Vilnius, Lithuania, 1st of February 2024 – Nordcurrent, a well-known developer and publisher of successful mobile games, and a growing player in the PC and console gaming industry, proudly announces the acquisition of Cinemaware‘s legendary catalog of games from Starbreeze Entertainment. This strategic move aligns seamlessly with the company’s vision to establish its division Nordcurrent Labs as a powerhouse in the PC and console games publishing sector.
CEO Victoria Trofimova commented on the strategic significance of the acquisition, stating, “Since the inception of our PC games publishing division less than three years ago, we’ve been on a mission to build a robust business unit for PC and console games. Acquiring Cinemaware’s catalog is a crucial step in this journey, providing us with opportunities to enrich our portfolio with well-known titles.”
Known for iconic games from the 80s such as Defender of the Crown, Wings, The King of Chicago, and S.D.I, the addition of Cinemaware’s legendary titles enhances Nordcurrent’s portfolio significantly. Trofimova expressed enthusiasm about the prospects, stating, “We are proud to add such titles to our portfolio. We are looking into opportunities to remaster those games for PCs and consoles, bringing them to modern audiences and evoking nostalgia among those who played them in the 80s.”
While specifics about remastering plans are still in development, Trofimova revealed that Defender of the Crown would be the first to undergo the process. “Our game design team is working on the concept and styles, but it is too early to share more about plans and dates.”
The acquisition complements Nordcurrent’s existing lineup, which includes RPG games like Ocean’s Heart, Greedventory, and Red Daze. The company aims to elevate its portfolio with the addition of Cinemaware titles. Trofimova emphasized: “We believe Cinemaware titles are a significant level up for our portfolio.”
Nordcurrent envisions cross-collaboration and synergy between the newly acquired titles and current projects, fostering an environment where high-quality gaming experiences thrive. While no specific partnerships or collaborations involving the Cinemaware catalog have been announced yet, Nordcurrent remains open to future initiatives that contribute to the growth of its PC/console games publishing division.
To the passionate fanbase of Cinemaware’s games, Trofimova expressed: “As gamers ourselves, we are huge fans of and hold deep respect for the original Cinemaware games. We will ensure that remastered versions look and feel as authentic as possible. We want the future players of our Defender of The Crown to say – yes, that’s the one!”
Nordcurrent looks forward to an exciting future as it continues to strengthen its position in the gaming industry with the addition of Cinemaware’s legendary catalog.
About Nordcurrent
Established in 2002 in Vilnius, Lithuania, Nordcurrent develops and publishes casual games for smartphones, tablets, and PC/Mac computers. The company is driven by a mission to create world-class games that millions love. During the last 20 years, Nordcurrent has developed over 50 games downloaded over 500 million times worldwide, with the biggest hit, Cooking Fever.
Nordcurrent Labs is the division of Nordcurrent dedicated to publishing of video games for PCs and consoles. It was established in 2021 with a mission to help game developers achieve the perfect chemistry to make their mark in the gaming world.
About Starbreeze Studios
Starbreeze is an independent developer, creator, publisher and distributor of PC and console targeting the global market, with studios in Stockholm, Barcelona, Paris and London. Housing the smash hit IP PAYDAY, Starbreeze develops games based on proprietary and third-party rights, both in-house and in partnership with external game developers. Starbreeze shares are listed on Nasdaq Stockholm. For more information, please visit www.starbreeze.com.
London(February 1, 2024) Sony’s State of Playrevealed exciting new details for the highly anticipated Dragon’s Dogma™ 2, ahead of its fast-approaching March 22, 2024 release for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The recently released gameplay trailer debuted the new Warfarer Vocation that can be used exclusively by the Arisen and which can access all weapons, as well as a mysterious threat plaguing the Arisen’s loyal Pawn companions, Vocation Maisterswho grant the Arisen access to skills of the highest order, and all-new action gameplay of the various foes players will encounter.
The Warfarer is a new Vocation exclusive to the Arisen that can use every weapon and learn different skills from each Vocation. By using diverse weapons, the Warfarer can respond to any situation and create combos that cross Vocational boundaries. The Warfarer’s lower base stats require them to utilize the situational strengths of different weapon types to be on par with other Vocations with specialized strengths.
