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FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker Benchmark Released with Trailer

SQUARE ENIX® invites Warriors of Light to enjoy all-new Endwalker footage with the newly released FINAL FANTASY® XIV: Endwalker™ Official Benchmark software. Featuring actual in-game areas and character models, the benchmark software gives players a chance to test their computer’s ability to run FINAL FANTASY XIV ahead of the expansion’s scheduled launch on November 23, 2021.

The benchmark software also features an updated character creator feature, which includes the option to create male Viera characters: a new playable race to be added in Endwalker. The appearance data of characters created through the benchmark can also be saved for use in the retail version of the game or selected as the character to appear in benchmark cutscenes.

Full details on the official benchmark can be found here: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/benchmark

Additionally, a roadmap detailing upcoming content leading directly into the launch of Endwalker was revealed during the latest Letter from the Producer LIVE broadcast. Players can enjoy content additions and in-game events ahead of the release of the highly anticipated fourth expansion:

July – August

  • Make it Rain Campaign – Beginning July 19 and running through August 11, players can obtain the new “vexed” emote by completing event quests while also earning bonus Manderville Gold Saucer Points (MGP) from Gold Saucer activities.
  • Patch 5.58 – Releasing on July 20, the update will mark the beginning of Season 20 of The Feast alongside other content adjustments.
  • Moonfire Faire – This summer-themed seasonal event will return for a limited-time starting from August 13.
  • The Rising  Marking the 8th anniversary of FINAL FANTASY XIV: A Realm Reborn’s release, The Rising is set to begin on August 27.

September – October

  • FINAL FANTASY XV Collaboration Event – Players can look forward to the return of the popular event that brings FINAL FANTASY XV hero Noctis Lucis Caelum to the world of Hydaelyn. From September 13, players who have reached level 50 and completed the main scenario quest “The Ultimate Weapon” can participate to earn numerous rewards, including Noctis’ hairstyle and outfit, the four-person Regalia mount, and more. Players who had previously completed this quest can once again experience this questline and adventure alongside Noctis.
  • Moogle Treasure Trove Event  From October 19 and until the planned start of Endwalker early access on November 19, players will have another chance to gather irregular tomestones to exchange for various rewards.

November Onward

  • Endwalker Early Access Launch – Endwalker early access beings on November 19 and allows players who have pre-ordered the game to begin their adventures ahead of the official release on November 23, 2021.
  • Post-Launch Events – Additional seasonal events are scheduled to land in the months following the release of Endwalker, such as All Saints’ Wake beginning in late November, the Starlight Celebration in December, and Heavensturn to ring in the new year.

Players who are currently taking a break from their adventures are invited to jump back into the game as part of the latest Free Login Campaign. Now active and running through August 23, eligible users can return to Eorzea and play for free for an extended period of up to fourteen days—the longest play period of any Free Login Campaign to date.

Full details on the Free Login Campaign can be found here: https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/lodestone/special/freelogincampaign/

With more than 22 million total registered players, there has never been a better time for newcomers to begin their adventures in the critically acclaimed FINAL FANTASY XIV Online saga. The expanded Free Trial now includes all content from A Realm Reborn and the Heavensward™ expansion (and updates through Patch 3.56), as well as an additional playable race (Au Ra), and three additional playable jobs (Dark Knight, Astrologian, and Machinist). Free Trial players can enjoy hundreds of hours of award-winning gameplay and story experiences equivalent to two full FINAL FANTASY titles, without limit on playtime. More information is available here: https://sqex.to/FFXIVFreeTrial

FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker will be available for PC, Mac, the PlayStation®5 console and the PlayStation®4 console on November 23, 2021 and is rated RP (Rating Pending). Please visit the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB) website at www.esrb.org for more information about ratings.

For more information on FINAL FANTASY XIV: Endwalker, visit the official site here https://na.finalfantasyxiv.com/endwalker/.

