Retro-Inspired Twin-Stick Shooter Son of a Gun Debuts on Nintendo Switch!

4 October 2024 - Warsaw, Poland | The Polish duo of Untold Tales and Crank Goblin have announced Son of a Gun, a retro-inspired twin-stick shooter, harkening back to 80s run-and-gun classics like Contra, Alien Syndrome, and Dogs of War.

Enjoy a sci-fi story full of classic tropes and cliches that could make any B-grade movie director blush. You are Son of a Gun - an interplanetary mercenary called in when firepower matters and something needs to be solved by force.

Son of a Gun will debut on Nintendo Switch on October 11, followed by a PC release on October 22.

Son of a Gun Release Date Trailer:

Article by: Susan N.

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Don't Lose Control of the Kitchen in Psychological Horror Game While We Wait Here

Marche, Italy, 3rd October 2024: Seasoned Indie development studio Bad Vices Games, known for their breakout hit Ravenous Devils, has officially announced that their much-anticipated psychological horror kitchen management game, While We Wait Here, will launch on October 23rd, 2024. The game will be available on Xbox, PlayStation 4 & 5, Nintendo Switch, and for PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. The game will be priced at $4.99 and will receive a launch day discount!

To celebrate this announcement, Bad Vices Games invites you to watch the brand-new trailer, offering players the deepest look so far at the unsettling world of Cliff and Nora’s diner.

Set in a desolate highway with a looming global disaster filling the air with tension and growing unease, players take on the role of Cliff and Nora, as they manage their diner. Conversations grow tense, food is served with heavy hearts, though what is happening outside the diner’s doors may just be the last of their worries.

Players can expect a game that focuses heavily on narrative choices, offering deep, emotionally charged dialogue and multiple endings shaped by the decisions they make. The full true nature of While We Wait Here remains under wraps however, with the gameplay centered on the diner, but the developers suggest players should prepare for unexpected twists beyond its walls.

“We’ve been waiting for this moment for so long, and we’re pleased to finally have a release date for While We Wait Here on consoles and PC,” said Cristian Gambadori of Bad Vices Games. “After the success of our last project, which was actually our third title to date, we took a completely different artistic direction, pushing ourselves even further with this game. We can’t wait for players to experience the dread, suspense, and surprising choices that While We Wait Here offers.”

Key Features:

• Explore Complex & Completely Dubbed Interactions: Engage with customers and each other in rich, deep conversations as the world around you begins to fall apart, managing both the diner and your emotions. Characters are completely dubbed in English and subtitled in a variety of languages.
• Multiple Endings: With a unique psychological horror narrative, players’ choices will determine the fate of both the customers and the diner’s owners.
• Short Yet Impactful: The game delivers a focused and poignant experience, with a first playthrough lasting an average of two to three hours.

Bad Vices Games promises While We Wait Here will pack a powerful punch, offering a highly replayable experience thanks to its branching narratives and multiple endings, at a full price of $4.99, set to be discounted at launch!

While We Wait Here marks the fourth title from the Marche based studio, continuing their passion for developing games that push the boundaries of storytelling in the indie scene. The game will be available on launch in Dubbed English and subtitled in English, Italian, Japanese, French, German, Simplified Chinese, Spanish, Ukrainian, Brazilian Portuguese, Korean, Polish, Catalan, Turkish and Russian.

For more information, visit the game’s official pages on Steam, the Epic Games Store or consoles via Xbox, PlayStation 4 & 5, or follow Bad Vices Games on Twitter/X and join their Discord community to stay updated on the latest news.

About Bad Vices Games: 

Founded by Cristian Gambadori and Eleonora Vecchi in 2020, Bad Vices Games is an indie development team based in the Marche region of Italy. Known for their award winning title Ravenous Devils, the studio has a mission to continue to create deeply immersive and emotionally engaging experiences for players. With While We Wait Here, their fourth project, Bad Vices Games continues to captivate audiences yet again with their distinctive blend of storytelling and gameplay.

While We Wait Here is releasing on PC & Consoles October 23rd 2024!

Article by: Susan N.

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Shin Chan: Shiro and the Coal Town Releasing on Steam October 24th!

October 3, 2024. Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo - Neos Corporation (Headquarters: Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo; Representative Director, Chair of the Board: Masashi Ikeda), a subsidiary of Tecmira Holdings, Inc., is proud to announce the release of "Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town" on Steam for worldwide distribution and on Nintendo Switch in Western markets on October 24, 2024 at a price of 29.99 USD/EUR and 39.99 USD/EUR respectively. The title will be on sale on Steam for 26.99 USD/EUR from the launch until November 7, 2024. The game was released in Japan and Asia earlier this year and won the Visual Arts Excellence Award at the CEDEC AWARDS 2024.

