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Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand Is Here! Free Major Content Overhaul Now Available on PC, PlayStation 5 & Xbox Series X|S

PARIS Aug. 6, 2024 — Get ready to rediscover Atlas Fallen with Reign of Sand, a massive, free overhaul update that refines your experience in this action-packed RPG where you control the power of the sand. Packed with new content and features, Reign of Sand is the ultimate version of Atlas Fallen and promises to elevate your solo or co-op adventure with a wealth of improvements, perfect for both returning players and newcomers alike. Available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S, Focus Entertainment and Deck13 are pleased to present what’s waiting for you with the all-new launch trailer for Atlas Fallen: Reign of Sand.

Rise Again with a Reign of Fresh New Content

What’s new in Reign of Sand? Here are the most significant additions and improvements introduced by this free update:

  • New Area: Source – Explore mysterious portals leading to the Source, a twisted divine realm filled with new challenges where you’ll unleash powerful new Wraith abilities.
  • New Enemies – Encounter formidable new Wraiths like the bulky Transmuter and the agile Morpher.
  • New Game+ – Restart with all your progression, gear, and abilities, and discover new enemies, mechanics, and progression systems.
  • New Difficulty Mode: “Nyaal’s Nightmare” – Exclusive to New Game+, this new difficulty mode offers the ultimate challenge!
  • New Essence Stones – Customize your playstyle with 25 new perks and abilities.
  • New Open World Challenges – Engage in dynamic Corruption Breaches for intense combat and special rewards.
  • Reworked Introduction & Voice Acting – Enjoy a smoother, more engaging experience with a revamped intro and new voice actors, including Ben Starr (Final Fantasy XVI, Warframe) as the male playable character.

This update also includes new armors, customization options, improved VFX, UI, sounds, and many other fixes and enhancements. While you can carry over progress from your old character, starting a new playthrough is highly recommended for the optimal experience. Returning players can download the update for free on PC and consoles, while newcomers will have it included with the base game.

Get a closer look at the Reign of Sand patch notes on our dedicated Steam news page.

Our Commitment to Atlas Fallen

Focus Entertainment and Deck13 are driven by a deep love for action RPGs and a strong commitment to player satisfaction. Convinced by Atlas Fallen‘s great potential, the team wants to show dedication and respect toward the players who have been with them for so many years.

“We constantly listen to our communities, and our first objective was to address player feedback, often voiced in forums and online reviews. The free Reign of Sand update will provide an enhanced experience, offering improvements across all aspects of the game,” said Dessil Basmadjian, Chief Creative Officer at Focus Entertainment, working with Deck13 to deliver the best experience possible. Explore the new content and improvements of the ultimate version of Atlas Fallen with the Reign of Sand free overhaul, available now on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Register a Focus Entertainment account for exclusive news and benefits for Atlas Fallen and the entire Focus catalog.

Digital Eclipse’s Volgarr the Viking II is Available Now and Ready to Ragna-Rock Your World

New Features and a Larger Scope Define the Sequel to the Legendary Indie Platformer 

Emeryville, CA (August 6, 2024) — Sharpen and don your great horned helmets, warriors, for today, acclaimed studio Digital Eclipse is proud to launch Volgarr the Viking II, the highly anticipated sequel to the indie hit from Crazy Viking Studios. Available now on PC and consoles, Volgarr the Viking II fuses brutal hack-and-slash action with hardcore 2D action platformer elements for a potentially punishing game that’s as rewarding as it is challenging.

Watch the Volgarr the Viking II launch trailer here: 

Developed in partnership with Crazy Viking Studios, Volgarr the Viking II is a sequel 10 years in the making. The barbarian king Volgarr returns, a little older but no less ruthless. Featuring new and expansive worlds inspired by Norse mythology, players must slash, dash, and mash their way through waves of bloodthirsty enemies…lest they embark on a one-way trip to Valhalla. 

