Alien: Rogue Incursion comes to VR platforms on December 19
Survios has announced that Alien: Rogue Incursion will launch on December 19, 2024, for PlayStation VR2, PCVR via Steam, and Meta Quest 3. Pre-orders for the game are now open on all platforms. The single-player, action-horror VR game developed in collaboration with 20th Century Games features a terrifying original Alien storyline starring fan-favorite character and rogue Colonial Marine Zula Hendricks, voiced by Emmy Award winner Andia Winslow. Those who pre-order any edition of Alien: Rogue Incursion will receive an exclusive, pre-order-only gift – a cosmetic weapon and armor skin that is inspired by Alien: Romulus. Alien: Rogue Incursion Standard Edition costs $39.99 while the Deluxe Edition is $49.99. The Deluxe version of the game will come with cosmetic Blue Camo weapons and armor skins.
PlayStation Plus August 2024 Game Catalog Includes The Witcher 3, Cult Of The Lamb, Wild Hearts, And More
This summer has illustrated to be a massive wave of new games for PlayStation Plus users. In June, this kicked off with its ‘Days of Play 2024’ campaign which introduced both PlayStation 2 & PlayStation VR 2 titles to its Game Catalog. That month also offered the likes of SpongeBob Squarepants: The Cosmic Shake & Monster Hunter Rise for its free games & Game Catalog respectively. July was no different. Its monthly titles included Among Us, Borderlands 3, NHL 24 – another strong lineup. The Game Catalog continued this trend featuring Crisis Core – Final Fantasy VII – Reunion, No More Heroes III, Remnant II as well. And this month for August 2024, games LEGO Star Wars The Skywalker Saga, FNAF Security Breach, Ender Lilies: Quietus of the Knights were listed for the free monthly offerings. Now at half mast for August 2024, the new Game Catalog additions are revealed. Come August 20th, all these titles will go live. You can read the full list below: PlayStation VR 2 Vacation Simulator PlayStation 5 Cult of the Lamb Ride 5 Sword Art Online: Last Recollection WILD HEARTS Standard Edition The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt PlayStation 4 Cult of the Lamb Naruto to Boruto: Shinobi Striker Sword Art Online: Alicization Lycoris Sword Art Online: Fatal Bullet Sword Art Online: Hollow Realization Sword Art Online: Last Recollection Sword Art Online: Lost Song Watch Dogs 2 The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt PlayStation 2 TimeSplitters TimeSplitters 2 TimeSplitters: Future Perfect From the offered lineup, Rectify Gaming encourages you read our review for Cult of the Lamb. “Cult of the Lamb is the best cult simulation game I have ever played. It has two very different aspects of gameplay that complement each other so well. You can spend hours just building and customizing your base, or you can go out and make progress in your adventure.” We also urge you check out our review for Wild Hearts. “Wild Hearts is a meaningful alternative to Monster Hunter, with an end game, story beats, high-powered armor, and new weapon upgrades. The game also provides a roadmap for new creatures and mechanics aimed at end-game players, free of charge.” You can read the full piece by heading here. Which PlayStation Plus Game Catalog title has you most excited? Source: PlayStation Blog
Final Fantasy VII Rebirth Director Tells A Possible Change To Unreal Engine 5 For The Next Game Could Speed Up Development
As of 2025 next year, it will mark the 10th anniversary since the initial reveal for the Final Fantasy VII remake. And while Square Enix has already offered both Remake & Rebirth since then, it is not the full promise. Of course, this is in reference to the complete three-part storyline that is prepared for the entirety of the Final Fantasy VII reimagining from Square Enix. Since the first game’s release in 2020, development took roughly four years between both installments. Then add an additional 5 since the reveal to the first part arriving and a decade is almost complete. As of February 2024, Square Enix did confirm that Part Three is already in active development, but the earliest sign of release is expected somewhere in 2027. However, in a new interview with CG World Japan – and translated by @Genki_JPN on X – it is revealed that a jump to a new engine could speed up development. FF7 Rebirth Director Naoki Hamaguchi elaborated a transition to Unreal Engine 5 could bring a faster release for the new entry. Hamaguchi did press the wait for Rebirth took four year when both Rebirth & Intergrade development times were parallel with one another. In one aspect, this is great news for Final Fantasy VII fans looking to get their hands on the next game sooner. But on the other side of the coin, it could lead to more issues. Unreal Engine 5 is troublesome to say the least and has proven to come with its own unique set of caveats. What’s more, anticipated projects like PlatinumGames’ Scalebound failed to see the light of day thanks to the issues many Japanese teams face with Unreal Engine. However, that is not true in all cases. Over at Sega, RGG Studio did experiment with Unreal Engine and found success with Like A Dragon: Ishin. Atop of that, it revealed that the firm did use the execution with Unreal Engine to better its own in-house Dragon Engine which will be iterated as new releases roll out. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested in seeing the next Final Fantasy VII remake in Unreal Engine 5 or no?
