Party Animals pre-orders available now
Upcoming party game from Recreate Games, Party Animals is coming to Xbox Series XlS, Xbox One and PC this September and now you can pre-order the game. This was announced at Gamescom 2023 where they shared pre-orders for both the Standard and Deluxe Editions are live, but they also shared three closed beta weekends will be happening. The Standard Edition for Party Animals will cost $19.99 USD and below you can see the pre-order bonus if you do so: Exclusive Royal Nemo Outfit Exclusive Royal Nemo Avatar 240 Nemo Bucks The Party Animals Deluxe Edition will cost $29.99 USD and will include the following: Digital game 1300 Nemo Bucks Exclusive Bathrobe Harry Outfit, Avatar, and Frame Exclusive Bathrobe Coco Outfit, Avatar, and Frame Exclusive Bathrobe Garfat Outfit, Avatar, and Frame Exclusive Golden Nemo Skin and Avatar Exclusive Golden Macchiato Skin and Avatar Exclusive Golden Coco Skin and Avatar Players can eventually sign-up for the Party Animals Closed Beta on Steam or through the Xbox Insider Hub app. Recreate Games has yet to share when the sign-ups will go live. Below you can see the dates and times (Eastern / GMT-4) for the closed beta: September 1st at 8:00am to September 3rd at 8:00am September 8th at 8:00am to September 10th at 8:00am September 15th at 8:00am to September 19th at 11:59pm Party Animals releases September 20, 2023 for Xbox One, Xbox Series XlS and PC. Stay tuned for more coverage on the upcoming party game soon.
SPRAWL is a cyberpunk first-person shooter available now on PC
The Future Games Show took place today announcing cyberpunk first-person shooter, SPRAWL. from Rogue Games and MAETH is now available on PC. SPRAWL is a hardcore retro FPS set in an endless cyberpunk megalopolis. Escape the walled city and take on the militarized government of the sprawl. Fueled by the blood of your enemies and a mysterious voice in your head, make your way towards the spire to topple whatever lays within. “SPRAWL is both a loving homage to the pioneers of first-person shooters and a nod to the evolution of the genre,” said Rogue CEO Matt Casamassina. “Skill is king here, and SPRAWL’s beautiful cyberpunk universe will challenge players to be faster and more precise as they shotgun-jump over chasms, wall-run through cities, and headshot hordes of unique enemies.” SPRAWL can be purchased on Steam and the Epic Games Store now for just $14.99 USD. No details have been revealed yet about a console release for SPRAWL.
Poltchageist is a new Pokémon coming to Scarlet & Violet in September
The Pokémon Company recently announced a new Pokémon named Poltchageist. This Pokémon was discovered in the land of Kitakami, the setting for The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1: The Teal Mask DLC for Pokémon Scarlet & Violet. Here are some of the details about Poltchageist: Poltchageist has a swirl pattern not unlike Sinistea’s—but unlike Sinistea, its swirl is not a weakness. After a target is sprinkled with some of Poltchageist’s powdery body or eats food dusted with it, Poltchageist drains their life-force and absorbs it as energy. Poltchageist Category: Matcha Pokémon Type: Grass/Ghost Height: 4″ Weight: 2.4 lbs. Ability: Hospitality You can view the trailer for Poltchageist below: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero Part 1: The Teal Mask DLC releases on September 13, 2023 only available on the Nintendo Switch.
