Review: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredders Revenge

Developer – Tribute Games Publisher – Dotemu Platforms – Windows PC®, Xbox Series S|X, Xbox One, PS4|5, Nintendo Switch English review performed by writer David, Tysk anmeldelse av forfatter Richard O’Connor. Norsk anmeldelse Tysk anmeldelseTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Et klassisk band med mutanthelter med halvskall som tilhører noen tradisjonelle og populære spill. De har spilt hovedrollen i beat ’em ups, obskure og vanskelige NES-plattformspillere og bedre enn forventet kampspill. Dotemu tok på seg restaureringen av Streets of Rage, men kunne du gjøre det samme med skilpaddene? Utviklingen av dette spillet har blitt diskutert jevnlig siden det ble kunngjort. Forventningen var skyhøy på grunn av kulten etter de originale spillene. Ville du laget en oppfølger? En omstart? Remaster eller åndelig etterfølger? Dotemu ble guidet av den vellykkede tilnærmingen de tok med Streets of Rage 4, som vokste ut av innsatsen til et kollektiv av hardcore-fans og en lidenskap for en klassiker. Tribute Games har skapt noe kjent, men helt nytt, med noen smarte endringer og noe for enhver smak. Shredders Revenge er et skue. Den pikselbaserte 2D-kunsten er veldig godt håndtegnet og animert, og tilbyr en annen tilnærming til stil enn Windjammers 2 og SOF4. Denne visuelle tilnærmingen resulterer i en nostalgisk, men likevel moderne presentasjon, delvis takket være rike farger og spesialeffekter når spesielle bevegelser brukes. Nivåene er detaljerte og har en enorm visuell stil som er like variert som innstillingene. Sjefene fyller skjermen, og samarbeidsmodusen for seks spillere er en fryd for øyet, selv om den kan bli for travel til tider. Spillet fungerer solid over hele linja. Spillet kjører bunnsolid med seksti bilder per sekund. Den nye kunststilen har flotte animasjoner. Jeg elsket det visuelle utseendet til Streets of Rage 4, men Shredders Revenges pikselerte stil fanger den originale essensen og moderniserer den perfekt. Den store mengden kjærlighet som gikk inn i skilpaddene kan merkes i hvert øyeblikk av spillet. Tilfredsstillelsen ved å kaste fotklanen foran kameraet og bruke de forskjellige nye hopp- og dykkesparkteknikkene er uovertruffen. Etter den første økten min hadde hånden blemmer som jeg vanligvis bare får når jeg spiller noen klassiske arkadekjempere. I løpet av gjennomgangsperioden testet jeg online og lokalt spill, og mesh-koden fungerte bra. Jeg skal sjekke ut selve spillet når det er i flere folks hender, men tidlige rapporter er solide. Enkeltspillermoduser er delt inn i historiemodus og arkademodus. Arcade-modus tilbyr den klassiske opplevelsen. Begrensede liv, ingen oppfølgere og en ny start hver gang du spiller. Historiemodus har et verdenskart med sideoppdrag. Disse sideoppdragene lar deg oppgradere hver karakter med en håndfull nye trekk. Flyttelisten blir aldri for komplisert, men den gir akkurat nok visuell stil og nytte til å legge til noe sårt tiltrengt gjenspillbarhet til historieoppdragene. Alt i alt fortjener Dotemu og Tribute Games stor ros. Å lage en oppfølger til en kultklassiker med en populær verden som Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles kan vise seg å være en umulig oppgave. De går på linjen så godt noen kan håpe. De legger ikke til noe for sprøtt, og den utmerkede mesh-koden og nye karakterene gir en flott tid for enten tilbakevendende fans eller helt nye spillere. English Review Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. A classic group of mutant heroes in half-shells that belong to some traditional and beloved games. They’ve starred in beat ’em ups, obscure and difficult NES platformers, and better-than-expected fighting games. Dotemu took on restoring Streets of Rage, but could the same be done with the turtles? The development of this game has been discussed regularly ever since its announcement. Anticipation has been sky high due to the cult following the original games carry. Would they do a sequel? A reboot? A remaster or spiritual successor? Dotemu was guided by the successful approach they took with Streets of Rage 4, which was born through the efforts of a collective of hardcore fans and a passion for a classic. Tribute Games has created something familiar but all new, with some intelligent changes and a bit of something for everybody. Shredders Revenge is a spectacle. The pixel-based 2D art is hand drawn and animated extremely well and provides a different style approach than Windjammers 2 and SOF4. This visual approach results in a nostalgic but modern presentation, thanks partly to rich colors and special effects whenever special moves are used. The levels are detailed and have a tremendous visual style as varied as backdrops. Bosses fill the screen, and six player co-op is a feast for the eyes, even if it can be too busy sometimes. The game performs solidly across the board. The game runs rock solid at sixty frames per second. The new art style features great animation. I loved Streets of Rage 4’s visual look, but the pixel style of Shredders Revenge captures the original essence while modernizing it perfectly. The sheer amount of love that has gone into the turtles can be felt in every moment of gameplay. The satisfaction of throwing the foot clan into the camera and using the various new jump and dive kick techniques is second to none. After my first session, my hand had blisters that I usually only get when playing some classic arcade fighters. During the review period, I tested online and local play, and the net code performed well. I will try the actual game once it’s in more people’s hands, but early reports are solid. Single-player modes are divided between story mode and arcade mode. Arcade mode provides the classic experience. Limited lives, no continues, and a fresh start each time you play. Story mode features a world map with side quests. These sidequests allow you to level up each character with a handful of new moves. The movelist never becomes too complicated, but they add just enough visual flair and utility to give a much-needed replay factor to the story missions. All in all, Dotemu and Tribute Games deserve huge kudos. Making a follow-up to cult classics with a beloved world such as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles can prove to be an impossible task. They

