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SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE LAUNCHES A NEW COLLABORATION GAME UPDATE WITH TV ANIMATION SHANGRI-LA FRONTIER

LOS ANGELES JUNE 27, 2024 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, has announced a new collaboration update for SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE, featuring the popular TV animation Shangri-La Frontier. Starting today, players can experience several new playable heroes, in-game events and more. 

The latest collaboration update adds three melee-type Legendary Heroes from Shangri-La Frontier, including:

  • Sunraku:He earns a buff that increases his Critical Hit Rate, final Critical Hit Damage and final Evasion when using his active skills that deal great damage to a single target. When his Critical Hit attack successfully activates, Sunraku grants a buff that increases Critical Hit Rate to all allies, as well as inflicting a bleed debuff on the target.
  • Arthur Pencilgon: She is known for using a spear that deals damage from a distance. Arthur Pencilgon also grants a buff that increases the final Attack to all allies, while her Critical Hit attack’s final damage increases when attacking bleeding targets.
  • Oikatzo: His skill grants a buff that enhances three stats to deal massive damage to the target, while the final damage increases if the target is paralyzed. Arthur Pencilgon and Oikatzo are obtainable from Wolfgang Challenger Pass, which runs through July 24. 

Several in-game events are now available through July 24 to commemorate this special collaboration with Shangri-La Frontier

  • Shangri-La Frontier Rate Up Summon Event: Players will have an opportunity to obtain their favorite collaboration hero.
  • Shangri-La Frontier Special Check-in Event: Acquire the Collab Heroes and Shangri-La Frontier Hero Summon Tickets simply by logging into the game for 14 days.

Additional new content includes the introduction of stages 17,601 to 18,400 and the brand-new Shangri-La Frontier Collaboration Dungeon. This update also brings Blacksmith’s Challenge (June 27 – July 10) a special mini-game where players can earn Event Shop currency to exchange for various items. 

Based on their flagship franchise and the successor to the original Seven Knights game, SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE has been reimagined as an idle RPG. Developed with low capacity and low specification devices in mind with a guiding principle of easy playability, players will experience an expanded storyline with previously untold episodes of the original Seven Knights heroes. Collect and nurture returning fan-favorites who have been reborn as cute SD characters.

As an official continuation of Seven Knights, a game enjoyed by 60 million players globally, SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE will be an exciting addition for fans looking to learn more and interact with their favorite heroes with a low time investment.

For more information on SEVEN KNIGHTS IDLE ADVENTURE, please be sure to stay tuned to the official brand website for future updates. The game will continue to introduce many more heroes and modes in the coming months.

About Netmarble Corporation

Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading developer and publisher of top-grossing mobile games worldwide. Through powerful franchises and collaborations with acclaimed IP holders, Netmarble strives to elevate the gaming experience and entertain audiences globally. As a parent company of Kabam and SpinX Games, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Solo Leveling: ARISE, Seven Knights Idle Adventure, Tower of God: New World, Lineage 2: Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds and The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross. More information can be found at http://company.netmarble.com.

Based on manga “Shangri-La Frontier” by Katarina, Ryosuke Fuji originally serialized in the weekly Shonen MAGAZINE published by KODANSHA Ltd.

Take a Behind-the-Scenes Tour with Clive Standen, Tim Willits & Creative Director Oliver Hollis-Leick in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s New Developer Diary

PARIS July 1, 2024 – Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment have unveiled a new developer diary video taking you behind the scenes for a glimpse at all the work that is going into their hotly-anticipated third-person action shooter Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Space Marine 2 is now open for pre-orders and will launch September 9 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

A Passion Project for Everyone at Saber and Focus

From actor Clive Standen as Lieutenant Titus to the art, development, and QA units, today’s video tells the story of the team’s commitment to delivering a game truly worthy of its predecessor, fans’ expectations, and the immeasurable scale of war in the 41st Millenium. Be it the brutal efficiency of the Space Marines, the gigantic scale of the game’s environments, or the unique technology behind the Tyranid swarms – every aspect of Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 represents the culmination of what Saber and Focus have strived toward for many years through numerous titles, according to Saber Chief Creative Officer Tim Willits.