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl is releasing in Q1 2024
S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 is playable at Gamescom 2023 and news regarding its release date has come out. Upcoming first-person shooter, S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl will release in Q1 2024 found through a press kit that was shared online publicly. It was previously rumored through a listing that S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 would release on December 1st and that has now turned out to be false. S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl was first revealed for Xbox Series XlS in 2020 and ever since the game received delays, but it looks like there is a light at the end of the tunnel. GSC Game World hasn’t come out officially yet about this, but an announcement could happen in the coming months. You can pre-order S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 for Xbox Series XlS and PC now. Source: @astaranx on Twitter
‘Codename Jade’ Officially Titled Assassin’s Creed: Jade
For 2023, Assassin’s Creed is looking to ship two games this year. Despite the wait since Assassin’s Creed Valhalla in 2020, Ubisoft is preparing to ship its next major entry – Assassin’s Creed: Mirage. The game is to explore the roots of the series in a prequel set within Baghdad. Additionally, Assassin’s Creed: Nexus VR is set to launch this holiday exploring three iconic settings of the series – Renaissance Venice, Colonial Americas, and Ancient Greece. Beyond that, there is the trio of codenamed titles in development: Codename Red, Codename Jade, and Codename Hexe. Of the three, many know of the upcoming mobile exclusive set in 300 B.C. China. Previously, a closed beta for Codename Jade was announced which already took place earlier this August. Now, Level Infinite has followed up on the project. In that, it was announced at the same-named showcase that ‘Codename Jade’ is now properly titled Assassin’s Creed: Jade. You can watch the new gameplay trailer in the video below: “Get an authentic Assassin’s Creed experience, gameplay and features on mobile, for free with Assassins Creed: Jade! Embark on a journey to explore the vibrant world and culture of ancient China and defend against the Xiongnu in this ever-evolving open-world,” the description for the game reads from the YouTube description. Reiterating on this year’s Assassin’s Creed titles, Assassin’s Creed: Mirage is shipping ahead of schedule. Upon the game officially going gold this month, Ubisoft confirmed that a new release date slated for October 12th is now being pushed ahead to October 5th instead. You can read the full report by heading here. What has you most excited for Assassin’s Creed: Jade from the recent update? Assassin’s Creed: Jade is listed for Android & iOS.
Amazon Prime’s Fallout TV Series To Air Next Year With Los Angeles Setting
Across the bevy of Bethesda IP, many of the influential properties deserve to welcome on other forms of media. Probably the one with the most reach is Fallout. And at no surprise, it was confirmed a TV series is officially on the way. Even more, that the show is to also include Kilter Films – most responsible for Westworld on HBO. The project also includes the casting of Walton Goggins (Django Unchained) said to play a role as a ghoul tied to the plot. Additionally, director Jonathan Nolan revealed the first image from the show. Nolan elaborated on Fallout as “the post-apocalyptic, humorous, dark, bleak, brilliantly written, annoyingly playable video game franchise,” elaborating on his view and how this is likely to reflect his work in the upcoming TV show. So far, there is no word on when the show is to hit Amazon Prime. That was until Wednesday as Amazon itself confirmed the show it to arrive next year in 2024. Even more is pressing that the television series is to be set within Los Angeles. While Los Angeles is an easily recognized location for many viewers, the overall California region holds a large significance for the Fallout lore. Part of the main story in the first inaugural entry, the story is imbedded in the west coast and is further explored by Obsidian Entertainment in Fallout: New Vegas. So aspects are expected to be characterized in the new TV series from Amazon. Recently, Fallout made news as the series is to be adapted into a new Deck for Magic the Gathering. Alongside Assassin’s Creed & Final Fantasy, the Bethesda franchise is to make an impression on the tabletop experience later in 2024. You can read the full report by heading here. What has you excited for the new update on Amazon’s Fallout show? The Fallout TV Series will air sometime in 2024 on Amazon Prime.