A bundle sale will be held on both platforms from the start of sales until November 7, during which time this title and “Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation -The Endless Seven-Day Journey-,” which marks the 3rd anniversary of its release, will be available for purchase at a discounted price of 39.99 USD/EUR on Steam and 49.99 USD/EUR on Nintendo Switch. Additionally, the price of this previous Shin chan title on Steam will be revised from 39.99 USD, 49.99 EUR to 29.99 USD/EUR, matching the price of “Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town.”

In addition, in partnership with U.S. game publisher Limited Run Games, the game will also be released in a physical version for Nintendo Switch in the U.S. and Europe. This edition will be available for pre-order at LRG's official online store for a limited time this fall.

Experience a New Adventure in the World of Shin chan

In “Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town,” Shin chan and the Nohara family visit the town of Akita. The game depicts Shin chan's daily life as he and Shiro experience various things while travelling between the two worlds of reality and a mysterious town. The game can be enjoyed by people of all ages and genders, from "Crayon Shin chan" fans to video game fans who want to experience a full-fledged story.

The Nohara Family Goes to Akita Prefecture!

Hiroshi is sent on a sudden business trip to his native Akita. The Nohara family arrives in a small village near Hiroshi's parents' home and rents a traditional Japanese farmhouse. Nestled in this tranquil rural landscape, they begin their carefree and quiet life in the countryside. Shinnosuke's grandfather, Ginnosuke, teaches him the secrets of countryside games such as bug catching and fishing. In the evenings, everyone enjoys sitting around the sunken hearth to savour delicious Akita dishes. In the village, Shinnosuke interacts with farmers and makes new friends. Every day, he enjoys his life to the fullest until…

Shinnosuke Follows After a Soot-Covered Shiro

 

One morning, Shiro shows up at the house, covered in soot. As a confused Shinnosuke looks on, Shiro suddenly runs away…! Shinnosuke chases after Shiro, and he notices a mysterious train he’s never seen before. Shinnosuke follows after Shiro and accidentally boards this train.

Welcome to Coal Town

The mysterious train stops in a lively and prosperous town that seems to have been frozen in time since the Showa era. In this town, called Coal Town, energetic working class people go about their daily lives. After meeting a mysterious young girl, Shinnosuke becomes friends with these people. And so begins Shinnosuke’s newest adventure…!

Shin chan’s mysterious daily life begins, as he travels between the two worlds: the village in Akita and Coal Town

STEAM version details:

Target countries: More than 70 countries worldwide.

Text languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, German, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Korean

Audio languages: Japanese, Chinese, Cantonese, Korean

Text and audio can be selected at startup,

Nintendo Switch Western (digital) version details:

Target countries: More than 40 countries worldwide.

Text languages: Japanese, English, Spanish, German.

Audio language: Japanese.

Links of interest:

• Steam page: https://store.steampowered.com/app/2699820/
• Official website: https://game.neoscorp.jp/shinchan_coaltown/index_en.html
• Official X (former Twitter): https://twitter.com/shinchan_summer

©USUI YOSHITO/FUTABASHA,SHIN-EI,TV ASAHI,ADK ©Neos Corporation

About Neos Corporation

Neos Corporation is a Japanese game development company that has been in operation since April 19, 2004. The company has released a number of titles over the years, including popular games such as "Shin chan: Me and the Professor on Summer Vacation: The Endless Seven-Day Journey" and more recently "Shin chan: Shiro and the Coal Town".

About Tecmira Holdings

Founded in 2004 as a content services provider for flip phones, our company has expanded with technological advancements, including smartphones, AI, and IoT. We now operate in three locations in Japan and three overseas. As an IT corporate group, we excel in content, software, and hardware development. Our mission is to continuously grow and explore new possibilities, creating a brighter future. As "TECMIRA," we leverage our refined "Technology" and "Creativity" to work together to help our society to improve.

Article by: Susan N.

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Try Whispers of the Eyeless During Steam Next Fest!

Boston, MA - Oct 2, 2024 - Camlann Games and Evil Gingerbread Studio are proud to reveal gameplay and Steam Next Fest participation for the new dark fantasy strategy RPG, Whispers of the Eyeless. Studio lead Venris is part of the team that brought one of the most downloaded overhaul mods to the Total War: Warhammer franchise - SFO. 

Whispers of the Eyeless takes inspiration from Darkest Dungeon, Loop Hero, Children of Morta and Polish folklore. Players lead a dark cult to glory in the medieval City of Aranthor. Players infiltrate the city, upgrade their sanctum, fight in deep turn-based combat and attempt to revive the Dead Gods.

How is Whispers of the Eyeless different from other titles in the genre:

• Dark comic art style
• Deep character customization and meta game
• Base building elements to improve core sanctum and cult leveling
• Unique quest progression
• Hundreds of skills, powers, items, upgrades and locations to discover, explore & acquire 
• Rewarding endgame of city domination

We will be showcasing a public demo and a “Watch the Developers Play” livestream in the Oct 2024 Steam Next Fest from Oct 14 - 21. Players can expect to experience approximately an hour of gameplay, including a brief tutorial, early core gameplay, 5 quests (including a taste of the main quest) and three character classes based on starting path choices.