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Gets Second Year Post-Launch Roadmap, Reveal For Future Of IP Coming This September

Unlike prior Assassin’s Creed titles, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla has received the most content in the history of the franchise. While the IP has been on a yearly release schedule for nearly a decade, Ubisoft decided to add a year to development per entry. With that comes add-ons for the latest game at the time. Last year, a second year of content for the 2020 game was promised with the upcoming release of its second expansion. Additionally, the firm revealed a new experience which crosses paths with Assassin’s Creed Odyssey as protagonist Kasandra is welcomed to the story arc. Atop of that, Dawn of Ragnarok was also welcomed shortly after that following March as the third story expansion. Looking forward, a report surfaced which indicates the next game will be a prequel to Valhalla set in Baghdad.  At the Assassin’s Creed 15th Anniversary Livestream, it was revealed Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will be bringing another year of content to the game moving forward. You can watch the segment of the presentation in the video below: “For the first time in franchise history, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla will receive a second year of free post-launch support, including new content updates, returning festivals, and more. Some have already been added to the game, like the Ostara Festival, Mastery Pack 2, and Armory upgrade for Ravensthorpe,” the blog post reveals. “Fans can look forward to Assassin’s Creed Origins-inspired tattoos and naval packs in the game, as well as new tombs that will conclude the mystery behind the Tombs of the Fallen, coming this fall. The Forgotten Saga is also set to continue its adventure into Norse mythology, giving players the chance to delve into Niflheim in a rogue-lite inspired free game mode that continues Odin’s journey. Eivor’s final chapter is set to release at the end of the year.” Elsewhere in the livestream, Ubisoft shares new information on the next entry for Assassin’s Creed will take place this September. As for what that will be is not disclosed, but it is anticipated to be the next game starring Basim which was reported previously. Perhaps it could even cover Assassin’s Creed Infinity which was revealed last year. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you excited for more content coming to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla? Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Stadia. Source: Ubisoft

Techland Reveals New AAA Fantasy RPG Project In Development As The Team Recruits Former CD Projekt Red Employees

