same universe as the game. Other games developed by the studio include Thronebreaker: The Witcher Tales and GWENT: The Witcher Card Game. Together with GOG.COM, a game store offering hand-picked titles for PC and Mac, CD PROJEKT RED is part of the CD PROJEKT Group. CD PROJEKT S.A. is listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (ISIN: PLOPTTC00011).
About “EC1 Łódź – City of Culture”
EC1 Łódź is a revitalized complex of a former power plant that has become a dynamic center for science, art, and culture. It offers a variety of attractions, including the Cinema, the Center for Science and Technology, the Planetarium, the Centre of Comics and Interactive Narratives, exhibitions on the creation and history of Polish cinema, and the Elements Street – an educational play area for the youngest visitors. The mission of EC1 is to educate and popularize science while also promoting film and comics art, providing entertainment for its visitors. It is a place where history meets modernity, creating a unique space for all culture and science enthusiasts.
Gacha games come in many various forms but Normium works to push the envelope by combining heavy fan service with mecha space combat and we check out a little bit of what this currently Chinese-only gacha game has to offer on its first day of early-access release, bugs and all.
This is a machine girl-themed air combat action role-playing game. In the world of Nornium, you can experience ARPG cosmic air combat and its Rougelike variants, manipulate the “Time Tree” to jump around in parallel time and space at will, or enjoy a leisurely slow life in the presidential suite.
Cygni is a vertical-scrolling, twin-stick shoot-’em-up that aims to deliver a “cinematic” bullet-hell experience. Using the latest visual technologies and featuring an orchestral soundtrack, the people at Keelworks surely tried their hardest to deliver a product that appeals to casual and hardcore players alike. If such a thing is even possible, I have no idea. But, at the very least, Cygni delivers a fun shooter that will melt your eyes in more ways than one.
Story
After spending centuries researching ways to exploit their home and kill each other, humans are now on the brink of extinction. With Earth in shambles, they decide to take to the skies to try and find a new place to conquer. They finally land on a planet they dub Cygni. There, husks of giant insect-looking creatures lay as if dead for a very long time. With no time to waste, humans start studying these creatures, making one technological breakthrough after another. As it happens, our insect friends weren’t actually dead, and they’re not too happy seeing their home desecrated by another species. You control Ava, a young female pilot who is part of the air force assigned to put the insect menace back to sleep for good.
Most stages begin and end with a brief cutscene. The introduction is colourful, showing Ava in all her Pixar glory listening to an upbeat song as she prepares to deploy. In some story segments, Ava narrates the events from her perspective, giving the player an overall idea of whatever humans are up against. As the game progresses, these cutscenes become increasingly short and cryptic. It feels a bit jarring, but it fits the mood as the battle becomes more and more desperate.
Gameplay
Cygni borrows elements of traditional shmups while paying homage to old-school classics. At its core, the gameplay feels like a hybrid between a twin-stick shooter and a more traditional shmup. All seven stages are reasonably varied, featuring interesting set pieces and impressive giant bosses.
The game offers three difficulty levels. The default is medium, but that might prove too much for players unfamiliar with shmups. As an alternative, the game can be played on easy mode first to get used to Cygni’s systems and game flow. Points accumulated on easy can be spent to unlock permanent upgrades that remain available on higher difficulties making the experience much more manageable.
Enemies drop energy icons that fuel all your ship systems. These resources must be managed on the fly by either allocating them to your shield or weapons. Doing so efficiently is actually more important than avoiding bullets since your shield can take quite a number of hits. That reminds me of R-Type where you need to constantly reallocate your drone and switch shot patterns as needed. However, Cygni doesn’t demand such precision from the player. Even then, those brave enough to attempt a hard or arcade playthrough will need to up their game considerably.
Cygni is certainly one of the most chaotic shmups I have ever played. Right on the first stage, players are assaulted by a flood of sensory stimuli. Enemies and bullets come from all sides, relentlessly. Explosions make the screen shake constantly, and while that contributes to making the action feel more impactful, it also adds to the overall visual pollution. Furthermore, stages can take between 10 to 20 minutes to be completed which makes the overall experience rather tiresome. Is this a deal breaker? Your mileage will vary, but personally, I had my fun during my 30 hours of playtime. I’ll certainly need another bottle of eye drops, and I might also need a break from shmups. All in all, it was a fun ride.