The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf Release Date Trailer

Revealed as part of the inaugural WitcherCon, Netflix has today unveiled the release date and first imagery from forthcoming The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, which will premiere on Monday August 23, 2021. The anime film tells the story of Vesemir, a swashbuckling young witcher who escaped a life of poverty to slay monsters for coin…

Participating in a WitcherCon panel named ‘Geralt of T-Rivia’, Lauren Schmidt Hissrich – Showrunner on The Witcher and Executive Producer of The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf – gave fans a first glimpse at Vesemir, as well as the key art including the release date, for the highly anticipated anime film.

The news follows earlier WitcherCon reveals including the release date and teaser art for the second season of The Witcher live action series, which premieres on Friday December 17, 2021.

Destiny still holds surprises in store, however, so stay tuned for more exclusive news as it breaks out of WitcherCon.

Aksys Games Unveils Virtual Showcase Lineup

Aksys Games announced that they will reveal a slate of new titles, present new looks at previously announced titles, livestream gameplay and special guests at the All Aksys event taking place on their official Twitch channel, AksysGames, on Friday, August 6th beginning at 9:00 a.m. PDT.

Some of the games to be featured at the event include:

RICO London (NSW, PS4™, Xbox One) – The door-kicking, gang-busting crime fighters are back and this time they’re in 1999 London. RICO London is a first-person shooter about making an impactful entrance, blasting the bad guys, and taking care of business.

Blazing Strike (PS4™, PS5™, NSW, PC) – Inspired by classic arcade fighting game series from industry greats such as Capcom and SNK, the upcoming 2D fighting game from developer RareBreed Makes Games is Blazing Strike evokes the excitement and nostalgia of 2D pixel art genre pioneers while incorporating a unique games system with modern mechanics.

Undernauts: Labyrinth of Yomi (PS4™, Xbox One, NSW, PC) – Tokyo, 1979. When a massive, mysterious structure suddenly rises from the ground, the government sends a team to investigate. You have been selected to join an elite group of underground explorers employed by Cassandra Company. Unfortunately, you are not the only one searching these caverns. Terrifying monsters lurk in the shadows. Dangerous criminals hunt for resources. Large numbers of people are missing. The test of your survival skills begins now…

Pups & Purrs Animal Hospital (NSW) – Become the very best veterinarian ever! These adorable pets aren’t feeling well, so let’s give them the care they need! Pups & Purrs Animal Hospital is a simulation game in which you can have a dream job taking care of cute, fluffy friends.

Olympia Soirée (NSW) – With her entire clan wiped out years ago, Olympia has been isolated for most of her life. Now she lives as the only person on Tenguu Island who can perform the ritual that restores light to a world shrouded in darkness. The heads of each Primary district—Red, Blue, and Yellow—lead a society governed by the island’s rigid class structure. As Olympia travels between the districts, she discovers their wonders and their weaknesses, as well as an entire underground community of shunned individuals whom she becomes determined to help. If she can find the person destined to be her soulmate, she will finally be able to open her heart and reveal her true name, continue her bloodline, and save the world before it is destroyed.

Dairoku: Agents of Sakuratani (NSW) – Ever since she could remember, Shino Akitsu has had the ability to see what others could not: spirits, apparitions, and indescribable creatures. As an adult, this talent leads her to join a secret government agency: The Occult Action Department. Her assignment is with the Sixth Special Preventions Office, and her job is to monitor the powerful beings who travel between her world and the worlds beyond. From her office in Sakuratani, a town in a different dimension, Agent Shino meets several otherworldly individuals with vastly different personalities and abilities: a nine-tailed fox spirit, a mischievous oni, and more. Part gatekeeper, part travel guide, she does her best to get to know these entities and keep them from getting into inter-dimensional trouble.