In recent events, Techland continues to pump out more announcements for its Dying Light IP. Over the past month, users face the unfortunate delay of the first story DLC for Dying Light 2 being pushed to autumn. However, a new free add-on ‘Chapter 1: In the Footsteps of a Nightrunner’ arrived this week for all users. However, the team has always strived to dip its feet into the fantasy realm. Prior to Dying Light, Techland was working on a project of its own dubbed ‘Hellraid’. Howbeit, the project was overshadowed by the 2015 release and was later consolidated into a DLC for the original Dying Light. But, that does not mean Techland won’t attempt the venture once more. From Techland in a press release last month, the team reveals it is working on a new AAA action RPG. Additionally, the game is to feature staffing who once worked at CD Projekt Red (The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, Cyberpunk 2077). We’re very happy with what we have accomplished with the Dying Light franchise so far. Moreover, our journey with Dying Light 2 Stay Human has only just begun as we plan to support this game for at least 5 years, with its scope and size matching, if not exceeding, what we have provided our community with during post-launch support for its predecessor. At the same time, our ambition is to introduce a brand new IP that is vastly different from what we have been doing for the past several years. Pawel Marchewka, Techland CEO “We want to create a fully next-gen experience. A new fantasy epic set in a sprawling open world, fueled by the skills and experience we have gained as a team over the years, infused with new ideas, passion, and creativity,” Marchewka adds. “While we cannot share more details about this project now, we’re all truly invested in it and looking forward to showing it to gamers when the time is right.” The blog post goes on to mention Karolina Stachyra, a former Narrative Director at CD Projekt Red & former Narrative Lead Arkadiusz Borowik. Both Stachyra & Borowik were involved with DLC for The Witcher 2 & The Witcher 3 according to the press release. What are you most interested to see come from this new project at Techland? Source: Techland

Dying Light 2 Welcomes DLC Chapter 1: In the Footsteps of a Nightrunner, Photo Mode Added

For fans of the original Dying Light from 2015, you can certainly remember the number of support the game received in its post-launch phase. While the game only welcomed two major expansions, the title went on to welcome countless add-on updates which drastically improved the game as time continued. Of course, Techland confirmed the same is also expected for Dying Light 2 as well in the next half decade. In May, the developer officially release the roadmap for Dying Light 2. However, the original summer promised DLC for Dying Light 2 was shelved for September instead. But in the meantime the Polish team did address a new experience will be added to the game at no additional cost sometime in June, Chapter 1: In the Footsteps of a Nightrunner. Thai week, Techland released a trailer for the add-on with the experience now available to download for free. You can watch the trailer in the video below: “Your task is to help Harper, a Nightrunner of old, in his efforts to combat the Special Infected that are endangering the City’s people in exchange for access to some powerful, never-before-seen equipment,” the description for the chapter reads. Atop of that, Techland finally adds a fully implemented photo mode to Dying Light 2 in the latest update also. If you need more persuasion to play Dying Light 2, read our review from our time playing the game. “The campaign is very good and has a lot of replay factor. I strongly believe they have a lot of potential to make another for years with their promise of content for years.” You can read the full piece by heading here. Are you planning to try out Chapter 1: In the Footsteps of a Nightrunner? Dying Light 2 is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Source: Techland

