Early Access Available for Canadian Players Starting March 21
LOS ANGELES – March 19, 2024 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, opened pre-registration globally for its upcoming mobile and PC game Solo Leveling:ARISE, and beginning March 21, Early Access will be available in Canada. Players can pre-register today and earn rewards via the official website,Google Play, App Store, or Netmarble Launcher.
Solo Leveling:ARISE is an action RPG adaptation of Solo Leveling, based on the hit anime and Webtoon. Taking on the role of Jinwoo, players can experience his level-ups and progress through the beloved anime tale firsthand, taking on dynamic battles and creating their own combat styles, relying on various combinations of skills and weapons. Not only can players team up with hunters from the Webtoon, they can summon their own “Army of Shadows” using Jinwoo’s famous line “Arise.”
As a special reward for pre-registering, players will receive a Chic Black Suit Costume for Sung Jinwoo, two Mana Power Crystals for each attribute (for a total of 10), Legendary Artifact Sets, and 100,000 of Gold to jumpstart players’ journeys. Players also shouldn’t miss out on the chance to obtain Jinwoo’s cherished partner/hunter, Yoo Jinho as an additional pre-registration reward. These rewards will be distributed upon the game’s official launch.
A never-before-seen trailer has been revealed to celebrate the pre-registration of Solo Leveling:ARISE. As this marks the very first game adaption of the webtoon, this trailer shows the stylish and highly anticipated Action RPG gameplay. Check out the trailer on YouTube below.
Early Access for Solo Leveling:ARISE will begin at 1:00 AM Pacific Time on March 21 in Canada, and is limited to Android and PC. The game will support six languages during the Early Access period, including Korean, Japanese, English, Chinese, Thai and Traditional Chinese. Additional language support, including European languages, will be added when the game launches.
The Hunter Archive sub-story for Lee Joohee and Kang Taeshik will be available for Early Access players to tackle when the game goes live. Early Access players will also see a number of events active during the game’s introductory period including ▲14 Day Check-In Event ▲Special Draw opportunity for ‘The Ultimate Hunter’, SSR Choi Jong-In, ▲‘Dice Event’ in celebration of Choi Jong-in Special Draw, ▲’Collect Letters’ Event. Canada’s Early Access information can be found here.
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 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.
Take the first steps toward forging your real estate empire.
IAȘI, Romania – March 19th, 2024 – Following the triumph of Parking Tycoon, publisher Midnight.Works is set to release REAL ESTATE Simulator in collaboration with developers, Geekon. The exclusive Steam release is set for March 22nd.
REAL ESTATE Simulator is a deep and dynamic business simulation game. From broke to bespoke, begin as a small-time property investor and embark on a journey towards riches, developing skills and overcoming challenges along the way. Navigate market trends, remodel homes, and negotiate your way to success. Are you ready to make millions and conquer the world of real estate? The time is now!
Live Stream Event Get ready to ride the wave of excitement! Mark your calendars for a date with destiny on March 22, 2024. Be part of an exclusive live stream event where the game’s developer, Gabriella, will reveal the much-anticipated REAL ESTATE Simulator.
Key Features of REAL ESTATE Simulator:
Interactive NPC Negotiations: Engage with a diverse range of NPC clients, from cautious first-time buyers to wealthy investors. Understand their needs, negotiate terms, and close deals in this cutthroat industry.
Property Development and Management: Purchase, renovate, and sell properties across the city. From affordable living spaces to luxurious skyscrapers, each property presents unique challenges and opportunities.
Intuitive Controls and UI: Whether you’re a seasoned tycoon or new to business sims, the game’s intuitive controls and clear user interface make managing your empire accessible and enjoyable.
Unique Challenges and Achievements: Face distinctive challenges, from market crashes to VIP clients, that test your strategic prowess. Unlock achievements and make your mark in the world of real estate.
Add REAL ESTATE Simulator to your wishlist now, and don’t miss the game’s live stream event on Steam. Set your reminders, as March 22, 2024 marks the day your gaming experience transforms into a thrilling real estate adventure!
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About Midnight.Works
Midnight.Works is a visionary game development and publishing company that thrives on nurturing creativity and innovation within the gaming industry. Their diverse and passionate team is dedicated to collaborating with both burgeoning and accomplished game creators to bring unique, engaging gaming experiences to players across the globe.
Midnight.Works understands the importance of providing tailored support and resources to developers, empowering them to realize their full potential. They pride themselves on fostering a collaborative atmosphere where talent can flourish, and groundbreaking gaming concepts can come to life.
