Home Blog Page 953

Celebrate 40 years of WrestleMania with WWE 2K24, the next instalment to 2K’s hit franchise

WWE® 2K24 Celebrates 40 Years of WrestleMania with 2K Showcase…of the Immortals and Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition

Step into the ring and “Finish Your Story” with Standard Edition cover Superstar “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, Deluxe Edition cover Superstars Rhea Ripley and Bianca Belair, new match types, updated gameplay, and more!

Today, 2K announced WWE® 2K24, the newest instalment of the flagship WWE video game franchise developed by Visual Concepts, will be coming soon for PlayStation® 5 (PS5®), PlayStation®4 (PS4®), Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. As he burns a path through WWE in an effort to claim world championship gold and fulfil his destiny, “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes will be featured on the Standard Edition cover. Multi-time champions and Women’s Royal Rumble winners Bianca Belair and Rhea Ripley share the Deluxe Edition cover, marking the first time in history two women have graced a dedicated WWE 2K cover, while the Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition cover features original artwork celebrating the most iconic Superstars and Legends in WrestleMania history, including The Rock, The Undertaker, Hulk Hogan, “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, and more. 

WWE 2K24 features several franchise advancements, including 2K Showcase…of the Immortals celebrating 40 years of WrestleMania, four new match types such as Ambulance and Special Guest Referee, two new MyRISE experiences, and much more. In addition, fans can also look forward to a massive roster of more than 200* WWE Superstars and Legends including Roman Reigns, Andre the Giant, Becky Lynch, Batista, Kurt Angle, Asuka, Bret Hart, Brock Lesnar, “Macho Man” Randy Savage, Chyna, and more. Incredibly realistic graphics and improved animations – with over 90% of facial expressions updated – plus improvements to Ramp cameras and Dive cameras, and the ability to move the camera during live gameplay provide the most visually impressive WWE 2K experience to date. WWE 2K24 Deluxe Edition and Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition are scheduled for worldwide release on Tuesday, March 5, 2024, followed by the Standard Edition and Standard Cross-Gen Digital Edition on Friday, March 8, 2024.

“I’ve been known to keep a checklist of key milestones I want to experience on the path to finishing my story,” said Cody Rhodes. “As an avid gamer, being named WWE 2K cover Superstar is very, very close to the top of that list and I’m very happy to work with the teams at 2K and Visual Concepts to bring that dream to life.” 

“This is an incredible milestone in my career and I’m so excited to show the world why WWE 2K24 is a must-have and the EST game for every WWE fan and gamer.” said Bianca Belair.

“I’ve proven myself to be the most dominant competitor to ever hold the WWE Women’s World Championship,” said Rhea Ripley, “Earning the accolade of WWE 2K24 cover Superstar is only fitting, and I’m proud to add it to my list of accomplishments.” 

“Fresh off the highest-rated game in franchise history, the WWE 2K development team continues to build on that quality,” said Greg Thomas, President at Visual Concepts. “WWE 2K24 offers more match types, new MyRISE storylines and characters, improvements to gameplay throughout, a 2K Showcase 40 years in the making, and so much more. I’m very proud of the work the team has done to bring this experience to life, and I look forward to seeing players enjoy the game.”

WWE 2K24 features several hallmarks of the franchise, as well some new additions and twists on fan favourites:

  • 2K Showcase…of the Immortals: For 40 years, WrestleMania has captivated millions of fans around the globe as WWE Superstars became Legends and spectacular moments – from Hulk Hogan slamming Andre the Giant, to “Mr. WrestleMania” Shawn Michaels and The Undertaker putting on a match for the ages, and many more – cemented WWE Hall of Fame legacies. “The Grandest Stage of Them All,” has drawn earth-shaking roars from 100,000+ in attendance, as the biggest icons in WWE made history, and left every drop of blood, sweat and tears in the squared circle. 40 years in the making, the WWE 2K24 Showcase…of the Immortals puts players in control, playing through the most iconic moments in WrestleMania history as 2K’s distinctive Slingshot Tech seamlessly morphs gameplay to live-action footage and back again for the most immersive WrestleMania video game experience to date. A host of unlockable content adds challenge and replay value to this historical experience;
  • Iconic Roster: WWE 2K24 boasts a star-studded roster featuring WWE Legends including “Stone Cold” Steve Austin, Undertaker, and Andre the Giant, alongside current WWE Superstars including “The American Nightmare” Cody Rhodes, Bianca Belair, John Cena, Rhea Ripley, and Roman Reigns, whose larger-than-life entrances and signature moves are heightened by ultra-realistic graphics.
  • New Match Types and Improvements on Existing Match Types: Players asked, and WWE 2K24 delivers, with four new, chaotic match types: Special Guest Referee, Ambulance Match, Casket Match, and Gauntlet Match. In addition, the Backstage Brawl now features 4-player support and new interactive environmental elements – including a working elevator, breakable control room glass, and a vending machine with throwable sodas – while the Royal Rumble now offers support for eight online players in 30-Superstar online matches. All of the familiar WWE 2K match types, such as WarGames, Extreme Rules, TLC, Submission, Hell in a Cell, and many more also return. More details on each new match type will be shared soon;
  • Gameplay Upgrades: WWE 2K24 features improvements to gameplay throughout, including Super Finishers, the Trading Blows mini-game, top rope dive onto a group of opponents outside the ring, double title matches, new Paybacks and much more. New weapon types, including trash cans, guitars and microphones, plus the ability to throw weapons, allow players to bring the pain. Also, seven real WWE referees are featured to add to the immersive experience;
  • MyGM: The popular WWE brand management simulation continues to expand with new GMs and brands to choose from, more match types, more Dramas, more Championships, talent scouts, Superstar trading between brands, Superstar contract management and the new Superstar Journey, which allows Superstars to earn XP, train and level up to gain new benefits after participating in matches;
  • MyFACTION: The team-building mode in which players collect, manage, and upgrade an array of WWE Superstars and Legends to create their ultimate four-person factions returns with a new direct purchase card market and updated multiplayer experience. Players can now compete in ranked online QuickPlay with unique rewards and seasonal leaderboards, challenge themselves with Weekly Towers, and take on a revamped Faction Wars 2.0, featuring more real-world factions, more 4v4 match types, a Faction Wars specific reward shop and more. New themed card packs and goals will continue to roll out regularly throughout the year with seasonal content refreshes**;
  • MyRISE: In WWE 2K’s unique career mode experience, two new storylines – Undisputed (men’s) and Unleashed (women’s) – put players in control of custom created Superstars looking to make a name for themselves and cement their legacies in WWE history. Featuring Roman Reigns, Cody Rhodes, Mick Foley and others performing MyRISE voiceover for the first time, alongside other Superstars and Legends, expanded rewards, original MyRISE characters and unlockables carrying-over into other game modes, and new environments, MyRISE is more impactful on the overall WWE 2K experience than ever before;
  • Universe: The ultimate WWE Universe sandbox that puts players in charge of Superstar rosters, feuds, champions, weekly shows, and Premium Live Events now features expanded Rivalry actions, including run-ins, Money in the Bank cash-ins, scenarios and brawls, as well as new cutscenes, Special Guest Referee support, Double Title Matches and a Loser Leaves Town stipulation;
  • Creation Suite: The crown jewel of the WWE 2K franchise, the best-in-class, most detailed and robust creation suite returns with all-new support for Create-A-Referee and Create-A-Sign, as well as new parts and animations to design custom Superstars, GMs, arenas, entrances, move sets, championships and more; 
  • Peacock™ Promotion:*** New subscribers get 1 month of Peacock at no extra cost (a $5.99 value) with purchase of any edition of WWE 2K24 by April 14, 2024. Promotional code must be redeemed between March 12 and May 31, 2024. After offer ends, plan auto-renews at the then-current retail price (plus tax) until canceled by subscriber. Eligibility restrictions and terms apply. See https://www.peacocktv.com/offer-terms/2k for full terms, availability, redemption, and cancellation instructions.

