Tactical RPG Metal Slug Tactics Releasing in Fall of 2024

PARIS (Sept. 30, 2024) - Publisher Dotemu (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4) and developer Leikir Studio (Rogue Lords, Synergy) today released a new, in-depth video look at Metal Slug Tactics, the grid-based tactical RPG adaptation of the iconic run-and-gun franchise. Metal Slug Tactics will be released in Fall 2024 for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

In the video, Leikir Studio reflects on childhood memories of playing the series in arcades. The team bonds over a shared fondness for the METAL SLUG universe, which Dotemu and Leikir Studio hope to instill in new players and evoke from series veterans when they storm the battlefield in Metal Slug Tactics.

The combat of Metal Slug Tactics takes place in an isometric view, a fresh, reimagined approach to the side-scrolling action for which the series is famous. A change in perspective that affects gameplay and visuals alike, Leikir Studio worked in collaboration with the franchise’s legendary original pixel artists to ensure Metal Slug Tactics authentically captures the spirit of the series’ stunning visuals. The video also explores Metal Slug Tactics’ introduction of new elements to series conventions, including the shift to tactical play, randomization to boost mission replayability, unlockable skills, and roguelite-style progression. It all adds up to a unique and imaginative way to enjoy the world of METAL SLUG.

The classic characters of METAL SLUG return in Metal Slug Tactics, armed with unique abilities that capture their signature personalities and influence each fighter’s approach to combat. With new mechanics such as SYNC team attacks that can be capitalized on through clever field positioning, and a home base-style armory where players select a squad to send into battle, Leikir Studio and Dotemu have transposed the feel of run-and-gun action into a tactical RPG while retaining the series’ DNA of fast-paced gameplay.

Both a respectful homage to an all-time classic and an imaginative new way to celebrate the renowned series, Metal Slug Tactics channels the timeless METAL SLUG aesthetic through gorgeous pixel art and fluid animation. The game’s highly replayable battlefields combine shuffled layouts from handcrafted terrain sectors with subtle roguelite elements, pushing players to adapt and overcome unpredictable clashes as they master dynamic, strategic combat.

Wield classic METAL SLUG weapons, leveraging skill trees, perks, and a super-charged adrenaline system to outwit and demolish the flanks of the series’ signature villains. The action is accompanied by an original soundtrack featuring music from Tee Lopes (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Sonic Mania, Streets of Rage 4’s Mr. X Nightmare DLC). Metal Slug Tactics is wholly developed by Leikir Studio with support from Dotemu and access supplied by IP owner SNK.

For the latest on Metal Slug Tactics, visit https://www.metalslugtactics.com/, follow @Dotemu and @LeikirStudio on X, and wishlist the game on Steam via https://store.steampowered.com/app/1590760/Metal_Slug_Tactics/.

About Dotemu

Dotemu is a French video game company specializing in bringing back the best video games and legendary pop culture licenses on PC and modern consoles, to create neo-retro experiences carefully crafted for fans around the world.

The Dotemu team has published and developed a number of global top-sellers across both PC and console, including the award-winning games Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Streets of Rage 4, Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap, other great development and publishing work from Dotemu includes Windjammers 1 & 2, Pharaoh: A New Era and more. Dotemu is currently working with Leikir Studio on Metal Slug Tactics, with more announcements planned for later 2024 and beyond.

Learn more at http://www.dotemu.com.

About Leikir Studio

Leikir Studio is an independent studio based in Ivry sur Seine, France. Specialized in system games, we are passionate about carrying projects that we are passionate about.

We are the creators of the ruthless Isbarah, the warm Wondershot, the robotic I AM LEGION, the diabolical Rogue Lords and the sublime Synergy. Today, we’re putting all our energy and talent into Metal Slug Tactics to honor the hours of joy we had on this mythical license.

About SNK

Headquartered in Osaka, Japan, SNK develops, publishes, and distributes interactive entertainment software on a global scale. Known for such franchises as METAL SLUG, THE KING OF FIGHTERS, and SAMURAI SHODOWN, SNK continues to focus on its rich console game and arcade history.

©SNK CORPORATION ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

Article by: Susan N.

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Sea of Stars Dawn of Equinox Coming to All Platforms on November 12th!

QUEBEC CITY (Sept. 30, 2024) - Sea of Stars developer and publisher Sabotage Studio today announced Dawn of Equinox, a free content update for the award-winning turn-based RPG inspired by the golden era of ‘90s role-playing classics, will arrive on Nov. 12 for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One.

Following a year of incredible support from the Sea of Stars community, Dawn of Equinox is Sabotage Studio’s gift to thank more than 5 million players for their unwavering love for Sea of Stars. Dawn of Equinox includes some of the most requested features and improvements informed by feedback from players. The update represents Sabotage Studio’s fully realized vision for Sea of Stars’ spectacular adventure.

