City of the Shroud, the beautiful tactical RPG written by a chart-topping author Moira Katson has been Kickstarted and Greenlit and now Brighton-based studio – Abyssal Arts – will launch pre-order at this week’s EGX.
Come play the game and let highly engaging developer Keaton White explain why City of the Shroud will kick the genre’s a*se – with its community-driven narrative, real time tactical combat, and online versus mode – when it launches on PC in Q1 2017.
Keaton will be demoing City of the Shroud throughout this week’s EGX, Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th September at the NEC, Birmingham.
With gaming as we know it is about to change, as an exciting and new cloud gaming service, Playkey, launches today in the UK. Turning gaming on its head, Playkey provides PC gamers with the technology they need to play the blockbuster titles they adore, but with the hardware they can all afford.
How? Well, Playkey delivers top quality video streaming through powerful gaming servers, allowing millions of PC owners across the UK to play the best-selling games on virtually any PC, Mac or laptop.
Whether you choose to explore the many kingdoms and cities as the witcher Geralt in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, or play as the Sole Survivor in Fallout 4, there is a game to suit the tastes of both MMO and hard-core gamers. With over 20 triple-A titles currently available and the site being updated each month, Playkey subscribers will be spoilt for choice.
Playkey is at the forefront of cloud gaming technology, utilising technology almost similar to services such as Gaikai. It provides players with digital download model and a cloud PC rent to suit their gaming needs and once registered you receive access to a handful of free-to-download games and can purchase the latest chart-topping games at retail price.
With subscriptions starting from £0.90 for 1 hour and £9 for 1 month of access, Playkey is the only service which offers a solution to launch games straight after their official PC-release. Furthermore, games previously owned can also be launched on Playkey, if the game is already available on the service.
Egor Gurjev, CEO at Playkey, said: “We’re incredibly excited to be launching Playkey in the UK and our goal is to bring high-quality gaming to everyone, not just those with high-specification PCs. The gaming industry is constantly evolving and growing. We want to provide gaming fans the games they love, without the worry of their technology letting them down.”
A launch demo period is currently available for free and all games are available “as is” with all of their specific features, including multiplayer, social features and achievements.
Playkey is available for Windows and MacOS and for more information visit www.playkey.net.
It been revealed that the gripping new trailer for BATMAN – The Telltale Series – Episode 2: Children of Arkham.
With Gotham City’s first family mired in corruption, and an old friend now a dangerous adversary, the life of the Dark Knight is turned upside down. What was Thomas Wayne entangled in, and why was he killed? Determined to learn the truth about his father, Bruce sets out to question those involved in Gotham’s criminal past. But which mask will he wear – The billionaire, or the bat? Huge decisions will forever change the Batman and the lives of those around him, as he meets the Children of Arkham.
The second of five episodes in the season, Episode 2: ‘Children of Arkham’ will be available digitally worldwide starting Tuesday September 20th on PC from the Telltale Online Store, Steam, and other digital distribution services, on the PlayStation Network for PlayStation 4, and on the Xbox Games Store for Xbox One.
Release dates for additional platforms will be announced later in September.
The series is also available to purchase at retailers in North America now as a special Season Pass Disc, which includes the first of five episodes in the season, and will grant access to the subsequent four episodes as they become available for download via online updates. The series will also be available to purchase at retailers across Europe on September 16th.
Rendered to look like a living, breathing comic book, Telltale’s vision of Batman features an award-winning cast of talent, including Troy Baker in the role of Bruce Wayne,Travis Willingham as Harvey Dent,Erin Yvette as Vicki Vale,Enn Reitel as Alfred Pennyworth,Murphy Guyer as Lieutenant James Gordon,Richard McGonagle as Carmine Falcone, Jason Spisak as Oswald Cobblepot, and Laura Bailey as Selina Kyle. Additional cast and characters will be revealed as the season progresses.
PLAY Expo Manchester, the largest video game expo in the North of England, has announced today that Machinima, the hugely popular online video platform, will serve as the official streaming partner for the two-day gaming event, taking place at EventCity, Manchester, October 8th and 9th 2016.
