Atari Reveals New Acquisition For Night Dive Studios
Developer Night Dive Studios in recent history has been coined a unique team on restoring beloved classics. From the re-releases of fan-favorites like Turok, Quake, and even Doom 64, the firm currently endures its biggest project yet with a complete remake for System Shock. Recently, the game studio unveiled a PC port for May is on the way with promises for console ports later on. At this year’s PAX East in Boston, Massachusetts, Rectify Gaming did get a hands-on with the upcoming release. “Purely enticing graphics and rendering captures the layered atmosphere of this deep space novel. […] As for combat – it packs a punch from what we endured,” we wrote from our featured first impressions on the title. Elsewhere recently, Night Dive Studios & Atari announced the game studio is to face an outright acquisition for €30 million for the team. The deal is said to be for 100 percent of the Vancouver, Washington team in convertible bonds. “Night Dive’s proven expertise and successful track record in commercializing retro IP is well-aligned with Atari’s strategy and I am confident that their combined talent, technology and IP portfolio will contribute to Atari’s future success,” Atari chairman and CEO Wade Rosen states in his comment from the press release. “Night Dive and Atari have a long history together and we know that Atari shares our passion for retro games and our focus on producing high-quality new and remastered games that do justice to the original IP. As we look to grow our business and expand our capabilities, we could think of no better long-term partner than Atari,” Night Dive Studios’ founders Stephen Kick and Larry Kuperman statement reads. What are your thoughts on Atari’s buyout for Night Dive Studios? Source: Yahoo Finance
Microsoft Confirms $1 Xbox Game Pass Deal Is No More
One of the growing trends concerning the video game industry is the ongoing new heights of prices for indulging in new products. For the latest console hardware, $500 has become a standard – even for Sony’s PlayStation 5. Additionally, titles as well. Over at Microsoft, its new first-party releases will cost $70 for the newest generation. And even more price climbing could be on the horizon. So far, Microsoft Gaming CEO stated price increases for console hardware is not coming. However, that proves to not be the case according to a later discovery over in Japan more recently. Moreover, there is even speculation Xbox Game Pass is a future victim. While not directly denouncing an increase in price, Spencer in a separate statement did remark on the topic when sharing that the subscription is somewhat profitable. But in a new discovery this weekend, it was uncovered that the long-going $1 deal for Xbox Game Pass subscribers is no more. From a statement to The Verge, a Microsoft representative confirms that the arrangement for the 3-month deal is to be sunset. “We have stopped our previous introductory offer for Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass and are evaluating different marketing promotions for new members in the future,” Kari Perez, Xbox head of global communications shared with the outlet. The initial deal welcomed users for console’s Xbox Game Pass Ultimate or PC Game Pass. Now, it will cost $14.99 or $9.99 for the respective platform. As for other deals concerning Xbox Game Pass, Microsoft has been soft launching a new ‘Family & Friends’ tier in multiple regions outside of the U.S. The service recently did welcome new territories alongside PC Game Pass also opening its doors to more users across the globe. Currently, there is detail suggesting the multi-user tier is to hit North America later on in 2023. Are you surprised by the new move made by Microsoft? Source: The Verge
PAX East 2023: Hell Of An Office Is An Engaging Spin On The Rocket Jump Concept
What is entertaining to realize is that some of the most reliable mechanics used for speedrunning happens to be the most fatal for users. For example, the rocket jump has been utilized in countless games to gain an advantage (literally) overcoming obstacles and other story segments. But what if that is fully realized for a game focused solely on making the best time? Well, title Hell of an Office does just that. Developer 43 Studios fully incorporated the rocket jump as a primary mechanic to scale its growingly difficult stages. And what this team offers in the realm of literal approaches is even in the name sake, ‘Hell of an Office’. Booting up the game equips you with a stapler and your sole goal is to progress to escape this hellish desk job. Speaking with one of developers at the booth shared this concept sourced from an inside joke. When originally working on a project, the studio wanted a new game to use a stapler as the main weapon of choice. It wasn’t until the developer incorporated the speedrunning elements to where Hell of an Office began to shape into what we see now. As work continued, elements such as the rocket jump and dashing came into play where the game further evolved and the team embraced that. In total, there are 4 chapters for the Early Access build of the game with two more planned; the full scale is expected to welcome 10 stages by then. Each features a new overworld and with that also brings a new gameplay mechanic. When speaking on what future stages are to introduce, mechanics such as wallrunning & jump pads are said to be added. Additionally, the possibility of a level editor has been brainstormed for Hell of an Office was considered, but is said not to be fully realized with the current work laid ahead. Overall, gameplay does prove to be energetic as you swiftly pick up the controls. Simple platforming turns into white-knuckled moments attempting to meet the other end of the stage. When commenting on the gameplay, the developer shared the rocket jump namely brings new opportunities to the experience even on linear levels. “The gameplay comes into itself,” he said. And that is certainly true. At least playing on the capable PC demo on the show floor, the game is responsive for quick moment decision-making. But for the game to be enjoyable, frame-to-frame moments will happen and you do not want that jeopardized. Right now, Hell is an Office is playable via Steam Early Access. But, it is noted console versions are being considered for a later project depending on how the game performs currently. You can visit the official Steam page for Hell is an Office by heading here. Hell is an Office is out now via Early Access on PC.