Dawn of Equinox features:

• All-New Local Co-op: Sea of Stars’ story will be playable in its entirety by up to three players, with allies traversing the world together and mastering a new Co-op Timed Hits combat mechanic.
• Combat 2.0: The addition of Mystery Locks brings a new gameplay loop around revealing the ways to break the spells of enemies each time a new type is encountered in battle. Along with "Reveal" functions added to some of the playable cast’s special skills, Combo Points now remain after battle, offering new ways to open certain encounters, or test different damage types on enemies to reveal their locks. A comprehensive balancing pass has also been done to reflect both these new changes and player feedback since launch.
• A Revamped Prologue: Implementing combat for the young versions of our heroes, the updated flow does away with the flashback structure to begin in their childhood, directly including action in the prologue.
• Bonus Cinematic Scene: An entirely new cutscene has been added to accentuate a pivotal moment in the original adventure, referred to as "Paths on Water."
• A Speedrunner Mode Relic: This new item activates a range of features helpful for those looking to set a new personal best or world record.
• Difficulty Presets: Three difficulty options are now available when starting a new game, which are presets using the game's Relics. New Relics have also been added, both for quality of life and difficulty adjustments.
• Improved Parrot Relic: Sea of Stars’ secret-tracking parrot has learned a few new tricks to better assist players tracking down overlooked challenges and collectibles.
• Quebecois Localization: A comprehensive French Canadian translation for Quebec’s finest Solstice Warriors.
• Quality of Life Improvements: A constellation of general updates and improvements spanning Sea of Stars’ full campaign.

Dawn of Equinox arrives ahead of Throes of the Watchmaker, a free DLC launching in Spring 2025 which will debut a completely new storyline, a new playable character and more as an encore to Sea of Stars’ original adventure. Throes of the Watchmaker will find Sea of Stars’ leading heroes Valere and Zale venturing into a magical miniature clockwork world threatened by a cursed carnival, which forces the Solstice Warriors to adapt to unfamiliar rules to fully master their Sun and Moon powers. The entirety of Throes of the Watchmaker will also be playable in the Local Co-op feature arriving in Dawn of Equinox.

Launched last summer to critical praise from media and fans before being recognized with accolades including Best Independent Game at The Game Awards, Sea of Stars has garnered more than 5 million players and is available across PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One for $34.99. It’s also free to subscribers to Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

For complete game information, please visit www.seaofstarsgame.co.

Article by: Susan N.

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EcoGnomix Available on Steam and GoG with a Discount until October 14, 2024!

30 September 2024, Munich, Germany + Wroclaw Poland | Irox Games and Untold Tales are proud to announce that EcoGnomix, the quirky turn-based roguelite mining + cozy city builder hybrid is available now Steam and GOG.

The game is currently in QA on Nintendo Switch and is planned for release sometime in November 2024.

A 20% discount on launch means the game will be 15.99 USD / 14.40 GBP / 15.60 EUR until 14 October 2024.

WHAT IS ECOGNOMIX?

Build a cozy little city above, by looting mystical caves with a team of gnomes below!

In EcoGnomix you send a team of specialist gnomes on rogue-lite runs into a labyrinth of enchanted caves to bring back resources to expand your village above. Grow your little gnome-topia to let your expedition teams go deeper and deeper into the caves.

Pick your team to gather resources, collect supplies, and fight off foes in strategic turn-based gameplay. But be warned with each turn, the cave becomes more and more unstable, and ravenous bats pick away at your dwindling supplies. So decide when it’s time to leave and plan carefully. The deeper you go, the more supplies you’ll need to stay and fight. So balance your resources, adapt your team as you progress through various biomes, combine various upgrades and units to create powerful synergies, and know that no matter how a run ends, you’ll never leave empty-handed.

GAME FEATURES

Build Your Little Gnome Village

Above the caves is where you will build your thriving little gnome village. Unlock new buildings to get upgrades and abilities, establish production chains for valuable resources, and build up a tiny economy to help your team of gnomes venture further on their adventures for riches.

Strategic Rogulite Runs

Every level needs you to think and play strategically. Pick from a variety of gnomes to deploy, each with their own specialty. Place them at the start of your turn and send them to work gathering resources and supplies while fighting off foes. At the end of your turn, reposition your entire team, add more gnomes if needed, and gather again!

But be warned with each turn, the cave becomes more and more unstable and ravenous bats pick away at your supplies. So decide when it’s time to leave and move on. Choose your path down the caves as you decide which routes to take. The deeper you go, the more supplies you’ll need to stay so think carefully and plan each move.

A Different Team For Every Expedition

Every run lets you adapt, change, and upgrade your team at various points, making each expedition into the caves unique. Modify your team and playstyle to what you need out of the run, mixing it up when a change of tactics is required. Pick and swap from a variety of gnomes to get the job done, assign game-changing upgrades that combine in unexpected ways, and discover hidden special abilities for certain gnomes.

Progress With Every Run

Venture into the caves knowing each run gets you resources no matter how they end. The deeper you go, the more valuable resources you can gather but no matter the outcome, you won’t return empty-handed.

Article by: Susan N.