Whispers of the Eyeless will be releasing to early access late Q4 2024 to PC on Steam and GOG.

About Evil Gingerbread Studio

Whispers of the Eyeless is being developed by the Evil Gingerbread Studio team and Venris, the creator behind the largest and most subscribed overhaul mods for the Total War: Warhammer trilogy, SFO: Grimhammer, with over 400,000 subscribers under single mod alone. As a Polish studio, Whispers of the Eyeless takes much inspiration from Polish folklore.

About Camlann Games

Camlann Games is an indie video game publisher with a focus on meaningful, fun and highly replayable titles. With industry veterans at its core, Camlann Games backs passionate developers, vibrant worlds and the most unforgettable stories ever told in indie PC games.

Article by: Susan N.

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Memorable Music in Gaming #53

This week, we’re all about celebrating the third entries in some long-running franchises. If the second game’s job is to build on the success of the first, then the third gets stuck with the tricky task of living up to the hype of both and carrying the legacy forward.

Hopefully our selection this week might make you appreciate these games even that much more.

Max Payne 3 | PC | Dead

Say what you will about the game, but there's no denying the soundtrack by Health is an absolute banger. A stark departure from the neo-noir vibes of the first two titles, Max Payne 3 dives into a new art direction that could only be elevated by industrial noise. Thankfully, that's exactly what they went with.

If bands like Portishead or Imminent Starvation, or composers like Paul Leonard-Morgan, are in your daily rotation, this one’s right up your alley.

DEAD

DOOM 3 | PC | Main Theme

Seems like I was always destined to be a Tool fan. Growing up, I played this theme on loop without realizing there was already a progressive rock band doing this full-time. Now, not only is Tool in my top 5 bands of all time, this theme is one of my top 5 most-played video game tracks.

It shares plenty of DNA with Tool’s Lateralus, but also stands tall on its own merits. It was, after all, composed by Tweaker, a band co-founded by Chris Vrenna of Nine Inch Nails fame.

Tweaker - Doom 3 Theme (Doom Eternal gamerip, highest quality)

GTA III | PC | Main Theme

I belong to that nearly-extinct minority who thinks GTA III is still the best mainline 3D GTA title ever. Yes, San Andreas and Vice City have excellent storytelling, and IV and V are unforgettable in their own rights, there’s a certain je ne sais quoi to the one that kickstarted the modern sandbox genre.

GTA III comes from a time when the world was reeling from the Y2K scare, and when 3D in gaming was beginning to be the norm, so there’s a rather different feel to this game. This opening theme is a near perfect encapsulation of what the underlying philosophy of GTA is all about.

For a game centered around violent acts, this is one soothing piece of music.
 
GTA III FULL Theme HQ

Silent Hill 3 | PC | End Of Small Sanctuary

At this point is it even a surprise anymore to see any Akira Yamaoka-penned music from Silent Hill on any “best / memorable music” article?

End of Small Sanctuary, as the name and its usage in the game implies, is the safe-space music from the soundtrack. It’s meant to make you relax before you plunge into the horrors of Silent Hill. It is also at-once nostalgic and makes you reminisce about the good ol’ days of Good Riddance and 3 Doors Down.

Silent Hill 3 OST - End Of Small Sanctuary

Sonic the Hedgehog 3 | Sega Genesis | Ice Cap Zone Act 1

Simple, catchy, groovy—there’s not much to say about this track other than how unapologetically feel-good it is.

Ice Cap Zone (Act 1) - Sonic the Hedgehog 3 [OST]

 

Article by: Hamza

 

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Dungeons 4 Headed to Nintendo Switch on October 17th!

Bracknell, UK - 30th September, 2024 - Publisher Kalypso Media and developer Realmforge Studios have announced a new way to play the fan-favourite dungeon management simulator Dungeons 4, with the official Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition arriving to the Overworld October 17th.

The Tech-Savvy Evil has been hard at work, developing a way to compress raw evilness into its purest, most concentrated form ever. And it has made a breakthrough! Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition, using an ingenious new formula, allows the Nintendo Switch system to simulate an EPI (evils-per-inch) level 666 times beyond what was previously thought possible.

Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition unleashes darkness upon the Overworld as the Dark Elf Thalya seeks to conquer the forces of good once and for all with the help of The Absolute Evil and his compact minions. While Thalya rallies her Snots to her Evil cause, the do-gooders of the world led by Thalya’s abhorrently holy half-brother Tristan, welcome the stalwart Dwarves to their cause to prevent the destruction of the flourishing Overworld.