As industry leaders, they are committed to making a lasting impact on the gaming landscape by investing in exceptional talent, championing original ideas, and continuously striving for excellence. Midnight.Works is the partner of choice for those who share their passion for unforgettable gaming experiences and the pursuit of new horizons in interactive entertainment. Learn more about Midnight.Works at https://midnight.works/
Astrolabe Games will publish Yolk Heroes: A Long Tamago with localization in Chinese and Japanese.
Los Altos, CA, 19 March 2024 | Indie studio 14 Hours Productions is releasing Yolk Heroes: A Long Tamago on April 30th for PC and mobile. The game’s latest trailer, featuring additional color palette options, previews the idle action.
Your realm is in grave danger! As its Guardian Spirit, the Fairy Queen has tasked you with raising elf heroes to protect the land from the Dark Lord. As danger draws near and the Dark Lord’s minions begin infiltrating the countryside, your heroic elves might be the only creatures who can save this land.
From Hatchling to Hero!
Inspired by the classic Tamagotchis of the 90s, Yolk Heroes: A Long Tamago blends idle RPG mechanics with the digital pet sim genre. Your adventure begins as you care for an egg, protecting it from the elements and other wildlife. When your hatchling turns into a hero, you must hone its skills, keep it healthy, and raise it for a grand adventure. Train your hero’s dexterity, intelligence, and strength through weaponry and study, feed and bathe your adventurer after a hard day’s work, and ensure your hero gets ample rest. As an idle game, Yolk Heroes lets players queue tasks; even if you close out of the game, your hero will continue to grow! When your skills are ready, explore the map and enter the realm’s dungeons in search of hidden treasures. Formidable enemies await your adventurer in the wild, so ensure they’re well-prepared ahead of their adventures. If your hero falls in battle, The Fairy Queen will grant you a new egg to raise from hatchling to hero!
In (Nearly) Living Color
Explore Yolk Heroes’ color palettes to bring your adventure to life. As previewed in the trailer, over 30 color palettes are available to customize your experience. Plunge your world into an icy frost with the Winter palette, take on the Frog Lord with the menacing Slasher palette, or wind down for the day with the Sunset palette. With these 30+ color presets, players can create a realm to match any aesthetic. If you’re looking for a change, these color presets may be swapped at any time and will be saved for your next login.
More Adventure Awaits!
Yolk Heroes: A Long Tamago will published by Astrolabe Games as part of its April 30th release. The game will be localized in Chinese and Japanese, and the localization will be available on Steam and mobile.
Key Features:
Tamagotchi-Style Gameplay: Enjoy the classic Tamagotchi experience of raising and caring for a digital pet at your own pace.
Egg-celent Adventures: Embark on quests with your hero to test their strengths in the field; be mindful of their capabilities to keep your hero alive.
Idle Gameplay: Once your hero is active, you can relax and let them complete quests themselves; they’ll let you know when your help is required.
Personalized Training: Train your heroes in strength, dexterity, and intelligence, ensuring they are well-prepared for the adventures ahead!
Play At Your Leisure: Take the game at your own pace, caring for your elf’s needs, training them, and venturing into the world only when you and your hero are ready.
Create Your Color Palette: Over 30 color palettes are available to customize players’ experience!
Yolk Heroes: A Long Tamago arrives on Steam, Google Play, iOS, and itch.io on April 30th. Follow updates on the developer’s X (formerly Twitter) and Wishlist the game on Steam for a reminder when it drops. Happy adventuring!
About 14 Hours Productions
14 Hours Productions is a small indie studio made up of incompetents, fools, and street thugs. In between adventures in back alleys, they like to make cute games about elves and eggs. With attitude, gumption, and a lot of fist-pumping, they hope to overthrow the world governments with their artistic productions and bring about a universe of pure cuteness.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands — March 19, 2024 | Guardian Tales welcomes a whole new cast of characters as things take a turn for the slimy. Characters from popular Japanese anime: That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime will be plunged into a whole new world, as they fight to get back home!
After the Walpurgis Night, beloved characters Rimuru Tempest, Milim Nava, and Shuna find themselves trapped in an unknown world. Rimuru Tempest, Milim Nava and Shuna must venture into the new world, battling against nightmarish creatures as they try desperately to return to their own universe.
That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime comes as a two-part update. First players will get to experience a short story, filled with an assortment of quests and adventures to dive into. Players will step into the shoes of Rimuru Tempest, a ★3 Pick-up Summon Hero, and can call upon Shuna as a ★3 Hero obtainable in an in-game event. Shuna can also be maxed out with the resources and currency that will be given to all players as part of the event! What’s more, for those looking to truly take on the role of Shuna, her exclusive weapon will also be available for free during the event.