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Spirit Mancer Releases November 7th on PC, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch

Montpellier, France - September 27, 2024 | Dear Villagers and Sunny Syrup Studio are proud to announce the release of Spirit Mancer this November 7 on PC, PS5 and Nintendo Switch. The title, which has just launched a demo on Steam (demo link), offers a 2D Hack and Slash adventure with deck-building mechanics inspired by classics like Mega Man, Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure and Pokemon. Players are in the role of a modern-day demon hunter, they can go alone or also can join forces with a friend in local couch co-op mode. Slash, Shoot and Break hordes of demons from Ars Goetia and stop the evil queen with the power of the Spirit Mancer. Capture their spirits and summon them out into battle in the beautiful yet dangerous world of Inferno!

Spirit Mancer is getting a great recognition lately, as the game won 6 awards at the Play Prime Awards, also it is currently participating of the Tokyo Game Show, and got shortlisted as finalist in the SEA Games Award 2024 in Malaysia, which will have its winners announced by next week, on the 2nd of October.

New Feature Revealed: 

Develop your Village and build your character!

Meet the Anans! a low level demon class that lives across the inferno, they don't have a special power but they are very adaptable to any condition and also are very good at following orders, that will help our heroes. As you progress in the game, the city will be offering you new facilities built the Anans, like stores that will allow you to trade and buy new items, a bar where you can access new side and main missions, a potion store where you will be able to find summoning cards, a bank, fishery, a gun store. You will even find the Anan adventurer's guild, which will allow you to send them on expeditions in search of more resources!

Key Features

• Hack and Slash action combines with deck building elements.
• With a skill base card, you can summon demons to do your bidding and help you during combat.
• Local co-op support.
• Like in the old arcade times, join forces with a friend and jump together for an epic battle into a colourful and vibrant inferno.
• 100+ Unique enemies you can fight and capture
• Huge variety of unique monsters and demons that you can fight and capture.
• Summon captured enemies to battle as spirit cards
• Capture any demons into spirit cards then summon them out into battle as your friends.
• Deck building with 100+ spirit cards
• Build your deck with demon spirits that you want in your pocket.
• 10+ Guns and weapons to be used
• Blast any foes with a large variety of weapons.
• 8+ levels for you to explore
• Beautiful beach, Volcanic fortress, Lush forest, and more Adventure a huge fantasy world of inferno with 20+ biomes to explore.

Links

• Steam page
• Website

About Sunny Syrup Studio 

Sunny Syrup Studio is a group of people from Thailand who love playing video games and drawing amazing pixel art (and animals). Creating Spirit Mancer a 2D action adventure/Card game where you fight demons by capturing them and summoning them to fight alongside you. 

About Dear Villagers 

Based in the South of France, in sunny Montpellier, we are a boutique publishing label composed of a team of twenty people. Open-minded and versatile, Dear Villagers offers handcrafted marketing and production guidance. Our mission: We tell memorable stories through memorable games. We love pixels, but we believe in people.

Article by: Susan N.

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Immerse Yourself in an Adventure Game Inspired by Persian Mythology During Steam Next Fest!

Paris, September 26, 2024 - ARTE, RTBF, Ram Ram Games and Business Goose are proud to announce that 30 BIRDS, an adventure game inspired by Persian mythology, will be released at the end of 2024 on Nintendo Switch and PC/Mac via Steam. 

30 BIRDS is a poetic and light-hearted game that combines an oriental fairy tale with a thrilling investigation.

Zig, a young woman and mysterious detective, wanders through a mystical world of spinning lanterns to find the thirty birds that will enable her to save Simurgh, the missing patron goddess. Along the way, Zig encounters curious characters and colourful challenges. 

In this mesmerising journey, the player takes on the role of Zig as she navigates through breathtaking landscapes and solves fun and complex puzzles in an attempt to unravel the mystery of Simurgh's disappearance.

The stunning artistic direction of 30 BIRDS was inspired by a trip to Istanbul during which the two creators, Coline Sauvand and Laurent Toulouse, discovered Persian miniatures, a 15th-century Persian pictorial tradition. 

After producing a book in 2014, ‘Le Carnet d'Istanbul’, featuring a story, sketches and revisited Persian miniatures, they wanted to transcribe their experience and use their illustrations to create a video game.

The hand-painted sets in 30 BIRDS create a captivating, enchanted world where 2D and 3D complement each other in a unique way to the rhythm of the electro soundtrack.

30 BIRDS will be participating in the Steam Next Fest from 14 to 21 October, 2024. A brand new demo of the game will be available for the event.

About ARTE 

Founded in 1992, ARTE is a European public cultural television channel and digital network focusing on creation and innovation. Over the past ten years, ARTE has co-produced a number of interactive games such as Type:Rider, Homo Machina, Vectronom, Inua, How to Say Goodbye and To Hell with the Ugly. More information on the official website and the Twitter page of Arte Interactif.

About Ram Ram Games

Coline Sauvand, author and illustrator, and Laurent Toulouse, self-taught programmer and music producer, founded together Ram Ram Games to develop their first videogame: 30 Birds

About Business Goose

Business Goose is the result of passionate gamers and creatives meeting and bringing their love for video games to a higher level.

