Closed Beta Recruitment Starts Today for Players in UK and Australia
SYDNEY (31st October, 2023) – Square Enix Ltd has revealed a new teaser trailer and announced a closed beta test for the upcoming mobile release of KINGDOM HEARTS MISSING-LINK. This latest entry in the beloved KINGDOM HEARTS series will debut on iOS and Android devices. The application for closed beta test participation is now live for those in the United Kingdom and Australia.
Watch the newly released teaser trailer below:
Approximately 3,000 participants total from UK and Australia will be selected to take part in closed beta testing for the newest entry in the beloved franchise. Created by Disney and SQUARE ENIX, the KINGDOM HEARTS series is one of SQUARE ENIX’s longest running franchises, first debuting in March 2002.
Closed Beta Details
The recruitment period for the upcoming title begins today and closes on 19th November, 2023 for both iOS and Android testers. Selected iOS testers will be notified via the e-mail address registered on the application form on or around Tuesday, November 28, 2023 (only selected testers will receive an email notification. Those who are not selected will not receive an email notification). The closed beta testing for iOS begins on 29th November, 2023 at 7:00 AM (UTC) and ends on 8th December 2023. The selected Android testers will be notified via the email address registered at a later date for Android closed beta test, which is now planned for January 2024. More updates for the Android closed beta test will be shared on the KINGDOM HEARTS Missing -Link official X (Twitter).
Closed Beta Test Application Requirements
Residents of United Kingdom or Australia
Ages 18 or older
Users must accept and agree to the “Closed Beta Test Application Requirements”, “Closed Beta Test Precautions”, and the “Closed Beta Test Tester Agreement (KINGDOM HEARTS Missing-Link)” on the official website.
Those interested in joining the closed beta can apply using the application form on the official website here
KINGDOM HEARTS is a series of role-playing games created through the collaboration of Disney and Square Enix. Since the first KINGDOM HEARTS was released in March 2002 for the PlayStation®2 computer entertainment system, the series has expanded with additional entries and has shipped over 36 million units worldwide. Since the launch of KINGDOM HEARTS III in 2019, the critically acclaimed RPG has shipped more than five million units globally, both physically and digitally, making it the fastest selling game in the history of the series. KINGDOM HEARTS IV, the next mainline entry in the series, is currently in development for console devices.
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.
DRAGON QUEST, FINAL FANTASY, SPACE INVADERS, SQUARE ENIX, the SQUARE ENIX logo, and TAITO are registered trademarks or trademarks of the Square Enix group of companies. All other trademarks are properties of their respective owners.
Teaching goes super-Sonic, as study shows use of gaming culture helps 90% of primary students learn more
Checkpoint, London — October 30, 2023 |A new study by Brunel University reveals that video games are making a huge difference in the classroom for teachers and students alike. More than 90% of students who attended lessons where video games formed a key part of the experience, said that video game content helped them to enjoy subjects more and learn more effectively.
The principles behind these teaching methods have arrived in classrooms courtesy of Checkpoint, a video-game inspired education platform that, according to this new study, is responsible for genuine and marked improvements. Both in the way pupils are engaging with the teachers — and their implementation of the National Curriculum.
Partnering with SEGA for this study, Checkpoint designs, writes and curates teaching materials that tap into gaming culture. From Sonic the Hedgehog to Planet Zoo, Checkpoint is helping teachers educate their students through the lens of gaming. These learning materials were welcomed by any school who used them.
“We wanted to see whether our approach actually had the benefits we intended,” said Checkpoint’s founder and editor-in-chief Tamer Asfahani. “So we approached the educational experts at Brunel University London to design an independent study to evaluate the extent to which key stage 2 children engaged with our learning materials.”
Brunel’s Professor Kate Hoskins led a team of experts from the university’s Department of Education, who worked with five teachers at four London schools to trial learning materials for a science lesson that’s part of the National Curriculum. The aim of the lesson was for the students – aged 7 to 11 – to learn how animals are classified into different species and groups based on various characteristics, and to practise doing this themselves. Instead of categorising normal animals, the students were tasked with organising Sonic and his fellow SEGA characters into the correct groups.
