Get to know some of Moominvalley’s charming residents in the new character reveal trailer!
STOCKHOLM – Nov. 2, 2023 – Norwegian studio Hyper Games and Swedish publisher Raw Fury are thrilled to announce that Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is coming to Nintendo Switch, Android and iOS! Previously announced for PC, Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a musical adventure set in the enchanted world of Moomin, created by renowned Finnish author Tove Jansson.
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley is a story-rich musical adventure game about Snufkin restoring the valley and helping the quirky and memorable characters and critters who call it home. A series of hideous parks have cropped up in Moominvalley, disrupting the landscape and its harmonious nature. As Snufkin, you will distract police officers, pull out signs, and knock over misplaced statues as you vigorously try to restore nature and the inhabitants’ home while putting an end to the industrious Park Keeper’s plans.
Experience a beautifully crafted and quintessentially Nordic game, brought to life with stories, emotions, and a melancholic atmosphere set in Tove Jansson’s vivid and beloved world of Moomin. You are invited to a wholesome experience for every age that combines open-world mechanics with puzzles, stealth, and melodic elements!
Key Features
Set out on a cozy, story-rich adventure game with a gorgeous storybook art style
Get the strict Park Keeper and his horrible parks out of Moominvalley with the help of your trusty harmonica, a bit of stealth, and the friends you’ll meet along the way
Meet over 50 charming characters and creatures calling Moominvalley their home
Experience narrative gameplay and a myriad of charming stories and quests involving the beloved characters inspired by Tove Jansson’s work
Explore Moominvalley’s open world and solve musical and environmental puzzles along the way to uncover the happenings in the valley
Immerse yourself in the beautiful soundscape of music and melodies composed in collaboration with Sigur Rós
Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley will launch for PC and Nintendo Switch in Q1 2024. The game is available to wishlist now on Steam. The Android and iOS launch is planned for a later date. For more information, visit the official website and join the community on Discord.
About Hyper Games
Hyper Games is an award-winning, independent video game studio based in Oslo, Norway. They make unique and interesting games with high-quality gameplay and distinctive art styles. To date they are known for the games Mørkredd and Eggggg, and are currently working on Snufkin: Melody of Moominvalley.
About Moomin Characters
Moomin Characters Oy Ltd is the official copyright holder of all the Moomin characters. All characters from Moominvalley are trademark registered worldwide. The Moomins are central characters in a series of books and comic strips written by Finnish-Swedish writer and artist Tove Jansson between 1945 and 1980. They are one of Finland’s biggest exports and have a global fan base.
The company was founded in the 1950s by Tove Jansson (1914-2001) and her brother Lars Jansson to manage the Moomin copyright and is still run by family members. Rights and Brands is the worldwide licensing agent of the company.
Raw Fury is a boutique indie (un)publisher founded in 2015 by Jonas Antonsson, Gordon Van Dyke, and David Martinez. We do not care about genres or mechanics. We care about experiences and emotions. We want to help developers make magic.
Iron Oak Games Highly Anticipated Sequel Delivers More Strategy and Tabletop Adventures
London, November 2, 2023 – Curve Games and IronOak Games are excited to announce the worldwide launch of their highly anticipated sequel to the successful multi-million selling franchise, For the King II on Steam.
Inspired by tabletop adventures, For The King II builds on the hugely popular blend of strategy, turn-based combat and roguelite replayability, all of the core elements that made the original game such a fan favorite. In For The King II, these elements combine to create an epic new experience that includes the most requested fan feature by far: four player co-op.
“We are so excited to launch For The King II and couldn’t have done it without the support of our passionate community. FTK II is three times as large as For The King when it released out of Early Access on Steam 5 years ago, and we are already working on new content to release after launch”, said Colby Young, Founder and Lead Designer at IronOak Games
Approachable and exciting for new players, For The King II delivers a continuation of the narrative arc for fans of the original. The game offers brand-new combat mechanics and features, a host of new biomes to explore, a beautifully updated art style, new weapons and enemies to conquer, and much, much more.
From the vast number of character and item combinations to the procedurally generated maps, quests, loot, and events – the world of Fahrul is ever-changing and will constantly keep players on their toes!
For The King II launches today on Steam at $24.99/£19.99/€24.99.
To learn more about the game, visit the official Steam product page here and follow us on Twitter, Reddit and Discord.
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About Curve Games
Curve Games is an award-winning independent label working with developers worldwide to deliver the best in interactive entertainment. With a uniquely diverse games catalogue that includes renowned indie hits such as For the King, Bomber Crew, The Ascent, and Lawn Mowing Simulator, and the multi-million selling smash hit Human Fall Flat, Curve Games has taken its place as one of the leading games publishers worldwide.
About IronOak Games
Founded in 2015 by industry veterans with a passion for board games and roleplaying games, IronOak Games is now part of the Curve Family of studios. For The King, the debut title from the studio, released in 2018 to critical acclaim and has sold over 3 million units. More information on IronOak Games can be found at https://ironoakgames.com/
My Time at Sandrock v1.0 Officially Releases Today, Featuring Cooperative Multiplayer on PC & More!
