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Romance of The Three Kingdoms XIV Dev Diary Prologue

Burlingame, Calif. – November 25, 2019 – Today KOEI TECMO America revealed the first information detailing the scenarios and officer characteristics comprising their much-anticipated strategy game, Romance of The Three Kingdoms XIV (RTK14). The return of the iconic franchise is set to launch in the West on February 28, 2020 digitally and at retail for the PlayStation®4 Computer Entertainment System and digitally on Windows PC via Steam®.

When playing through Romance of The Three Kingdoms XIV, players have the opportunity to battle through seven challenging scenarios including the chaotic war that signaled the opening of the times (the Yellow Turban Rebellion), the fight for dominance between Yaun Shao and Cao Cao (the Battle of Guandu), and the beginning of Zhuge Liang’s northern campaign (Chu Shi Biao). Each scenario not only has a wealth of colorful and fierce forces to choose from, but also includes many scenes that depict the famous events of the period. Event scenes are triggered once players fulfill certain conditions, and showcase events like the first meeting of Liu Bei and Zuge Liang.

In addition, RTK14 includes over 1,000 highly unique and individualistic officers throughout the game, with each officer given specialized character traits. More than 150 character traits are featured, with some being useful in battle, some in administration, and some unique to specific officers in the game. For example: Zhang Fei is one of the strongest Warriors in history and possesses a unique characteristic which keeps him from being affected even if he is surrounded on the battlefield. At the same time, the general is also plagued by a character trait where he cannot ignore a nearby enemy. Together, these are used to emphasize the various aspects of Zhang Fei’s personality.

Officer character traits can also be used to deal with the troubling foreign tribes found throughout the map. When public order drops, units of foreign tribes — from the Qiang to the Wuhuan – will appear and cause trouble. Which tribe appears depends on the area of the map involved in the skirmish, and players must quickly learn to deal with these tribes or they will be liable to lose land. One way to deal with the tribes is through an officer’s character traits. For example: The hero of the Liang province, Ma Teng, features the Qiang trait. This means that the Qiang will not appear in any area he is in. In addition, utilizing this characteristic also means that he is able to force the Qiang to occasionally appear in an enemy’s territory, turning this troublesome foreign tribe into an effective ally.

On top of specific character traits, character specialties are also being introduced into RTK14, including objects associated with specific officers. From the powerful horse ridden by Lu Bu to a book written by Cao Cao, some of these items will raise officer attributes, while other items can be used to raise retainer loyalty, making them important tools when it comes to governing.

Romance of The Three Kingdoms XIV is now available for pre-order through select retailers. Those who purchase any version of the game within the first two weeks of launch will be able to download the additional scenario ‘Battle of Yiling’ for free.

For more information on Romance of the Three Kingdoms XIV, please visit the official site, Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/koeitecmous and Follow us on Twitter @koeitecmoUS.

Vigor Update Brings Social Aspects

11/25/2019 – Bohemia Interactive is happy to announce that we are releasing a minor update, which is focusing on the social aspects of Vigor. The team is celebrating reaching the milestone of 3.4 million players, and that is why we are introducing: Multiple Boosters, Better Crate Price, and a New Weapon: PKM.

Also, we’ve now enhanced individual contributions with the new social boosters. These are ways to improve encounters for everyone by collectively raising the quality of potential rewards. They shape the experience for everyone in the encounter, and it’s safe to say the adrenaline certainly flows more when the stakes are high. Let’s take an additional step together – we have upped the ante, and now every player is able to single-handedly boost rewards for everyone in the encounter, multiple times!

Let’s not forget about the additional social aspect of the boosters – if you go into an encounter with your duo teammate, they will also share the benefits. Of course, boosters apply to everyone else in the encounter, but insurance, in this case, will affect your partner as well. Added to that, we decided to make it easier for you to boost the airdrop crate by lowering the amount of Crowns required to do so.