Pre-order Today and Play Up to Four Days Early

Pre-orders are now available through PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, the Epic Games Store, and participating retail stores. In addition to the Collector’s Editionexclusive to the Focus Store, three Editions are now available for pre-order: Standard, Gold, and Ultra Edition. Pre-ordering the Gold or Ultra Edition will also grant you exclusive access to the full game up to four days before release.

Heed the call of battle when Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 launches Sept. 9, 2024, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Sign up as a Focus member to get exclusive news and upcoming special offers for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and the whole Focus catalog.

STAKE YOUR CLAIM IN KINGDOM, DUNGEON, AND HERO OUT NOW ON STEAM

The fantasy strategy title features six playable scenarios and a native editor for a personalized campaign.

Boca Raton, FL, 01 July 2024 | Begin your campaign towards victory in Kingdom, Dungeon, and Hero. From indie developer Kraken Studios, the fantasy strategy title is out today on Steam.

Pave Your Way To Victory

Kingdom, Dungeon, and Hero brings a board-game feel to the Steam storefront. Within the game’s hex-based map, players must establish an economy, grow a military, manage diplomatic relationships, and battle against rival kingdoms. Whether your interests lie in conquest, adventuring, or building, Kingdom, Dungeon, and Hero offers many different ways to play.

Expand Your Kingdom

Offering six scenarios to choose from, players will manage their resources while remaining aware of enemy agendas. Embark on these adventures in parties of six, capitalizing on each hero’s unique skillset to face off against incoming peril. Along these expeditions, players may uncover magic items and artifacts, strengthen their attributes, and fight to increase their kingdom’s power. Gold and precious shards can be acquired from these adventures to purchase additional resources. By growing their influence, players may rise from explorer to conqueror to lord of their expanding kingdom.

Customize Your Experience

Review your activities with summaries of your battles, trade achievements, and research. In addition, random events and an unpredictable weather system will challenge even the most seasoned adventurers! Accompanying these fantasy and wargame elements, Kingdom, Dungeon, and Hero boasts various additional features to create an engaging experience for all players. The game’s editor grants customizable maps, monsters, adventures, heroes, and magic items for a personalized campaign. 

Features:

  • Ready-to-Play: Challenge friends in PBEM co-op or test your skills against a computer opponent.
  • Risk and Reward: Negotiate with other kingdoms to form allies or force your will with the sword.
  • Testing the Waters: Hidden fleets test your skills against piracy, interception, and evasion.
  • Traitorous Acts: Send your heroes on missions to hunt down your kingdom’s greatest enemies.
  • Ready Wherever: Invite friends to your campaign with the game’s multiplayer mode, implementing a traditional play via email format to remind players of their turn.

Kingdom, Dungeon, and Hero is out now on Steam.

About Kraken Studios

Our goal is to create strategy games of moderate complexity and high depth in niches that have not been fulfilled. Taking the time to create a good, well-researched game is our priority.

Spilt Milk Studios adds Lesleyann White as Producer and Philippa Warr as Narrative Designer for Trash Goblin

New hires bolster Spilt Milk’s mission to delight players with cosy, wholesome games with a twist!

London, England – July 1st, 2024 – Indie game developer Spilt Milk Studios has hired two new veteran game developers to join its team. Lesleyann White has joined as permanent Producer, following her background at Failbetter and Jagex, where she worked on such games as Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies, Mask of the Rose, and RuneScape. In the new role of Narrative Designer on its upcoming wholesome & cosy shopkeeping game Trash Goblin, Spilt Milk has recruited Philippa Warr, who helped pen such acclaimed titles as A Monster’s Expedition, Little Kitty, Big City, and Flock. These latest hires are instrumental in Spilt Milk’s mission to delight players with cosy, wholesome games with a twist!

“We’re bowled over at the two of these total champions joining us – Lesleyann as our new permanent Producer working across all of our projects, and Philippa as the Narrative Designer for Trash Goblin,” said Spilt Milk Creative Director Andrew Smith.

