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In the press today…

Iron Galaxy and Maximum Games Announce Extinction for PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC

Legend calls them the Ravenii, encroaching armies of bloodthirsty monsters that once threatened to destroy humankind. Now, the threat has returned. Iron Galaxy and Maximum Games are proud to announce their thrilling, fast-paced action game – Extinction.

Watch the Extinction Announcement Trailer
https://youtu.be/jgnexxN96Z4

As far back as anyone can remember, humanity has been at war with itself. For generations, kingdoms have fought amongst themselves while the real threat loomed in the distance. Only those trained in the ways of the ancient order stand a chance at defeating the 150-foot-tall ogres and the armies that trail in their wake. You are one of the world’s last Sentinels, a soldier named Avil, equipped with the skills to battle the endless waves of Ravenii.

In Extinction, you’ll fight massive ogres and their minions across a sprawling countryside, defending cities and rescuing native villagers torn from their homes. Swiftly define your strategy as hordes attack from the ground and air. Use the dynamic skill-based combat system to tactically disarm and dismember enemies before going in for the kill.

Extinction is absolutely relentless,” said Kraig Kujawa, Game Director at Iron Galaxy. “We’re really happy with the fast, fluid feel of the game and we’re looking forward to showing it behind closed doors at E3.”

“As the protagonist tasked with a huge undertaking – both in fighting enormous ogres and saving humans from disaster – each player’s experience will be varied, as the landscapes and battle situations are never identical,” said Derek Neal, Executive Producer at Maximum Games.

Features include:

  • Deep Story Campaign. Protect the human population across an abundant story campaign, rescuing as many civilians as possible and taking down brutal opponents.
  • Dynamic Side Missions. Complete numerous side missions with various objectives, earning upgrades to aid you in your campaign.
  • Skill-Based Combat. Travel horizontally and vertically, perform wall runs, and use your whip as a vault to perform devastating air assaults. Master dynamic combat maneuvers to effectively traverse the giant beasts and expose their weak points, progressing along different skill trees to develop a path best suited to your playstyle.
  • Interactive Environment. Move freely around a fully destructible environment, and use objects throughout the world to your strategic advantage.
  • Innumerable Battle Scenarios. Every battlefield is different from the last, ensuring a unique combat situation each time you play.
  • Custom Battles. Create custom battlegrounds with varied objectives, and challenge players online to compete for the top score.
  • Extinction Mode. Fight off a continuous horde of assailants as wave after wave of ogres and their minions attack without relent.

This is no longer a war. It’s an annihilation. And you are all that stands between humanity … and extinction.

Extinction will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC in Q1 2018.

2010 RED BULL RACING RB6 REVEALED AS NEXT ICONIC CLASSIC CAR IN F1 2017

Following the recent announcement by Codemasters and Koch Media of F1 2017, the official videogame of the 2017 FIA FORMULA ONE WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP, that the game will include the return of classic F1 cars to the series, as well as an even deeper career mode, numerous multiplayer enhancements, and a brand new ‘Championships’ game mode, Codemasters today unveiled the 2010 Red Bull Racing RB6 as the fourth classic F1 car that will feature in the game. F1 2017 will release onto PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC (DVD and via Steam) worldwide on August 25th 2017.

Codemasters have released a brand new trailer showcasing the World Constructors’ Championship winning 2010 Red Bull Racing RB6, as driven by the 2010 World Champion Sebastian Vettel and team mate Mark Webber. The new trailer is now playing at www.youtube.com/formula1game . Further classic cars will be revealed in the coming weeks.

Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x2d-HkNJZZA

The Red Bull Racing RB6 was a dominant car in 2010, with nine wins, fifteen pole positions and six fastest laps. Christian Horner, Team Principal, Red Bull Racing said: “The RB6 is our first Championship winning car, and as such is very special to us. 2010 was a dream year for Red Bull Racing, to achieve our ambition and to do so in such a compelling and dominant fashion was a fitting testament to the car, the drivers and commitment of the team. We are delighted the RB6 is included in the new F1 game as a classic car, it’s certainly a classic to us and I’m sure gamers will love driving it and trying to recreate those golden moments on track.”