This edition will contain extra content, not available with any other edition, such as Thalya’s Princess outfit and a fashionable new look for the Little Snots and the throne room. Content from the Digital Deluxe Edition of Dungeons 4 can also be found in the Nintendo Switch edition, including: the iconic ‘Storming of Dollaran’ map from Dungeons 3, the official soundtrack, the digital artbook, and a special skin for the Absolute-Evil’s-Slapping-Hand™.

Dungeons 4 - Nintendo Switch Edition will emerge from the darkness on October 17th and is available for pre-order on September 30th with a 10% pre-order discount. The first DLC for Dungeons 4, titled “The Good, the Bad and the Evil” will also launch on Nintendo Switch on October 17th, with a 10% launch discount until October 24th.

Features:

Follow the Evil Way: Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch™ Edition features 20 fully-voiced (toss a coin to your Narrator) and deliciously evil missions, and several skirmish maps for those seeking a challenge.

Change the world: Set up your evil home base on vast Underworld maps and prepare to spread your Evilness across the huge Overworld, turning the lush environments over to the dark side.

Everything is better with Dwarves™: the Dwarves have arrived to build their underground strongholds as the hardy fellows compete with the Ever-Expanding Evil for space and resources.

The Multi-Faceted Evil: Thalya’s perk system places impressive new powers in her impatient hands.

Work together, slay together: 2-player co-op multiplayer with both players managing one Dungeon together. All maps from the skirmish mode and the campaign are playable in co-op.

Extra Evil: The Dungeons 4 – Nintendo Switch Edition comes with an exclusive “Princess” outfit for Thalya, new skins for the Little Snots and your throne room, as well as the ‘deluxe package’ including the ‘Storming of Dollaran’ map, skins for Thalya and the Evil Hand, the official soundtrack and the digital artbook.

About Kalypso Media:

Kalypso Media Group GmbH is an independent publisher, developer, and marketer of interactive entertainment software with over 200 employees at 10 locations across Germany, England, France, Japan, and the USA. The Kalypso Media Group includes Kasedo Games, the digital label of Kalypso Media Group, along with four development studios: Realmforge Studios (Dungeons series), Gaming Minds Studios (Railway Empire, Port Royale, Tropico 7), Claymore Game Studios (upcoming: Commandos Origins).

Specializing in the development of strategy and simulation games for a global audience on multi-platforms, Kalypso Media Group's IP portfolio includes full rights to the Tropico series, Commandos, Port Royale, Dungeons, Sudden Strike, and Railway Empire, among others. Kalypso Media's most recent releases are Railway Empire 2, Dungeons 4, The Inquisitor and the upcoming Commandos: Origins (2024). Recent releases from Kasedo Games include IXION (PC) and Recipe for Disaster (PC) and the upcoming Warhammer 40000: Mechanicus II. Find out more at www.kalypsomedia.com.

Nintendo Switch is a trademark of Nintendo. 

Article by: Susan N.

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Tactical RPG Metal Slug Tactics Releasing in Fall of 2024

PARIS (Sept. 30, 2024) - Publisher Dotemu (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4) and developer Leikir Studio (Rogue Lords, Synergy) today released a new, in-depth video look at Metal Slug Tactics, the grid-based tactical RPG adaptation of the iconic run-and-gun franchise. Metal Slug Tactics will be released in Fall 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

In the video, Leikir Studio reflects on childhood memories of playing the series in arcades. The team bonds over a shared fondness for the METAL SLUG universe, which Dotemu and Leikir Studio hope to instill in new players and evoke from series veterans when they storm the battlefield in Metal Slug Tactics.

The combat of Metal Slug Tactics takes place in an isometric view, a fresh, reimagined approach to the side-scrolling action for which the series is famous. A change in perspective that affects gameplay and visuals alike, Leikir Studio worked in collaboration with the franchise’s legendary original pixel artists to ensure Metal Slug Tactics authentically captures the spirit of the series’ stunning visuals. The video also explores Metal Slug Tactics’ introduction of new elements to series conventions, including the shift to tactical play, randomization to boost mission replayability, unlockable skills, and roguelite-style progression. It all adds up to a unique and imaginative way to enjoy the world of METAL SLUG.

The classic characters of METAL SLUG return in Metal Slug Tactics, armed with unique abilities that capture their signature personalities and influence each fighter’s approach to combat. With new mechanics such as SYNC team attacks that can be capitalized on through clever field positioning, and a home base-style armory where players select a squad to send into battle, Leikir Studio and Dotemu have transposed the feel of run-and-gun action into a tactical RPG while retaining the series’ DNA of fast-paced gameplay.

Both a respectful homage to an all-time classic and an imaginative new way to celebrate the renowned series, Metal Slug Tactics channels the timeless METAL SLUG aesthetic through gorgeous pixel art and fluid animation. The game’s highly replayable battlefields combine shuffled layouts from handcrafted terrain sectors with subtle roguelite elements, pushing players to adapt and overcome unpredictable clashes as they master dynamic, strategic combat.

