Princess Peach: Showtime apparently uses Unreal Engine

Princess Peach: Showtime is one of Nintendo’s upcoming major titles for the year with its release planned for March 22, 2024, for Nintendo Switch. Physical copies seem to have been found in the wild in some regions including China and the display box reveals the game uses Unreal Engine. As you can see in the image below, the Unreal Engine logo is spotted in the bottom right. This is from akfamilyhome on X (Twitter): While this may come as a surprise to some, it shouldn’t since Pikmin 4 was the latest big release from Nintendo to use Unreal Engine. In Princess Peach Showtime, Peach can turn into a swordfighter, pastry chef, and has many other forms in the game. Thanks to Nintendo Everything for sharing this.

iam8bit announces Persona 3 Reload Vinyl Soundtrack; pre-orders open February 15, 2024

With the recent release of Persona 3 Reload on February 2, 2024, iam8bit announced they will be selling a massive vinyl soundtrack. The soundtrack features 60 genre-spanning tracks across four LP records and it will be available for pre-order starting Thursday, February 15. The Persona 3 Reload soundtrack pays tribute to the distinctive late-2000s style of the original game while still providing a decidedly modern sound. Its suite of “Reloaded” tracks playfully evokes themes and melodies from their original tunes while bringing in unexpected elements that enhance the experience and create something wholly original. At the same time, that unmistakable Persona swagger is still there by the bucketful, as Atlus Sound Team deftly weaves across genres and influences spanning opera, hip-hop, house, and more. The price of this vinyl is $100 and is expected to ship in Q3 2024. Here is the full tracklist for the Persona 3 Reload vinyl soundtrack: [Side A] Full Moon Full Life Aria of the Soul This Mysterious Feeling Want To Be Close -Reload- Troubled Crisis Shadow [Side B] Unavoidable Battle Peace -Reload- When The Moon’s Reaching Out Stars -Reload- Iwatodai Dorm -Reload- The Voice Someone Calls tartarus_0d01 Mass Destruction -Reload- [Side C] After the Battle Color Your Night Deep Breath Deep Breath -Reload- Master of Shadow -Reload- Paulownia Mall -Reload- The Meaning of Armbands tartarus_0d02 Bad Feeling Fearful Experience [Side D] Calamity During the Exam Everyone loves 1989 Joy tartarus_0d03 Deep Mentality -Reload- It’s Going Down Now The Path is Open [Side E] The Path Was Closed Changing Seasons -Reload- Basement Master of Tartarus -Reload- This is How It Should Be… Living With Determination tartarus_0d04 [Side F] Kyoto Afternoon Break Tanaka’s Amazing Commodities -Reload- tartarus_0d05 Memories from 10 Years Ago -Recollection- Memories from 10 Years Ago -Confrontation- Mistic Strength of Heart Memories of the City Memories of the School [Side G] Living With Determination -Iwatodai Dorm Arrangement tartarus_0d06 What Lies in the Darkness Battle Hymn of the Soul Nyx Determination Burn My Dread -Last Battle Reload- [Side H] Enduring Bonds I Will Protect You -Reload- Memories of You -Reload- Memories of You -Reload Instrumental- Full Moon Full Life -Opening Movie version- Persona 3 Reload is undoubtedly at the forefront of mainline Persona titles and is the remake fans have been waiting for. You can play the game on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, Steam

Dead Island 2 is coming to Steam this April

Deep Silver Dambuster Studios released Dead Island 2 for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and PC via Epic Games Store last year in April and finally, the game will be coming to Steam. It was announced that Dead Island 2 will come to the popular PC platform on April 22, 2024. To celebrate this occasion, Dead Island Riptide – Definitive Edition will be free on Steam from now until February 15 giving those who enjoy zombie-slaying a way to keep you entertained until Dead Island 2 comes to Steam this April. You can wishlist Dead Island 2 on Steam right now and the official price is not listed on the platform yet.