Variable Barricade (NSW) – A member of a prestigious family and heiress to a fortune, Hibari learns that her eccentric grandfather is determined to find her a husband. He arranges to house her in a luxurious villa along with four handsome, hand-picked bachelors and her private butler. As her suitors try to win her hand by any means necessary, Hibari endures endless everyday trials and temptations. Has her grandfather chosen poorly, or is there more to these fellows than meets the eye? Through all of this, Hibari has two important goals: frighten off each of these marriage candidates, and absolutely refuse to fall in love.

To stay up to date on all the news, follow Aksys Games on Twitter and Instagram at @AksysGames, and join our Thursday livestreams on Twitch at AksysGames, with stream highlights and trailers on our YouTube channel.

DJI Pocket 2 Sunset White Announced

Hey world, meet DJI Pocket 2 Sunset White. Named after those gorgeous summer sunsets, the new beautiful Sunset White color combines hues of pink and purple with crystal white just in time for the upcoming season. Pocket 2, launched last autumn as the second iteration of the popular Osmo Pocket, merges creative design and outstanding performance features so creators can easily vlog their everyday lives and create professional-level content. Weighing only 117g, the new Pocket 2 Sunset White fits perfectly in your summer shorts, beach bag or purse, and can capture up to 140 minutes of your summer adventures.

A lot has changed since we released the Pocket 2 last fall, with big enhancements on autofocus, added HDR Video, better tracking and more. DJI Pocket 2 Sunset White is the perfect sidekick to handle this summer’s heat. Equipped with a 3-axis gimbal, 4K camera, large sensor, and wide lens, Pocket 2 Sunset White captures fantastic image quality in both photo and video modes compared to Osmo Pocket. The DJI Matrix Stereo system, which consists of four microphones that are strategically placed clear of a hand holding DJI Pocket 2, ensures footage sounds as great as it looks.

Capturing and creating professional-level content has never been easier thanks to the camera’s intelligent pre-programmed modes such as Pro Mode, ActiveTrack 3.0, Slow Motion, Timelapse, Panorama and livestreaming. Simple to use and easy to understand, Pocket 2 Sunset White was built for those creators who want smoother footage than their smartphones offer or want to up the visual appeal of what they capture.

The DJI Pocket 2 Sunset White Combo is available starting today from the store.dji.com and authorized retail partners. The Sunset White Combo includes a Pocket 2, Mini Control Stick, Cover, Do-It-All Handle, Smartphone Adapters, Power Cable, Wrist Strap and a Sling Strap for accessibility for the retail price of $479 USD. Additional details can be found here: https://store.dji.com/product/pocket-2.

Lonely Mountains: Downhill Daily Rides Update Teaser

Thunderful Publishing & Megagon Industries are happy to announce that the new Daily Ride season 7 “Summer Strolls” introduces a brand new major update in the form of ALL NEW Daily Rides Modifiers! This new feature will challenge seasoned and novel riders alike by switching up the gameplay in the beloved Daily Rides and is available on PC, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch and Xbox One from today.

The new Modifiers give experienced riders novel and unexpected ways to get them out of their comfort zone. Play completely new trail layouts with the Changed Checkpoint modifier, make a 720 trick with the Better Flying Control modifier or jump on the overpowered Super Bike and race down the mountain like never before! And if you feel like you know the trails like the back of your hand? The mind-twisting Mirror Modifier will put your knowledge to the test. A new surprise awaits each day as a randomly selected modifier combination will be added to the chosen Daily Rides Trail, making them a literal game changer!

Check out a snippet of what to expect:

  • Mirrored Mode – the trail is horizontally mirrored, challenging everyone who already knows all the trails by heart
  • New Obstacles and Short Cuts – new obstacles will keep you on your toe or allow you to use new and unexpected short cuts
  • Changed Checkpoints – checkpoints have been moved, removed and/or added so you need to find completely new shortcuts and routes
  • Unlimited Sprinting – Infinite stamina, so sprint as long as you want!
  • Better Flying Control – in mid air the player can rotate the bike faster, allowing some nice stunts
  • Double Bonus – twice as many season points gives an extra incentive to participate today

…and many more!