PC Game Pass Goes Full Swing On NVIDIA GeForce Now This Week
Although Microsoft continues to billboard its Xbox Series X|S console duo, the firm has and continues to delve deeper into cloud streaming. Part of the ongoing battle to purchase Activision Blizzard, Microsoft has signed deal to further its reach within the platform. One document shared that the Xbox company even overshadowed its own launch for the newest models in favor of Xbox Cloud Gaming then. Additionally, Microsoft continues with agreements to bring more games to other platforms. So far, we’ve seen this manifest with Boosteroid alongside a select number of titles hit NVIDIA GeForce Now as well. This week, it is revealed that Ubisoft is to purchase Microsoft’s real estate in the cloud streaming market to better the Xbox firm’s chances in paying the $69 billion acquisition. Also this week, NVIDIA GeForce now is to fully embrace PC Game Pass. This includes a grander bundle of titles from Xbox Game Studios & Bethesda as well. From The Verge, this officially arrives on August 24th. Members will soon be able to stream over ten supported Xbox PC Game Pass titles at GeForce RTX 4080 quality across devices of their choice. More games from Xbox’s PC Game Pass library will be added to GeForce NOW on a regular basis. Head to the cloud and stream new titles joining later this week, including DOOM 2016 from Bethesda. “Several titles from Bethesda’s well-known franchises — DOOM, Quake and Wolfenstein — will join the cloud this month for a mix of modern and classic first-person shooter games to enjoy across nearly all devices. Feel the heat with the DOOM franchise, recognizable through its fast-paced epic gameplay and iconic heavy-metal soundtrack. Players take on the role of the DOOM Slayer to fight hordes of invading demons. “In addition, the Quake series features single- and multiplayer campaigns with gritty gameplay and epic music scores in which members can enjoy two sides of the legendary series,” NVIDIA pens in a separate blog post. “The modern Wolfenstein games feature intense first-person combat against oversized Nazi robots, hulking super soldiers and elite shock troops. Discover an unfamiliar world ruled by a familiar enemy — one that’s changed and twisted history as you know it. “Experience all of these iconic franchises with an Ultimate or Priority membership. Priority members get faster access to GeForce RTX servers in the cloud over free members, along with up to six-hour gaming sessions. Ultimate members can raze their enemies in epic 4K and ultrawide resolution, with up to eight-hour gaming sessions.” What has you most excited for PC Game Pass hitting NVIDIA GeForce Now? Source: NVIDIA, (1)
Sony Officially Reveals PlayStation Portal With Other Pulse Accessories, Launches This Year
At PlayStation, the firm is amid a new refresh of accessories for the PlayStation 5. Already, the PlayStation VR 2 shipped earlier this winter bringing next-generation to its peripheral line. Additionally, it is reported the next iterated PlayStation 5 is expected to release this year. The alleged hardware is said to feature detachable plates on the bottom for users to plug in a USB-C disk drive. Elsewhere, Sony also revealed previously a new ‘Q Lite’ streaming handheld. Whilst not a native handheld in the sense to play games on, it does feature PlayStation streaming capabilities to play more comfortably away from the TV at home. The reveal was also accompanied by the new codenamed ‘Nomad’ earbuds & ‘Voyager’ headset to accompany the release. On Wednesday, Sony Interactive Entertainment officially announced Q Lite to be PlayStation Portal. Alongside the handheld, the aforementioned earbuds & headphones – Pulse Explore & Pulse Elite – is also expected to release this year as well. In May, we gave a quick peek at our dedicated PS5 remote play device – now called PlayStation Portal remote player, and our first wireless earbuds, called Pulse Explore. Today we’re pleased to share more details about these products and reveal a new PlayStation over-the-ear wireless headset, Pulse Elite. Both Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore deliver low latency lossless audio from PS5 and PlayStation Portal using our new PlayStation Link wireless technology. Hideaki Nishino, Sony Interactive Entertainment Platform Experience Senior Vice President “PlayStation Portal remote player brings the PS5 experience to the palm of your hand. It includes the key features of the DualSense wireless controller, including adaptive triggers and haptic feedback*. The vibrant 8-inch LCD screen is capable of 1080p resolution at 60fps, providing a high definition visual experience that’s expected from the high quality games created by world-class developers. “PlayStation Portal is the perfect device