Interviews and questionnaires found that the lesson was “overwhelmingly positive”, with teachers praising the engagement of children who they knew struggled in a more traditional learning environment. “The link to children’s game culture enabled participation across otherwise marginalised groups,” said Professor Hoskins. “Including minority ethnic, SEND” — those with special educational needs and disabilities — “and low socioeconomic status children.”
Checkpoint were thrilled with the findings and are continuing to develop their gaming-inspired learning modules, which are completely free of charge, on their website and are looking forward to working with more schools and improving childrens’ education with the vehicle of video games.
For more on Brunel’s research, check out quotes from teachers, Tamer Asfahani, and Professor Hoskin’s, below.
Research Data and Developments in a Modern Classroom
One of the teachers pointed out how when they started talking about the character, the students were immediately engaged. “They loved the fact that it’s something that’s in everyday life. Especially the boys — they realise, okay, yes, that’s different,” the teacher said, adding that the learning materials were something that he and his colleagues can use as a basis, and adapt to the needs of various classrooms. The students were similarly enthusiastic.
And when the researchers analysed which of the National Curriculum’s key skills were hit by the lesson, all the desired ones were being gained; with listening, creativity and problem-solving scoring particularly well.
“The students’ responses suggest that incorporating gaming culture elements in the classroom can lead to a more enriching learning experience for students across the socioeconomic and cultural spectrum, transforming the way they engage with and understand scientific concepts,” Professor Hoskins said. “Teachers can potentially foster a deeper connection between students and the subject matter when bringing the excitement and challenges of video games into the learning process, ultimately promoting a lasting interest in science education.”
Checkpoint’s Asfahani welcomed the findings. “Thanks to this study, we have data confirming that teachers and researchers should work together to create innovative instructional strategies that harness the power of gaming culture and facilitate deeper learning for students, in key stage 2 science lessons and beyond,” he said.
“This collaborative effort will not only contribute to the ongoing development of effective teaching practices, but also inspire a new generation of students to become passionate, lifelong learners in the field of science and other subjects; with the potential to be especially positive for less confident learners.”
The research was made possible by the Brunel Innovation Voucher Scheme, designed to promote collaborative innovation between the university and UK-based small businesses, social enterprises and third-sector organisations.
Enjoy the Terrifyingly Beautiful Graphics and Highly Acclaimed Gameplay on the go Natively with the Latest Apple Devices
London (October 30, 2023) Spooky Season just got a little scarier! Resident Evil™ Village, the award-winning eighth core entry in Capcom’s iconic survival horror series, is now available on iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and all iPads with the M1 chip or later. The highly acclaimed title takes players on a thrilling adventure through a desolate European village teeming with horrors. The Winters’ Expansion also joins Resident Evil Village on the App Store today. This downloadable content includes Third Person Mode, new playable characters for The Mercenaries mode, and Shadows of Rose, the surreal final chapter of the Winters family story set 16 years in the future.
With ultra-realistic graphics that parallel the fidelity of consoles, players can now take Resident Evil Village on the go with iPhone and iPad and relive Ethan Winters’ nightmarish journey to rescue his kidnapped daughter. The experience is powered by Capcom’s RE ENGINE, which takes full advantage of Apple silicon and advanced features like MetalFX Upscaling to deliver scary-good performance.
Conjuring the console roots of Resident Evil Village, the action-packed survival horror gameplay can be enjoyed on iPhone and iPad with wireless game controllers. Built-in touch controls are also included and are fully customizable to deliver easy on-the-go play. Resident Evil Village also supports cross-progression between iPhone and iPad, enabling saves to be shared across devices.
Resident Evil Village is available to try as a free download on the App Store, allowing players can experience the intense gameplay and striking visuals before purchasing the full game. In celebration of the launch, Resident Evil Village and Winters’ Expansion are on sale until November 20, 2023. iPhone and iPad users who purchase the base game and expansion before that date will receive the Street Wolf Outfit as a special bonus. This alternate costume can be worn by Rose Winters in Shadows of Rose, where she explores a mysterious realm of consciousness in search of a cure for her unwanted powers.