As the official streaming partner for PLAY Expo Manchester, Machinima will be broadcasting from their custom streaming lounge on the expo floor. With their trademark blend of anarchy and humour, Machinima will present a constant stream of content including gaming industry interviewers, celebrity appearances, coverage of the expo floor, cosplay guests and surprises galore! Viewers can expect the unexpected and are promised a weekend of gaming programming like no other!
Cultivator of fandom and gamer culture, Machinima, creates, curates and celebrates the best gamer content across multiple video platforms. As one of the largest online video platforms in the world, Machinima programs to a community passionate about video games, animation, movies, TV, and the other endless forms of pop culture, reaching over 151 million viewers each month.
“PLAY Expo continues to grow in scope and ambition, we’re certain it’s going to be our biggest event ever, and we are so excited to be welcoming world-famous Machinima to PLAY Expo as our official streaming partners,” said Andy Brown, Director for Replay Events. “Real gamers know that Machinima is in a league of its own and we’re certain that they’ll do justice to PLAY Expo with a constant stream of compelling content. With many more big-name publishers and special events still to announce, we have no doubt Machinima will have their work cut out to cover it all!”
Daniel Routledge, CEO for MachinimaSBOC Ltd said, “MachinimaSBOC are proud to be an official partner of PLAY Expo Manchester 2016. We’ll be live streaming from the two-day event on YouTube Gaming, Twitch, Periscope and Facebook Live showcasing some great current and retro games, interviews, competitions and our trademark wrongness and quirky entertainment on the 8th-9th October.”
Returning for its fifth year, PLAY Expo Manchester is a highly popular two-day video game event, ideal for all the family and offering visitors an unrivalled experience with features, tournaments, exhibitors, industry guests, panels and so much more. Celebrating gaming and popular culture, the expo uniquely caters for casual fans and dedicated gamers alike and promises to be an event not to be missed.
Today, Activision and Infinity Ward released a brand new story trailer gives fans a glimpse into the narrative featured in Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare’s rich story campaign. With the new game returns to the roots of the series for a classic war story that, for the first time in franchise history, extends beyond the reaches of Earth into the vast expanse of our solar system.
The trailer also features the first in-game footage of actor Kit Harington, who plays Admiral Salen Kotch of the Settlement Defense Front, and UFC fighter Conor McGregor, who plays Captain Bradley Fillion of the Settlement Defense Front.
As the hype for the next Call of Duty game(s) rises, it’s no coincidence that the player base for Black Ops 3 slowly dwindles. The fourth and final DLC, Salvation, hopes to bring back a few fans with their swan song. Four multiplayer maps, and the rumoured final zombies episode of the saga is on offer here. Can it end on a high, or will its name succumb to irony?
Elder Scrolls of Duty: Quake
Citadel came up first during my play time; setting the overall tone of the map pack at a level of surprise. Despite its abandoned castle atmosphere ordinarily being more suited to something out of an Elder Scrolls dungeon or an old Quake map, it works surprisingly well. The gloomy greens help offset its gothic self from the other available maps too. The drawbridge, alongside some long hallways, help cater for the snipers and long range engagements, whilst the many claustrophobic areas let your inner madman run free.
Micro, in terms of looks, is probably the complete polar opposite. Its ‘wacky’ micro machines-esque design will inevitably split opinions. On the one hand, its bright palette helps revitalise colour into the shooting genre, whereas on the other, it comes across a little too cringe-worthy for me. Either way, we’ve certainly come a long way from the warzones featured in the past games. As much as I’m not exactly a fan of battling through pizza boxes and cups, the map does play well. A few crafty wall run spots are placed about too, helping you get the jump on ‘that guy’ who’s pushing the spawns a little too hard.
It’s not for me…
Rupture is the first of two remade maps in Salvation, and is probably the weakest map available. Remember the World at War maps with pilotable tanks? Well this is a reimagining of probably the most popular one, ‘Outskirts’, complete with vehicles. The map itself can be great fun to play on, its colourful and futuristic design is reminiscent of some of Black Ops 2’s greats, yet the ‘mechs’ are in all honesty, a tad disappointing. Thankfully they’re not particularly overpowering at least, and you do have to exit them in order to capture domination points etc. The climb to the top of the fabled tower takes a little less time nowadays too, meaning you’ll often contend with a pesky sniper up there, despite them not often lasting long uncontested.
