Author - Jerry Paxton

Hogwarts Legacy Cinematic Trailer Released

Warner Bros. Games and Avalanche Software today debuted an all-new cinematic trailer “The Invitation” for Hogwarts Legacy, the upcoming open-world, action RPG releasing for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on February 10, 2023. The video immerses viewers in the world of Hogwarts Legacy, giving fans a breathtaking bird’s eye view of the castle grounds and beyond, while also extending an invitation for players to become a part of the magic and live out their dreams of attending Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.

The cinematic follows an owl carrying the coveted invitation as it soars across the castle rooftops and over the heads of students in The Great Hall, providing an overhead view of some of the iconic Hogwarts locations that players will be able to explore. As the owl glides through the castle, fans will recognize some familiar names and faces, including Nearly Headless Nick and Professor Weasley. The owl’s journey also highlights some of the hidden dangers that players will face, as it narrowly avoids a horde of giant spiders in the Forbidden Forest, a deadly blast of Avada Kedavra from a masked wizard and a dragon’s fiery breath.

Warner Bros. Games also today announced the return of Wizarding Wednesdays. Fans will be able to celebrate the official release of Hogwarts Legacy on each of the four Wednesdays leading up to the game’s release by entering to win exclusive Wizarding World prizes, including a chance to win a Universal Parks & Resorts vacation at either Hollywood or Orlando to experience the magic of The Wizarding World of Harry Potter. Fans can learn more by visiting www.hogwartslegacy.com/en-us/wizardingwednesdays.

Akira-Like Gripper Announcement Trailer

Today, developer Heart Core LTD is excited to announce that its story-driven cyber-bike action-game, Gripper, is coming soon to Windows PC and Nintendo Switch. Brought to life by a talented development team whose credits include Assassin’s Creed Valhalla and Rainbow Six Siege, Gripper is a story-driven action game on wheels, featuring furious, dark synth tracks, emotionally charged storytelling, and an explosive cyberpunk setting that is sure to excite and delight.

In Gripper, players enter the burnout seat as None, a cyber biker who is stuck inside a collapsing world. Long-separated from his parents, None is jolted back into their lives and forced to save the world from the AI known as Zero. To do so he must race through post-apocalyptic landscapes connected by treacherous tunnels, explore dead lands with the help of his mechanized cat buddy Cat-Kit, and ultimately defeat relentless bosses by gripping and ripping out their hearts.

“We’re eager to get players into the exciting world of Gripper so that they can experience the engaging emotional core and enthralling action that we’ve been working on for the past few years,” said Heart Core LTD co-founder Kirill Zolovkin. “To be so close to launch is a joy and we’re looking to challenge players both with the game’s dynamic bosses, and with the overarching story of love, loss and attempting to overcome grief.”

Gripper’s core gameplay loop consists of three phases: the Main Hub, Tunnels, and Boss Fights. The Main Hub is where players go to upgrade and customize their bikes, install consumables for the upcoming battle, and perhaps most importantly, talk to the adorably intense companion, Cat-Kit. Tunnels feature riding and sliding action set to catchy synthetic beats inspired by the work of Carpenter Brut. Lastly, the Boss Fights feature colossal enemy mechs that symbolize the different stages of grief and each one has a different weak spot that requires a unique approach to survive. By learning the best strategies for each part of the game, players can help set the world right, defeat the great evil of Zero, and even have a chance at saving their parents.

Dragon Quest Treasures Demo Trailer Released

SQUARE ENIX® today launched a free playable demo for the recently released game, DRAGON QUEST TREASURES on the Nintendo Switch™ system. The demo allows players to experience the beginning portions of the game, which follows of the childhood adventures of siblings Erik and Mia from DRAGON QUEST XI: Echoes of an Elusive Age™ on an unforgettable adventure in their search for the seven fabled Dragonstones.

All progress made in the demo, including save data, will be able to be carried over to the full game. Players who decide to purchase the full game after playing and finishing the demo will also receive five Better Buddy Bullets to aid in their adventures.

As Erik and Mia, players will embark on an extraordinary journey through the mysterious world of Draconia. The duo will be joined by their cute companion creatures, Purrsula and Porcus, alongside a team of recruitable monster pals in their search for treasures. Players can utilize these monsters’ unique abilities to discover hidden treasures and reach otherwise inaccessible areas. Defend against monsters and rival gangs until the siblings can return to base to get their treasures appraised. Collecting treasure can increase the players’ vault value, allowing them to expand their home base and further build up their brigade of friendly monsters.