The two Belgian studios began working together in 2022, drawing on their diverse expertise and talents to jointly develop this unique universe that is 30 Birds.

About RTBF iXPé 

RTBF iXPé is the public service media in French-speaking Belgium dedicated to video games, esports and geek culture. Its aim is to inform, educate and entertain audiences about the topics and issues related to these themes. 

RTBF is also committed to supporting Belgian video game development studios through the co-production of ambitious and inspiring projects. As part of this ongoing commitment, RTBF iXPé also aims to catalyse the development of video game-related themes in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

Article by: Susan N.

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Monster Hunter Wilds Has Revealed Yian Kut-Ku, a Fan Favorite Monster!

Today, an "extended kut" of the latest Monster Hunter Wilds trailer debuted at the TGS 2024 Capcom Online Program, revealing Yian Kut-Ku. This fan-favorite monster is making its long-awaited return to the series in Monster Hunter Wilds. In this wild footage, the plucky Bird Wyvern is seen in the Scarlet Forest, with flocks nesting amongst overgrown ruins and soaring high above the verdant woodland’s towering trees.

The broadcast also journeyed deeper into the Forbidden Lands with an overview guided by Alma, the Hunter’s handler. This presentation highlighted many core features and improvements hunters can look forward to in Monster Hunter Wilds, such as details about the game’s seamless living world, rich biodiversity, and dynamic weather. Alma’s briefing also covered how hunters can rise to the challenges presented by this harsh landscape, including utilizing multiple weapons, crafting gear, setting up camps, and relying on friends and allies like the Seikret mount, other players, and NPC Support Hunters.

Monster Hunter Wilds is gearing up for a simultaneous worldwide release on February 28, 2025, across PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam with crossplay support. The highly anticipated action RPG is now available for pre-order. Players who pre-order the title will receive the “Guild Knight Set” layered armor and “Hope Charm” Talisman as special bonuses. Pre-orders made through the PlayStation®Store will also include a Digital Mini Art Book as an additional bonus.

Additional Highlights from the TGS 2024 Capcom Online Program!

• Street Fighter 6 welcomes Terry from SNK’s popular fighting game series Fatal Fury as the first-ever guest character in the Street Fighter series, and he’s already making (power) waves! Terry will soon be joined by SNK’s Mai and the returning Elena in 2025 to round out Year 2 of Street Fighter 6. Also dropped alongside Terry are two brand new features to help new and veteran fighters train to be the very bestV-Rival and Replay Review. Test your might against specific characters and skill levels via aggregated online player data (V-Rival) and take control of Online/Offline replays to study what could have been done differently (Replay Review)!
• MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is out now digitally across Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, and PC via Steam, with an Xbox One digital release coming in 2025! For the first time ever, play seven classic games on modern consoles in one collection chock full of new features like seamless online gameplay with rollback netcode, training mode across all fighting games, a treasure trove of in-game Museum content, and more! Stay tuned for the physical release on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 kicking off on November 22, 2024!
• Ace Attorney Investigations Collection brings back iconic prosecutor Miles Edgeworth in a thrilling return to crime scenes and courtrooms with sharper visuals, new quality-of-life features, and an extensive in-game Gallery, available now on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Windows and Steam. It’s also time to call an emergency meeting as Ace Attorney™ crosses over with Among Us in an unexpected twist! Players can now sport a brand-new Edgeworth skin, free to unlock, and bring their prosecutorial prowess to the hunt for imposters.
• Dead Rising Deluxe Remaster is available digitally across Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam, bringing everyone’s favorite zombie paradise action game with new and improved features to players around the world! Catch the physical release on Xbox Series X and PlayStation 5 starting on November 8, 2024!
• Capcom Fighting Collection™ 2 features eight unforgettable games, including Capcom vs. SNK 2: Mark of the Millennium 2001, Project Justice, Power Stone 2, and much more, with new features like online play and quality-of-life updates across every game in the collection! Catch the release in 2025!
• The Street Fighter League Japan season has already kicked off in Street Fighter 6, featuring three new teams: Crazy Raccoon, FUKUSHIMA IBUSHIGIN, and Yogibo REJECT! Street Fighter League US returns on October 16, followed by Street Fighter League Europe later this year. Champions from each region will meet at Capcom Cup 11 in Tokyo, Japan, where the ultimate champion will be crowned. Plus, don’t miss the finale of Capcom Pro Tour 2024 at Capcom Cup 11, with a $1 million grand prize on the line!

Article by: Susan N.

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Memorable Music in Gaming #52

Synth, serene and atmospheric music always have a place in games that get your feet and body going in your seat as you navigate whatever adventure it slides into. 

Deep Fear | Sega Saturn | Surfacing

If this track, with its choir vocals, sounds oddly cinematic and atmospheric to you, I wouldn’t be surprised - for it was composed by none other than Kenji Kawai.

This is the same guy who did the soundtrack of the Ghost in the Shell anime. ‘Nuff said.