Sporting the same unforgiving 1980s arcade style of challenge as the original, Volgarr the Viking II demands precision, as one false move leads to a brutal death. Players of the original game will feel right at home on this relentless voyage, while more modern gameplay features ease newer players into the savagery with a practice mode, optional checkpoints, save profiles, and unlimited continues. However, a secret world and boss await those who can master the game without these modern comforts.

“We’re thrilled to finally unleash Volgarr’s particular brand of gameplay once again,” said Mike Mika, Head of Digital Eclipse. “The original gained a cult following among players that appreciate a steep challenge and the speedrunning community, and it was a joy to bring Volgarr II to life.”

“The new game contains a decade full of new ideas I have had since the original came out. Some of them are new ways to challenge players; others are designed to make the game more accessible to new players,” said Kristofor Durrschmidt, CEO and Creative Director of Crazy Viking Studios. “A lot of the things that I did in the second game were addressing the primary complaints, wishes, hopes, and dreams of what we collected from fans and reviewers about what could have been done to make Volgarr better.”

Key Features of Volgarr the Viking II Include: 

  • Stave off death with new power-ups and magic items
  • A roster of ruthless bosses so big and so ugly, they’re just begging to have their heads chopped off
  • An epic orchestral soundtrack to carry you through battle
  • Handy speedrunning tools, including an on-screen timer and speedrun HUD mode
  • Six distinct endings based on player performance —only the masterfully skilled will unlock a secret level with its own final boss
  • A practice mode and multiple profile save options
  • Buckets of blood and bone explosions
  • Loincloths

Volgarr the Viking II is available now on PC via Steam and GOG and on console via Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 & 5, Xbox One, and Series X|S. For more information, visit the official website.

Rock ItTM Games will be publishing a physical version of Volgarr the Viking II for Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5. Details and dates to follow. 

About Digital Eclipse 

Based in Emeryville, California, Digital Eclipse is a game development studio originally founded in 1992, focused on the craft and history of classic video games. Digital Eclipse strives to set the gold standard for archival game re-releases, preserving gaming history for future generations. The studio’s original games pay homage to the legacy of the gaming industry, with the signature style and timeless gameplay of the classics.

Digital Eclipse’s recent games include Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection, and Wizardry: Proving Grounds of the Mad Overlord, as well as its celebrated Gold Master Series of interactive documentaries.

About Crazy Viking Studios

Crazy Viking Studios has been reviving the golden age of arcade mayhem since 2012 with “New-Oldschool” games for you to sink your teeth into!

The company was founded in early 2012 by industry veterans Kristofor Durrschmidt and Taron Millet. Prior to forming Crazy Viking Studios, Kris and Taron worked together on many world-class handheld action titles. Some of their pedigree includes The Legend of Spyro: The Eternal Night GBA, Assassin’s Creed: Discovery, and Shinobi for the Nintendo 3DS.

Their first title “Volgarr the Viking” was an indie hit released in 2013, garnering many industry awards.
Learn more at: https://www.crazyvikingstudios.com.

INDUSTRIAL ANNIHILATION LAUNCHES NEW KICKSTARTER CAMPAIGN

The Next Major Game in the Planetary Annihilation Universe Releases into Steam Early Access in 2024, Kickstarter Available Now

SEATTLE, WA – August 6, 2024 – Galactic Annihilation Inc., a game development and publishing studio established by industry veterans who previously created Planetary Annihilation, Monday Night Combat and more, today announced Industrial Annihilation is launching an all-new Kickstarter campaign that follows in the successful Kickstarter footsteps of its progenitor, Planetary Annihilation.

The new Kickstarter campaign is in response to community interest to further support development. With Kickstarter, more fans can now support the game and at lower entry levels, should they wish. Industrial Annihilation previously crowdfunded on StartEngine but was limited to the United States only and required higher levels of funding support, even at entry levels.

“We didn’t plan on bringing Industrial Annihilation to Kickstarter, but we soon realized there were many in our community who still wanted to support the game… Because they told us so,” said Jon Mavor, Co-Founder, Galactic Annihilation Inc. “This allows us to put in more features and content. Kickstarter also allows our community to support us (if they so choose) while getting some unique goodies in the process.”

