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In the press today…
Middle-earth: Shadow of War NEW Open World Trailer Revealed
Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment released a brand new trailer showcasing the diverse and dynamic open-world of Middle-earth: Shadow of War.
The video introduces viewers to the vast environments within Middle-earth, stretching beyond Mordor, and giving fans the first glimpse of various new environments to explore, including the Island of Nurn, Cirith Ungol, Gorgoroth and more. Through the innovative Nemesis System, every player experiences a unique world to explore and share and every area of the world is larger, more varied and more dynamic than ever before.
The Middle-earth: Shadow of War Open World Gameplay Trailer can be viewed on the WB Games UK Youtube channel at https://youtu.be/bG7vpmROjHI
Set between the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, Middle-earth: Shadow of War is an open-world action RPG that continues the original narrative of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor. Players will be engrossed in a richer, more personal and expansive world full of epic heroes and villains, iconic locations, original enemy types, more personalities and a new cast of characters with untold stories.
Middle-earth: Shadow of War will be available for Xbox One, Project Scorpio, Windows 10 PC (Windows Store and Steam), PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 4 Pro beginning August 25, 2017.
For more information or to join the Middle-earth: Shadow of War conversation, visit www.ShadowofWar.com
PROJECT CARS 2 TO GET A SERIES OF 6 AUTOMOTIVE ACTION FILMS “BUILT BY DRIVERS”
Patrick Long, Chris Goodwin, Tommy Milner, and Vaughn Gittin Jr. are just some of the racing stars and test-drivers that will feature in a series of 6 films designed to showcase how “Built by Drivers” underpins the development of every car in the Project CARS franchise
Slightly Mad Studios and Bandai Namco today revealed a series of 6 live-action films that will showcase the “Built by Drivers” philosophy that underpins the development and authenticity of the Project CARS racing game franchise.
These 6 new films, to be released throughout the Spring and Summer of 2017, will reveal intimate behind-the-scenes looks at how world-renowned race and test-drivers develop the in-game handling and feel of the vehicles in Project CARS 2.
The first film, released today—‘Project CARS 2: BUILT BY DRIVERS – “As Close As It Gets” Featuring Chris Goodwin’—showcases the development of the new McLaren 720S. The film charts the painstaking process behind the supercar’s in-game development by McLaren’s chief test-driver – Chris Goodwin. Ultimately, it is only Goodwin who can sign-off on the in-game handling of the 720S, and that means technicians from around the world flying in for one final, crunch test-session: Will Goodwin sign-off on “his” car?
‘Project CARS 2: BUILT BY DRIVERS – “As Close As It Gets” Featuring Chris Goodwin’ was filmed in location in London and at McLaren’s Technology Centre by Outrun Films, specialists in automotive and action features, and the makers of “McLaren 720S Reveal”, and the brutal “Nürburgring & Bentley Racing”.
These 6 live-action films document the close relationship between the Project CARS franchise and racing stars such as Corvette Racing’s Tommy Milner, drifting legend Vaughn Gittin Jr, as well as with automakers such as Mercedes-Benz.
“Scanning cars down to the last bolt, and inserting their unique builds into our state-of-the-art physics model is just phase one in making our racing games,” said Stephen Viljoen, Game Director on Project CARS. “In the end, we can get the ‘numbers’ right, but the feel and balance of a car—that intangible thing that brings a car to life—can only be measured by drivers; drivers who have spent their careers around those very cars, pushing them to their limits. Our relationship with drivers isn’t about ‘brand ambassadors’, it’s about how we engineer cars to feel right. ‘Built by drivers’ is how we go about ensuring authenticity.”
Combining in-game footage, intimate looks at the star drivers, and the unique story-telling gifts of film-makers Donut Media and Outrun Films, these 6 films will be must-watch automotive content for the summer of 2017.
Black Desert Online Welcomes New Striker Class on May 24
Kakao Games and PearlAbyss announced today that the recently announced Striker class will be introduced to Black Desert Online on May 24.
Along with the Steam launch that is planned on the same day, the newly revealed Striker class will join Black Desert Online’s roster, bringing the total number of playable classes to 14. The Striker’s combat style combines both classic martial arts as well as popular street-fight techniques. Employing precise footwork, he fights bare-handed to overcome his foes. Watch the Striker chain kicks, uppercuts, and grappling moves in a new trailer from Kakao Games.
Watch the Striker class trailer on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YAuKd_d5UDM
The Striker uses his Gauntlet as a main weapon and has the Vambrace as a secondary weapon. This fast, agile class plays unlike any of the existing classes and is perfect for players who are looking for a challenging, fresh way to enjoy Black Desert Online.
Players who have maxed out their character slots will be happy to know that an additional slot will be available for just one loyalty in the Loyalty Shop.
FUTURAMA: WORLDS OF TOMORROW REVEALS NEW ORIGINAL ANIMATION AND GAMEPLAY DETAILS
Jam City, via its game studio TinyCo, FoxNext Games, and Matt Groening today released a new fully-animated teaser trailer for Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow, a new game coming soon to mobile devices. Created in partnership with FUTURAMA creator and Executive Producer Matt Groening and his Curiosity Company, along with Executive Producer David X. Cohen, original FUTURAMA writers, and Rough Draft Studios, the teaser is the first new animation from the FUTURAMA universe since the show’s original TV run ended in 2013. Jam City is working with the writers, animators, and cast to produce even more original animation that will have fans waving their tentacles in the air.