Outlaw rounds off the multiplayer maps by bringing back an old classic, and many peoples favourite from Black Ops 2, ‘Standoff’. Remade in an ol’ Western theme, the four year old map holds well with the new movement system. Experienced players will remember the over-watching sniper spots and steer rightfully clear, and I’m sure many like myself, will be glad there’s no ‘target finder LMG’s’ in the game. Working well no matter the game type, its medium size caters to all manner of players too.
A Western Standoff
Revelations, the eagerly awaited conclusion to the zombies storyline that’s spanned over four games, and across two generations of consoles. It’s difficult to go over the map for inevitable spoiler reasons, but I will say that if you’ve played a lot of zombies in your time, you’re in for a serious influx of memories. To just sit and play the map afresh would perhaps do it an injustice; the amount of fan service to the dedicated followers is simply fantastic. Of course it goes without saying that there are the usual easter eggs, wonder weapons and a general plethora of secrets to discover too, once you can overcome the nostalgic factor that is…
Salvation is probably a fitting end for the Black Ops 3 DLC cycle, it seems Treyarch have thrown caution to the wind and let their creativity run free. The two map remakes are both iconic and synonymous with some of their best work; even if Rupture didn’t quite live up to my expectations, it can still be a blast to play. Citadel and Micro feature looks that are usually so far removed from the genre, that they’re completely unexpected. And despite my personal feelings towards the visuals of Micro, it’s once again, a fun map no matter the game mode. Revelations is such a trip of a nostalgia and reminiscence that it’s almost worth the fee alone; zombies fans will certainly enjoy the trip. Once again, the lack of any weapons or specialists included in the pack does sting a little; especially considering the amount of money you’ve already committed to what is a yearly release. Aside from that though, Salvation is easily one of Black Ops 3’s best DLC packs.
Activision today unveiled a brand new Sensei from Skylanders Imaginators today – Air Strike!
Before he began training Brawlers, Air Strike trained birds – especially the rare Blue Zephyr Falcons. They were once one of Skylands’ most endangered species, but Air Strike taught them how to defend themselves from predators… and not fly into windows. Birds would come from all over Skylands to learn his proven techniques. But despite their new defensive skills, the Blue Zephyr Falcons continued to be hunted by a band of evil trolls, who liked to use their eggs in blue-bacon omelettes. So it was time for Air Strike to strike back!
He journeyed to the peak of the Zephyr Mountain and single handedly took down the trolls, rescuing the stolen eggs. After returning them to their mother, one of the eggs hatched, revealing a very energetic Falcon that would not leave his side. Air Strike named him “Birdie” – and together, they now use their skills to train Skylanders, despite Master Eon’s crippling fear of falcons.
And here is around 6 minutes of brand new gameplay featuring Air Strike:
Xbox One console heisters can now mask up and break out the thermal drills as 505 Games and Starbreeze AB revealed that ‘The Big Score’ bundle for PAYDAY 2: Crimewave Edition is now available for purchase on Xbox One via the Microsoft Store. The Big Score brings a substantial and long-awaited payout of 10 premium DLC for heisters seeking new experiences in their larcenous adventures, at a discount so players don’t have to break the bank in order to break-into the bank.
In addition, all players who own PAYDAY 2: Crimewave Edition will receive a free update that brings more than 20 free content updates which includes items like the First World Bank Heist, the Overkill Pack, the Jacket Character Pack, and much more.
PAYDAY 2: Crimewave Edition gives gamers the tense thrill of planning and pulling off heists as up to four players must work together to complete a number of illegal, strategic and action-heavy jobs, including robbing banks, for their big pay day. As missions are completed, players can change up their playstyle with upgrades to their skillset, guns and gear – all in stunning 1080p HD visuals.
