SEOUL – May 16, 2024 – Classic beat ‘em up MMORPG Dungeon Fighter Online is igniting adventure with a major update, “Season 8 Act 3. Verge of Recollection.” In the update, fighters can trek through the new “Verge of Recollection” dungeon solo or with the help of friends to reap plentiful rewards useful for boosting character stats. Seasoned players can try their hand at “Exceed” mode to test their skills against progressively more troublesome dungeons. Additionally, adventurers can enjoy six brand-new events helpful for leveling up and upgrading equipment.
Dungeon Fighter Online (DFO) invites players around the world into a thrilling 2D beat ‘em up MMORPG experience filled with action-packed raids and explorable dungeons. With lively 2D visuals and classic side-scrolling action, DFO delivers fast-paced gameplay and a wealth of character customization. Set in the adventurous world of Arad, fighters band together to explore expansive landscapes and confront the malevolent Apostles threating the realms.
DFO’s massive May update features lots of fresh content for players, including:
“Verge of Recollection” – Brave fighters can prepare themselves for epic combat in DFO’s latest dungeon, “Verge of Recollection.” Players can enter solo or in a party, and can earn useful rewards such as Boundary Fragment, Epic Equipment, Dim Floating Stone, Warped Dimension Cube and more to boost character stats.
“Exceed”Mode – Veteran players can test their mettle in this new mode that spawns them into grueling variants of the White Cloud Valley and Solidaris dungeons, each of which become more challenging over time. Clearing dungeons in “Exceed” mode grants more valuable materials for players keen to maximize their loot.
Quality of Life Updates – Neople has implemented essential improvements to assist players in their everyday journeys, including updates/changes to the Growth System, Explorer Club Circle System, characters, and equipment options and improvements.
Six new events in correlation with DFO’s May content updates are also added:
Need Any Customs? – Players who complete daily, weekly and accumulated tasks will receive various rewards, including the Harmonious Mist Cube that helps secure their desired Custom Equipment.
New Growth, More Support – With the equipment growth system renewed, players can clear easy weekly and accumulated missions such as “Disassemble Epic Equipment” to get essential materials needed for Equipment Growth.
Growing Pains Begone – Material costs needed for Equipment Growth are 90% off, making now the ideal time to grow equipment levels.
Seon Weekly Missions – Fighters can clear various dungeons to increase their Play Gauge and receive useful materials such as Condensed Mist Core, Refined Mist, Boundary Fragment and Repair Coupons for additional support.
Scholar Riki’s Research Support – In the new “Verge of Recollection” dungeon, players can use the unique Enhance Synchronization feature to acquire enticing rewards, including Legendary Cards.
Exceed your Limits – A special Title awaits adventures who overcome the most difficult trials.
Dungeon Fighter Online can be played for free on PC via the official Neople launcher, Steam, and the Epic Games Store. More details on Dungeon Fighter Online’s “Season 8 Act 3. Verge of Recollection” update and can be found in the event webpage and new trailer. See all below:
Founded in 1994, NEXON Co., Ltd. (Nexon) (3659.TO) is a company engaged in the production, development and operation of online games. First listed on the Tokyo Stock Exchange in December 2011, Nexon was placed on JPX400 in 2015 and added to the Nikkei Stock Index 300 in 2017. In 2020, Nexon was added to the Nikkei 225. Nexon currently has more than 45 live games in more than 190 countries on PC, console, and mobile. Major game franchises include MapleStory, KartRider and Dungeon&Fighter. In 2021, Nexon completed the acquisition of Embark Studios AB, a company based in Stockholm, Sweden, developing multiple projects for global release.
Melbourne, Australia – 16 May 2024. Indie developer Tin Man Games is thrilled to announce NEON Squad Tactics, the electrifying new tactical turn-based VR experience coming this summer for Meta Quest devices via the Meta Store.
Get ready for NEON Squad Tactics where you, your friends and online allies plunge into UltraCity’s cybernetic underworld as elite bounty hunters! Strategize, battle, and shape the city’s destiny in epic strategic showdowns. Enter a stunning virtual world brought to life with a hyper-retro 90s aesthetic and a modern synthwave soundtrack and dive into the action either lone wolf in the single-player campaign or with up to 4 friends in multiplayer online co-op mode. Are you prepared to lead your squad to victory amidst the neon-lit chaos?
