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In the press today…
The Time has Come to go Beyond the Walls in the Spring Update or Homefront: The Revolution!
This week, Deep Silver and Dambuster Studios released the Spring Update for Homefront: The Revolution. This includes a generous free Trial version of the game for Xbox One and PlayStation 4, the third and final piece of additional single player content, Beyond The Walls, and a dedicated patch for PS4 Pro owners.
This trial version of the game, available on both Xbox One and PlayStation 4, contains the entire first ‘Red Zone’, offering up to 4 hours of single player gameplay, and unlimited access to Resistance Mode, the online co-operative mode in Homefront: The Revolution.
This trial, along with the patch available for PlayStation 4 Pro owners, went live on 6th March, as the first part of the two stage update. This Pro patch has the noticeable addition of HDR, along with the game world now being rendered to a 1440p buffer before up-scaling it to 4k to achieve a greater level of graphical fidelity.
The final piece of DLC content for the game, Beyond The Walls, is released today and takes players to a brand new environment – the rural heartlands of Pennsylvania. It begins with the final stronghold of the Resistance, Philadelphia, about to fall to the counter-insurgency might of the KPA. With the second American Revolution seemingly crushed, a glimmer of light appears in the darkness. A NATO agent attempts to contact the Resistance with information that could lead to the end of the nightmarish regime of the KPA. This is your final chance to free America, but will the KPA find you before you get the chance?
Beyond The Walls is free to all holders of the Homefront Expansion Pass, and available to purchase separately for $12.99 (regional pricing may vary). It is ready to download now for Xbox One, the all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system and Windows PC via Steam.
For more information and to get the latest updates on Homefront: The Revolution, follow us on Twitter and Instagram at @HomefrontGame or on Facebook at Facebook.com/HomefrontGame, or visit Homefront-Game.com.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War Reveals First Gameplay Video!!
Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment revealed the first gameplay footage of Middle-earth: Shadow of War, the sequel to the critically acclaimed Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor.
This Gameplay Walkthrough introduces viewers to the next generation of the innovative Nemesis System with the addition of Nemesis Fortresses, where players must utilise different strategies to conquer dynamic strongholds and forge their personalised Orc army. In this video, Talion and Celebrimbor, who return as the Bright Lord, must lead a fortress assault on the mountain valley of Seregost and take it from one of Sauron’s Overlords. To succeed, they will use the power of the New Ring to recruit Followers during enemy encounters—a new mechanic allowing gamers to establish entirely new stories of loyalty, betrayal and revenge. This Gameplay Walkthrough is just one of the millions of possibilities that players will experience in Middle-earth: Shadow of War.
The Official Middle-earth: Shadow of War Gameplay Walkthrough Video can be viewed here:
YOYO GAMES Breaks Barriers to Game Development with the launch of GAMEMAKER STUDIO 2!!
The wait is over for seasoned and aspiring cross-platform game developers as YoYo Games releases the highly anticipated GameMaker Studio 2. The global launch follows the successful open beta and gives developers the ultimate tools to take creative concepts to market quickly and efficiently. GameMaker Studio 2 is now available from the YoYo Games website starting at $99.99.
YoYo Games also revealed that GameMaker Studio 2 will launch a closed beta for the Mac IDE to give Mac developers access to the powerful GameMaker Studio platform for the first time. Developers may learn more about the upcoming closed beta on the YoYo Games website.
GameMaker Studio 2 builds upon the best of its predecessor with rich new features and functionality that take the 2D game development environment to a new level. Beginners with limited to no coding experience will rest assured as the trademarked Drag and Drop system (DnD™) translates into actual code, while professional developers retain access to a powerful programming language and comprehensive set of tools for advance exporting and rapid deployment across all leading platforms including mobile, console and desktop.
