Try the Demo for Ready Steady Ship! Until February 19th!

8 February 2024, Wroclaw, Poland + Vilnus, Lithuania | Untold Tales and solo developer Martynas Cibulis have teamed up on Ready, Stead, Ship!, a chaotic couch co-op delight party game where players will use various tools and equipment to rebuild the most convoluted and questionably designed factory conveyor belts.

A new Steam demo has just been released today ahead of time for the Steam Remote Play Together Festival that will run from February 12th to February 19th.

While Ready, Steady, Ship! is best played in 2 players co-op with a friend, an entire single-player campaign with stages tweaked or totally redesigned to be completed on your own is also included.

The demo gives players access to 9 stages from the single-player campaign and 9 stages from the co-op campaign.

Game Features:

Multiple Tools, Various Solutions

As you progress you’ll be given all manner of tools, equipment, and conveyor parts to overcome obstacles. Forklifts, cranes, springboard conveyor belts, packing foam dispensers, the list goes on and on

The Factory Keeps Getting Weirder

From acid pools, space vacuums to rooftop gaps to clear, or just outright chaos on the floor. As you progress, the factory will throw tougher challenges at you with more complex conveyor belt builds.

2 Player Couch Co-op Delight

Grab a buddy and get this line moving double time! NOTE: This game supports local couch co-op on consoles only and Steam Remote Play Together via PC. There is no dedicated online multiplayer mode. The game also has a dedicated single-player campaign.

Easy and Responsive Controls

Ready, Steady, Ship! is built around responsive yet simple controls, so almost anyone can quickly and easily join the fun.

Article by: Susan N.

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Family Feud - PS4 Review

Family Feud by developer Snap Finger Click and publisher Ubisoft—Sony PlayStation 4 review written by Jim with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated reading time: 5 minutes

Family Feud is one of my favorite game shows as it had questions I could answer even when I was younger and I really liked that about it. For anyone who doesn't know what Family Feud is it is a game show that started back in 1976 where two family's of five compete to answer survey questions that were previously asked to a group of 100 people. Each round starts with a face-off where one family member from each family gets to see who can hit the buzzer the fastest and answer the question.

The game plays much like the show but if you are short on family members or friends you can play alone in Classic mode or even online. In Classic mode, you can play with up to five players all on the same family using one or more controllers. If you play alone it will be just you vs the computer players. There are four levels in single-player ranging from easy through very hard. Once you beat easy through hard you will unlock the very hard level but I must say all seemed easy to beat to me.

If you want to play with more than five people or if you want to play against a friend there is Party Battle Mode where you can play with up to ten players in teams of five. The game plays the same except for the fast money round where the winning team usually gets to play for more money in party mode both teams get to play fast money round. The winning team goes first and the losing team second. The team that wins this wins the game.

Next, there is an online multiplayer mode called Couch vs. Couch where you and up to four others can play other people but it will match you up with anyone even if they have more players. I played one match that was me versus two. The game plays the same as party mode with the fast money round being played by both players. A lot of times with these types of games it takes a long time to be matched up to someone to play but all the times I played online I had no problems finding someone to play with.

The last mode is a live show mode where if you are a streamer on YouTube or Twitch others watching you can play along. The host player is asked a survey question that they answer without the viewers knowing and the viewers try to guess what the host player answered. The viewer's scores are then put onto a leaderboard. The host player can also make up questions to ask during a live show and viewers can also submit their own suggestions. It's a pretty cool idea and I am glad they tried something new.

You earn money for winning or even losing gives you money that you can then use to customize your character by buying new clothes and accessories for him or her. There are pre-made characters also if you do not feel like making one and jump right into the game. The host of the game is Lucky McCoy he is just a random host made up for the game but he does an okay job. He reads the questions and even says the answer you give at times.

One thing I don't like about him is he talks just a bit much at times and there is no way to skip any of it even the family introductions are unskippable. Other than that Family Feud for the PS4 is a pretty good recreation of the show. I do wish that they could have added the real host of the show Steve Harvey to add to the realism of the game. It could have used some more levels in classic mode as four was not enough and was easy for me to beat each one.