The Big Score release for PAYDAY 2: Crimewave Edition offers players a flexible selection of 10 premium DLC packs that can be purchased separately for between $4.99 and $6.99 per pack. Players can also purchase all 10 packs together for $39.99 – a 30% savings for thrifty heisters. The Big Score packs include:
The Pointbreak Heists – $6.99
The Alesso Heist – $6.99
The Golden Grin Casino Heist – $6.99
The Sokol Character Pack – $4.99
The Yakuza Character Pack – $4.99
Butcher’s AK/CAR Mod Pack – $4.99
Butcher’s BBQ Pack – $4.99
Butcher’s Western Pack – $4.99
The Gage Ninja Pack – $4.99
Gage Chivalry Pack – $4.99
PAYDAY 2: Crimewave Edition is also available for purchase on the Microsoft Store for $19.99. In addition to having the option to bundle the game with The Big Score DLC bundle for $49.99, new players can also look forward to the retail version of PAYDAY 2 – The Big Score in Fall 2016. The retail version contains the base game, The Big Score DLC bundle and the Royalty Collection of masks for heisters wanting a more regal look while on the job.
PAYDAY 2: The Big Score is available via digital download now on the Microsoft Store for Xbox One for $39.99. Players can also bundle PAYDAY 2: Crimewave Edition with the bundle for $49.99 and look forward to the retail version in Fall 2016 for $49.99 as well.
Ubisoft Abu Dhabi in conjunction with CBS Interactive, NCIS: Hidden Crimes takes players on thrilling investigations to unmask a secret conspiracy in the free-to-play adventure/puzzle game released today worldwide for iOS and Android devices.
Join Gibbs, Abby and the rest of the NCIS team as a secret agent solving crimes of murder and espionage with ties to the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. In this thrilling investigative game, players search for clues in captivating scenes, reveal the suspects, make the arrest and put away the criminals.
NCIS: Hidden Crimes is faithful to the NCIS universe and features a strong narrative arc with unique and original scenarios and gameplay features that include six different investigative modes, nine mini-games and additional surprise actions. The game comes to life as players are drawn into stunning animated settings with lively characters and avatars, rich gameplay, engaging social features and challenging goals to complete – all set in a dynamic, living environment with high quality graphics.
“We are extremely proud of this game, which will bring fans closer to the series as they solve parallel, light-hearted cases, peppered with a healthy dose of entertaining NCIS team dynamics,” said Alexia Brumé, International Brand Manager on the title. “We tried something new with the IP and extended the content to include aspects of adventure and puzzle games combined with investigative features set in a rich graphical environment. This is a style that we believe will appeal to NCIS fans of all ages and demographics around the world.” Added Yannick Theler, Managing Director at Ubisoft Abu Dhabi.
NCIS: Hidden Crimes is now available as a free download for universal iOS devices in the App Store and for Android smartphones and tablets in the Google Play store. The game will be available worldwide in the following languages: English, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Simplified Chinese, Spanish and Traditional Chinese.
Square Enix Collective, fresh from the success of launching the highly acclaimed first-person puzzler, The Turing Test – Very Positive on Steam with 400+ reviews – will announce its latest game in a worldwide exclusive at this month’s EGX, running Thursday 22nd to Sunday 25th September.
In partnership with PlayStation, Square Enix Collective will reveal its latest high quality and diverse title live on the PlayStation Access stage at 13:00 BST on Thursday 22 September. Those unable to attend EGX will be able to watch the livestream of the reveal, anywhere in the world.
In addition to the worldwide reveal, gamers and press will be able to have the exclusive first play and meet the developers throughout the show at the Square Enix Collective booth in the Rezzed Zone as well for four other recently released and upcoming titles.
Black The Fall
Black The Fall is an immensely atmospheric side-scrolling action adventure for PC and digital consoles set in a dark and oppressive land, inspired by the Sand Sailor team’s upbringing in Communist Romania. Developed by Sand Sailor Studio for PC in Q1 2017 with console later on, Discover a forgotten industrial world where strict rules and harsh punishments tore the fabric of humanity itself.
What will you do to survive? Solve puzzles to progress, all the while attempting to avoid suspicion and alerting the intent… and unfriendly… gaze of the State. Black The Fall will be published on both PC and consoles by Square Enix Collective in Q1 2017.