KEY FEATURES

  • Latest Game in the Planetary Annihilation Franchise – The team behind Planetary Annihilation, which has sold over 3 million units and is still celebrated and played by fans almost a decade later, is back with a new twist on the popular franchise. 
  • Build the Ultimate Factory for RTS Battles – Become a master constructor with intricate production pipelines that supply your killer war machine. Place your bets on the Titan class superbot, or go all-in on a game-ending fusion planet crusher. Create the ultimate kill squad, or build up your artillery to devastate your opponent with tactical nukes.  The choices are many, and all yours.
  • Galactic Single Player Campaign – Play through an all-new full single-player story campaign with Industrial Annihilation! Chaos is hellbent on wiping out the galaxy with their diesel-fueled armies that shred and burn any who dare oppose them!  We’ve heard your Planetary Annihilation feedback! In this full campaign experience you will play as the Commander who rises to stop the destruction and claim the galaxy, one thrilling mission at a time!
  • Multiple Factions – Choose from two unique factions to play as or battle against – Chaos, and Machina. Each faction presents their own unique combat units, playstyles and strategies. 

About Industrial Annihilation

The galaxy is at stake, Commander. Claim it. Industrial Annihilation blends the iconic real-time strategy of the beloved Annihilation series of games with deep factory-building to deliver a blend of genres unlike any you’ve experienced before. Build a unique working factory-sim to extract resources, lay production pipelines, construct units, and erect defenses against the corruption of Chaos in an epic singleplayer campaign featuring world-class RTS combat. Or, match wits against other Commanders online in intense co-op and PvP battles.  

For more information on Industrial Annihilation, please visit the Kickstarter Page, or Website and follow the game for latest updates on Facebook and Twitter

About Galactic Annihilation Inc.

Galactic Annihilation Inc. is a game development and publishing company established by veteran industry insiders and developers Bob Berry, Jon Mavor, John Comes, and Steve Thompson creators of Planetary Annihilation and Monday Night Combat. Based out of Seattle, Washington, USA, the development team is committed to making fun and engaging titles that bring players together.

Death Comes on Black Wings: Castlevania Enters Dead by Daylight

Gothic Horror. Shapeshifting. A Sinister Castle on the Horizon. The Fog has its First-Ever Killer, and it just so Happens to be Dracula Himself.

MONTREAL – Aug. 6, 2024 – So comes the very night, accursed and ravenous. It spreads from Dracula’s Castle, through the woods and villages. Whispers of terror in the night. The vampire stirs. Available August 6via the Steam public test build, and officially releasing on August 27, Dead by Daylight: Castlevania sinks its teeth into one of gaming’s longest running series to bring Dracula and Trevor Belmont into The Fog.

An Immortal Franchise

It’s difficult to think back to a time in gaming without Castlevania, one of the most iconic series from Konami Digital Entertainment’s (KONAMI). First released in 1986 on the Famicom Disk System in Japan, then on the NES in 1987 and going strong ever since, the Castlevania franchise boasts a legacy almost as enduring as that of its main villain.

For many – those on the Dead by Daylight team included – the original Castlevania in all its 8-bit glory represented an early introduction to horror gaming. Countless titles, a hit animated series, and decades of intricate lore later, Castlevania continues to ascend the pantheon of horror with its arrival in Dead by Daylight.

Dracula’s powers and those of his castle are inextricably linked, and The Entity has brought both into its realm. Any time Dracula is the featured Killer in a Trial with an Original Map, players will see the ominous castle looming over the proceedings, perched on the horizon of that Map. The powers it bestows upon its master are enough to make even the most grizzled Survivor’s blood run cold.

Deadly as the wolf. Swift as the bat.

With Castlevania’s Dracula, Dead by Daylight welcomes both its first shapeshifting Killer, as well as its first vampire to The Fog. Regal, imposing, and wholly terrifying, Dracula’s disdain for humankind is matched only by his bloodlust – making The Entity’s Realm a perfect hunting ground for the nightwalker.