We will share news about the upcoming Update 1.2 soon, so better get ready to hold onto your stakes in post-war Norway. You can download pictures, and read our blog about this topic here: www.vigorgame.com/news/better-together

Wicked Audio Syver Review

Wireless earbuds and speakers are all the rage these days – with manufacturers from all over the world getting in on the action. Wicked Audio, a company with a long-history of audio tech under their belt, has released the Syver with hopes of satisfying the need for both devices. The Syver is an interesting product – consisting of a main, capsule-shaped body and removable wireless earbuds.

The dark gray/gunmetal body actually houses a wireless speaker in its base – something I don’t recall anyone else doing! This wireless speaker features a 32mm driver and decent enough sound reproduction for a dorm room or home office environment. It’s well-built and even has small rubber feet on the bottom to avoid accidentally moving around too much. It features three easy to use buttons – two for volume and one for power/pairing. I love the idea of being able to take it with my iPhone on-the-go for even better movie watching from my phone. What happens when you need to be more stealthy and avoid everyone in your vicinity hearing your audio? You open the top of the capsule body to reveal two wireless earbuds! The top of the capsule is secured by a very sturdy latch that does a terrific job of staying closed.

The wireless earbuds feature comfortable ear cushions/seals and the units themselves are not heavy or painful to leave in for long periods of use. Much like the capsule portion of the Syver, the earbuds are easy to use with one tactile button. Seemingly-thinking of everything, Wicked Audio includes three different ear cushion sizes in the box, so you are sure to find the best fit possible for your ears. In comparison to the capsule speaker, the earbuds feature improved sound quality with very noticeable separation of high and low end sound. Given the choice between the two options, I’d opt for the earbuds should the situation allow – but I digress. The earbuds are charged by the capsule and provide several hours of use while the capsule speaker unit provides up to 10 hours of use.

Overall, Wicked Audio’s Syver might be exactly what you are needing if you desire to have a wireless speaker and earbuds in your travel kit. There’s very little NOT to like with this product. It’s only potential drawback is that it is somewhat larger than dedicated earbuds – but, if you’re looking at a product like the Syver, you probably won’t notice considering how much space saving that the product has by combining the speaker and earbuds. The Syver provides good performance and lots of convenience in a stylish package. The Syver retails for $99.99 and is available now.

Square Enix Unveils Black Friday 2019 Sale

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 22, 2019) – SQUARE ENIX® is kicking off the holidays by giving thanks to its fans with this year’s “Red & Black Friday Sale”. From today through December 3, players will be able to enjoy discounts off the company’s most popular games including DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS™ 2, KINGDOM HEARTS, JUST CAUSE™ 4 and more.

Featured digital deals for games from the PlayStation®Store and Microsoft Store include:

  • PlayStation®4 and Xbox One versions of Shadow of the Tomb Raider™: Definitive Edition are 60% off, dropping the price from $59.99 to $24.00
  • The Xbox One version of Rise of the Tomb Raider®: 20 Year Celebration is 85% off, slashing the price from $39.00 to $5.99
  • PlayStation®4 and Xbox One versions of JUST CAUSE 4 – Complete Edition are 65% off, and will see a price drop from $69.99 to $24.90
  • PlayStation®4 and Xbox One versions of Life is Strange™ 2 – Complete Edition are 50% off, dropping the price from $39.99 to $20.00
  • The PlayStation®4 system version of DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS 2 is 33% off, and will have a price reduction from $59.99 to $40.19
  • The PlayStation®4 system version of KINGDOM HEARTS HD 1.5 + 2.5 ReMIX is 50% off, and will see a price drop from $49.99 to $25.00
  • The PlayStation®4 system version of KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue will also be 50% off, and will see a price drop from $59.99 to $30.00
  • With the recent launch of Romancing SaGa™ 3 on November 11, and the upcoming launch of SaGa SCARLET GRACE: AMBITIONS™ on December 3, the PlayStation®4 system and Xbox versions of Romancing SaGa 2 will be 25% off, dropping the price from $24.99 to $18.74

By ordering through the Square Enix Store, fans can get free shipping on all physical orders $75 or above within the 48 contiguous United States. Digital games are discounted starting today, and merchandise and boxed game orders will be discounted beginning November 27, with all sales on the Square Enix Store ending December 3 at 9:59 a.m. Pacific Standard Time.