The Resident Evil Village Original Soundtrack Complete Edition is also out now. Available first on Apple Music, this album features 135 spine-tingling songs. The haunting package includes 110 previously unreleased tracks from the base game, Shadows of Rose, and The Mercenaries Additional Orders expansion content. A special offer is available today to commemorate the soundtrack’s release, providing listeners up to 3-months free of Apple Music.
The reawakened Resident Evil™ 4 and its high-flying downloadable content Separate Ways are coming soon for iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, and every iPad and Mac with the M1 chip or later. The App Store release of Resident Evil 4 will support Universal Purchase and cross-progression across iPhone, iPad, and Mac.
Note: Resident Evil Village for Mac is also available as a standalone purchase.
ABOUT RESIDENT EVIL VILLAGE Set three years after the events of Resident Evil™ 7 biohazard, Resident Evil Village once again sees tragedy befall the Winters family. After their home is attacked, Ethan ventures into an eerie village to rescue his kidnapped daughter, Rose. Resident Evil Village resumes Ethan’s journey in the first-person view with photorealistic visuals that take survival horror to the next level. The Winters’ Expansion introduces three additional pieces of content: Third Person Mode, The Mercenaries Additional Orders, and Shadows of Rose, an epilogue to the story set 16 years after the main game. This award-winning title has sold over 8 million copies since its debut in May 2021.
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.
Samsung Electronics pays homage to the innovative design and features of SGH-E700 with the release of Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro, marking 20 years of technical advancement
SYDNEY, Australia – October 30, 2023 – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. today announced that it is set to release the Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro — a limited edition phone that embodies Samsung’s legacy of innovation — from November 1 in Korea, the UK, Germany, Spain and Australia, and on November 2 in France.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro draws inspiration from the SGH-E700, a product that captured the market’s imagination with its exceptional design and performance 20 years ago in 2003. At that time, the SGH-E700 was a ground-breaking mobile phone, being Samsung’s first to feature a built-in antenna. This innovation, coupled with the phone’s widespread popularity, played a pivotal role in advancing Samsung’s position in the mobile phone industry.
Now, Samsung plans to engage its customers by showcasing its history of innovation, spanning from its founding to the present day, with the classic SGH-E700 and the new Galaxy Z Flip5 serving as representative examples.
Samsung Electronics has provided innovative mobile phones in the market for decades. In addition to the SGH-E700, the company has launched a series of other revolutionary mobile products, starting with the MP3 phone SPH-M2500 in 1999. This was followed by the watch phone SPH-WP10, the TV phone SCH-M220 and the camera phone SCH-V200. Each product earned acclaim for its innovative new features that pushed the boundaries of what was possible at that time.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro skilfully implements various distinctive features of the SGH-E700, such as the combination of indigo blue and silver colours, a UX design reinterpretation of 2000s pixel graphics and an exclusive animation on the Flex Window that portrays a cityscape with a touch of nostalgia.
The unique package includes three Flipsuit cards featuring logos from different eras of Samsung’s history, a Flipsuit case and a collector card engraved with a unique serial number that will add to the product’s collectible value for purchasing customers.
The Galaxy Z Flip5 Retro will be available in limited quantities in Korea, the UK, France, Germany, Spain and Australia. Consumers in these select countries can purchase this iconic device exclusively through Samsung’s official website, Samsung.com.[i]
About Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd.
Samsung inspires the world and shapes the future with transformative ideas and technologies. The company is redefining the worlds of TVs, smartphones, wearable devices, tablets, digital appliances, network systems, and memory, system LSI, foundry and LED solutions. For the latest news, please visit the Samsung Newsroom at news.samsung.com.
In Little Nightmares III, the two main protagonists, Low and Alone, will have to travel through the Spiral looking for a way out of the Nowhere. Their journey starts in the Necropolis, a peculiar place, raised from the desert sands and powered by gusting winds. It has been described as a city of eternal energy and certain death. It used to be inhabited by the Dwellers, but nowadays the ancient metropolis is more of a ghost town where the two children will have to avoid several dangers, including Monster Baby.
