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FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH | The Story So Far In-Game Video

Iconic Artwork of Aerith and the “Highwind” Airship Revealed, Along with Brand-New Screenshots of New Areas, Characters, Combat Details, Difficulty Modes and More

SYDNEY (Nov. 20, 2023) – SQUARE ENIX® today released the “Story So Far” recap video for FINAL FANTASY™ VII REBIRTH, which will be viewable from the game’s main menu when it debuts on Feb. 29, 2024, for the PlayStation®5 (PS5®) console. The refresher video is narrated by Red XIII, a beast with a flaming tail who offers words of wisdom to Cloud’s party from time to time. Red XIII recaps the events of FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, the first installment in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY VII remake project.

The Story So Far video is available to watch here:

Additionally, the company released iconic artwork featuring Aerith and the Highwind airship, explore the peaceful town of Kalm, the abandoned Mythril Mine, the summon Kujata, the combat abilities and Synergy Skills of various party members, the Chocoboutique, side characters and much more.

Active and Classic modes return from FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, allowing players to choose their battle style: fast-paced thrills or more methodical decision-making. Three difficulty settings, including Easy, Normal and the new Dynamic setting, allow further customization for players – both longtime fans and newcomers alike.

A new, standalone adventure set across a vast and vibrant planet, FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH sees Cloud, Tifa, Barret, Aerith and Red XIII escape from the dystopian city of Midgar into the wide world beyond. To hunt down Sephiroth, a fallen hero and vengeful swordsman from Cloud’s past, these unlikely heroes join forces with new companions like the spirited ninja operative Yuffie and the wisecracking, feline-shaped robot Cait Sith. Lead these characters into battle and use powerful synergy abilities to overcome their fates. Explore classic locales reimagined in dazzling detail. Encounter dozens of hours of rewarding side quests, fiend hunts, mini-games and rich stories of the planet’s people and cultures.

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH will be available for the PS5® console on Feb. 29, 2024. For more information, visit https://ffvii.square-enix-games.com/games/rebirth/.

About FINAL FANTASY VII

First released in 1997 on the PlayStation® computer entertainment system, FINAL FANTASY VII celebrated its 25th Anniversary in 2022. The game is universally regarded as a hallmark title of the RPG genre. The original title received high praise for its epic storyline, unique characters, and movie sequences that utilized the most cutting-edge technology of the time. Since then, the game has sold over 13.9 million copies worldwide and continues to receive widespread acclaim from critics and fans around the world. The popular game has even expanded into spin-offs, films and merchandise.

The first game of the FINAL FANTASY VII remake trilogy project, FINAL FANTASY VII REMAKE, released in 2020, has been praised by both players and critics across the globe, earning more than 20 perfect scores from media, and was selected as a PlayStation® “Editor’s Choice” pick. The game also became the highest-selling digital release on the PlayStation® platform in SQUARE ENIX’s history, exceeding more than 7 million shipments and digital sales worldwide since its release. FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH, the second game in the trilogy and standalone story, is now in development and will be available worldwide on February 29, 2024, for the PS5.

About Square Enix Ltd.
Square Enix Ltd. develops, publishes, distributes and licenses SQUARE ENIX® and TAITO® branded entertainment content in Europe and other PAL territories 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 Ltd. is a London-based, wholly owned subsidiary of Square Enix Holdings Co., Ltd.
 
More information on Square Enix Ltd. can be found at https://square-enix-games.com

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Review

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2

Developer: Ludosity
Publisher: GameMill Entertainment
Platforms: Switch (Reviewed), PC, Xbox One, Playstation 4 , Playstation 5, Xbox One S|X
Release Date: Available Now
Price: $49.99 – Available Here

Overview

Ludosity raised some eyebrows a while back with their competent Smash clone featuring some of Nickelodeon’s finest. While licensed titles typically have little fanfare, this fighter gathered a ton of acclaim due to its community-driven feedback and promotion, making it a lightweight contender on modern platforms. These heroes of the tube are back again for another round with Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2. Does some new faces and changes continue to leave a mark, or does this sequel leave us with a squeaky whimper? Let’s find out.