Watch the announcement trailer for NEON Squad Tactics below:
Welcome to UltraCity, where the neon-lit streets pulse with the rhythm of cybernetic life. In NEON Squad Tactics, immerse yourself in the heart of a cyberpunk metropolis as one of the elite Operators, capable of projecting your consciousness into a team of skilled heroes known as the NEON Squad.
Gather your friends or online allies and navigate the vibrant, wacky world from the comfort of a virtual bar. A captivating holographic table serves as your interface to key locations in the city and beyond. You’ll undertake daring missions on behalf of the powerful corporations, all under the guidance of an enigmatic Handler.
But success demands more than just brute force. As you navigate the dangerous streets, underworld, and irradiated badlands, strategic thinking and clever teamwork will be your greatest assets. Coordinate your squad’s actions in thrilling turn-based tactical battles, where every decision could mean the difference between victory and defeat.
Pre-mission planning is crucial. Wager wisely to secure valuable resources and credits, essential for recruiting new squad members and crafting advanced weaponry and cybernetic enhancements. Choose your team carefully, each member bringing unique skills and abilities to the table. Customize your squad members to suit your playstyle!
Forge alliances, outsmart your enemies, and rise to the top of the cybernetic food chain. Are you ready to become a legend in the neon-lit world of the NEON Squad?
Features:
Turn-based tactics action game with a compelling single-player campaign and Drop in / Drop out multiplayer missions for up to 4 players.
Hyper-retro 90s aesthetic and a modern synthwave soundtrack featuring tracks by AM0k, Metasphere, Fynn’s Arcade, Hearts in Beta and Monster Mansion.
Over-the-top futuristic weaponry includes laser swords, combat drones, lightning launchers, smart mines, nano-bots, and more.
in-game wagering system. The bigger the risks, the bigger the rewards.
NEON Squad Tactics will be released on Meta Quest Devices this summer. Fans canWishlist the game on the Meta Store now.
About Tin Man Games
TIN MAN GAMES is a game development studio based in Melbourne, Australia. Specializing in fantasy adventures, digital board games, and interactive fiction, Tin Man has developed and published over 40 titles across a large number of platforms, including iOS, Android, PC, Mac, Linux, Nintendo Switch and PlayStation VR.
Team Secret joins Anichess at intersection of chess, esports, Web3
May 16, 2024 –Anichess, a subsidiary of Animoca Brands and the progressive chess-based online strategy game developed in partnership with Chess.com and five-time World Chess Champion Magnus Carlsen, today announced a partnership with global esports brand Team Secret to further connect competitive gaming and Web3. John Yao, CEO of Team Secret, will join Anichess as an advisor.
Anichess is an innovative chess-based Web3 game developed in a collaboration between Animoca Brands and Chess.com, the renowned global online chess platform. Anichess provides a novel tactical twist on the classic game of chess by implementing spells that open up new strategies and gameplay, and that require players to rethink the rules of traditional chess as they uncover the expansive lore within the world of the gameboard. Anichess recently raised a funding round of US$1.8 million, led by Sfermion and Amber Group with participation from Fenbushi Capital, Aspen Digital, SNZ Capital, and others (see announcement of 25 April 2024).
Team Secret is a global esports brand dedicated to bringing together the best gamers to compete worldwide, while also delivering entertaining experiences to its fans. It offers advertising and promotional sponsorship, talent and team development, business management, coaching, and other forms of support to both professional and aspiring players in the esports arena.
The partnership between Anichess and Team Secret aims to solidify chess’s esports status by combining a new platform to play and learn on for an engaged audience of up-and-coming online chess masters. Ahead of the player-versus-player (PvP) mode launch later in Q2 2024, Anichess will receive input from Team Secret on its game design as well as support in bringing the spellbinding game to a dedicated community of esports players.
“Esports has always been a core pillar of Anichess’ modernization of chess’ legacy,” said Brian Chan, head of Anichess. “Anichess’s engaging visuals, tools to improve and thrilling spells make it an amazing platform for all competitors, regardless of chess experience. We look forward to those willing to take on the challenge when PvP arrives in-game soon.”
“For how ancient the game of chess is, its esports scene is a fresh, rising star in terms of viewership, player base and tournaments,” said John Yao, CEO of Team Secret. “Anichessis a promising twist on chess, with even more of what makes the original great: compelling tactics, broad recognition and rewards for players willing to think outside the box and surprise opponents. I’m looking forward to guiding Anichess into the realm of esports and integrating the new chess platform into our dedicated community.”