Arriving on Tuesday, April 2, Part Two of this anime-crossover will welcome Milim Nava, a ★3 Pick-up Summon Hero. But it won’t just be Milim Nava who will be joining Guardian Tales, with plenty of other appearances from the cast as NPCs — that players can interact with in the Short Story stages — over the course of the event.
Alongside Milim Nava, the second update will also offer the Bingo event board. Players can cash in their event points to spin the wheel and win incredible prizes, including 5 times Shuna’s exclusive weapons, Shuna’s exclusive costume, and Millim Nava’s exclusive costume.
The all-new Guardian Tales collaboration is the perfect opportunity for players to jump into the charming, immersive action RPG. For more information, check out the website or download Guardian Tales on iOS or Android.
About Guardian Tales
Guardian Tales is a new game from Kong Studios that unites charming pixel art graphics and action-adventure dungeon crawling linked together by a journey travelling a rich diversity of worlds, inspired by the history of gaming.
About Kong Studios
Kong Studios, Inc. is a startup headquartered in Silicon Valley of the U.S. The studio focuses on developing games with unique and new gameplay perspectives. The studio has so far released Dungeon Link and is now working on Guardian Tales for worldwide service.
About Kakao Games
Founded in 2016, Kakao Games is a leading publisher of online and mobile games, responsible for releasing titles including Pearl Abyss’ Black Desert Online (serviced in North America and Europe until early 2021), KRAFTON’s PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds (serviced in Korea), ArcheAge, Survival MOBA Eternal Return (service in North America, Europe and Oceania), Kong Studios’ Guardian Tales (serviced in North America, Europe, Latin America and Oceania), and Nineark’s Eversoul (serviced in North America and Europe).
Take the trip in the occult with Edward Carnby (played by David Harbour) and Emily Hartwood (played by Jodie Comer) as we explore the Derceto Manor, meet its suspicious inhabitants, solve puzzles and battle otherworldly creatures in this reimagining of 1992 cult classic
Return to Derceto Manor in this reimagination of Alone in the Dark, a love letter to the 90’s cult classic horror game.
Alone in the Dark weaves a chilling tapestry of psychological horror and Southern Gothic charm, reimagining the iconic game that set the benchmark for the genre. We invite you to join us on a journey into madness, where each encounter could be your last. With each step you take closer to unravelling Derceto’s mystery, the eyes that watch from the darkness grow hungrier.
Alone in the Dark Developer: Pieces Interactive Publisher: THQ Nordic Platform: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC Release Date: 20th March, 2024
Recommended – “While this reimagining of the 1992 cult classic is lacking on some fronts, it makes up for the superb and unsettling atmosphere sprinkled throughout the whole game all while being a strong love letter to the original.”
Get a first hands-on experience with SAND LAND demo, available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Steam. You’ll be able to explore part of the map alongside Beelzebub, Rao and Thief and experiment with some of their unique skills.
Whether cruising through the dunes or fighting off enemies, you will also get a feel for weapon customisation and other upgrades for your vehicle. Increase your vehicles’ efficiency during your battles and lead the gang to victory!
Watch the demo trailer below:
SAND LAND will be available on 26th April 2024 for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC for Steam.
What makes video games so appealing? To answer that, we cannot focus on them in general, but observe them in the context of when they were released. Sometimes it’s timing, sometimes it’s cultural relevancy and if we throw visuals and technological advances into the mix, the list of answers can only grow. However, there is one genre of games that exists far beyond that scope. All those games need is good writing, atmosphere, and art so most of the time you have a winning recipe for a cult classic. I’m talking about horror games.
When I say horror, our mind goes to already-established titles such as Resident Evil, Silent Hill, Fatal Frame, etc. However, one title came before any of those, a game that could be considered a grandfather of horror. That is Alone in the Dark series. The first release goes back to 1992 and the series jumped back and forth between consoles and PC throughout time and the latest entry that I’m looking at is back on PC. However, it is not a sequel or a spin-off but a reimagining of a 1992 cult classic. New visuals, new character design, and who knows what else is new here? Let’s find out.
Story
Set in the gothic American South, you control one of our two protagonists: Edward Carnby or Emily Hartwood. The story is penned by Mikael Hedberg, the writer of acclaimed titles such as SOMA and Amnesia. Discovering that her uncle has gone missing, Emily Hartwood goes looking for him with the help of private investigator Edward Carnby. Arriving at Derceto Manor, a home for the mentally fatigued, they encounter strange residents, portals to nightmarish worlds, and dangerous monsters. After a short introductory cutscene, you are forced to pick between one of the two protagonists for the rest of the game. To be fair, who you play doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things. The only things that are different and character-dependent are their interactions with other people and internal dialogue when trying to solve puzzles.