WWE 2K24 Editions

WWE 2K24 features four editions of the game: Standard Edition, Standard Cross-Gen Digital Edition, Deluxe Edition,and FortyYears of WrestleMania Edition:

  • The Standard Edition will be available for $59.99 on previous-gen platforms (PS4, Xbox One consoles) and PCand for $69.99 on current-gen consoles (PS5 and Xbox Series X|S);
  • Pre-Order Bonus Offers****: Players who pre-order the WWE 2K24 Standard Edition will receive the Nightmare Family Pack a bonus pack of content including four playable Superstars – two alternate versions of Cody Rhodes (The “Undashing” masked Cody and the flamboyant Stardust), as well as the 1976 version of his father, WWE Hall of Famer Dusty Rhodes, plus one of Dusty’s greatest rivals, “Superstar” Billy Graham, all available as playable characters. Additional MyFACTION content includes three MyFACTION cards – a Mattel “Bruised” Cody Rhodes Gold Rarity card and, for the first time ever, Cody’s dog, Pharaoh, appears in WWE 2K as a Gold Rarity Manager card**. In addition, all Digital Pre-Orders of any edition of WWE 2K24 will include the Standard Edition of WWE 2K23, the highest-rated game in franchise history according to Metacritic*****;
  • The Standard Cross-Gen Digital Edition will be available for $69.99 on PlayStation and Xbox consoles. The Standard Cross-Gen Digital Edition includes the Standard Edition across previous and current-gen platforms within the same console family and the same PlayStation or Xbox account******;
  • The Deluxe Edition will be available for $99.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. The Deluxe Edition includes the Standard Cross-Gen Edition, Nightmare Family Pack, plus a Season Pass to all five post-launch DLC content packs*******; the MyRISE Mega-Boost and SuperCharger; Gold Rarity Rhea Ripley MyFACTION Card, Gold Rarity Bianca Belair MyFACTION Card, and alternate attires for Bianca and Rhea. The Deluxe Edition will be available from March 5, 2024 – three days ahead of Standard and Cross-Gen Editions!;
  • The Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition will be available for $119.99 for PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC. In addition to the Standard Cross-Gen Edition and all bonus content included in the Deluxe Edition, the Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition includes the Forty Years of WrestleMania Pack, which features alternate attires for “Macho King” Randy Savage (WrestleMania 6), Rey Mysterio (WrestleMania 22), Triple H (WrestleMania 30), Charlotte Flair (WrestleMania 33), and Rhea Ripley (WrestleMania 36), as well as Gold Rarity MyFACTION cards for each, instant unlocking of all playable Showcase characters, and the WrestleMania 40 Arena, which will be available after launch.******* The Forty Years of WrestleMania Edition will be available from March 5, 2024 – three days ahead of Standard and Standard Cross-Gen Editions!;

For more information on WWE 2K24, visit the game’s official website, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on TikTok, X, Instagram, and subscribe on Twitch and YouTube. Official campaign hashtags #WWE2K24 and #FinishYourStory. Tune-in to Monday Night Raw tonight to see the announcement trailer and cover stars.

Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*Some Superstars require unlocking via gameplay, or pre-order purchase.

**WWE 2K24 and internet access required to play MyFACTION content. Online Account (13+) required to access online features. See www.take2games.com/legal and www.take2games.com/privacy for additional details.