Featured deals for select games up to 90 percent off and merchandise up to 50 percent off include:

  • PlayStation®4 and Xbox One versions of Shadow of the Tomb Raider – Definitive Edition are being discounted 25%, from $39.99 to $29.99
  • PlayStation®4 and Xbox One versions of KINGDOM HEARTS III will see a 50% price drop from $39.99 to $19.99
  • PlayStation®4 version of DRAGON QUEST BUILDERS 2 is being discounted 58% from $59.99 to $24.99
  • Nintendo Switch™ version of Collection of Mana™ will have a 37% price reduction from $39.99 to $24.99
  • PlayStation®4 version of NieR:Automata™ Game of the YoRHa Edition will be 50% off, from $39.99 to $19.99
  • PlayStation®4 and Xbox One versions of JUST CAUSE 4 Gold Edition will also see a 50% price drop from $49.99 to $24.99
  • PlayStation®4 and Xbox One versions of FINAL FANTASY XV ROYAL EDITION will be discounted 50%, from $29.99 to $14.99
  • Up to 40% off select PLAY ARTS -KAI- figures including: FINAL FANTASY XII’s Gabranth and Balthier, FINAL FANTASY VII: ADVENT CHILDREN’s Sephiroth, DISSIDIA FINAL FANTASY’s Terra and Lightning
  • 30% off KINGDOM HEARTS merchandise including: BRING ARTS figures of KINGDOM HEARTS II Sora Halloween Town VersionSora Christmas Town Version and KINGDOM HEARTS III Sora Guardian Form Version, plus all in-stock Keyblade Keychains (Kingdom KeyShooting Star and Braveheart)
  • Up to 40% off in-stock FINAL FANTASY Trading Card Game (FFTCG) Starter decks and Table Top Games including CHOCOBO™ PARTY UP! THE BOARD GAME and FINAL FANTASY XIV GOLD SAUCER CACTPOT PARTY
  • Up to 40% off select plush items including FINAL FANTASY Character plushes CloudSephiroth and Lightning and FINAL FANTASY square cushions including ChocoboMoogle™ and Cactuar

Additionally, Shadowbringers™, the critically acclaimed third expansion for FINAL FANTASY XIV Online, will be discounted on the Square Enix Store, beginning November 28 through December 2:

  • The PlayStation®4, PC Windows, and Mac versions of FINAL FANTASY XIV: Shadowbringers – Standard Edition are 50% off, reduced from $39.99 to $19.99.
  •  The PlayStation®4, PC Windows, and Mac FINAL FANTASY XIV Online – The Complete Edition, which includes the base game and all expansion packs will be 50% off, reduced from $59.99 to $29.99.

For more information, visit: seblackfriday.square-enix-games.com. More information on Square Enix, Inc can be found at https://square-enix-games.com/.

Final Fantasy Trading Card Game World Championships 2019

LOS ANGELES (Nov. 22, 2019) – SQUARE ENIX® will be hosting the 2019 FINAL FANTASY® Trading Card Game (FFTCG) World Championships in North America at the Hilton Los Angeles Airport in Los Angeles, CA on November 23-24, 2019. The top thirty-two FFTCG players from around the globe will come together to compete in this grand finale of the 2019 FFTCG competitive circuit and determine the best FFTCG player in the world.

The tournament will be livestreamed on the SQUARE ENIX Presents YouTube channel for those interested in watching the competition.

Day 1 Stream: https://sqex.link/2019WorldsDay1
Day 2 Stream: https://sqex.link/2019WorldsDay2

Information about the 2019 FINAL FANTASY Trading Card Game World Championship is available at https://sqex.link/fftcg-worlds2019. SQUARE ENIX also offers an informational site that provides interested new players and viewers a tutorial on how to play FFTCG.