“Lesleyann is a multi-award-winning developer of some renown, coming to us from the brilliant team over at Failbetter; we’re delighted that she’ll be supporting and championing our team’s efforts in delivering our games on time, on budget, and most importantly as a happy and satisfied group of developers. She’s been a boon since the day she started, wrangling us all with gusto and expertise – I’m positive we’ll be rising to every challenge with a smile!

“Philippa is the ideal Narrative Designer, and is helping us on a contract basis to make the characters and quests in Trash Goblin as smart, funny and mischievous as she is! Coming hot off a few indie gems – most recently Little Kitty Big City – she’s already done wonders nurturing the seeds we planted for Trash Goblin (and beyond) while the next few months are going to see a bounty of quests, dialogue and other delights come to fruition!

“These two hires mark a recent round of good news we’ve been building towards for a while now, with most of our fixed term contractors being brought in as permanent staff, and the securing of a second project that has allowed us to bring a small team of artists into the fold for a short while, giving us the chance to work with even more talent and to hone our already formidable skills and processes.

“Set against the state of the industry, it feels like a blessing and an honour to be in such a fortunate position.”

“I’m absolutely thrilled to have joined the Spilt Milk team as a Producer,” said Lesleyann White. “It’s an honour to be able to work alongside such an incredibly talented bunch of developers and support them as we take Trash Goblin into Early Access and beyond. With over a decade of experience in QA and release management not only do I have a passion for quality, but also for community input during the development process. From the communities of Failbetter’s Sunless Sea, Sunless Skies and Mask of the Rose, to Jagex’s multi-award winning MMORPG RuneScape, working with players to bring them immersive games that will delight them for years to come has always been one of the joys of my work. I can’t wait to get involved with the wonderful Trash Goblin community and see what they think of all the exciting content we have planned for them.”

“I’m delighted to be working with the excellent Spilt Milk team on Trash Goblin,” added Philippa Warr. “I’ve been a narrative designer and writer for about five years now, and my previous projects include the critically acclaimed puzzler A Monster’s Expedition, the delightful cat chaos sim Little Kitty, Big City, and the upcoming chilled-out creature collector Flock. As you can probably tell, I specialise in quirky, uplifting indie games, so Trash Goblin felt like a great fit. Besides, as a trash goblin myself, I also feel like I can bring a lot of personal expertise to the project alongside my professional skills!”

About Spilt Milk Studios
Spilt Milk Studios is a multi-award-winning independent game developer. We’re focused on delighting players with wholesome games made with a twinkle in our eye, and are dedicated to fostering a diverse community who values curiosity and empathy. We’re making games for a global audience, and are driven by an inexorable moral imperative around how we build our company and the kinds of games we want to make. These pillars guide us as we grow, nurturing people, processes & talent so that we leave the world a better place than how we found it. It’s literally the least we can do.

Walking Fortress Roguelike Castle Come Unveiled For PC & Console

Defeat enemy fortress and scavenge the wreckage to grow from an agile fortling into a hulking, monster machine

Zurich, Switzerland – June 27th 2024 –lauflauf are pleased to unveil their walking fortress roguelike for PC and console, Castle Come, via a debut announcement trailer. In Castle Come, you scout a strange land full of bandits in search of new parts, defeat enemy fortresses and scavenge the wreckage, recruit crew to man your growing arsenal of weapons and build your way from an agile little fortling into a deadly, hulking, monster machine.

In combat, Castle Come switches to a Tekken-inspired 2.5D fighting view where you can make use of sidesteps, dodges and rams. Take advantage of a stylish time-slowing feature that kicks in whenever you line up a shot from one of your arsenal of weapons – from machine guns and mine launchers, to chicken pens and giant boulders. Take control of every weapon yourself, or leave your crew to fire at will as you juggle active reloads, cooldowns and movement in the search for maximum efficiency on the battlefield. 

In Castle Come, you are born into a world enclosed by mighty walls, with a mysterious gate shrouded in legend offering the only way out, following the path walked by the  holy one that crossed the gates. In each zone the gates are sentient, letting only the mightiest mecha-castle through. Progress through gates to explore and gather resources, discover forges, villages and tribes and ultimately uncover the mystery of who built these gates and why you’ve been trapped behind them.