***Purchase by 4/14/24. Must redeem between 3/12/24 and 5/31/24. Offer limited to US customers who are 18+ only. Offer available with a purchase of WWE 2K24. Offer includes one month of access to Peacock Premium at no extra cost (a $5.99 value), available to new Peacock subscribers only who have purchased and installed WWE 2K24 and linked their 2K Account (2K Accounts are free. After offer ends, plan auto-renews at the then-current retail price (plus tax) until you cancel. Code for Peacock Premium Subscription will be delivered via email to the email associated with the linked 2K Account. Eligibility restrictions and terms apply. See https://www.peacocktv.com/offer-terms/2k for full terms, availability, redemption, and cancellation instructions.

****Pre-Order Bonus Offers: Nightmare Family Pack pre-order bonus offer available through March 14, 2024. Pre-order WWE 2K24 Standard Edition and receive the Nightmare Family Pack, which includes four playable characters and three gold-tier MyFACTION cards (Dusty Rhodes ’76, Mattel Cody Rhodes, and Pharoah (Manager). The Nightmare Family Pack is included with Deluxe and Forty Years of WrestleMania editions. For digital pre-orders, items will be automatically entitled in-game. For physical pre-orders, items will be redeemed in game via code provided in box. Terms apply. Pre-order WWE 2K24 Standard Edition (Digital) on any platform through March 14, 2024 and receive a digital copy of WWE 2K23 Standard Edition for the same platform. Digital copy of WWE 2K23 will be automatically entitled and available to download following pre-order. WWE 2K23 must be downloaded to the platform account used to pre-order WWE 2K24 and is non-transferable. Offer not available to platform accounts that already own WWE 2K23 on the same platform. Terms apply.

*****Based on WWE 2K23’s Metacritic scores on PS5, Xbox Series X|S and PC as of December 19, 2023.

******PlayStation 5 console required to play PS5 version. PlayStation 4 console required to play PS4 version. Xbox Series X|S console required to play Xbox Series X|S version. Xbox One console required to redeem and use Xbox One version.

*******For digital orders, post-launch Forty Years of WrestleMania Pack content and DLC will be automatically delivered on release for PC users, available for download in the PlayStation store/Library tile for PS4 and PS5 users, and available for download in Microsoft Store for Xbox users. For physical orders, post-launch DLC will be available upon release and redeemed in game via code provided in box.  DLC will also be available for purchase separately.

About 2K

Founded in 2005, 2K develops and publishes interactive entertainment for video game consoles, personal computers, and mobile devices, with product availability including physical retail and digital download. The Company is home to many talented development studios, including Visual Concepts, Firaxis Games, Hangar 13, Cat Daddy Games, 31st Union, Cloud Chamber and HB Studios. 2K’s portfolio currently includes several AAA, sports and entertainment brands, including global powerhouse NBA®️ 2K; renowned BioShock®️, Borderlands®️, Mafia, Sid Meier’s Civilization®️ and XCOM®️ brands; popular WWE®️ 2K and WWE®️ SuperCard franchises; as well as the critically and commercially acclaimed PGA TOUR®️ 2K. Additional information about 2K and its products may be found at 2K.com and on the Company’s official social media channels.

2K is a publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

About Take-Two Interactive Software

Headquartered in New York City, Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. is a leading developer, publisher, and marketer of interactive entertainment for consumers around the globe. The Company develops and publishes products principally through Rockstar Games, 2K, Private Division, and Zynga. Our products are currently designed for console gaming systems, PC, and Mobile including smartphones and tablets, and are delivered through physical retail, digital download, online platforms, and cloud streaming services. The Company’s common stock is publicly traded on NASDAQ under the symbol TTWO.

All trademarks and copyrights contained herein are the property of their respective holders.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The statements contained herein, which are not historical facts, including statements relating to Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc.’s (“Take-Two,” the “Company,” “we,” “us,” or similar pronouns) outlook, are considered forward-looking statements under federal securities laws and may be identified by words such as “anticipates,” “believes,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “projects,” “seeks,” “should,” “will,” or words of similar meaning and include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the outlook for our future business and financial performance. Such forward-looking statements are based on the current beliefs of our management as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to them, which are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks, and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict. Actual outcomes and results may vary materially from these forward-looking statements based on a variety of risks and uncertainties including risks relating to our combination with Zynga Inc.; the risks of conducting business internationally, including as a result of unforeseen geopolitical events; the impact of changes in interest rates by the Federal Reserve and other central banks, including on our short-term investment portfolio; the impact of inflation; volatility in foreign currency exchange rates; our dependence on key management and product development personnel; our dependence on our NBA 2K and Grand Theft Auto products and our ability to develop other hit titles; our ability to leverage opportunities on PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S; factors affecting our mobile business, such as player acquisition costs; the timely release and significant market acceptance of our games; the ability to maintain acceptable pricing levels on our games.

Other important factors and information are contained in the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K, including the risks summarized in the section entitled “Risk Factors,” the Company’s most recent Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q, and the Company’s other periodic filings with the SEC, which can be accessed at www.take2games.com. All forward-looking statements are qualified by these cautionary statements and apply only as of the date they are made. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.

# # #

Crunchyroll Gets New Exclusive Games; Developer Portal Launches Soon

Crunchyroll Premium Members Get Free Access to Ponpu and Yuppie Psycho; Developer Portal for Game Submissions Coming Soon

Culver City, California (January 22, 2024) – Crunchyroll, the ultimate home for anime worldwide, is launching two new exclusive titles on Crunchyroll Game Vault—the new membership perk delivering unlimited access to premium mobile titles for Crunchyroll Mega and Ultimate Fan members. Today, Ponpu and Yuppie Psycho level up the lineup alongside an upcoming Developer Portal giving studios a direct line to the team building an incredible curated library of games for anime fans.*  

Crunchyroll Game Vault gets a bit more scary and puzzling! Survival horror is on the agenda with the mobile debut of survival horror title Yuppie Psycho. Super-slick 2D action puzzler game Ponpu will also explode onto mobile devices for the first time. Both are available starting today. 