Wield classic METAL SLUG weapons, leveraging skill trees, perks, and a super-charged adrenaline system to outwit and demolish the flanks of the series’ signature villains. The action is accompanied by an original soundtrack featuring music from Tee Lopes (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Sonic Mania, Streets of Rage 4’s Mr. X Nightmare DLC). Metal Slug Tactics is wholly developed by Leikir Studio with support from Dotemu and access supplied by IP owner SNK.

For the latest on Metal Slug Tactics, visit https://www.metalslugtactics.com/, follow @Dotemu and @LeikirStudio on X, and wishlist the game on Steam via https://store.steampowered.com/app/1590760/Metal_Slug_Tactics/.

About Dotemu

Dotemu is a French video game company specializing in bringing back the best video games and legendary pop culture licenses on PC and modern consoles, to create neo-retro experiences carefully crafted for fans around the world.

The Dotemu team has published and developed a number of global top-sellers across both PC and console, including the award-winning games Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, other great development and publishing work from Dotemu includes Windjammers 1 & 2, Pharaoh: A New Era and more. Dotemu is currently working with Leikir Studio on Metal Slug Tactics, with more announcements planned for later 2024 and beyond.

Learn more at http://www.dotemu.com.

About Leikir Studio

Leikir Studio is an independent studio based in Ivry sur Seine, France. Specialized in system games, we are passionate about carrying projects that we are passionate about.

We are the creators of the ruthless Isbarah, the warm Wondershot, the robotic I AM LEGION, the diabolical Rogue Lords and the sublime Synergy. Today, we’re putting all our energy and talent into Metal Slug Tactics to honor the hours of joy we had on this mythical license.

About SNK

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, SNK develops, publishes, and distributes interactive entertainment software on a global scale. Known for such franchises as METAL SLUG, THE KING OF FIGHTERS, and SAMURAI SHODOWN, SNK continues to focus on its rich console game and arcade history.

©SNK CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Article by: Susan N.

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Sea of Stars Dawn of Equinox Coming to All Platforms on November 12th!

QUEBEC CITY (Sept. 30, 2024) - Sea of Stars developer and publisher Sabotage Studio today announced Dawn of Equinox, a free content update for the award-winning turn-based RPG inspired by the golden era of ‘90s role-playing classics, will arrive on Nov. 12 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

Following a year of incredible support from the Sea of Stars community, Dawn of Equinox is Sabotage Studio’s gift to thank more than 5 million players for their unwavering love for Sea of Stars. Dawn of Equinox includes some of the most requested features and improvements informed by feedback from players. The update represents Sabotage Studio’s fully realized vision for Sea of Stars’ spectacular adventure.

Dawn of Equinox features:

• All-New Local Co-op: Sea of Stars’ story will be playable in its entirety by up to three players, with allies traversing the world together and mastering a new Co-op Timed Hits combat mechanic.
• Combat 2.0: The addition of Mystery Locks brings a new gameplay loop around revealing the ways to break the spells of enemies each time a new type is encountered in battle. Along with "Reveal" functions added to some of the playable cast’s special skills, Combo Points now remain after battle, offering new ways to open certain encounters, or test different damage types on enemies to reveal their locks. A comprehensive balancing pass has also been done to reflect both these new changes and player feedback since launch.
• A Revamped Prologue: Implementing combat for the young versions of our heroes, the updated flow does away with the flashback structure to begin in their childhood, directly including action in the prologue.
• Bonus Cinematic Scene: An entirely new cutscene has been added to accentuate a pivotal moment in the original adventure, referred to as "Paths on Water."
• A Speedrunner Mode Relic: This new item activates a range of features helpful for those looking to set a new personal best or world record.
• Difficulty Presets: Three difficulty options are now available when starting a new game, which are presets using the game's Relics. New Relics have also been added, both for quality of life and difficulty adjustments.
• Improved Parrot Relic: Sea of Stars’ secret-tracking parrot has learned a few new tricks to better assist players tracking down overlooked challenges and collectibles.
• Quebecois Localization: A comprehensive French Canadian translation for Quebec’s finest Solstice Warriors.
• Quality of Life Improvements: A constellation of general updates and improvements spanning Sea of Stars’ full campaign.

Dawn of Equinox arrives ahead of Throes of the Watchmaker, a free DLC launching in Spring 2025 which will debut a completely new storyline, a new playable character and more as an encore to Sea of Stars’ original adventure. Throes of the Watchmaker will find Sea of Stars’ leading heroes Valere and Zale venturing into a magical miniature clockwork world threatened by a cursed carnival, which forces the Solstice Warriors to adapt to unfamiliar rules to fully master their Sun and Moon powers. The entirety of Throes of the Watchmaker will also be playable in the Local Co-op feature arriving in Dawn of Equinox.