This 18-minute long gameplay video of Little Nightmares III, played in co-op mode, immerses players into the depth of The Necropolis, revealing some of its secrets.
Little Nightmares III will be playable in online co-op for the first time in the franchise, letting players each take on the role of one of the 2 new characters, Low or Alone, in this dreadful world. The game will also be fully playable in single player with AI controlling the second character.
Little Nightmares III will be released in 2024 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC.
There is no mascot more familiar or famous than Mario. Nintendo have reinvented their hero numerous times, consistently releasing quality titles – but there is no doubt that a small echo of staleness still is heard from the aging fanbase who have swooped these titles up for decades. Super Mario Wonder is everything you know about Mario and pals, but with some innovative ideas in play to refine older mechanics. Can a 2D Mario really still prove relevant? Let’s find out.
Story
Mario, Luigi, Peach, and nearly the whole colorful cast visit Flower Kingdom. During the ceremony, Bowser comes and snags the all-powerful Wonder Flower, merging his ship with the power, while causing chaos all over the lands. Along with Prince Florian, the heroes set out to find Bowser and return the Kingdom back to its normal state by utilizing the magic of the Wonder Seeds. While it sounds familiar, this may be the first 2D adventure in a long time that is beaming with originality. There may be a huge roster of characters on this journey, but each feel important, as no matter who you pick, the game makes it feel as if was built for that hero – despite the lack of change throughout based on your decision of who to play as. Sure, the story isn’t exactly deep, but this world feels alive, with talking flowers adding commentary as you play, as well as stages that create a feeling that you are in a living storybook of sorts. It’s a 1+2=3 narrative that has been fleshed out so well, it feels as if each playthrough is distinct and interesting, as the amount of detail and lore flooded within every level creates Mario’s most memorable adventure to date.
Gameplay
Super Mario Wonder is the best Mario game since Super Mario World, hands down. I know that is a bold statement, but this is a bold game, filled with imagination and “wonder” in every stage. The gameplay mainly takes its notes from past 2D romps, with players evading and squashing enemies as they get to the flag located at the end of each stage. Its not about end however, as the journey makes this title truly special. Each level feels unique, with plenty of places to explore. As mentioned, talking flowers will greet you throughout each stage, shouting various bits of commentary based on the hazards at that particular section. Basically, your job is to find the hidden wonder seeds, purple and gold coins, and discover whatever secrets happen to emerge. There is always a feeling to slow down and poke around at any area as the level of interactivity creates an engaging experience where the main goal is not just to finish, but to unearth some new door or treasure.
The character roster may be the largest yet in a game of this kind, with multiple Toads, Yoshis, Mario, Luigi, Daisy, and Peach all being playable, along with Nabbit, with each character adding their minor quirks to the gameplay. For instance, Yoshi is invincible but cannot pick up abilities, and Nabbit acts as an easy mode, with more resistance to enemies within the game. New power-ups are limited, but do pack a bit of a punch overall. The elephant fruit allows Mario and friends to transform into an elephant, which can bash through obstacles and absorb water, which in turn can water plants or used as a normal projectile. Along with the fire flower is a new ability that has the player shoot bubbles, which can trap enemies. There is also a drill variant that adds complexity by allowing players to drill underground, which may seem minor but comes in handy while avoiding large stampedes of foes at once. Sure, there are not a ton of abilities, but this world utilizes everything it has, making it a joy to run through stages various times with different powers. Badges can also be unlocked, which add one small nuance each to the gameplay. The ability to glide, a wall jump, and so on are obtained through this method, which can be a lot of fun to also play around with as you progress through the game.
The polished gameplay is lovely, but by far, the wonder flowers are where the magic can be found within this title. When you obtain one of these, the world immediately changes. The enemies, the pipes, and so on all come alive in a different manner and guide you to the hidden wonder seed within the level. For instance, there is one stage where normal piranha plants come alive and out of their pipes in full song, choreographing their way to your potential demise. A wonder flower almost feels like turning the stage into a theme park ride, where the player straps on and watches in awe as they get to fully participate in whatever fantasy thrill this development team put together. Sure, the game was already great, but there is some hidden joy buried inside the player that these seem to bring out to the surface, which is another element that makes it so special.