Soon enough, you meet plenty of other inhabitants in and around Derceto Manor and you get a strange feeling that something is wrong. No one acts right and a lot of nightmarish ghouls appear after the sun sets. Throw in some puzzles, portals to other dimensions, some Lovecraftian lore and you have a good recipe for an engaging horror game.
Gameplay
The gameplay consists of distinct sections of talking, shooting, and puzzle solving and the way all of those are presented doesn’t leave much room for unexpected. After you roam the streets outside of Derceto Manor and shoot at some monsters, you’ll either be thrown into some investigation segment again (consisting of mainly talking to other characters) or puzzle-solving. There is nothing else in between, everything is pretty much on the nose regarding what will happen next. When it comes to shooting, controls are a bit still and there is inexplicably high recoil when shooting at pretty much anything.
There is a plethora of puzzles throughout the game but a lot of them can be explored by thoroughly examining the area where they’re in and reading the case files. Then it’s just a simple matter of putting the two and two together. Exploration is made simple once you acquire the map of every area, after that everything is marked appropriately; locked doors, sealed doors, puzzles, stairs, and so on. Running in circles is something that will rarely happen when playing this reimagining of Alone in the Dark.
Visuals
While the game looks good and the character controls are intuitive and not still like the shooting, I feel like the color palette of the game could be somewhat expanded. The whole color range of the game could be explained as “50 Shades of Brown” and frankly, this is something I haven’t seen since the age of generic military shooters from the age of 2000. On the other hand, motion capturing for our protagonists seems to be done right, they feel lifelike when interacting with others and not like they come from an uncanny valley of stiff movements and dead eyes.
Other than that, the set pieces and level design is incredible. The Dorceto Manor is complex and elaborate but at the same time, it doesn’t feel like you’re constantly going through a labyrinth. The swamp-like exterior of the game emphasizes the gothic of the American South that the developers were trying to convey. Notable mention goes to a magnificently disgusting monster design. The larva-deformed enemies at the start of the game are brilliant in all of their repugnant design, it feels like there is a hostile and unnatural life on top of what they’re used to be. The good thing is (or bad, depending on how you look at it) that the enemies come in great variety and are more disgusting and repulsive as the game goes on.
Audio
If there is one thing that Alone in the Dark excels at, it’s the sound design and voice acting. David Harbour and Jodie Comer did the job masterfully and their dialogue with others never feels forced or that they’re just there for the paycheck. Also, there are not many games that utilize the genre of doom jazz so brilliantly and we can thank none other than Jason Kohnen (of the Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble fame) for that. The gloomy and eerie notes of the decrepit South will put your anxiety to the limits while you’re exploring the otherworldly swamps outside of Derceto Manor.
Overall
While the game stumbles in terms of shooting controls and lackluster coloring, it excels in plenty of other areas. The atmosphere is superb, the soundtrack is unique and something that you can rarely experience in other horror games, and both David Harbour and Jodie Comer give superb performances. Alone in the Dark is an unpolished gem for sure, but it’s the one worthy of your attention. And if you’re still on the fence about hitting the purchase button or not, the developers have put a neat prologue of the game on Steam here. It acts as a short prequel for the game and delves deeper into the story and connection of Jeremy and his niece Emily Hartwood. And best of all – it’s completely free.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Bracknell, UK – March 18th, 2024 – Feral Interactive has today announced its first foray into VR gaming, with Kalypso Media’s humorous and ever-popular city builder and political sim Tropico releasing for Meta Quest on March 28.
“Kalypso Media is honoured to see our successful long-term partnership with Feral Interactive continuing to evolve, bringing our beloved world of Tropico to a brand-new audience with its first immersive VR experience, allowing fans to step directly into the shoes of El Presidente in an experience unlike anything fans have played before.” said Dr Anika Thun, Managing Director at Kalypso Media.
With a nation’s people crying out for a visionary leader, players will immerse themselves in the world of Tropico and the role of El Presidente in a whole new way. Overseeing construction and jobs, as well as military, trade, and foreign affairs, virtual Presidentes are free to transform the sleepy shores of Tropico into a superpower on the world stage. All aspects of day-to-day life can be shaped to meet the growing expectations of the Tropican people, while balancing competing political demands, overcoming natural disasters, and navigating diplomatic relations.