DRAGON QUEST TREASURES is available now for Nintendo Switch. Those who purchase the Digital Deluxe Edition will receive a copy of DRAGON QUEST TREASURES, three monster allies – Great Sabrecat, Ruby Golem and Icy Dragling – as well as batches of Bestest Buddy Bullets and Omniheal Bombs.

For more information, please visit: https://dqtreasures.square-enix-games.com/en-us/

Mistcaller Announcement Trailer

Developer Onyx Wings has today revealed its upcoming supernatural, mystery-based platformer Mistcaller, coming to Steam in December of this year. Mistcaller is an eerie, yet thrilling puzzle-platformer that takes place in a world covered by mist, where players soon learn they can use special powers to bend the mist and control it to their advantage (or to their doom?).

The story is about Eve, a girl who finds herself alone in the world with no memory of what has happened. The world is covered by mist and her only companion is a strange voice coming from the shadows.

While she tries to restore her memories and discover her past, Eve begins to learn that she has the ability to control the mist to navigate around the world shrouded in darkness. Players use this power to control obstacles along the way.

Though not everything is what it seems. As the journey continues, the protagonist begins to uncover various truths and mysteries about the families’ past — and it gets interesting.

A full list of

  • Inspired by titles like Limbo, this game features beautifully hand-drawn designs that showcase artistic visuals

  • Harness the power of the mist and navigate through a world shrouded in it

  • Incredible puzzles and obstacles to overcome in diverse environments

  • An in-depth story about the conflict between two families and a girl’s journey to rescue her kidnapped brother

  • An ode to classic platformer games that bring robust art styles to gamers

To wishlist Mistcaller, visit Steam.

Dread Templar Release Date Trailer

Fulqrum Publishing and T19 Games today announce that the fast-paced demon-slaying FPS Dread Templar will leave Early Access for a full release on PC via Steam, GOG.com and Epic Games Store on January 26.

The full release will feature two substantial new episodes, each containing five levels and a bossfight, a deadly new weapon, new enemies, puzzles and more. International players will also enjoy full text localisation in English, French, German, Spanish, Traditional Chinese, Simplified Chinese, Japanese, Brazilian Portuguese and Russian.

Become the scariest thing in hell and beyond, as you embark on your quest for vengeance in the intense, fast-paced FPS action of Dread Templar. The game is reminiscent of classics from the 90s, but with a modern twist, including gameplay mechanics like customizable skills, upgradeable weapons and many Dread Powers to unlock.

Mow down hordes of demons and bloodthirsty fiends in varied environments ranging from hell to frozen pirate ships rendered in retro, but surprisingly detailed pixel-art graphics style, accompanied by a head-banging original soundtrack.

Dungeon Munchies Gets Nitnendo Switch Digital and PlayStation Physical Release

Dungeon Munchies, the monster-mashing, side-scrolling action RPG developed by maJAJa and published by Chorus Worldwide, offers a delectable physical edition for PlayStation 5|4 and Nintendo Switch, available today at retailers in North America courtesy of Serenity Forge. A European release will follow at a later date.

Originally fully released on Nintendo Switch and Steam last year after debuting in Steam Early Access, each physical copy of Dungeon Munchies comes with some bonus treats. Along with a physical copy of the game, savor a sticker sheet full of skulls and spirits, a double-sided poster featuring a cookbook of recipes, and a soundtrack download card to redeem a digital version of the original soundtrack.

A loud, rumbling growl emanates from under the earth. In a massive underground complex, a hand emerges from the dirt and pulls itself out from the abyss of death. Now, louder than ever, the zombie’s ravenous hunger echoes forth from its empty belly. With some creativity, the surrounding monsters could offer a solution…

With the help of Necro-Chef Simmer, self-proclaimed culinary “expert” of the Underworld, learn how to convert the surrounding creatures into transformative meals. Plunge the depths of myriad environments filled with macabre, combative creatures, each offering perks when cooked and consumed. Fry up some mosquitos and toss ‘em back to gain their wings alongside a new double jump ability.

Found an electrified snail? Eat it to find strong undertones of a shocking counter attack. Dismember creepy crawlies and become a well-fed Franketnstin’s Monster of food-fuelled feats. Can’t eat it? Craft with it! Use leftover creature parts to improve survivability with upgraded equipment.