Dragonsplague
Dragonsplague is a contagious disease-like condition that infects pawns as they travel between worlds.
Rather than being weakened, Pawns with the disease are said to display remarkable performance, and to become conspicuously bold in their speech and behavior. According to folklore, when the symptoms of dragonsplague reach a terminal stage, it will result in devastating calamity, but the veracity of those claims is unclear.
Vocational Mastery
On your travels, you will encounter vocation maisters who have mastered their chosen vocation to the fullest. By deepening your relationship with a vocation maister and gaining their approval, you can gain access to their Vocation, or they may grant you special tomes that teach skills of the highest order, the “maister’s teachings”. The Fighter maister, Lennart, has long served the fortress village of Melve.
With his exceptional swordsmanship and leadership skills, he has held the fort together to protect the land from the Dragon. Meanwhile, the Mystic Spearhand maister Sigurd hunts dragons for his own personal reasons. He is a quiet man with an inquisitive mind, and he constantly trains to improve his fighting skills and unique style. Formerly the court Oracle of Vermund, the Trickster maister Luz is currently in hiding out of fear for her life over speaking out against the false Arisen taking the throne.
About Dragon’s Dogma 2
Dragon’s Dogma™ 2 is the highly anticipated action-RPG successor to the cult-classic Dragon’s Dogma™ released in 2012. Dragon’s Dogma 2 boasts a richly detailed and deeply explorable fantasy world created using immersive physics, character AI, and the latest in graphics from Capcom’s RE ENGINE. This single player narrative driven action-RPG challenges players to use their creativity and curiosity to shape their own experience. Whether it is your Arisen’s vocation, the Pawns selected for your party, or your approach to multi-faceted gameplay situations, the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2 revolves around choice. Both your party of Pawns and enemies alike will react dynamically to your actions on the battlefield, whether you cling to the backs of monsters or seek to dispatch them from afar. Your vocation allows you to choose your playstyle, and whether you will use swords, bows, or potent magick to bring your foes to heel.
In addition to the standard version of Dragon’s Dogma 2, a Deluxe Edition containing the “New Journey Pack” includes in-game items to help your Arisen on their journey such as a Wakestone, Rift Crystals, a Dragon’s Dogma Music and Sound collection, access to a custom Camping Kit and more. Pre-orders of the Standard Edition will feature a bonus weapon for each of the four starting vocations, and Deluxe Edition pre-orders will also include the Ring of Assurance in-game accessory.
About Capcom
Capcom is a leading worldwide developer, publisher and distributor of interactive entertainment for game consoles, PCs, handheld and wireless devices. Founded in 1983, the company has created hundreds of games, including groundbreaking franchises Resident Evil™, Monster Hunter™, Street Fighter™, Mega Man™, Devil May Cry™ and Ace Attorney™. Capcom maintains operations in the U.S., U.K., Germany, France, Hong Kong, Taiwan, Singapore and Tokyo, with corporate headquarters located in Osaka, Japan. More information about Capcom and its products can be found at www.capcom.com or news.capcomusa.com.
Capcom, and the Capcom logo are registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. in the U.S. or other countries. Ace Attorney, Devil May Cry, Mega Man, Monster Hunter, Resident Evil and Street Fighter are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Capcom Co., Ltd. and/or its subsidiaries, in the U.S. and/or other countries. All other trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners.
The Age of Empires team has announced a special livestream event for February 24 at 4 AM AEDT/6 AM NZDT, which will feature a first look at Age of Empires Mobile, a sneak peek at the hotly anticipated Age of Mythology: Retold, and a host of other Age of Empires-related updates that will set the stage for 2024.
Additionally, the New Year, New Age livestream event will be hosted by YouTube star and Age of Empires super-fan Welyn. Along with hosting the livestream, Welyn will also be co-broadcasting it on his Twitch channel.
The broadcast will be available to watch on the following channels:
Full details on today’s announcement can be found here.
More information on the New Year New Age broadcast will be announced leading up to February 24, so be sure to stay tuned to Xbox Wire and ageofempires.com for all the latest news.
