Author - Jerry Paxton

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed – Ecto Edition Coming to Nintendo Switch

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed – Ecto Edition, a 4v1 haunt-or-hunt action-packed video game from the asymmetrical multiplayer experts at IllFonic, will be joining the Switch family this year. Rated 10+, the game will be available in the My Nintendo Store. A physical version of Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed – Ecto Edition will be released with our physical partners, Nighthawk Interactive. Fans of Ghostbusters and Nintendo will now have the chance to unite forces or rally against current PC/Epic Games Store, PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One users as the game will play seamlessly across platforms.

The team has been hard at work adapting the game for Switch. Performing at a dynamic resolution from a range of 720 (handheld mode) to 1080p at the maximum, 30fps (industry standard for Switch). IllFonic is constantly tuning the game to push its limits. More information on Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed on Switch will be released later this year.

IllFonic’s Vice President of Technology, Chance Lyon, remarked, “As a gamer, I wanted this to be something I would be proud and excited to play. The game will feel very familiar on Switch as on other platforms, and it’s a high-quality port. Most importantly, I’m excited to play the game with my daughter, who games exclusively on the Switch.”

In Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed, Ray Stantz and Winston Zeddemore open the Firehouse to you and the next generation of Ghostbusters. This asymmetrical game of hide and seek is a 4v1 setup where players will either play as part of a team of new Ghostbusters or a Ghost. This title not only allows players to enjoy the game solo or with up to four friends, but also features an online and offline single-player mode available in the form of AI-assisted play. Most importantly, the more you play, the more the story will unfold (with cutscenes). Those already playing will be excited to hear that this story will be expanded in the Ecto Edition coming later this year. Whether haunting or hunting, the game is easy to learn and fun to master!

More About the Game:

Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed has all the iconic gear and gadgets, from Proton Packs to P.K.E. Meters and Ghost Traps that fans would expect and new gamers to the universe will enjoy when playing as a Ghostbuster. In addition, many will recognize the Firehouse and Ray’s Occult Books that act as the game’s hub. This is where players will choose missions, customize their characters, practice firing their particle throwers, and explore all there is to learn. And yes, you will hear the original film actors reprising their roles as Ray Stantz and Winston Zeddemore, along with some new friends!

  • As the Ghost – Ghosts have multiple abilities in their arsenal, like possessing objects, of course, sliming, and more, that make haunting all the various locations a blast to play. Choose from up to five Ghosts with unique skills, ultimate abilities, and commendable minions fueled by ectoplasm. Fly around public locations and possess an inordinate amount of inanimate objects to evade pursuing Ghostbusters. Frighten citizens until they flee in fear, prank unsuspecting Ghostbusters, and hide your rifts to spawn safely in case you get trapped.
  • As a Ghostbuster – Be one of the four proton pack-wielding Ghostbusters and attempt to catch a Ghost haunting unique locations with your trusty ghost trap and tools.  Use the P.K.E. Meter to sniff out rifts that act as the Ghost’s spawn points and destroy them with your Proton Pack’s particle thrower before the Ghost completes their haunt. As players progress, they will unlock cosmetics and upgrades for both Ghostbusters and Ghosts to evolve their gameplay experiences. The look and feel will deliver to fans an immersive experience in the universe, allowing them to play out their Ghostbusting fantasies.
  • Locations – Explore multiple unique locations, including; a museum, winter lodge, docked ship, multi-leveled prison, an active brewery, and more. Complete challenges, customize your Ghostbuster and Ghosts and locate hidden spores, mold, and fungus to gain access to more unlockables.
  • Game Tip – As you play more, a story arc unveils itself. Follow the requests of Ray Stantz and Winston Zeddemore to uncover cutscenes that build an exciting tale! Yes, it’s multiplayer with more…

Jason Isaacs Announced for Baldur’s Gate 3 Voice Cast

Today’s Summer Game Fest showcase saw the reveal of a second antagonist for Larian Studios’ highly anticipated upcoming RPG, Baldur’s Gate 3. Lord Enver Gortash, commander of a mechanical army of Steel Watchers and a Lord in the city of Baldur’s Gate, will be played by award-winning actor Jason Isaacs, best known for roles such as Lucius Malfoy in the Harry Potter series and Captain Hook in 2003’s Peter Pan.