It is said the Dark Lord can take many forms, each one proficient in tracking and killing victims. As a Vampire he stalks his prey, able to conjure flames that sear flesh and render bone to ash. The Bat is as quiet as a creeping shadow, approaching at a moment’s notice and gaining ground with a blink. The Wolf is a relentless hunter, with a keen nose for fresh blood – even that which has yet to be spilled…

We wanted to create a fluidity in the way players can have Dracula change between his different forms and have it feel seamless,” shares Dead by Daylight Creative Director, Dave Richard. “When I first played Symphony of the Night – which is one of my favorite games of all time – having vampiric powers like these was absolutely amazing. Being able to put players in the shoes of The Dark Lord in Dead by Daylight was an alluring and unique opportunity for us.”

Survivor’s Bloodline

Tormented, exiled, and even cursed some say, the Belmont bloodline has stood between humanity and the forces of darkness for countless generations. Yet perhaps, no descendant of this clan is better equipped to take on The Entity’s Realm than new Survivor, Trevor Belmont.

First introduced in 1989’s Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, Trevor may not be the brawniest Belmont, but his unique skillset serves to set him apart. From an innate ability to seek out allies and work as part of a team, to his unmatched skills as a vampire hunter, his values and will exemplify what makes the Belmont clan who they are.

Dead by Daylight: Castlevania is currently available as part of the Steam public test build. It releases officially on August 27.

About Dead by Daylight™

Created by Behaviour™ Interactive, Dead by Daylight is a multiplayer action horror game of hide and seek, set in a dark fantasy and drawing from all corners of horror, where each match is a different experience. Dead by Daylight boasts 60 million players both globally and across all platforms. On any given day, up to 2 million players step into The Fog, whether on PC, console, or mobile. Since its release in 2016, the game has become a place where cult classic horror survives and thrives, having welcomed legends from TV, movies, and video games. For more information, please visit deadbydaylight.com.

About Castlevania™

Created by KONAMI almost 40 years ago in 1986, Castlevania is an action-adventure video game series following vampire hunters, the Belmont Clan and their perilous quest to vanquish Dracula, whose dark resurrection threatens the balance of the world. The series is renowned for its rich lore, including various characters, artifacts, and mythological references that contribute to its intricate and immersive storyline. Known for its side-scrolling platforming gameplay, challenging difficulty, and atmospheric visuals, the Castlevania video game series has garnered critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, influencing countless titles and extending its legacy into other media such as manga and an animated series.

About Behaviour™ Interactive

Behaviour Interactive is the largest Canadian gaming studio, with more than 1,300 employees worldwide. Behaviour is best known for its flagship franchise, the multiplayer survival horror game Dead by Daylight™, which has entertained more than 60 million players across multiple platforms. The studio is currently expanding its portfolio of original IP with multiple projects. Behaviour has also established itself as one of the world’s leading providers of external development services. The company has partnered with many of the gaming industry’s leaders, including Microsoft, Sony, EA, Warner Bros. Discovery, and Take-Two, among many others. Over more than 30 years, Behaviour has developed an unparalleled, award-winning culture. The company was named one of the Best Places to Work in Canada by GamesIndustry.biz, and has been recognized with Deloitte Canada’s Enterprise Fast 15 and Best Managed Company awards. Headquartered in Montreal, Behaviour has expanded its global presence with studios in Toronto (Behaviour Toronto), Seattle (Midwinter Entertainment), the United Kingdom (Behaviour UK – North and Behaviour UK – South) and the Netherlands (Behaviour Rotterdam). For more information, visit www.bhvr.com

About Konami Group

Konami Group was established in 1973, starting as an amusement machine manufacturer for arcades. Over the years, the company has grown to include different business units across various markets. Currently, KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION includes the Digital Entertainment, Amusement, Gaming & Systems, and Sports Businesses. The company went public on the Osaka Securities Exchange in 1984, the Tokyo Stock Exchange in 1988, and the London Stock Exchange in 1999. For more information, visit: www.konami.com/en.