Another State of Play broadcast has wrapped with some epic reveals from Stellar Blade, Rise of The Ronin and more. See below for a round-up of the biggest announcements:
Helldivers 2
State of Play kicked off with another look at Helldivers 2 ahead of its February 8th launch with the new Report for Duty trailer. Helldivers 2 is available on PS5 and PC. Pre-orders are available now.
Stellar Blade
Stellar Blade arrives only on PS5 on April 26 2024.
State of Play featured a new gameplay trailer. This trailer features much of the content that you can experience firsthand in the game and is also designed to give you an understanding of the game’s mechanics and how the scenario unfolds, including its core combat. Stellar Blade comes to PS5 on April 26, 2024 with preorders available from February 7, 2024.
For more information visit the PlayStation blog here.
Sonic X Shadow Generations
Sega unveiled Sonic X Shadow Generations, the upcoming Sonic the Hedgehog platformer delivering blistering platforming challenges at speeds only Sonic and Shadow can deliver. It’s a greatest hits playlist of iconic 2D and 3D Sonic levels from Sonic Generations, both remastered and expanded for PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4. But that’s not all – Sonic X Shadow Generations also introduces an all-new standalone campaign for Shadow the Hedgehog, making this the definitive blend of Classic Sonic, Modern Sonic and Shadow gameplay.
Check out the trailer below and full info at the PlayStation blog here.
Zenless Zone Zero
Hoyoverse confirmed that Zenless Zone Zero will be coming to PS5 this year. Zenless Zone Zero is a brand-new urban fantasy action-RPG. In the story, contemporary civilisation has been destroyed by a supernatural disaster known as the Hollows. New Eridu, the last urban civilisation that survived the apocalypse, managed to thrive by acquiring the technology to extract valuable resources out of the Hollows. However, there are perilous monsters roaming within the Hollows and only a special kind of people who contain resistance to Hollow corruption called Agents are able to go inside. Players in the game will take on the role of a Proxy — a professional who can guide agents in their exploration of Hollows.
Check out the new trailer below and the PlayStation blog for full info here.
Foamstars
Square Enix revealed Foamstars Season 1 content details. The bubbly 4v4 game arrives next week as part of the PlayStation Plus February Monthly Games lineup. From February 6, you’ll be able to join the party and take on your rivals in fast-paced foam-filled multiplayer action.
Check out the trailer below and full details at the PlayStation blog here.
Dave the Diver
Dave the Diver splashes onto PS5 and PS4 this April! Join Dave, a professional diver, as he catches unique and delicious fish during the day and serves hungry patrons at a seaside sushi restaurant by night. Dave the Diver is a highly praised game of 2023, by both players and critics alike. If you love diving and sushi, and are willing to take on thrilling underwater adventures with the protagonist, Dave, you won’t want to miss the debut of Dave the Diver on PlayStation.
The broadcast also announced a free Godzilla DLC will be released in May, introducing even more enormous threats lurking in the depths. Prepare to meet the King of the Monsters in the Blue Hole.
Check out the trailer below and full details at the PlayStation blog here.
V Rising
This year, players will be able to pick up a DualSense controller and delve head-first into dark gothic fantasy by taking the role of the vampire. Become the ruler of the night in V Rising, a solo or co-op vampire experience that combines the best of the survival and action-RPG genres. In the signature survival style, you climb your way from the bottom of the food chain all the way to the top through grit, cleverness, and force of will. In a narrative twist, you don’t start as vulnerable prey in the wilderness, aiming to evolve into a clever hunter. Instead, you take on the role of the weakened predator seeking to reclaim its position as the ultimate force in a dangerous, hostile realm. In a land of humans and monsters that no longer has a place for you, it’s your job to carve it out for yourself. V Rising will arrive on PS5 in 2024.
Check out the announcement trailer below and full info at the PlayStation blog here.
Silent Hill: The Short Message and Silent Hill 2 Remake
Silent Hill: The Short Message is a new, short-form Silent Hill title. In 2022, Konami announced a revival for the Silent Hill series, along with several new titles in development, and this marks the first of that new wave of games to be released. In a surprise announcement, Silent Hill: The Short Message is available free from today on PS5. Check out the trailer below, and grab the game on the PlayStation Store here.