After the recent disappearance of Duke Ravengard, the city of Baldur’s Gate has turned to Lord Enver Gortash, the up-and-coming designer of the Steel Watchers – magical clockwork warriors created to defend the city. As the newly minted protector of Baldur’s Gate, Gortash stands as one of the most powerful figures within its walls.

As players arrive to the titular city of Baldur’s Gate, they’ll find themselves in the middle of a perilous power struggle, with many factions and powers vying for political control of this complex organism of a city. Isaacs’ acting chops help bring an additional layer of depth to the characters players will meet in Baldur’s Gate – a place where it’s already difficult to distinguish friend from foe – as a major antagonist to be contended with as you venture into the morally gray alleys and docklands of the game’s sprawling city.

“It was a thrill to join the Baldur’s Gate universe, but I fear that the magnificent Lord Enver Gortash is being mischaracterized as a villain,” said Jason Issacs. “In a brutal world of betrayals and butchery, he’s learned to lie better and backstab first. The joy in voicing him – apart from the obvious pleasure in getting to look so glorious – was that the creative team and I got to play loose enough to find ways that he could enjoy the ride and make the players hate him more!”

Isaacs has brought decades of experience in acting the villain into the recording booth, tweaking lines between takes and adding additional depth and flavor to the character of Gortash. Larian teased the reveal on Monday with this clip of J.K. Simmons’ General Ketheric Thorm addressing Gortash (Twitter).

Keep an eye out for more Baldur’s Gate 3 news at the PC Gaming Show on June 11.

Baldur’s Gate 3 is set to release on PC and PlayStation 5 on Aug. 31, 2023.

Scathe: Enforcer Edition Trailer

Leading UK games publisher Kwalee and three-person developer Damage State are pleased to launch the definitive update to Scathe, the adrenaline-fueled bullet hell FPS. The update brings two new modes – Speedrun and Arcade, alongside custom modifiers and various improvements, tweaks and bug fixes.

Scathe: Enforcer Edition is now available on the Epic Games Store with a 33% launch discount and is priced at $16.74, €15.40 and £13.39.

The game is also available on Steam for $24.99, €22.99 and £19.99.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando Reveal Trailer

Publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Saber Interactive are thrilled to reveal John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando, coming in 2024 to PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via the Epic Games Store. Tag team with up to four players in this intense first-person shooter and battle massive hordes of mutated monstrosities to eradicate a supernatural outbreak before it’s too late.

Watch the exhilarating reveal trailer, which premiered at the Summer Game Fest live showcase, for a first taste of the title’s over-the-top gameplay and John Carpenter-inspired ‘80s vibes, packed with tons of action, humor and horror.

“We’re happy to team up once again with our historical partner Saber,” said John Bert, Managing Director at Focus Entertainment. “After World War Z, Space Marine 2, Insurgency, SnowRunner, and many others, Toxic Commando is a new entry into the successful long-term relationship between Focus and Saber. We cannot wait to unveil more about this new amazing IP created by the talented teams at Saber and leverage Focus’ expertise in turning new franchises into worldwide hits.”

“We’re excited to partner with our friends at Focus again, and thrilled to collaborate with the legendary John Carpenter on this project,” said Tim Willits, Chief Creative Officer at Saber Interactive. “His unique vision, unparalleled expertise in storytelling, and ability to create immersive atmospheres have helped us to elevate this all-new, ‘80s-inspired experience to the next level. His works have been an inspiration for years, and it’s an honor to work alongside him to deliver a truly unforgettable adventure.”

“It’s exciting to be collaborating on a new video game with Focus and Saber,” said John Carpenter. “Look, I really like shooting zombies. They keep telling me that they’re called ’the infected.’ Please. They’re ghouls, dude. They blow up real good and there are a ton of them. People are going to love this game.”

