Author - Jerry Paxton

Robyn Miller to Compose New Music for Riven Remake

Today, Cyan Worlds is pleased to announce that Robyn Miller, company co-founder and original composer of Myst and Riven: The Sequel to Myst, is creating new music for the highly anticipated Riven remake. This marks Robyn’s return to the franchise he co-created after 27 years, for which he also composed a memorable and fan-beloved soundtrack. For this remake, Robyn will bolster the already iconic soundtrack of the game with brand-new music. The track debuting today is Part IV of a larger piece of music that contains four movements, and a first sneak peek is available right now on Cyan World’s social channels. You can check it out on the link below. More details regarding release platforms and availability for Riven’s soundtrack will be announced at a later date.

“Writing the music for Riven was a blast. I hope that fans like the additions.” shares Robyn. “I attempted to evoke the sounds of the original soundtrack but I was writing for an environment that is unique and stands apart from the original Riven. This piece had to live up to that and, in a way, speak a different musical language.”

With Robyn entering this new collaboration with the Cyan Worlds team —and Richard Vander Wende joining the team back in 2022 as game director for the remake— a unique opportunity presented itself to bring together the original creative team behind 1997’s Riven: The Sequel to Myst. Join Rand Miller, Robyn Miller, and Richard Vander Wende on a special roundtable conversation where the great minds behind the 1997 hit sit down and briefly discuss their approach to worldbuilding going from Myst to the original Riven, as well as the upcoming remake.

Riven is a modern remake of 1997’s monster hit Riven: The Sequel to Myst, and a love letter to the classic narrative-driven puzzle games of the ‘90s. When exploring the decaying age of Riven, Cyan Worlds wants the player to feel like an archeologist, slowly unraveling the many mysteries of the D’ni and Rivenese mythologies. Through careful exploration of Riven’s five enigmatic islands, players will uncover clues, decipher foreign languages, and immerse themselves in the game’s intricate lore. Riven encourages players to lose themselves in its world and find solutions to the game’s puzzles through careful and profound reflection, examination, and contemplation of the environment.

Leveraging modern-day technology and the power of Unreal Engine 5, Cyan Worlds aims to recreate and expand on its vision for Riven with development focused on delivering native experiences on both flatscreen and VR platforms. The game will offer an unparalleled level of immersion, allowing players to truly feel part of the enigmatic D’ni Empire while exploring the decaying age of Riven. With new puzzles, expanded storylines, and breathtaking visuals, even those who know the original by heart will find themselves lost again in its depths.

Key Features:
  • Intricate Storytelling and Mind-Bending Puzzles: Challenge your intellect with Riven‘s cunning puzzles woven throughout its narrative.
  • Immersive Environments and Stunning Graphics: Explore surreal islands, each meticulously crafted with unparalleled attention to detail, from dense, lush jungles to awe-inspiring caverns.
  • An Expanded World To Explore: Encounter an immersive and visually stunning world that will captivate newcomers and reveal new mysteries for long-time fans.
  • Fully Re-imagined Gaming Experience: Experience Riven like never before, with free movement through a real-time 3D environment. Whether you’re a seasoned adventurer returning to Riven or a newcomer eager to explore Riven’s mysteries for the first time, this immersive and visually stunning world will captivate you.
  • Truly Immersive Experience Developed in Parallel for flatscreen and VR: Cyan Worlds is simultaneously developing the flatscreen and VR versions of the game to ensure a high-quality experience regardless of players’ platform of choice.

World of Warships Update 13.3 Trailer

Wargaming, the publisher and developer of the world’s leading naval battle MMO World of Warships, is setting the scene for the construction of the historic American battleship Wisconsin in the Dockyard, a real naval ship museum. Alongside this new shipbuilding process comes a special Event Pass with two 20-level progression lines to commemorate the Japanese Golden Week holidays, and the revival of the fan-favourite Asymmetric Battles!

Wisconsin and West Virginia ‘44 in the Dockyard
Leading April’s content update comes American Tier X battleship Wisconsin in the Dockyard. Equipped with nine precise 406mm main battery guns in three turrets, and both high speed and concealment on her side, she’s the perfect vessel for fast-paced gameplay. To mitigate damage risks from the ship’s weaker armour Wisconsin comes prepared with speciality combat instructions that decrease consumable preparation and reload time, along with the main battery gun reload time.