And for everyone patiently awaiting news on a remake of Silent Hill 2, check out the latest trailer, with brand-new game footage below:
More information on both titles can be found on the PlayStation Blog here.
Judas
We also saw a new Judas story trailer from Ghost Story Games revealed. During the State of Play, Ken Levine, creator of the BioShock series, unpacked how Judas will be an experience where players influence how relationships and the story unfold. Check out the trailer below. More information can be found on the PlayStation Blog here.
Metro Awakening VR
Vertigo Games announced that the beloved post-apocalyptic shooter series will make its debut on PS VR2 in 2024. Inspired by the internationally best-selling novels by Dmitry Glukhovsky, Metro 2033, Metro: Last Light, and Metro Exodus delivered immersive first-person experiences at release. These games put players in the heart of a desperate battle for survival after nuclear Armageddon.
Check out the reveal trailer below and more information on PlayStation Blog here.
Legendary Tales
Urban Wolf Games confirmed that Legendary Tales is coming to PlayStation VR2 later this year. Legendary Tales is a dark fantasy RPG with medieval weapons, armour, dazzling magic, an RPG attribute system, skill trees, and dungeons. Not enough? Well, we’ve got crafting, potion-making, randomly generated items, collectable items, and a quest-driven storyline.
Check out the trailer below and full information at the PlayStation blog here.
Dragon’s Dogma 2
A new Dragon’s Dogma 2 trailer showcased the Warfarer vocation, the vocation maisters, and the mysterious dragonsplague. Dragon’s Dogma 2 will release March 22nd on PS5. Check out the new trailer below and see further information on the PlayStation Blog here.
Rise of The Ronin
State of Play featured a new Rise of the Ronin gameplay trailer showcasing combat, traversal, and player choice. The team at Team Ninja have crafted a liberating open world bristling with tense combat opportunities that are woven together with a complex storyline.
Embody a Ronin and forge your fate starting March 22, 2024, arriving only on PS5.
Check out the trailer below. Find more information on the PlayStation blog here.
Until Dawn
The State of Play also announced an enhanced version of Until Dawn. Until Dawn has remained a core, genre-defining horror experience for players since its release almost a decade ago. We are now taking these amazing foundations and adding more emotional depth, an enhanced look, and a completely new soundscape that a game with such a strong legacy deserves. Rebuilt in Unreal Engine 5, Until Dawn has seen enhancements across the board, all made with passion and care for the original from the team of horror lovers, film fanatics, and veteran game makers at Ballistic Moon.
The enhanced version of Until Dawn is coming to PS5 and PC this year.
Check out the trailer below, and for more information visit the PlayStation blog here.
Death Stranding 2 On The Beach
During the State of Play, we got our most in-depth look at the next Kojima Productions game. Death Stranding 2 On The Beach will release on PS5 in 2025.
Check out the feature-length story trailer below:
New Kojima Productions Action Espionage in development, coming to PlayStation
The show wrapped up with the announcement that there is a new Action Espionage IP, PHYSINT, in development at Kojima Productions, a new project coming to PlayStation. Production will begin post-Death Stranding 2 with the game promising to blur the lines between film and video games. Check out the full announcement here.
Next State of Play
There’s more State of Play on the way! Tune in next Wednesday, February 7 at 10:30am AEDT for an extended look at Final Fantasy VII Rebirth.
Unveiled at the PlayStation showcase, SILENT HILL: The Short Message is available now for Free on PlayStation 5; New SILENT HILL 2 remake trailer also revealed
SILENT HILL: The Short Message sends players down a new dark and twisted journey
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. today announced SILENT HILL: The Short Message, a brand-new entry in the psychological horror franchise, is available now for free on the PlayStation™ Store. Plus, a new trailer from development studio Bloober Team for the highly anticipated SILENT HILL 2 remake showed off what players can expect from the improved and modernized combat.
Check out the launch trailer below:
Follow Anita, the main protagonist in SILENT HILL: The Short Message, as she is called by a friend to an abandoned apartment complex on the outskirts of town. As she explores her eerie surroundings, she comes face-to-face with a dark truth that she had tried to shut away. KONAMI previously announced several new games and other forms of media that would spearhead a new era of the SILENT HILL franchise.