You may not be the best team of mercenaries — but you are a Toxic Commando!
In the near future, an experimental attempt to harness the power of the Earth’s core ends in a terrifying disaster: the release of the Sludge God. This eldritch abomination begins terraforming the area, turning soil to scum and the living to undead monsters. Luckily, the genius behind the experiment has a plan to make things right. All he needs is a team of competent, highly trained mercenaries to get the job done.

Unfortunately, they were all too expensive. Which is why he’s hired… the Toxic Commandos!

Take control of one of the commandos, team up with your friends, and send the Sludge God and its horde of things-that-should-never-be back to the underworld. Choose the class that matches your playstyle, pile into your favorite ride, and unload an array of gunfire, grenades, special abilities, and freaking katanas as you save the planet!

Whether behind the wheel of a vehicle or on foot, players will face off against massive hordes of mutated creatures, all powered by Saber’s Swarm Engine, the technology behind World War Z: Aftermath and the upcoming Space Marine 2.

John Carpenter’s Toxic Commando will be released on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC in 2024. Wishlist the game now on the Epic Games Store, follow on Twitter for updates, and sign up as a Focus member to get the latest exclusive info and upcoming special offers for Toxic Commando and the whole Focus catalog.

Sign up for the closed beta test to get a chance to play the game ahead of its release!

PowerWash Simulator VR Announced

FuturLab and nDreams are delighted to reveal that PowerWash Simulator VR will be running amuck on Meta Quest 2 in 2023. Announced at today’s Meta Quest Gaming Showcase, PowerWash Simulator VR brings all of the good clean fun and base game content from the smash hit PC and console versions while adding an extra layer of immersion and interactivity to busting dirt, through the power of VR.

FuturLab have collaborated with VR veterans nDreams – creators of Phantom: Covert Ops and the highly anticipated Ghostbusters: Rise of the Ghost Lord – to bring PowerWash Simulator VR to market.

Wielding the power washer and blasting away grime feels even more satisfying in PowerWash Simulator VR thanks to precise 1:1 control that makes even the dirtiest of jobs a breeze. Players can get physical and tackle those hard-to-reach dirty spots like never before by stretching up, kneeling and leaning in to every nook and cranny or sit back and take the pressure off by washing their troubles away in the super-soothing simulator.

“PowerWash Simulator has always been about putting relaxation and satisfaction into the hands of the players. Now with PowerWash Simulator VR we are pleased to be able to make this happen not only figuratively, but literally!” said Chris Mehers, COO at FuturLab. “A VR version of the game has been highly requested by the community since early on in development, so we are excited to finally be able to announce this news.”

“Working with FuturLab to bring such a popular IP to VR has been a blast,” said David Corless, VP of Publishing at nDreams. “PowerWash Simulator naturally lends itself to what VR does best – immersion, interaction and fictional teleportation. We can’t wait for the Quest audience to experience the pure joy of PowerWash Simulator VR for themselves”

Players can wishlist PowerWash Simulator VR on the Meta Quest Store now.

Death Stranding Director’s Cut Coming to Mac App Store

KOJIMA PRODUCTIONS, and videogame publisher 505 Games proudly announce the forthcoming release of the award-winning DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT on Mac, Hideo Kojima’s definitive vision of his critically-acclaimed and genre-defying epic. Available to pre-order now on the Mac App Store DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT will run natively on Apple silicon and makes full use of Metal 3 features like MetalFX Upscaling, allowing for unbeatable graphical fidelity and amazing performance.

Hideo Kojima said, “I have been a die-hard Apple fan since I bought my first Mac back in 1994—and it has been a dream of mine to see my team’s best work come to life on the Mac. DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT on the Mac takes advantage of the latest Apple technologies to provide the best experience to our fans.”

“A new era for gaming on Mac is here. Thanks to the power of Apple silicon, now tens of millions of Macs can run demanding games with outstanding performance, exceptional battery life, and breath-taking visuals,” said Susan Prescott, Apple’s vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations. “We’re thrilled DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT will be coming to the Mac later this year. Developers around the world can harness our powerful tools in Metal 3 to deliver incredibly responsive gameplay with high frame rates to more players than ever before.”