Story

There is a revamped story mode for All-Star Brawl 2 that certainly shifts things in a better direction from the start. Players now get to participate in a mode where they must go up against Danny Phantom’s prime antagonist Vlad Plasmius and stop his evil plans while dealing with some silly fare from familiar faces. Sure, the narrative here is thin and rather vague, but for a licensed title it works out fine. That said, I think a bit more cohesiveness with the plot and characters within would have tightened things up a bit – as the characters included are a bit odd and having a backstory as to why would have made for a more celebratory adventure for the brand. I do however feel that the developers “get” the nostalgia of the brand, and those little nods do a lot to retain the charm of the entire package.

Gameplay

I think the first All-Star Brawl was good enough to not have to add a lot, but this follow-up does manage to get some things right by adding in more elements to the gameplay itself. This is an arena fighter and now things are slowed down a bit. Attacks feel more fluid and simple this time, as characters all have their selection of normal and special attacks, but now a new “slime” meter comes into play to let players build for special actions. Now you can choose to activate and get a defense buff with a shield, or build for a more offensive blow. There are also ultimate attacks, which are a ton of fun to execute – even if they can still be a bit finicky in terms of accuracy.

This is a more balanced fighter and the gameplay just seems more engaging this time around, as the team followed through with feedback to refine things and it definitely makes it feel more polished and fluid, as if skill actually matters with this installment. The game’s main story mode has a lot of fun things to do and discover, with players fighting characters who have been basically zombified by Plasmius, with each area ending in a giant boss fight with the likes of The Flying Dutchman and several other major antagonists as you make your way to the one big bad at the end. These fights are focused on taking out a life bar and avoiding major attacks, and are fun enough – even if its easy to find cheap strategies to put the bosses away through repetitive actions.

All in all, the shops, cameos, and unlockables make the grind through arcade and story mode worth it, as the player feels rewarded by progression. Sure, there are some annoyance such as slowdown and minor hiccups with gameplay from time to time, but it isn’t anything game-breaking, just moments that can pull you out of immersion for a moment. Stages are clever and well built, and any fan of Nickelodeon for the past two decades should be pleased with the selection of characters, even if there are a few questionable omissions. For instance, Arnold still is not playable, yet Gerald and Grandma now are and Helga has left the line-up, while other characters feel lonely without their fellow cast mates. This will be a preference for the player and their favorite Nick picks, but I did feel those who are in at least feel accurate to their characterization from their brands.

Audio

The music here is fine, but nothing really memorable. Most melodies only attempt to capture the feel of a show instead of being from the show, and the lack of that input kind of holds All-Star Brawl 2 back a bit from capturing the essences of their license. That said, we did launch with voices for the competitors, and while the audio is a bit low (meaning its hard to hear taunts and voices compared to the rest of the chaos happening), those trademark quotes and sounds go a long way to enhance the quality of each battle. 

As far as visuals go, things are a mixed bag. The load times are awful in the Switch version and the screens alone stutter rapidly as you are awaiting to get into battle. Maybe this is hardware limitations but with the graphics being so simple, it seems more like poor optimization for this particular platform. Animations can also be a bit rough, as I got a lot of slowdown during heavy moments of animation, and the game never leaves its 30 FPS threshold to truly give us a fluid fighting experience.

Overall

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 has a lot of heart and love tied into it, making it one of the best licensed fighters to pick up if you are itching for something different. The overall package shines with Easter eggs and nostalgia galore, and its a lot of fun playing these matches if you can overlook the issues with optimization. There still is a layer of generic, lifelessness under the hood of this engine though, as even with all of the new bells and whistles, there still is a lack of identity making this IP feel like its own thing, rather than just a competent clone with Nickelodeon branded on it from top to bottom. If you are looking for a decent arena fighter and want another break from Smash however, you may find some entertainment here, but just keep your expectations in check upon entry as this release (while improved) still has that licensed game aftertaste.

Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.

Persona 5 Tactica – Gameplay

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The Phantom Thieves are back but this time they find themselves dealing not with palaces, but with a kingdom instead as the group finds themselves transported to a strange new realm. Here Joker must team up with a new ally to save his old friends against a powerful and strange new foe that has affected their powers in Persona 5 Tactica.

Join the Phantom Thieves as they lead an uprising of the heart! Assemble an all-star team of heroes in a brand-new story in this thrilling combat adventure set in Persona’s iconic universe.

