Review: Haunted House

Developer – Orbit Studio Publisher – Atari Platforms –  PS4, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Atari VCS, PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher Prepare to be entranced by the spectral allure of Orbit Studio and Atari’s Haunted House , a ghostly homage to the Atari classic that sends chills down your spine as you delve into a supernatural realm of Halloween-themed horror. As Lyn Graves, the tenacious niece of the renowned treasure hunter Zachary Graves, you’ll find yourself within the ominous confines of her uncle’s mansion. But this is no ordinary visit. It’s a nightmarish journey to rescue your friends and uncle from a realm filled with ghouls, specters, and enigmatic entities that have spirited your companions away faster than a witch’s broomstick. The solution? Assemble the fragments of a shattered, sinister urn to unlock the secrets that dwell within. The game’s procedurally generated room layouts, elusive shifting walls, and ghostly ambushes guarantee that each descent into this haunted mansion is a unique horror show. You’ll find yourself creeping, sneaking, and dashing through frightful confrontations with supernatural foes, all while searching for your missing friends and uncle. Each urn shard is guarded by a bone-chilling boss, and the 3D isometric stealth gameplay will have you tiptoeing on the edge of your gaming seat. And when, inevitably, you fall victim to a shadowy apparition, you’ll awaken at the mansion’s entrance, facing a completely reconfigured layout and new eerie entities. Atari’s trick-or-treat twist on the classic gameplay is enough to raise the dead. Haunted House also unleashes roguelike elements, adding layers of terror and unpredictability to the classic formula. So, if you think you can outsmart the spirits and ghouls, be prepared for a frightful surprise with every playthrough. The art style, eerily whimsical and cartoonish, may deceive at first glance, but don’t be fooled – this game knows how to serve up genuine terror. With its predominantly stealth-based gameplay and spine-tingling combat sequences, it strikes the perfect balance between playful and spine-chilling. Of course, it wouldn’t be a true Atari adventure without an eerie surprise. Haunted House is teeming with collectibles and lore inspired by the original Haunted House and other classic Atari classics. It’s a delightful nod to the spectral spirits of gaming’s bygone days, ensuring that even the most seasoned ghost hunters will find something to bewitch their spirits. In Haunted House, combat takes a backseat, putting the emphasis on stealthy maneuvering, enigmatic puzzle-solving in the darkest corners, and the cunning use of traps and items to evade the ghoulies. Collecting gems to bolster your spectral abilities and unearth hidden perks is your ticket to becoming a more formidable ghost hunter during your next venture into the haunted labyrinth. Haunted House isn’t just a whimsical Halloween romp; it’s a spectral tapestry of old and new, offering a haunting experience that will enrapture both retro aficionados and a new generation of thrill-seekers. So, grab your flashlight and embark on a hair-raising journey through the haunted house.

Review: RedRaptor

Developer – Novax Games, Eastasiasoft Limited Publisher – Eastasiasoft Limited Platforms –  PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher Stepping back into the time of putting money in the change machine and getting quarters to play the coolest new bullet hell game at the arcade was an experience that defined a generation. Fast forward to today, and the nostalgia for those adrenaline-pumping moments has found a new home in our living rooms with RedRaptor. This vertical shoot’em up brings the spirit of classic arcade bullet hell games from the ’90s and adds a modern twist, allowing players to take back the cosmos and earn their place on the online leaderboards. RedRaptor invites you to assume the role of an ace pilot on a mission of utmost importance – intercepting an unknown threat that has decimated almost all of our allied forces. The fate of the cosmos rests on your shoulders, and you’ll have to push your skills to the limit as you battle your way through five unique stages of intense bullet-hell action. The game takes you on a thrilling journey through the skies, the planet’s lower orbit, enemy space stations, asteroid fields, and beyond. Each stage offers a unique challenge, featuring swarms of enemy ships and environmental hazards that will push your reflexes and strategic thinking to the edge. RedRaptor captures the essence of classic shoot ’em-up gameplay, bringing forth an exhilarating experience that fans of the genre will love. One of RedRaptor’s standout features is the ability to upgrade your ship as you progress. With each run, you can apply persistent upgrades to your ship’s stats, from enhancing your weapon level to acquiring devastating lasers and even recruiting wingmen to watch your back. This progression system adds a layer of depth and replayability to the game, making every playthrough a unique experience. The sense of growth and empowerment as your ship becomes more formidable is immensely satisfying. The gameplay is a perfect blend of nostalgia and innovation. RedRaptor’s vertical scrolling style pays homage to the classics of the genre while introducing modern elements, ensuring both veterans and newcomers can enjoy the action. The visuals are vibrant and full of detail, and the enemy designs evoke memories of arcade classics while feeling fresh and exciting. Managing your ship’s shields and weaponry is crucial to surviving the relentless assault from enemy forces. The strategic element of knowing when to push your ship’s limits and when to retreat adds a layer of complexity to the bullet hell experience. The addition of wingmen introduces teamwork dynamics, making the game even more engaging. For the competitive spirits, RedRaptor offers the chance to challenge online leaderboards, and compete with players worldwide to earn the title of the ultimate ace pilot. It’s a fantastic way to measure your skills and see how you stack up against the best. In conclusion, RedRaptor is a love letter to the golden era of arcade gaming, seamlessly merging classic shoot’em up action with modern features. With its challenging stages, persistent ship upgrades, and an online leaderboard system that fuels your competitive spirit, RedRaptor is a must-play for fans of the genre and anyone seeking an intense and nostalgic gaming experience.