“Crunchyroll Game Vault’s latest titles, coupled with the upcoming One Punch Man: World launch on January 31, mark the beginning of a tremendous year for gaming at Crunchyroll. Throughout 2024, we will work with developers to bring more games to mobile for the first time and bring new features to existing hits,” said Terry Li, Executive Vice President of Emerging Business and General Manager of Crunchyroll Games at Crunchyroll. “Our Developer Portal is another step in our commitment  to working with developers eager to bring games to Crunchyroll’s fans.” 

Crunchyroll’s new Developer Portal will make it easier for creators around the world to engage directly with the publishing team building Crunchyroll’s line up of curated titles especially for anime fans. Developers and publishers can submit in-progress projects, launched games, and more for consideration as part of Crunchyroll Game Vault’s growing library of games.  

Available to play with no ads or in-app purchases, Crunchyroll Game Vault’s growing library of premium titles, including River City Girls, Behind the Frame, inbento and more, can be found on the App Store, Google Play and Crunchyroll in more than 200 countries and territories. New fans can sign up or upgrade to a Crunchyroll Mega or Ultimate Fan membership to nab their own vault key to enjoy games and stream over 24,000 hours of anime. 

Crunchyroll Game Vault’s lineup of premium mobile games is a new offering for Premium Members that complements the growing library of titles published by Crunchyroll Games, the interactive division of Crunchyroll dedicated to free-to-play anime game experiences, including Street Fighter: Duel, My Hero Academia: The Strongest Hero, and the upcoming One Punch Man: World launching on January 31. 

*Some of our features will be released incrementally to ensure stability. Not all users may receive all Crunchyroll Game Vault updates and access to Crunchyroll Game Vault titles simultaneously.

About Crunchyroll

Crunchyroll connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with the content and experiences they love. In addition to free ad-supported and membership Premium content, Crunchyroll serves the anime community across events, theatrical, games, consumer products, collectibles, and manga.

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. 

The Crunchyroll app is available on nearly 15 platforms, including most gaming consoles.

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

# # #

Old School RuneScape Winter Summit Reveals 2024 Roadmap 

Brand new area expansion, iconic RuneScape quests, overhauled PVP content and much more much coming in 2024 

Monday, 22 January 2024, Cambridge, UK. Old School RuneScape’s Winter Summit premiered over the weekend revealing the lineup of content planned for 2024.  

Watch the Old School Winter Summit in full here: twitch.tv/oldschoolrs

Headlining the summit was the unveiling of Valamore a brand-new area expansion, first seen during 2023’s Summer Summit, the first part of which will be launching into Old School RuneScape on 20 March 2024. Players will be able to explore Civitas illa Fortis and the vast Avium Savannah and experience new quests, the Fortis Colosseum, the Perilous Moons minigame and the Hunter Guild. Part two will be launching in the Summer and will focus on the luxurious island of Aldarin and the inhospitable mountain range north of Civitas illa Fortis. For more details on Valamore check out the dev diary below:

Two iconic RuneScape quests are getting an Old School makeover with both Defender of Varrock and the beloved While Guthix Sleeps launching in Old School RuneScape this year. Both quests continue the iconic Mahjarrat storyline and are some of the most requested content by the Old School RuneScape community. Defender of Varrock will join Old School RuneScape in Spring 2024 with While Guthix Sleeps joining in Summer 2024. 

PVP players will rejoice with the revamp of The Chaos Temple, which will offer lower-level players an entry point to this cutthroat style of play in Spring 2024. 

Old School RuneScape also unveiled the latest planned improvements to the official client, including:  

  • HD Mode will offer players an upgraded graphical experience which includes fully dynamic lighting, sunlight effects and fog. Players will be able to switch seamlessly between the current ‘classic’ look and HD mode at will, even on mobile. 
  • Official Client Plugin API allows players to use and create their own Plugins for use in Old School RuneScape, meaning for the first time even players on both on PC and Mobile will be to start playing with all their favourite helpers lined up and ready to go. 

There’s plenty more to come in 2024 from Old School RuneScape with quality-of-life updates, holiday updates, Deadman Apocalypse and the imminent release of Scurrius the Rat King all coming in the first half of this year. Developers also showed off the latest update to the ongoing development of the Sailing skill, giving players a glimpse of the development roadmap. 

For full details on everything announced at the Winter Summit for Old School RuneScape, please see this news post on the website. 
 
Old School RuneScape is available now on PC, Steam, iOS, and Android, complete with cross-platform progression and play on PC and mobile.    

About Old School RuneScape  

Old School RuneScape is the industry-defining collaboration between the community and developers. Embracing its nostalgic heritage, hundreds of thousands of active players control the direction of the game with an in-game polling system. Featuring adventures for solo play through to 100-player strong raids, Old School RuneScape caters for every brave adventurer. Old School RuneScape continues to innovate, introducing its first ever new skill in 2023 to commemorate its 10th anniversary, arriving later this year. Play now at http://oldschool.runescape.com  

About Jagex   

A leader in creating deep and engaging live games on PC and mobile, Jagex’s flagship MMORPG, RuneScape, has welcomed over 300 million player accounts to its world and is a $1billion lifetime revenue franchise. Today the RuneScape franchise exists beyond live operations; our titles are forever games that connect and inspire millions of players, with content and experiences both inside and outside of inexhaustible game worlds. Both RuneScape and Old School RuneScape, on PC and mobile, offer ever-evolving, highly active worlds and our community-focussed development ethos empowers players to have a real say in how each game is shaped.  