Super Mario Wonder has a bit of something for everyone. Kids could play it without much discourse as the game is super accessible. Adults are also welcome, as the stages can be a relaxing getaway or a chaotic speedrun – if they so choose. Multiplayer works well and adds in a bit of suspense, as the players now need to be in control of each other’s safety. Go to fast, you may kill a teammate. If a member of your party goes down, you need to work to bring them back to safety before their little ghost soul vanishes. The online aspect, which Nintendo are not known for doing well, adds a lot as well as players can create little cut-outs of themselves to show others how they beat a particular portion. Not a huge addition, but a neat idea that I think works well within these walls.
Audio
The soundtrack here is pure bliss. Nintendo could have went with the old tunes and still had a passable experience, but the new music is surely to remembered as truly setting the atmosphere and charms of the entire product. Charles may have also left the franchise, but Kevin Afghani does a remarkable job in his first role as Mario and Luigi, as well as those little talking flowers. All the other bells and whistles come together to make this a stunning audible showing for Super Mario Wonder, one that may be used as a bar to compete with for future titles going forward.
Visuals
The bold colors, the polished models, and so on really look stunning on the Switch. Sure, its a 2D Mario game, but it is still a stunner. There are so many animations that create this world and never hold back with surprises for the player, providing such a satisfying ride as you make it through each world. Little touches now have Mario snag his hat as he goes through pipes and even obtaining power-ups now come with a burst of new celebration that come with the added animations. Sure, there are not a lot of cutscenes, but there really doesn’t need to be as the game never misses a beat, managing to sync its experience of every level with the sound and the player themselves in a seamless fashion.
Overall
Super Mario Wonder is extraordinary. There is so much life and charm throughout this entire game that is so detailed and imaginative, most will be happy to travel through time and time again as they hunt for more secrets or better times. Over the years, we have always had Super Mario World pointed at as the reference for level design, and I think this may be the title to finally shift that perspective to the present, as it really is as good as that thirty year old masterpiece of the past. Nintendo are at a point with the Switch where they didn’t have to prove anything, but managed to craft Super Mario Wonder into this one-of-a-kind experience that will be heralded for years as one of the greatest pieces of software for the platform. Sure, it doesn’t give you a brand new Mario game, but it does refine the product to perfection with new ideas and satisfying gameplay that have truly brought this franchise full circle.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
For the past fifteen years or so, Sega have had Sonic in an identity crisis of sorts as they attempted to appease fans. While we have seen a lot of 3D entries with Forces and Frontiers, we have also had great nostalgic winds with Mania and Generations, with the latter usually proving to be more successful from a critical standpoint. Sonic Superstars is more of an attempt to have the blue blur relive his glory days, featuring new mechanics with multiplayer and other minor nuances. How does this fare for this hyped release? Let’s find out.
Story
Sonic and friends need to save animals from becoming robot minions due to Eggman’s usual antics. That sentence alone sums up about all of the narrative within Superstars. Sure, they brought back Fang and there are a few other faces involved, but the story still isn’t the strong point within this new romp. The real gimmickry is Tails, Knuckles, and Amy all joining in for the adventure, but sadly, Sonic Team fails to capitalize on this – as their involvement seems rather disjointed from the story, meaning you don’t get to see their characters do much outside of the gameplay side of things. That doesn’t mean much as this is a 2D Sonic title after all and this tale is trying to recapture simpler experiences, but it would have been a lot more interesting to see at least some sort of personalities or silliness on display instead of the empty box we were handed with Superstars. Ultimately, whats here is fine but a huge missed opportunity on bringing in some kind of freshness to a franchise that desperately needs refinement.