Overall it has some good new ideas and does a good job of making the show into a video game. With only a few things that I think could have been better like being able to skip over some parts and having a better host, it is a decent game. I enjoyed playing this with my family over the Thanksgiving holiday and it could be a very fun party game once COVID is taken care of.

Score: 7.5 / 10

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Who wants to be a millionaire? - XB1 Review

Who wants to be a millionaire? by developer Appeal Studios and publisher Microids—Microsoft Xbox One Review written by Jim with a copy provided by the publisher.

Estimated reading time: 6 minutes

Video game adaptations of game shows can be a lot of fun. Just a look at my PS3 and you can find everything from Jeopardy to two different versions of The Price is Right. Some of these games get it right while others, not so well. I remember playing the very first video game version of Who wants to be a millionaire on the PC and although I was young and wasn't really good at it I still enjoyed it a lot. When the kid's edition game came out I enjoyed it that much more! But does the XB1 version hold up to the show?

For anyone who doesn't know what Who wants to be a millionaire is, it's a game show where contestants must answer 15 multiple choice questions to win a million USD (Editor's Note: I am Canadian and with the exchange rate... our million is quite a lower number). The contestants do have a little help though with four lifelines that they can use at any time. To play, there are both single-player and local multiplayer options to pick from as well as an online options that pits you against 99 other players. At the time of this writing though, the game had not been released and so there are no other players to be found online.

The single-player mode is where I spent most of my time. In single-player mode, you can pick to play on normal mode or easy mode. Normal mode plays out like the show would on TV where as easy mode does away with the timer and gives out easier questions. In normal mode, you can pick the categories of questions you want as long as you pick 4 or more of them. There are also categories that are locked and require you to use an in-game currency to unlock. The better you do the more of this currency, or neurons as they call them, you will get.

Win $1000 and you get 40 Neurons. The locked categories range in price from 1000 neurons and up so unless your really good at the game it takes some time to unlock them all and that's a shame there are some categories I really would have liked to play right off the bat like Disney or Harry Potter. This type of currency works better on maybe unlocking new characters or outfits but when I was getting the same questions asked and I haven't even been playing for an hour then they should have had everything unlocked from the start.

In single-player mode, you get to select a character you want to play. Each one has their own jobs and interests but these don't seem to play into the game at all. In a game like this most people would want to play as themselves so why there are no options to create a character is a little baffling as most game show games or at least the ones I played on PS3 would let you. The host of the show is just some random guy. There is voice acting in this game but none of it is any good and if you are going to have a voiced host then he should at least read the questions.

Luckily you can skip all the chatting but I did run into one problem with skipping and that was if you skip the talking before a question it will just bring up the questions and answers and start the timer right away. If you don't skip it the game gives you time to read the question as the answers pop up and then start the timer once the answers are all up. The phone a friend lifeline is also voiced, you get to pick who to call out of a list like your character's sister for example and then they will chat but the question is never given they will just say if they think they know the answer or not. The host's hand movements and facial animations also don't match what is being said or done. One other thing that bugs me is when he asks “Is that your final answer” the character just goes on and says yes instead of asking the player to pick yes or no. Even the PC game that came out in 1999 asked the player.

I could never make it to a million but part of that problem was when I used the Ask the Audience lifeline more times than not it would always be wrong! Who was this game polling? One other thing I ran into was one of the questions that asked “When you're talking about someone and they suddenly show up it is often said “talk of the___” The right saying is "speak of the___" not talk. This makes me wonder if any other questions may be wrong as well.

The one thing I did like about the game was that it had an easy mode titled family mode. It asks easier questions so that even younger players can play. Each player can pick to play normal mode or easy mode so if you want to play on normal but your child wants to play on easy you can do that. The family mode is an elimination game where you keep playing until there is only one player left who answered right. There is also a coop mode that all players must answer right or they all lose. A free for all or take turns. Some of the modes only require one controller so if your like me and only have one Xbox one controller this is good.