Persona 5 Tactica
Developer: ATLUS
Publisher: SEGA
Platform: Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5|4, Nintendo Switch, PC(Steam)
Release Date: 17 Nov, 2023
Price: $59.99 USD

Available here – https://persona.atlus.com/p5t/

Summary:

Recommended – Persona 5 Tactica may be simple for a tactical RPG but between solidly adapted mechanics and a great story, the Phantom Thieves’ latest outing is as stylish and enjoyable as ever for fans.”

Check out our review for Persona 5 Tactica here!

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

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Apogee’s Dwarven Roguelike “Below the Stone” Spelunks to Early Access Today

DALLAS — 17 Nov 2023 — Below the Stone, a dwarf-themed mining roguelike by developer Strollart and publisher Apogee Entertainment, unearths a treasure trove of loot today as the TooManyGames 2023 indie favorite launches on Steam Early Access and GOG ahead of its 2024 arrival on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, and Xbox Series X|S. 

Drill to the depths in this all-or-nothing roguelike tour de force where fame and fortune lie beneath ruins. Design a dwarf to match the latest underground styles with customization options for beards and haircuts, then pick up a pickaxe and provide for the kin back home. Make wise decisions while scouring the unknown for shimmering rewards, or risk becoming another lost soul buried beneath the rubble.

A gauntlet of procedurally generated dungeons and caves awaits enterprising explorers. Hack through dozens of unique biomes including fluorescent fungi fields, magma-marred mazes, and gorged caverns. Scrabble to survive amidst the blows of club-wielding trolls, lumbering Yetis, and stinging scorpions.

Crack open treasure chests brimming with untouched bounties like gold, silver, and platinum, and light the path to prosperity with dungeon and ore-detecting devices. Haul plundered resources and precious gems to the benevolent blacksmith in exchange for weapon and gear upgrades. Craft items to prolong each journey, from near-impervious armor to healing potions fresh from the alchemist’s cauldron.

When axes and swords aren’t quite cutting it, shake down darkness-dwelling bandits with copper-laced crossbows, cave sweeping shotguns, and booming blunderbusses. Toss massive area-of-effect explosives like dynamite that both blast enemies backwards and destroy chunks of rock with ease.

Chat up cave-dwelling moles and other NPCs willing to do business…for a price. Take on side quests from fellow cave-diving contemporaries. Brave the twists and turns of the undiscovered while carefully calculating the cost of moving onward. Return to the surface with the day’s loot in tow, or succumb to greed in search for greater rewards. But beware, as death sends miners back up to the start, all possessions lost to the earth below. 

Below the Stone combines a retro presentation with surprisingly deep gameplay, pun intended!” said Scott Miller, founder of Apogee Entertainment. “We’re very thankful for the feedback given by those who played the demo which led to various community-requested changes. The journey to 1.0 continues with even more surprises on the way, and we look forward to sharing even more in the near-future.” 

Check out gameplay footage of Below the Stone here. For more information on Strollart’s underground tale of dwarven expedition, check out the official website, and follow their Twitter, and Discord.

For more on Apogee Entertainment, please visit the Apogee website and follow @Apogee_Ent on Twitter.

About Strollart

Founded as a place for a group of friends to come together and express their love of indie games, Stollart looks to break the formula that’s pervasive within the AAA space and build something that can only be found within indie development. Michael Strollart, director, producer, and artist, is joined by Andrew, Karam, Eric, Dean, and Matt in the development of their debut game, Below the Stone, with an eye set on showing what a few friends in a metaphorical basement can build together.

About Apogee Entertainment

Apogee is featured in John Romero’s new book, Doom Guy, along with Masters of Doom, the new FPS documentary, the book Shareware Heroes (2022 release), and many others – because Apogee was a critical player in the rise of the PC gaming, essentially creating the indie scene.

Apogee also funded, produced and published Id Software’s Wolfenstein 3D, the first ever FPS game, and also created pioneering games like Duke Nukem 3D, numerous Duke console games, Prey, Shadow Warrior, Rise of the Triad, and co-owned/co-created Max Payne 1 & 2. These games all earned over $1.5 billion commercially. (Apogee used the “3D Realms” label for many of these releases, but the company was always Apogee.)

The recently renamed Apogee Entertainment, with original founder Scott Miller still at the helm, continues to empower today’s incredibly talented indie developers. Current hit releases include Turbo Overkill and Bread & Fred, along with 10 other games currently in development.