Anichess can be played for free at www.anichess.com, with a PvP mode coming soon. Fans can follow Anichess on X and join its Discord server to stay updated on future developments.
About Team Secret
Team Secret is a global esports brand that strives to bring together the best players, to compete on the world’s biggest stages, and put forth the most entertaining experience for our fans.
Team Secret is passionately committed to building the esports community, and relies on a simple but winning philosophy – focusing on cultivating the positive culture that is critical to success in team based esports. Team Secret drives forward this philosophy by providing advertising and promotional sponsorship, talent and team development, business management, coaching, and support to players both professional and aspiring, who compete in esports.
About Anichess
Anichess is a subsidiary of Animoca Brands focused on developing and advancing decentralized chess through its distinctive spell-chess gameplay. Anichess brings new energy and innovation to one of the world’s oldest and most widely played games, modernizing and tokenizing it to take advantage of opportunities presented by Web3 technologies and communities. Anichess is a completely free-to-play game that combines the core values of traditional chess with an additional layer of strategy provided by new features that include an innovative spell mechanic and special challenges. Anichess boasts a strong focus on powerful visuals and skill-based gameplay to deliver a captivating, esport-like experience for fans of chess and novices alike. For more information visit https://www.anichess.com.
About Animoca Brands
Animoca Brands (ACN: 122 921 813), a Deloitte Tech Fast winner, a Fortune Crypto 40 company, and one of the Financial Times’ High Growth Companies Asia-Pacific 2023, is a Web3 leader that leverages blockchain to deliver digital property rights to consumers around the world to help to establish the open metaverse. The company develops and publishes a broad portfolio of products including original games such as The Sandbox, PHANTOM GALAXIES™, Life Beyond, and Crazy Defense Heroes, and products utilizing popular intellectual properties from the worlds of sports and entertainment, such as The Walking Dead, Power Rangers, MotoGP™, and Formula E. It has multiple subsidiaries, including The Sandbox, Blowfish Studios, Quidd, GAMEE, nWay, Pixowl, Forj, Lympo, Animoca Brands Japan, Grease Monkey Games, Eden Games, Darewise Entertainment, Notre Game, TinyTap, SPORTPASS, PIXELYNX, WePlay Media, Gryfyn, and Azarus. Animoca Brands is one of the most active investors in Web3, with a portfolio of over 400 Web3 investments, both directly and through Animoca Ventures, including Yuga Labs, Axie Infinity, Polygon, Consensys, Magic Eden, Fireblocks, OpenSea, Dapper Labs, Yield Guild Games, and many more.
Join the Farming Revolution with an open-world farming simulation
Oberhaching, Germany, May 16th, 2023 – Independent Polish developer Umeo Studios in partnership with games publisher Toplitz Productions proudly announce that Farmer’s Dynasty 2, an open-world farming simulation will debut a playable demo during Steam Next Fest in June.
Farmers Dynasty 2 brings gamers to the great outdoors and an opportunity to sample the world of agriculture as they build, farm, and immerse themselves in the essence of rural life utilizing traditional and modern day farming equipment and vehicles. The diversity of both old and modern day machinery can be utilized from underpowered tractors to 400 bhp monsters. Players can select more tried and trusted traditional equipment to renovate and utilize, or they can embrace more modern and powerful machines to lighten the workload.
When it launches on PC, Farmer’s Dynasty 2 will transport players to a beautifully detailed open-world farming simulation complete with thrilling main campaign and an assortment of captivating side quests. Familiar to fans of the farming genre, Farmer’s Dynasty 2 not only offers a nostalgic embrace of agricultural traditions but also offers a fresh take on the beloved farming experience.
The playable demo will be available to play during Steam Fest on June 10th through to June 17th and players can wishlist the game now on Steam here.
About Umeo Studios
Umeo Studios is a small independent development studio nestled in Poland, dedicated to providing engaging player experiences, their previous titles include Lumberjack Dynasty and Farmers Dynasty.
About Toplitz Productions The German-Austrian publisher, whose name originates from the mysterious Toplitz Lake in the heart of Austria, develops and publishes games with “heart & soul” for all platforms. The company consists of a healthy mix of experienced industry veterans and young talents, all of whom are passionate gamers. They enjoy working with creative developers on many exciting titles, such as those from the “Dynasty” and “Giant” series.
