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Death Comes on Black Wings: Castlevania Enters Dead by Daylight

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

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

An Immortal Franchise

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

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

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

Deadly as the wolf. Swift as the bat.

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

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

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

Survivor’s Bloodline

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

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

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

About Dead by Daylight™

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

About Castlevania™

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

About Behaviour™ Interactive

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

About Konami Group

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

About Konami Digital Entertainment

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

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

ⓒKonami Digital Entertainment

Haunted House Renovator: Prologue announced on Steam!

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

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

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

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

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

Haunted House Renovator: Prologue – Steam link

ABOUT THE GAME

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

Features:

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

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

ABOUT IMAGE POWER

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

FARMING SIMULATOR KIDS: FORESTRY PACK RELEASED, SQUIRRELS INCLUDED

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

Campfires and Marshmallows in the Woods

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

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

New Machines and Animals

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

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

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

# # #  

About GIANTS Software

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

About Farming Simulator

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

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

Cat Quest III – Gameplay

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

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

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

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

Summary:

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

Check out our review for Cat Quest III here!

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

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Cat Quest III Review

Cat Quest III

Developer: The Gentlebros
Publisher: Kepler Interactive
Platforms: Xbox Series X, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Reviewed)
Release Date: 8 Aug 2024
Price: $19.99 USD – Available Here $59.95 AUD – Available Here

Overview

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

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

Story

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

Gameplay

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

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

Visuals

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

Audio

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

Overall

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

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

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

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

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

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

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

About Sauber Group of Companies:

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

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

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

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

Learn more about this enchanting world!

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

Watch the developer diary now!

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

Get ready to dive into an all-new adventure in the Smurfs universe with the 3D platformer from Ocellus Services: The Smurfs – Dreams, where the most fantastical dreams meet the darkest nightmares.

Ocellus are renowned for their expertise showcased in Marsupilami: Hoobadventure. Praised by both critics and players alike, this platformer breathed new life into the iconic character within videogames.

About The Smurfs – Dreams:

Gargamel has devised a new diabolical plan to capture the Smurfs. The infamous character has cast a cunning spell on the sarsaparilla bushes, the delicious favorite treat of the Smurfs, plunging them into a deep sleep. Embark on a dreamlike expedition where you must face the challenge of awakening all the Smurfs before the diabolical Gargamel reaches the village. This epic journey will thrust you into a gaming experience as thrilling as it is unpredictable, for in the world of dreams, excitement can shift at any moment into the mystery of nightmares.

The fate of the Smurf Village rests in your hands. To save it, get ready to embark on a journey to the farthest reaches of imagination!

Features:

  • Solo or co-op – Foil Gargamel’s machiavellian plans alone or team up with a friend for a smurf-tastic two-player gaming experience.
  • Immerse yourself in the Smurfs’ imagination – Each dream unfolds a unique gaming adventure with its own set of accessories, puzzles, and unveils surprises.
  • Set out on an adventure – Explore 4 dreamy worlds, with 12 levels and 16 mini-levels to complete and discover the secrets of the Smurf Village.
  • A character that reflects you – Gather all the magic orbs to awaken every Smurf and bring the village back to life. collect patterns to customise your character with new clothing and unlock various surprises throughout your journey.
  • A Magical artistic direction – Discover a unique and colourful artistic style that evolves as you explore different dreams.

Whether you’re playing solo or with a friend, immerse yourself in enchanting or nightmarish realms, and explore the dreams of your favorite Smurfs by traversing levels with diverse gameplay in a unique adventure where each Smurf has its own special abilities. This 3D platformer offers exciting challenges and captivating puzzles to solve, providing total immersion in a magical world where imagination comes to life.

The Smurfs – Dreams is scheduled for October 24th, 2024 on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in physical edition.

About Microids

Microids is a French video game publisher. Founded in 1985, Microids’ editorial strategy now focuses on 4 major areas: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and games inspired by iconic titles. By collaborating with renowned studios and authors (Revolution Software, Sloclap, Oddworld Inhabitants, Pendulo Studios, Eden Studios, Go Nagai, Charles Cecil, Benoît Sokal, Paul Cuisset…), Microids has become a major player in international video games. Taking inspiration from legendary titles, Microids reaches a wide audience and creates original adventures which give gamers the chance to play as some of their most beloved characters.

About Ocellus Services

At Ocellus Services, we are passionate experts in the art and development of stylized video games. Collaborating with industry leaders, we also cultivate our own universes within Ocellus Games. Our team is capable of overseeing the entire creative process, from pre-production to post-production, adapting our skills to projects of any size, genre, or platform. The games, brands, and videos we have contributed to have amassed billions of downloads and views, showcasing our impact in our favorite industry, gaming!             