SILENT HILL: The Short Message is a first, bold innovation for a new generation of SILENT HILL fans, and with its surprise reveal and free launch, it’s the perfect opportunity for new players to get into the psychological horror franchise. SILENT HILL: The Short Message is a short game with a complete story that is independent of the previous and upcoming titles in the series. The game is set in the present day and deals with the theme of slander and bullying on social networking sites – a contemporary theme familiar in modern day society. This is the latest entry in the series in over a decade. We hope that the new generation of players who have not been exposed to the previous games in the series will experience the world of psychological horrors SILENT HILL can deliver.
Take a deeper dive at the creative process that brought SILENT HILL: The Short Message to life via five behind-the-scenes videos with the director, cast, and development team.
• Development team interview
• Cutscene director and cast interview
• Sound team interview
• Level designer interview
• Cast interview
A new SILENT HILL 2 trailer focuses on combat, which has evolved from the original game. Iconic monsters make a return, including the Bubble Head Nurses, the Mannequin and more.
Check out the Combat Reveal trailer below:
About SILENT HILL
A tale of darkness, silence, deformed monsters, love and sorrow…
A psychological horror series whose first title was released on PlayStation® in 1999. The film has been highly acclaimed in many fields for its gripping terror and unique worldview, with many fans around the world.
About Konami Group
KONAMI GROUP CORPORATION 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/
About Bloober Team
Based in Krakow, Poland, and established in 2008, Bloober Team is an independent game development studio of around 200 people. The company focuses on creating mature horror games with a deep story and an eerie atmosphere, key ingredients of a chilling and memorable experience. Bloober Team has extensive experience and passion working on acclaimed horror games including Blair Witch, Layers of Fear, Observer: System Redux and the recently released The Medium.
Season One “Starry Pop”, 2024 FOAMSTARS Roadmap, and Seasonal Events Unveiled
SYDNEY (February 1, 2024)– Today, SQUARE ENIX® revealed further details on the seasonal content planned for its upcoming online 4v4 foam party shooter FOAMSTARS™. FOAMSTARS Season One “Starry Pop” was unveiled during the Sony Interactive Entertainment’s State of Play broadcast showcasing new limited-time seasonal events and season pass specific content and rewards.
Further, the FOAMSTARS 2024 Season Roadmap was also shared in a separate PlayStation Blog teasing additional characters, maps, and modes to be added to the game throughout the year.
“Starry Pop” is the first of many free seasons planned for the year ahead and will be available to all players from launch, beginning Tuesday, February 6, 2024, until Friday, March 8, 2024.
Season One highlights include:
Ranked Party: Rise in the FOAMSTARS’ ranks by competing in two limited-time seasonal events, the solo player-based Ranked Party Lonestar and team-based Ranked Party Tribe-Vibe. There are seven ranks to progress though – Bronze Star, Silver Star, Gold Star, Platinum Star, Diamond Star, Superstar and Party Legend. Earning enough Rank Points allows players to take part in the Rank-Up Trials.
Extreme Party: Challenge players in two special themed modes; the All Mel T Party – where every player battles it out as Mel T, and the Invisible Party, where everyone is invisible. The first team to score ten chills on opponent players claims the victory.
Happy FriYAY Party: A weekend-only party event with no winners or losers, just the opportunity to try-out next season’s FOAMSTAR, Coiff Guy.
In addition to “Starry Pop”, the unveiled content roadmap showed upcoming plans for Season Two to Season Six. A season lasts approximately five weeks and brings a selection of new characters, maps, events, and cosmetics. Each season includes a new Season Pass, testing players to progress through the ranks by earning experience points (XP) through gameplay such as battles, missions, and challenges to unlock various rewards. All players will immediately gain access to the new modes and maps to ensure they are always part of the FOAMSTARS’ party, while also having the opportunity to unlock the new characters by progressing through ranks and achieving challenges. A Premium Season Pass is available for purchase at $5.99, where players will immediately unlock new Season Pass characters and can earn additional season-specific cosmetics.