Stay up to date and learn everything worth knowing about Toplitz Productions by following the company on Twitter, Facebook, the official website and Instagram.
Marvelous Europe today announced the release of the sixth free content update for their Nintendo Switch™-exclusive fashion and communication title, Fashion Dreamer. The ‘Retro Pop Fair’ is now available for a limited time, inviting influencers to add a modern twist to fabulous looks from the past. In addition, wardrobes will be bursting with creative potential thanks to the addition of 56 new creative options like patterns, makeup, showroom items, and more, along with quality-of-life updates such as an increase in the number of items that can be held at one time.
Fashion Dreamer’s free May ‘Retro Pop’ update includes the following items:
● Six new types of nostalgic consumable patterns ● New hairstyle and eye highlight options ● Six new photo frames and two new poses to display the fashions of yesterday ● Four new types of showroom items ● 32 additional new items plus 4 new patterns in the Cocoon gacha – available immediately after downloading the update!
*Additional event functions and Limited Fair are exclusive contents for online mode. Certain items and features may not unlock until further progression in the game. Version 1.5.0 must be applied to access new content.
Quality-of-life improvements in Fashion Dreamer include:
● Item limit increase from 6000 to 9000 ● Ability to follow up to 500 Muses (previously 200) ● Adjustments to increase availability of gacha tickets and lucky coins, as well as gacha pull probability ● Ability to place select shoes and headgear on the showroom shelf ● The photo item vending machine now changes content each time ● Minor bug fixes among other updates
Fashion Dreamer is a creative-focused game where players can express their unique styles using their avatar, called a Muse. Create iconic looks from cozy casualwear to chic couture, choosing from hundreds of available options that can be customized to be a truly one-of-a-kind look. Once players find their signature style, they can show off their latest outfits across different areas, called Cocoons. There, they can also explore inspiring new fashions from other Muses whether playing on- or offline, or display them in their showroom to garner even more attention and Likes for their brand. Players can also increase their influence by completing design challenges to unlock even more customization options to elevate their brand. Featuring asynchronous multiplayer, the world of Eve is inhabited by Muses from around the globe, allowing players to find inspiration or earn Likes for their most iconic fit virtually anywhere!
Developed by syn Sophia, Inc. and published in Europe and Australia on the Nintendo Switch™ by Marvelous Europe, Fashion Dreamer launched on Nov. 3, 2023. This title is published by XSEED Games in North America. For additional information about Fashion Dreamer visit the official website at: https://eu.fashion-dreamer.com.
Off to new horizons! With the Quest 3 mixed reality headset for Lufthansa, MSM.digital and Meta are opening up unprecedented perspectives in in-flight entertainment
Hamburg, May 16 2024 – Meta business partner MSM.digital, a subsidiary of the international 1SP Agency Holding, has developed a ground-breaking concept for Lufthansa’s in-flight entertainment. The program is based on the Quest 3 mixed reality headset and, as part of a 6-month MVP* in selected Allegris Business Class Suites, offers passengers a completely new in-flight entertainment experience that literally makes travel time fly by.
An innovative concept for the future of travelling: MSM.digital is creating a buzz with its innovative concept: the new entertainment experience on the Quest 3 offers passengers immersive and interactive entertainment that goes far beyond traditional in-flight entertainment systems. “We are incredibly grateful for the trust that Meta and Lufthansa have placed in us,” says Camillo Stark, Deputy Managing Director of MSM.digital AR/VR Labs, another subsidiary of 1SP Agency. “The entire team has worked on this project with great passion, and we are very much looking forward to the upcoming launch.”
Markus Oeller, Co-Founder and Co-CEO of 1SP Agency, adds: “I am proud of our team at MSM.digital AR/VR Labs, who have created something truly ground-breaking. This project sets new standards in the field of in-flight entertainment with the Quest 3’s Travel Mode and impressively demonstrates the innovative potential of our 1SP Agency. By utilizing the latest mixed reality technologies, the travel experience of our customers is raised to a completely new level.”
“MSM.digital’s understanding, experience and range of services in the implementation of XR solutions are unique. This reinforces our decision to have found the ideal partner for our XR projects in MSM.digital,” says Björn Becker, Head of Future Intercontinental Experience Programme at Lufthansa.