About Peyo Compagny

Peyo Company is an entertainment enterprise dedicated to promoting and perpetuating Peyo’s work and legacy to new generations by creating new content, products, and experiences for fans of all ages. Founded in Belgium by Véronique Culliford, the company encompasses all creative and commercial activities related to Peyo’s work: Johan & Peewit, Benoît Brisefer, and, of course, the famous little blue characters, the Smurfs. Peyo Company’s various activities are managed by four subsidiaries:

  • Peyo Productions oversees the production of audiovisual content.
  • Peyo Distribution handles the commercial distribution of the audiovisual catalog.
  • Peyo Licensing is the global license holder for consumer products, publishing, and entertainment.
  • Peyo Creations encompasses the studio activities, creating new drawn works and stories.
  • Peyo Company and its members are dedicated to perpetuating and promoting the artistic and cultural legacy of Pierre Culliford, known as Peyo, around the world.

About The Smurfs

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

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

CRUNCHYROLL UNVEILS MULTIPLE ACQUISITIONS, SURPRISES FANS WITH SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS AT ANIMAGIC 2024

The Ultimate Home for Anime Worldwide Is Adding Honey Lemon Soda, TRILLION GAME, and The Do-Over Damsel Conquers the Dragon Emperor to its All-Embracing Library, and Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions Returns for a Second Season

Sydney, Australia (August 6, 2024) – Crunchyroll, the ultimate destination for anime worldwide, held its Industry Panel at Germany’s annual anime convention, AnimagiC 2024, on Saturday, August 3 at the Rosengarten Mannheim.

Joined by hundreds of excited fans, Crunchyroll announced acquisitions of several highly anticipated animated series from Japan, which will stream around the world soon. Highlights include:

  • The thrilling procedural drama Ron Kamonohashi’s Forbidden Deductions is returning to Crunchyroll for Season 2 and a new trailer was shared during the panel. Set to premiere this fall, October 2024.
  • Season 1 synopsis: Ron Kamonohashi was once regarded as a genius at the top detective training academy. But after a fatal mistake, he was expelled and forbidden to become a detective. Years later, police officer Totomaru Isshiki knocks on Ron’s door seeking help on a serial murder case. He finds Ron, now a messy-haired recluse, who agrees. Together, this mismatched detective team begins solving their first mystery!
  • Crunchyroll announced the acquisition of the anime adaptation of TRILLION GAME, based on the adventure-comedy manga written by Riichiro Inagaki (Dr. STONE) and illustrated by Ryoichi Ikegami. Scheduled to premiere this October 2024 on Crunchyroll.
  • Synopsis: Old schoolmates Haru and Gaku will do anything to achieve success. And success to them means earning a trillion dollars! But to do so, they’ll need to take full advantage of their own unique skills. Haru is a persuasive and confident speaker who can connect with anyone, while Gaku, although awkward, is an expert programmer. Will their combined talents be enough to make their dream a reality?
  • The coming-of-age, romantic comedy Honey Lemon Soda is set to join Crunchyroll in January 2025! Based on the popular Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Mayu Murata, fans were presented with a look at the teaser trailer.
  • Synopsis: In middle school, Uka Ishimori was nicknamed “Stone.”

In order to change herself, she enrolled in Hachimitsu High School, known for its culture of student liberty. Seated in at the desk next to her in the same class is Kai Miura, a coolly freewheeling boy with lemon-colored hair. In truth, Uka met Kai once in middle school, and decided to attend Hachimitsu based on a single word he said to her.To Uka, the popular Kai is a distant presence. Yet somehow, Kai starts to look after Uka. With Kai encouraging her, Uka gradually begins to fit in with her classmates… But…Uka’s world is gradually changing with Kai’s presence. — Now, I am in the center of the endlessly spreading light.

  • And finally, the wait will soon be over… The Do-Over Damsel Conquers the Dragon Emperor is coming to Crunchyroll in October 2024! This anime is based on the light novel series written by Sarasa Nagase and illustrated by Mitsuya Fuji.
  • Synopsis: Jill breaks out of prison the night before she’s set to be executed by her fiancé, Crown Prince Gerald. She’s struck by an arrow while escaping, but instead of dying, she’s transported six years into the past—to the night she and Gerald met. Desperate to alter fate, she instead proposes to the first man she sees, Hadis Teos Rave, her enemy in the future. This is her last chance to get it right!

About Crunchyroll

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Anime fans have access to one of the largest collections of licensed anime through Crunchyroll and translated in multiple languages for viewers worldwide. Viewers can also access simulcasts—top series available immediately after Japanese broadcast.

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August TV Highlights | Crunchyroll

What to watch on Crunchyroll this month!

One Piece

Monkey D. Luffy refuses to let anyone or anything stand in the way of his quest to become the king of all pirates. With a course charted for the treacherous waters of the Grand Line and beyond, this is one captain who’ll never give up until he’s claimed the greatest treasure on Earth: the Legendary One Piece!

My Hero Academia Season 7

Izuku has dreamt of being a hero all his life—a lofty goal for anyone, but especially challenging for a kid with no superpowers. That’s right, in a world where eighty percent of the population has some kind of super-powered “quirk,” Izuku was unlucky enough to be born completely normal. But that’s not enough to stop him from enrolling in one of the world’s most prestigious hero academies.

BOCCHI THE ROCK!