AN ICON RETURNS: ATARI 2600+ IS OUT NOW

Available with new games and accessories announced and updated compatibility list  

18th November 2023: PLAION, a global leading publisher and developer of video games, and Atari, one of the world’s most iconic consumer brands and interactive entertainment producers, are proud to announce that the Atari 2600+ – a modern day faithful recreation of the pioneering console that first appeared in 1980 – is out now!  

To celebrate the launch and show our continued support for Atari 2600+, we announce three new accessories supporting the console: the CX78+ Gamepad (supporting two-button 7800 games), a standalone CX30+ Paddle Pack, and an accessory extension cable. Additionally, coming early 2024 we will be bringing four additional 7800/2600 games to market. More details on retailer availability to come soon.   

For our retro enthusiasts looking to check if their collection is compatible with the Atari 2600+, following thorough testing we are happy to confirm a 99% compatibility rate with just under 600 games tested. An updated compatibility list can be found on Atari.com.  

The Atari 2600+ is launching with ten of the most recognized video games in Atari’s history, including Adventure® and Missile Command®, the Atari 2600+ has been created using modern technology to authentically replicate the original 4-switch Atari 2600 Video Game System. For those looking to relive the gameplay experiences of the ‘70s and ’80s, included with the Atari 2600+ is the CX40+ Joystick Controller, recreated with the same size and layout as the original 2600 Joystick Controller for that added touch of nostalgia. 

Also available worldwide in stores now: The CX-30 Paddle Controller with 4-in-1 multi-game cartridge $59.95; a standalone CX-40 Joystick $39.95; Berzerk Enhanced Edition and Mr. Run and Jump for $44.95.  

For the retro loving community, PLAION, in partnership with PosterSpy, have been revealing alternative retro posters designed by artists across the globe, inspired by The Atari 2600+. Posters have been unveiled in the lead up to launch, with the final one being revealed today across PLAION social media channels.  

For more information on Atari 2600+ visit: http:/atari.com/products/atari-2600-plus 

About Atari 

Atari is an interactive entertainment company and an iconic gaming industry brand that transcends generations and audiences. The company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a 

portfolio of more than 200 unique games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®. Atari has offices in New York and Paris. Visit us online at www.Atari.com

Atari shares are listed in France on Euronext Growth Paris (ISIN Code FR0010478248, Ticker ALATA) and OTC Pink Current (Ticker PONGF). 

©2023 Atari Interactive, Inc. Atari wordmark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc. 

About PLAION 

PLAION is a leading independent developer and producer of games and entertainment products, with nine development studios and five publishing units based all over the world. Founded in 1994 as Koch Media, PLAION offers a unique breadth of services and solutions, dynamically growing its business to push ourselves and our partners to the forefront in all the segments we operate in. 

PLAION runs a multi-label strategy, with fully owned publishing units, such as Deep Silver, Prime Matter, Milestone, Vertigo Games and Ravenscourt, publishing games for consoles, PC and VR platforms across all physical and digital channels. 

Additionally – as a global publishing partner – PLAION has formed long-term multinational publishing collaborations with numerous game publishers including Activision Blizzard, Bethesda, Capcom, Focus Multimedia, Giants Software, Koei Tecmo, Paradox, Sega, SNK, Square Enix, Techland, THQ Nordic, Tripwire, Warner Bros and many others. 

With its parent company in Höfen, Austria – and the HQ in Munich, Germany – PLAION owns local publishing companies in Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, Australia, the United States as well as Japan and Hong Kong. 

PLAION owns nine game development studios: Deep Silver Dambuster Studios (Nottingham, UK), Fishlabs (Hamburg, DE), Warhorse Studios (Prague, CZ), Milestone (Milan, IT), Voxler (Paris, FR) , DigixArt (Montpellier, FR), Flying Wild Hog (Warsaw, Kraków, Rzeszów, PL), Free Radical Design (Nottingham, UK) and Vertigo Games (Rotterdam, Amsterdam, NL). Additionally, PLAION collaborates with numerous independent development studios around the world. 

Part of PLAION is also PLAION PICTURES, a leading independent film distributor in Europe with a library of more than 1.400 titles. Further business operations include Sola Media, a sales agency and production company for family entertainment, Spotfilm Networx, a multi-channel streaming network, and a sub-label dedicated to Japanese animation. 