Deep Fear OST - 15 - Surfacing

 

Silent Hill 2 | PS2 | The Day of Night

Fun fact: I’m hearing impaired, which means sounds & voices of a certain decibel are what my ears can detect. Having this impairment results in popping and blocking of my hearing, so it’s always a guessing game from my colleagues whether I’m listening to them or not.

I often play this particular track at a certain volume to assess my hearing level. If I can hear the dulcet piano strokes, then I suppose it’s all right. If barely, then SPEAK UP!!

The Day Of Night 

 

Hotline Miami | PC | Hydrogen

MOON is a certified madman of the synthwave scene. His work is so unabashedly, unapologetically unhinged, and I absolutely love him for it.

Hydrogen may not have kickstarted the genre, but I believe this is one of the handful few that should be representative of the more hypnotic, foot-thumping side of the synthwave scene.

M.O.O.N. - 'Hydrogen' [Hotline Miami Soundtrack]

 

Epsilon Program Theme | PC | GTA V

It’s annoying how catchy and serene this music is. This one feels like it is coming from that pink boombox (you know the one), while you’re aimlessly wandering in the liminal backrooms.

Kifflom - Epsilon Program Theme Song

 

Valadilene Theme | PC | Syberia

I consider Syberia to be video game canon; games that are quintessential to the industry and must be played at-least once. There’s not a single weak element about this game.

The game starts off at Valadilene, which means this is the first piece of music you hear as you enter the clockpunk world of Syberia. It is at-once nostalgic and just as pretty as the cursive, handwritten logo of the game.

If the point and click adventure genre were to have an official theme, I’d choose this one.

Syberia l Valadilene Theme l Microids

Article by: Hamza 

 

 

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Annoucing Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero Coming to Consoles and Steam in 2025!

We are proud to announce that Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero will be launching on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on January 30, 2025 (Steam version to follow in Spring 2025)!

Preorders for the Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero Limited Edition, exclusive to the NIS Online Store, are now available for Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The contents of the Limited Edition include a Deluxe Edition copy of the game, an Art Book, a soundtrack, an acrylic diorama stand, and a coaster.

Phantom Brave: The Hermuda Triangle Remastered Coming to PlayStation 5

In addition to today’s release date announcement, Phantom Brave: The Hermuda Triangle Remastered is coming to PlayStation 5! Embark on the heartfelt first adventure of Marona and her Phantom friend Ash in Phantom Brave: The Hermuda Triangle Remastered on November 7, 2024. 

About Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero

In Phantom Brave: The Lost Hero, the story follows Marona – a gifted young girl with the power to speak to Phantoms – as she traverses the ocean world of Ivoire, providing aid to those in need. When a fleet of ghost ships attack, it’s up to Marona and her new friend Apricot to assemble the legendary crew that once defeated these spectral foes.

Recruit Phantoms, bind them to objects, combine them with Gadgets, and even merge them with Marona herself to unleash show-stopping abilities and sink the Shipwreck Fleet!

Article by: Susan N.

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Fatal Fury and Street Fighter Meet on the Battleground in Fatal Fury: City of the Wolves in 2025!

TOKYO, Japan — September 26, 2024 – Today at Tokyo Game Show, SNK CORPORATION revealed that the iconic Street Fighter legends Ken and Chun-Li will join the roster of FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves as post-launch Season 1 DLC. Ken arrives in Summer 2025, followed by Chun-Li in Winter 2025. FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves launches early 2025 on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Steam, and Epic Games Store. Pre-order DLC characters, including Ken and Chun-Li, with the Season 1 pass in the Special Edition ($59.99/€59.99)!

“For decades, SNK has had deep respect for Capcom, in both genuine admiration and a bit of friendly rivalry,” said FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves Producer Yasuyuki Oda. “It’s an honor to bring the universes of FATAL FURY and Street Fighter together once again. This collaboration is a reflection of that bond, and we hope players share our excitement.”

Season Pass 1 Details:

In addition to Street Fighter icons Ken and Chun-Li, SNK revealed the cadence of their Season 1 pass DLC characters:

• DLC Character 1 (Scheduled for: Summer 2025)
• DLC Character: KEN (Scheduled for: Summer 2025)
• DLC Character 3 (Scheduled for: Fall 2025)
• DLC Character: CHUN-LI (Scheduled for: Winter 2025)
• DLC Character 5 (Scheduled for: Early 2026)

The FATAL FURY series debuted in 1991, igniting the fighting game boom of the 1990s that took the industry by storm. GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES, released in 1999, has been the most recent installment in the franchise until now. With fan favorites, new fighters, and now legendary characters across fighting game history making an appearance, FATAL FURY returns with a classic battle system evolved for the next generation of fighters.

For all the latest on FATAL FURY, visit the official website, follow SNK on Twitter, or join the official Discord. For more information on Street Fighter 6, visit the official website.