PAX East: Shumi Come Home Entangles You With Its Multifaceted Gameplay And Charming World
For players itching to enter a new world with its own confident protagonist and relaxing universe, SomeHumbleOnion’s Shumi Come Home is the answer to your quest. For being a ‘Breath of the Wild clone’ tossed at it effortlessly is unwarranted. Certainly, inspiration in some of its gameplay could be spruced from the Nintendo title with stamina for instance, but that comparison does not hold water. In fact, storytelling proves to say otherwise. The playable mushroom protagonist identified as a “Shumi”, the last of a past mushroom species, happens to be quite the opposite compared to The Legend of Zelda’s Link. While not talking only when spoken to, the character’s tone might surprise you. While I wouldn’t call our fungi hero a narcissistic in particular, it certainly does not care so much for what is happening. Simple interjections & responses of “what” and “why” does come off rude nonetheless. But it is a fresh of breath air. In fact, I encourage this and welcome it. Walking into Shumi Come Home, I did not expect much from the protagonist and more the gameplay. Howbeit, I found to enjoy that Shumi is being irritated on this new task. But the gameplay does come hand-in-hand with the new world to explore. At least the demo given on the show floor, the light-hearted forest is a relaxing venue. The platform gameplay is what sold me alongside Shumi’s attitude. Alongside the remarks, the ability to explore was driven by the simple mechanic to mount on the wall and scale. When performing a jump on a wall, Shumi will hook on the surface and can jump off. Comboing this with the platforming exploration made the demo memorable. Outside of the simplistic improvements on traversal, the remainder of the demo is as you would expect. Collecting green orbs to use as currency and purple to purchase unique items to dress Shumi. Most of the experience is interacting with the world. You can wishlist Shumi Come Home by heading to the official Steam page here. Shumi Come Home is listed to release sometime in 2023 for PC & Nintendo Switch.
PAX East: System Shock – First Impressions
When it comes to the concept of titles like Bioshock, Prey, and the latest Atomic Heart – it all originated from one series. And even more coining this new subgenre as ‘Shock Games’ was System Shock. Originally, the IP launched on PC more than three decades ago and followed the sequels as well. And although this series – alike many other first-person experiences – eventually evolved onto being primarily enjoyed for console players. Now come this year, 2023 is to offer System Shock Remake: a complete reimagining of the classic title for the latest PC machines. Not to mention the plans including console ports as well as part of post-launch plans. At PAX East in Boston, Massachusetts this month, Rectify Gaming obtained a hands-on build of the game to soak in how developer Night Dive Studios is delivering the cult-classic to the current market. Off the bat, the visual choices for System Shock Remake is certainly the most radical change. Purely enticing graphics and rendering captures the layered atmosphere of this deep space novel. Even more, the game’s use of lighting and real-time raytracing furthers this experinece as you delve deeper into the title. As for combat – it packs a punch from what we endured. To be blunt: the build only explored introductory melee encounters as you explore the twisted, cyberware playground of Shodan. However, versatility is key when it comes to overcoming foes and moreover keeps the player on the edge of their seat. At least on the PC build we sampled, the performance of the game illustrated to be substantial for an effective experinece. However, it will leave a large question as to how co soles will handle the game; especially last-generation Xbox One & PlayStation 4. While players are likely accustomed to the greater story of System Shock, the Remake does a good job establishing this with lingering audio tapes to listen as you uncover the true events prior to the game. Of course, progression does most of the storytelling for the game as you play meeting essential, pivotal moments exploring, bit for the sake of the demo System Shock Remake does a fine job establishing itself for lore fans and players interested to explore. You can wishlist System Shock Remake on the official Steam page by heading here. System Shock Remake arrives on May 30, 2023 for PC.
PAX East: Dead Island 2 Gameplay Impressions
Video game publisher, PLAION is at PAX East with numerous games including long anticipated release, Dead Island 2. We had the great opportunity to get our hands on with the title for roughly 30 minutes that involved a lot of zombie slaying and dying. Up until late 2022 we haven’t heard about Dead Island 2 for years with the first game being released September 6, 2011. From the moment I picked up the controller and started playing Dead Island 2 what stood out to me right away were the visuals. Being on the beach at night with the moon shining, clouds overshadowing, sand looking magnificent as well as the water it was clear that Dambuster Studios took their time to make this game as stunning as possible. In case you don’t know what Dead Island 2 is all about here is a brief description: Dead Island 2 is a First Person Action RPG set in an unique setting – a hellish, yet stylish and vibrant, gore-drenched vision of Los Angeles, nicknamed HELL-A. The series’ unique formula, dark humor and over the top zombie-slaying returns, with all the swagger and charisma you’d expect from Dead Island. Based from what I played it seems like there is going to be more room for exploration in the games’ world. Even in smaller areas you’ll find rooms to explore through for materials and anything you need. Dead Island 2 also has a variety of weapons to use, of course and you have to be smart in how you switch and use your weapons. The world is in need of more zombie games and Dead Island 2 looks to fill the void for fans of these types of games. It has been a long time coming and from the looks of it the game looks promising. Dead Island 2 will be releasing April 21, 2023 for Xbox Series XlS, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and PC. It was already reported that Dead Island 2’s story will be around 20 hours long.