“We relish Dungeon Munchies launching physically,” said Shintaro Kanaoya, founder and CEO of Chorus Worldwide. “These delicious physical editions of Dungeon Munchies from our friends at Serenity Forge bring their usual delectable level of detail to this award-winning game. The standard edition will include tasty extras including a soundtrack download, while the Collector’s Edition is a veritable all-you-can-eat feast of goodies to satiate any appetite…”

The physical edition of Dungeon Munchies launches today for $34.99 on PlayStation 5|4 and Nintendo Switch. The game is also currently available digitally on PC via Steam and Nintendo Switch for $16.99. For more information, follow Dungeon Munchies and Chorus Worldwide on Twitter, and visit the official Dungeon Munchies page on Chorus Worldwide’s website.

TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 Gameplay Trailer

NACON and RaceWard Studio, the racing label of NACON Studio Milan, are pleased to show the first section of the Isle of Man Tourist Trophy in a new gameplay video. Developed by veterans of RaceWard Studio, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 lets gamers experience the thrill of the most dangerous motorbike race in the world. TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3, the official game of the legendary Tourist Trophy race, will be available in May 2023 on PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo SwitchTM.

While the scenery whizzes by at over 300km/h (186mph), nothing should distract the rider at the controls because the slightest error could be fatal. In the first section of this time trial race, which has been recreated at 1:1 scale, you start from Bray Hill on a steep descent and face the circuit’s first stretch where braking hard is required, and then a variety of tight and open bends connected by straights to Ballacraine. These significant changes of pace require perfect positioning on the road and impeccable anticipation.

The many hazards are not the only surprises in store. Along the way, you will come across various iconic buildings, such as multiple churches, the Railway Inn, the Twisted Chimneys of Glen Vine, and the Crosby Hotel.

These images from TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 and the third-person view are also a chance to showcase the rider’s dynamic posture as you shift your position on the motorbike. In the cockpit view, the faithful reproduction of nearly 40 famous motorcycle dashboards provides deeper immersion by displaying information about the bike and the improved physics.

As well as recreating the event’s official circuit, TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 includes a new “Open Roads” feature where you can ride freely around the official Tourist Trophy course and on other roads around the Isle of Man, all faithfully reproduced in-game. You can also explore the island by taking part in various unofficial events of 11 different types, including time trials, mass starts and other challenges. In the career modes available in the Superbike and Supersport categories, you compete over a full season and aim to unlock as many upgrades to your bike as you can before the ultimate race: the Tourist Trophy.

TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 content and new features:

  • A total of 200km (124 miles) of roads you can ride to find points of interest and challenges to complete, including all 60km of the Snaefell Mountain Course
  • 32 different circuits, including current and historical routes
  • Close to 40 Superbike and Supersport riders and motorcycles
  • Improved physics with more precise cornering and braking management
  • A wide range of motorbike upgrades to achieve better performance
  • A new Open Roads feature to freely explore the Isle of Man
  • 11 different activity types, including two customisable ones
  • Multiplayer with the ability to create open or private online lobbies
  • Online competitions with weekly and monthly events
  • Cross-gen compatibility
  • Smart delivery functionality for gamers to enjoy old and next-gen versions of the same console platform after buying any version of the game

TT Isle of Man: Ride on the Edge 3 will be available on PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch™ in May 2023.

VIOLENT NIGHT Home Video Release Dates

From the producers of Nobody and John Wick comes VIOLENT NIGHT, available to own with bonus features on Digital January 20, 2023 and on Blu-ray and DVD on January 24, 2023 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. “The greatest Christmas action movie of all time” (CINAPSE) comes home in a collector’s edition that includes over half an hour of never-before-seen bonus content including deleted and extended scenes, a feature commentary, and behind-the-scenes featurettes delivering more of the movie for your Christmas collection.

When a team of mercenaries breaks into a wealthy family compound taking everyone inside hostage, they are not prepared for a surprise combatant: Santa Claus. David Harbour (“Stranger Things”) stars as St. Nick in the “wildly entertaining” (SCREEN RANT) holiday romp, delivering some serious season’s beatings to save the family and the spirit of Christmas.