Thanks to the game’s roguelike structure, the wreck of your old fortress in your previous failed run can be discovered as an overgrown ruin with parts to pickover as you take on the hopes of the next generation, or a house you protected might have grown into a flourishing village.  The impact of your past actions are always felt in the future, even if you failed. Discover new weapons and modifiers with each run that change how you play as you seek to construct an unstoppable fortress.    

“Our tiny two-person team is really excited to be able to announce Castle Come to the world with our first trailer,” said Sam Vonäsch, producer and designer. “We’re looking forward to being able to share more about the game’s mechanics, our special take on narration and when it will be releasing, in the future.” 

Website:  https://lauflauf.games/

About lauflauf

lauflauf is a studio exploring systemic games and emergent gameplay out of Zurich. Partnering with people on the fringes of the swiss game development scene, lauflauf explores punchy visual worlds.

HIGHLY ANTICIPATED DEMON SLAYER: KIMETSU NO YAIBA INFINITY CASTLE STORY WILL COME TO THEATERS AS AN EPIC TRILOGY OF FILMS

Crunchyroll Acquires Worldwide Rights (ex. select Asian territories) Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment Set to Distribute the Three-Part Cinematic Movies Bringing the Culmination of the Shonen Saga to Global Audiences

Culver City, California (June 30, 2024) – As the final episode of the Hashira Training arc fromDemon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba airs today, Crunchyroll, the ultimate home for anime worldwide, has announced that it has acquired the highly anticipated Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Infinity Castle, which will come exclusively to theaters globally as an epic trilogy of films.

The trio of films will be distributed by Crunchyroll and Sony Pictures Entertainment worldwide, excluding select Asian territories including Japan. No dating has been released. The three-part cinematic movies represents the final arc and culmination of the hugely popular award-winning anime shonen series. 

Demon Slayer has been a phenomenal franchise, and we at Crunchyroll are delighted to have been a part of it from the beginning,” said Rahul Purini, President of Crunchyroll. “Crunchyroll is thrilled to be able to bring this trilogy of films to fans, on the big screen, and it promises to be one of the truly epic and consequential pop cultural events of our time when it hits theaters.”

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is based on the manga series by Koyoharu Gotoge published under SHUEISHA’s JUMP COMICS, which consists of 23 volumes and over 150 million copies in publication. The franchise has won the admiration of millions of fans around the globe since its debut in 2018. The story begins when Tanjiro Kamado, a boy whose family is killed by a demon, joins the Demon Slayer Corps to turn his younger sister Nezuko back into a human after she is transformed into a demon. 

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba first premiered in April 2019 with the Tanjiro Kamado, Unwavering Resolve Arc, followed by the feature film Mugen Train in October 2020, and the TV series Mugen Train Arc and Entertainment District Arc from 2021 through 2022. In 2023, the Swordsmith Village Arc debuted on Crunchyroll, shortly after the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Swordsmith Village- theatrical release. In 2024, the Hashira Training Arc debuted, shortly after the Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To Hashira Training- theatrical release. The animation production is by ufotable. 

The latest films – Mugen Train, -To the Swordsmith Village-, and -To the Hashira Training- – have received both commercial and critical success. Mugen Train currently holds the record as the highest-grossing anime movie of all time and the highest-grossing Japanese film at the global box office, garnering over 500 million USD to date. It currently ranks as the second-highest grossing anime film in U.S. box office history. It also garnered a 98% critic score and 99% audience score (with 10,000+ verified ratings) on Rotten Tomatoes.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba is currently available to stream on Crunchyroll

Official Website: demonslayer-anime.com

About Aniplex Inc.

Aniplex Inc. (ANX) is a diversified entertainment company operating worldwide with focus on the planning and production of anime video and music content, its distribution in theaters and broadcast syndication as well as their respective physical and digital products, development of related game apps and merchandise such as figurines and apparel, stage production of musicals and live events, and operating the online store “Aniplex Online” which provides hand-picked items for sale.

About Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll, LLC is an independently operated joint venture between U.S.-based Sony Pictures Entertainment and Japan’s Aniplex, a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment (Japan) Inc., both subsidiaries of Tokyo-based Sony Group.