Developed by Hobby Japan, the FINAL FANTASY Trading Card Game Opus Series features deep, strategic gameplay and beloved artwork from the franchise, including all-new artwork created specifically for FFTCG by FINAL FANTASY series veterans. FFTCG is currently localized in seven languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Chinese and Japanese.

The game’s tenth expansion pack, titled Opus X: Ancient Champions released earlier this month and marked over 200 million total cards shipped worldwide for the series. Opus X enhances the play experience and collectability of FFTCG, featuring popular characters from titles such as FINAL FANTASY III, XI, XII, BRAVE EXVIUS®, and more.

Related Links:
Official Website: https://www.fftradingcardgame.com/na
Official FINAL FANTASY TCG Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/FinalFantasyTCG
Official FINAL FANTASY TCG Tutorial Site: https://sqex.link/FFTCGLearn

RUNE II Party Trailer

11/22/2019 – It’s time to put the rock in Ragnarok – grab your friends, take down a god, and synchronize your Techno Viking dance routine! RUNE II is available now on the Epic Games Store and it’s time to celebrate good times with the ultimate party trailer. Prepare to bust a move with the return of Loki and his mad plans to unleash an apocalypse that never ends… you’re gonna need a very large horn of mead to get through it!

To celebrate all the good times, RUNE II will be offering two special promotions on the Berserker Rage Edition ($35.99, 10% off S.R.P.) and the God Slayer Edition ($47.99, 20% of S.R.P.). For more details on these special editions, visit the RUNE II Epic Games Store Page.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts Launch Trailer

WARSAW, Poland (November 22, 2019) — CI Games is thrilled to announce the launch of the eagerly anticipated Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts, which promises to deliver in-depth play elevating the series to new heights.

Focusing on top new features – including an all-new Dynamic Reticle System which offers intense sniping experience, dramatic dismemberment mode and upgradeable AR mask – and pure sniper fun gameplay set in the unforgiving Siberian wilderness, the open sandbox game allows players to enjoy Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts on their terms, picking their own route and playing how they want to.

The game comprises 25 unique and challenging contracts across five considerably-sized maps; each one there to be explored extensively. Players are challenged to eliminate targets using new precision sniping mechanics while choosing from an arsenal of new weapons and gadgets.

Gamers will need to carefully plan out and execute the perfect kill and exfiltration from a given encounter: no two missions are the same.

From its in-depth single-player campaign, to its return-to-form, intense mission-based contracts system, Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts seeks to perfect the feeling of staring down a scope and planning your approach. Get ready to tackle the Siberian wilderness and all the unique environmental obstacles it brings with it, because Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts is taking aim.

Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts is out now on PS4, Xbox One, and PC. For more information about the Sniper Ghost Warrior series, head to SGWContracts.com, follow the team on Facebook or join the conversation on Twitter.

BATTLETECH Heavy Metal DLC Launch Trailer

STOCKHOLM – November 21, 2019 – Paradox Interactive and Harebrained Schemes today released Heavy Metal, the latest expansion to BATTLETECH, the turn-based tactical ‘Mech combat game for PC, Mac and Linux. Available for a suggested retail price of $19.99 / £15.49 / €19.99, and included as the final expansion in the BATTLETECH – Season Pass, Heavy Metal features eight new ‘Mechs each with unique equipment, a Flashpoint mini-campaign, and eight weapon systems.

Heavy Metal is the definitive expansion for fans of BATTLETECH’s 35-year legacy, adding seven classic ‘Mech designs from the original BATTLETECH board game and an additional ‘Mech exclusively designed for this expansion. Players can pilot these new ‘Mechs in an all-new Flashpoint mini-campaign featuring two legendary MechWarriors from BATTLETECH’s rich history. By adding eight weapon systems and ‘Mechs, each with unique special equipment, players can enjoy a wealth of new and interesting tactical choices both in the Mechlab and on the battlefield!