With a completely redesigned User Interface, powerful new editors, enhanced monetization tools and more, GameMaker Studio 2 also introduces new features and improvements with:
- Level editing features: new layer-based level editing gives developers the ability to create more complex visuals with backgrounds, tiles, instances, assets and paths. New features also include level inheritance to create multiple levels at once, and an advanced tiling system that automatically selects the right tile for the job;
- Cross-platform: available for Windows (Vista and above) and soon for Mac OS X for target development across multiple platforms including Windows Desktop, Mac OS X, Ubuntu, iOS, Android (including Android TV, Amazon Fire and Fire TV), PlayStation 4, Xbox One and more;
- Workflow enhancements: a new innovative workflow and seamless path from DnD™ to actual code with multiple workspaces, user definable resource views, real-time updates from one editor to another, and cross platform source level debugging;
- Native extensions: Game Maker Language (GML) supports all native targets to simplify the cross-platform development.
“GameMaker Studio 2 takes all the best features of the previous version and elevates game development for all levels by simplifying the process and allowing creators to focus on making fun and engaging games that can quickly come to market,” said James Cox, General Manager, YoYo Games. “YoYo Games is dedicated to supporting the community and delivering the tools to help developers be successful without breaking the bank.”
To follow the latest news on Game Maker Studio 2 and to get the latest on the company’s upcoming Mac IDE beta, please follow YoYo Games on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Gumballs & Dungeons Rolls out Major Update March 16
Games publisher Qcplay Limited announced that a major update to hit free-to-play mobile game, Gumballs & Dungeons, will be released on March 16. The game recently achieved over one million downloads worldwide. Gumballs & Dungeons is a Roguelike dungeon crawler that combines RPG, strategy, collection, adventure, and PvP gameplay – a compelling blend of styles that has earned the title a breakthrough audience and a 4.7-star user review rating.
Players will experience three exciting upgrades to the game, including a new maze, City of Steam, location-based social matching with Chain of Fate, and a robust new chat system that allows real-time communication with players all over the world.
In City of Steam, players will discover fun new rules and two new gumballs in this eye-catching, fog-filled maze. The capital of the Machine Empire, Dacaa, the City of Steam was nearly destroyed in the Second Dawn War, leaving scars that are still present today. While aircraft, tanks and robots continue their wanton destruction, a lonely and helpless cat issues an S.O.S. Players will find the new gumballs by main line and hidden line, the latter triggered only when the assigned Gumball is summoned or soul-linked.
Chain of Fate introduces location-based gameplay to Gumballs & Dungeons. Search for other players nearby to achieve a chain of fate and bring forth new life! Socialize with others, meet new friends and conquer the world together as you win special new Gumballs. Interaction and communication is also enhanced in the new version, where players may form Alliances and chat with players world-wide in real time. The new chat tool may be activated at any time so you can communicate and share your stories.
Arena Shooter Reflex Arena Graduates From Steam Early Access Today
Independent game studio Turbo Pixel is excited to announce that Reflex Arena will be leaving Steam early access later today. This long-awaited official release is accompanied by a host of new and upgraded content and features.
Reflex Arena is a fast-paced and highly competitive shooter that merges the latest gaming technology with the speed, precision, and freedom of a genre classic. If you sank countless hours into Quake III Arena or Unreal Tournament, Reflex Arena will be a welcome return to that style of lightning-fast, free-flowing twitch gameplay.
Some of the new features that are coming to Reflex are:
Bots: Skilled and adaptable AI-controlled opponents will allow players to learn the basics, train up their skills and play solo.
Seasons and leaderboards: Competitive season one will begin on March 8 and will include a new competitive points system and championship leaderboard.
Gameplay rewards: The new competitive points system will allow players to earn points in ranked matches against other players that can be used to purchase items to personalize your character.
Turbo Pixel lead programmer Phil Brown said, “Arena shooters were a vital part of what made me love games in the first place—that pure sense of skill vs skill, that blinding speed, and twitch-response gameplay. We felt like this was a style of game that needed to stage a comeback, keeping everything that made those games great but in our own powerful 3D engine and driven by smart online features. It’s a perfect marriage of old-school and cutting-edge, and we couldn’t be prouder of it.”
Subsiege surfacing on Steam today!
Headup Games and Icebird Studios proudly announce the official release of Subsiege. The unique RTS/MOBA mix is now available as a Steam Early Access title, starting with a discounted release price (-35%) for early birds with 19.50 USD / 17.99 EUR / 22.99 GBP / 499 RUB on Steam.