“I’m proud to say that Futurama lives! In mobile-video-game teaser trailer form, anyway,” said Matt Groening, creator of FUTURAMA and THE SIMPSONS. “If you squint, it’s kind of like a little episode!”
“Working on this new Futurama animation has been a thrilling adventure,” said David X. Cohen. “I finally understand how Neil Armstrong must have felt when he first landed on the lunar surface, watched some funny cartoons on the control screen, and did whatever else was on his schedule that day.”
Jam City also released more details about gameplay itself. Futurama: Worlds of Tomorrow will blend simulation, combat, galactic exploration, and choose-your-own-adventure mechanics together to bring the escapades of the Planet Express crew to life. The game features two main settings: New New York, which focuses on simulation and character progression gameplay, and Space Adventures, in which players will explore and battle their way through planets, nebulas, and other weird stuff across the FUTURAMA universe.
To view the new teaser trailer on YouTube, please visit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k2Izx4MQCwQ
STAR OCEAN: TILL THE END OF TIME COMING TO PLAYSTATION 4 ON MAY 23
SQUARE ENIX announced that the defining entry in the STAR OCEAN series, STAR OCEAN: Till the End of Time is coming May 23rd as a digital exclusive for the PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system. The game includes new features unique to the PlayStation 4 system, such as trophy support, share functionality, and remote play.
Originally released in 2004 for the PlayStation 2 system, STAR OCEAN: Till the End of Time presents the journey of Fayt Leingod and his childhood friend, Sophia Esteed, as they discover the greatest secret in the Star Ocean universe.
STAR OCEAN: Till the End of Time will be available digitally from the PlayStation Store for $20.99 on May 23.
Runic Rampage Lands Critical Hit On Steam!
After 5 years of solitary work, indie developer Alexander Leps is releasing his furious debut title Runic Rampage on Steam.
Sharpen your axe and equip your hammer – Runic Rampage is the action adventure every dwarf has been waiting for. Execute fatal combos and unleash powerful spells to defeat hordes of ruthless foes in intense melee combat.
Prepare for a fast-paced, yet narrative dungeon brawling experience in a world of thick atmosphere.
“The most badass dwarf simulator ever, with captivating art style on top. Two thumbs up!”
– Stephan Hövelbrinks, Creator of DeathTrash
Legend says that once a rune stone protected the dwarves, but it disappeared and war destroyed the kingdom. You play Grimbard – last champion of the dwarfs. On your quest to collect the missing rune stone fragments you have to survive the desert, enter dark and mysterious woods, descend to the deepest caves and climb the top of the Frozen Fortress. Uncover the truth about your kingdom’s downfall and change the destiny of your nation.
Runic Rampage on Steam:
http://store.steampowered.com/app/615010/Runic_Rampage/
EXPLORE AND EXCAVATE IN POKÉMON GO ADVENTURE WEEK IN-GAME EVENT
Niantic, Inc. and The Pokémon Company International are getting their explorer boots ready for Pokémon GO’s next in-game celebration, Pokémon GO Adventure Week. From May 18 at 9:00 P.M. BST until May 25 at 9:00 P.M. BST, Trainers can expect increased encounter rates for Rock-type Pokémon such as Omanyte, Kabuto, and their Evolutions. Players will also encounter increased encounter rates for some of the more elusive Rock-type Pokémon like Aerodactyl, Onix, and Sudowoodo.
During the Adventure Week celebration, more items will be available at each PokéStop to help Trainers stock up for their adventure. Buddy Pokémon will also find Candy after walking only one quarter the usual distance. Keep an eye out for a brand-new avatar wardrobe item, the Adventurer’s Hat, which will also be awarded to all Trainers for free.
To learn more about the Pokémon GO Adventure Week celebration, please visit the official Pokémon GO blog at: PokemonGOLive.com
Trainers can also stay up to date on Pokémon GO announcements by following the game on Twitter or liking on Facebook.
D.Va charges into Heroes of the Storm
The latest Heroes of the Storm update sees a brand-new Warrior Hero charge into the Nexus— Overwatch’s D.Va has joined the fight!
World champion professional gamer and burgeoning global icon Hana Song, also known as D.Va, battles to protect her homeland as a member of South Korea’s elite MEKA unit. Her skills include:
- Mech Mode / Pilot Mode — D.Va pilots her MEKA in battle; when her Mech is destroyed, she’s ejected and can continue to fight on foot in Pilot Mode
- Call Mech — Call a new Mech and enter Mech Mode; each Basic Attack in Pilot Mode lowers this skill cooldown
- Defense Matrix — While in Mech Mode, channel a defensive field in the target direction, reducing damage dealt by enemy Heroes inside it
- Self-Destruct — Eject from the Mech, setting it to self-destruct and causing it to deal medium to massive damage in a large area
D.Va joins the Heroes roster on May 17. Check out our Hanamura Showdown cinematic to see her in action, and learn more about her skills in our latest Hero Spotlight on YouTube.
That’s all for the news today!
~Ciao!