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In the press today…
Deck & Dice Tactical RPG ‘Children of Zodiarcs’ Launch Date Revealed!
Square Enix Collective is thrilled to reveal that, after raising more than five times its target on Kickstarter at the start of 2016, Cardboard Utopia will launch the tactical RPG Children of Zodiarcs on 18th July 2017.
The game, which developer Cardboard Utopia says looks to both recapture and build upon the spirit of the tactical RPGs that so captivated gamers during the 16-bit and 32-bit eras, will make its debut on PlayStation 4 and PC in just less than 2 months. “Having built a community of loyal fans thanks to our Kickstarter campaign, it feels really exciting to lift the lid on just when gamers will be able to get their hands on Children of Zodiarcs,” offered Jason Kim, Creative Director at Cardboard Utopia.
“It’s also a nervy time, too. We’ve put everything into delivering an experience that recaptures the joy people felt playing those tactical RPGs all those years ago, and because we’re a small studio, you can see the influence of each and every one of us in the game.” It’s the indie nature of Children of Zodiarcs that drew the attention of Square Enix Collective, which is proud to serve as the game’s publisher. Cardboard Utopia’s vision has been to take the tactical RPG model and bring a fresh approach to it, combining the genre with elements from some of the studio’s favourite board games.
“We’ve brought together deck-building and dice-crafting with grid-based combat arenas,” continued Samuel Daher, Design Director at Cardboard Utopia. “It’s a mechanic we think combines strategy with controlled risk to build tension, anticipation, and excitement. Add to that some big characters and a big story, and what you end up with is a tactical RPG that’s larger than life.” Telling the story of a gang of thieves who take on an empire suffocating its people with fear and cruelty by stealing a priceless, and mysterious relic, the game brings together tactical action with card decks and dice that unlock special powers aplenty. It’s a combination designed to ensure the battles in play are as varied as they are exciting.
“Children of Zodiarcs is a project that’s very close to our hearts here at Collective,” said Phil Elliott, Director of Community & Indie Development at Square Enix London. “Since we first featured the game on the Collective feedback platform, and went on to support the Kickstarter campaign, it’s always been clear that the same is true for the wider Square Enix community too. To watch the way the studio has connected with its Kickstarter backers since it passed its target has been great to watch.”
Children of Zodiarcs will launch on PlayStation 4 and PC on 18th of July 2017
Crossout Revs Its Engines As It Races Toward its May 30th Launch on PC, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One
Targem Games and Gaijin Entertainment announce they will launch their post-apocalyptic free-to-play Action MMOG Crossout on May 30, 2017 for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Starting today, fans who purchase one of the two exclusive Crossout Founders bundles via the PlayStation Store will receive early access to the game.
Crossout is set in 2047 after a mysterious viral epidemic known as the ‘Crossout’ which has laid waste to most of the population on Earth. The road warriors that survived must now battle for precious resources using deadly vehicles crafted from millions of possible permutations (body shape, armor, weapons, support systems and cosmetic enhancements).
“Crossout blends high-octane MMO gameplay with the unique ability to customize vehicles. In the Closed Beta, our players have crafted vehicles we never imagined possible, terrifying in design and deadly in their execution. They have designed hundreds of thousands of never before seen machines, and more than 65,000 of them have issued blueprints for road warriors to emulate. We cannot wait to see what they craft when we launch the game on PC and consoles,” said Stanislav Skorb, CEO, Targem Games.
In Crossout, games are fast with heavy action. Road warriors craft death dealing vehicles that suit their preferred style of play. Complete customization, without classes or patterns make for thousands and thousands of options. Combine parts and resources to create advanced technology, trade or sell at the in-game marketplace with other players, road warriors get to choose how to build the perfect killing machine. Advanced damage modeling affects vehicle performance. Parts fly off, engine blocks explode, wheels and roofs tear away and vehicles vaporize. In Crossout, road warriors have the freedom to strategically build their own stockpile of combat vehicles from the ground up using hundreds of parts earned through victorious combats, crafting and trading. Every choice, every weapon, every part brings with it pros and cons, and brings warriors one step closer to victory, or defeat.
What’s Coming to Crossout after Closed Beta
The launch of Crossout will introduce several new features including the military-inspired Steppenwolves as the game’s fifth faction. Players can expect a surplus of new weapons of mass destruction such as player guided rockets and wheeled combat drones (mini-cars with advanced firepower). Survivors will be able to try out enormous mechanical legs – an advanced way of traversing on the battlefield. Players can expect new modes including a racing mode, maps as well as advanced cabins and other exclusive parts to craft death-dealing machines. To learn more about the upcoming content, visit the devblog: http://crossout.net/en/diary
For more about Crossout: http://crossout.net/
WARNER BROS. INTERACTIVE ENTERTAINMENT LAUNCHES INJUSTICE 2
Let the battle begin. Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment and DC Entertainment today announced that Injustice 2, the super-powered sequel to the hit game Injustice: Gods Among Us is available now in the Americas and available in the UK on the 19th of May for the PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. Developed by the award-winning NetherRealm Studios, Injustice 2 features a massive roster of DC Super Heroes and Super-Villains and allows players to build and power up the ultimate version of their favourite DC characters.