Gameplay
In most ways, this is a “by the book” adaptation of a 2D Sonic game. Players run along each 2D stage, bopping foes and gaining rings until they get to the end of the stage, where some sort of boss usually makes an appearance. The gameplay is actually pretty great. Sure, there isn’t a lot of speed that one would expect, but the platforming is fun and fluid, giving us at least a solid and safe Sonic title to chew on. I never had any issues with glitches or bugs as the game feels polished and well built from a technical standpoint, with a lot of throwback elements to keep things familiar as you progress through the 11 worlds within.
That said, it does feel like something is missing. It’s not the characters, as Sonic, Amy, Tails, and Knuckles still have their usual abilities in tow and feel fine for the most part. The missing elements feel like the life from the stages themselves. The courses all function and seem to flow nicely, but the stage design lacks interesting nuance to make these worlds come alive – as if they were built by a team without any creative insight. Everything just kind of exists without purpose, and while yes, you get to see familiar sights like loops, water, and so on, the game rarely feels connected with itself. Its as if you were just generated a level by a computer, and get to run through it while fighting a random boss at the end. It looks like Sonic, it performs well, but never manages to capture any sort of personality or whimsy like past titles of the franchise did. The characters have all of their uniqueness mostly – but never seem to be given any platform to make them feel special, as the outcome is always the same.
Sonic Team did try to add in things to mix up the gameplay, as now the Chaos Emeralds possess special powers to give you specific abilities. By clicking the right stick, you can summon avatars to attack enemies, get a jet of speed, and so on. These work fine, but I honestly would forget to use them as the game never provides a purpose to do so. Sure, I can summon more attack or do something unique, but there really isn’t a reason to as the stages are not designed to utilize this feature in any way. The boss battles are decent, but also have issues with feeling innovative as they all follow the same type of hit, wait, and hit again design that loses its luster quickly. The bonus stages are also a bit bland, and while they work, I found my interest slipping in seeking them out around the halfway point.
There is also a tacked on battle mode, which is for online or offline play – but it’s rather forgettable and not fun. Battle Mode has players given reason to use their collected goods to upgrade their appearance for a race, battle, or special stage against three other people, but the stages again feel uninspired and a bit generic, losing its entire appeal in “Sonic” speed. Listen, I don’t want to sound cynical as I love Sonic games and Superstars performs well so most should enjoy at least that aspect. The issue is that it feels like everything is disjointed and not built to utilize anything extra that was put in, including the characters themselves. There isn’t any sort of addictive charms we had with the originals, nor a feeling of mystery that makes you want to explore. Its just characters pasted into worlds that function, and that is a shame considering how much potential this title has behind it that just gets left behind.
Audio
The soundtrack is pretty great at least. The tunes all sound reminiscent of classic titles, but still ring in a new beat – giving us another great set of tunes to keep the volume up for. There isn’t any voice acting as the style is 2D, but without a narrative that calls for it, I suppose that is mostly acceptable for this outing. Other than that, the sound does its job with the ting of rings and minor effects, so while it may be a bit short of imagination, it at least sounds as it should.
Visuals
Th graphics are also polished and look good enough, with bright colors and great animation that performs well as you power through each each stage. I think maybe that is why I was so sore about the gameplay, as the worlds are so vivid and unique, yet never feel like they have any distinct charms themselves. Remember folks, Sonic is a great character, but the stars of his past 2D titles have always been the level design, and sadly that is an afterthought here.
Overall
Sonic Superstars is a tough one. On one hand, this game performs well, and the characters are great. It is so good seeing Amy, Tails, and Knuckles playable again, and the stages at least give us those old vibes from the past for a serviceable experience throughout. This is a fine Sonic entry from a technical standpoint, but one that feels uninspired and dull, as it plays it safe and never manages to capture any sort of unique identity for itself, despite having all of the tools to do so. Its almost as if someone put in a formula into a computer on how to make a Sonic game, pasted in a few new mechanics, and left it at that. Sonic Frontiers may have been all over the place, but it at least took risks and embellished on what it was. Superstars is lacking substance and purpose, leaving it as one of the most hollow entries in years, despite it having solid gameplay. Those looking for a fun time with their old blue pal may find some entertainment here, but most will leave the experience a bit unfulfilled and underwhelmed as this title lacks the punch to hold up to its predecessors.