Oddworld: Soulstorm Retail Editions Out Now

Microids and Oddworld Inhabitants are thrilled to announce that the PlayStation®5 and PlayStation®4 retail editions of Oddworld: Soulstorm are now available! The game is also available digitally on the PlayStation store and Epic Games Store. Fans who have pre-ordered the Day One Oddition or Collector’s Oddition at participating retailers will also get access to the game’s Original Soundtrack and a Digital Artbook.

The Collector’s Oddition consists of:

  • A Unique Collector’s Box
  • Oddworld: Soulstorm’s standard edition for PlayStation® 4 or PlayStation® 5
  • A collectible metal case
  • An exclusive 9-inch figurine of Abe, Mudokon hero
  • A premium 160-page artbook by Pix’n Love Publishing
  • An exclusive Mining Company keychain
  • Three art prints
  • Ancient Mudokon Tribal stickers
  • Abe’s hand tattoo

Monster Hunter Stories 2 – Launch Trailer

Ahead of the highly-anticipated release of Monster Hunter Stories™ 2: Wings of Ruin, Monster Hunter™ series Producer Ryozo Tsujimoto and Director Kenji Oguro offered an in-depth look at the post-launch content coming to the game, showcased co-op gameplay, a new story trailer and more. In addition to the new story trailer providing one final look at the gripping narrative in Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin, the extensive post-launch roadmap also detailed the challenging and rewarding end-game content awaiting Monster Riders after the game’s July 9, 2021 release on Nintendo Switch™ and PC via Steam.

In addition to the already announced first post-launch update, which brings the fan-favorite Palamute from Monster Hunter Rise™ as a ridable Monstie to Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin on July 15, today’s special program detailed five additional free updates coming to the game through October 2021. Title Update 2 arrives on August 5, and introduces the gilded Elder Dragon Kulve Taroth as a new co-op quest for Monster Riders to tackle together. While Kulve Taroth will not be available as a ridable Monstie, materials from her quest will be invaluable for crafting powerful new equipment. This update will also introduce Hellblade Glavenus and Boltreaver Astalos as additional Monsties.

Title Update 3 arrives in early September, and brings Soulseer Mizutsune, Elderfrost Gammoth, and Oroshi Kirin as new Monsties! In late September, Title Update 4 follows on the heels of these exciting new Monsties with Dreadking Rathalos and Molten Tigrex. As part of this update, Kulve Taroth returns in a new high-difficulty co-op quest that offers Monster Riders the opportunity for even greater rewards. In October, Silver Rathalos and Gold Rathian swoop in as part of Title Update 5, which also heralds the arrival of a special mysterious monster, who will be part of a highly difficult co-op quest that offers materials for crafting incredibly powerful equipment.

During the co-op gameplay reveal, Tsujimoto-san and Oguro-san provided an extensive look at the many ways that players can collaborate in co-op expeditions, including exploration, strategizing on combat, discovering Monster Dens, selecting eggs, and hatching new and unique Monsties. The duo also sat down to share a behind-the-scenes look at how the original Monster Hunter Stories™ was first created, what they set out to accomplish with a sequel, and their inspiration for the designs of new and returning characters.

While today’s special program offered a wealth of new information for eager fans, those interested in experiencing Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin firsthand can now enjoy a free Trial Version on Nintendo Switch. A free Trial Version on PC will release on July 9, 2021, alongside the release of the full version of the game. Both Trial Versions allow save data transfer to the full game. Additionally, Nintendo Switch players with save data from the free Trial Version of Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin will also receive a special “Kinship Talisman” when linked with Monster Hunter Rise.

In addition to the MSRP $59.99 Standard Edition (physical and digital on Nintendo Switch), Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin also has a digital-only Deluxe Edition for MSRP $69.99. The Deluxe Edition includes a number of cosmetic options. Players can customize their appearance with Razewing layered armor sets and a Nergigante-inspired hairstyle, use the Kuan Coat outfit to alter the appearance of the Wyverian companion Ena, choose between two new outfits for the returning felyne pawtner Navirou, and two sticker sets depicting the various characters that players encounter during their journey.