PLAION also owns the leading video game merchandise company DPI Merchandising (Denver, Roseburg, USA and Munich, DE) and a Quality Assurance Facility in Olomouc, CZ. 

PLAION is an Embracer Group company. 

ARIZONA SUNSHINE 2 NEW CROSS-PLATFORM CO-OP MODES ANNOUNCED IN GAMEPLAY SHOWCASE

Full cross-platform co-op support, 2-player co-op campaign mode, and 4-player co-op Horde mode including post-launch plans announced, plus new gameplay revealed

Sydney, Australia – November 18th, 2023 – On today’s Arizona Sunshine 2 Gameplay Showcase, Vertigo Games revealed exciting updates and new footage for the eagerly awaited next-gen sequel to their blockbuster VR action FPS. Ahead of the game’s launch this December PS VR2, Meta Quest and PC VR, fans were able to get an in-depth look at fresh campaign gameplay, including new details about the game’s cross-platform co-op modes, post-launch plans, and more.

Rewatch the Arizona Sunshine 2 Gameplay Showcase below.

Co-op Announcements:

Arizona Sunshine 2 will feature full cross-platform multiplayer functionality, a two-player co-op campaign mode, an endless Horde mode for up to four players, and more. Co-op play in Arizona Sunshine 2 is built on the foundations laid by the original game, but adds a plethora of VR interactions and mechanics with which Arizona Sunshine 2 embraces freestyle co-op play more than ever before.

Post-Launch Plans

Also announced today were plans for post-launch support, including 3 additional Horde mode maps to be released during Year One. More details will be revealed at a later date.

Additionally, a Quest 3 Upgrade was announced for Arizona Sunshine 2 on Meta Quest. From Day 1, Quest 3 players will enjoy an upgraded resolution, while the post-launch Quest 3 Upgrade scheduled to release later in December will introduce real-time shadows on dynamic objects.

Single Player Campaign Showcase:

During the showcase, Arizona Sunshine 2 Game Director Peter Deurloo presented an all-new single player campaign playthrough, featuring never-before-seen footage, and showcased fresh gameplay details. These involve some new hints about the all-new, standalone story by Rob Yescombe (The Invisible Hours, Farpoint); Buddy, your new canine friend;and next-gen combat mechanics, such as manual reloading, melee combat, and crafting.

Creators’ First-Hand Co-op Adventures:

Next up on the Gameplay Showcase, a line up of VR creators paired off in duos to debut Arizona Sunshine 2’s campaign co-op mode. Learn about their experience with the game’s campaign co-op mode — together with their new friend, Buddy. Various creators have shared their latest impressions of the 2-player campaign co-op mode in long-form videos on their channels.

Special Interview with Lead Voice-Actor Sky Soleil:

The Gameplay Showcase starred a special guest: Arizona Sunshine 2 lead voice-actor Sky Soleil. In a chat with the development team, Sky discusses his experience of stepping back in the shoes of Arizona Sunshine 2’s witty protagonist. Add a freestyle voice-acting session captured on camera to boot, and it becomes clear why Sky’s incredible voice acting is a crucial ingredient in Arizona Sunshine 2 storytelling.

Special Promotions:

Lastly, during this entire weekend, celebrate with deepest-to-date discounts on the Arizona Sunshine franchise on Steam, from up to 80% off on the original Arizona Sunshine and its DLCs, to the pre-order discount on the Arizona Sunshine 2 – Deluxe Edition.

Arizona Sunshine 2 is scheduled for launch on major VR platforms from December 7th, 2023. Pre-orders are now available on PlayStation VR2, Meta Quest and Steam VR.

Watch the recently revealed Arizona Sunshine 2 gameplay premiere: HERE

Learn more at http://arizona-sunshine.com and join the conversation on Discord, Twitter, Instagram and Tiktok.

About Arizona Sunshine® 2

Sharpen your machete and load your shotgun: Arizona Sunshine® 2 is the next-gen sequel to one of the founding fathers of the VR FPS genre and multi-year top seller Arizona Sunshine by Vertigo Games, launching from December 7th, 2023.