Consumers who pre-order or purchase ‘Day One’ copies of F1 2017 will have exclusive access to the iconic 1988 McLaren MP4/4, as part of the ‘F1 2017 Special Edition.’ Alternatively, the McLaren MP4/4 car will be available to be purchased at a later date. The eleven other classic cars are available in all editions of the game.

Follow Codemasters F1 games blog and social channels on Twitter and Facebook for future news, YouTube for video content, and visit the product website for additional information. Further details will be released on the upcoming game soon.

500 Years of Conquest: Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome and Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor Launch on June 14

Paradox Interactive and Paradox Development Studio today announced that Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome, the first immersion pack for the best-selling historical grand strategy game, and Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor, a country pack for the World War II grand strategy game, will launch together on June 14th, 2017.

Both packs will be priced individually at $9.99. Fans of both of Paradox Development Studios’ global conquest simulators can purchase both packs together as part of a duo-pack for 10% off at Paradox Plaza here: https://www.paradoxplaza.com/europa-universalis-iv-third-rome-and-hearts-of-iron-iv-death-or-dishonor-bundle

Paradox demoed the new features from Third Rome in a live stream on Tuesday. The replay of that stream can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki1Sc7eVsb4

The new features in Death or Dishonor are demoed in an ongoing stream series. Replays can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4O0VjnlLnNI&list=PLqRhPbyFDQWjrYYcVX42BQiiiHMi1VSsw

Third Rome expands the governmental, military, and diplomatic opportunities for the Russian empire. The pack includes new ranks of Russian governments that give Tsars the power to claim states, powerful streltsy mercenary units that excel in combat at the cost of the empire’s stability, and new interactions with the Orthodox Patriarchate. These changes give Russian players more ways to maintain control over their sprawling territory using a mix of military might, political touch, and religious conviction.

Death or Dishonor introduces new National Focus trees and gameplay options for the countries caught between the Nazi and Soviet war machines – Hungary, Romania, Czechoslovakia, and Yugoslavia. In addition, Death or Dishonor adds new diplomatic and puppet interactions, new music and gameplay art, and additional national interactions to change the course of history.

Both DLCs will be accompanied by free patches that bring broader updates to the base versions of Europa Universalis IV and Hearts of Iron IV.

For more information on Europa Universalis IV: Third Rome, visit https://www.paradoxplaza.com/europa-universalis-iv-third-rome.

For more information on Hearts of Iron IV: Death or Dishonor, visit https://www.paradoxplaza.com/hearts-of-iron-iv-death-or-dishonor .

The VR Alterative to Metacritic Hits 3500 VR Game Reviews

The new main authority on VR game scores hits impressive new milestone and reflects back on a big year

With virtual reality entering its second year on the consumer market, vrgamecritic has had a super exciting year tracking review scores for PC and console VR games across the industry. The site focuses exclusively on VR – qualifying reviews have to provide feedback on the VR elements of a game – and invites players to explore games across all major VR platforms. This specialist dedication has allowed vrgamecritic to outpace broader covering sites like Metacritic and OpenCritic as to be recognized as the main authority in this new space.

Taking a big step forward the site just launched a new design, improving on user experience and also expanding the list of media who now represent 27 countries and more than 3500 review scores – comprising 12% HTC Vive, 17% Oculus Rift and a notable 71% PlayStation VR reviews.

Today vrgamecritic includes data and review scores from more than 240 international sites and partners, from small popular blogs to the most recognized media in the industry. All doing an amazing job to support and drive this new ecosystem that is set to thrive and become “reality” for many millions more over the next years.