PARIS – Nov. 2, 2023 – Focus Entertainment and Pathea Games are thrilled to launch the full 1.0 release on PC and consoles of My Time at Sandrock, the sequel to the award-winning sandbox simulation RPG My Time at Portia. After a successful early access period on Steam and the Epic Games Store, Sandrock is now officially available featuring engaging quests, exhilarating adventure, a vibrant cast of characters, and the exciting addition of cooperative multiplayer gameplay on PC*.
Welcome to Your New Home!
My Time at Sandrock takes players to the arid landscape of Sandrock, where they’ll become a crucial part of the community, aiming to revive the town and overcome the challenges of a resource-scarce desert. In this captivating open-world adventure, players can explore, customize their character, upgrade their workshop, and build strong relationships with the charming residents of Sandrock.
Engaging Quests & Colorful Characters
Embark on an exciting adventure with hundreds of engaging quests and interact with over 40 charismatic and colorful characters, each with their own fascinating stories to share.
Build, Craft & Customize
Gather resources to create and expand your plot of land, create machines, grow crops, raise animals, and sell your goods to the highest bidder. Customize your character and workshop to reflect your unique style and preferences.
Forge Meaningful Relationships
Spend time getting to know Sandrock’s residents, uncovering their stories, engaging in challenging mini-games, offering gifts, and building strong relationships that shape the narrative of your adventure. Friendships may even blossom into something more…
A New Step for the Beloved Franchise
My Time at Sandrock, the eagerly anticipated sequel to the acclaimed My Time at Portia, takes the gaming experience to new heights. With a notably more extensive and profound narrative, it builds upon the success of its predecessor while introducing the thrilling addition of cooperative multiplayer gameplay.
Exciting Multiplayer Gameplay on PC
Join forces with up to three friends in online multiplayer mode, available now on PC, collaborating to unleash your creativity, fight monsters, or simply enjoy the game together. The cooperative experience enhances the joy of every little moment in the game. Multiplayer is optimized for a seamless and spoiler-free experience, setting aside the main storyline and NPC side quests, concentrating exclusively on the core sandbox gameplay.
My Time at Sandrock is now available in its 1.0 version on Steam with a special limited-time launch discount, the Epic Games Store, Bilibili, WeGame, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One. Discover the Deluxe Edition, which includes cosmetics for your character, an adorable pet, three furniture packs and the game’s OST. Or get your hands on the Collector’s Edition and its exclusive content to fully enhance your experience in Sandrock.
Stay tuned to My Time at Sandrock’s social media channels for news about the game’s upcoming PlayStation 4 release.
*Multiplayer is currently in development for consoles and expected to debut in summer 2024.
It’s not so often that I review one, two…..five games at the same time! Technically, they’re all part of the same collection but what we’re looking at here is a span of more than three decades of gaming wrapped into one. Up until now, all of these games were either on defunct systems or console exclusives with Metal Gear Solid and Metal Gear Solid 2 being on GOG for a short while before getting removed. But for the first time ever we have a pack of 5 games being served in one convenient package for the first time on Steam.
There’s Metal Gear, followed by Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, then Metal Gear Solid, followed by Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. We also get some bonus content in the form of two regional versions of Metal Gear, the original version of Snake’s Revenge, the first and second Digital Graphic Novels in video form, and a digital soundtrack. We have a lot of ground to cover, so let’s dig in.
Story
In the first game, we have our first run-in with Gray Fox, Big Boss and we get to explore most of Outer Heaven and of course, take down Metal Gear. The sequel takes place four years later and takes Snake to Zanzibar land to rescue the kidnapped Czechoslovak biologist Dr. Kio Marv. Next, we have our first journey to 3D with Metal Gear Solid. New game mechanics were added, new ways of sneaking, our arsenal has been expanded and we have a deadlier Metal Gear that goes by the name Metal Gear Rex.
The next entry is probably one of my favorites – Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. This time, we get to see (and fight) the secret antagonist from the previous game, we have a new playable character (much hated at the time of release) and new game mechanics such as swimming, taking down cameras, hanging over the rails to hide, etc. Lastly in this collection, we have Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and it is a prequel that takes us to the era of the Cold War and we actually get to play as the Big Boss – you know, before he became the villain and all that. In this game, the soliton radar is removed and replaced by a motion detector and a sonar system, with emphasis on the player’s camouflage in the game environment.
Gameplay
As expected, all games have an emphasis on sneaking and avoiding enemies (minus the mandatory boss fights) and as we move forward with each release, new game mechanics are introduced that often turn the whole game upside down. Like, it’s hard to go back to the previous game once you get used to destroying surveillance cameras and improved camera.