Narrated by the unmistakable quips of our dark-humoured protagonist, Arizona Sunshine 2 sets you on an all-new limb-strewn journey of intense survival. In a post-apocalyptic world where every bullet counts, experience the thrill of realistic combat as you wield all-new and fan-favourite weapons–from shotguns to machetes and flamethrowers. And what’s better than braving the damned end of the world? Surviving it with your new four-legged friend–Buddy. http://arizona-sunshine.com

About Vertigo Games

Vertigo Games, the VR publishing and development arm of the global PLAION Group, is a multi-platform VR publisher and developer with offices in Rotterdam & Amsterdam, The Netherlands, and Los Angeles, California. With teams in the areas of development, publishing and LBE (location-based entertainment) distribution, the company offers a portfolio of quality VR games that provide novel, powerful and full-featured gaming experiences. Games include Vertigo Studios’ evergreen brand Arizona Sunshine®, the epic VR action FPS After the Fall® and the no-holds-barred VR remake of a classic, The 7th Guest VR. Upcoming games include the highly anticipated Arizona Sunshine® 2. Vertigo Games is a PLAION (previously Koch Media) Group company. http://vertigo-games.com

NARUTO X BORUTO ULTIMATE NINJA STORM CONNECTIONS AVAILABLE NOW

Video game publisher and developer Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. announced today that NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS, the new entry in the Ultimate Ninja STORM series, is available now on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch and PC.

NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS has the largest roster in a NARUTO game with more than 130 characters including new additions such as Ashura and Indra Otsutsuki, as well as the BORUTO characters, Boruto (Karma), Kawaki and Jigen. The game, building on the success of the franchise, features crisp graphics in the vein of the anime along with dynamic battles supporting up to 60 fps on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC.

NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS lets players get their hands on the game with the new simple control mode that activates powerful combos and techniques with a single button. Its history mode includes selected scenes from NARUTO’s story focusing on the deep connection between Naruto and Sasuke, while an original special story centred on Boruto, has players incarnate the young ninja as he tries to prevent the Fifth Great Ninja War.

NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS is available in the following editions:

  • The Standard Edition (base game)
  • The Deluxe Edition adds the Season Pass to the base game. The Season pass contains 5 characters to be announced at a later date. This edition also includes the Season Pass Bonus (1 costume) and the Deluxe Bonus (1 costume)
  • The Ultimate Edition contains the same content than the Deluxe Edition, and adds the Ultimate Bonus that contains 5 costumes and 2 accessories
  • The Collector’s Edition includes the base game, a steelbook case, 2 exclusive figurines and a special reversible inlay
  • The Premium Collector Edition, only available on the Bandai Namco Store, contains the base game, 2 figurines, a steelbook, a special reversible inlay, 6 collectible cards, 1 official scroll, the Season Pass, the Season Pass bonus, as well as the Deluxe and Ultimate Bonus

The Nostalgic Anime Song & Item Pack is also available now and includes 5 iconic songs from NARUTO anime and 3 in-game items. With this pack, players will be able to enjoy listening to nostalgic Naruto songs by changing in-game music during matches. In addition, the Sound Ultimate Bundle is also available on Steam only with a limited time offer, containing the same content as the Ultimate Edition and adding the Nostalgic Anime Song & Item Pack.

For more information on NARUTO X BORUTO Ultimate Ninja STORM CONNECTIONS and other products from Bandai Namco Entertainment please visit: www.bandainamcoent.eu. Join the conversation on X at: https://twitter.com/Narutovideogame

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About Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S.

Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S. is a leading global publisher and developer of entertainment content for platforms including, but not limited to, all major video game consoles and PC.

Bandai Namco Europe is producing intellectual property for a global audience and is building its reputation with franchises such as LITTLE NIGHTMARES™, PARK BEYOND™, and the upcoming UNKNOWN 9™ Awakening – developed by the recently acquired Reflector Entertainment based in Montreal, QC.

Bandai Namco Europe serves as the Headquarters of Bandai Namco Holdings Inc. for mainland Europe, which is known for creating and publishing many of the Toy & Entertainment industry’s top franchises, including PAC-MAN™, TAMAGOTCHI™, GUNDAM™, TEKKEN™, DARK SOULS™ and the recently released ELDEN RING™.

For more information please visit www.bandainamcoent.eu.

Press Release © 2023 Bandai Namco Europe S.A.S.

All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.