Dying Light 2 Story Expansion Delayed In Recent Roadmap

As many can recall, Dying Light 2 fell into a pit of controversy with its plans in terms of gameplay hours. While many understood the game to be a longer experience with decisions changing the outcome of the new setting, players did not anticipate Techland to share it will take 500 hours to complete. The team later went on to clarify that this is the result of reaching multiple endings and purely unlocking everything in the game. However, more fans were ecstatic to learn that the post-launch for the game will be more familiar to the first Dying Light. In that, the team promises a path of post-launch content will be stretching over five years easily. As for when the add-on plans will come into effect is still being determined. The firm did previously add New Game+ which layers the replayability for Dying Light 2 for sure. In a roadmap reveal for the game, Techland shared that its plans for the first story add-on aimed for this summer has been pushed to this September in the fall now. “However, in June, we will introduce the first game Chapter entitled “In the Footsteps of a Nightrunner,” filled with content and events, as well as the highly anticipated photo mode, so stay tuned for more action in The City!” Techland shares in reassuring new content will be added to the game as a substitute. If your are still unfamiliar with Dying Light 2, go ahead and read our review! “In the end Dying Light 2 is a bigger and better game in every possible facet. The campaign is very good and has a lot of replay factor.  […] Dying Light 2 great movement and deep story focus makes it a sequel worth losing a few nights of sleep over.” You can read the full piece by heading here. Are you excited for the plans ahead for Dying Light 2? Dying Light 2 is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch.

Valheim Confirmed For PC Game Pass This Year, Comes To Console In 2023

For those that paid attention to the PC realm of things over the past year, Valheim became a phenomenon on PC at the time. While the graphics don’t go to instantly impress you, the gameplay injecting an authentic Viking experience infused with mythological beings only fleshes out the game. At the time, it was only on Steam, but now PC Game Pass is getting the 2021 release. In a surprise announcement at the Xbox + Bethesda Showcase Extended presentation on Tuesday, Microsoft revealed Valheim will be getting added to the platform’s Xbox Game Pass library later this year. Additionally, Xbox Game Pass itself will welcome the title to its respective library next year when the console version arrives in 2023. You can watch the announcement trailer in the video below: “Coming to Xbox and Game Pass on day one, explore a beautiful, procedurally generated world as a battle-slain Norse warrior whose soul has been ferried to Valheim to slay Odin’s ancient rivals. Build, conquer, craft and survive solo or cooperatively with friends as you endeavor to bring order to the world of Valheim,” Xbox Gaming Comms Coordinator Brenda Saucedo writes. As for other PC Game Pass news this week, Microsoft & Riot Games revealed new perks will be coming later in 2022. In that, subscribers can unlock all characters in League of Legends & Valorant alongside other additions for Teamfight Tactics & Legends of Runeterra. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested in Valheim shipping to Xbox? Valheim is currently out now for PC. Source: Xbox Wire

Microsoft Flight Simulator World Update X Returns To The United States

Microsoft Flight Simulator continues to deliver on more post-launch content as it inches closer to two years later this summer. In most recent events, developer Asobo Studio unveiled that its plans for the game stretches beyond traditional aircrafts with the Halo Pelican being added to the game. Additionally, Top Gun: Maverick when hitting theaters also added the F/A-18E Super Hornet bringing the intensity of speed to the flight simulator. However, other expected add-ons came to Microsoft Flight Simulator as well. In March, we welcomes World Update VIII which included new vistas for the DLC focused on Spain & Portugal. Atop of that, the later World Update IX that shipped in May further evolved Italy & Malta territories then too. This week, Microsoft Flight Simulator returns with World Update X that once more emphasizes on the United States and its prominent cities and its collected territories as well. You can read the trailer list below: United States Atlanta Bok Tower Gardens Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Catalina Casino Charleston Chicago Crater Lake National Park Crescent City Connection Delaware Memorial Bridge Denali National Park and Preserve Devil’s Tower National Monument Eugene Getty Center Gila National Park Glacier National Park Grand Coulee Dam Great Smokey Mountains National Park Guadalupe Mountains National Park Hearst Castle Hot Springs Mountain Tower Jefferson Memorial Key Largo Lake of the Ozarks Lincoln Memorial Metaphor: The Tree of Utah Montezuma Castle National Monument Monument Valley Mount Rainier National Park Mount Rushmore National Park Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site Los Angeles National Mall New River Gorge Bridge Newberry National Volcanic Monument Old Faithful Geyser Olympia Point Reyes Lighthouse San Antonio Missions National Historical Park San Diego San Francisco Seattle Split Rock Lighthouse Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center St. Louis United States Marine Corps War Memorial Walt Disney World Washington Memorial Will Rogers Shrine of the Sun Yellowstone National Park Yerkes Observatory Yosemite National Park “Explore the renowned canyons and rugged beauty of the vast Southwest, roam through the storied architecture of America’s great cities, and soar among the majestic peaks that tower miles above their surroundings with Microsoft Flight Simulator’s World Update X,” Jorg Neumann Microsoft Flight Simulator head writes. “The Microsoft Flight Simulator team built World Update X using the latest high-resolution satellite and aerial imagery available. The update also features brand new 3D cities including San Diego, CA, Albany, NY, Key Largo, FL, Seattle, WA, Olympia, WA, and more.” This is the second World Update for the game following World Update II which release over a year ago. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you most interested to see come from World Update X? Microsoft Flight Simulator is out now for Xbox Series X|S, PC, and Xbox Cloud Gaming. Source: Xbox Wire