A new milestone in the evolution of aerial experience: The cooperation between MSM.digital, Meta and Lufthansa and the associated 6-month MVP for defined flights marks an important milestone in the evolution of flight experience. Passengers can be entertained in a completely new way in the new Allegris Business Class Suites. State-of-the-art mixed reality technologies are used to offer travelers an unforgettable experience.
MSM.digital is responsible for the creation of all content, the technical implementation, and the distribution of the corresponding Quest 3 hardware on selected flights. To realize its high-quality standards, the company has worked closely with Meta to ensure that the hardware and software are seamlessly integrated and provide an optimal user experience.
*MVP: test phase to see how new technologies are received by passengers and what their requirements and wishes are for this solution on flights. In this case, the test phase lasts six months and takes place exclusively on selected flights in Business Class Suite seats.
About 1SP Agency:
1SP Agency (HQ in Hamburg) is an international agency holding company that offers comprehensive and integrated digital marketing and communication services along the entire customer journey. The company was founded by industry veterans Torsten Oppermann and Markus Oeller, the founders and managing directors of MSM.digital. With a passion for consumer electronics, gaming and technology, 1SP Agency’s team of experts combines strategic expertise, creative know-how and technical understanding to develop innovative solutions that offer real added value for customers and end consumers. 1SP Agency consists of more than 300 experts and offers services in 29 languages. As a thought leader and innovator in the consumer electronics, gaming and technology industries, 1SP Agency strives to successfully position brands in the international marketplace:
Barcelona, Spain – 16th May 2024. Publisher SelectaPlay is thrilled to announce that the boxed Limited Edition of the pixel-art-inspired Metroidvania”OVERLORD: ESCAPE FROM NAZARICK” will be released on July 5th across European specialist retailers for Nintendo Switch. Pre-orders are now available from leading retail stores.
OVERLORD: ESCAPE FROM NAZARICK is a 2D dark fantasy action adventure where Players will act as the warrior Clementine, who wakes up inside the underground Great Tomb of Nazarick. She has been imprisoned by a mysterious undead called Ainz Ooal Gown, who forces her to participate in brutal experiments. Without her weapons and suffering from amnesia, she must defeat Ainz and his many challenging servants as she makes her way to freedom.
The Limited Edition, created and distributed by SelectaPlay, will include a copy of OVERLORD: ESCAPE FROM NAZARICK for Nintendo Switch, a printed colour instruction manual, an Adventure’s Guild pendant (Adamantite Rank), the original soundtrack on CD, a specially printed artbook and a digital code to download the soundtrack and artbook, all contained in a special box.
Watch the previously released content announcement trailer below:
The boxed Limited Edition of “OVERLORD: ESCAPE FROM NAZARICK” will be released on July 5th at European specialist retailers for Nintendo Switch.
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About Kadokawa Group
KADOKAWA CORPORATION develops a wide range of entertainment including publication, videos, games, Web services, education, operating IP experiential facilities such as TOKOROZAWA SAKURA TOWN. By utilizing technology, KADOKAWA CORPORATION implements a global media mix strategy, focusing on stable Intellectual Property (IP) creation and delivering it to the world in a variety of forms.
About SelectaPlay
SelectaPlay is SelectaVisión’s video games publishing branch. The company works with talented studios on unique video games and helps them publish their titles in both physical and digital formats in Europe and worldwide.
About SelectaVisión
SelectaVisión is a video publishing company founded in 1984. Based in Spain, SelectaVisión’s catalog includes anime and live-action feature films, TV shows, and movies. Publishing both anime classics and the latest Japanese productions since 1997, SelectaVisión has built a long relationship with fan-favorite Japanese producers and distributors, becoming the major publisher of anime content for Spanish audiences.
Beloved mining adventure coming to all platforms this summer
LONDON, UK – May 16, 2024 – Pugstorm and Fireshine Games are delighted to announce that Core Keeper, the award-winning mining sandbox adventure game, will release on the Nintendo Switch™ system, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles, the PlayStation®5 (PS5) system, and the PlayStation®4 system on August 27th.
The PC version will also leave Steam Early Access and launch as a full release the same day, with a huge 1.0 update featuring new content, features and quality of life improvements in parity with the console versions. For an early look at the new content coming in Core Keeper’s 1.0 update, look out for the world premiere of the 1.0 Content Reveal Trailer in June.