To unlock Wisconsin, players must complete 30 phases of the shipbuilding process, 28 of which can be completed via Dockyard combat missions. Along the way, players will also be rewarded with another American battleship, West Virginia 1944.

To help continue support for the restoration of the turret of the real USS Wisconsin, a naval ship museum visible in Norfolk, Virginia, several in-game bundles will also be available to purchase, with 100% of the proceeds donated to The Nauticus Foundation, and World of Warships is proudly sponsoring as well the entry tickets for all veterans and service members visiting Nauticus during the month of April.

Celebrate the Japanese Golden Week Holidays
To commemorate the Golden Week holidays coming to Japan at the beginning of May a brand-new Event Pass drops its anchor in Warships’ waters, offering new rewards for players to unlock and enjoy. Set across two 20-level progression lines, players can discover a wealth of rewards including signal Containers and Golden tokens.

Across the two progression lines, rewards include two different Commanders, Andrei Teodorescu from Romania with six skill points and Ashikaga Teru from Japan, a permanent bonus package for Tier VII ships, and four different camouflages. As part of additional festivities, players can get hands-on with a brand-new camouflage for the duration of this update, which features a special destruction animation.

Asymmetric Battles Rise Again from the Depths
For fans of player-versus-everyone gameplay, the revival of Asymmetric Battles delivers even more intense naval battles. From April 11 until May 16, players can get back in the action as they take on an armada of 12 bots. With the same ruleset as previous Asymmetric Battles, players can select from Tier VI-X ships of any type, assembling fleets of five in the pursuit of naval domination.

April’s update also continues Early Access to Commonwealth cruisers, before becoming researchable in the Tech Tree in update 13.4. This update also welcomes three new Brawls from April 22 until April 29, available in a nine-against-nine format for Tier X destroyers, cruisers and battleships.

You can find the full patch notes here.

Broken Roads Review (PC)

Broken Roads, from the indie studio Drop Bear Bytes, is an ambitious attempt to deliver a classic-style isometric RPG experience. Set in a post-apocalyptic Western Australia, it stands out from its inspirations with a focus on philosophical introspection and a unique morality system. While it boasts moments of genuine brilliance and a strong sense of setting, some rough edges and a pacing that sometimes trips over itself hold it back from greatness.

One of the core strengths of Broken Roads is the Moral Compass system. Rather than simplistic “good or evil” paths, your character develops a core philosophy throughout the game. This philosophy consists of four main traits: Humanism, Existentialism, Machiavellianism, and Nihilism. Decisions consistently push you towards one of these, subtly and sometimes drastically altering your options and how characters react to you. It’s a welcome innovation compared to other morality systems that feel arbitrary, and it creates a real sense that you are defining the soul of your character, not just picking a path on a chart.

This system is intrinsically tied to a well-written cast. Unlike many RPG companions, they’re often deeply flawed, but in engagingly human ways. They can feel like genuine people you are meeting, with motivations and inner lives that often become entangled with your own journey. It’s here that the potential for real narrative impact starts to shine through.

Broken Roads’ setting is also a triumph. The Australian Outback has rarely been explored as a post-apocalyptic setting, and the harsh beauty of the landscape comes alive. Drop Bear Bytes has clearly done its research, weaving in genuine Aboriginal mythology, colloquialisms, and a deep understanding of the land itself. The game doesn’t shy away from the legacy of colonialism and the very real challenges still facing Indigenous Australians. This commitment to respecting the land and its people helps it stand out from the often generic wastelands seen in similar games.

But this ambition unfortunately runs into the limitations of what seems like a small indie studio, especially when it comes to mechanics and pacing. Combat is serviceable turn-based strategy but rarely rises above “just okay.” Many encounters feel rote, and the tactical element falls a bit flat compared to the intricate conversations found outside of battle. There’s potential for depth with environmental effects and cover mechanics, but they’re rarely a crucial factor in victory.

Another issue is the sometimes disjointed pacing. There’s a strong open-ended structure, which I welcome on principle, but this leads to issues where exploration can feel frustratingly aimless. The game encourages taking your time, soaking in the atmosphere, and making choices based on your gut and not just quest markers. But, while this creates a strong sense of a lived journey, there are too many stretches where it feels like the main narrative is stalling out. This makes the occasional moments of high drama hit less intensely than they should.

The visuals are also a mixed bag. Hand-drawn character art shines, giving everyone you meet a distinctive and expressive portrait. But the environments and combat maps are less detailed and can feel a touch generic at times, failing to truly bring the unique post-apocalyptic outback to life.