Visuals
The presentation in Cygni is impressive. The artwork is top-notch, with densely populated backdrops even on the ground. You can often see allied troops advancing, occasionally providing assistance. Some bosses are so big they can reach Ava in the sky just by standing. Performance flows well, even with so much happening at the same time. That said, the game is sorely lacking in enemy variety. Also, the camera work could be more dynamic, given the possibilities a 3D environment offers.
Audio
The sound design is excellent. I’ve always loved how dynamic an orchestral soundtrack can be in films, and Cygni captures that essence. While some sections sound like generic “Star Wars” music, there are moments of true brilliance in the compositions. The soundtrack might not be as catchy as the best shmup soundtracks, but it has its share of soulful passages. The sound effects are impactful with a nice bass. Bigger explosions cause a very cool distortion effect, amplifying the players’ immersion.
Overall
Cygni is a standout title in a market where shmups rarely get the next-gen treatment. It doesn’t try to reinvent the wheel, but it successfully leaves its mark in the shmup niche with its blend of high-octane action, stunning visuals, and an immersive soundtrack. Despite its flaws, it offers a polished and exhilarating experience. There’s a lot of replayability here for more resilient players who decide to engage in harder difficulties.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be foundhere.
Build successful logistics chains to become a world class business mogul
SEATTLE, WA – August 9, 2024 –Train Valley World, the upcoming entry in the popular million-selling railway sim franchise developed by Flazm and published by tinyBuild, employs locomotives across the globe on PC via Steam today.
Solve worldly crises one train at a time in the next entry of Train Valley transport tycoon sim franchise. Explore stunning locales in maps based off of real life locations from Egypt, France, Greece, and the United States during the Industrial Revolution. Construct railways to establish the largest network of pathways to solve crises across the globe, from delivering pandemic medications to averting disasters like an attack from the Loch Ness Monster.
Successfully assemble a worldwide railroad system to establish optimal pathways for transport and deliveries. Think like a business mogul and implement scheduled train dispatches, timed automated delivery routes, and precise railroad track placements to create an efficient locomotive business from the ground up.
Embrace engineering creativity in the newly enhanced level editor mode. Design levels to share with friends and other train operative community members. Unlock all new features including scripting tools, stunning geographical landscapes, and complex gameplay objectives to test the wits of fellow locomotive experts.
The highly-anticipated online multiplayer feature makes its grand debut in the franchise, bringing transport tycoon fans together worldwide. Put on the conductor’s hat to sabotage the competition and become the number one railway business, or work together to form an alliance with fellow railway entrepreneurs.
Train Valley World is available today on Windows PC via Steam and Epic Games Store for $19.99 USD, with a launch discount of 20% for the first week. It offers English, Brazilian Portuguese, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Japanese, Korean, Russian, and Simplified Chinese language support.
tinyBuild started as an indie game developer and morphed into a developer publisher you can’t miss. Our dedication to creating long-term partnerships and elevating recognizable franchises has resulted in many successful collaborations with talented developers from all over the world. The company has released dozens of games, including Hello Neighbor, Graveyard Keeper, SpeedRunners, and more. Although headquartered in the Seattle Area, USA, the company has established a strong global presence with studios across the US, Netherlands, Latvia, and throughout Eastern Europe.
About Flazm
Flazm Interactive Entertainment is a Lithuanian game studio that made its mark with the Train Valley series. Their games combine strategy, puzzle-solving, and simulation to create immersive experiences for the players. Flazm commits to creating long-lasting products by incorporating outstanding UGC experiences and supporting a tightly-knit gaming community.
Acclaimed video game developers Nerial and TV owners Devolver Digital are rolling back the years for the long-awaited launch of 1999’s hottest reality TV show, The Crush House! Available now on PC via Steam, The Crush House casts players in the role of Jae, the newest camerawoman tasked with giving the people what they want.
Jae may have just scored the gig of her dreams, but the demands are high and the stakes are even higher! She must cast, film, and produce each season of The Crush House, capturing all the drama, fighting, tension, and romance in the show’s iconic mansion.