Capsule Computers review guidelines can be found here.
Car Detailing Simulator, a game that allows you to run a car detailing and restoration business, is making its debut on Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S. The developers aimed for realism and a comprehensive take on full car restoration. The game’s release date is set for October 27 this year. Car Detailing Simulator was previously released on PC and Nintendo Switch. Later in 2023, the game will also be released on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
Developed by the Polish studio Games Incubator, the simulator was released on PC in April 2022 and was well received by users. As of now, it enjoys 77% positive reviews on Steam (out of over 600 reviews in total). Ultimate Games S.A. is the publisher of the game for Xbox One. Thanks to backward compatibility, the title also works on Xbox Series X|S.
Car Detailing Simulator focuses on single-player gameplay based on performing tasks involving car detailing, restoration, and maintenance. Available vehicles include both vintage cars and battered or simply poorly maintained rides. The player can also buy old car models and return them to their former glory or add any modifications to sell them subsequently for a higher price.
An important part of Car Detailing Simulator is garage development, which includes all kinds of upgrades and expanding your toolset. As you progress in the game by completing various tasks, you can expand your business.
The developers have put emphasis on realism, which can be seen in the extensive set of specialist tools and highly specific detailing and restoration options (including washing, foaming, and paint polishing).
“Car Detailing Simulator is a game with a fair dose of realism, which allows you to deal with detailing and restoration of all kinds of cars – from vintage to modern models. Car restoration has been tackled in a comprehensive way and with significant attention to detail. The game provides long hours of relaxing fun that can be enjoyed not only by car lovers,” says Rafał Jelonek, the Ultimate Games S.A. COO.
Car Detailing Simulator – main features:
Car detailing, restoration, and maintenance
Varied tasks
Garage development
Detailed car models
Competition and rankings
The release date of Car Detailing Simulator for Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S has been set to October 27, 2023. Later this year, the game will also be released on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5.
The Best Way to Dominate Like a Champion is to be Like the 2X Champion with Turtle Beach’s Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX Dr Disrespect Limited Edition
White Plains, NY – October 27, 2023 – Leading gaming accessory maker and best-selling gaming headset brand Turtle Beach (Nasdaq: HEAR), once again steps into The Arena with a new, devastatingly handsome collaboration with Dr Disrespect. The second headset collab with gaming’s legendary mustached streamer, Dr Disrespect, Turtle Beach’s wireless Stealth™ 700 Gen 2 MAX Dr Disrespect Limited Edition (aka, the “Doc Dos”) is designed to help gamers achieve total domination. This Limited Edition Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX for PlayStation features Turtle Beach’s award-winning and game-winning audio in a new, fresh Dr Disrespect-designed colorway that looks so good it makes even the Doc himself blush (previously thought impossible).
The Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX’s high-sensitivity mic lets gamers deliver crystal clear victory taunts in both proximity and group chats, while Turtle Beach’s large and powerful 50mm Nanoclear™ speakers precisely reproduce the beautiful sounds of opponents’ crushed dreams in Champion Grade audio quality.
If you look into the mirror and see an Adonis-like gamer staring back at you – one worthy enough to don the Doc Dos – proudly go to www.turtlebeach.com. There, and only there, a select few will be able to secure their Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX Dr Disrespect Limited Edition headset for $199.99 MSRP and join fellow champions, while supplies last. “Working with the 2X champ to deliver another legendary gaming headset to his legion of Champions Club members is an honor no one takes lightly,” said Cris Keirn, Interim CEO & SVP of Global Sales, Turtle Beach Corporation. “Team Turtle Beach is proud to continue working together to dole out more speed, violence, and momentum in true Doc style.”
“A wise press release sub headline once said, ‘the best way to dominate like a champion is to be like the 2X CHAMP,’ and in order to do that…in order to game at my level, you need the best, you need the new Dr Disrespect Limited Edition Stealth700 Gen 2 MAX,” said Dr Disrespect. “The view from the tippy-top is phenomenal. I challenge you to get your new Dr Disrespect headset and get up here to see for yourself and join the movement. Yayayayaya!”