Square Enix Hints More Platforms For Final Fantasy XVI Following PC Release
Come the release of Final Fantasy XVI, the wait has proven to be more than worth it. “Final Fantasy XVI is a true next-generation entry to the king of the RPG genre. With its breathtaking visuals, enchanting music, compelling storytelling, and engaging gameplay, it is a journey that will resonate with players long after the final credits roll,” our review for the game reads. What’s more, Square Enix continued with the new release offering a store expansion this past April – The Rising Tide. Looking ahead, the 2023 release is not planned to ship only on PlayStation 5 forever. Previously, a promo trailer shared its exclusivity only lasts a total of six months. And it was officially confirmed a PC version is underway. Back in June this summer celebrating the one-year anniversary since the release if Final Fantasy XVI, Square Enix spared new details on its intentions for the flagship entry. In that, more systems could be on the horizon for Final Fantasy XVI. “The development team is currently hard at work on the PC edition. We would like to make Final Fantasy XVI available to play for as many people as possible, so watch out for that one too,” main director Hiroshi Takai expressed in the letterhead posted at the time. Of course, the biggest candidate would be Xbox. According to sources familiar with the original Visions of Mana leak coming to Xbox, it was also issued that Final Fantasy XVI is also in that same vein for support on Microsoft’s console as well. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you hoping to see Final Fantasy XVI on more platforms beyond PlayStation & PC? Final Fantasy XVI is currently available for PlayStation 5.
Valve Patch Notes Confirms SteamOS Is Planned For ROG Ally
While PC remains a dominant & still growing platform, the desktop-based system has expanded to handheld over the past few years. In that, devices like the Steam Deck has enabled more PC-oriented experiences on the go and opened to a wider audience going beyond its tradition port of entry. Of course, this has also enabled more features as well. For one, the Steam Deck did go on to welcome a new update that included support for Windows. What makes this unique is to offer compatibility to features like Xbox Game Pass. Additionally, there are other handhelds that do just that like the ROG Ally. There is even the ROG Raikiri Pro handheld which offers a premium experience with an OLED screen for seasoned users. In a new finding over on the Steam Deck SteamOS patch notes, it reveals that SteamOS is planned to release for the ROG Ally. While features that were unique to the ASUS handheld has been enabled on Steam Deck, now the same can soon be said for the ROG Ally for Steam Deck offerings. “Added support for extra ROG Ally keys, the patch notes reveal. And that is not the only feature that the ROG Ally has brought to light. Upon its release 2023, it was revealed that Quick Resume could come to the device and greater Windows platform. “you just want to take this with you, and you want to pick up where you left off, and you want to be immediately ready to go like console has some of those capabilities with quick resume today,” product management director Shawn Yen explained then. More on the Steam Deck once more, Valve is adamant on iterating the device. Thus far, all that has come is an OLED model. However, it is also anticipated a second iteration will be released. But in one statement from the firm, Valve is not there yet technologically to developer a Steam Deck 2.0. You can read the full report by heading here. Are you interested in SteamOS on the ROG Ally? Source: Valve
WayForward Reveals RetroRealms: Halloween & RetroRealms: Ash vs Evil Dead Games