 

ABOUT FATAL FURY

The FATAL FURY series made its debut in 1991, igniting the fighting game frenzy of the 1990s that would soon engulf the gaming industry. GAROU: MARK OF THE WOLVES, released in 1999, has remained the latest installment in the franchise for quite some time. FATAL FURY will soon make its triumphant return for the first time in 26 years when FATAL FURY: City of the Wolves launches in early 2025, featuring a dynamic art style, new and familiar fighters, and modernized battle systems.

ABOUT SNK

Founded in 1978, SNK CORPORATION is a Japanese video game company headquartered in Osaka, Japan. SNK is an acronym of Shin Nihon Kikaku, meaning New Japan Project, and was the company’s legal name until it was shortened to SNK in 1986. SNK is best known for creating the NEOGEO arcade system and several game franchises, including THE KING OF FIGHTERS, METAL SLUG, SAMURAI SHODOWN, and FATAL FURY. SNK also published classic games like WORLD HEROES, NINJA MASTER’S, and SENGOKU. Learn more about SNK CORPORATION by visiting https://www.snk-corp.co.jp/us/.

Article by: Susan N.

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Atari and Digital Eclipse Announce the Launch of First DLC to Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration

New York, NY (September 26, 2024) —Today, publisher Atari and developer Digital Eclipse are thrilled to announce the launch of the first major DLC to the critically acclaimed Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration. Titled The Wider World of Atari, this DLC features 19 playable games and eight video segments set in a brand-new timeline. Delve deep into stories from Atari's history, highlighting how the company has influenced creators and fans over the decades.

Included are 19 new games revealed by MetalJesusRocks, who partnered with Atari for the announcement in this video. 

Fans can explore the 19 games included in this first DLC: 

• Berzerk - 2600
• Berzerk Voice Enhanced - 2600 
• Berzerk - 5200
• Berzerk - Arcade
• Frenzy - Arcade
• Red Baron - Arcade
• Sky Diver - Arcade
• Avalanche - Arcade
• Destroyer - Arcade
• Super Bug - Arcade
• Football - Arcade
• Stellar Track - 2600 (Sears exclusive)
• Submarine Commander - 2600 (Sears exclusive)
• Steeplechase - 2600 (Sears exclusive)
• Atari Video Cube - 2600
• Desert Falcon - 2600
• Off the Wall - 2600
• Sky Diver - 2600
• Avalanche - Atari 8-bit

Here’s what else is included in the new DLC expansion: 

• Unusual and underappreciated Atari 2600 innovations, as well as hidden gems from the 1980s
• A spotlight on the artist Evelyn Seto, who helped create Atari’s iconic logo
• The community’s quest for unreleased prototypes and the preservation of gaming history
• Archival and contemporary interviews from employees, fans, and homebrew developers

The Wider World of Atari includes new interviews, vintage ads, historical artifacts, and more, which have all been researched and presented with Digital Eclipse’s signature style. Highlights from the new timeline include unusual and underappreciated innovations and hidden gems from the late 1980s; a spotlight on the artist Evelyn Seto, who helped create the iconic “Fuji” Atari logo; Pong creator Al Alcorn explaining the birth of Breakout; and an exploration of the fan base’s role in discovering unreleased prototypes, creating “homebrew” games, and preserving Atari history.

Fans attending the Portland Retro Gaming Expo (PRGE) can learn more about the DLC and the Atari 50: Anniversary Celebration project this Sunday, September 29, during a panel discussion featuring Digital Eclipse Producer Chris Kohler, Atari VP of Games Ethan Stearns, and Atari Founder Nolan Bushnell.

A second DLC entitled The First Console War will be released globally on November 8, along with the physical release of Atari 50: The Anniversary Celebration Expanded Edition on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 for $39.99. The physical release contains the original game and both DLCs. 

A Steelbook version for Nintendo Switch, which will include Atari 2600 art cards, miniature arcade marquee signs, and an Al Alcorn Replica Syzygy Co. business card, will retail for $49.99 USD.

The DLC is available now on PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Series X, and PlayStation 4 & 5 for $7.99. Additionally, owners of the original game on the Atari VCS can get the DLC content for free as part of an update!

Stay up-to-date on all things Atari and retro-pop culture by following on Facebook, X (Twitter), Instagram, YouTube, and join the community on Discord.

About Atari

Atari is an interactive entertainment company and an iconic gaming industry brand that transcends generations and audiences. The company is globally recognized for its multi-platform, interactive entertainment, and licensed products. Atari owns and/or manages a portfolio of more than 200 unique games and franchises, including world-renowned brands like Asteroids®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Pong®, and RollerCoaster Tycoon®. The Atari family of brands includes game developers Digital Eclipse and Nightdive Studios, the publishing label Infogrames, and the community-based sites AtariAge and MobyGames. Atari has offices in New York and Paris. Visit us online at www.Atari.com.

Atari shares are listed in France on Euronext Growth Paris (ISIN Code FR0010478248, Ticker ALATA) and OTC Pink Current (Ticker PONGF).

©2024 Atari Interactive, Inc. Atari wordmark and logo are trademarks owned by Atari Interactive, Inc.

Article by: Susan N.