Directed by Tommy Wirkola (Hansel & Gretel: Witch Hunters, Dead Snow franchise), VIOLENT NIGHT also stars Emmy® winner John Leguizamo (John Wick), Edi Patterson (The Righteous Gemstones), Cam Gigandet (Without Remorse), Alex Hassell (Cowboy Bebop), Alexis Louder (The Tomorrow War) and Beverly D’Angelo (National Lampoon’s Vacation franchise).

With the purchase of VIOLENT NIGHT on disc or Digital, fans are eligible to earn points towards digital movies via the Universal All-Access Rewards program. Members can redeem their points for digital movies, swag and more! For registration and details please visit www.MyUniversalRewards.com.

SEGA Announces Orchestral Concert for Phantasy Star Anniversaries

Sympathy 2023

SEGA today announced Phantasy Star Online 2 will be celebrating its 10th Anniversary and the 35th Anniversary of the Phantasy Star series by holding Sympathy 2023, an orchestral concert at Bunkamaru Orchard Hall on January 21 at 1 AM PST (Jan 21 at 6 PM JST). This is the series’ first orchestral performance in nearly two years.

The concert will feature Azusa Tadokoro who voices Nadereh in Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis. Tadokoro will be joined by vocalists Annette Marie Cotrill, Mika Arisaka, Aimee Blackschleger, Karen, Jiro Takano, Florence McNair, Takenobu Mitsuyoshi, Satomi Sato. The Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra will be conducted by Masamichi Amano.

A vocal rendition of Unfathomable Darkness—the most-requested song in the Vocals for instrumental song survey for the PSO2 10th Anniversary Project—will be performed in the orchestral portion of Part 1! Azusa Tadokoro will sing Song of War in Part 2: Live performance and Song of Mourning in the orchestral portion of Part 3!

On January 21st at 1 AM PST (Jan 21 at 6 PM JST), players from around the world can attend the live stream by purchasing live stream tickets now. All ticket purchasers will receive a bonus item code that can be used in-game to redeem a chat stamp, sticker, violin emote, and Mag Form. Archived viewing is available until January 29 at 11:59 PM PST.

The Global version of PHANTASY STAR ONLINE 2 NEW GENESIS includes fully localized text and character voices in English and will remain content current with the Japanese servers. Details can be found at https://ngs.pso2.com/. For additional up-to-the-minute updates, players can follow @play_PSO2 on Twitter, @PSO2Official on Facebook, and @play_pso2 on Instagram.

Green Hell Building Update Coming Soon

Fans of Creepy Jar’s wildly successful survival adventure, Green Hell, have been eagerly waiting for the game’s Building Update—detailed in the 2022 Road Map—to arrive and they’re happy to discover the full update will release for PC players on January 23.

For the first time in years, Creepy Jar opened up a pre-update beta (PUB, for short) to their dedicated player base so they could get crucial feedback from those who enjoy Green Hell the most. Thousands of hardcore fans joined in—with a whopping 39% of participants declaring they’d already played 100+ hours of the game—and gave Creepy Jar what was needed to not only make the Building Update as good as it can be but also gave Creepy Jar some fun new ideas along the way.

Creepy Jar is well respected for its dedication to its community and is known for taking feedback seriously. Thanks to the results of the recent PUB, the Green Hell Building Update will add a ton of new content to the game including the ability to build treehouses, build on water, and even sees a much-desired update to the in-game notebook. See below for some of the additions fans can expect to see on Jan. 23rd:

  • Build your home in the trees – Utilizing a new Climbing Rope construction, players can head to the treetops to build their very own treehouse! Find the biggest tree around—covered with Indigo Blue Leptonia Mushrooms and Banisteropsis Vine—and assemble your two-story Wooden/Bamboo Treehouse and connect it via a Footbridge to other Tree Platforms.
  • Whatever floats your boat – The new Floating Frame platform will allow Players to build their abode up to 3 floors high right on the water.
  • 3-sided fun – Use new Wooden/Bamboo Triangular Frames to create a more unique home than ever before.
  • STAY OUT! – Keep out unwanted visitors with Wooden/Bamboo Doors.
  • More building material options – Bamboo and Wood everywhere! Build walls, roofs, and ceilings out of the material of your fancy.
  • Hit ‘em hard – No predator is safe when players wield the all-new Heavy Stone Axe.
  • Efficient building – Place more than one construction at a time to speed up your building process.
  • Revamped notebook – The player notebook is slimmer and more organized than ever.
  • Clear your path – Cut down big palms, logs, stumps, and branches to clear your path all through the Amazon.