Jagex has expanded with the acquisitions of PipeWorks and Gamepires, bringing its expertise in building forever games to SCUM, a multi-million selling open-world survival title in Steam Early Access. Jagex employs more than 600 people globally, and is headquartered in Cambridge, United Kingdom.

Utomik and Lenovo’s New Partnership Goes Live

Utomik Platform Now Available on Select Lenovo Devices

(Eindhoven, 01-22-2024) – Utomik and Lenovo are delighted to launch a partnership that will bring Utomik’s platform to Lenovo devices in Asia-Pacific.

Lenovo is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone everywhere through innovative devices and technology. Now those devices will be able to connect users with new, cutting-edge games through Utomik’s subscription with select devices. 

Through this partnership, customers in the English-speaking countries of the Asia-Pacific region get a 12-month subscription to Utomik on selected PC models from Lenovo based on eligibility*. Devices include selected models under the IdeaPad and IdeaCentre series.

Utomik makes gaming more accessible through fast-download tech and a diverse portfolio of games that are playable on PCs, Android devices, and Smart TVs. Utomik’s library of over 1400 games also boasts a collection of more than 300 cloud-based games for seamless gaming anywhere, anytime. New Lenovo customers can now discover more on Utomik’s platform – from classic games to new indie developments, there is a game for every type of gamer.

“We are excited to partner with Lenovo to offer a new gaming experience to their customers. With Utomik’s immense library combined with Lenovo’s best-in-class devices, we allow users to experience >1000 top-quality indie, family, and AAA insta-experiences with no friction to players throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” said Doki Tops, Utomik founder and CEO.

*Eligibility will vary based on market and product availability. Lenovo and Utomik reserve the right to alter the subscription offerings, features, and specifications at any time without notice.

For more information on Utomik visit: https://www.utomik.com.

About Utomik

Utomik is a worldwide gaming subscription service that services both the B2C and the B2B markets with its hybrid gaming platform. The platform delivers an excellent user experience through cloud gaming and fast-download tech, which ensures smooth game performance all over the world. Partners such as Samsung, LG, and Hewlett Packard embrace this progressiveness by adapting Utomik’s services to their products.

Utomik supports a growing library of 1400+ games on PC, with 300+ of those available on the cloud for PC, Smart TV, and Android. Combining smart download technology with cloud gaming allows users of the platform to play amazing games whenever and wherever they want with the best possible user experience.

About Lenovo  

Lenovo (HKSE: 992) (ADR: LNVGY) is a US$62 billion revenue global technology powerhouse, ranked #217 in the Fortune Global 500, employing 77,000 people worldwide, and serving millions of customers every day in 180 markets. Focused on a bold vision to deliver smarter technology for all, Lenovo has built on its success as the world’s largest PC company by further expanding into growth areas that fuel the advancement of ‘New IT’ technologies (client, edge, cloud, network, and intelligence) including server, storage, mobile, software, solutions, and services. This transformation together with Lenovo’s world-changing innovation is building a more inclusive, trustworthy, and smarter future for everyone, everywhere.

To learn more, visit https://www.lenovo.com, and read about the latest news via their StoryHub.

Game Awards Winner Sea of Stars Starts a New Adventure with a Physical Edition, Available for Preorder Now

Sydney, Australia – 22nd January 2024: iam8bit, together with developer Sabotage Studio, announced that unique physical editions will soon be coming across multiple platforms for Sea of Stars, the turn-based RPG inspired by the heights of ‘90s role-playing classics. Aspiring Solstice Warriors can bring their adventure to life with the physical edition, available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and Xbox Series X with Smart Delivery for $69.95

A trailer showcasing the new physical edition is available below:

The retail edition features a double-sided poster with art from concept artist and illustrator Bryce Kho. Players who preorder the retail edition will receive a digital download of the game soundtrack, which includes all 200 tracks from Day & Night cycles, acoustic pirate band covers and over 10 tracks from guest composer Yasunori Mitsuda. This digital soundtrack also showcases the talents of Sabotage’s award-winning composer Eric W. Brown, with contributions from Vincent Jackson Jones II and Reece Miller.

Awarded Best Indie Game at The Game Awards, Best Indie Game at the Golden Joysticks and recognized by the British Academy Film and Television Awards (BAFTA) as one of the best games from 2023, Sea of Stars is an acclaimed and heartfelt homage to retro-inspired role-playing games. As the second game from Sabotage Studio, this critically acclaimed game tells the story of two Children of the Solstice and their childhood friend who must combine the powers of the sun and moon to perform Eclipse Magic, the only force that has the power to fight off the monstrous creations of an evil alchemist known as The Fleshmancer.

About iam8bit

Founded in 2005, iam8bit is a creative production emporium that has quietly redefined the entertainment industry, time and time again. Collaborating with a plethora of partners and narrative-busting IPs, iam8bit punctuates the importance of engaging with fans directly. By creating the videogame industry’s very first community events, the company injected the idea of experiential immersion into game and film marketing (back when it was simply known as “theatre”). iam8bit also played a crucial role in the vinyl renaissance, minting its first record in 2010, and is the industry leader in premium physical editions of top-tier games. In 2020, iam8bit evolved into financing and publishing games, with several yet-to-be-announced PC, console and tabletop games on the horizon. The company is based in Los Angeles and co-owned/co-creatively directed by Jon M. Gibson and Amanda White.

About Sabotage Studio

Sabotage Studio is a Canadian development team founded in 2016 and located in Quebec City. Committed to creating awe-inspiring original universes recalling the greatest moments in classic gaming, Sabotage Studio rethinks the conventions of well-established genres to unlock new potential, creating distinct, modernized titles that reach beyond traditional expectations of what a genre can offer.