A trailer of Tropico for Meta Quest is viewable below:
Based on and including all missions and DLC from Tropico 4 on PC, Tropico for Meta Quest has been expertly adapted for VR. Using their expertise to bring great games to exciting new platforms, Feral have implemented intuitive VR controls and a variety of movement options to facilitate effortless urban planning and political manoeuvring. Players can build out infrastructure via a powerful user interface and then take a sightseeing tour on the streets of a Caribbean paradise of their own making.
A glorious virtual future awaits all citizens of Tropico! The game will be released for Meta Quest 2, 3, and Pro on March 28 for $29.99 / £22.99 / €29.99.
About Feral Interactive
Feral Interactive is a leading developer and publisher of games for macOS, iOS, Android, Nintendo Switch and Windows platforms, founded in 1996 and based in London, England. It is responsible for such hits as The Lara Croft® Collection for Nintendo Switch, Alien: Isolation™ for iOS, Android, macOS, Linux and Nintendo Switch, Hitman: Blood Money – Reprisal and GRID™ Autosport for iOS, Android and Nintendo Switch, ROME: Total War™, Tropico™, Company of Heroes™, XCOM® 2 Collection, Total War™: MEDIEVAL II and Sid Meier’s Railroads for iOS and Android, Shadow of the Tomb Raider®, Company of Heroes™ 2, GRID Legends and Total War: Warhammer I, II and III for macOS. Feral Interactive also developed the Windows, macOS and Linux versions of Total War: ROME REMASTERED. Visit the Feral Interactive website and find us on Twitter or Facebook.
About the Kalypso Media Group
Kalypso Media Group GmbH is an independent publisher, developer, and marketer of interactive entertainment software with over 200 employees at 10 locations across Germany, England, France, Japan, and the USA. The Kalypso Media Group includes Kasedo Games, the digital label of Kalypso Media Group, along with four development studios: Realmforge Studios (Dungeons series), Gaming Minds Studios (Railway Empire, Port Royale, Tropico 7), Claymore Game Studios (upcoming: Commandos Origins), and Bulwark Studios (IXION).
Specializing in the development of strategy and simulation games for a global audience on multi-platforms, Kalypso Media Group’s IP portfolio includes full rights to the Tropico series, Commandos, Port Royale, Dungeons, Sudden Strike, and Railway Empire, among others. Kalypso Media’s most recent releases are Railway Empire 2, Dungeons 4 and The Inquisitor. Recent releases from Kasedo Games include IXION (PC) and Recipe for Disaster (PC).
Sydney, Australia – March 18, 2024: Two decades after the groundbreaking release of Outcast, the beloved action-adventure franchise returns with Outcast – A New Beginning, available now! Players once again dive into the mesmerising, interconnected alien world of Adelpha. The game will be available for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Developed by the original team behind the first instalment, Outcast – A New Beginning offers a thrilling continuation of Cutter Slade’s journey as he battles against invading forces to save the planet from devastation.
Set against the backdrop of a stunning open-world environment, players navigate through Adelpha’s diverse landscapes, utilising Cutter’s jetpack and Talan powers to soar through the skies, explore a beautiful planet, and confront dangerous creatures along the way.
With Outcast – A New Beginning, the team aimed to deliver an immersive experience that honours the legacy of the original game while introducing new elements that resonate with modern standards. Players can expect a captivating narrative, dynamic gameplay mechanics, and a meticulously crafted world that invites you on an unforgettable adventure.
Outcast – A New Beginning, developed by Appeal Studios in Charleroi, Belgium and published by THQ Nordic, is available now. The game is available for PC at an SRP of $99.95, and PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S at an SRP of $99.95.
The original team behind Outcast 1 has reunited to create this fascinating world, full of dangerous creatures and home to the Talan people – an ancient culture whose fate has become inextricably linked with earth since the events of the first game. You play as Cutter Slade, ex-Navy SEAL, sporting the same dry wit he had back in the 90s – however, the world around him has changed and eventually, so will he.
Use your jetpack to jump, air-dash, glide, and quickly traverse the fantastic in-game open world
Combine dozens of different modules to create your own personal weapon for taking down the robot invaders
Have total control to approach the story at your own pace in this non-linear world
Explore the world without boundaries, discover hidden temples and dangerous wildlife
Get familiar with the Talan culture while helping them free their villages and gain access to ancient Talan powers that use forces of nature to destroy your enemies
Experience a beautiful, hand-crafted world accompanied by an epic soundtrack by Outcast’s original composer, Lennie Moore