A campaign of brutal conquest dawns in Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin, available now on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S

The first RTS based on Games Workshop’s Age of Sigmar universe is available now

Cambridge, UK – 17th November 2023 Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV, ‘Frontier’) today released the real-time strategy gameWarhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin on PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation® 5 and Xbox Series X|S. The first ever RTS based on Games Workshop’s expansive fantasy universe features four distinct factions, an epic cinematic singleplayer campaign, 1v1 and 2v2 competitive multiplayer, Conquest Mode for challenging solo play as well as endless creativity via the Map Editor and Army Livery tools.

Watch the launch trailer using the links below:

Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin is available forPC via Steam and the Epic Games Store, and for PlayStation®5 and Xbox Series X|S, for a suggested retail price of £49.99/$59.99/€59.99 for the Standard Edition, £59.99/$69.99/€69.99 for the Deluxe Edition and £64.99/$74.99/€74.99 for the Ultimate Edition. Along with the base game, the Ultimate Edition provides players with four Alternate Hero Skins (one per faction), two Profile Customisation Sets and access to the upcoming Hero DLC 1 & 2 packs, Yndrasta, the Celestial Spear and Gobsprakk, the Mouth of Mork. The Deluxe Edition includes the base game, Alternate Hero Skins and two Profile Customisation Sets. 

Realms of Ruin is a game of tense and tactical battles, set in Ghur, one of the eight Mortal Realms in Warhammer Age of Sigmar. This thrilling RTS can be enjoyed with both mouse and keyboard and a controller via DirectStep™, an innovative interface that gives players using a gamepad the flexibility and responsiveness of traditional RTS controls. PC players can enjoy a fine-tuned mouse and keyboard experience, in the classic vein of the genre.

The singleplayer campaign follows a detachment of the mighty warriors known as the Stormcast Eternals as they venture into the inhospitable swampland of Ghur, in search of an artefact of great power. Their goal is to save their fortress settlement, Harkanibus, from relentless siege by the brutal Orruk Kruleboyz faction who make the swamps their home. This source of power bears a dark history, however, and as the story switches perspectives between those connected to the artefact, commanders will be introduced to two additional factions: the Disciples of Tzeentch, the masters of manipulation and weavers of fate, as well as the spectral swarms of the Nighthaunt. A twist-filled tale of desperate survival in a savage realm awaits seasoned RTS fans, Age of Sigmar aficionados, and those who are completely new to the genre.

Each faction is completely distinct from one another. The Stormcast Eternals are tactically balanced, bringing versatile squads to the fray as well as heroes who provide vital buffs, and crowd control abilities. The Orruk Kruleboyz are cunning in nature, mixing cheap units, powerful defensive squads, and lumbering monsters. The Nighthaunt are the masters of swarm tactics and mobility and can even resurrect units as they persist in battle. Finally, the Disciples of Tzeentch are deadly at range, using offensive spells to wipe out their enemies, before the overwhelmingly powerful Lord of Change arrives to tip the scales in their favour late in the game. Players will learn how each faction’s strengths and weaknesses are stacked against each other as they master the combat dynamics of Realms of Ruin.

Players can dive into 1v1 and 2v2 cross-platform multiplayer matches with any mix of human and AI teammates or opponents, and climb a 1v1 competitive ladder. Each battle sees players vying for an array of Victory Points and Arcane Conduit resource points around a variety of maps, building defensive and offensive structures to further their strategies and progressing through a tech tree to unlock new unit abilities. Upgrading each faction’s command post grants access to more powerful units, heroes and monsters, as well as an elevated population cap, resulting in an extraordinary late-game spectacle of clashing weaponry, magic projectiles and towering daemons.

Those looking for more singleplayer action beyond the campaign can enjoy Conquest Mode, where players select a faction and make their way across a procedurally generated map screen where they’ll tackle individual battles against AI opponents. Game-changing twists throw unusual parameters into the mix, like increased unit speed, greater damage by all units and faster Arcane Conduit capture. The goal is to get the highest score possible, choosing between multipliers and extra lives while heading towards each map’s final battle. Each run is generated by a seed number that can be easily shared.