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Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 - PC Review

Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 by developer YUKE'S and publisher D3PUBLISHER—PC(Steam) review written by Richard with a copy provided by the publisher.

 
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

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EDF! EDF! Save the world from giant insects and invaders! Join the EDF today to protect the world! This time in square voxel form! Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2 is your enlistment chance!

If you are familiar with the EDF franchise, I assume you're already well familiar with what you're getting into. If you aren't though, let me tell you a bit about it. Earth Defense Force is a series where you fight off giant enemies to protect Earth. The enemies are comically oversized and ragdoll something fierce when killed. If you know "what's the blast radius on this? YES" then you know how ridiculous the EDF series can be. World Brothers 2 is the voxel form with a massive host of different units and weapons to acquire and choose from, and tons of aliens and monsters to crush.

While the plot probably isn't going to be most people's first consideration in an EDF title, World Brothers 2 is about a giant creature that has broken the Earth into pieces, and a bunch of motherships are dropping invaders onto the Earth. You start out as Fyta Gether, a new recruit in the EDF. You join a quirky cast of characters as you fight (together) to fend off the alien invaders.

Gameplay is simple but surprisingly addicting. There are over 100 missions that you take on with a team of up to four units. Your goal is almost always to clear out all the enemies, and you can do so by switching between the units you've brought along. More units can be unlocked by rescuing teammates "in-stage", and after completing the stage they will be unlocked. Each unit has a weapon specialization, such as rockets, cannons, or shotgun style weapons, a unit specific special attack, alternate action, and sometimes dodge type. If one of your units goes down, you can swap to another to get the first one back up, at the expense of some health.

As I mentioned, there are a ton of units with different playstyles and abilities, as well as weapons. Units start with only one weapon type available, but if you rescue a duplicate of the unit, you can upgrade their "skill level", which increases the types of weapons they can equip. Want a flying Wingrider with a rocket launcher? That's possible if you're lucky with the unlocks. In addition to weapons you also have equipment you can put on your units. Both weapons and equipment are earned post mission after rescuing teammates, so it's really beneficial for you to do so. Harder difficulties mean better loot too, so there is a reason to up the difficulty.

Speaking of difficulties, you start with Easy, Normal, and Hard, where the harder difficulties count as completion for those under them. I.e. completing a mission on Hard counts as Normal and Easy as well. After clearing the game, you unlock two new difficulties that are separate from that, allowing for more replayability. Additionally, clearing a mission gives any unit that participated extra max armour (which is what this game calls health) based on difficulty, letting you take on tougher missions. Weapons also get experience and can level up to a certain extent, increasing damage. If the weapon tree (level 1 through 4 of the same series) is a unit's starting weapon, they also get a damage bonus.

As you're getting swarmed by giant insects and other creatures, you will earn SP for using the character specific special move whenever you kill enemies. There are also a lot of item pick-ups to be acquired that drop from enemies: white boxes that heal your current unit, red boxes that heal all units, and yellow boxes that give SP. You also get AI companions in a lot of missions to help you, and they can also revive you, and you them, at no health cost. Couple that with the different vehicles and tanks you can pilot, and there's a lot of helpful tools at your disposal.

EDF as a series is ridiculous, and it knows it. The dialogue in-mission is quirky and self referential while still retaining some serious nature. The units are all pretty interesting in their own right and are predominantly based off of different real world locations, and the massive amount of unit customization is great. Being able to bring four characters along is also really helpful for keeping gameplay fresh if you choose different enough units, because the playstyles feel different. The close-range shotgun feels a lot different from the cross map laser guided missiles you can fire.

The voxel style graphics and soundtrack also really lend themselves well to World Brothers 2. The aesthetics work well for the quirky and rather joking nature to the game, and the music tracks match with both the stage themes as well as the scenarios.

Good news for all of you worried about the multiplayer: it's really smooth. It's quick, I didn't have any lag issues, connecting and finding a room was easy, and playing with others was a blast. You also don't need any other additional accounts or services as long as everyone who is playing is doing so through Steam. With no peer to peer issues encountered at all, I was really pleasantly surprised.

Overall, I had an absolute blast with Earth Defense Force: World Brothers 2, sometimes literally if I was too close to a building when firing a rocket. It's a wonderful mash-up of entertaining dialogue, tons of different units, lots of replayability, and overall just a really fun experience, whether by yourself or with others. Pick up EDF: World Brothers 2 and help save the Earth today!

Score: 9 / 10

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Narrative Puzzle Game Inspired by Persian Mythology 30 Birds Release at the End of 2024

Paris, September 26, 2024 - ARTE, RTBF, Ram Ram Games and Business Goose are proud to announce that 30 BIRDS, an adventure game inspired by Persian mythology, will be released at the end of 2024 on Nintendo Switch and PC/Mac via Steam. 

30 BIRDS is a poetic and light-hearted game that combines an oriental fairy tale with a thrilling investigation.

Zig, a young woman and mysterious detective, wanders through a mystical world of spinning lanterns to find the thirty birds that will enable her to save Simurgh, the missing patron goddess. Along the way, Zig encounters curious characters and colourful challenges. 