Creator of the critically lauded turn-based RPG Sea of Stars voted Best Indie Game at the 2023 The Game Awards, and acclaimed sidescrolling action platformer The Messenger, winner of Best Debut Indie Game at the 2018 The Game Awards, Sabotage Studio has established itself as one of the gaming industry’s most promising developers. Sabotage Studio is currently working on Sea of Stars’ upcoming DLC, Throes of the Watchmaker, along with their unannounced next title.

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: THE DARK PRINCE SHIPS OVER 1 MILLION UNITS WORLDWIDE

Square Enix celebrates physical and digital sales milestone for latest DRAGON QUEST Monsters series video game released exclusively for Nintendo Switch

SYDNEY (January 22, 2023) –SQUARE ENIX® is excited to share that DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince, the latest role-playing game in the DRAGON QUEST Monster series, has officially shipped 1 million units globally since it’s successful launch exclusively for Nintendo Switch™, at retail and digitally via the Nintendo® eShop. This exciting milestone follows the DRAGON QUEST Monsters series’ recent celebration of its 25th anniversary since the release of the first game within the franchise, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: Terry’s Wonderland.

Journeying through the fantastical world of Nadiria, DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince takes players on a role-playing adventure with Psaro, the antagonist from DRAGON QUEST IV: Chapters of the Chosen. Play as Psaro and become a Monster Wrangler, recruiting, training, and fighting alongside over 500 unique monsters to create an army for battle to become the Master of Monsterkind. The game also features a newly evolved and evermore intuitive synthesis system, offering newcomers and fans of the DRAGON QUEST Monsters series the chance to discover new monster combinations with their own innate talents. Immerse in strategic battles with a team of eight monsters in the main storyline or online against other Monster Wranglers from around the world in a variety of online battle modes.

In celebration of this milestone, all DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince players will receive a free “Mighty Meat Platter Set” as thank you for your support. The “Mighty Meat Platter Set” will be available to download for free in the Nintendo eShop on February 1st @ 9am PT/5pm GMT (February 2nd 4am AEDT). Once downloaded, the items included in the set will be automatically added to player’s inventory upon restarting the game.

The “Mighty Meat Platter Set” includes:

  • Manky meat x 5
  • Monster munchies x 5
  • Smoked sirloin x 5
  • Meaty treat x 3
  • Beastie bites x 2
  • Better beastie bites x 1

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince released simultaneously worldwide for Nintendo Switch on December 1, 2023. DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: The Dark Prince is available in physical and digital formats on Nintendo Switch.

Official Website: https://dragonquest.square-enix-games.com

About DRAGON QUEST

DRAGON QUEST is a legendary series of role-playing games created by Yuji Horii and beloved by millions both in Japan and around the world. The first DRAGON QUEST was released in 1986, and the game made its US debut in 1989 as DRAGON WARRIOR. The critically acclaimed series has shipped more than 85 million units worldwide, spanning 11 main series titles, many spin-off games, as well as films, anime, novels, manga, merchandise and more. Celebrating its 37th anniversary this year, the wildly popular DRAGON QUEST franchise holds various Guinness World Records including “Longest-Running Japanese RPG Series.”
 
The visionaries behind the series, Creator and Game Designer Yuji Horii, Character Designer Akira Toriyama (creator of Dragon Ball) and composer Koichi Sugiyama, have long enchanted newcomers and long-time fans alike, with each new entry in the franchise comprising charming visuals, enthralling storylines, and captivating music. The latest instalment, DRAGON QUEST XI S: Echoes of An Elusive Age, was released to much critical acclaim, winning the Metacritic Must-Play game award and becoming Metacritic’s “#2 Best Switch Game of 2019” and “#3 Best PS4 Game of 2020.” It has shipped over 6.5 million units globally to date.

About Square Enix, Inc.

Square Enix, Inc. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content throughout the Americas as part of the Square Enix group of companies. The Square Enix group of companies boasts a valuable portfolio of intellectual property including: FINAL FANTASY®, which has sold over 185 million units worldwide; DRAGON QUEST®, which has sold over 88 million units worldwide; and the legendary SPACE INVADERS®. Square Enix, Inc. is a U.S.-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.

More information on Square Enix, Inc. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com.

© ARMOR PROJECT/BIRD STUDIO/SQUARE ENIX

© SUGIYAMA KOBO

DRAGON QUEST MONSTERS: THE DARK PRINCE, FINAL FANTASY, DRAGON QUEST, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, SPACE INVADERS, and TAITO are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo Co., Ltd. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

###

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown – Gameplay

0

Although Sargon may have just defended his homeland from invasion, the celebration is quickly cut short as his prince has been kidnapped. Together with the other “Immortals” of the kingdom, Sargon ventures out only for the group to find themselves trapped within a cursed citadel in Ubisoft’s Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.

Dash into a stylish and thrilling action-adventure platformer game set in a mythological Persian world where the boundaries of time and space are yours to manipulate.

Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown
Developer: Ubisoft Montpellier
Publisher: Ubisoft
Platform: Windows, Switch, PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S
Release Date: 18th, January, 2024
Price: $49.99 USD

Available here – https://www.ubisoft.com/en-us/game/prince-of-persia/the-lost-crown

Summary:

Recommended – Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown’s satisfying story combined with a wonderful approach to combat makes this metroidvania a highly enjoyable return to form for the long missing franchise.”

Check out our review for Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown here!