Oh My Godheads
Oh My Godheads is developed by Titutitech and is the world’s first capture-the-head action game for 1-4 players about Q1 2017 for PC with console later on. Capture-the-head is like capture-the-flag, but the flag is an ancient head that’s alive, angry, and after you! Fight with friends to capture these furious, living heads and bring them back to your team’s plinth… if you can.
Borne from a love of old school multiplayer games like Micro Machines, Worms, and Street Fighter, Titutitech wanted to recreate the fun, fast-paced multiplayer experience of those games while adding full 3D environments for more tactics, more depth, and more replayability. Oh, did we mention it’s got exploding pies?
Tokyo Dark
Tokyo Dark developed by Cherrymochi (out for PC/Mac in 2017)is a side scrolling point-and-click mystery adventure game for Windows and Mac. As Detective Itō you’ll explore Tokyo – following leads, collecting clues, and making difficult decisions with far-reaching consequences.
Tokyo Dark features a huge number of dialogue choices and interactions that affect character attributes and change the outcome of the story. Unlike a visual novel, you’ll control Detective Itō directly as you explore Tokyo, trying to balance your professional duty, personal life, and sanity. Will the past come back to haunt you, or will you stand by your decisions?
The Turing Test
In the Turing Test out now for PC and Xbox One, you play the role of Ava Turing, an engineer for the International Space Agency (ISA) who attempts to uncover the truth behind the research base on Jupiter’s moon, Europa, in this gorgeous first-person puzzle game built with Unreal Engine 4. Solve puzzles using your Energy Manipulation Tool (EMT) to transfer power out of one object and into another; power up and take control of artificially intelligent machines, manipulate giant structures and solve complex tasks – all woven into a multi-layered story based on the human struggle for control.
The Turing Test is developed by Bulkhead Interactive, and published on PC by Square Enix Collective in August 2016.
“After a highly successful EGX Rezzed, E3 and Gamescom we can’t wait to round-off our 2016 event calendar at EGX, featuring five fantastic playable games – including an exclusive worldwide reveal,” said Phil Elliott, creator and project lead on Square Enix Collective. “Last month’s release of the very well received first-person puzzler The Turing Test demonstrates the Collective’s commitment to delivering a diverse and quality catalogue of titles.”
At Tokyo Game Show earlier today, Capcom confirmed several new details about the Resident Evil 7 biohazard Teaser: Beginning Hour demo. Currently available exclusively to PlayStation Plus subscribers, Capcom shared that the demo has just recently reached over 3 million downloads worldwide to date.
It was also announced that the demo will receive a brand new update that allows players to explore more of the mysterious, derelict mansion. This new “Twilight” version will be available shortly today, 15th September, and will be available for all PS4 users to download.
Pre-orders for Resident Evil 7 will soon be available on PlayStation 4 across EMEA territories. The standard edition of the title can be pre-ordered shortly for £49.99/€64.99 and will include a custom theme for the console.
Users in EMEA Sony regions also have the option to pre-order either the Day-1 Survival Edition or Deluxe Edition of the upcoming horror release.
The Day-1 Survival Edition will only be available to purchase up until the game’s full release for a special price of £52.99/€69.99 and will contain both the custom theme and the Survival Pack: Recovery Set which includes consumable healing items, an early unlock of the insanely difficult Madhouse mode, and a mysterious Lucky Coin in-game defense item. The Deluxe Edition priced at €94.99/ £69.99 will include all the content from the Day-1 Survival Edition as well as a Season Pass containing access to three additional playable story episodes which will be launching after the title’s release on 24th January, 2017.
Pre-orders for Microsoft and Steam digital releases will be available in the coming weeks.
Watch the official trailer for Destiny: Rise of iron is available on 20th September and includes a new cinematic story campaign, a new location ‘The Plaguelands’ to explore, a brand new social space ‘Felwinter Peak’, a new six-player Raid, new and remastered three-player co-operative Strikes and even more ways to customise your Guardian with all-new weapons and gear.
Today, Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment released the second episode in the “Meet That Hero!” video series, featuring the extra special extraterrestrials Supergirl and E.T. (and a Doctor Who cameo)!
In the video, The Girl of Steel introduces viewers to the lovable E.T. and a variety of super powers to help others in the game, including the ability to phone his intergalactic crew.