Strangely enough, when it comes to the camera, I find the one in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty to be the best. Even though this collection is supposed to be a complete release of all the games up until Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, I do notice some things missing, notably that Ape Escape minigame from Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and the skateboarding game from Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. And even though we’re talking about the games older than a decade, some of them still hold up well. For Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater, the gameplay is the core experience and quite often the visuals take a step back due to the engaging nature of the series.
Visuals
However, taking steps back is good, especially in this case. Why? Well, all the games in the collection are……playable. And that’s all I can say about them. Did you want to play MGS games that were previously only available on PS2? Well, this is exactly what you’ll get and nothing more. This is especially glaring in Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty. Still on the original resolution, with broken v-sync, and nothing was upscaled or put in higher res, not even cutscenes.
We’re talking about the bare minimum when it comes to these releases. Playing Metal Gear Solid today in 240p is borderline masochistic but I suppose that’s what KONAMI thought it’s good enough for us. Here’s to hoping some community mods can save us because these are just simple PS1 games finally being ported to PC. Nothing more.
Audio
If you’re anything close to a genuine fan of this series, then names such as Harry Gregson-Williams, Rika Muranaka, and Norihiko Hibino will definitely ring a bell. From Metal Gear Solid and onwards, the soundtracks were a quality staple of the series. Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty was famous for even getting the acclaimed cinema composer Harry Gregson-Williams, whose work you might have heard in the Shrek franchise, X-Men Origins: Wolverine and Man on Fire, to name a few. And Rika Muranaka might be the sole reason why you should never skip ending credits, or else you might miss a wonderful rendition of “Can’t Say Goodbye to Yesterday” by Carla White.
Things get even more interesting in boss fights of Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, considering how experimental certain tunes can get and delving deep into electronica and drum and bass – thinking about the “Yell Dead Cell” track specifically during the Fatman boss fight.
Overall
Well, it hasn’t been a while since the release of the game (or a collection, in this case) left me so disappointed. At the end of it, these are just the simplest PC releases from the PS2 era and older. We get some goodies in the form of an interactive screenplay, and the ability to select a specific version of the game and that’s pretty much it. Only get this if you’re a serious MGS fan. Other than that, consider waiting for some official patches or community fixes – whatever comes first.
The only thing that’s saving these games (especially from Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty and onward) is incredible replay value and quirky unlockables in the form of stealth camo, infinite ammo, and a plethora of collectibles – especially in Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater. Over there, you have to earn your right to stealth camo by shooting a bunch of hidden frogs throughout the game, and aside from that, this MGS prequel is basically an animal-hunting game once you forget about the plot.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
London (November 2, 2023) Prepare for dimensional integration! Today, Capcom summoned a new Exoprimal™ trailer showcasing the online team-based action game’s upcoming collaboration with the Monster Hunter™ series. The crossover launches with Exoprimal Season 3 on January 18, 2024 and includes a monstrous new mission featuring a Rathalos boss fight, a collection of Monster Hunter Exosuit skins, and more. Exoprimal is available now across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows; with Xbox Game Pass for console, PC, and Cloud; and on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, and Steam.
The Exoprimal x Monster Hunter collaboration includes a ferocious new mission where Leviathan conjures a Rathalos and swarms of Velociprey for a combat test unlike any other. Exofighters must join forces in the Spacetime Abyss and hunt as a team to survive against the iconic fire-breathing “King of the Skies” in a 10-player co-op boss battle.
The crossover also features a variety of special Monster Hunter cosmetic sets*, which include:
Rathalos armor skin (Murasame)
Kirin armor skin (Skywave)
Nergigante armor skin (Barrage)
Rajang monster skin (Roadblock)
Alongside the Monster Hunter collaboration, Exoprimal Season 3 will introduce an additional boss encounter with the arrival of the Neo Triceratops, four new Beta variant Exosuits, the Jungle map, plus new rigs, modules, and more. Today’s dinosaur forecast also teased Season 4 content, including a 10-player co-op challenge mode called “Time Loop Rebellion.” An additional “Custom Match” mode is also on the way in Season 4, which will allow players to send invites to friends across platforms, play through the story together, and enjoy the wargames with their favorite settings.
In the meantime, Exofighters can hit the streets of Bikitoa Island with Street Fighter™ 6 cosmetic sets*, including skins based on Ryu, Chun-Li, and Guile. This downright fierce content came out swinging with Exoprimal Season 2 on October. 18, 2023, which also added the new PvE final mission Escape, the Ocean Platform map, new gear, and more.
Exoprimal is currently on sale on Xbox and Steam. A Free Weekend also begins today on Steam, allowing PC players to try the full game for a limited time.
*Note: Some Monster Hunter and Street Fighter 6 cosmetic sets must be purchased separately.