Horror film IPs are expanding into video games more & more. Previously, Evil Dead: The Video Game shipped offering an authentic portrayal of the Sam Rami film franchise. “Evil Dead the Game goes far beyond the license and delivers a fantastic multiplayer experience for anybody, not just Evil Dead fans,” Rectify Gaming wrote in its review for the game. What’s more, developer Boss Team Games is continuing to double down in this genre moving forward. In a new report that rolled out this week, it was revealed that the firm is also taking on two Halloween projects as well. After its work on Evil Dead, new John Carpenter titles are in development. What’s more, Carpenter himself is also attached to the development as well. In a separate announcement alongside Boss Team Games, developer WayForward shares two other horror games are also in the pipeline. RetroRealms: Halloween and RetroRealms: Ash vs Evil Dead are underway. You can watch the reveal trailer in the video below: “Taking a modern horror franchise and creating the kind of retro gameplay that WayForward excels at has allowed us to create something that we know fans of Pixel Art games, ‘Halloween,’ and ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’ alike will enjoy,” WayForward director of technologies Voldi Way says. “We’ve designed a whole new kind of gameplay that is unique to the RETROREALMS titles and highlights the over-the-top gore and special abilities of these characters.” “Everyone at Boss Team Games are huge fans of horror and getting to work with these legend-ary properties is a dream come true. It has been an amazing experience collaborating with WayForward, and our licensors to create not one, but two, fast-paced 90’s arcade style games while remaining true to the original Halloween film and ‘Ash vs Evil Dead’ series,” Boss Team Games CEO Steve Harris added. Are you excited for either of the RetroRealms titles? Both RetroRealms: Halloween & RetroRealms: Ash vs Evil Dead is listed for Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Source: Boss Team Games
PlayStation 5, PC Version For Until Dawn Launches October 4
Specifically this year, legacy IP Until Dawn remained in conversation with plentiful updates surrounding the Supermassive Games project. And while the game studio is not attached, excitement did build up. For one, a live-action film is underway with Annabelle director David F. Sandberg involved. Additionally, casting was revealed including Peter Stormare included. What’s more, a modern port for PlayStation 5 & PC was also announced. In following updates, Sony Interactive Entertainment & Ballistic Moon has only sprinkled light updates on the Unreal Engine 5 remaster – such as a fall 2024 release window. Of course, entering into the Halloween season, it is anticipated a release date for October would be the most appropriate. On Wednesday, Ballistic Moon announced Until Dawn will launched in October. You can watch the new comparison trailer in the video below: “As a team of Until Dawn fans and horror lovers, our intention has not been to alter the events of that fateful night. Instead, we have focused on giving the original game a cinematic update, offering the player a more intimate experience by enhancing the visual storytelling,” Ballistic Moon creative director Neil McEwan stated. “Our new Until Dawn experience has been built from the ground up using Unreal Engine 5. We have updated character models, environments, interactable props, visual effects, and animations, all designed to maximize the Until Dawn experience on both PS5 and PC. We have completely relit the game to take advantage of Unreal Engine 5’s rendering features, including raytracing and enhanced materials, focusing on a more atmospheric and “modern horror” experience,” he added. “By using a combination of fixed and over-the-shoulder camera views, you can now see the world of Until Dawn from entirely new perspectives. Blending the cinematography of the original with the introduction of a modern third-person camera, we hope to bring new life to characters and locations. The camera’s flexibility allows us to place new emphasis on important moments and tell the story from a view closer to the characters.” How excited are you for this revision of Until Dawn? Until Dawn launches for PlayStation 5 & PC on October 4, 2024; out now for PlayStation 4. Source: PlayStation Blog
PlayStation Reveals Concord Roadmap With Pre-Load Going Live This Week