Splatoon 3: Side Order DLC arrives February 22

The Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass continues to get content with hits second wave of DLC coming with Side Order bringing in more single-player content. Sider Order was released as part of the Expansion Pass for Splatoon 3 on the Nintendo Switch on February 22, 2024. What content comes with Sider Order? Here is a background about the single-player content Splatoon players will check out later this month. In Side Order, you play as Agent 8, a resident of Inkopolis who wakes up in a new “world of order,” where the color spectrum goes from white to … a little less white to … kinda gray to … well, that’s pretty much it. What’s an Octoling to do? Figure out how to bring a little color back into the picture, that’s what! Alongside a drone who claims to be Off the Hook member Pearl, Agent 8 must battle to the top of the Spire of Order against hordes of surprising enemies and obstacles. On each floor of the Spire there are objectives that change each time you make an attempt, and they get harder the higher you climb. Objectives may include defeating enemies, securing specific areas for a set amount of time, and overcoming other skill-testing challenges. Use the color chips you receive to customize your Palette to your liking with enhancements such as increased firing speed, raised damage output and more. Fail to reach the top and you’ll have to start over – but the color chips you collect will be converted into a currency that can be exchanged for some permanent and helpful upgrades. Those upgrades might just give you a fighting chance of reaching the top next time around. Designed to be replayed over and over as you update Agent 8 with powerful (and colorful) abilities, Side Order is a fun, challenging way to level up your Splatoon skills, for newcomers and vets alike. A new Splatoon 3 “Fresh Season” releases March 1, 2024, and will bring in new multiplayer stages such as the Marlin Airport battle stage and the Bonerattle Arena Salmon Run stage, new weapons like Brella and Dualies variants, and additional new items like the Fizzband that can be used during the Splatfests. If you haven’t purchased the Splatoon 3 Expansion Pass you can do so now for $24.99 USD on the Nintendo eShop.

Party Animals introduces a new map, Luggage Chaos and two new characters

Recreate Games recently put out an update for Party Animals that adds more content to the game including new characters, outfits, a free event pass, and more. There is a new Spring Festival Event that is currently going on until February 25, 2024, and it brings in the Shen Loong Pass that is centered around the new Lotus character. The developer also added a brand new Team Score map with Luggage Chaos that is very similar to the Lollipop Factory, but this time you have to deliver a certain amount of suitcases. Both teams will also fight over the coveted golden suitcase that will help you get more points faster if you win the battle. Along with Lotus the loong (Dragon), Recreate Games introduced Gopher the marmot to the game as another new character. There are also a ton of outfits to choose from with the event happening until the end of the month. Here are some of the other updates added to Party Animals: Optimizations Improved matchmaking experience for new players in quick matches. In Winter Cabin, the outdoor area where characters can move around without being frozen has been enlarged. Throwing items in Paws can now knock away players blocking your card view. In Winter Cabin, the cooldown time before character respawn has been reduced. A cooldown mechanism has been added to the start game button of Paws to prevent accidental pressing. Bug Fixes Fixed the issue where occasionally certain player’s name tag will not show in game Party Animals is only available on Xbox and PC via Steam.

Report: Square Enix Recent Financial Report Remarks On Reform For Its Gaming Operation

One of Japan’s largest publishers – Square Enix – is looking to bring its A-game this year. Of course, one of its most notable releases prepared to ship this year is Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. The second installment in the three-part remake for the classic 1997 release, Final Fantasy VII. Already, a demo for the game is out now for players anticipating the full release in the coming weeks. Additionally, the firm is also preparing its launch for Visions of Mana – a proper sequel to the beloved IP. Even more, this is the first time the series truly embraces a multiplatform release with Xbox even showcasing the game in January. Of course, Kingdom Hearts 4 is also in the pipeline at Square Enix, but, there is no settled release date on the new installment as of yet. According to Bloomberg, however, Square Enix is considering a restructuring for its video game operation. In an excerpt from a statement by president Takashi Kiryu, he says: “We are performing a zero-base review to determine what kind of organizational structure is necessary to realize the contents of our pipeline, and which approach is best.” There could be plenty of reasons for the firm’s decision to do so. One being the recent launch for Final Fantasy XVI back in 2023. Only on PlayStation 5, it was reported to be an underwhelming launch for the publisher’s expectations. Most notably is the net loss that was caused by the messy release from Crystal Dynamics with Marvel’s Avengers which cost the firm a reported $63 million at the time. As noted about Visions of Mana, it is part of a greater new initiative to expand its releases on more platforms evidently. Prior it was announced that Square Enix is preparing to ship more of its titles to Xbox in an effort to bring blanket support to all platforms. You can read the full report by heading here. What is your impression from Kiryu’s statement?