About Konami Digital Entertainment

Konami Digital Entertainment, which is the core company of Konami Group, develops entertaining content for mobile, console and card games. The company is known for global franchises such as eFootball™, Metal Gear, Silent Hill, Castlevania, and Contra, as well as the Yu-Gi-Oh! Trading Card Game series. www.konami.com/games/corporate/en/

© 2015-2024 BEHAVIOUR, DEAD BY DAYLIGHT and other related trademarks and logos belong to Behaviour Interactive Inc. All rights reserved.

ⓒKonami Digital Entertainment

Haunted House Renovator: Prologue announced on Steam!

2024-08-06 – Image Power is delighted to announce that the Haunted House Renovator Prologue will be avalible in Q4! This will be a great oportunity to check what the game has to offer.

The full version of Haunted House Renovator has been funded in 180% on Kickstarter!

In the Prologue, players will be able to check out all the features available in the full version of the game, such as; improved UI, 2D cutscenes, secret passageways, a sneak peek at the upgrade system, an enhanced magic circle system, game saves, as well as many more new and interesting mechanics! Players should prepare to meet new creatures and spirits, and learn more about the mysterious Ancestor first met in the demo!

The feedback that developers recived after the Steam Next Fest was extremely helpful and all improvements are based on it.

Players will have the opportunity to try Haunted House Renovator: Prologue without additional fees and without a time limit. The presented version will have many mechanics from the full version (without the selection of orders) and the location itself will be larger than the one presented in the demo. Additionally, furniture created especially for this level will be available, as every map has one.

Haunted House Renovator: Prologue – Steam link

ABOUT THE GAME

In Haunted House Renovator: Prologue, you take the next step in the career of a ghost-fighting renovator! Explore the uniquely spooky apartment of a mad painter and discover its many hauntings. Use your tools to overcome the supernatural odds – and bring the location to its former glory!

Features:

  • Full haunted apartment to explore and renovate
  • Unique atmosphere of a mad painter’s apartment
  • An interactive environment with many quests based on unique mechanics and physics
  • Variety of spooky (but not scary) hauntings – each needing different tactics to eradicate
  • A choice of specialized tools for restoring the environment – and fighting the paranormal
  • Loads of decoration options!

Official Steam Store Page here: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1917850/Haunted_House_Renovator

ABOUT IMAGE POWER

The history of Image Power reaches back to 2012 and the establishment of the first concept art and digital painting school in Poland ‘Potęga Obrazu’. In 2019, after becoming a public company, Image Power extended the scope of its business to game production and publishing. In April 2021 the Company successfully debuted on the NewConnect market of the Warsaw Stock Exchange. The strategy of the Company assumes working on low-budget productions, including simulators and similar genres, as well as gradually engaging in projects of higher production and marketing scope, including the premium category. Image Power creates games with the use of internal developer teams, as well as external studios. The strategy of the Company is to publish 3-4 titles per year for PC, PlayStation, and Xbox family consoles, and Nintendo Switch.

FARMING SIMULATOR KIDS: FORESTRY PACK RELEASED, SQUIRRELS INCLUDED

Farming Simulator Kids, the particularly child-friendly version of the acclaimed series, receives more content – further increasing the range of activities and the cuteness factor. Publisher and developer GIANTS Software released the Forestry Pack for free on Nintendo Switch™ and as in-app purchase on mobile devices. 

Campfires and Marshmallows in the Woods

With the forest, a whole new environment becomes accessible to little farmers – inviting them to sit around a campfire to roast marshmallows while squirrels watch from high up in the trees.

They can spend time in their treehouse or camp outside using their tent. More than that, players can learn, in a simplified way, about forestry and the importance of wood as a renewable resource.

New Machines and Animals

They try their hands at forestry and woodworking with new machines and activities: planting and harvesting trees, or turning timber into guitars, wooden chests, and birdhouses.

To cut the trees, they can use the wheeled and tracked feller bunchers that come as part of the update. These machines in the iconic John Deere livery give players a glance of what these big machines do.