Assassin’s Creed Mirage Scores Biggest ‘Next-Gen Launch’ For Ubisoft

While Ubisoft waited more than two years to launch a new Assassin’s Creed game, the patience from fans showed to be well worth it. In our review for Assassin’s Creed Mirage, we wrote: “Assassin’s Creed Mirage gives you an engaging Assassin experience that enhances gameplay. Doing additional work to reach your target immerses you in the assassination experience. Using different weapons and objects is engaging and lets you find your preferred playstyle. “ Previously, it was revealed that the game would be shipping ahead of its initial release which brought even more excitement to players earlier than scheduled. Additionally, there is one upset – there is no DLC. Originally, the concept for Mirage was planned to be an expansion for 2020’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage. But, the team shipped the project as a full, standalone release and the full story does not truly warrant expanding the plot further. And nearly a week after the global launch for Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Ubisoft shares the game has shattered a new milestone for Ubisoft. In that, it is the most successful release as of yet for the publisher on the latest console hardware. “With the number of players being in line with past successful launches such as Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, we are humbled by the positive reception. We are proud to also share that Assassin’s Creed Mirage is the biggest New Gen launch in terms of units sales to date at Ubisoft (PS5, Xbox Series X-S),” the letterhead reveals. Furthermore, this is not the only achievement celebrated by Ubisoft recently. Last week, the publisher also pat itself on the back for The Crew Motorfest as it swiftly became the best-selling entry for the franchise. You can read the full report by heading here. Did you jump into Assassin’s Creed Mirage at launch? Assassin’s Creed Mirage is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and PC.

EA Sports FC 24 Welcomes More Than 11 Million Players In Its First Two Weeks, EA Announces

Of course, fall isn’t officially here until the proper influx of EA Sports titles are rolling out. Already, Electronic Arts shipped EA Madden 24 earlier on this year. Not to mention the recent launch for NHL 24 as well. Additionally, Codemasters is also playing its part with EA Sports WRC as well shipping in November too. One of the biggest launches is EA Sports FC 24. This marks the first entry negating the FIFA branding for Electronic Arts’ annual futbol simulator title. As we can expect, with Electronic Arts attached it will sell well regardless. What was a bigger surprise was the recent delisting of countless FIFA titles ahead of the new game launching last month. In a new press release from Electronic Arts, the firm shares the game faced good milestones in its first two weeks brandishing its new ‘EA Sports Fc’ moniker. The first day alone welcomed roughly 2.2 million users for the mobile game. As for the flagship release, over 11 million users purchased EA Sports FC 24 in the first two weeks. We’re thrilled to have so many fans jumping into The World’s Game in both EA SPORTS FC 24 and FC Mobile in just the first few days since launch. In addition to welcoming back millions of our longtime players, new players in FC 24 are up nearly 20% year over year, showing the excitement of football fans everywhere to join the Club. We are building the world’s biggest football community through EA SPORTS FC, and we’re just getting started. Cam Weber, EA Sports President Noted, Electronic Arts also indicates users that play before November can earn unique in-game items. “Fans who play EA SPORTS FC™ 24 still have the opportunity to become an FC Founder. Play by November 1, 2023 and unlock exclusive benefits including in-game vanity, and objectives and tasks in Ultimate Team, including a Founder Evolution experience. “As a one-time offer, fans can be there at the beginning of a new era for EA SPORTS FC and claim their title as an FC Founder to join the club with style,” the press release adds. It is also worth pointing out this achievement marks the biggest release for a new IP for this year, technically. Niko Partners analyst David Ahmad shares via X. You can view the post by heading here. Were you among the 11.2 million that picked up EA Sports FC 24 since release? EA Sports FC 24 is available for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, and Nintendo Switch. Source: Electronic Arts