While PlayStation is laying off toward relying on its legacy IPs in 2024, the firm is platforming new live-service projects instead. Already, Helldivers 2 has proven to be one of the most popular releases for the year. Now in the latter half, Concord is next in line. Coming later this month, the new arena shooter takes a few pages from the likes of Overwatch & Paladins. And while it does follow the free-to-play formula, PlayStation is charging this new game its live-service premium $40 pricing. Additionally, developer Firewalk Studios did clarify that all in-game purchases are solely cosmetic with no pay-to-win advantages. Sony is also boasting the new title with a limited-edition DualSense controller that releases in August as well. Now looking towards post-launch after this month, Firewalk Studios reveals its content roadmap with Season 1 which kicks off this October. A new lore-filled ‘Freegunner Adventures: Guild Infiltration’ trailer was also uploaded which you can watch in the video below: “From the very beginning, we wanted Concord to be a complete experience, where all core content is available to you on day-one and moving forward—not gated behind paid expansions or a Battle Pass. We take your investment in the game seriously and want to ensure that we bring all players along for the journey. “Our first major content drop will arrive in October with the launch of Concord Season 1: The Tempest. Season 1 will mark the introduction of a brand new playable Freegunner, as well as a brand-new map, new Freegunner Variants, more earnable cosmetics and rewards, and a new season of weekly Cinematic Vignettes that will continue the story of the Northstar crew,” game director Ryan Ellis adds. “With season 1, we’ll also be introducing an in-game store for those looking to personalize their Freegunners further with additional customization items and to continue to support the game. These will supplement the hundreds of rewards earnable through progression and will be solely cosmetic, optional, and have no gameplay impact. We’re also hard at work on future seasons, beginning with Season 2 launching in January 2025 and more seasonal drops throughout year one of Concord.” What has you most interested for Concord after its release? Concord launches August 23, 2024 for PlayStation 5 & PC. Source: PlayStation Blog
Super Monkey Ball: Banana Rumble is 30% off
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble is one of Sega’s latest exclusive releases for the Nintendo Switch in June. It brings the classic Super Monkey Ball series back with a brand new title continuing the tradition of the franchise. The game launched as a $49.99 title and it is currently on sale at Amazon for 30% off making it $34.90 for a limited time only. Features: Go bananas with your favorite bunch and drop into online multiplayer for up to 16 players or local multiplayer for up to 4 players! Slip into a wonderfully crafted story either locally or online in the all-new Adventure mode, where you will journey through 200 newly crafted stages either in 4-player coop or solo. Show off your style by customizing your character with over 300 fashionable items to choose from. Use the new Spin Dash technique to sprint past rivals or create new shortcuts to victory! Experience thrilling gameplay that is easy to pick up and play yet challenging and fulfilling to master. In our review, we scored the game an 8 out of 10 as it comes with tons of replay value, online modes, and provides the classic Super Monkey Ball gameplay and challenges.
Thief Simulator 2 is now available on Xbox Series X|S
Thief Simulator 2 from CookieDev and Ultimate Games S.A. has been available on PC for almost a year and recently arrived on PlayStation 5. Today, Thief Simulator 2 was officially released on Xbox Series X|S bringing the well-received simulator to more players. Thief Simulator 2 combines elements of simulator, stealth, and adventure. Set in a mafia-thief world, this first-person perspective (FPP) game offers two game modes (story and free mode). In Thief Simulator 2, players will find, among other things, improved and familiar mechanics and elements from the first part, in addition to a variety of new features. As the developers emphasize, the second installment puts more emphasis on realism and provides a total of about 20 hours of fun. Thief Simulator 2 Features: a new part of the best-selling simulator; improvements and innovations; two game modes (story and free mode); an extensive character development system; diverse and extensive locations; a wide range of equipment (from crowbar to new technologies); many paths to the goal. In our review, we scored Thief Simulator 2 a 8.5 out of 10. It isn’t merely a sequel—it’s a testament to the evolution of stealth gaming.