Farming Simulator Kids is available for Nintendo Switch, iPhone, iPad, and Android™ devices via the Nintendo eShop, in the App Store and on Google Play, respectively. Visit the official Farming Simulator website.

# # #  

About GIANTS Software

GIANTS Software is an international video game developer and publisher from Switzerland established in 2004 and known worldwide for creating the popular Farming Simulator series. The team with offices in Switzerland (Zurich), Germany (Erlangen), USA (Chicago) and Czech Republic (Brno) is very committed to maintain close contact to the agricultural industry and to engage with the community.

About Farming Simulator

Since 2008, over 30 million units of Farming Simulator have been sold worldwide. The game series has been released on all popular platforms including consoles, mobile phones, tablets and PCs since then. From the start, the team enabled users to create mods with the company’s own GIANTS Engine. With the Farming Simulator League (FSL), the series introduced a competitive esports mode in 2019 – with teams competing in professional tournaments and many acclaimed brands and sponsors on board.

© 2024 Published and developed by GIANTS Software GmbH. Farming Simulator, GIANTS Software and its logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GIANTS Software GmbH. All manufacturers, agricultural machinery, agricultural equipment, names, brands and associated imagery featured in this game in some cases include trademarks and/or copyrighted materials of their respective owners. The agricultural machines and equip ment in this game may be different from the actual machines in shapes, colors and performance. © 2024 Sony Interactive Entertainment LLC. “PlayStation“, “PS5“ and “PS5 logo“ are registered trademarks or trademarks of Sony Interactive Entertainment Inc. Microsoft, the Xbox Sphere mark, the Series X logo, Series S logo, Series X|S logo, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, and Xbox Series X|S are trademarks of the Microsoft group of companies. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. Apple, the Apple logo and the App Store are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries. Android and Google Play are trademarks of Google LLC. All other names, trademarks and logos are property of their respective owners. All rights reserved.

Cat Quest III – Gameplay

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Join us as we explore the pawtastic world of Cat Quest III filled with secret treasures, silly costumes and we sink a dozen of ships while on our way to find the fabled North Star treasure

In Cat Quest III you play as a purrivateer in a freely explorable 2.5D open-world swarming with Pi-rats. You can sail the seas in your ship for treasures galore! But prepare for peril, as the Pirate King aims to hunt you down…

Cat Quest III
Developer: The Gentlebros
Publisher: Kepler Interactive
Platform: PlayStation 5|4, Switch, Xbox Series X|S, PC/Windows
Release Date: 8 Aug, 2024
Price: $19.99 USD

Available here – https://www.thegentlebros.com/catquest3/

Summary:

Recommended – “The latest entry in the Cat Quest series showers us with more quests, more secrets, and way more fun. A textbook example of how to properly make a sequel that doesn’t overstay its welcome.”

Check out our review for Cat Quest III here!

Check out all the latest in the world of video games, anime, and entertainment at Capsule Computers:

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Cat Quest III Review

Cat Quest III

Developer: The Gentlebros
Publisher: Kepler Interactive
Platforms: Xbox Series XXbox OnePlayStation 4PlayStation 5Nintendo SwitchPC (Reviewed)
Release Date: 8 Aug 2024
Price: $19.99 USD – Available Here $59.95 AUD – Available Here

Overview

Let me ask you: what is your “cheat” game? You know, a game you must immediately check out because it has that specific something? For some, their hook it’s something so simple as scantily dressed women in fighting games, others follow the path of “the gorier, the better” and some can easily get lost in a 100,000-word visual novel like nothing. I am a simple man. I see cats, I click. Or download. If it has a cat, I’ll check it out. That’s my rule. I played some good games, some bad ones and some just used cats as a selling point and didn’t put any effort into the game. Shame on them.

So now that we’re on the subject of cat games, I have to mention the Cat Quest series as being surprisingly good so far. They’re somewhat short and cute games filled with some dungeon looting and a lot of cat-related puns. I already reviewed both games and they easily won me over so I’m obviously excited about having the third entry to check out. So let’s give it a go.