About Exoprimal
Exoprimal, the online team-based action game from Capcom, has welcomed over one million players since launch on July 14, 2023. Set in 2040, the title pits pilots with futuristic Exosuit technology against history’s most ferocious beast, dinosaurs, in wargames devised by the A.I. Leviathan. In the main mode, Dino Survival, teams of five race to complete missions while battling swarms of dinosaurs. Each match is different from the last, and players can swap between Exosuits at any time to change their tactics as new challenges arise. Along the way, players unlock story sequences and earn rewards to customize their Exosuits. Exoprimal is out now for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and PC via Steam. It is also available with Xbox Game Pass for console, PC, and Cloud.
About the Monster Hunter series
Monster Hunter is a series of action games that pit players against giant monsters in beautiful natural environments. Following the franchise’s debut in 2004, Monster Hunter has become a global phenomenon that has popularized a new genre of co-op action titles and sold more than 94 million units worldwide.
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.
Australia – November 2, 2023 – Kingston Technology, a world leader in memory products and technology solutions, today announced it has been ranked top third-party DRAM module supplier in the world, according to the latest rankings by revenue from analyst firm TrendForce. Kingston retains its number 1 position with an estimated 78.12% market share on $13.5B (USD) revenue. TrendForce states DRAM module sales in 2022 saw a 4.6% YoY decline across the industry. Kingston’s revenue showed a slight decrease but held its position as the global leader for the 20th consecutive year.
According to the report, the world’s top five memory module houses accounted for 90% of total sales in 2022 with Kingston maintaining its dominant market share of 78.12%. Consumer buying trends for electronic products took a hit from high inflation but Kingston’s robust brand scale along with its comprehensive product supply chain limited its decline, keeping it firmly at the top of market share rankings.
In 2022, its award-winning line of Kingston FURY Beast DDR5 and Renegade DDR5 memory modules received a makeover with the introduction of white heat spreaders to empower users to choose the color that best fits their individual style. In an era where most systems are meticulously designed, Kingston offers modules to complement both traditional all-black systems and now the ever-growing all-white PC.
“The 2022 findings from TrendForce reflect the company’s ongoing expansion and adaptability in the face of yet another demanding business year.” said Kingston. “This milestone not only reaffirms Kingston’s dominant presence in the market but also underscores the company’s resilience and significance within the industry, as we now proudly maintain our top position for the 20th consecutive year.”
From big data, to laptops and PCs, to IoT-based devices like smart and wearable technology, to design-in and contract manufacturing, Kingston helps deliver the solutions used to live, work and play. The world’s largest PC makers and cloud-hosting companies depend on Kingston for their manufacturing needs, and our passion fuels the technology the world uses every day. We strive beyond our products to see the bigger picture, to meet the needs of our customers and offer solutions that make a difference. To learn more about how Kingston Is With You, visit Kingston.com.
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Kingston and the Kingston logo are registered trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. IronKey is a registered trademark of Kingston Digital, Inc. Kingston FURY and the Kingston FURY logo are trademarks of Kingston Technology Corporation. All rights reserved. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Sydney, Australia – 2nd November 2023: SEGA has announced Sonic Dream Team, a new 3D action-platformer coming exclusively on the 5th of December to Apple Arcade, Apple’s gaming subscription service that offers unlimited access to an evolving collection of more than 200 incredibly fun games. Sonic Dream Team joins other SEGA titles on Arcade — Sonic Racing, Sonic Dash+, Samba de Amigo: Party-To-Go, and Football Manager 2023 Touch — and will be playable across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
Inthis all-new Sonic adventure, the evil Dr. Eggman has discovered The Reverie – an ancient device with the power to manifest dreams in the real world. Navigate twisted dreamscapes, rescue your friends, and put a stop to Dr. Eggman’s nightmarish dreams of world domination!
Below are a few of the key features players can look forward to this December:
Six Playable Characters
Choose from six different characters – Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, Amy Rose, Cream and Rouge. Each character brings their own flare and personality, fitting within three movement types that provide unique exploration opportunities while navigating the dream world.
Spectacular Boss Battles
Four spectacular boss battles that will test your skills across the different movement types.
Never-Before-Seen Dream Worlds
We’re not in Green Hill anymore! Play through 12 intricate levels set within four unique dream worlds with mind-bending environments that include wall-running, gravity changes and more.
Combining Mobile and Cross-Platform Experiences
Sonic Dream Team bridges the gap between mobile and console, allowing players a quality experience across iPhone, iPad, Mac, and Apple TV.
The PlayStation Plus Monthly Games lineup for November is here. Live the life of a gangster in Mafia II: Definitive Edition, play as a Raider or Survivor in Dragon Ball: The Breakers and explore the Alien universe in Aliens Fireteam Elite.
These titles can be enjoyed by PlayStation Plus members from Tuesday, 7 November until Monday, 4 December.
Let’s take a closer look at each game…
Mafia II: Definitive Edition | PS4
For the first-time ever experience the Mafia II crime drama all in one package, remastered and presented in stunning HD detail. Live the life of a gangster during the Golden-era of organised crime. War hero Vito Scaletta becomes entangled with the mob in hopes of paying his father’s debts in Post-World War 2 Empire Bay, NY, a city sprawling with opportunity and where organised crime thrives on the booming industries of post-war America. Alongside his buddy Joe, Vito works to prove himself, climbing the family ladder with crimes of larger reward, status and consequence.