Films distributed and marketed by Crunchyroll—domestically and internationally—have a proven track record of both box office and critical success.  Crunchyroll’s theatrical team has been behind 10 of the Top 20 best-performing anime films in U.S. box office history, including Demon Slayer -Kimetsu no Yaiba- The Movie: Mugen Train, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Swordsmith Village-, and Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba -To the Hashira Training-. Not only have Crunchyroll films seen box office success, but have also been recognized with numerous awards and accolades and been accepted and screened at international film festivals around the globe.

Magic: The Gathering Unveils Duskmourn: House of Horror; the World Premiere Announcement of Foundations at MagicCon: Amsterdam

Magic: The Gathering is in Europe for MagicCon: Amsterdam, an incredible weekend full of The Gathering, running from June 28-30. Wizards of the Coast is showcasing cards, art, and details about upcoming sets for the most popular tabletop card game in the world.

Thousands of fans and players are at the RAI in Amsterdam for an incredible weekend full of Magic, with something new for everyone. Featuring Pro Tour Modern Horizons 3, a variety of on-demand and ticketed play events, events and panels on the mana stage, immersive experiences, exclusive merch, fan-favourite artists, cosplayers, Magic celebrities and so much more!

Fans gathered today at a special preview panel revealing more information for upcoming titles including first looks for Duskmourn: House of Horror, the world premiere announcement of Foundations, and an update on Bloomburrow.

All the latest announcements and details from today’s panel are below:

DUSKMOURN: HOUSE OF HORROR

Experience the thrill of overcoming impossible odds and uncover chilling secrets in Magic’s first contemporary horror set. “Who will survive, and what will be left of them?” That’s a question both Magic fans and our story protagonists will be asking themselves. Duskmourn: House of Horror takes place on a new plane, Duskmourn, inspired by the genre of modern horror from the 1980s up through the present day. But there’s a twist! Duskmourn isn’t just any plane, it’s an infinite haunted house populated by horrors, nightmares, and other terrifying entities.

And just like with any good piece of horror media, we have one more surprise for you! In Duskmourn: House of Horror, the Commander decks have something returning that has been requested for years: Archenemy! This optional game mode pits three players against one. But don’t worry if you’re the one flying solo—you’ll have a special set of twisted schemes at your disposal.

Duskmourn: House of Horror will be available for pre-order June 28 and launches September 27, 2024.

JAPAN SHOWCASE

Starting with Duskmourn: House of Horror, we are excited to announce a brand-new part of Booster Fun, Japan Showcase cards. Japan Showcase cards will feature card art from Japanese artists and illustrators, an homage to globally beloved and renowned art styles commonly found in Japanese hobby stores.

WORLD PREMIERE ANNOUNCEMENT OF FOUNDATIONS

Whether you’re taking your first steps into Magic, working on your Standard decks, or diving deep into Modern, Commander, and more—Magic: The Gathering Foundations is for you. Your favourite Legends and Planeswalkers are here with quintessential magic from across the Multiverse. This set was made for past, present, and future Magic players with cards legal in Standard for years, through at least 2029.

Foundations is built as the ideal set for everyone – welcoming new players into Magic: The Gathering while maintaining an engaging experience for long-time fans. Foundations will also fully empower new players with both knowledge and cards relevant to the fun, charm, and approachabilityof Magic: The Gathering.

Foundations will release on November 15, 2024; look for more information this fall.

UPDATE ON BLOOMBURROW

Magic fans received an update on Bloomburrow, a cute and cosy new world that doesn’t include humans at all, and instead includes a bold adventuring party of anthropomorphic animal friends—like squirrels, frogs, rats, and rabbits—that will need to band together on an important quest. Bravery comes in all sizes! Put your best paw forward and enter the world of Bloomburrow. When elemental forces rage out of control, the salvation of the Valley falls on the shoulders of its smallest protectors. Fight beside mice, frogs, bats, birds, lizards, squirrels, and other critters as you restore the balance of peace.

Bloomburrow will release on August 2, 2024 and is available for pre-order now from online retailers like Amazon, your local game store, and wherever Magic products are sold.