Summary

Who wants to be a millionaire although fun in short bursts it just doesn't seem to be worth the price of the game at $29.99 for a physical copy of the game. There just isn't enough there and some things are done so badly like the voiceover and having to skip over most of the game due to the lines the characters say being so dumb.

It's more fun just to play along while watching the real show on TV. We will have to wait and see if the one vs 99 online modes will be any good but my guess is most games won't even reach 100 players. One of the only things they got right was music. It's all from the tv show and plays at the right times as it should.

Score: 4.5 / 10

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The Jackbox Party Pack 6 - PS4 Review

JackBox Games are back again with their sixth entry into the series. With a sequel to one of my family's favorites with Trivia Murder 2 and brand new games alike, there's more fun to add to those slow party nights where everyone is already on their phones anyway!

Starting with the sequel to one of my favorites, Trivia Murder 2 brings you back to the murder house and doesn't even let you out when you die. Answering trivia right will only keep you safe for so long as this is basically a game of SAW and even if you do win? You may still not even make it out as the ghosts are always allowed to steal your life and grab victory for themselves.

This second entry isn't just more of the same though. While there's still crazy trivia the murder games have switched up and now there are even more things to worry about. Getting the murderer's mother's wig for example saves you from some scrutiny, but once you win, you have to prove that you are really her or die even after winning the game.

Next up is Role Models which was a bit of a weird one. As a group you get to pick a category for the overall subject and once that's done you get to assign personalities or roles to the others over the course of a few rounds. Where things get a bit fun isn't what every other player thinks if you, but what you and they think of you as a whole.

Points in this game are calculated by how many of you voted on the same choices over the course of the rounds. So one person could easily be taking the majority vote for a science fiction personality of Darth Vader, while in other cases if you were the only one to think so you would have no points. It's a neat little game.

Moving down the line, Joke Boat. The joke of the boat is that this is far from a five star cruise liner and even calling yourself a fourth rate comedian is generous. Dad jokes aplenty on this literally sinking ship, you'll be coming together pieces of text in hoping that something actually comes out funnier than you think it will be for the popular vote. It's fun, but it's no t-shirt TKO.

Dictionarium was perhaps the shining entry of JackBox 6. This is literally a game where you can write up a bunch of nonsense and it's added to a dictionary as fact! It's a lot of fun and you can work off of others in order to make your own brands of nonsense for both a word, its definition and it's synonym. It also doesn't take very long to go through a game so the nonsense can easily keep rolling for a while as it doesn't feel like any effort is needed.

Finally, there’s Push the Button which unlike a lot of other entries in the JackBox set, requires a minimum of four players. This for us basically eliminated it for our quiet family nights and was meant more for actual game nights with friends as you’re really going to need the extra people to hide as the alien(s). It kind of made me miss my father for the first time in a long while a fair amount as getting together on Sunday nights is what we did. The sad and mopey stuff aside, once you get this baby loaded you’re in for some fun as it’s basically a much quicker and digital version of Battlestar Galactica Board Game where you’re hiding as a Cylon. If even one alien remains, the humans lose. If the human eject all of the aliens? They win. There’s no grey zone so you’ll want to bring your A-Game!

So overall, JackBox Games Party Pack 6 is a great addition to the series with plenty of new additions to suit multiple moods to a night amongst family and / or friends. From Murder Trivia making a return to new cheesy things like Joke Boat, and it stands alone just as easily as it stands alongside the other five party boxes.

Game Information

Platform:
Sony PlayStation 4
Developer(s):
Jackbox Games, Inc.
Publisher(s):
Jackbox Games, Inc.
Genre(s):
Party Games
Mode(s):
Multiplayer 3+ People
Other Platform(s):
Microsoft Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC

Source:
Provided by Publisher

Article by Pierre-Yves

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Asmodee Digital Announces Munchkin: Quacked Quest for All Platforms

PARIS - October 17, 2019 - Asmodee Digital, a leader in video game entertainment inspired by board games, is proud to announce Munchkin: Quacked Quest will be launched on PlayStation®4, Nintendo Switch™, Xbox One, and PC (Steam) on November 19th 2019. A new batch of visuals showcases its unique take on dungeon-crawling.