A new “Game Explorer” page offers readers a great way to find games across multiple categories and genres, while improved top lists and editorial picks will help highlight popular or interesting titles. Redesigned game pages include a smart overview of critic reviews, including statistic options and filters.

Finally, looking back at 2016 after having caught up with new media partners and review data, vrgamecritic would like to formally recognize the following achievements:

2016 vrgamecritic Awards *

  • Best Game – HTC Vive: The Gallery – Episode 1: Call of the Starseed developed by Cloudhead Games
  • Best Game – Oculus Rift: DiRT Rally developed by Codemasters
  • Best Game – PlayStation VR: Rez Infinite developed by Enhance Games and Monstars
  • Most Reviewed Game Overall: Batman: Arkham VR developed by Rocksteady Studios
  • Busiest Publication (VR Specialist): UploadVR (United States)
  • Busiest Publication (Other Media): 4Players (Germany)

* Based on internal vrgamecritic data; games with as good as full VR support, VRGC scored, released no later than December 10th and critic review scores published before end of year.

Space Action MOBA Fringe Wars Announced

Oasis Games, the award-winning developer and publisher, is pleased to announce Fringe Wars: an all-new sci-fi action multiplayer MOBA game coming to the PC. The game is currently in late alpha and will be heading to PC on Steam’s early access in Q4 2017.

“We are very excited to announce Fringe Wars,” said Oasis Games. “As big sci-fi fans, we are looking to create a fantastic game world for players to immerse themselves in. Fringe Wars takes 5v5 combat and blends tactics and fast paced action together to create a game that, we hope, fans of multiplayer games will fall in love with.”

As captains of mercenary ships, players must wage war for the highest bidder on the fringe: a region of space heavily fought over for its wealth of resources and strategic importance. Fringe Wars puts players in direct command of massive capital starships and pits them in 5v5 tactical MOBA warfare.

Fringe Wars allows players to choose from a variety of ships each with its own unique stats, loadout, abilities and role. As captains earn fame and fortune in the fringe, they are able to heavily customize their ships in a variety of ways. Each ship has various modules that can be swapped out with other purchasable equipment such as weapons and shields. Captains can also visually customize their ships in detail.

More details and information about Fringe Wars will be coming soon. Follow the Fringe Wars social media for the latest.

Hacktag Brings the Co-op Fun Back Stealthing Today to Steam Early Access!

The independent videogame developer Piece of Cake Studios is thrilled to announce that its award-winning title, Hacktag, the 2-player co-op stealth game with one agent and one hacker, is now available on Steam Early Access for the reduced price of $14,99 with a 25% weekly launch discount off. The early access launch trailer can be watched here.

The Early Access version of Hacktag allows players to experience the core mechanics of the game both online and locally with a split screen mode. The experience system (with both passive and active skills) and some customization options are also already implemented. This first released version features 9 playable levels and the studio has plans to add more maps on a weekly basis. In the future, players can expect an upgrade to an infinity of levels thanks to a level generation system based on their feedback. The fans will be able to contribute to the final phase of the game’s development to really make a difference.

“Hacktag is an original concept with a challenging asymetrical gameplay which requires thorough testing and iteration. We’re counting on players feedback through suggestions and surveys during the early access to go even further with the game.” said Marine Lemaitre, Piece of Cake Studios co-founder.

Hacktag final Features:

  • Online and local multiplayer: Play separately or share the same screen.
  • “Co-operative” gameplay: As mercenaries, your partner is also your best competitor!
  • Original co-op mechanics and mini-games: Alarms, locked doors or jails…
  • Procedural generation: 3 corporations, 3 types of missions and an infinity of levels.
  • Experience and unlockable skills: Gain levels and choose new active or passive skills.
  • Character creation: Customize your character with unlockable content.
  • Online challenges, rankings and leaderboards: Share your scores and defy your friends.
  • Unique story for each player: Experience Hacktag’s story with your own NPCs.

JUMP INTO OLD SCHOOL RUNESCAPE’S MOST DIFFICULT SOLO PvE CHALLENGE YET: THE INFERNO!