For more details, visit DailyMTG.

About Magic: The Gathering

Magic: The Gathering’s compelling characters, fantastic worlds, and deep strategic gameplay have entertained and delighted fans for 30 years. Fans can experience Magic through the tabletop trading card game, the digital game Magic: The Gathering Arena, a New York Times bestselling novel, and a critically acclaimed comic book series. With more than 50 million fans to date, Magic is a worldwide phenomenon.

About Wizards of the Coast

Wizards of the Coast, a division of Hasbro (NASDAQ: HAS), develops legendary games that inspire creativity, spark passions, forge friendships and foster communities around a lifetime love of games. Wizards delivers compelling experiences for gamers across tabletop and digital gaming through its best-known franchises MAGIC: THE GATHERING and DUNGEONS & DRAGONS and Hasbro’s unparalleled portfolio of approximately 1,500 brands. With headquarters in Renton, Washington and studios in Austin, Montreal and Raleigh; Wizards is dedicated to fostering world-class talent to create unforgettable play experiences on all platforms. To learn more about Wizards, please visit our Company website and social channels (@Wizards on Twitter and LinkedIn).

About Hasbro

Hasbro is a leading toy and game company whose mission is to entertain and connect generations of fans through the wonder of storytelling and exhilaration of play. Hasbro delivers engaging brand experiences for global audiences through toys, consumer products, gaming and entertainment, with a portfolio of iconic brands including MAGIC: THE GATHERING, DUNGEONS & DRAGONS, Hasbro Gaming, NERF, TRANSFORMERS, PLAY-DOH and PEPPA PIG, as well as premier partner brands. Hasbro is guided by our Purpose to create joy and community for all people around the world, one game, one toy, one story at a time. For more than a decade, Hasbro has been consistently recognized for its corporate citizenship, including being named one of the 100 Best Corporate Citizens by 3BL Media, one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute and one of the 50 Most Community-Minded Companies in the U.S. by the Civic 50. For more information, visit https://corporate.hasbro.com.

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CAPTURE MOMENTS WITH THE FORGERS IN SPYxANYA: OPERATION MEMORIES, NOW AVAILABLE ON CONSOLES AND PC

Create and Cherish Joyful Memories with the Forger Family in their Video Game Debut

Bandai Namco Europe today launched SPYxANYA: OPERATION MEMORIES, the first video game from the popular manga and anime series Spy x Family. SPYxANYA: OPERATION MEMORIES is available now on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™, and PC via STEAM®.

In SPYxANYA: OPERATION MEMORIES, players will create and cherish joyful moments with Anya Forger, an orphan with telepathic abilities who was adopted by Loid Forger. Tasked with making a photo diary as an assignment for Eden College, players must take memorable pictures of Anya to complete her diary from the series through fun family outings to the park, beach, dog park, aquarium, and museum.

SPYxANYA: OPERATION MEMORIES also includes a variety of more than 15 mini-games based on familiar scenes from the anime – ranging from peanut-themed bowling to rhythm training with Yor. Players can earn points from mini-games and unlock over 80 unique costumes and outing items, including clothing, accessories, and hairstyles for Anya, Loid, Yor, and Bond.

Watch the launch trailer for SPYxANYA: OPERATION MEMORIES below:

For more information about SPYxANYA: OPERATION MEMORIES and other titles from Bandai Namco Europe please visit: https://www.bandainamcoent.eu.

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About Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S.  

Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC.  

Bandai Namco Europe is producing intellectual property for a global audience and is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, PARK BEYOND™, and the upcoming UNKNOWN 9™ Awakening – developed by the recently acquired Reflector Entertainment based in Montreal, QC.  

Bandai Namco Europe serves as the Headquarters of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe, which is known for creating and publishing many of the Toy & Entertainment industry’s top franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TAMAGOTCHI™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, DARK SOULS™ and the recently released ELDEN RING™.  

For more information please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu.  