For those yet to discover DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT, the definitive version includes the ‘Ruined Factory’ location, a treacherous underground compound packed with fresh dangers, and the game’s protagonist Sam Bridges now has a wealth of new delivery assists, from cargo catapults and ramps to a stabiliser function. Melee combat has been amped up with enhanced moves such as the drop kick, whilst the new Maser Gun pacifies enemies with electricity. Finding the perfect weapon loadout is now achievable thanks to the new firing range location, whilst vehicles can be raced on the new racetrack minigame. Sam can even ride Buddy Bots to traverse the wastelands with greater ease. The ground-breaking experience from legendary game creator Hideo Kojima also features the acting and voice talents of Norman Reedus as Sam Bridges, Mads Mikkelsen, Léa Seydoux, Margaret Qualley, and Lindsay Wagner.

DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT on Apple will be priced at $39.99.

For more information and to pre-order DEATH STRANDING DIRECTOR’S CUT on Apple, please visit the Mac App Store.

McFarlane Toys and Blizzard Entertainment Enter Licensing Agreement

McFarlane Toys has announced that they have signed a licensing agreement with Blizzard Entertainment to develop a range of collectible figures across the Diablo, World of Warcraft and the upcoming Warcraft Arclight Rumble universes. The initial product launch this fall will coincide with the highly anticipated Diablo IV video game release.

McFarlane Toys founder, Todd McFarlane said, “What I try and do within the walls of McFarlane is to find big brands that look super-cool. It’s a fairly simple formula that can be very hard to find, but the talented creators over at Blizzard have been making and designing tons of fun, detailed and visually stunning worlds across their games for decades. And now, my company gets to go play in their sandbox. This should be a hoot! Our goal is to deliver figures to fans of Diablo and Warcraft games that will add value to their enjoyment of playing in those worlds, because when you aren’t playing the games you will be able to look at them on your shelf in 3D form.”

“We are thrilled to announce this partnership with Blizzard and to be working with them to bring these iconic game universes to life in a way that only McFarlane Toys can” said Cristy Collins, Vice President of Licensing for McFarlane Toys. “Diablo and Warcraft both have millions of passionate fans and we’re excited to provide another way for them to engage with these brands. This is also a great way to introduce new fans to the games.”

“Blizzard Entertainment has long been known for its iconic worlds filled with unique characters, and we are excited to partner with McFarlane Toys to give gamers everywhere the chance to bring home and showcase some of their favorite game characters through collectible figures,” said Derek Romano, Director of Licensing for Blizzard Entertainment.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge Dimension Shellshock DLC Trailer

Publisher Dotemu and developer Tribute Games, in collaboration with Nickelodeon and Paramount Consumer Products, today announced that the bodacious million+ selling hit Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge will spice up its pizza party with the release of all-new Dimension Shellshock DLC later this year for PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation consoles, and Xbox One.

Dimension Shellshock brings a new playable fighter in the razor-sharp Usagi Yojimbo, star of the self-titled comic book series and a fan favorite ally to the Turtles seen in previous cameos across the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles animated series and action figure releases. The steely rabbit samurai unsheathes his blade in new gameplay today, diving between dimensions to dish out justice while sharing a first glimpse at the new style of inter-dimensional battles awaiting the Turtles:

The DLC includes a new game mode, fresh original music from the soundtrack’s composer Tee Lopes, and alternative color schemes for playable fighters, all of which will be detailed at a later time. Separate from Dimension Shellshock, a second free update will be released for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge offering an additional range of color palette options.

Dimension Shellshock and the upcoming free update are made possible only by the totally tubular passion of fans and the radical reception Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge has enjoyed since launch. After receiving an incredible amount of support and reviewing the community’s outpouring of wishes for the future of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge, Dotemu and Tribute Games were inspired to create additional content for the game.

The Dimension Shellshock DLC and upcoming update follow a previous free December release which added Custom Game options, giving fans extraordinary control over the way they kick shell through 11 mix-and-match modifiers along with retro-themed visual filters and an extra large serving of general refinements.