Key Features:

  • One Original and Seven Classic BattleMechs: Seven classic ‘Mechs from BATTLETECH’s 35-year legacy make their triumphant return along with the first completely new ‘Mech designed exclusively for this expansion. Each classic ‘Mech comes with unique equipment that reflects the flavor and lore of the original board game.
  • Eight Game-changing New Weapon Systems: Eight all-new weapon systems can be utilized to destroy even the most formidable opponents in a wide variety of unique ways. The ‘Mech Mortar is the first AOE weapon in BATTLETECH and can destroy multiple units at once, while the new COIL Beam generates more energy the further the attacker travels before firing, a perfect fit for light ‘Mechs.
  • New Flashpoint Mini-Campaign: Come face-to-face with two legendary characters from BATTLETECH lore – the Bounty Hunter and the Black Widow of Wolf’s Dragoons. A derelict cargo ship has drifted into the Periphery from deep space; what secrets does it contain, and who will ultimately control its mysterious payload?

BATTLETECH: Heavy Metal is now available for digital download on the Paradox Store and Steam for PC, Mac, and Linux operating systems. Purchase the BATTLETECH – Season Pass on the Paradox Store to receive all expansions at a discounted price.

Stay tuned to BATTLETECH’s Twitch, YouTube, and Twitter for the latest updates, livestreams and more.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries Gets A New Gameplay Trailer

VANCOUVER (Nov. 21, 2019) – Developer Piranha Games today released new, never-before-seen gameplay in a crash course guided walkthrough for MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries, the first mainline MechWarrior game in nearly two decades, ahead of its launch for PC on Dec. 10 via the Epic Games Store.

The battles on display showcase MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries’ expansively destructible environments, designed so that Mechs can tear through structures while swatting helicopters out of the sky and reducing rival pilots’ rides to scrap. Briefs on the moments between battles make it clear that with mission recovery, pre-deployment loadouts, and the severity of danger faced all in the hands of players to navigate, MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries’ campaign is all about risk, reward, and consequence.

MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries marks the return of the series’ mission-focused campaign structure, allowing pilots to call the shots while leading either AI-controlled allies or up to three friends through optional co-op into dangerous contracts. Unit leaders will decide which risky missions to accept, where their priorities lie across the Inner Sphere’s volatile conflict zones, as well as how to best utilize the resources earned from their dances with death.

To lock onto the latest with MechWarrior, pre-order MechWarrior 5: Mercenaries (https://mw5mercs.com/), visit the MechWarrior Online website (https://mwomercs.com/), and follow Piranha Games on Twitter through @PiranhaGames (https://twitter.com/piranhagames) and @MechWarriorF2P (https://twitter.com/Mechwarriorf2p).

Half-Life: Alyx VR Game Announced

November 21, 2019 – Valve, the creators of Half-Life and the Steam platform, today announced Half-Life: Alyx, a new, full-length virtual reality entry in the Half-Life series. Slated for release on Steam in March 2020, the title will be compatible with all PC-based VR headsets in March 2020.

Set between the events of Half-Life and Half-Life 2, Alyx Vance and her father Eli secretly mount the resistance to the brutal occupation of Earth by a mysterious alien race known as The Combine. As Alyx, players take the fight to the Combine to save the future of humanity.

Half-Life: Alyx was designed from the ground up for Virtual Reality and features all of the hallmarks of a classic Half-Life game: world exploration, puzzle solving, visceral combat, and an intricately woven story that connects it all with the characters iconic to the Half-Life universe.

“Everyone at Valve is excited to be returning to the world of Half-Life”, says Valve founder Gabe Newell. “VR has energized us. We’ve invested a lot of ourselves in the technology. But we’re also game developers at heart, and to be devoting ourselves to a VR game this ambitious is just as exciting. For that to come in the form of Half-Life feels like the culmination of a lot things we care a lot about: truly great games, cutting edge technology, and open platforms. We can’t wait for people to experience this.”

Half-Life: Alyx is powered by SteamVR on Valve’s Source 2 engine, and can be played on Steam with all PC-based VR headsets.

Pre-purchase now for $59.99 (US). Free for owners of the Valve Index VR headset.

Learn more and watch the trailer here: www.half-life.com