For the ultimate in gaming audio performance, the Stealth 700 Gen 2 MAX Dr Disrespect Limited Edition wireless gaming headset features a custom “VSM” design by Dr Disrespect, multiplatform compatibility, long-lasting 40+ hours of battery life, lag-free wireless connectivity, powerful 50mm Nanoclear speakers, a high-sensitivity flip-to-mute mic, gel-cooled memory foam cushions, Bluetooth connectivity plus app-based customization controls, and much more.
Dr Disrespect was named Streamer of the Year twice (2019, 2017) by the Esports Awards and has over 3.5 million followers with over 150 million total views on his YouTube channel. Dr Disrespect’s book Violence. Speed. Momentum. from Gallery Books, an imprint of Simon & Schuster, launched in 2021. To experience Dr Disrespect’s unique and entertaining gaming sessions, check out his YouTube channel at www.youtube.com/user/DrDisRespect.
For more information on the latest Turtle Beach controllers, gaming headsets, simulation products, and other gaming accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
About Turtle Beach Corporation
Turtle Beach Corporation (the “Company”) (www.turtlebeachcorp.com) is one of the world’s leading gaming accessory providers. The Company’s namesake Turtle Beach brand (www.turtlebeach.com) is known for designing best-selling gaming headsets, top-rated game controllers, and groundbreaking gaming simulation accessories. Innovation, first-to-market features, a broad range of products for all types of gamers, and top-rated customer support have made Turtle Beach a fan-favorite brand and the market leader in console gaming audio for over a decade. Turtle Beach’s ROCCAT brand (www.ROCCAT.com) combines detail-loving German innovation with a genuine passion for designing the best PC gaming products, including award-winning keyboards, mice, headsets, mousepads, and other PC accessories. Turtle Beach’s shares are traded on the Nasdaq Exchange under the symbol: HEAR.
After two years in Early Access, check out the cataclysmic 1.0 version!
DALLAS – 27 Oct. 2023 –Sands of Aura, the unrelenting isometric action RPG from developer Chashu Entertainment and publisher Freedom Games, drags through dusty dunes onto PCs via Steam in its 1.0 version now!
Drowned in total darkness after the hourglass of time shattered, the now sand-covered land of Talamhel awaits a savior. Battle the corruptive Night Plague to restore light to the world as a fledgling member of the Order of Remnant Knights, the final wall of defense for humanity. Chart a custom course with no easy hints, and discover what lies across a horizon of sand.
Embark on an adventure through vibrant, treasure-filled islands, and face off against formidable enemies to claim rewards. Challenge the mightiest adversaries for the most valuable spoils. Conquer doomsday cultists, fallen kings, and inhumane adversaries, pushing beyond all limits with the perfect combination of seven different fighting styles, impressive armor sets, and powerful magical augments.
Guide refugees to the sanctuary Starspire and make tough decisions to discern between who intends to join the community…and who intends to infiltrate it. Rebuild this haven to unlock exclusive equipment and unique services from new residents, decide the fates of others, and become familiar with the moral gray tainting every encounter.
“We thank everyone for their patience, and welcome one and all into the desert of Sands of Aura in 1.0,” said Eric Zheng, co-founder, Chashu Entertainment. “Appreciate the haunting soundtrack, tense atmosphere, and opportunity to fight, destroy, and restore a darkened land looking for a hero who isn’t afraid of death and decay, available on PCs now!”
Sands of Aura is available on PCs via Steam in its 1.0 version now on Steam and the Epic Games Store for $24.99 USD.
Chashu Entertainment is a small studio based in Dallas, Texas composed of passionate and self-critical individuals that always strive to improve the craft of game design. Sands of Aura is their sophomore project following their first release titled Deputy Dangle.
Freedom Games is a publisher dedicated to offering best-in-class services to partners and providing players around the world with unique and memorable experiences. With over 50 years of combined industry experience at the executive level, Freedom Games seeks to leverage its expertise to facilitate great games like Dreamscaper, Coromon, Dark Deity, Cat Cafe Manager, among other indie hits striving for better publishing experiences.