Watch the Release Date Announcement Trailer:
Nominated for ‘Best Early Access Launch’ at the Golden Joystick Awards 2022 and with over 2 million copies already sold, Core Keeper is an award-winning mining sandbox adventure that can be played single-player or with friends, and where your choices shape an epic journey.
Harvest relics and resources to build your base, craft advanced tools, and explore a dynamically evolving world waiting to be unearthed. Explore mysterious biomes, level up your skills, encounter the Cavelings, defeat legendary Titans, and unveil the power of the Core. Grow your garden, fish in mysterious waters, master recipes, hatch pets, drive vehicles, and carve out your own unique adventure alone or with friends in an enchanting underground sandbox.
“We are so excited for the full release of Core Keeper on consoles and PC this August,” said Vincent Coates, Senior Brand Manager at Fireshine Games. “It’s been amazing to see over 2 million players discover the charm, mystery and fun of Core Keeper throughout the game’s time during Steam Early Access, and we can’t wait for even more to discover everything it has to offer with the full launch. From building, farming and fishing, to hatching pets, battling huge bosses and exploring mysterious lands, Core Keeper combines so much of what players love into a compelling package that they can play entirely as a single-player adventure or together online with friends.”
Core Keeper will be available physically and digitally on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PS5 and PS4, and digital-only on Xbox Series S and PC.
Core Keeper is available now on Steam Early Access.
About Pugstorm
Pugstorm is an award-winning development studio specialising in juicy pixel art games that will make your inner dog bark with joy.
Fireshine Games is a global publisher of digital and physical videogames based in London, England. Originally established in 2014 under the name Sold Out, Fireshine Games works with studio giants such as Team 17, Rebellion and Frontier Developments as well as introducing new indie dev studios to the world like Pugstorm, Stonewheat & Sons, Spiral Circus, ColePowered Games and many more – publishing for physical and digital distribution. Fireshine is also part of the EG7 group of companies.
The point-and-click adventure genre his one that still sees plenty of love in the indie scene and no where was that more evident back when 2064: Read Only Memories arrived on consoles in 2017 as this retro-styled game set in a cyberpunk future not too far removed from our own made fans eager to see what MidBoss would do next. Well, after enough delays that the developer themselves joked about it in their release date trailer, skipping through the multiple year long delays their next entry underwent, the next game has finally arrived in the form of Read Only Memories: Neurodiver. While these numerous delays from the initial 2020 release window would usually be cause for concern, has it turned out that the wait for Read Only Memories: Neurodiver has been worth it?
Story
Set six years after the event of the first game but still a perfect starting point for those new to the franchise, Read Only Memories: Neurodiver places players into the shoes of Luna Cruz de la Vega, a young but highly skilled Esper that has the ability to read the minds of others. Due to her circumstances and a result of her becoming an Esper, she works for the Minerva company under the name ES88. The company was created to develop and monitor Esper abilities including the creation of the first ever man-made Esper, a cuttle-fish like creature called the Neurodiver. When paired with the Neurodiver, ES88’s skills become incredibly powerful, allowing her to dive into the minds and memories of those she is in contact with, potentially helping fix any psychological traumas they may suffer from, PTSD, or even psychic attacks from others.
While ES88’s work at Minvera has been mostly mundane, her largest case will put her up against a dangerous and incredibly powerful Esper capable of entering and living within the minds of its victims by the name of Golden Butterfly. The reasons for Golden’s attacks are unknown but ES88’s mission is to track them down all while helping rescue the memories and minds of those affected by Golden’s abilities. Together, with her bodyguard/awkward-crush GATE, a cyborg capable of throwing a car with ease, the two must find the truth beyond Golden’s abilities all while meeting numerous allies, both new and familiar for returning players as they continue their investigation and learn far more than they ever expected.
For the most part, MidBoss has successfully crafted a new entry in the franchise that both makes newcomers to Read Only Memories: Neurodiver feel welcome as well as providing plenty of little easter eggs and unique interactions with the returning cast as well, as well as some nods to various signature moments from the first game. This includes a number of characters that make their return as ES88 continues her investigation, often diving into one of the minds and memories of a familiar character as often as she does a brand new one. It also must be said that, although the choices are far more limiting in how the story plays out outside of a few key choices, players will be in for quite a treat whenever they select one of ES88’s responses because the character writing here is top notch.