for gamers in households where they might need to share their living room TV or simply want to play PS5 games in another room of the house. PlayStation Portal will connect remotely to your PS5 over Wi-Fi**, so you’ll be able to swiftly jump from playing on your PS5 to your PlayStation Portal. PlayStation Portal can play supported games that are installed on your PS5 console and use the Dualsense controller. It also includes a 3.5mm audio jack for wired audio. Nishino adds, “PS VR2 games, which require the headset, and games that are streamed through PlayStation Plus Premium’s cloud streaming, are not supported.” With the new Pulse Explore & Elite devices, Sony Interactive Entertainment also discuses the new PlayStation Link “wireless audio technology.” Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore connect directly with PlayStation Portal by leveraging this new wireless audio technology, PlayStation Link. This innovation delivers low latency, lossless audio and easy switching between multiple PlayStation Link hosts such as PS5 with the USB adapter and PlayStation Portal. “When using Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore with PS5, the USB adapter that’s included with each headset and earbuds is required for PlayStation Link. The PlayStation Link USB adapter will also be sold separately as a standalone item, and can be used on PC and Mac, so players can connect Pulse Elite or Pulse Explore to experience the same lossless and low latency audio. “Pulse Elite and Pulse Explore can simultaneously connect to a PlayStation Link supported device (PS5, PC, Mac, or PlayStation Portal) and a Bluetooth supported device. For example, Pulse Explore can be connected to PS5 (via the USB adapter) using PlayStation Link and also to a mobile phone through Bluetooth at the same time. While playing on PS5, gamers can instantly answer a call and hear it through the same Pulse Explore earbuds.” What has you most interested for the PlayStation Portal or new Pulse accessories? PlayStation Portal, Pulse Explore, and Pulse Elite launch later in 2023 and priced at $199.99, $199.99, and $149.99 respectively. Source: PlayStation Blog
Super Evil Megacorp To Develop Rebel Moon Game, Set After The Two Films
Exploring what film-adapted games are left is a very short list compared to what was over a decade ago. Even when games now enter cinemas, a tied-in release isn’t likely to make an appearance. However, that is to change. Already, Blumhouse Productions with its own game division is planning to launch new titles based on its expansive line of horror IPs. Additionally, Netflix is also looking to cash in on this as well. So far, there is only one single IP preparing to release and that is the Rebel Moon project. Previously, director Zack Snyder disclosed a massive RPG experience is in development – an ambition he has been eager to explore for over a decade and can finally do so with Netflix. At Gamescom, Snyder appeared on stage and spoke about Rebel Moon with a world premier trailer. Towards the end of the interaction, Snyder explained when the game takes place in the universe and that Super Evil Megacorp (Vainglory, Catalyst Black) is behind development. You can watch the video below: “We’re super excited to reveal that we’re making a video game for Rebel Moon and the game we’re developing with Super Evil Megacorp, and it’ll expand the Rebel Moon universe,” Snyder told on stage. “It takes place right after the events of the two movies and it really- I’ve been talking with those guys and really interacting with them. “The ideas they have and the way the game is really gonna expand the universe is just unbelievable and I’m super excited about it. You’ll be able to pick your rebeland then go on missions […] it’s co-op – so it’s crazy. And we’re just starting to talk about about a bunch of other crazy ideas inside the game so it’s really fun and that’s coming.” Already, Part 1: A Child of Fire is set to release on December 22, 2023. The following Part 2: Scargiver is aimed to release on April 19, 2024 next spring. And going by Snyder’s wording, with the game taking place after the follow-up releasing next year it is on the table we could see the game launch as soon as 2024. What has you most excited for Rebel Moon and its games?
Mortal Kombat 1 adds Sindel & General Shao to the roster
Ed Boon made an appearance on the Gamescom Opening Night Live stage with Geoff Keighley revealing more Fighters and Kameos for Mortal Kombat 1. The Official Rulers of Outworld reveals Sindel and General Shao are joining the games’ roster when it releases on September 19, 2023. Along with the two new fighters there were two Kameos revealed being Motaro and Shujinko. Mortal Kombat 1 releases for Xbox Series XlS, PlayStation 5, PC and Nintendo Switch.