Hitori Gotoh, “Bocchi-chan,” is a girl who’s so introverted and shy around people that she’d always start her conversations with “Ah…” During her middle school years, she started playing the guitar, wanting to join a band because she thought it could be an opportunity for even someone shy like her to also shine. But because she had no friends, she ended up practicing guitar for six hours every day all by herself. After becoming a skilled guitar player, she uploaded videos of herself playing the guitar to the internet under the name “Guitar Hero” and fantasized about performing at her school’s cultural festival concert. But not only could she not find any bandmates, before she knew it, she was in high school and still wasn’t able to make a single friend! She was really close to becoming a shut-in, but one day, Nijika Ijichi, the drummer in Kessoku Band, reached out to her. And because of that, her everyday life started to change little by little…

Fairy Tail 100 Years Quest

The rowdiest guild in Fiore Kingdom is back! Natsu, Lucy, Gray, Erza, and the whole Fairy Tail guild tackle the legendary “100 Years Quest,” tougher than any S-Class quest. Their goal: find the first wizard guild ever, located in the far north of Guiltina. Facing new gods, mysterious towns, and ominous foes, they’ll have their work cut out for them. Will they succeed where no wizard has before?

The Café Terrace and Its Goddesses

After inheriting his late grandmother’s failing café, Hayato sees it as a bother and plans to sell it for a quick buck. Until he discovers five beautiful girls staying there! When they beg him to keep the café open, Hayato reluctantly gives in. Can he manage the seaside shop while learning to live with these unruly women?

Why Does Nobody Remember Me in This World?

In a world where humans triumphed in a great war, Kai guards sealed crypts containing their enemies. But when “World Rebirth” overwrites history, he’s thrust into an alternate reality where humanity lost the war and he’s been forgotten by everyone he knows. Now, this lost hero must rise to restore the world’s balance!

Tower of God Season 2 (The Answer Studio)

Ja Wangnan can’t seem to pass the 20th floor. Even after failing time and time again, he refuses to give up. On his journey, he meets a mysterious and powerful character named Viole. Wangnan invites Viole to join his team of Regulars. Their journey continues with new challenges at every turn. (Official Trailer below)

MAYONAKA PUNCH (P.A.WORKS)

Meet Masaki, the now former member of the popular NewTuber group, Harikiri Sisters. After a career setback, aka getting fired unexpectedly via a livestream, she joins forces with Live, a partner with superhuman abilities. Together, they aim to create sensational content and reach 1 million subscribers. Will they reach their content dreams or be hit with the block button? (Official Trailer below)

Delico’s Nursery (J.C.STAFF) Coming August 8

Hailing from the prestigious noble house of Delico, Dali Delico is an elite member of the Blood Pact Council with a promising future. When the Blood Pact Council, the highest governing body for the Vamps, assigns a special mission to Dali, he flatly refuses it. Having lost patience, Gerhard, Dino, and Henrique, who are also Council members serving the same term as Dali, rush to the house of Delico to persuade him. What they witness there is Dali, taking care of an infant himself… Meanwhile, there has been a series of mysterious murders targeting Vamps. Can they find the right balance between their absolute mission and childcare in this magnificent gothic world?! (Official Trailer below)

True Beauty (Studio N) Coming August 8

Once bullied for her looks, Jugyeong transforms herself using the art of makeup. When she joins a new school with a True Beauty goddess competition, offering winners the chance of recruitment by entertainment agencies, she instantly becomes a top candidate! But her new identity is at stake when heartthrob Suho Lee accidentally sees her bare face. Will her elite status be short-lived?

Cult of the Lamb Extends its Influence to Interactive Fiction in the upcoming Pilgrim Comic Pack 

Deep in the Lands of the Old Faith lies paradise, for any pilgrim brave enough to seek it…

Devoted developer Massive Monster, faithful scribe JoJo Zhou and master of graven images Cales Dalmau have revealed their greatest collaboration yet: Pilgrim, a brand new interactive adventure that will show the world of Cult of the Lamb as you’ve never seen it before, with characters new and old to meet and mysteries to uncover.

The Pilgrim Pack will manifest alongside Cult of the Lamb’s latest free update, Unholy Alliance, on August 12 as a paid DLC for PC, Switch, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X.

The Pilgrim Pack includes:

  • The full Pilgrim story and bonus pages!
  • 2 unique Follower quests
  • 5 new Follower forms
  • 2 new outfits for your Followers to wear
  • 5 new decorations

Visit cultofthelamb.com for more information.

Unholy Alliance, the latest free update for smash hit Cult of the Lamb, introduces a new playable character: the Goat! Summoned by blood and born in corruption, this wicked new ally can join the holy Lamb in local co-op. Crusade through dungeons, slay heretics, build your cult, and seek new powers together on August 12.

In the story of Pilgrim you’ll join Jalala and Rinor as they journey across the Lands of the Old Faith, searching for a place to call home. If they can survive the dangerous Cultists looking for new sacrifices, the terrifying creatures hunting for a meal, and the strange mushroom-peddlars… not to mention rumours of a wicked beast who stalks the land, searching for their next victim… then they might just make it.