Review: Paris Transylvania
Developer – Magneticlake Publisher – Magenticlake Platforms – PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Developer Paris Transylvania stands out as a remarkable fusion of gaming genres, delivering an exhilarating gaming experience. In this innovative title, players delve into the captivating world of a vampire-slaying Pachinko Roguelike Deckbuilder, seamlessly blending the mechanics of beloved games such as Peglin and Slay The Spire. However, what sets Paris Transylvania apart is its distinctive twist on both format and gameplay, drawing inspiration from the classic puzzle game Peggle to introduce an additional layer of familiarity and enjoyment. Delving into the historical roots of Pachinko, the game pays homage to this mechanical marvel that originated in Japan. Initially conceived during the 1920s as a children’s toy called the “Corinth game,” Pachinko evolved into a popular arcade attraction and a frequent gambling pursuit. The machines, inspired by the American “Corinthian bagatelle,” have become synonymous with low-stakes, low-strategy gambling in Japanese culture, akin to the slot machines’ role in Western gambling. Today, Pachinko parlors dot the Japanese landscape, often featuring an array of slot machines alongside the iconic Pachinko machines. In terms of gameplay and features, Paris Transylvania offers players a refreshing departure from the usual randomness associated with deckbuilding games. The freedom to play cards in any order and choose one’s path without relying on RNG adds a strategic layer to the experience. Boss fights are designed to keep players on their toes, featuring extravagant creeps and heart-pounding retro minigames that heighten the overall excitement. Assuming the role of Marie Antoinette, the cake-loving last queen of France, players find themselves in an unexpected adventure in Transylvania after narrowly escaping the guillotine in Paris. The objective? Battle formidable vampire clans and reclaim rightful power. The dynamic deck-building system allows players to carefully curate a unique deck by selecting cards wisely. With hundreds of cards at your disposal, each encounter with wicked creatures becomes an opportunity to regain power. The Pachinko-style gameplay introduces a strategic element, requiring players to skillfully hit pegs to power up their cards. Throughout the journey, game-changing relics can be uncovered, enhancing the overall strength of the deck. The ever-changing maps of Transylvania add replay value, with each journey offering different paths, enemies, random events, and challenging bosses. Paris Transylvania proves to be a captivating game that masterfully combines the thrills of a deckbuilder with the strategic nuances of Pachinko. The unique setting and engaging storyline contribute depth to the gameplay, establishing it as a must-play for enthusiasts of the genre. With its homage to Pachinko’s historical roots and the seamless integration of various gaming mechanics, Paris Transylvania is a stand-out game.
The Xbox Series S Toaster is now available for $40 at Walmart
Microsoft has been known to have fun with its consoles like turning the Xbox Series X into a mini refrigerator and now they have turned the Xbox Series S into a toaster. Available for $39.99 USD at Walmart, the Xbox Series S 2 Slice Toaster will toast your bread, and it will come finished with the official Xbox logo. What’s unique about this kitchen appliance is that it’s shaped as the Xbox Series S console which will catch any gamers attention. You can view the official Walmart listing here. Xbox Series S Toaster Features: Fun Style: Toaster modeled after the signature design of Microsoft’s Xbox Series S gaming console Fits Your Carbs: Wide slot with self-centering bread guide and bagel button accommodate slices from an artisan loaf, bagels, frozen waffles, Texas toast, or English muffins Toasted Just Right: Six-setting shade selector dial for customizable browning doubles as a digital LED countdown timer / clock and also allows for reheating Quick Warm Up: Defrost button handles items straight out of the freezer or your Xbox Series X Fridge Level Up: Toaster imprints iconic Xbox sphere logo on bread for the ultimate slice of fandom Safe with Easy Clean Up: Anti-jam function, automatic temperature control, removable crumb tray, and non-stick coated plates No Burn Outer Surface: Cool-touch exterior measures 15″ width x 7.6″ tall x 4.6″ depth For a Wedding, Birthday, or Housewarming: The perfect gift for console gamers and Microsoft fans who want a little something extra to show off in the kitchen, dorm, office, or apartment You will be able to toast your bread, English muffins, frozen waffles, and bagels like a regular toaster. This is the perfect kitchen appliance for all Xbox fans.
343 Industries partnered with Sprung Studios to help with Halo Infinite’s UI
343 Industries released Halo Infinite over 2 years ago and the game had issues with its UI since at one point the studio had to take down Playlist images because the game’s UI couldn’t handle it. In October, Sprung Studios announced that they would be partnering with 343 Industries to bring their specialized UX/UI expertise to Halo Infinite. This announcement clearly went under the radar as not many people knew about it. Thanks to Halo Leaks for sharing this today. We are thrilled to be collaborating with 343 Industries to bring our specialized UX/UI expertise to @Halo Infinite! Stay tuned to see our work unfolding in future updates of the game! Spartans, are you ready?#HaloInfinite pic.twitter.com/ZuBYRoSzpy — Sprung Studios (@SprungStudios) October 11, 2023 It will be interesting to see how this partnership will help improve Halo Infinite’s UI. We will have to wait and see what comes about from this collaboration.