Launched last summer to critical praise from media and fans before being recognized with accolades including Best Independent Game at The Game Awards, Sea of Stars has garnered more than 5 million players and is available across PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One for $34.99. It’s also free to subscribers to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

For complete game information, please visit www.seaofstarsgame.co.

Article by: Susan N.

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EcoGnomix Available on Steam and GoG with a Discount until October 14, 2024!

30 September 2024, Munich, Germany + Wroclaw Poland | Irox Games and Untold Tales are proud to announce that EcoGnomix, the quirky turn-based roguelite mining + cozy city builder hybrid is available now Steam and GOG.

The game is currently in QA on Nintendo Switch and is planned for release sometime in November 2024.

A 20% discount on launch means the game will be 15.99 USD / 14.40 GBP / 15.60 EUR until 14 October 2024.

WHAT IS ECOGNOMIX?

Build a cozy little city above, by looting mystical caves with a team of gnomes below!

In EcoGnomix you send a team of specialist gnomes on rogue-lite runs into a labyrinth of enchanted caves to bring back resources to expand your village above. Grow your little gnome-topia to let your expedition teams go deeper and deeper into the caves.

Pick your team to gather resources, collect supplies, and fight off foes in strategic turn-based gameplay. But be warned with each turn, the cave becomes more and more unstable, and ravenous bats pick away at your dwindling supplies. So decide when it’s time to leave and plan carefully. The deeper you go, the more supplies you’ll need to stay and fight. So balance your resources, adapt your team as you progress through various biomes, combine various upgrades and units to create powerful synergies, and know that no matter how a run ends, you’ll never leave empty-handed.

GAME FEATURES

Build Your Little Gnome Village

Above the caves is where you will build your thriving little gnome village. Unlock new buildings to get upgrades and abilities, establish production chains for valuable resources, and build up a tiny economy to help your team of gnomes venture further on their adventures for riches.

Strategic Rogulite Runs

Every level needs you to think and play strategically. Pick from a variety of gnomes to deploy, each with their own specialty. Place them at the start of your turn and send them to work gathering resources and supplies while fighting off foes. At the end of your turn, reposition your entire team, add more gnomes if needed, and gather again!

But be warned with each turn, the cave becomes more and more unstable and ravenous bats pick away at your supplies. So decide when it’s time to leave and move on. Choose your path down the caves as you decide which routes to take. The deeper you go, the more supplies you’ll need to stay so think carefully and plan each move.

A Different Team For Every Expedition

Every run lets you adapt, change, and upgrade your team at various points, making each expedition into the caves unique. Modify your team and playstyle to what you need out of the run, mixing it up when a change of tactics is required. Pick and swap from a variety of gnomes to get the job done, assign game-changing upgrades that combine in unexpected ways, and discover hidden special abilities for certain gnomes.

Progress With Every Run

Venture into the caves knowing each run gets you resources no matter how they end. The deeper you go, the more valuable resources you can gather but no matter the outcome, you won’t return empty-handed.

Article by: Susan N.

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Spirit Mancer Releases November 7th on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch

Montpellier, France - September 27, 2024 | Dear Villagers and Sunny Syrup Studio are proud to announce the release of Spirit Mancer this November 7 on PC, PS5 and Nintendo Switch. The title, which has just launched a demo on Steam (demo link), offers a 2D Hack and Slash adventure with deck-building mechanics inspired by classics like Mega Man, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and Pokemon. Players are in the role of a modern-day demon hunter, they can go alone or also can join forces with a friend in local couch co-op mode. Slash, Shoot and Break hordes of demons from Ars Goetia and stop the evil queen with the power of the Spirit Mancer. Capture their spirits and summon them out into battle in the beautiful yet dangerous world of Inferno!

Spirit Mancer is getting a great recognition lately, as the game won 6 awards at the Play Prime Awards, also it is currently participating of the Tokyo Game Show, and got shortlisted as finalist in the SEA Games Award 2024 in Malaysia, which will have its winners announced by next week, on the 2nd of October.

New Feature Revealed: 

Develop your Village and build your character!

Meet the Anans! a low level demon class that lives across the inferno, they don't have a special power but they are very adaptable to any condition and also are very good at following orders, that will help our heroes. As you progress in the game, the city will be offering you new facilities built the Anans, like stores that will allow you to trade and buy new items, a bar where you can access new side and main missions, a potion store where you will be able to find summoning cards, a bank, fishery, a gun store. You will even find the Anan adventurer's guild, which will allow you to send them on expeditions in search of more resources!