Injustice 2 continues the story set in motion in Injustice: Gods Among Us, beginning in a fractured universe where bonds are broken and every alliance is thrown into war. Batman and his allies work towards putting the pieces of society back together, but struggle against those who would restore Superman’s Regime. In the midst of this chaos, a new threat appears that will put Earth’s very existence at risk. Players will decide where their loyalties lie and have the ability to personalise iconic DC characters with unique and powerful gear earned throughout the game.
To view the launch trailer, please visit the WB Games UK YouTube channel at: https://youtu.be/OcJ0KwVWgOA.
“NetherRealm Studios consistently delivers amazing gameplay along with an extremely compelling story that resonates with core and casual gamers, and Injustice 2 is their most engaging, deepest game yet,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment. “The immersive narrative with the beloved DC Super Heroes, combined with the new gear and customisation features in Injustice 2, showcases how the studio continues to innovate.”
“With Injustice 2, we worked incredibly hard to deliver a compelling DC story, as well as offer new features and modes for fans to further immerse themselves into the game,” said Ed Boon, Creative Director, NetherRealm Studios. “The task of implementing all the different components was daunting and to see it come together in the final product is an achievement for NetherRealm.”
Each of the dozens of playable DC characters in Injustice 2 has its own unique play style and roster of special moves. Regardless of the outcome, each battle brings the opportunity to earn new gear and abilities. As participants progress, they will earn new items from common gear with useful gameplay stat augments, to rare pieces that add larger special moves and abilities. Players will be able to effect more change and customisation to their characters with every piece of gear that is earned, both in terms of visual cosmetic updates and changes to their combat style and character abilities.
Injustice 2 also features an all new Multiverse Mode, offering players a whole world beyond the game’s story campaign and the opportunity to take part in a variety of uniquely themed challenges to earn additional rewards. Each different Multiverse in Injustice 2 has its own story and modifiers that change various aspects about how the game is played. As players climb the ladder, the challenges will increase, as will the rewards. Multiverses are constantly evolving and changing to provide players with new opportunities to grow their characters, earn new gear and conquer bigger challenges.
Also available now is the Injustice 2 Ultimate Edition and the Injustice 2 Deluxe Edition. The Injustice 2 Ultimate Edition provides access to all three upcoming Fighter Packs, for a total of nine playable characters in addition to the main game. Players will also receive three Premiere Skins, allowing them to transform select fighters into alternate characters with new looks, voices and dialogue; and two exclusive Gear Shaders that enable them to customise the look of their roster with alternate colour themes. The Injustice 2 Ultimate Edition is available for £89.99. Injustice 2 Deluxe Edition is available exclusively from GAME and includes a Fighter Pack with three additional playable characters, a Premiere Skin and an exclusive Gear Shader along with the main game, and is available for £59.99
Players can also experience Injustice 2 for mobile, which is available now as a free download on the App Store for iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and from Google Play for Android devices. Injustice 2 for mobile features new and improved combat from its predecessor with increased movement, the addition of projectiles, upgraded special moves and more. In addition, Injustice 2 for mobile includes brand-new modes that offer a one-of-a-kind mobile experience on-the-go, including a dedicated Story Mode that follows the events of Injustice 2 for console, a mission-based Operations Mode, a competitive Arena Mode and much more. Players will even be able to unlock gear for the console version of Injustice 2 through certain challenges offered in the mobile game.
Hardcore Steampunk RPG Steam Hammer Storms into Early Access
Offering a massive sandbox world, where jetpacks and airships meet a flexible open class system, Steam Hammer is an ambitious steampunk title featuring survival elements that has been two years in development following a successful Kickstarter campaign.
Check out the new trailer for Steam Hammer below:
Key features of Steam Hammer include:
- Open Class System: combine or switch skills between engineer, scientist, farmer, gunsmith, stormtrooper, sharpshooter and many more.
- Victorian Steampunk Setting: wondrous mechanisms, machinery, weapons, armor and clothing all await.
- Forge Weapons and Armor, Build Houses, Factories and Towers: use what you find to craft over 40 types of weapons and armor, or over 100 types of buildings and fortifications.
- Action-Combat System: battle enemies without the aid of a targeting system, relying on skill to emerge the victor.
- Fight on Land and in the Air: engage your foes, be they wild animals or other players, on the ground, or grab your steam jetpack and take to the skies to hijack an airship…
- …Or Build Your Own: create your own fleet of customised airships and show your rivals who’s boss, assaulting otherwise impregnable fortresses from above.
- Terraform the World: construct mines, tunnels, ditches, mounds – whatever you need to survive.
The game begins by creating your character using extensive customisation options and deciding upon appearance, crafting abilities and combat skills. From there, players venture into a world free from rules and restrictions, with no pre-defined roles and imposed goals.
Steam Hammer is currently available via Steam at $29.99/£22.99/€27.99.