Leaks Share Three Free DLCs Planned For Marvel’s Spider-Man 2
Upon the release for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, it was evident that Sony Interactive Entertainment already has another hit in its hands. Within the first two weeks, the game sold more than 5 million copies. However, what surprised fans the most was the lack of recognition ending 2023. At The Game Awards, with seven nominations in total – Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 did not win a single category. Looking ahead for the series, there is chatter of potential outreach for a Venom spin-off to be in the works. But what makes this truly hold water is that the recent Insomniac Games leak does list the game to already be in the pipeline. This alongside an alleged multiplayer for the series. But, that has since been canceled for the IP, insiders reveal. But on ResetEra, a new thread reveals that there are free add-on DLCs coming to Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 later on. While not listed in the initial leak, the internal presentation from Insomniac Games does nod to these three DLCs. From user Lant_War, the three add-ons are titled ‘Beetle Infestation’, ‘Extreme Carnage’, and ‘Spider-Verse Anomaly’. Each DLC is self-explanatory from the name alone featuring updates for both Beetle & Carnage as well as a focus on the popular Spider-Verse films. In all three listed DLCs, it mentions new missions as well as boss fights for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2. One more, the Spider-Verse add-on in specific is to also include unique NPCs as well as a “visual filter” to mimic the movies. Looking forward, there are many players split on the next entry for Marvel’s Spider-Man. In that, the ending of the recent game does point to Miles Morales possibly being the new Spider-Man and replacing Peter Parker. Even advanced writer Brittney Morris entertains the idea. You can read the full report by heading here. What are you hoping to see from the post-launch of Marvel’s Spider-Man 2? Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 is out for PlayStation 5.
Bloober Team Partners With Skybound Entertainment On New Project
When it comes to engaging players, horror games tend to evoke the most emotion. When that can be said for any medium truly, games tend to add a layer of immersion with the interactive nature of the experience. However, when it comes to Polish developer Bloober Team, it is to inch away from horror moving forward. In a recent interview with Engadget, founder Piotr Babieno said “We decided that our next titles should be much more mass-market oriented. We’d like to talk with more people. We’d like to deliver our ideas, with our DNA, not by environment or storytelling, but by action. […] But we decided that there was a ceiling that we couldn’t break if we did not deliver something fresh, something new.” From a recent press release from Bloober Team, the firm has officially signed on with Skybound Entertainment to work on a new project based on one of the publisher’s IPs. Skybound is notable for properties including The Walking Dead, Invincible, and Murder falcon. “This project is the next step in the 2nd party strategy, where we work with external partners to provide our horror know-how. These are not titles that are only supposed to give us financial profit, but are the next steps in achieving our strategy by the end of 2027,” Babieno writes in the press release. Most surprising is the expectation not to be a financial hit for the team as it explores new territories from its prior projects. Currently, Bloober Team is still working on another partnered project over at Konami, Silent Hill 2 Remake. Originally revealed back in fall 2022, there has been little word as to when it is expected to launch on PlayStation 5. You can read the full report by heading here. What has you most interested in the next project over at Bloober Team? Source: Bloober Team
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, Hell Let Loose, Resident Evil 2, And More Kicks Off Xbox Game Pass January 2024 Lineup
2023 has remained a very active year for Xbox Game Pass and is to surely reflect that moving forward. In total, it is reported that the overall value of titles offered last year totals just over $8,700 according to TrueAchievements. Additionally, it was considered briefly that more console could expect the service. But, Microsoft Gaming CEO Phil Spencer that was not the case for Microsoft. As for the titles offered ending this past year, December 2023 featured Remnant II, Far Cry 6, and World War Z just to list a few. And now entering 2024, we are at least familiar with the games departing from the service. It was revealed that Grand Theft Auto V, Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, MotoGP 22, and Garden Story are all out by the end of this new month. As for the full lineup, Microsoft on Wednesday unveiled the new roster of Xbox Game Pass additions for the start of 2024. You can read the full list below: Console Hell Let Loose [Xbox Series X|S]- 1/4 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 1/9 Figment – 1/9 Super Mega Baseball 4 [EA Play] – 1/11 We Happy Few – 1/11 Resident Evil 2 – 1/16 Those Who Remain – 1/16 PC Hell Let Loose – 1/4 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 1/9 Figment – 1/9 Super Mega Baseball 4 [EA Play] – 1/11 We Happy Few – 1/11 Resident Evil 2 – 1/16 Those Who Remain – 1/16 Cloud Hell Let Loose – 1/4 Assassin’s Creed Valhalla – 1/9 Figment – 1/9 Super Mega Baseball 4 [EA Play] – 1/11 We Happy Few – 1/11 Resident Evil 2 – 1/16 Those Who Remain – 1/16 Noted, this also marks the return of one Xbox-owned title – We Happy Few. Developer Compulsion Games is an Xbox Game Studios team, but its 2018 release did happen to be off the service since January 2023. But, this is now re-added to the library. Compulsion Games is currently working on its next title, South of Midnight. Also for Xbox in 2024, the platform is expecting an overhaul to its achievement system later this year. From XboxEra insider Nick Baker, the plans to rework this feature is aimed to arrive sometime in the coming months. You can read the full report by heading here. What game has you most excited for Xbox Game Pass starting 2024? Source: Xbox Wire