Subsiege is a real-time strategy game that pits players against mechanized underwater ships and sea creatures fighting for the earth’s last resources, with a main focus on battles with up to 12 players. Commanding handpicked squads of 1 to 6 units with MOBA-like abilities, players will use each unit to battle opposing forces, different sea monsters and compete for oxygen. The game will primarily play out in a ruthless and tactical way, so skill and quick decisions will be important for victory.
The developer team spared no effort to present an awesome game experience to all new players and the existing community.
Release Event: STREAMER MOSH PIT
Also, good news for streamers all over the world: To celebrate the release we will host an event called “Streamer Mosh Pit” on release date, here streamers not only can battle with and against their friends, but also get the chance to win money from our $300 prize pool well as giveaway keys for their followers. If you’re interested, please send a short request to press [at] subsiege-game [dot] com.
Don’t miss the trailer as well as Subsiege’s Steam page!
Successful Banner Saga 3 Kickstarter Ends With Stretch Goals Confirmed
Stoic, an independent game development company, today announced that the crowdfunding campaign for Banner Saga 3 has smashed its initial funding target and unveiled the confirmed stretch goals it will implement into the final game. The 40-day campaign to raise at least $200,000 broke through its funding goal in the first week and ended up raising $416,986, which will be used to enhance production and development of the final game in the three-part saga. Confirmed stretch goals include Playable Dredge, a new Survival Mode, Ubin added as a combat character and new game mode Eternal Arena. The first game of the trilogy, The Banner Saga, originated with a Kickstarter campaign in 2012 and went on to receive critical acclaim from international media and players. Banner Saga 2 was also a critical success, and now Banner Saga 3 aims to end the trilogy with a bang as the third and final part of this epic, story-driven saga comes to a climactic close.
“The support from backers and the community has been amazing, and it’s humbling to know that RTS fans around the world really want to support us”, said John Watson, co-founder and Technical Director at Stoic. “The additional funds will be invested into bringing as much of our intended vision to the final game and rewarding our backers’ support with an unforgettable experience to conclude this epic tale”.
In Banner Saga 3, you will embark on the final journey beyond the wall of Darkness to traverse a world unlike anything encountered in previous sagas. The beautifully hand drawn Viking role-playing adventure will once again test your resolve through epic tactical battles against deadly adversaries where each choice directly affects your personal journey. Stretch goals unlocked in the latest Kickstarter campaign include the Playable Dredge, (Dredge Stoneguard, Hurler and Stonesinger Heroes), Survival Mode (choose six heroes to pit against a plethora of battle-hardened enemies and fight to the death), Ubin Lives (that old varl is back, and his fate is in your hands) and new game mode Eternal Arena (pits your best combat tactics against quick-play challenges)!
The Banner Saga launched to critical acclaim in 2014 and has received several awards and nominations, including winner of the 2014 Geekie Awards for “Best Video Game”, winner of 2014 Game Developers Choice: “Best Debut” award, finalist placement for “Excellence in Visual Arts” category at the Independent Game Festival, three BAFTA Award Nominations, and was the winner of Pocket Gamer’s 2015 Best Adventure/RPG Game and Best Android Game of the Year. The sequel, Banner Saga 2 has also received several nominations and award wins, including a Pocketgamer Gold Award, a nomination for Best Strategy Game at the 2016 Video Game Awards, and has been selected as a finalist for the 20th Annual D.I.C.E. Awards in the Strategy/Simulation Game of the Year category. Banner Saga 2 was also a runner up for Best Strategy Game in RPG Fans best Strategy Game and Hardcore Gamers Best of 2016 Awards and is available now for PC, Xbox One, PS4, Android and iOS.
To learn more about The Banner Saga Trilogy visit its brand new website at:http://bannersaga.com
Panzer Corps 2 is in the making!
The Panzer Corps series has built an impressive following over recent years and allowed many players, old and new, to experience a type of wargame that was equally approachable and challenging. It managed to reinvent a format while keeping it true to its origins.