Find out more about the Steam Hammer here: http://store.steampowered.com/app/530560/
WHIP UP SCRUMPTIOUS AND SAVOURY CONFECTIONS IN COOKING MAMA: SWEET SHOP NOW AVAILABLE ON NINTENDO 3DS
Rising Star Games announced today that Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop is now available in retail stores as a boxed edition for $29.99 in North America, with the digital release to follow in the Nintendo eShop May 18 on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. As the final Nintendo 3DS instalment in the Cooking Mama series, Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop promises to deliver a buffet of sumptuous sweets, delectable desserts, and charming confections that will have players smiling and satisfied.
View the trailer on YouTube HERE: www.youtube.com/watch?v=hG5o0i1i4GU
As the final course of the Cooking Mama series, Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop dishes up more than 60 different recipes for players create, spread throughout 160 different mini-games. Players use the stylus to slice, stir, bake and decorate their creations – plus, you can use the microphone to blow and cool your delicacies! Create a wide assortment of delicious looking sweets and puddings, and serve customers in the shop to keep them happy. The more sweets you create and complete, the more your shop expands and you may even trigger a special event! What’s more, Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop features a competitive multiplayer mode for two to four players – challenge your friends and see who can make the tastiest treats. And just like always, don’t worry if you make a mistake – Mama will fix it for you!
Developed by Office Create and published by Rising Star Games, Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop is now available at retail stores for $29.99 on Nintendo 3DS and digitally in the Nintendo eShop on May 18. The retail packaged version of Cooking Mama: Sweet Shop will be exclusively distributed in North America by Crescent Marketing Inc. For more information follow Rising Star Games on Twitter and visit the official Rising Star Games website.
WELCOME TO AN AGE OF SHADOW & MIGHT IN FOR HONOR SEASON TWO, AVAILABLE NOW
Today, Ubisoft announced that For Honor Season Two, Shadow & Might, is now available on all platforms. Shadow & Might will bring new content to For Honor, including two additional heroes, two extra maps, new customisation items for all heroes and gameplay updates. Maps and gameplay updates will be free for all players at the start of Season Two. Available now for season pass holders, the new heroes, the lethal Shinobi and the fierce Centurion, will be available for all players on May 23rd for 15,000 Steel each.
The For Honor team has made numerous improvements to hero balancing, gear, matchmaking, and network stability, and much more is planned for the coming weeks and months. The launch of Season Two is a great opportunity to return to the battlefield or experience For Honor for the first time.
Shadow & Might brings a wealth of new content to For Honor, including:
- Shinobi (Samurai Assassin): The Shinobi are experts at maneuvering around the battlefield. Equipped with backflip, front roll, dodge cancel and super sprint abilities, Shinobi are hyper agile and mobile heroes. While their low health and difficulty performing defensive counters can leave them vulnerable, their agility and long-range attacks more than make up for their lack of defense. They wield the traditional Japanese kusarigama, a weapon composed of a sickle with a chain attached. With the ability to throw and retract their kusarigama and grab at a distance, Shinobi have the longest range of any hero.
- Centurion (Knight Hybrid): Centurions are close-quarters melee fighters that specialize in bypassing defenses and draining their opponent’s stamina. Their short range necessitates getting up close and personal to knock opponents off balance. Once enemies are staggered, the Centurion can punish them with a charged heavy and high damage jump attack. Equipped with the reliable standard-issue gladius, the Centurion is perfectly suited for getting in close and executing short-range combination attacks.
- New Maps: Season Two will also expand upon the selection of multiplayer maps with the inclusion of Forge and Temple Garden. Forge represents the might of Ashfeld and the brute force of the Knight war machine. The Temple Garden embodies the beauty and harmony of the Myre but has since been turned into a Samurai battlefield. Both maps are available in all multiplayer modes.
- Gear Overhaul: Shadow & Might revamps the gear system by addressing stats that are not useful or made redundant by other stats, while ensuring that no one statistical category is too powerful and thereby eliminating overpowered builds. The presentation of gear stats will also change as players comparing gear can now see the specific percentage increases in individual categories.
- Epic Level Gear: Coinciding with the gear system makeover comes an entirely new level of gear, Epic gear, which increases the maximum gear score from 108 to 144.
- Expanded Faction War: With Season One of the Faction War coming down to the wire between the Vikings and Samurai, the Faction War map will see changes with the introduction of nine new territories into the cross-platform metagame. With honour, pride and exclusive in-game rewards on the line, the twelve-week Faction War decides which faction is truly superior.
Developed by Ubisoft Montreal in collaboration with other Ubisoft studios, For Honor offers an engaging campaign and thrilling multiplayer modes. Players embody warriors of the three Great Factions – the bold Knights, the brutal Vikings and the deadly Samurai – fighting to the death on intense and believable melee battlefields. The Art of Battle, the game’s innovative combat system that puts players in total control of their warriors, allows them to utilise the unique skills and combat style of each hero to vanquish all enemies who stand in their way.
That’s all for the Daily News!
~Ciao!