Dragon Ball: The Breakers | PS4
In this online asymmetrical action game, a team of seven ordinary citizens tries to survive the Raider (a classic Dragon Ball rival such as Cell, Frieza, and Buu), who will hunt them down and evolve during the game into an unstoppable force. Escaping won’t be so easy: cooperate with others while there is still time, but the Raider or other Survivors’ decisions might force you to go at it alone. As a Raider, you will enjoy overwhelming powers to hunt and wipe out Survivors. Master each Raider’s unique abilities to track, catch your victims to evolve, and become even more powerful! Whether you’re a Raider or a Survivor, choose your progression path and unlock skills, skins, and items to fine-tune your own personal strategy to escape as a Survivor or triumph as a Raider.
Aliens Fireteam Elite | PS4, PS5
Discover what hides in the ruins and caves beneath in this third-person survival shooter set in the Aliens universe. Play with up to two players or AI as you battle through four campaigns to explore the mystery of a new planet, LV-895. Build your Marine the way you want. Level up in each of six unique classes or be a master of one. Choose your weapon – everything from magnums and SMGs to rocket launchers – and use over 130 unique perks to create the build of your choice. Build your fireteam focusing on class composition, consumables, and weapons to take down Xenomorphs, beat Challenge Card runs, or play various game modes with friends. Blast through hordes of Xenomorphs, evade deadly Prowlers and Spitters, and set up defensive positions to stay alive long enough to get your fireteam to safety.
Sony Pictures Core benefit for PlayStation Plus members
We’re pleased to see strong engagement for Sony Pictures Core since launching earlier this month on PS5 and PS4 consoles. Sony Pictures Core provides access for players to buy or rent up to 2,000 movies* straight from their console, and as a PlayStation Plus member, players will get additional benefits. All PlayStation Plus members will now receive a 15% discount on all content available for purchase and rental in Sony Pictures Core during the month of November.
Lastly, the new mind-bending interactive streaming series Silent Hill: Ascension made its debut yesterday In addition to the interactive series, a weekly compilation of audience-influenced storylines will be packaged into TV episodes, and PlayStation Plus Deluxe members will have exclusive access to all weekly compilation episodes 24-hours before they debut on other platforms. PlayStation Plus Deluxe members can catch the first one early on Wednesday, 8 November at 6am AEST, before its wide release on Thursday, 9 November.
PlayStation Plus members have until Monday, 6 November to add The Callisto Protocol, Farming Simulator 22 and Weird West to their game library.
To find out more about the titles available at launch, head to the PlayStation Blog.
Gran Turismo players! SPEC II Update 1.40* for Gran Turismo 7 arrives today with 7 new cars, the introduction of Lake Louise snow courses, 50 new license tests, 4-Player Split Screen races, custom events, and more. Available at no additional cost*, SPEC II is the biggest update to Gran Turismo 7 since launch and brings with it:
7 new cars – including the highly anticipated Lexus LFA and Tesla Model 3
New circuit – Lake Louise Snow Circuit
3 Café / Extra Menus
Update to World Circuits
Gran Turismo Sophy (AI Driver Agent) with Quick Race (PS5 Only)
50 Challenges added to Licenses
Paddock added to Multiplayer Menu
4-Player Split Screen Races (PS5 Only)
Features added to Photos / Scapes
Updated GT Menu / Dashboard
New opening movie
GT Sophy will now be integrated into Gran Turismo 7 on a permanent basis for PS5 users only. Users can set up a race fast with “Quick Race”, formerly Arcade Mode, where users can choose to race against the AI racing agent for even more exciting / challenging races.
The SPEC II 1.40 update arrives Wednesday, November 2 at 5:00pm AEDT
Take a closer look at the update here.
*Internet connection and Gran Turismo 7 game required for update
7 new cars being added this month!
Dodge Charger R/T 426 Hemi ‘68
A true 60s muscle car, the envy of collectors everywhere.
(Can be purchased from Legends Cars)
Released by Chrysler in 1966, the Dodge Charger is one of the most representative models of the muscle car boom that swept the American car scene in the 1960s. While many other muscle cars were based on compact class platforms, the Dodge Charger was based on the larger intermediate class platform of the Dodge Coronet. The car is easily recognised by its elongated 2-door fastback silhouette. It was also popular for its power, as the car was fitted with a large displacement V8 engine across all model grades. The Charger received a minor facelift in 1968. One of the most exciting implementations in this update was the introduction of the ‘R/T’ (Road/Track) performance package. As standard, this package increased the sports performance of the chassis, including upgraded suspension and upgraded brakes, as well as the option to upgrade the engine to the 426 Hemi unit.