Luna, or ES88, is an adorable dork who may have lost most of her memories when her Esper powers awoken and she was taken in by Minerva but between her love of magical girl anime, not-so-subtle crush and awkward interactions with GATE, and her countless wonderful facial expressions as she interacts and reacts to the cast and the events that unfold around her make her easily the best part of the whole game’s writing. Of course, other characters are written just as wonderfully, though we do wish that some of the characters would stick around a bit more or have more to say once their “story focused” section was completed.
Instead most character interactions and even interactions with the environment only happen as the story progresses with only a little variation here and there. This means even if players go and investigate a certain halloween bowl a few chapters down the line, ES88 will still get annoyed that everyone ate the chocolate ones. In fact, perhaps the greatest weakness in Read Only Memories: Neurodiver’s storyline is that there just doesn’t feel like there is enough of it. While this is something of a good problem to have, as players will be eager to see more of ES88, her allies, and the Neo San Francisco town she helps protect, the fact that the game is only roughly five hours long depending on how much players want to investigate the world, meaning it feels just a bit too short with only the small variations in choices and one major branching change at the end. This can leave fans wanting much more, especially compared to the first game’s run time and ending variations.
Gameplay
Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is a point and click adventure game with a mix of visual novel elements thrown in. ES88 will be assigned a case and while players do have some freedom to explore and interact with the world, as mentioned before, many of the interactables and characters they’ve talked with before will still have the same descriptions later on, limiting variability. As players navigate around the world they’ll eventually always be brought to the exact location they need to be to interact with the person in need of their help. Various dialogue choices can be made when talking to characters but, again, outside of a few key choices, most of these are for flavor rather than progress.
The real meat of the game comes whenever ES88 uses her Neurodiver to dive into the minds of their target. Here they will, usually with the person’s own consciousness listening in, take direct control of the target as they live through their memory and try to figure out just what is wrong. This is where the puzzle solving element comes into play as players will need to travel around and investigate the area in a “pixel hunting” style to locate various clues that can then be used to “Repair” damaged sections of memory that are usually represented as glitched out, transfigured, or even combined memory segments. The solutions to these puzzles are rather simple most of the time, with there only being a couple of slightly challenging ones and this generally only happens if players are actually missing a clue rather than not being able to figure it out. These more limited puzzles, of which this is the only kind, can be a bit disappointing for those looking for more of a challenge but most will find the solutions and clues to be quite fitting when the memories are repaired.
Now, one thing that is a bit troublesome with Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is the cursor. While the game likely controls perfectly fine on the PC, playing the game on Xbox Series X as we are means that players will need to control the cursor with the analog stick or D-Pad during choices. This isn’t too much of an issue when players get used to it, but it would be lovely if MidBoss included some type of cursor sensitivity setting in the menu, as the default setting that players cannot change at the moment is quite fast, making targeting smaller items in the environment a challenge. It is also worth noting that throughout our time with the game while we didn’t experience any bugs or glitches, we did come across a few misspellings and grammatical errors here and there which is a bit surprising as these usually only appear in translated visual novels, not ones created in English.
Audio & Visuals
Playing through Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is a delight as MidBoss has paid extra attention to make sure that their retro-styled pixel game is as gorgeous as possible and it shows. The cyberpunk future blending into the more modern real world makes for a wonderful aesthetic and, thanks to the game being set in the future where Espers and technology have advanced greatly, the team was able to take full advantage of robotic designs, cyborgs, mixed-breed characters, and even the purple ES88. This allows the team to be as creative as they want and it really offers plenty of variety throughout every chapter.
Another major bonus in Read Only Memories: Neurodiver is the fact that the entire game is voice acted. Everything from the Neurodiver’s “blurping” sounds and other clients to all of ES88’s dialogue as she talks with her co-workers, clients, and even to herself. Her voice actress, Daisy Guevara, really nailed the role here and combined with the wonderful animations, ES88’s personality shines through whether she’s being incredibly awkward, standing strong, or gushing over a retro anime. The soundtrack also features a wonderful collection of retro style tracks that fit the cyberpunk setting of the game incredibly well.
Overall
Read Only Memories: Neurodiver may have taken longer than expected and may dial down the puzzle mechanics as well, but what MidBoss has delivered here is a highly entertaining story within a setting that they’ve expertly crafted. With gorgeous visuals, impressive voice work, and plenty of humor mixed in, the biggest negative is that Read Only Memories: Neurodiver feels like it has so much more to offer by the time the credits roll as well as the lack of cursor sensitivity.