Extensive customisation options give players the power to personalise their Realms of Ruin experience. The Army Livery tool customises the colour schemes for each faction, using paint colours from the official Citadel collection for that authentic Warhammer experience. In the Map Editor, players will craft multiplayer maps using detailed placement options and terrain painting tools then share them via the in-game workshop, so other players across all formats can download, play and rate them. Those same Map Editor tools can be used to create custom scenes; visually spectacular battle dioramas that showcase the factions of Realms of Ruin in extraordinary detail.

About Warhammer Age of Sigmar: Realms of Ruin

Wage a campaign of brutal conquest in this realm-shattering real-time strategy game set in the Warhammer Age of Sigmar universe. Command four unique factions in dynamic battles as part of a story-driven campaign and test your mettle against warlords afar in online multiplayer.

About Frontier

Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV, ‘Frontier’) is a leading independent developer and publisher of videos founded in 1994 by David Braben, co-author of the iconic Elite game. Based in Cambridge, Frontier uses its proprietary COBRA game development technology to create innovative genre-leading games, primarily for personal computers and videogame consoles.

About Games Workshop

Games Workshop Group PLC (LSE:GAW.L), based in Nottingham, UK, produces the best fantasy miniatures in the world. Games Workshop designs, manufactures, retails, and distributes its range of Warhammer Age of Sigmar and Warhammer 40,000 games, miniature soldiers, novels and model kits through more than 523 of its own stores (branded Games Workshop or Warhammer), its own web store, and independent retail channels in more than 50 countries worldwide.

The Puppets Awaken – Action Roguelite Realm of Ink Announced for PC & Consoles

First global release sees indie publisher 663 Games enter the Western gaming arena

Guangzhou, China – November 17 2023. Indie publisher 663 Games is thrilled to unveil their exciting new ink-style action roguelite title Realm of Ink. Developed by Leap Studio and Maple Leaf Studio, Realm of Ink will be launching for PC via Steam and consoles in 2024 and will be the publisher’s first global game launch following the success of their previous Asia-specific published titles. 

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.

Watch the announcement trailer for Realm of Ink below

“We are excited to finally be able to reveal our new title Realm of Ink, to the world”, commented Shulong, CEO of 663 Games. “We are proud to be working with the talented development teams of Leap Studio and Maple Leaf Studio to bring this tantalising story to life and delight gamers with the beautifully crafted ink-style artwork and challenging roguelite gameplay action” 

bout Realm of Ink

During the hunt for a cunning Fox demon, the heroine and expert swordsperson 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 – You will initially play as the swordsperson Red before progressively unlocking other characters. With the help of the ancient Scriptbound Fox and the immortal power of the mysterious Fox Blood, you will defeat four Bosses to reclaim your own destiny. During the journey, the long-lost Ink Gems are rediscovered and the truth of the Book Spirit is gradually revealed. Soon, Red and others discover that they are just fictional characters in Realm of Ink. Everything seems to be destined: the old world will collapse while a new world is forming, and the awakened spirits will reshape their true selves amidst countless cycles of destruction.

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, each of the four themed stages is distinctive. But beware, behind the beautiful scenery, there are numerous lurking demons and hidden perils. What secrets lie in the pasts of the three protagonists and several dozen NPCs? Embrace the challenges and uncover the truths!

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 wishlist the game on Steam now.

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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.

The Last of Us Part II Remastered Announced for PS5 Release January 19, 2024

What’s better than a new game? How about a remaster of a game barely three years old? Naughty Dog and Sony have announced that they will be releasing The Last of Us Part II Remastered on January 19, 2024 where both a standard edition and “W.L.F.” edition are being released though a price for either version has yet to be revealed. The special W.L.F. edition will include a steelbook case, four enamel pins, a Washington Liberation Front Patch, and a total of 47 Society of Champions trading cards. Thankfully, unlike their second remaster of the first game, Naughty Dog won’t be charging an arm and a leg for those who already own the PlayStation 4 version of The Last of Us Part II that released three years ago. Instead those who have that version can choose to upgrade for only $10 extra.

Besides the standard enhancements the game will also feature a number of new elements that allow players to play through a selection of unfinished levels that weren’t included in the final game as well as a new mode called No Return. This mode will be a roguelike survival mode that will allow players to select from a number of different characters and take on randomized encounters to experience the game’s combat system in fresh ways.

There will also be a “Guitar Free Play” mode with different characters as well as an extensive embedded developer commentary for those who want to learn about the game’s various sequences as they play through it. The announcement trailer for the remaster can be found below.