Watch the official FOAMSTARS Season Information Announce Trailer below:
Seasonal Event Dates*
Ranked Party
Ranked Party Lonestar Dates: Friday, February 9, 2024, until Monday, February 26, 2024
Ranked Party Tribe-Vibe Dates: Friday, March 1, 2024, until Monday, March 4, 2024
Extreme Party – All Mel T Party
Saturday, February 17, 2024, Sunday, February 18, 2024, and Monday, February 19, 2024
Extreme Party – Invisible Party
Saturday, February 24, 2024, Sunday, February 25, 2024, and Monday, February 26, 2024
Happy FriYAY Party
Event Timings: First Half
Friday, February 9, 2024, and Saturday, February 10, 2024
Event Timings: Second Half
Friday, March 1, 2024, and Saturday, March 2, 2024
*These are dates and timings for Japan (JST). For local event timings, please visit the FOAMSTARS website and social channels.
Launch Details FOAMSTARS will launch globally on February 6, 2024, exclusively for PlayStation®5 (PS5®) and PlayStation®4 (PS4®), as part of the February PlayStation® Plus monthly game line-up. All subscribers can redeem, download, and play at no extra cost until March 4, 2024. Players who redeem during this period will keep the game in their PlayStation Plus library and be able to continue to play for as long as they have an ongoing subscription. Beginning on March 5, 2024, FOAMSTARS will be available for purchase via the PlayStation® Store and requires a PlayStation Plus subscription.
– An internet connection is required to play FOAMSTARS. – PS Plus is an ongoing subscription with a recurring fee. Age restrictions and terms apply.
For more information on the latest news and updates, please visit the official website and follow FOAMSTARS social media channels.
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.
Sydney, Australia – February 1st, 2024: We sometimes conceive time differently when darkness surrounds us. However, we only need a minute of your time before we send you off into madness again! THQ Nordic has revealed a new trailer for Alone in the Dark. We have summarised the most important information for you in this 60-second video.
More than a mere battle for survival, this journey will challenge your core beliefs. But what exactly is Alone in the Dark? Join Jodie Comer (Killing Eve) and David Harbour (Stranger Things) in this cosmic horror tale set against a Southern Gothic backdrop. Experience the breakdown of reality through their characters’ eyes as you face countless challenges, from searching puzzles to scarce ammo, to uncover the truth at the heart of Derceto Manor.
Alone in the Dark is developed by Pieces Interactive in Sweden and published by THQ Nordic and will be coming to PC, Xbox Series S/X, and PlayStation®5 on March 20, 2024.
Alone in the Dark – Overview Alone in the Dark is a love letter to the ground-breaking original, allowing players to experience a haunting story through the eyes of one of the two protagonists: play as Edward Carnby, portrayed by David Harbour (Stranger Things, Hellboy), or Emily Hartwood, portrayed by Jodie Comer (Free Guy, Killing Eve) in this reimagined classic survival horror game, where Psychological Horror meets Southern Gothic. Explore your surroundings, battle monsters, solve puzzles, and uncover the unsettling truth of Derceto Manor.
The compelling story by Mikael Hedberg (SOMA, Amnesia: The Dark Descent), the exceptional monster design by legendary Guillermo del Toro collaborator Guy Davis, and the haunting Doom Jazz melodies by legend Jason Köhnen come together to create a chilling and atmospheric survival horror experience.
Alone in the Dark is being developed by Pieces Interactive in Sweden and will be coming to PC, Xbox Series S/X, and PlayStation®5 on March 20, 2024.
Explore Derceto Manor in this reimagination of Alone in the Dark, a love letter to the 90’s cult classic horror game! Set in the gothic American south in the 1920’s, Alone in the Dark features a noir-setting with classical Lovecraftian horror-elements, where the familiar meets the surreal.
Return to the roots of psychological horror and experience an atmospheric journey worthy of the game that started the genre.
Dive into a world full of sounds that make your skin crawl with a haunting, yet mesmerizing doom jazz soundtrack.
Enjoy the thrill of desperate survival in a world where reality starts to crumble, evil lurks in every shadow and ammunition is scarce.
Experience this nightmare from either Emily Hartwood’s or Edward Carnby’s perspective and unearth the dark secrets of a gothic mansion.
Immerse yourself in a deep psychological story that goes beyond the realms of the imaginable, by Mikael Hedberg, cult horror writer of SOMA and Amnesia.