In this mesmerising journey, the player takes on the role of Zig as she navigates through breathtaking landscapes and solves fun and complex puzzles in an attempt to unravel the mystery of Simurgh's disappearance.

The stunning artistic direction of 30 BIRDS was inspired by a trip to Istanbul during which the two creators, Coline Sauvand and Laurent Toulouse, discovered Persian miniatures, a 15th-century Persian pictorial tradition. 

After producing a book in 2014, ‘Le Carnet d'Istanbul’, featuring a story, sketches and revisited Persian miniatures, they wanted to transcribe their experience and use their illustrations to create a video game.

The hand-painted sets in 30 BIRDS create a captivating, enchanted world where 2D and 3D complement each other in a unique way to the rhythm of the electro soundtrack. 

30 BIRDS will be participating in the Steam Next Fest from 14 to 21 October, 2024. A brand new demo of the game will be available for the event.

About ARTE 

Founded in 1992, ARTE is a European public cultural television channel and digital network focusing on creation and innovation. Over the past ten years, ARTE has co-produced a number of interactive games such as Type:Rider, Homo Machina, Vectronom, Inua, How to Say Goodbye and To Hell with the Ugly. More information on the official website and the Twitter page of Arte Interactif.

About Ram Ram Games

Coline Sauvand, author and illustrator, and Laurent Toulouse, self-taught programmer and music producer, founded together Ram Ram Games to develop their first videogame: 30 Birds

About Business Goose

Business Goose is the result of passionate gamers and creatives meeting and bringing their love for video games to a higher level.

The two Belgian studios began working together in 2022, drawing on their diverse expertise and talents to jointly develop this unique universe that is 30 Birds.

About RTBF iXPé 

RTBF iXPé is the public service media in French-speaking Belgium dedicated to video games, esports and geek culture. Its aim is to inform, educate and entertain audiences about the topics and issues related to these themes. 

RTBF is also committed to supporting Belgian video game development studios through the co-production of ambitious and inspiring projects. As part of this ongoing commitment, RTBF iXPé also aims to catalyse the development of video game-related themes in the Wallonia-Brussels Federation.

Article by: Susan N.

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Brazilian Farming Simulator Gaucho and the Grasslands Demo Coming to Steam in November 2024!

Porto Alegre (Brazil), September 25, 2024 - Epopeia Games, a game developer and publisher from Southern Brazil, is proud to announce fresh updates, as delightful as drinking "chimarrão" (a typical drink from southern Brazil), for its upcoming title: Gaucho and the Grassland, a Farming SIM where you live as a latin cowboy. The cozy game will debut on PC (Steam) in February 2025. To celebrate, a completely updated trailer showcasing the latest visuals and gameplay has been released. But that's not all: a new demo will be available on Steam in November 2024.

Get ready for a grand adventure in the pampas!

The day starts early on your inherited farm from your late father, with plenty to do to rebuild it and restore it to its former glory, but now with your own special touch!

Starting from basics like gathering stones and branches for urgent repairs, to crafting your own tools to renovate your home and other buildings to expand the farm, in Gaucho and the Grassland everything can be found by exploring nature... or acquired from local people or even a local vendor, who takes great pride in making good deals.

But the "gaucho" (or "gaucha" - for females), as the farmer from southern Brazil is commonly called, is not alone in this endeavor: alongside your strong and always helpful horse and your faithful sheepdog with a keen nose, you'll unlock and explore different biomes, at any time of day and night, and in various weather conditions.

And speaking of biomes, take some time to enjoy the typical music of Southern Brazil and admire the stunning visuals of the game's fauna and flora, inspired by the typical vegetation of the pampas.

Meet and assist your neighbors to receive rewards, take care of your animals, renovate, build, and decorate your home too! Oh, and get ready for supernatural encounters with mystical beings typical of the culture and folklore of the Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Yes, there's plenty to do on your farm! And if you get tired, how about going fishing? Or enjoying the beautiful view while sipping on a "chimarrão" and playing your accordion, while waiting for the barbecue to be ready? All of this is possible in Gaucho and the Grassland!

The adventure begins in 2025, but in November there will be a new demo

Still in November of this year, a new demo version of Gaucho and the Grassland arrives on Steam. Return to the pampas to check out the game's latest updated visuals, and to test new features that weren't available in the previous demo.

Also, don't forget to follow Gaucho and the Grassland on social media: Threads, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Also, join our Discord. And add the game to your Steam wishlist.

About Epopeia Games

Epopeia Games is responsible for other games that have been nominated for various awards, and has published the Brazilian indie hit of 2024, Mullet MadJack. Now, it promises to innovate in the farm games genre with the release of Gaucho and the Grassland, which has already won the award for BEST GAME PITCH FROM REGIONAL ASSOCIATIONS at the Big Festival 2022 in São Paulo, Brazil. The game is scheduled for release on PC in 2025, with future plans for Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Playstation 4/5 releases.

Article by: Susan N.

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