Dodge Charger SRT Demon ‘18
A demon born simply to run the quarter mile as fast as possible
(Can be purchased in Brand Central)
The 3rd generation Dodge Challenger was introduced in 2008 as the true successor to the masterpiece muscle car that was the original Challenger. The car is well known for the various performance models that have been released since its debut, but in 2015 the veil was lifted on the most powerful model yet, the SRT Hellcat. However, the star of the line-up had yet to appear. That was the SRT Demon, produced in a limited run of 3,300 units in 2018. This car is a monster built for the single purpose of winning drag races. The engine, based on the Hellcat model, has been tuned to produce 813.6 BHP on 100 or higher-octane fuel. Subsequently, the car can achieve such astounding figures as a 0-62 mph time of 2.3s and a quarter mile time of just 9.65s. The body is also a full drag strip setup with no passenger or rear seats included as standard, though they are available as an option. Even more surprising is the ‘Demon Crate’, a racing parts kit that Dodge sold to buyers for just one dollar extra. The equipment said to be valued at over six thousand dollars, included thinner front wheels and a high-octane tuned ECU for drag racing as well as air filters and a race-spec instrument panel.
Lexus LFA ‘10
An ultra-high-tech sportscar that achieved ultimate performance with mass-production quality.
(Can be purchased in Brand Central)
20 years before Japan’s automotive industry was truly recognised by the world, Toyota created a sports car called the 2000GT which combined the latest technology of the 1960s. In the 21st century, Lexus would create another cutting-edge sports car that would continue that legacy; the LFA. Its development was not easy. The aim was to provide stable and consistent quality while incorporating emerging technologies such as carbon fiber body production. For Toyota, it was not enough to make components match and fit together manually; it was a matter of pride as a mass-production vehicle manufacturer to balance cutting-edge technology with consistent product quality. One of the most important factors of a sports car, the front-to-rear weight distribution ratio, is 48 to 52. To achieve this figure, they implemented a transaxle layout and mounted the radiator in the rear. The vehicle weight was reduced to 1,480 kg. Emphasis was also put on lowering the centre of gravity, utilising a dry-sump lubrication system so that the powertrain itself could be mounted lower. The 4.8 L V10 has a bank angle of 72 degrees with a factory redline of 9,500 rpm. The 552.3 BHP total power equates to 115.4 BHP per litre, but even with this performance level, the car is still relatively environmentally friendly. The transmission utilizes a 6-speed single clutch 2-pedal manual transmission, able to shift in just 0.2 seconds, a figure on par with the world’s top racing machines.
Mercedes-Benz 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II ‘91
Born from touring racing, the ultimate evolution of the 190 E.
(Can be purchased from Legend Cars)
In the early 1980s, Mercedes-Benz decided to return to motorsports after a long absence. The car they developed was the 190 E 2.3-16, a sports model based on the compact 190 series. It was unveiled in 1983. The biggest highlight of the 2.3-16 was its engine, based on a 2.3 L SOHC inline-4 that Mercedes already had in production. A 16-valve DOHC head was added, and the engine was tuned by Cosworth, a company famous for F1 engines. The resulting powerplant boasted 182.4 BHP maximum output and 23.1 kgfm maximum torque. The 190 E 2.3-16 with this engine began racing in the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) in 1986, where it fell victim to a race car’s fate of endless evolutions. By 1988 the car had evolved into the 190 E 2.5-16, given a bigger engine in hopes of defeating its arch-rival the BMW M3. With displacement enlarged to 2.5 L, the engine could now make up to 197.2 BHP. A DTM homologation model, known as the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution, began limited production in 1989. Then, in 1990, Mercedes released its ultimate 2.5-16: the 190 E 2.5-16 Evolution II. On looks alone, the Evolution II amazed all who saw it. Large wheel arch extensions had been added at the front and rear to accommodate the wide 245/40ZR17 tires, and the boot now sported a giant spoiler so big it hung over the rear end. The engine was further tuned, boosting output up to 231.8 BHP (power was said to exceed 325.4 BHP in the DTM racing version.) A mere 500 of these Evolution IIs were produced during its limited run, but it took the DTM by storm in 1992, showing its stuff against tough rivals and proving that it truly was the ultimate 190 E, forged in the fires of touring car racing.
NISMO 400R ‘95
Boasting 400ps and an extremely limited production run, the ultimate R33 GT-R from NISMO.
(Can be purchased from Legend Cars)
Launching in 1996 with a maximum output of 394.5 BHP and an eye-watering 12-million-yen price tag during a time when passenger cars were traditionally limited to 276.1 BHP in Japan and new R33 Skyline GT-Rs sold for roughly 4 million yen, the 400R was a fully tuned model that astonished fans by these two figures. Utilising all NISMO’s expertise with the R33 GT-R, it was developed with the aim of producing the fastest possible GT-R that could still be driven on the road. The 400R is equipped with a power unit based on a version of the RB26DETT engine called the RBX-GT2 and paired with N1-spec turbochargers to increase boost. To achieve the characteristics of a road-approved vehicle, maximum output was kept to a relatively moderate level considering the engine’s potential. However, using specially developed pistons and a hardier crankshaft, engine displacement was expanded to 2.8L, enabling it to achieve high torque at low rpms and making it easier to handle than the regular engine. At the same time, the engine delivers a mighty amount of power at high revs and so required the need for twin-plate clutch units to be fitted. A lightweight propeller shaft made from carbon fibre was also added along with a fully original suspension kit with Bilstein dampers, front and rear stabilizers, and reinforced bushings.
Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) ‘22
A hyper performance streetcar packed with racing car features.
(Can be purchased in Brand Central)
Released in the summer of 2022, the Porsche 911 GT3 RS (992) is a hyper-performance streetcar that brings the aerodynamics of the 911 GT3 R, a true race car, to the 992 model. Visually, the car has much more in common with racing cars than even its predecessor, the 991.2 model GT3 RS. The most obvious feature is the swan neck-mounted rear wing, the largest ever on a production Porsche model. It features an F1 style DRS (drag reduction system) which under certain conditions allows the wing to be positioned flat at the touch of a button, reducing drag, and enabling the car to reach its top speed. Additionally, when hard braking from high speeds, the front adjustable active diffuser can act as an air brake to increase braking performance. Along with those above, additional improvements to aerodynamic devices such as the front aerobars and air outlets on the front and rear fenders all result in a car that produces more than twice the downforce of the previous 991.2 GT3 RS. There are also other features taken from race cars such as the 911 GT3 R and RSR, like the front hood space which would normally serve as the luggage space but has been replaced with a front radiator. This is one of the key features of the 992 model GT3 RS.
Tesla Model 3 Performance ‘23
The bestseller from the company that changed the EV market forever.
(Can be purchased in Brand Central)
The Tesla Model 3 is a sedan EV first introduced in 2016. One of the most compact Tesla models at 4,695 mm long, 1,850 mm wide and 1,445 mm tall, it was apparently designed with considerations for Japanese mechanical parking garages. Inside the sporty 5-door hatchback-style body is a surprisingly simple cabin space. There are almost no switches on the dashboard or centre console, with almost all functions of the car from the climate control to the “autopilot” system being controlled from a 15-inch touch screen. Many of these functions are also controllable via the Tesla smartphone app. The most powerful model in the line-up is the Performance Dual Motor AWD grade which was available from its debut until 2023. This all-wheel drive system places an electric motor on each of the front and rear axles and while the total system output has not been officially published, it has a 0-62.1 mph time of 3.3s and a top speed of 162.2 mph. Based on these figures and its market price, the Model 3 is almost unrivalled in its cost-to-performance ratio.
New Circuit: Lake Louise with 3 layouts
Lake Louise
Snow courses are finally here. Lake Louise is a completely new original course designed around a fictional ski resort located in the foothills of the Canadian Rocky Mountain Parks World Heritage Site. There are 3 layouts available starting with the ‘Long Track’ layout which features long straights and a variety of corner types from low to high speeds. Next, the ‘Short Track’ features a number of consecutive twisting turns. Finally, there is the ‘Tri Oval’ circuit with just 3 corners where drivers can enjoy full flat-out snow racing. All 3 layouts feature iced-over roads and allow for night races. ‘Snow tires’ are required to drive on these courses.
Lake Louise Long Track
Total Length: 3,694m, Elevation Change: 78m, Number of corners: 11, Longest Straight: 765m
Lake Louise Short Track
Total Length: 2,577m, Elevation Change: 63m, Number of corners: 7, Longest Straight: 765m
Lake Louise Tri-Oval
Total Length: 3,068m, Elevation Change: 78m, Number of corners: 3, Longest Straight: 1,184m
3 New Café / Extra Menus
The following three Extra Menus have been added:
Extra Menu No. 31: ‘Road-Going Racers’ (Collector Level 30 and above)
Extra Menu No. 32: ‘Lexus’ (Collector Level 34 and above)
Extra Menu No. 33: ‘Red Bull X Series’ (Collector Level 49 and above)
Update to World Circuits
5 new regular events and 2 new expert race events
The SPEC II update brings new features to World Circuits. There are not only a number of new races, but new ways to play as well.
Introducing 5 new regular race events like ‘World Touring Cars 900’ and ‘X2019 Nations Cup’ as well as 2 new expert race events.
X2019 Nations Cup: Interlagos Circuit / Sardegna Road Track / Dragon Trail / Trial Mountain Circuit / Lake Maggiore Circuit
World Rally Challenge Gr. B: Lake Louise
Japanese 4WD Challenge 600
Pick-Up Truck Race: Lake Louise
2 Expert Race Events
Clubman Cup+: Watkins Glen International / Special Stage Route X / Fuji Speedway / Monza Circuit
GT Cup Gr. 3: Mount Panorama / Daytona International Speedway / Deep Forest Raceway / Red Bull Ring
A quick list of races currently enterable. New ‘Event Directory’ button.