Should You Brave The Broken Roads?

Ultimately, Broken Roads is a diamond in the rough. It’s a flawed game, yes, but a flawed game with a beating heart and a lot to offer players thirsty for an RPG that tackles complex questions without easy answers. If you can withstand some occasionally frustrating design, you’ll be rewarded with a rich world, a unique system for character development, and writing that isn’t afraid to make you think, not just mindlessly push forward.

Fans of classic Fallout will find elements to enjoy here, but it’s a game that also stands apart. Broken Roads doesn’t fully reach the heights it clearly aims for, but it’s still a journey well worth taking for those drawn to its thoughtful approach and willingness to experiment.

Overall Rating: 3 out of 5

House Flipper 2 Console Launch Trailer

Hot on the heels of its celebrated PC launch last December, Frozen District is ecstatic to launch House Flipper 2 on Xbox and PlayStation today. The console debut is brimming with the freshest patches and the riveting additions from the Spring and Floor is Lava updates. Dive into the revamped, detail-rich world of house flipping for 39.99 USD / 39.99 EUR on PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S.

DJI Unveils Avata 2 FPV Drone, Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3

DJI, the global leader in civilian drones and innovative camera technology, today introduces the DJI Avata 2. Boasting an all thrills, no frills experience, users are presented with a safer, fully immersive enhanced FPV flight experience, an upgraded sensor to improve image quality and increased flight time.

“Just under two years ago, we helped people embrace and explore the almost out-of-body experience of FPV flight,” said Ferdinand Wolf, Creative Director at DJI. “DJI Avata 2 builds on this by offering everyone the chance to fly like a pro with easy flips, rolls and drifts. We’re looking forward to giving users one of the best FPV experiences available with next to no effort needed on their part.”

DJI Avata 2 is launched and designed to be paired with the new DJI Goggles 3 and DJI RC Motion 3.

DJI Goggles 3 feature adjustable diopters, two micro-OLED screens that support the 10-bit enhanced display, with an up-to-100Hz refresh rate and ultra-low-latency transmission. Equipped with binocular cameras that present the surrounding environment, which can also be superimposed with the live feed from the aircraft at the same time, pilots are given effortless situational awareness without needing to remove the goggles. This Real View PiP (Picture-In-Picture) technology enhances both the immersive experience and safety.

Easy ACRO1 with the DJI RC Motion 3

By combining with the DJI RC Motion 3, new pilots are given the power to flip, drift and roll, performing difficult aerial acrobatics with ease. Whether soaring, diving or rolling, epic footage can be captured with a simple push on the RC Motion 3 joystick.

  • One-Push Flip: Add fresh twists to the footage with 360-degree front/back flips.
  • One-Push Roll: Give shots some mind-bending magic with 360 degree left/right roll.
  • One-Push 180 Degree Drift: Achieve dramatic visual effects with high-speed lateral drifts spinning 180° past objects and pulling swiftly away.

Improved Image Quality

Featuring a bigger image sensor than its predecessor, the Avata 2’s 1/1.3-inch CMOS Super-Wide-Angle 12MP Camera expands the dynamic range available and handles low-light conditions with greater effect. Its ultra-wide-angle lens with a viewing angle of up to 155° enables unique perspectives and really tight shots, differentiating them from traditional camera drone footage. The camera provides immersive aerial photography and HDR videography1 at up to 4K/60fps, as well as slow-motion footage at 2.7K/120fps. Equipped with 10-bit D-Log M Color mode, DJI Avata 2 enables rich detail in highlights and shadows to be captured, brought out in post-production and streamlined color grading.

Keep it Steady

Even during high-pressure aerial maneuvers, DJI Avata 2 keeps your video sharp and stable with a powerful stabilization algorithm and two DJI flagship stabilization technologies. DJI RockSteady eliminates overall picture shake even while flying at high speeds or in windy conditions, and DJI HorizonSteady ensures the captured footage remains locked on the horizon even if the drone turns sharply or sways dramatically. Furthermore, when the EIS setting is off, Avata 2 supports Gyroflow so that footage can be further stabilized in post-production.

Covered with Comprehensive Safety

Avata 2’s updated integrated propeller guard is lighter, enabling more agile and freer navigation in tight spaces1.