Story

This time, Cat Quest brings a lot to the table. For the first time in the series, you can sail the high seas and battle in your very own ship. You are on a quest to find the fabled North Star treasure, battle hundreds of mouse-like pirates or Pi-rats as they’re called here (on land and in the sea), and get sidetracked by dozens of sidequests, hidden treasures, and secrets. Cat Quest III does feel like a magnum opus of the series with how everything is improved with even more cat-related puns than before. But as far as the story goes, you’ll be bombarded with exposition at the start, drip-fed with lore throughout the game, and then bombarded with the rest of “who, where, and what” once you face the final boss. But you know what, I decided for the story to take the back seat (and so will you) once I got my hands on that speedy pirate ship and got exploring the rest of the high seas. The game also sets up a sequel in a pretty expected way but then again, it’s not like we expected this series to stop at number 3, right?

Gameplay

We can divide all the fun parts of the game into two sections; land and sea. If you played the previous games in the series, then you’ll know what to expect. Plethora of dungeons, new (and secret) weapons, new skills, new magic, and so on. But your sea vehicle takes it to the next level. It’s a great feeling when you see the whole map and know that you can instantly sail from point A to point B in a second. Nothing is walled and locked out at the start but there are different enemy levels/ship levels so for some areas of the map it would be perhaps smart to level up first.

As you expected, you can upgrade your ship with buffs such as a faster reload, better damage, and special attacks. The ship levels up with you and it is a great tool in finding hidden treasure. And let me tell you about treasure and hidden stuff in this game. Some of the best equipment in the game is hidden behind sidequests and puzzles. Checking out every nook and cranny definitely pays off. Weapons and armor sets here are not just for show. Some will give you super useful buffs such as extra attacks, or faster attacks the more you hit the enemy and some have a chance to shock & freeze enemies with every attack.

Visuals

I can’t say that the visuals are much improved compared to the previous game, but then again nothing looked bad in Cat Quest II either. We have a bigger world map this time and a lot more enemy variety. The dungeons don’t feel like they’re copy & paste either, sometimes you’ll find the nearby waterfall seeping through the dungeon and flooding it and the next one might have none of that and be full of puzzles and dozens of traps. You can always mix and match the equipment for your kitty, and play with different armor sets. The combinations you get are often hilarious. The equipment is usually bound to the level you had when you picked it up but have no worries, there is a nearby blacksmith that can always upgrade your favorite pirate hat from level 5 to level 65 (assuming you have the cash).

Audio

Nothing out of the ordinary there. There is a soundtrack throughout the game, I can tell you that much. The music is varied and tied to what’s going on in the game (if you’re just exploring the high seas or you’re in a boss fight) but I can’t say that anything really stands out. Although, it has its moments. You won’t know what fun is until you get into a naval fight with 2-3 more pirate ships and the orchestra of dozens of cannonballs flying from one ship to another takes center stage. It’s fun and tense as it is hilarious. And yeah, the game could definitely use more quality voice acting just like in the opening cinematic but we are stuck with what we have.

Overall

Let’s be honest, Cat Quest III is a near-perfect product. The carefully crafted balance of story and exploration, dozens and dozens of secrets and puzzles, and a whole lot of cutesy-created characters (yes, even the nasty bosses). The game also at any point doesn’t overstay its welcome. The developers claim that you can get around 10 to 15 hours from the game but I managed to explore and find pretty much everything in 8 hours. And that’s also the perfectly fine length of the game, especially if we compare it to the price. It is a perfect summer game with an impressive amount of details, work, and love that’s been poured into it. It has my definite recommendation and now I can’t wait for the inevitable sequel.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

KICK F1 Sim Racing Team to continue with Thomas Ronhaar and Brendon Leigh into 2024-25 Sim Racing season

Hinwil, 6 August 2024 – KICK F1 Sim Racing Team will continue racing with Thomas Ronhaar and Brendon Leigh in the 2024-25 Sim Racing season, as preparations continue for the new campaign and our drivers compete in the PSGL Championship – the sim racing competition effectively acting as an unofficial pre-season for the F1 Sim Racing Championship.