What is Munchkin: Quacked Quest?

• Genre: dungeon crawler / party-game.
• Number of players: single, up to 4 players (local multiplayer).
• Gameplay: Cooperate with your friends now, betray them later!

Play solo or with up to four players in couch mode and adventure through deadly dungeons where enemies lurk. Be careful, sometimes the most dangerous enemy is sitting right next to you…

Be the fastest, the most cunning, or the most most effective at overcoming the challenges in each dungeon: capture ducks, slay monsters, defeat bosses, while throwing your friends/foes into pits and smashing furniture… everything you wish you could have done at your cousin’s wedding.

Four races and four classes available: become a fashionable Orc Priest or a grumpy Dwarf Wizard, for a total of 16 combinations. (Management will deny any liability in case of a botched spell or missing limb.)

More than 20 weapons for hitting, cutting, shooting, hugging, burning, smashing or knocking down more than 15 different enemies—or friends. Just in case, you know, they get in your way. And if you want to hit harder, run faster, or be even more annoying to the other players, there are nine almost-lethal items to choose from.

Randomly generated dungeons for infinite replay value! You will never need to purchase another game. Ever. #MarketingDPTApproves

Customized experience: choose player mode and game duration and let the backstabbing, loot-grabbing, slaying, and betraying commence!

Munchkin: Quacked Quest is inspired by Munchkin, the award-winning card game, designed by Steve Jackson and winner of the 2001 Origins Award for Best Traditional Card Game.

For more information about the game, feel free to visit: https://www.asmodee-digital.com/en/munchkin-quacked-quest/

About Asmodee Digital 

Information about Asmodee Digital can be found on the following social media sites:

• Web 
• Twitch,
• YouTube, 
• Twitter, 
• Instagram and, 
• Facebook.

Article by Susan N.

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Nippon Marathon and Valthirian Arc: Hero School Story Releases

PQube (London, UK) – June 21st, 2019 – Today, PQube has great news for everyone that still appreciates a nice cartridge and box: More formerly digital-only fan-favourites will make their way to European stores in the course of this year, kicking-off with Valthirian Arc: Hero School Story and Nippon Marathon today!

The fantasy school management simulation and the crazy Japanese party game are now each available at selected retailers for £19.99 / €24.99 on Nintendo Switch, while the PlayStation 4 version of Valthirian Arc is available for £12.99 / €14.99 and Nippon Marathon for £14.99 / €19.99.


For more information and the latest news, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Twitch and our homepage: http://pqube.co.uk/

About Onion Soup Interactive

Hailing from the exotic dojos of Birmingham, Onion Soup Interactive is the newest kid in the indie shrine. Nippon Marathon, the officially licensed videogame of Japan’s #1 annual sports extravaganza*, is its debut title. The studio’s aim is to find and develop new forms of fun and to apply them in colorful and exciting fashion – all while trying to beat the Guinness World Record for volume of sushi consumed in a single sitting. Please direct all complaints to Buster the dog.
*Note to press: don’t fact check this.

About AGATE

Agate, under PT Agate International, is a company and game development studio that was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in the Bandung region, Indonesia. PT Agate International owns two main business: game and gamification development under Agate, and a subsidiary that moves within the role of marketing and digital advertising—Seruni. For over nine years of running, Agate now has over 170 crews, 250 game titles, 270 projects, 140 clients, and 20 local and international awards. This large growth of Agate entitled Agate as one of the most sustainable game company in Indonesia. With the motto “Live the Fun Way”, Agate is certain that living will be all the better if accompanied with happiness. And that games are one of the viable media that can help increase said happiness. More detailed and updated information can be found on www.agate.id.