Press Release © 2024 Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S.   All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners

Until Then Review

Until Then

Developer: Polychroma Games
Publisher: Maximum Entertainment
Platforms: PC, PlayStation 5 (Reviewed)
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $19.99 USD – Available Here

Overview

Being a teenager is an awkward time of anyone’s life and many titles have tried to tackle that element to various levels of success. Some take a straightforward route, others an entirely artistic one, and others that like to throw an entirely new spin on things. Polychroma Games happens to fall into the last category with their title Until Then for a variety of reasons. Not only is the game set in the underutilized country of the Philippines but also puts a unique take on a “visual novel” style presentation. Combine this with some other unique twists and Until Then is certainly an indie game that stands out among the crowd but just how different is it?

Story

Set in an alternative version of 2014, players take on the role of Mark, a young teenager that tends to slack off and focus on playing video games with his friends but can put in the crunchtime needed to pull off passing grades with surprising ease. This has led to him being called something of an unmotivated genius by his friends, something caused by the fact that he lives alone with both parents working overseas, something apparently common for the Philippines. This happens to be quite true, as either playing the piano or video games happen to be two of Mark’s biggest passions even if he isn’t the best at the former. That hasn’t stopped him from forming close friendships with others like the endearing Cathy, camera obsessed Ribel, skilled basketball player Ryan, or even the class president Louise that everyone seems to have a crush on as he regularly texts with them and comments on their various posts through the game’s rather interesting phone system.

Despite managing to pull off some passing grades in school, Mark is struggling to find the spark to light his world on fire and when word comes in that two new transfer students are making their way to the high school, it comes with a bang. Literally. In a rush to once again crunch a homework project Mark manages to crash right into one of the transfer students, a girl named Nicole. This girl, and her rightful anger, kickstarts the spark within Mark’s life in more ways than one as he gets to know her and begins to bond with her, but there is far more to Until Then than simply some teenage relationship drama, finishing homework, and exploring places you shouldn’t.

It is worth noting that while we will do our best to avoid talking about specific spoilers for major events following this point, some events will be discussed as they play a major role not only in the setting for the game but also its story progression. Now, as mentioned earlier, Until Then is set in an “alternate” version of 2014 and the reason for that quickly becomes clear when talks of “The Ruling” swirl in the background. Now, as mentioned before, one of they unique aspects of the game is that players will occasionally have the ability to scroll through their news feed, liking and commenting on posts by Mark’s friends but this also allows players to read up on some key pieces of background information. 

The Ruling was a cataclysmic event that occurred only six months prior to the start of the game, seeing thousands of  natural disasters happen around the world at the same time and causing massive devastation to nearly every nation. While the Philippines managed to mostly get away unscathed, they still suffered three or four natural disasters occurring simultaneously and left the world rattled and many people feeling unsafe or separated. This strange occurrence is combined with the fact that some of Marks’ friends’ memories don’t quite line-up with one another sometimes, one character remembering something that hasn’t happened at all while another predicting something else. There are even rumors circulating that some people just vanish into thin air as if they were whisked away by spirits. 

Combine the usual teenage angst with this supernatural backing and Until Then already paints an intriguing picture but this tail is one that goes far beyond intriguing. It paints a vivid picture of pain, loss, mental illness, and more to the point that some events that unfold can be quite hard to watch or feel like a direct punch to the gut, especially since these events happen later into the story after players have already grown close with many of these characters. It also must be said that Until Then plays a little trick on players as well, hiding the fact that it is far longer than it really is. While an initial playthrough may only take nine or so hours, with a simple prompt to continue the game once players have reached the ending that content almost doubles in length. What follows into the second and even third playthrough is something that is best experienced first-hand and truly a heart-wrenching tail, especially as players see more and more context unfold.

Gameplay

Now it is worth noting that while Until Then can best be classified as a visual novel, it isn’t quite a standard one. Players can move Mark around pre-designated locations and interact with certain objects, many of which are optional, and even take part in a variety of mini-games throughout the storyline. These mini-games range in quality from simple to rather challenging, though there isn’t any actual punishment for “losing” a mini-game beyond perhaps a simple bit of dialogue difference. In fact, Until Then has a static narrative path with character choices even when talking or texting only having minor variations on responses.