How Casino Streamers Have Followed in the Footsteps of Video Game Streamers

Live streaming of video games has been around for over a decade now with professional streamers able to monetise their high-level gameplay. Income can be earned from ad revenue, donations, affiliates, subscriptions, and sponsors. Although live-streaming video games were around in 2001 it wasn’t until 2010 that they took off on sites like Twitch. By 2014 Twitch streams were enjoying more traffic than HBO Go. In 2015 YouTube launched YouTube Gaming intended to compete with Twitch. Other streaming websites are video game orientated like Smashcast. tv. Also, there are a whole bunch of China-based sites to choose from. In 2015 that the China-based site Biibii paid Riot Games $113 million for the exclusive rights to the broadcasting of League of Legends (World Championship, Midseason Invitational) and League of Legends (All-Star) for a full three years in China. This was the largest deal ever in the video game live streaming market pushing China’s video game live streaming market more significantly than the whole of Facebook Gaming, YouTube Gaming, and Twitch put together.  Today we can choose from a whole host of streamers, and we all have our favourites. Some streamers are world travellers sharing their experiences and some work your favourite game to those places that have hidden content. The most popular streamers enjoy millions of watch time every month making a lot of money in the process.  Casino Streamers in 2022 Over the last five years or so, we have seen the emergence of live casino streamers who are quickly becoming popular as a source of entertainment.  A casino live stream lets you watch all the casino action via your mobile devices or computer. The most popular sites currently being streamed include online casinos that are home to a large selection of games, with many streamers using pay by phone casino sites to source their games. Watching others place wagers on casino games has always been a source of entertainment in the opulent land-based casinos where you can pay for a ‘cell’ to view the gaming action of high-rollers. Today there is a great deal of competition between operators is fierce with them exploring different avenues of marketing techniques. Casino live streaming can attract a lot of new players with casinos offering viewer competitions as a way of increasing traffic.  Usually, all you need to do to take part in casino live streaming giveaways is simply sign-up to the streaming platform and then opt in. Just like the video game streamers, some have more viewers than others.  For instance, the Swedish crew who call themselves ‘the bros’ have a massive 158K followers on Twitch. Playing high-stakes casino slots, poker, and other games their daily stream is up to 14 hours long.  Other streaming channels have thousands of followers too but the best casino streamers and live streaming slot game destinations are Twitch which has over 1.7 million streamers registered. Twitch has the bonus of a chat box so viewers can chat with the streamers as they play.  YouTube Live has recently begun a live streaming service that allows streamers to broadcast to multiple platforms, and although it is not as popular as Twitch it is expected to gain viewers as time moves on.  A new, live casino streaming service was unveiled at the iGaming NEXT conference in 2021 called ‘Livespins’. With this service not only can you watch streamers play you can also place bets alongside them, if the streamer wins, so do you.  Is Casino Streaming Here to Stay? Currently, there are very few restrictions that casino streamers are subject to. They must comply with the particular site that they are using but with online casino regulations tightening up in some countries, some are banning marketing and some promotions completely.  This might extend to casino live streaming one day, nothing is ever crystal clear, but as things look at the time of writing streamers and viewers are enjoying themselves.