About PQube

PQube is a leading publisher, distributor and service provider for the interactive entertainment industry with a global reach through UK, Europe, Middle East, Australia and North and South America from its offices in Letchworth (UK), Bristol (UK), Paris (France), Los Angeles (USA) and Hong Kong. As a licensed publisher with Sony, Microsoft, Valve, Nintendo and Apple, PQube’s software division publishes and distributes video games for PlayStation 4, PlayStation Vita, Nintendo Switch, Xbox, iOS, Android, PC and has full coverage across all digital download platforms, establishing a track record of success with major franchises including: Gal*Gun, Chaos;Child, Cat Quest, Valkyrie Drive, White Day, Root Letter, BlazBlue, Guilty Gear, Kotodama, MotoGP, Ride, MXGP, Harvest Moon, Senran Kagura and Steins;Gate. PQube’s hardware division designs, manufactures and distributes officially licensed consoles and accessories including the brand-new Atari ‘Retro’ range.

We thank all our partners and acknowledge all game names, brands and trademarks as properties of their respective owners. Visit: www.pqube.co.uk/games



Article by Susan N.

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Pixel Engineers Releasing Hunt 'N Sneak in April 2019

7 MARCH 2019 - Developers Pixel Engineers have today revealed their chaotic party game Hunt 'n Sneak - a game in which light is both friend and foe - will launch onto PC via Steam on Wednesday 10th April.

Alongside the announcement comes a brand new trailer showcasing the game's striking art style and frantic gameplay.

Hunt 'n Sneak is a manic couch co-op multiplayer game set in a world of mythical creatures. Players take on the roles of either the fearsome Gobbler as it tries to devour the Pixies and take over their world; or as the mischievous Pixies, who use pings of light to navigate their surroundings and escape the Gobblers. You'll have to play smart if you want to win as you pursue, evade or outwit your opposition.

Hunt ‘n Sneak started life as an experimental game jam at the Academy of Interactive Entertainment in Melbourne, Victoria. During this time, the game had the working title of Ping and is no stranger to awards after winning first place in the game jam’s category of ‘Couch Multiplayer’.

Since then, Pixel Engineers have transformed Hunt 'n Sneak into a fully-fledged, energetic multiplayer experience, playable by up to four players simultaneously.

James Koehne, founder of Pixel Engineers, said: "Stealth, intense chases, and jukes for days are just some of the things you'll be frantically doing in Hunt 'n Sneak. As we build up to the launch of the game we are ready to take the next step in the game's journey and I can't wait to show the game to everyone!"

Hunt 'n Sneak will be released for PC via Steam on Wednesday 10th April 2018, priced at $19.99 USD.

Check out Pixel Engineers social media on Twitter and Facebook. Hunt 'N Sneak has an Official Webpage.

About Hunt 'n Sneak

Light is both friend and foe in Hunt 'n Sneak - a manic party game set in a realm where mystical and magical creatures dwell. Home to the peaceful (albeit mischievous) Pixies, the realm is threatened by terrifying beasts. Darkness rises as Gobblers from a far-off land with a taste for Pixies try to overrun their kingdoms.

In Hunt 'n Sneak, one player must take control of a Gobbler, a fearsome invader of the Pixie realms. The remaining players control the mischievous Pixies, who are doing their best to survive by hiding in the shadows.

As a Pixie, use bursts of light known as 'pings' to navigate the environment. Each time a Pixie pings, however, their location is temporarily revealed to the Gobbler. For the Gobblers to be victorious they must devour each of the Pixies within the allocated time. In order for the Pixies to claim their victory, at least one of them must survive until the very end of the game.

Features

• Gather family and friends to play with up to four players locally or online.
• Explore a number of captivating maps including the Murky Cave, an Abandoned Mansion, an Enchanted Forest and a Ruined Castle.
• As a Pixie, try to follow your movements through each environment and evade the Gobbler using your ping; each ping emits an illuminating light to help you navigate your surroundings. Pick up Moon Drops along the way to give you special abilities!

As the Gobbler, pursue the Pixies using Pixie revealing lights. Revel in their fright as you hunt them down before gobbling them up with your attack.

About Pixel Engineers

Pixel Engineers is a Melbourne based indie game dev studio comprised of three graduates from the Academy of Interactive Entertainment (AIE). Each member has continued to work effectively and enthusiastically within and around the games industry in Melbourne and they are currently working on their debut title Hunt 'n Sneak.


Article by Susan N.

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