Nominated at The Game Awards 2022 for Best Action Game and Best Multiplayer, as well as for the DICE Awards’ Outstanding Achievement for an Independent Game category and the BAFTA Games Awards for Family game and Multiplayer categories, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge immediately garnered praise upon release as a shell-kicking return to the classic TMNT universe as depicted in the 1987 cartoon. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge finds the Turtles racing to foil the menacing Shredder’s latest scheme, with the heroes in a half shell battling the infamous villain’s forces throughout an adventure recalling TMNT’s most memorable locales and moments. The Turtles, Master Splinter, April O’Neil and Casey Jones stand as Manhattan’s gnarliest heroes, harnessing unique abilities in a modernized revitalization of the Turtles’ signature agile style of brawling combat playable in local & online co-op by up to six players.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge joins two retro gaming experts:

  • Dotemu, the developer and publisher known for faithful ports as well as impeccable remakes and continuations of beloved gaming series including Streets of Rage 4, the multimillion-selling hit nominated for Best Action game at The Game Awards 2020, as well as the exhilaratingly competitive Windjammers 2 and the highly lauded Wonder Boy: The Dragon’s Trap;
  • Tribute Games, the studio behind retro-themed original IPs including Panzer Paladin, Flinthook and Mercenary Kings which embody the spirit of classic games in new experiences. Tribute Games is home to the key talent behind the acclaimed Scott Pilgrim vs. The World: The Game beat-em-up and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles game released for Game Boy Advance in 2007.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder’s Revenge is developed by Tribute Games and published by Dotemu.

Blood West Release Date Trailer

Get ready to dust off your trusty six-shooter! During today’s Guerrilla Collective Showcase, Hyperstrange announced that Blood West – an enthralling wild west thriller set in a gritty and unforgiving world – is set to leave Early Access and launch into 1.0 in December 2023. Get a glimpse into the unique art style and immersive storytelling in the release date trailer here.

About Blood West

In “Blood West,” players step into the shoes of a lone gunslinger brought back to life by powerful spirits. Set against the backdrop of the Wild West, this dark and gripping adventure requires players to navigate treacherous landscapes, confront formidable adversaries, and build an arsenal in order to survive. Facing twisted demons and eldritch horrors is the only way to end the curse that has befallen the frontier.

But, it’s not all about who has the biggest, baddest weapons – in the shadows of the Wild West, cunning and stealth are important allies. Players must master the art of the silent strike, silently stalking enemies through moonlit landscapes, carefully selecting targets and defeating foes without a whisper. In addition to mastering stealth skills, players must adapt their strategies, explore alternative approaches, and think on their feet to overcome threats.

With its intense combat, gripping storyline, and stunning visuals, “Blood West” promises to deliver an unforgettable gaming experience.

Three Minutes To Eight Announcement Trailer

The clock is ticking. Do you hear it yet? Publisher Assemble Entertainment and Chaosmonger Studio — developer of critically acclaimed narrative adventure ENCODYA — have formally announced Three Minutes To Eight as part of the Guerilla Collective showcase. Three Minutes To Eight is a mind-bending pixel art adventure game where players will find out what it means to live on the edge of consciousness as they ███ ██ █ ▓ ▒ ░ ¿⊕ξד¶¶¶ Error 0x80070570.

“Sorry, that usually never happens.”

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Key Features of Three Minutes to Eight

  • A mind-boggling narrative with unexpected twists where you must uncover ways to cheat death…or die trying
  • Unique, short-burst gameplay allows for infinite replayability, with multiple different endings to unlock and hidden mysteries in each playthrough
  • Highly stylized pixel art graphics and a cyberpunk aesthetic support the game’s themes dealing with a mental state teetering on the edge of consciousness
  • Intriguing dialogue with a roster of interesting NPCs deepens the game’s gripping narrative

Stay on the lookout for more about Three Minutes To Eight from Assemble Entertainment. It will launch on PC, Nintendo Switch, consoles, and mobile devices in Q4 2023.