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Hardcore first DLC pack, headlined by CM Punk, features Bubba Ray Dudley, D-Von Dudley, Sandman, Terry Funk, and an ECW Paul Heyman Manager card
Players who think they’re hardcore can prove it by taking things to the extreme with the WWE® 2K24ECW Punk Pack*, available now. The pack is named after ECW, a brand synonymous with bringing hardcore, extreme wrestling to the forefront, as well as pack headliner “The Best in the World” CM Punk. A former two-time WWE Champion – including a 434-day reign – three-time World Heavyweight Champion, ECW Champion, Intercontinental Champion, World Tag Team Champion, and two-time Money in the Bank winner, and known for his outspoken and unpredictable nature, CM Punk is a perennial fan favourite. This marks CM Punk’s first franchise appearance since WWE 2K15, and he is a much-requested addition to WWE 2K24, the highest-rated console game in WWE 2K franchise history.**
Joining CM Punk in the ECW Punk Pack are WWE Hall of Fame tag team The Dudley Boyz, Sandman, Terry Funk, and an ECW Paul Heyman Manager MyFACTION card. Recognised as the most decorated tag team in WWE history with 18 combined World Tag Team Championship reigns across WWE, ECW, and WCW titles, Bubba Ray Dudley and D-Von Dudley, the Dudley Boyz are among the toughest brawlers to ever step foot in the squared circle. Often known as the “Hardcore Icon,” The Sandman is a five-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion and former ECW World Tag Team Champion, notorious for unleashing chaos in and out of the ring with his signature kendo stick. A two-time ECW World Heavyweight Champion, ECW Television Champion, WWE World Tag Team Champion, and WWE Hall of Famer, Terry Funk wrestled across five decades, specialising in the hardcore, extreme style that gave ECW its name. Rounding out the pack is a special ECW Paul Heyman Manager MyFACTION card, celebrating the founder of ECW and one of the greatest minds in the history of professional wrestling. These Superstars bring 46 new moves and taunts into the game, which can also be used for custom Superstars in the creation suite. Each playable Superstar also comes with their own MyFACTION card. ECW Punk Pack is available for individual purchase, or as part of Season Pass, which is included in the Deluxe Edition, and Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition of WWE 2K24.
Also coming this month to WWE 2K24’s MyFACTION game mode is the new Punches and Promos MyFACTION Pack, featuring the newest gem class tier, Amethyst. The collection includes new Sami Zayn and Kevin Owens cards, plus a Persona Card of “The Final Boss” The Rock ‘24, that will be available to use in all modes, once unlocked. A Persona Card of Roman Reigns ‘24, complete with man bun hairstyle, will also be available as an earnable Live Event reward, giving players the opportunity to pair this iconic Bloodline duo in-game. To round out the new Persona Card characters, a new Mattel “Ichiban” Hulk Hogan will also be available to earn in a Live Event.
Following the ECW theme, new weapons, including a barbed wire baseball bat, light tube, and wooden door, will make their debut. The locker code ECWCHAMPS, active May 15 through May 31, 2024, will be available to all players and will award cards of former ECW Champions “The All Mighty” Bobby Lashley, Rob Van Dam, and Kane.***
The WWE 2K24Standard Edition and Forty Years of WrestleMania Editionare currently on sale on Xbox platforms for 25% off through May 20, 2024. The Deluxe Edition will be on sale for 25% off on Xbox platforms May 21-27, 2024.****
For more information on WWE 2K24, visit the game’s official website, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game onTikTok, X, andInstagram, and subscribe on YouTube. Official campaign hashtags #WWE2K24 and #FinishYourStory.
Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly-owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).
*Base game, 2K Account and Internet connection required to access DLC content. Online play including MyFACTION requires 2K Account and Internet connection. Console online play requires separate paid subscription. Terms apply.
**Based on average Metacritic ratings on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X as of April 7, 2024.
***Must redeem by May 31 at 16:00:00 p.m. UTC. 2K Account and base game required. One per 2K Account. Terms apply.
****Discount based on 2K’s SRP. Digital Only. Standard Edition and Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition sale from May 15 at 10:00:00 a.m. UTC to May 20 at 9:59:59 a.m. UTC. Deluxe Edition sale from May 21 at 10:00:00 a.m. UTC to May 27 at 9:59:59 a.m. UTC. Terms Apply.