Things are heating up in Old School RuneScape with the addition of a new solo combat challenge, the Inferno, launching today. This challenge is not for the faint-hearted, and is designed to strike fear in to the most hardened gamers out there. Located in the fiery depths of the volcanic city, Mor Ul Rek, players fight their way through increasingly difficult waves of monsters and challenges. Only once these have been defeated, will the truly skilled adventures battle it out against the final boss, TzKal- Zuk.

Those who have the determination to conquer the Inferno, will be rewarded the Infernal cape. This cape is the new best-in-slot melee cape, and wearing it is a true status symbol in Gielinor. In addition, the first player to obtain the cape will be rewarded with an all-expenses paid trip to RuneFest, RuneScape’s annual fan fest, as well as lifetime membership, and an in-real-life Infernal cape. The race is on, and the stakes have never been higher.

Every piece of content that goes into Old School RuneScape is voted on by the players. Back in March we polled the Inferno to our loyal player base, and they clearly were not afraid of a challenge, with 84% deciding they wanted to have it as part of our game. Our goal for this content is to make even the veterans of Old School RuneScape quake with fear” said Mathew Kemp, Senior Product Manager, Old School RuneScape.

Mistakes made in the Inferno will result in adventurers experiencing TzKal-Zuk’s full wrath, so play cautiously.

SQUARE ENIX AND PEOPLE CAN FLY ANNOUNCE NEW EXTERNAL DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP

SQUARE ENIX, one of the most influential providers of videogame entertainment in the world with award-winning and best-selling franchises such as FINAL FANTASY and TOMB RAIDER, today revealed a  new, external development partnership with People Can Fly, the Warsaw-based studio which developed BULLETSTORM and co-developed GEARS OF WAR: JUDGMENT. The partnership will see the companies work together to develop a new high-end original title for console and PC.

“We’re massively excited to be working with the talented team at PCF in Warsaw, a studio filled with people who really know their craft,” said Lee Singleton, Head of Studio at Square Enix London Studios. “We’re building a game we all want to play which will be the perfect addition to our portfolio.”

“It’s an exciting time,” said Sebastian Wojciechowski, Studio Head at People Can Fly. “We’ve got a great and experienced team in place, and it’s incredible to be working with Square Enix, a world-class publisher who shares our passion and excitement for the project.”

People Can Fly is expanding its team and looking to hire Gameplay Programmers, an AI Programmer, and a VFX Artist. To find out more and view all available positions go here: http://peoplecanfly.com/career/.

Hits like a meteor: ELEX release date, Collector’s Edition

THQ Nordic‘s upcoming science-fantasy, open world, action RPG ELEX, developed by Piranha Bytes, creators of the award-winning Gothic and Risen series, will be out on October 17, 2017 for the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system, Xbox One and Windows PC.

Publisher THQ Nordic and developer Piranha Bytes are thrilled to present a new CGI trailer for the game, that establishes the heart of the player’s journey on Magalan, a planet devastated after a meteor collision. Moving to the beat of Benj Heard’s “Whatever Doesn’t Kill Me (Better Run)”, the video sets up the road at the heart of the player’s journey, as they walk the line between the many character progression and faction choices that lay ahead.

Watch the new trailer: https://youtu.be/GGHAu3RLpDk
Download it: http://media.thqnordic.com/?dir=ELEX/Video/CGI_Trailer

Developer Piranha Bytes and publisher THQ Nordic are also proud to announce a fine Collector’s Edition for ELEX. Inside the premium package is:

  • A 10-inch-high figurine of an Alb Mage
  • A 2-inch amulet in the form of a combat drone
  • A cloth map, showing the world of Magalan
  • The original score on CD
  • An artbook
  • The game’s manual
  • The game itself, obviously

For more information about ELEX, please visit:

www.elexgame.com

That’s all for the news today!
~Ciao!