Users are offered further peace of mind and the ability to handle unexpected situations calmly with just one press of the RC Motion 3 lock button bringing the drone to a halt. In addition, the automatic Return to Home (RTH) function is initiated when the drone’s battery is low or in case of signal loss, adding an extra layer of security1.

Low-altitude or indoor flights can now be performed with new binocular fisheye sensors enhancing flight stability and safety.

In the event that the user lands the drone on its back, they can get airborne again quickly by using Turtle mode. When activated, ‘Turtle mode’ can automatically flip the drone back into takeoff position when upside down.

The Sky’s the Limit with Longer Flight Time

Avata 2 boasts a maximum flight time of 23 minutes1 and supports PD fast charging, so that it can be recharged and back up in the sky as quickly as possible. Furthermore, the new Two-Way Charging Hub1 features a power accumulation function, allowing the transfer of remaining power from multiple batteries to the one with the highest charge level1, supplying an “extra battery” in critical moments.

A new O4 video transmission offers up to 13 km of maximum video transmission distance1, a transmission latency as low as 24 ms1, 1080p/100fps high-definition image quality, and a maximum transmission bitrate of 60Mbps1. Its two-transmitter, four-receiver, four-antenna design ensures strong anti-interference performance and lets pilots fully focus on their flights without additional concerns.

Sharing is Caring

Sharing the excitement of FPV just got easier. The DJI Goggles 3 live feed from Avata 2 can be viewed on the DJI Fly app1 and transmitted to another device up to 5m away1. Additionally, a cable can be used to share the live feed to a display or to different Goggles 3 headsets via the ‘Audience mode’.

Capture and Edit Seamlessly

Avata 2 comes equipped with 46GB internal storage, capable of storing approximately 90 minutes of 1080p/60fps video, ensuring the best parts of each flight can be captured. Wi-Fi connectivity enables fast file transfer to smartphones, post-editing and sharing of finished work, highly efficient.

One-Tap Editing with LightCut

When DJI Avata 2 is connected via Wi-Fi to the LightCut app, Footage can be edited directly without requiring it to be downloaded to the app. Using the One-Tap Edit feature, polished content can be produced effortlessly.

Try Before You Buy

By downloading the DJI Store app, anyone can try out the Avata 2 virtually in the Virtual Flight section.

Increased Compatibility

The new DJI Goggles 3 and RC Motion 3 are also available for Air 3 and Mini 4 Pro. Pilots with Goggles 3 can also use their existing traditional controllers, such as the RC 2 and RC-N2, to control the drone.

Have it Your Way

The DJI Avata 2 comes in a range of different combinations and extra accessories.

  • DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (Single Battery)
    Includes the DJI Avata 2 drone, Goggles 3, RC Motion 3, and more. This combo lets you quickly get started with Avata 2 and experience the joy of immersive flight.
  • DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (Three Batteries)
    Compared to the DJI Avata 2 Fly More Combo (Single Battery), this extended combo additionally includes one Two-Way Charging Hub, two batteries, and one sling bag, offering a more comprehensive setup that eases your range anxiety and lets you explore more flight scenarios.
  • DJI FPV Remote Controller 31
    In addition to Normal and Sport modes, the DJI FPV Remote Controller 3 offers Manual mode, better suited for advanced pilots to practice and master more sophisticated skills.
  • DJI Avata 2 ND Filters Set1
    Comes with ND 8/16/32 filters to tackle various lighting conditions, ensuring appropriate brightness and contrast, giving your work high-quality results.

Price and availability

DJI Avata 2 is available today from store.dji.com and most authorized retail partners in several configurations.

Heading Out – Gameplay Overview Trailer

Get ready to drive. Saber Interactive and indie developer Serious Sim have released a new gameplay overview trailer for Heading Out, the highly stylized, cinematic, narrative-adventure driving game launching May 7 on PC via Steam. Inspired by cult-classic road flicks like Thelma & Louise and Vanishing Point, Heading Out puts players on an exhilarating trip of discovery down America’s winding highways. Grab the wheel, keep the law in your rearview, and find out what fate has in store at the end of the line.

It’s you, your car, and the highway. As a fugitive on the run from the law, you’ll chase down thrills across the country, racing other drivers, helping or hurting strangers, and watching your legend rise. Keep your vehicle in good condition and stay focused, but watch out for the cash in your wallet – America ain’t cheap. You may not know what lies on the road ahead, but you’ve got to be first no matter what. It’s not about the destination – it’s about your journey.