Key Features

• Hack and Slash action combines with deck building elements.
• With a skill base card, you can summon demons to do your bidding and help you during combat.
• Local co-op support.
• Like in the old arcade times, join forces with a friend and jump together for an epic battle into a colourful and vibrant inferno.
• 100+ Unique enemies you can fight and capture
• Huge variety of unique monsters and demons that you can fight and capture.
• Summon captured enemies to battle as spirit cards
• Capture any demons into spirit cards then summon them out into battle as your friends.
• Deck building with 100+ spirit cards
• Build your deck with demon spirits that you want in your pocket.
• 10+ Guns and weapons to be used
• Blast any foes with a large variety of weapons.
• 8+ levels for you to explore
• Beautiful beach, Volcanic fortress, Lush forest, and more Adventure a huge fantasy world of inferno with 20+ biomes to explore.

Links

• Steam page
• Website

About Sunny Syrup Studio 

Sunny Syrup Studio is a group of people from Thailand who love playing video games and drawing amazing pixel art (and animals). Creating Spirit Mancer a 2D action adventure/Card game where you fight demons by capturing them and summoning them to fight alongside you. 

About Dear Villagers 

Based in the South of France, in sunny Montpellier, we are a boutique publishing label composed of a team of twenty people. Open-minded and versatile, Dear Villagers offers handcrafted marketing and production guidance. Our mission: We tell memorable stories through memorable games. We love pixels, but we believe in people.

Article by: Susan N.

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Immerse Yourself in an Adventure Game Inspired by Persian Mythology During Steam Next Fest!

Paris, September 26, 2024 - ARTE, RTBF, Ram Ram Games and Business Goose are proud to announce that 30 BIRDS, an adventure game inspired by Persian mythology, will be released at the end of 2024 on Nintendo Switch and PC/Mac via Steam. 

30 BIRDS is a poetic and light-hearted game that combines an oriental fairy tale with a thrilling investigation.

Zig, a young woman and mysterious detective, wanders through a mystical world of spinning lanterns to find the thirty birds that will enable her to save Simurgh, the missing patron goddess. Along the way, Zig encounters curious characters and colourful challenges. 

In this mesmerising journey, the player takes on the role of Zig as she navigates through breathtaking landscapes and solves fun and complex puzzles in an attempt to unravel the mystery of Simurgh's disappearance.

The stunning artistic direction of 30 BIRDS was inspired by a trip to Istanbul during which the two creators, Coline Sauvand and Laurent Toulouse, discovered Persian miniatures, a 15th-century Persian pictorial tradition. 

After producing a book in 2014, ‘Le Carnet d'Istanbul’, featuring a story, sketches and revisited Persian miniatures, they wanted to transcribe their experience and use their illustrations to create a video game.

The hand-painted sets in 30 BIRDS create a captivating, enchanted world where 2D and 3D complement each other in a unique way to the rhythm of the electro soundtrack.

30 BIRDS will be participating in the Steam Next Fest from 14 to 21 October, 2024. A brand new demo of the game will be available for the event.

About ARTE 

Founded in 1992, ARTE is a European public cultural television channel and digital network focusing on creation and innovation. Over the past ten years, ARTE has co-produced a number of interactive games such as Type:Rider, Homo Machina, Vectronom, Inua, How to Say Goodbye and To Hell with the Ugly. More information on the official website and the Twitter page of Arte Interactif.

About Ram Ram Games

Coline Sauvand, author and illustrator, and Laurent Toulouse, self-taught programmer and music producer, founded together Ram Ram Games to develop their first videogame: 30 Birds

About Business Goose

Business Goose is the result of passionate gamers and creatives meeting and bringing their love for video games to a higher level.

The two Belgian studios began working together in 2022, drawing on their diverse expertise and talents to jointly develop this unique universe that is 30 Birds.

About RTBF iXPé 

RTBF iXPé is the public service media in French-speaking Belgium dedicated to video games, esports and geek culture. Its aim is to inform, educate and entertain audiences about the topics and issues related to these themes. 

RTBF is also committed to supporting Belgian video game development studios through the co-production of ambitious and inspiring projects. As part of this ongoing commitment, RTBF iXPé also aims to catalyse the development of video game-related themes in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

Article by: Susan N.

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Monster Hunter Wilds Has Revealed Yian Kut-Ku, a Fan Favorite Monster!

Today, an "extended kut" of the latest Monster Hunter Wilds trailer debuted at the TGS 2024 Capcom Online Program, revealing Yian Kut-Ku. This fan-favorite monster is making its long-awaited return to the series in Monster Hunter Wilds. In this wild footage, the plucky Bird Wyvern is seen in the Scarlet Forest, with flocks nesting amongst overgrown ruins and soaring high above the verdant woodland’s towering trees.

The broadcast also journeyed deeper into the Forbidden Lands with an overview guided by Alma, the Hunter’s handler. This presentation highlighted many core features and improvements hunters can look forward to in Monster Hunter Wilds, such as details about the game’s seamless living world, rich biodiversity, and dynamic weather. Alma’s briefing also covered how hunters can rise to the challenges presented by this harsh landscape, including utilizing multiple weapons, crafting gear, setting up camps, and relying on friends and allies like the Seikret mount, other players, and NPC Support Hunters.