Alan Wake Receives New Fortnite Skin

While Remedy Entertainment entertained the idea of a proper sequel for Alan Wake, the title never came a decade after release. Despite continuous returns to conjure up a story and internal discussions, a project never manifested. But the likeliness started to look better when the Finnish developer acquired the rights to the IP back in 2018. In a following report later on in 2021, Epic Games formed a new co-op with Remedy Entertainment to work on a proper follow-up for the series. Even in a neighboring earnings report, Remedy Entertainment acknowledged development was soon to commence on project with Epic Games. It wasn’t until December that year Alan Wake II was officially announced to the world. And now with less than a month from release, Epic Games is utilizing this opportunity to bring the titular protagonist to Fortnite. As part of the new ‘Fortnightmares 2023’, Alan Wake is coming to the battle royale alongside The Nightmare Before Christmas’ Jack Skellington & Halloween’s Michael Myers. You can watch the trailer below: “He’s already haunted by his own twisted tales, and soon he’ll be haunted by Fortnitemares. Best-selling novelist Alan Wake is being written into Fortnite with the Alan Wake Outfit — look out for when his chapter starts in the Item Shop later during Fortnitemares 2023!” Epic Games pens in the new blog post this week. Noted, one of the last major collaborations for a gaming crossover in Fortnite took place back in January. During the launch of EA Motive’s Dead Space, Isaac Clarke was introduced as part of the ‘Strange Transmissions Quest Pack’ for the game. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you planning to nab Alan Wake in Fortnite? Fortnite is out now for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Cloud Gaming, and Nvidia GeForce Now. Source: Epic Games

Report: Activision CEO Nods To Potential Guitar Hero Revival

Over the past week, reports have rolled out pressing on the still developing Activision Blizzard deal. In one statement from the U.K. Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), it lightens on the pushback towards the acquisition. Additionally, one report pressed the deal to finalize this Friday – October 13th. And that is not all addressed either. In an additional comment from Activision, the publisher elaborates on how Xbox Game Pass plays into the equation. With new releases Diablo IV & Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III out this year, the firm clarifies the two will not face an immediate welcoming to the service. Which was echoed by Phil Spencer previously. But, it does leave room for an entire portfolio of other titles and series coming to Xbox Game Pass. According to a new report from Windows Central, Guitar Hero is among one of the new initiatives planned to make a return following the Xbox acquisition following through. With a new stream of revenue for invested projects, the beloved series is said to make a return. We’re uniquely situated as a company because we have the very best franchises in all of video games. […] The re-emergence of Guitar Hero and other things would not be possible without the different types of resources. And so, you know, just the endless possibilities for the future that are just incredibly exciting. Bobby Kotich, Activision Blizzard CEO In the past, we’ve seen Microsoft’s excitement for the repertoire of IP at disposal from the Activision Blizzard arrangement. Both new and old – Microsoft has an entirely new catalog of recognized franchises to dip into if the $69 billion payment is processed. Among Guitar Hero, there is also Tony Hawk, Hexen, and Transformers just to name a few. What will be interesting is the potential rivalry that will erect from Guitar Hero returning. For those who might not recall, Epic Games acquired Rock Band team Harmonix back in 2021 and has yet to shed its plans with the game studio since the announcement. You can read the full report by heading here. What do you hope to see manifest from Guitar Hero’s return? Source: Windows Central

Gungrave G.O.R.E., Gotham Knights, Outlast II, And More Confirmed For PlayStation Plus October 2023 Game Catalog

When entertaining its users, Sony Interactive Entertainment continues to deliver for its PlayStation Plus service. Last month, the monthly game catalog included the likes of Nier Replicant, Civilization VI, and Unpacking plus more then. As for the free monthly titles, The Callisto Protocol, Weird West, Farming Simulator 22 were confirmed earlier this month for October 2023. Moving forward, the service already faced a major shift in terms of its annual plans. In that, users are now required to pay a larger price per tier: PlayStation Plus Essential – $79.99, PlayStation Plus Extra – $134.99, and PlayStation Plus Premium – $159.99. So while the prices are rising now, the service does not withhold more exciting additions. This week, Sony Interactive Entertainment has shared its next major game catalog update coming October 17th. You can read the full list below: PlayStation 5 The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes Disco Elysium: The Final Cut Eldest Souls FAR: Changing Tides Gotham Knights Gungrave G.O.R.E. IQ Final Roki Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny Tekken 6 PlayStation 4 Alien: Isolation The Dark Pictures Anthology: House of Ashes Dead Island Definitive Edition Disco Elysium: The Final Cut Eldest Souls Elite Dangerous FAR: Changing Tides Gungrave G.O.R.E. IQ Final Outlast II Roki Soulcalibur: Broken Destiny Tekken 6 On the featured titles, we recommend you read our review for Gotham Knights. At release, critic Michael Merchant wrote: “When I think back on the time that I have put into Gotham Knights, I found myself entertained by the story, and I wanted to do every side quest and challenge that I could to build my character to be as strong as possible.” As for other recent PlayStation news, the new ‘slim’ model PlayStation 5 is underway. Coming later this fall welcomes an exclusively digital unit costing $449.99. Additionally, you can purchase an external ultra HD Blu-ray player, but it is an extra $79.99. You cam read the full report by heading here. Which title excites you most coming to PlayStation Plus? Source: PlayStation Blog