REMNANT II DLC The Forgotten Kingdom Trailer

Gunfire Games is excited to announce today The Forgotten Kingdom, the second premium DLC for REMNANT II, will launch on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S on April 23 for $9.99. This will be the second DLC in the previously announced DLC Bundle, consisting of three DLC packs, for REMNANT II. Fans can purchase the DLC Bundle for $24.99 on April 23 to get The Awakened King DLC, The Forgotten Kingdom DLC, and have access to the final DLC once it’s available sometime later this year. Those who purchased the Ultimate Edition of REMNANT II have access to all DLCs at no additional cost.

In this upcoming DLC for REMNANT II, players will piece together the forgotten history of the lost tribe of Yaesha as they attempt to quell the vengeful wrath of an ancient stone spirit called Lydusa. Navigate the lingering traces of torment, treachery, and death that haunt the land’s once proud ziggurats, as Lydusa’s living stones wander the crumbling remnants of an ancient civilization in search of fresh blood. In a brand-new storyline, players must uncover the secrets of the lost tribe by exploring a mysterious new area within the world of Yaesha. In this strange new location, players will traverse new dungeons, acquire powerful gear—including a new Archetype, “The Invoker”— meet unexpected allies, and face new threats in their quest to return some semblance of peace to the forgotten kingdom.

SAND LAND – First Look Impressions Trailer

SAND LAND is an upcoming action RPG based on the classic manga by Akira Toriyama, creator of DRAGON BALL™ and DR. SLUMP that has gained worldwide popularity since its publishing. In a desert world where demons and humans suffer from extreme water shortages, Beelzebub, the Fiend Prince, and Rao, a small-town sheriff, form a tag team and set off on an adventure in search of a hidden water source.

SAND LAND is coming to PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam® on April 26, 2024., and is available for pre-orders with Standard, Deluxe and Collector’s Editions. A demo of the game is also available now for all platforms. For more information, visit https://playsandland.com/.

Atari Brings RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic Back to Android

It’s been just over a year since RollerCoaster Tycoon® Classic park builders on Google Play said goodbye to the classic theme park simulation. Now, Atari is delighted to announce that the game is back on Android via the Google Play store, including for those on newer devices.

“We’re very excited to bring this fan favorite back to players around the world, and even better as we are celebrating the 25th anniversary of RollerCoaster Tycoon creator Chris Sawyer’s timeless achievement,” said Ethan Stearns, VP of Games Publishing, Atari.

After obtaining the original source code, Atari partnered with the acclaimed St. Louis-based studio Graphite Lab to make the app compatible with newer Android devices. During the game’s soft launch, player demand drove it into Android’s Top 25 Paid Apps in its first week of availability!

The Outlast Trials – Official Launch Accolades Trailer

Red Barrels, the Montréal-based studio, is thrilled to announce that The Outlast Trials has captivated over 2 million players across PC, Xbox, and PS5 since its Early Access launch. Marking one month of adrenaline-fueled horror, the studio is launching its first limited-time event, Toxic Shock, along with a special accolades trailer as a token of gratitude to its growing community.

Celebrating Success with Blood, Sweat, and Cheers

As The Outlast Trials marks its first month out of Early Access, over 2 million test subjects have braved the Trials. Together, players have been marked by countless fatalities and extraordinary bloodshed, with over 38 million deaths and enough blood spilled to submerge NYC’s Central Park under a two-meter-deep sea of blood.

Despite the grim odds, an impressive over 600,000 participants have fought their way to freedom and became Reborn. Be prepared for what’s next: new trials and nightmarish foes are on the horizon, ready to test your mettle in unimaginable ways.

Toxic Shock: A Deadly Challenge Awaits
From April 16 to May 7, 2024, The Outlast Trials will introduce Toxic Shock, a new realm of terror featuring:
  • Time Limited Program “Toxic Shock”: An experiment in the symbiotic action of chemically-induced pain and permanent damage.
  •  New Variator: Toxic Shock – The Trial environment sporadically fills with toxic gas, inflicting permanent damage. Hide to stay alive.
  •  New Secondary Objective: Collect The Rats –  Recover all the drugged rats within the Trial for tissue analysis. Fulfill the objective for additional rewards.
  • Complete Trials in this time-limited program to earn exclusive Toxic Shock Rewards.
  • Uncover the secrets of Toxic Shock by locating new evidence documents scattered throughout the Trials
  •  …and many quality-of-life improvements —  look for Patch Notes on April 16