Ghost Story Games, the development studio led by creative director Ken Levine, today released an all-new trailer for Judas, the single-player, narrative first-person shooter that is currently in development for the PlayStation®5 computer entertainment system, as well as Xbox Series X|S console systems, and PC via Steam and Epic Games Store. Revealed during the Sony State of Play, the trailer marks the most recent update for the title since its reveal in late 2022, and features new, in-game footage captured on PlayStation®5.
The“Who is Judas” trailer offers a deeper look at the game’s setting aboard the Mayflower, a spacefaring city whose citizens are trained to tear each other apart for even the most minor infractions, and where machines control every aspect of business, art, and government. You, as Judas, are the driver of every event in a mysterious story with a new cast of characters to get to know – and to change – in a world where every decision you make affects how the story unfolds.
The leaders tried to turn you into something you’re not: a model citizen.And you sparked a devastating revolution to tear it all down.Will you fix what you broke, or leave it all to burn?
Ghost Story Games was founded by Ken Levine (Creative Director of System Shock 2, BioShock, BioShock Infinite) and former Irrational Games developers. The studio’s mission is to create narrative-driven experiences rooted in immersive world building and gameplay. Their passion and pedigree have resulted in genre-defining experiences for more than 25 years.
LOS ANGELES, CA – January 31, 2024 – Netmarble, a leading developer and publisher of high-quality mobile games, has released a new update for the mobile RPGSeven Knights 2 celebrating the Lunar New Year with several events, new equipment, and an expansion of the Celestial Tower mode.
New Exclusive Equipment has been added to Seven Knights 2 including Steel Gauntlets from Kris, a powerful equipment which increases DEF and Block Efficiency, decreases Skill Cooldown scaling with Transcendence Level, and so on. The new equipment also applies Instant Death when using basic attacks in PvP fields when equipped by Hell Adjutant Knox. The Rachel’s Boots, a Selected Rate Up Equipment, has also been added, which has additional effects applied based on class and revival. Players who enter the Celestial Tower’s normal mode can experience expanded floors to Level 105.
Seven Knights 2 is celebrating Lunar New Year with several in-game events that are now available through February 14, including:
Lunar New Years! Check-in Event: Checking in for 10 days during the event period will reward players with a Lunar New Year Gift Bundle and an event Globe.
Lunar New Years! Teo’s Phoenix’s Wings Special Mission: Clearing in-game missions in the Celestial Tower and daily missions provides the opportunity to obtain rewards including the Vanquisher of Evil Teo’s Phoenix’s Wings outfit, Hero Summon Tickets, and Lunar New Year Coins.
Cosette’s Lunar Shoot & Loot: Players can obtain multiple rewards including Rubies and Lunar New Year Coins using Cosette’s Bullets obtained through Daily Missions, crafting, and other events.
The official sequel to Seven Knights, a game enjoyed by 60 million players globally, Seven Knights 2 takes place 20 years after the original and introduces beautiful open world gameplay. The story centers on the Daybreak Mercenaries who embark on a journey to find the last member of the Seven Knights, “Rudy,” after a series of events involving a mysterious girl named Phiné. Stunning cinematics and graphics powered by Unreal Engine 4 will immerse players in this epic game story filled with unique characters and powerful bosses. Players can collect and develop their heroes and experience a new combat system with powerful ultimates and suppressors.
More information on Seven Knights 2 can be found on the officialFacebook page, YouTube and forums or by visiting Netmarble’s Global YouTube channel.
About Netmarble Corporation
Established in Korea in 2000, Netmarble Corporation is a leading developer and publisher of top-grossing mobile games worldwide. Through powerful franchises and collaborations with acclaimed IP holders, Netmarble strives to elevate the gaming experience and entertain audiences globally. As a parent company of Kabam and SpinX Games, and a major shareholder of Jam City and HYBE (formerly Big Hit Entertainment), Netmarble’s diverse portfolio includes Lineage 2: Revolution, MARVEL Future Fight, Ni no Kuni: Cross Worlds, The King of Fighters ALLSTAR, The Seven Deadly Sins: Grand Cross, and forthcoming PC games like Paragon: The Overprime.