Microsoft’s Latest Weird Giveaway Is An RC Car With A Chassis To Hold An Xbox Series S

For Xbox, the platform this week has prepared the launch for Forza Motorsport. Thus far, the firm prematurely celebrated the new entry from Turn 10 Studios with a new controller decorated for the new release – taking after the appearance of the 2024 Chevrolet Corvette E-Ray cover car. Additionally, users that pre-ordered the Premium Edition would also be granted 5-day early access as well. And now with the game here on console, PC, and Game Pass, the Xbox firm is going ahead with another weird giveaway. Similar to the pizza-scented Xbox controllers to celebrate the box office release for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, Microsoft offers a unique collectible for Forza Motorsport with a model RC car. More precisely, a functioning remote-controlled car with a chassis able to hold an Xbox Series S. Partnering with New Bright, this new giveaway will include the aforementioned RC car and a Carbon Black 1 TB Xbox Series S. To celebrate the launch of Forza Motorsport, the Xbox Series S console has gone where it’s never gone before- under the hood of a car! Xbox, Forza Motorsport, and New Bright have joined garages to create a one-of-a-kind, radio-controlled car with a Carbon Black Xbox Series S 1TB console inside of it! The unique design pays tribute to the innovative and ultra-modern 2023 No.01 Cadillac Racing V-Series.R race car, one of Forza Motorsport’s two GM cover cars. In addition to the sleek design and bold color choices, the full-function radio control vehicle comes equipped with AWD performance handling, working lights, and a 2.4GHz RC transmitter. Joshua Chen, Xbox Integrated Marketing Lead This appears to be an ongoing trend for Microsoft to incorporate the Xbox Series S in some form of gag. Previously, we saw this with the Xbox Series S minifridge. And a new report did disclose a line of new products including a Halo USMC toolbox, Xbox ramen bowls, and even an Xbox Series S toaster to add to the appliance line it appears. As for other giveaways that Microsoft has entertained with the size of the Xbox Series S, you can look back to Microsoft Flight Simulator. In that, the launch of the game from Xbox Australia offered a suitcase taking after the form of the $300 console. You can read the full report by heading here. What is your thought process on this new Xbox giveaway? Source: Xbox Wire

Star Wars Heritage Pack gets a physical release for Nintendo Switch in December

Aspyr and Lucasfilm Games announced a physical release of the Star Wars Heritage Pack (2023) for only the Nintendo Switch. The Heritage Pack features seven classic Star Wars games including The Force Unleashed, Republic Commando, Knights of the Old Republic, and others. The physical edition for the Star Wars Heritage Pack (2023) releases on December 8, 2023. Here are the full list of games included in this collection: STAR WARS: The Force Unleashed STAR WARS: Republic Commando STAR WARS: Episode I Racer STAR WARS: Jedi Knight: Jedi Academy STAR WARS: Jedi Knight II: Jedi Outcast STAR WARS: Knights of the Old Republic* STAR WARS: Knights of the Old Republic II* When purchased it will require a digital download and you can purchase the Star Wars Heritage Pack on the Nintendo eShop right now. The physical release will cost $59.99.

Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs is coming to all platforms

Bandai Namco announced a brand new Pac-Man Battle Royale game after Pac-Man 99 shut down for the Nintendo Switch. The video game publisher and developer announced Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs, a multiplayer Pac-Man Battle Royale series coming to all modern platforms with enhanced visuals, new gameplay modes, a variety of customization options, and new music. Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs will have cross-platform play that allows up to 64-players to compete against each other. There will also be custom matchmaking with a Friend system, ranked mode, and global leaderboards. The new Pac-Man Battle Royale game will be released for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series XlS, and PC via Steam. Pac-Man Mega Tunnel Battle: Chomp Champs will be released in early 2024.