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

Website: https://www.capsulecomputers.com.au/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CapsuleComputers
Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/capsulecomputer
Steam Page: https://store.steampowered.com/curator/2666558-Capsule-Computers/
Pinterest: https://au.pinterest.com/capsulecomputer/

The Last of Us Part II Remastered Review

The Last of Us Part II Remastered

Developer: Naughty Dog
Publisher: Sony
Platforms: Playstation 5
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $49.99 – Available Here


Overview

Games can be weird sometimes. After just under three years, The Last of Us Part II has been given a full remaster for the Playstation 5. While remasters are nothing new, Naughty Dog have pushed this one out a bit early in order to bring the game to the next generation. The Last of Us Part II Remastered also features a new game mode, graphical updates, and other ins and out to validate your purchase more (which would only be $10 US if you already have the original). Was this game that good or important to be given the prompt re-release? Let’s find out. 

Story

As you would expect, there is nothing new story-wise for this release. This is still a fantastic tale of revenge for both Ellie and Abby however, and one of the most gripping titles to hit consoles in years. I have never been one to be taken through a cinematic experience, but The Last of Us Part II has a way of making you care about what your doing with hours of cut scenes applied to what is already a lengthy experience overall. There is something special about a developer who is able to tell this kind of story and make the player feel so engaged they don’t want to pull away, and if you’re new to this sequel – it is absolutely worth the plunge just to get sucked into this masterful storytelling all over again.

Gameplay

This remaster comes with its new package of meat known as “No Return”, which is basically a rogue-like mode where the player has to survive, facing difference challenges from the gameplay with several modifications turned on. Yes, its just a survival mode, but one that takes some of the best parts of combat from the main game and turns it into an addictive test for the player with four randomly generated scenarios. If you die, its game over despite your progress, and I honestly had a lot of fun with this one. That said, co-op has always made these types of modes have legs, and not having that here seems like a huge missed opportunity. Sure, the mode is great, but considering there are even moments of having an AI partner, it comes off as an odd, if not rushed omission.

Of course, the main game is still included, and I really cannot recommend it enough. There is something really special about the way this game builds itself up. Supplies are always so important, so exploration is required in order to survive. The stealth moments are there, but never feel absolutely required, as Naughty Dog have built this game to be handled around the player’s own personal skillset, and I think this recent play-through has made me appreciate everything all over again, as it really is that enjoyable and very hard to tear away from.

As far as other extras go, there are some nice features such as a guitar mini-game you can play by choice, which can be a nice breather from the intensity. Naughty Dog have also included haptic feedback from the Playstation 5 controller, but I can’t say I really caught this all too much. If you are one to care about the “feel” of your weapons and pay attention to the vibrations of your controller, sure – you will notice a difference, but I feel like this was lost on someone like myself. Overall, this is the perfect piece of cake, re-released with a new coat of frosting. Its up to you if you think Seattle is worth a revisit, but those bonus features absolutely are worth their weight on top of the already outstanding main attraction.

Visuals

Here is where I kind of stop defending the whole idea of the remaster, because even as someone who plays a lot of modern games – I couldn’t tell. Maybe that is cynicism, maybe I am just blind, but The Last of Us Part II Remastered looks fantastic, but it still did three years ago. Its one of the best looking games of its entire generation and while I appreciate the new 4K features, the “graphical fidelity” and so on, this is really going to be for someone who counts frames or has an eye for small visual distinctions. The game looks amazing, but it always did.

Audio

As far as the audio goes, it really is about the same as the visuals. I had some new appreciation for all of the performances this time around however, as they really are so good you kind of get lost into every scene. Again, the storytelling is unmatched for this story, and the amazing soundtrack and voice acting adds a layer that really takes it over the top. I do think they could have edited out some of the AI enemies voice lines in No Return mode a bit, as it sounds a bit odd to have them scream moments from the story in a standalone survival mode. Small gripe, but relevant.

Overall

The Last of Us II Remastered honestly doesn’t need a lot of push to promote. Its a nearly perfect game, enhanced for a new generation and I get why it exists. Releases like this keep relevancy for franchises and help build bases on new platforms, and those who want a bit more will find it in the “No Return” mode, as well as the little costumes and easter eggs. This is no different than picking up the “special edition” blu-ray of your favorite movie for those deleted scenes, as this is made for fans and to catch a few new eyes in the process. The Last of Us II Remastered is a trend I am fine with, and one that hopefully will stick with games of the quality of this one here.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

PC Demo for Action Roguelite Realm of Ink Available Now on Steam

Embark on a legendary journey through a beautifully imagined Chinese ink-style world. 

Guangzhou, China – January 19th 2024. Indie publisher 663 Games is excited to  announce the debut playable PC demo for the highly anticipated new action roguelite title Realm of Ink is now available to download from Steam

Watch the new demo announcement trailer for Realm of Ink below

Developed by Leap Studio and Maple Leaf Studio, Realm of Ink is an Ink-style action roguelite game beautifully brought to life with a distinctive mix of 2.5D Chinese-style ink painting and modern art direction, along with a rich combat system using multiple playable characters. Its deep and intriguing story discusses the philosophical significance of life as well as the beliefs of nihilism and existentialism.

About the demo 

Through the eyes of Red, one of the main playable characters, you will be able to experience the first full level of the frigid enchanted Ape Kingdom which includes a thrilling boss battle at the finale. Additionally, the three major schools of combat—Scarlet Sword, Shadow Twin Blades and Azure Aura Blade—enable you to experience diverse fighting styles, ensuring each battle is a refreshing and engaging encounter.

The demo also introduces Ink Pets and adds an extra layer of excitement to your adventure, as these adorable companions become your loyal allies throughout the journey. Depending on various Ink Gem combinations, they have the ability to undergo a transformation, evolving into various distinct forms with unique moves to assist you in combat.