The release of Panzer Corps also marked the return of a long-neglected gaming formula, which still had a large and loyal following. Its spectacular success brought an almost forgotten genre back into fashion, it inspired multiple clones and literally gave new life to an entire market.
After over five years of expansions, mods, challenges and tournaments, a brand-new instalment of the franchise is ready to take the strategy gaming segment by storm again. This time, with even bigger ambitions.
Panzer Corps 2 is currently in development using Unreal Engine 4, to allow an impressive leap forward in both technological capabilities and visual impact. Hundreds of World War 2 units will be shown with a level of quality and detail never seen before in a wargame.
The move to a fully 3D engine is a natural evolution of the game, but the core gameplay will always remain true to its roots: pay tribute to the classic gameplay of a distant golden age of strategy gaming, refine it, perfect it and use the most recent technologies to enhance these experiences and bring them to a new generation of gamers. In other words, strike the perfect balance between tradition and innovation, both in visuals and gameplay.
Players can follow development on the [official forum] and on the [Flashback Games site] and they are welcome to give ideas and suggestions towards what their dream Panzer Corps sequel would look and play like.
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone 2nd Encore Pack and Three Dazzling Themes Are Available Now!
Stretch out your dancing feet and throw your glow sticks in the sky, because Hatsune Miku is about to ignite the crowd again with her 2nd Encore Pack for Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone! The 2nd DLC pack is now available for $9.99 on the PlayStation®Store, and features EVEN MORE new songs, accessories, costume modules, and EXTRA EXTREME Charts (‘Future Sound’ and ‘Colorful Tone’ required) for additional songs!
This is the 2nd of three Encore Packs, each available for $9.99. Additionally, there’s also a DLC Season Pass available on PSN for $24.99, which includes all three Encore Packs. The last Encore Pack will come out in April, so stay tuned for more… tunes.
The full content of the 2nd Encore Pack consists of:
Songs
- Gaikotsu Gakudan to Riria (Music & Lyrics by tohma)
- Kimi no Taion (Music & Lyrics by Kuwagata P)
- LOL – lots of laugh – (Music by KeN Lyrics by Endcape)
- Hand in Hand (Music & Lyrics by kz)
Modules
Hatsune Miku
- Farewell
- Etoile
- Rosa Bianca
- Rosa Notte
- Hatsune Miku Swimwear Tan
- March Hare
- My Dear Bunny
- Bunny Ears Hoodie
Kagamine Rin
- Kagamine Rin Swimwear Tan
- Alparka Hoodie R
Kagamine Len
- Kagamine Len Swimwear Tan
- Alparka Hoodie L
Megurine Luka
- Megurine Luka Swimwear Tan
- Kitty Ears Hoodie
KAITO
- Rosa Blue
- Rosa Luno
- KAITO Swimwear V Tan
- KAITO Swimwear V Alt. Tan
- Fishy Overalls
MEIKO
- MEIKO Swimwear Tan
- Wooly Wear
Accessories
- Yurei Headband
- Great White Shark
- Red Puyo Cap
- Green Puyo Barrette
- Ram Horns
- Devil’s Head Wings
- Oversized Glasses
- Beginner Badge
- Dinosaur Tail
- Nekomata Tails
EXTRA EXTREME Charts
Future Sound
- Love-Colored Ward
- Dear cocoa girls
- From Y to Y
- Po Pi Po
Colorful Tone
- Iroha Uta
- Kokoro
- 39
- Transparent Watercolors
- Master of Puppets
We also have three stunning PS4 themes to show off your allegiance to the dazzling digital superstar. All of them are priced at $3.99 each and are available now on PSN:
- Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone Future Sound Theme (dynamic)
- Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone Colorful Tone Theme (dynamic)
- Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone Theme (static)
Hatsune Miku: Project DIVA Future Tone, the 2nd Encore Pack DLC, and the DLC Season Pass are available now on the PlayStation®Store. The game is rated T for Teen by the ESRB, and is available now. For more information, please visit the official site at miku.sega.com/futuretone.
That’s all for the news today!
~Ciao!