All Animals In Party Animals

Party Animals from Recreate Games has been a treat for Xbox and PC players since its release in September 2023 bringing a new type of party game to the table. Over the last few months, the developers have been slowly adding new content such as maps and new animals to play as.  There are over 36 animals to choose from and the number is still growing. Here you will find all of the Party Animals currently in the game outside of the collaborations like Ori and The Blind Forest and Cult of The Lamb.  Nemo Coco Macchiato Otta Underbite Harry Carrot Uni Lloyd Barbie Max Tiagra Bacon Valiente Morse Sparky Tuskarr Hachi Bathrobe Garfat Lou MoonMoon Fluffy Curtis Hammer Levi Yurusa Bruce Bob Snow Dundun Shin Spike Sunny Kola Lotus Gopher Panda Red Panda Party Animals is available on Steam, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, and it’s on Xbox Game Pass. 

Granblue Fantasy: Relink has sold over 1 million copies

Cygames released Granblue Fantasy: Relink worldwide on PC via Steam, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 and the game is already a great success for the publisher and developer. Granblue Fantasy: Relink has officially sold more than 1,000,000 copies across the platforms it is currently available on. The game reached this milestone 11 days after it launched on February 1, 2024. Cygames announced that players can look forward to a new quest, playable characters, and other surprises featured in planned updates starting in March. Granblue Fantasy: Relink has addicting combat, beautiful animations, a varied character roster, and more. In our review, we scored the game an 8 out of 10. You can purchase the Standard Edition for $59.99 USD on the PlayStation Store or on the Steam Store.

Review: Fight Crab 2

Developer – Calappa Games Publisher – PLAYISM Platforms –  Nintendo Switch, PC (Reviewed) Review copy given by Publisher That’s right one of the craziest games you ever seen got a sequel ! In the chaotic world of crustaceous combat, Fight Crab 2 emerges as a sequel that not only upholds the flipping frenzy of its predecessor but also introduces a captivating array of new elements. As in the first game, the primary objective remains delightfully straightforward – flip your opponent to secure victory. However, simplicity takes a backseat when confronted with the expansive arsenal of weapons, spells, and skills at your disposal. Fight Crab 2 beckons players into a realm where the rules may be uncomplicated, but the wealth of strategic possibilities, combined with a plethora of gameplay skills to hone, crafts an immersive and multifaceted battle experience, that you must Prepare to engage in a shell-shocking showdown that goes beyond mere crustacean clashes and dives into the depths of strategic mayhem. Fight Crab 2 not only maintains the flipping mayhem that fans loved in its predecessor but amplifies the crustacean chaos with an impressive suite of new features. The introduction of the single-player Career Mode adds a whole new dimension to the game, allowing players to embark on a three-year journey of raising and training a single crab to ascend the ranks of the Crab League. This mode adds a strategic layer as you earn money and unlock an extensive array of weapons, spells, and skills to mold your crab into an unstoppable force. The multiplayer mode extends the battleground globally, connecting players and their customized crabs for intense, cross-continental showdowns. The game’s versatility shines as crabs showcase their dexterity, effortlessly wielding a variety of weapons in both claws. The addition of a Crab Gauge, fueled by every hit taken, introduces a tactical element, allowing players to unleash devastating lasers and spells strategically. With over 40 skills to mix and match, even newcomers can execute impressive crab maneuvers. The game’s innovation continues with the inclusion of human riders atop the crabs, adding an extra layer of strategy. These riders can dismount, interact with the environment, and even swap crabs with teammates in tag-team matches. The customization options extend beyond crabs, allowing players to personalize their human riders with vibrant colors, and gear, and even importing VRM files or connecting to VRoid Hub for unique avatars. Whether engaging in the single-player Career Mode or diving into the global multiplayer arena, Fight Crab 2 guarantees an utterly ludicrous experience. The game’s features, combined with its engaging mechanics and outlandish weaponry, make it a shell-shocking good time. So, grab your chainsaws, holy swords, and magic clouds – it’s time to flip those crabs into the annals of crustacean glory!