Watch the previously released announcement trailer below:

About Realm of Ink

During the hunt for a cunning Fox demon, the heroine and expert swordswoman Red,  discovers that she is a fictional character within the short story collection called Realm of Ink. Only by unlocking the dark secrets of the Book Spirit will Red discover the truth of her existence and defy her fate.

The story unfolds in a virtual realm called “Realm of Ink” where inhabitants unknowingly exist as mere fabrications within a fictional world. Controlled by the mysterious Book Spirit, they obediently follow predetermined fates, oblivious to their cyclical lives.

  • In the Realm of Ink, the puppets awaken – Begin your journey as the swordswoman Red, gradually unlocking additional characters as you progress. Utilizing the Fox Demons’ immortal power, traverse treacherous ‘Story Relics’ and confront four bosses with unique backgrounds to escape from the ever-changing Realm of Ink. By surmounting the various challenges and obstacles ahead, you will redefine your ‘destiny’ through the constant cycle of rebirth, wielding your sword with resilience.
  • Exquisite Ink-style Art – From the verdant Buddhist forests, the frigid enchanted Monkey Kingdom, and the gentle yet terrifying waterland to the ancient and reverent ruins of Mausoleum, the four major levels each have a guardian, and their mysterious pasts await your exploration. Wielding a sword, venture alone through the dim world and overcome formidable foes. Explore and conquer over 20 creatures with distinctive Chinese characteristics, including the Fox Demon, Peony Fariy, and Mirror Sprite. Each of them comes with a unique backstory. 
  • Fierce battles with infinite creativity – Embark on thrilling battles and explore diverse combinations to craft your unique combat style. Choose from 3 playable characters: Unparalleled Swordswoman Red, Nightmare Hunter Wang Ding, and Fox Judge Ning Ye; and equip yourself with 9 powerful weapons, including the Scarlet Sword and the Shadow Twin Blades. Further enhance your abilities with over 20 distinctive Ink Gems such as the Tiger Ink, Venom Ink and Curse Ink and discover a vast array of over 120 Artifacts including the Shadow Kite, the Lamp of Seven Stars and the Doom Gauge.
  • Various combinations and builds – Ink Gems have assorted appearances, and they will reinforce one another. Use them to explore diverse builds of martial arts schools and master powerful skills of Yin and Yang to defeat enemies with a single strike.
  • Discover rare magical treasures – Hundreds of rare magical treasures trigger various unique effects and provide distinctive attribute bonuses, empowering your martial arts schools and allowing you to effortlessly defeat all enemies! You can also engage in long-term character development outside of combat and unlock new combinations of moves and combat styles. With a dual-cycle system inside and outside combat, you’ll have a fresh experience every time!
  • A journey into the unknown, composed of distinctive stages – Explore a variety of battle stages and routes where you can collect Ink Relics, fortune and magical treasure as well as duels with bosses. In this exhilarating journey into the unknown, you will enter various stages and encounter a diverse cast of NPCs, making the entire journey full of surprises!  
  • Fight alongside your intimate Ink Pets – Mysterious in origin and adorable in appearance, the Ink Pets will be your companions. As the Ink Gems level up, your Ink Pets will also undergo a transformation, becoming more powerful to fight alongside you!

Realm of Ink will be released in 2024 for PC and consoles. Fans can download the PC demo and wishlist the game on Steam now.


###

About 663 Games 

663 Games is a newly established publishing label committed to premium and indie game publishing on PC, consoles, and mobile platforms. The company, headquartered in China, was founded by a team of passionate gamers and industry veterans. The team had a proven track record of achieving global success with several titles previously, offering extensive experience and resources for worldwide publishing, along with unique advantages for a strong presence in the Chinese market. The team empathises with the financial challenges that independent developers and small teams often encounter, and 663 Games is dedicated to providing them with funding support to help bring their creative visions to life. As a new, ambitious and trustworthy global publisher, 663 Games collaborates closely with developers to ensure commercial success.

KARTRIDER RUSH+ WELCOMES MAPLESTORY M ICONS TO RACE IN HEART-POUNDING COLLABORATION

Kartrider Rush Players can blaze a trail in their opponents’ wake with adorable MapleStory M characters Pink Bean, Orange Mushroom, and more

SEOUL – Jan. 19, 2023 – Nexon’s high-octane mobile racing game KartRider Rush+ is bringing the most iconic characters from the legendary mobile MMORPG MapleStory M to the racetrack with an all-new collaboration. Thrill-seekers can gear up for lightning-fast fun, beginning now through March 17, with character karts based on Pink Bean, MapleStory M’s adorable pink monster, and the mischievous mascot, Orange Mushroom.

For the rookie or seasoned racing pro, KartRider Rush+ offers a pit stop for everyone with an array of game modes and a delightful cast of characters to keep drivers in the fast lane. Racers can unleash their creativity by customizing their karts and characters for a uniquely thrilling race experience. With imaginative tracks, easy-to-master gameplay, and vibrant graphics, KartRider Rush+ promises endless excitement on the go.

From the stylish Slime Outfit to the cute Ribbon Pig Outfit and more, players can now deck out their characters and karts with race-ready MapleStory M fashion. Racers can grab collab items by completing missions such as logging into the game or dominating Ranked Mode during high-speed events that take place until Sunday, March 17.

Nexon has also released a celebratory video (see below) for the collaboration on the official KartRider Rush+ YouTube channel that features Pink Bean and Orange Mushroom in their turbocharged kart forms.

Players around the world can download KartRider Rush+ for free on Android and iOS.

More information on KartRider Rush+ x MapleStory M is available below:

  • Official KartRider Rush+ Website: [LINK]

About NEXON Co. Ltd.

Founded in 1994, NEXON Co., Ltd. (Nexon) (3659.TO) is a company engaged in the production, development and operation of online games and Virtual Worlds. 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 50 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.

# # #