The new ‘Event Directory’ button added to the top-right of the screen allows players to quickly find any events they can enter. Pressing the button brings up a list of all races that are enterable with current settings. Players can then select a race from the list to enter straight away.
The ending is just the beginning. Keep on racing with the ‘Weekly Challenge’.
The ‘Weekly Challenge’ is a new weekly event that gives players a list of events to complete. Completing all of them will earn players a special reward. These events will be picked from current World Circuit events along with all-new race events as well.* *This mode is only available once players have reached the ending movie.
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Gran Turismo Sophy (AI Driver Agent) with Quick Race (PS5 Only)
Play with Gran Turismo Sophy on the PS5 version. Set up a race quickly and easily with ‘Quick Race’.
‘Arcade Race’ has now become ‘Quick Race. Players can now choose to race against regular AI or the prototype AI racing agent ‘Gran Turismo Sophy’ for even more exciting races than ever before.* Additionally, credit prizes increase based on the player’s Collector Level and Circuit Experience progress. This race mode is easier than ever to get into, and even more replayable.
* Gran Turismo Sophy mode is only available on the PS5 version of Gran Turismo 7. Certain cars and courses are currently unavailable in this mode and subsequently cannot be selected.
50 Challenges added to Licenses
The new ‘Master License’ has been added to the License Centre, where players learn the ins and outs of sports driving step by step. Starting from the basics, 50 new expert challenges have been added. These will become available to play once the normal licenses have been cleared.
Paddock added to Multiplayer Menu
Engage in casual conversation at the ‘Paddock’
With the Spec II update, there are big changes in multiplayer as well. The ‘room’ screen in Meeting Places has now become the ‘Paddock’ parking area. In the Paddock players cannot only communicate with each other but also take a look at certain cars close-up. Players can not only access the Paddock from World Circuits as before, but also from the Multiplayer menu.
4-Player Split Screen Races (PS5 Only)
The ‘2P Split Screen’ mode has changed to ‘Split-Screen Race’. Up to 4 people can now play together in Split Screen mode. (PS5 Only) One controller per person is required.
Features added to Photos / Scapes
Slow shutter modes
New slow shutter speeds have been added to the camera when using the Race Photo mode during the post-race replay. It is now possible to set the shutter between 1s and 1/30s. Use the slower shutter to make dark scenes brighter, capture light trails and photograph dynamic movements. Experience a whole new frontier of photographic expression.
New Scapes features and spots
‘Player’s Favourites’ (The 30 Most Popular Spots) has been added to featured Scapes. Additionally, to celebrate the addition of the 3000th Scapes Spot, the ‘Polyphony Digital Tokyo Studio’ spot has been added.
Updated GT Menu / Dashboard
‘Player’s Favourites’ (The 30 Most Popular Spots) has been added to featured Scapes. Additionally, to celebrate the addition of the 3000th Scapes Spot, the ‘Polyphony Digital Tokyo Studio’ spot has been added.
Learn more about the new Gran Turismo 7 update at the PlayStation Blog.
Summer is nearly here and WPN stores are welcoming the warm weather with special Friday Night Magic events and exclusive new rewards. Whether you’re thirsty for competition, looking for a chill Commander pod, or just getting your feet wet with Magic: The Gathering, Friday Night Magic is the best place to play. So, get ready and grab your mates to get in on the action from December through January!
FNM Rewards to Collect | December 1 – January 26 During the Summer of Magic season, each Friday Night Magic event will be revamped with a host of collectible rewards featuring a unique Aussie style. Players can get their hands on exclusive beach towels, fridge magnets and sunglasses by participating in FNM events. New variations are available to collect during December and January, so be sure to come back each month to collect all that’s on offer! Here’s a preview of what’s available during each season:
*Summer of Magic events are only between December 1st, 2023 – January 26, 2024. Prizes are limited to Australian & New Zealand participating WPN retailers only. Speak to your local WPN store on how to get these items.
Relive 2023 in Style | Chaos Sealed Events: December 1 Starting December 1, participating WPN retailers will be hosting special ‘Chaos Sealed’ events. These events are an awesome end-of-year experience for players looking for a unique way to relive some of the best recent Magic releases. Players will battle it out by building limited decks from themed boxes* containing 4 x draft boosters, 1 x Jumpstart 2022 booster, and 1 x randomised Collector booster. Chaos Sealed events will also be the first chance to score new Summer of Magic themed items!
*Chaos Sealed boxes contain: 1 x Jumpstart 2022 Booster, 1 x Brothers War Draft Booster, 1 x Phyrexia: All Will Be One Draft Booster, 1 x March of the Machine Draft Booster, 1 x Wilds of Eldraine Draft Booster and 1 x Collector Booster randomised from listed releases.
Friday Night Magic will be heating up soon. Contact your local WPN retailer to learn more about these events, rewards, and schedules. You can find your nearest store at: https://magic.wizards.com/en/play-events/summer-of-magic