Monster Hunter Wilds is gearing up for a simultaneous worldwide release on February 28, 2025, across PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam with crossplay support. The highly anticipated action RPG is now available for pre-order. Players who pre-order the title will receive the “Guild Knight Set” layered armor and “Hope Charm” Talisman as special bonuses. Pre-orders made through the PlayStation®Store will also include a Digital Mini Art Book as an additional bonus.

Additional Highlights from the TGS 2024 Capcom Online Program!

• Street Fighter 6 welcomes Terry from SNK’s popular fighting game series Fatal Fury as the first-ever guest character in the Street Fighter series, and he’s already making (power) waves! Terry will soon be joined by SNK’s Mai and the returning Elena in 2025 to round out Year 2 of Street Fighter 6. Also dropped alongside Terry are two brand new features to help new and veteran fighters train to be the very bestV-Rival and Replay Review. Test your might against specific characters and skill levels via aggregated online player data (V-Rival) and take control of Online/Offline replays to study what could have been done differently (Replay Review)!
• MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is out now digitally across Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, and PC via Steam, with an Xbox One digital release coming in 2025! For the first time ever, play seven classic games on modern consoles in one collection chock full of new features like seamless online gameplay with rollback netcode, training mode across all fighting games, a treasure trove of in-game Museum content, and more! Stay tuned for the physical release on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 kicking off on November 22, 2024!
• Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings back iconic prosecutor Miles Edgeworth in a thrilling return to crime scenes and courtrooms with sharper visuals, new quality-of-life features, and an extensive in-game Gallery, available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Windows and Steam. It’s also time to call an emergency meeting as Ace Attorney™ crosses over with Among Us in an unexpected twist! Players can now sport a brand-new Edgeworth skin, free to unlock, and bring their prosecutorial prowess to the hunt for imposters.
• Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is available digitally across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam, bringing everyone’s favorite zombie paradise action game with new and improved features to players around the world! Catch the physical release on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 starting on November 8, 2024!
• Capcom Fighting Collection™ 2 features eight unforgettable games, including Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001, Project Justice, Power Stone 2, and much more, with new features like online play and quality-of-life updates across every game in the collection! Catch the release in 2025!
• The Street Fighter League Japan season has already kicked off in Street Fighter 6, featuring three new teams: Crazy Raccoon, FUKUSHIMA IBUSHIGIN, and Yogibo REJECT! Street Fighter League US returns on October 16, followed by Street Fighter League Europe later this year. Champions from each region will meet at Capcom Cup 11 in Tokyo, Japan, where the ultimate champion will be crowned. Plus, don’t miss the finale of Capcom Pro Tour 2024 at Capcom Cup 11, with a $1 million grand prize on the line!

Article by: Susan N.

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Memorable Music in Gaming #52

Synth, serene and atmospheric music always have a place in games that get your feet and body going in your seat as you navigate whatever adventure it slides into. 

Deep Fear | Sega Saturn | Surfacing

If this track, with its choir vocals, sounds oddly cinematic and atmospheric to you, I wouldn’t be surprised - for it was composed by none other than Kenji Kawai.

This is the same guy who did the soundtrack of the Ghost in the Shell anime. ‘Nuff said.

Deep Fear OST - 15 - Surfacing

 

Silent Hill 2 | PS2 | The Day of Night

Fun fact: I’m hearing impaired, which means sounds & voices of a certain decibel are what my ears can detect. Having this impairment results in popping and blocking of my hearing, so it’s always a guessing game from my colleagues whether I’m listening to them or not.

I often play this particular track at a certain volume to assess my hearing level. If I can hear the dulcet piano strokes, then I suppose it’s all right. If barely, then SPEAK UP!!

The Day Of Night 

 

Hotline Miami | PC | Hydrogen

MOON is a certified madman of the synthwave scene. His work is so unabashedly, unapologetically unhinged, and I absolutely love him for it.

Hydrogen may not have kickstarted the genre, but I believe this is one of the handful few that should be representative of the more hypnotic, foot-thumping side of the synthwave scene.

M.O.O.N. - 'Hydrogen' [Hotline Miami Soundtrack]

 

Epsilon Program Theme | PC | GTA V

It’s annoying how catchy and serene this music is. This one feels like it is coming from that pink boombox (you know the one), while you’re aimlessly wandering in the liminal backrooms.

Kifflom - Epsilon Program Theme Song

 

Valadilene Theme | PC | Syberia

I consider Syberia to be video game canon; games that are quintessential to the industry and must be played at-least once. There’s not a single weak element about this game.

The game starts off at Valadilene, which means this is the first piece of music you hear as you enter the clockpunk world of Syberia. It is at-once nostalgic and just as pretty as the cursive, handwritten logo of the game.

If the point and click adventure genre were to have an official theme, I’d choose this one.

Syberia l Valadilene Theme l Microids

Article by: Hamza 

 

 

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