But remember: no matter what, the demands of your audience must be met. If not, you run the risk of cancellation. With dozens of micro-audiences to keep entertained, you’ll have to be strategic to capture them all. You can’t please all the people all of the time, but you’ll have to try.
Choose between twelve eccentric personalities and find your four-person cast for each season’s run. Mix and match conflicting personalities or complementary attractions and watch as tensions run and sparks fly. Catch the best stuff on camera and watch your ratings soar!
Entertainment this good isn’t free, however, so remember to put down the camera and pull up some tasteful TV ads to keep the cash flowing in. You might lose a few viewers, but you can use the extra revenue generated to furnish the house and mix things up for both the audience and the cast.
As if running a hit TV show wasn’t enough, there’s more to The Crush House than meets the eye. Jae can explore the mansion at night when the show goes off-air, engaging in forbidden conversations with the cast to figure out the many dark and twisted secrets of The Crush House.
Relive the Golden Era of Action RPGs with Updated Graphics, Gameplay, and More
Hamburg, Germany (August 9, 2024) – A beloved old-school adventure begins anew as MMORPG publisher gamigo and developer Tableflip announce FATE:Reawakened, a full remaster of the original FATE series, originally developed and published by WildTangent! Breathing new life into a classic, FATE: Reawakened updates the iconic dungeon crawler quadrilogy with remastered audio tracks, complete graphical overhauls, and additional language support.
FATE: Reawakened comprises all four original games, including the sequels Undiscovered Realms, The Traitor Soul, and The Cursed King.
Watch the FATE: Reawakened announcement trailer below:
FATE is celebrated and recognized as one of the early pioneers of the action RPG genre and a notable precursor to games like Torchlight. In it, players set out on an epic quest, battling vicious monsters, collecting unique weapons, and learning magical spells in their quest for glory and fame. Cited as many players’ first dungeon crawler, FATE’s legacy is preserved and enhanced in its upcoming Reawakened remaster, conserving all the beloved characteristics of the original while giving the series a good polish.
About the FATE Series
During the golden era of action RPGs, FATE stood out as a powerhouse, earning the runner-up spot for PC Magazine’s Role-Playing Game of the Year award. Its popularity led to the creation of three sequels, making it one of the premier dungeon crawlers of its time. Now, a new generation of players can enter the legendary town of Grove and experience the original games like never before!
Key Features of FATE:Reawakened
A Fresh Coat of Paint: This four-in-one bundle also brings a complete graphical update for all assets and a refined and updated UI. Enjoy dramatically improved lighting and particle effects, bringing the darkest depths of FATE’s dungeons to a whole new level.
Tons of New Content: Fans of old (and fans of new!) can enjoy new Steam badges, new Steam emoticons, and new profile backgrounds for the Steam-specific release, as well as a slew of new achievements across all platforms. The series also gains new localization, with Spanish, German, French, Korean, Japanese, and Simplified Chinese language support across all games for the very first time.
Procedurally Generated Levels: Explore limitless caverns, dungeons, mines, and tunnels, all procedurally generated. What will your adventures uncover?
In This Economy?: Buy and sell goods and upgrade and enchant your equipment.
Cute and Cuddly: Choose from seven different pet types and transform them into more and more powerful creatures.
FATE Reawakened will launch on PC, with a release date to be announced later. Wishlist the collection now on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
About gamigo
The gamigo group is one of the leading publishers of online and mobile games in Europe and North America. The group’s diverse game portfolio includes free-to-play titles such as Fiesta Online, Trove, and Rift. Counting more than 300 employees, gamigo group is one of the largest players in the gaming industry. Besides its German locations in Hamburg (HQ) and Berlin, the gamigo group also has branches in Austin and Bellevue (US), Sevilla (Spain), and in Seoul (South Korea). In addition to gamigo AG, the group includes companies such as gamigo Inc., operating as “WildTangent”, gamigo US Inc., gamigo Publishing GmbH, gamigo Portals GmbH, KingsIsle Entertainment, Inc. and AxesInMotion, S.L. The gamigo group strives to grow organically as well as through acquisitions.
Since 2013, it has made more than 25 acquisitions, including titles, gaming and technology companies as well as individual game assets. The gamigo group is part of MGI – Media and Games Invest SE.