Two names that need no introduction to those familiar with the Sim Racing scene, Thomas and Brendon joined the team in 2023, enjoying a successful first season racing alongside each other in KICK F1 Sim Racing Team colours. The pairing brought the team to a superb P2 finish in the teams’ standings – a huge step forward from past seasons, and the outfit’s best performance in five years. Now, motivated to continue progressing in this direction and building on the strong performance shown so far, the talented duo gears up for a new season, ready to go for the ultimate goals – the F1 Sim Racing Championship drivers’ and teams’ titles.

KICK F1 Sim Racing Team will return on track clad in its unmistakeable, eye-catching fluo racing green and black livery – recalling that of Stake F1 Team KICK Sauber in the Formula One World Championship.

Maintaining stability on all fronts, KICK F1 Sim Racing Team will be able to count on the unchanged support of title partner, streaming platform KICK, as well as sim racing supplier, Fanatec, Esports organisation, R8G and clothing supplier, X-Bionic. All is set for another thrilling season of sim racing, and KICK F1 Sim Racing Team, together with Thomas Ronhaar and Brendon Leigh, is ready to take on the challenge.

About Sauber Group of Companies:

The Sauber Group of Companies is composed of two operational entities: Sauber Motorsport AG, which operates and manages its Formula OneTM team; and Sauber Technologies AG, which focuses on third-party business in the areas of advanced engineering, prototype development and additive manufacturing, in addition to full and model-scale testing in the factory’s state-of-the-art wind tunnel and ground-breaking innovation in the field of aerodynamics. The companies collaborate closely and share know-how to apply the expertise of more than 550 dedicated individuals at the headquarter in Hinwil, Switzerland, to all internal and external projects.

The Sauber Group puts sustainability at the heart of its mission; its business, operating under the ISO 14001 environmental management standard, has been carbon neutral since 2011 and the company has achieved the Three-Star level in the FIA Environmental Accreditation Framework.

Since its founding in 1970, the innovative Swiss company has been setting standards in the design, development and construction of race cars for various championship series, such as Formula One, DTM, and WEC. Following its own Formula One debut in 1993, Sauber Motorsport AG has established one of the few traditional and privately held teams in the sport. A member of the exclusive club of teams which competed in more than 500 F1 races, it celebrated 30 years in the sport in 2022 and continues to go from strength to strength on and off the track.

The Smurfs – Dreams tells the story of its creation through a developer diary

Learn more about this enchanting world!

Sydney, Australia – August 6, 2024 – The creators of The Smurfs – Dreams talk about the game in a dedicated making-of video for their upcoming title.

Watch the developer diary now!

From universe design to gameplay and the collaboration with Peyo Company, discover the behind-the-scenes journey that awaits you through the wildest dreams of your favorite Smurfs and the creators at Ocellus Service.

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.

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.

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 customise your character with new clothing and unlock various surprises throughout your journey.
  • A Magical artistic direction – Discover a unique and colourful 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 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.

About The Smurfs

Blue and as tall as three apples, the Smurfs embody teamwork, loyalty, optimism, joy, humor, and respect for nature. They may not be easy to distinguish at first glance, but each Smurf has its own uniqueness and personality. The Smurfs live in a village filled with mushroom-shaped houses, hidden deep within a magical forest where few dare to venture. Making their debut in Johan and Peewit’s comic book in 1958, these little blue characters created by Belgian artist Peyo (Pierre Culliford) have been spreading happiness and entertaining families worldwide for several generations. The new animated series “The Smurfs” (2021) airs globally on Nickelodeon and Netflix, as well as on TF1 in France. A new Smurfs movie, produced and distributed by Paramount Animation, with Rihanna playing the role of Smurfette, has recently been announced with a worldwide theatrical release scheduled for February 2025.

©2024 Microids SA. All rights reserved. Developed by Ocellus. Published by Microids SA. All rights reserved. ©Peyo – 2024 – Licensed through I.M.P.S. (Brussels)