It’s always fascinating to see publishers take risk. Nintendo have done that by re-releasing two pieces of an older, niche franchise with Another Code: Recollection on the Nintendo Switch. For a quick history lesson, this compilation features updated versions of Trace Memory (also known as Another Code: Two Memories) and its sequel, Another Code: R – A Journey into Lost Memories, which released on the Nintendo DS and the Nintendo Wii well over a decade ago. Can these two still attract an audience with an update, or is this one risk that wasn’t worth the reward? Let’s find out.
Story
At is heart, this franchise is your typical mystery/puzzle game, split into two games. The first is Two Memories, which has protagonist Ashley looking for answers to a mysterious letter from her thought to be deceased father, who helped pioneer research for human memories. She meets up with a ghost named D on a journey that brings her to a mysterious island, and has to help him restore his memory while finding out more about what happened to her famed parents in the process. The sequel takes place three years later, and brings her to another locale where she meets a runaway also looking for answers. Ashley’s stories are tied to the technology that only she can use to do research, which is basically her unique talent that brings the character full circle into her role.
Yeah, its a bit cookie cutter into the genre and fairly generic, but the story still manages to feel engaging throughout – despite its simplistic nature. I think the second game does feel more like a “episode of the week” more than a fully packaged release, almost as if it was originally thought of as a DLC chapter of sorts, but despite both being rather short, I do think there is something rather charming about Ashley and this world that the team have put together here.
Gameplay
If you are one of those who cherish either of these little hidden gems from the past, a lot has changed, but more-so for the better. The world is now able to be explored and fleshed out, as while these may be labeled as remakes, they’re honestly a new take altogether on both experiences. Players walk around, speak to characters, and participate in puzzles in order to progress the story. A lot of the game is a point and click, with moments that have you have to resolve the puzzles that come before you. Each puzzle is mostly unique, now featuring hints and prompts to guide you forward without frustration.
Because the touch controls are now a thing of the past, this version features both games with minor motion for puzzles and a standard button format for the bulk of the experience. The puzzles are all very simple to solve and most are spelled out rather quickly for the player, with indicators even guiding the way of where to go when prompted. However, there is still a sense of purpose to move forward and the tragically engaging plot keeps things rolling along without the player concentrating on things being too easy, rather focusing on the narrative over the actual gameplay. This means if you are someone that wants your adventure games to be a bit more gameplay-driven, you might be a bit disappointed as while the puzzles are satisfying, most are over quick and really only exist to keep that tale ticking.
I think with Another Code: Recollection, they could have went two different ways with this release. We could have seen a celebration of the original platforms with touchscreen integration, but instead this feels more of a side project, created by someone who really cared about the source material – simply bringing the best parts together for one updated and fluid package. Its very modernized and slick, and that may be for the best. There will be audiences that this title isn’t for as it is marketed towards adolescence. That said, there is definitely a place for this particular odd piece of history on the Switch, and this compilation has a smooth execution and very little to complain about, as the puzzles and story are just so lovely.
Audio
Newly featured voice casting adds a huge layer to both titles in this release and makes it feel modern. The performances are great, and the music comes with equal quality, bringing out an intense and memorable atmosphere that most will love sinking into. The sound effects also add to this, as no pun intended – the past games indeed feel like just a memory with how updated and solid the entire sound design is for this particular package.
Visuals
The most jarring and welcome change are the updated visuals. The art style here is fantastic, taking the classic look of both games and fleshing out everything with so much more detail. For some games, that would be just acceptable, but for an adventure title with so many little details sewn into the plot, it makes it super satisfying just to finally get to explore these locales on a whole new level. The animations are fluid and fantastic, and nothing really ever feels rushed or clunky, even though the original titles kind of fit in that whole “budget game” category.
Overall
This industry has a lot of surprises. Another Code: Recollection fits that description perfectly. While the original games were never the top tier of entertainment from their respective generations, the fact that this title exists in this format is truly fascinating and hopefully opens more doors for quality updates ahead for other “hidden gems”. New players may not have a lot of meat to chew on compared to the onslaught of other titles in this same genre, but returning audiences are sure to find a warm, nostalgic joy of simply checking back up on Ashley and reliving what was a light, gripping little tale from a team that truly cared about re-telling it to a new set of fans.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