As mentioned before, one of the unique elements that players will have with the game is Mark pulling out his phone through standard gameplay he usually just texts, with players holding down X to type or occasionally making a choice. Usually at the start or end of every chapter is when players can often visit their feed and not only view posts by his friends and fellow classmates and like/share and occasionally comment on them, but also read into news stories about the world and what is happening in it. It is interesting to note that some characters did respond to having a post liked, so players will want to keep an eye on that. 

That being said, one issue with the phone is the fact that the “highlight” of what players are selecting is incredibly faint. Way too faint in fact that it is nearly invisible and can be troublesome when trying to navigate to see more about the world rather than quitting out of the phone early simply out of frustration. It is also worth noting that while the game does autosave, it features a chapter system instead for actual saves, so players will need to replay entire chapter sections should they need to step away or stop playing at any point, something that is a tad bit annoying as well.

Audio & Visuals

If there is anywhere that Until Then manages to shine the brightest besides its storyline is with its presentation. The team at Polychroma Games have really poured their heart into the game’s designs and characters with their pixelated bodies being fully animated and even little cutscenes of fluid animation for more important moments of the story or as a surprise to show just how detailed a character can be. The world itself is also highly detailed with the backgrounds featuring Philippines style buildings and businesses. It is a bit unfortunate that some of the scenes that feature numerous characters on screen at once can see some repeated character models appear far too close together at times. It is also worth noting that there are some rather oddly translated or, at least oddly worded, sentences and pieces of dialogue that come up from time to time.

Unfortunately the game features no voice work of any kind which is something of a disappointment considering its length and how impactful some of the story moments would be should they be properly voiced. Instead though the game features a wonderful set of background music to make up for it, including a wide-range of piano music that often adds an extra bit of stinger to more poignant events as they unfold.

Overall

Until Then came as a surprise.A pleasant one at that. What comes off as a coming of age story in the Philippines after a near apocalyptic event becomes far more than that even if some of these far more strange and unique elements take a bit to reveal themselves. The heart-wrenching moments of experiencing what these characters are going through and seeing how events unfold in front of Mark and to him makes this an incredibly memorable game that does have its limitations but still shines despite them.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Hardcore retro shooter Bloodhound now available on PS4 and PS5

Bloodhound, a hardcore shooter focused on intense and brutal retro-style gameplay, debuts on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5. The game is inspired by old shooters (including Doom, Quake and Painkiller) and apocalyptic themes. The release date on PlayStation consoles is set for June 28 this year. Bloodhound has already debuted on PC, and will also be available on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S in August.

Bloodhound is a first-person shooter created by the independent Polish studio Kruger & Flint Productions. In Bloodhound, the player takes on the role of a member of a secret faction of the Templar order, which must stop the demonic cult of the devilish Astaroth.

Bloodhound – Official Trailer:

Bloodhound (PlayStation Store): https://store.playstation.com/concept/10010243
Bloodhound (Steam): https://store.steampowered.com/app/1926270/Bloodhound/
Bloodhound – Juicy Retro Style! DLC: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2535550/Juicy_Retro_Style__Bloodhound/

The gameplay refers to classic games, focusing primarily on dynamics and a high level of brutality. The creators point to inspiration from old shooters such as Doom, Quake and Painkiller. The style of the game mainly refers to various apocalyptic motifs.

In July 2023, the game debuted on PC, and later also received a free expansion – Juicy Retro Style!, thanks to which Bloodhound becomes a pixel boomer shooter. The update also improved gunplay and introduced additional story inserts. The PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions also include this DLC.

Bloodhound – main features:

  • intense and bloody gameplay;
  • 16 types of enemies and 5 bosses;
  • various gameplay modes;
  • satisfying arsenal of 10 weapons;
  • energetic heavy metal music by Sons of Amon.

The game’s release on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 is set for June 28, 2024. Bloodhound will be released in August this year on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S.

Kruger & Flint Productions is an independent Polish studio founded in Warsaw in 2021. The company specializes in producing and publishing premium indie games, with Bloodhound being their debut project. Kruger & Flint Productions comprises experienced game developers who have previously worked on projects for other companies, including Techland, The Astronauts, QLOC, CI Games, Layopi Games, and Wastelands Interactive.