Fishing: North Atlantic Out Now on Xbox One and PS4

Don those chest waders and carefully study that compass, because today, independent developer Misc Games proudly announced that its hit simulation title Fishing: North Atlantic is now available for the Xbox One and PlayStation 4! Console players eager to get into the nitty-gritty of what it takes to be a commercial fisherman can now do so — without potentially falling overboard! Just don’t forget that the crew’s lives and livelihood are still on the line, and there’s nothing fishy about following safety procedures while at sea!

“We couldn’t be happier with the console versions of Fishing: North Atlantic,” said Yasemin Hamurcu, COO at Misc Games. “When the game initially launched on PC last year, there was significant demand from the community to bring the title to consoles as well. Today was a long time coming, and I’m certain our fans will love the work we’ve done to make Fishing: North Atlantic a joy to play on their preferred platform. It’s time to dive in and get to business!”

As the sequel to the popular fishing simulator game Fishing: Barents Sea, Fishing: North Atlantic is set off the coast of Nova Scotia where the ocean is boundless, unpredictable, and swimming with tuna, swordfish, and crawly crustaceans. You’re invited to take on the role of captain, where they are responsible for commanding a crew of fellow anglers keen on heading back to port with a bounty of fish, crab, and lobster. This is one of the most dangerous careers in the world, where ocean swells are as rife with danger as they are riches. It’s up to you to monitor GPS and sonar signals for fish habitats, avoid brutal storms when possible, and order the crew to toss deep line buoys and crab pots overboard at the appropriate moments. So, be sure to meticulously look over those maps, because this is as real as it gets. You Betta believe it.

Key Features of Fishing: North Atlantic:

  • True to Life Detail: Every island, inlet, harborfront, and rocky crag is meticulously crafted after real-world map data of Nova Scotia. Being one of Canada’s maritime provinces means players will have their hands full when it comes to navigating and exploring this vast open world.
  • Ship-Shape Vessels Abound: With over 27 different ships to choose from, all of which are based on real vessels, players will have loads of options to choose from when it comes to picking a boat of their own. There’s even officially licensed equipment from Hermes, Scanmar, and Skipasyn to be found throughout the bridges!
  • Hooks ‘n Lines: Catching swordfish is quite a bit different from trapping lobsters. Which is why harpooning, trawling, deeplining, and many more fishing techniques are part of the game. Players will learn all the ins and outs of what it takes to be a commercial fisherman
  • When it Rains, it Pours: Part of the captain’s duties is to ensure the crew isn’t needlessly trying to haul up crab pots in the middle of a thunderstorm, which is why it’s important for players to monitor GPS and weather conditions to make sure everyone aboard can work safely

Published and developed by Misc Games, Fishing: North Atlantic is available now for PlayStation 4 and Windows PC via Steam for $34.99 USD, and Xbox One with a limited-time launch discount for $29.99 USD. Learn more at https://fishingnorthatlantic.com.

To stay up to date on Fishing: North Atlantic and Misc Games by joining the conversation on Discord, and be sure to follow them on Twitter, Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook for regular updates and news!

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous Shows Off Huge Fortress in New Trailer

Owlcat Games has shared a new developer diary for its classic isometric CRPG Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous. The video reveals new information on Drezen, a sprawling fortress that will play a pivotal role as fans reclaim the world from demonic spawn this September 2 on PC via Steam, GOG and Epic Games Store. The studio also shared that Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S via backwards compatibility later this year in digital and physical formats. Console retail copies will be distributed by Prime Matter. More details regarding the title’s console versions will be provided at a later date.

Pay a visit to the great fortress of Drezen with today’s developer diary:

Drezen is the linchpin that holds Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous’ story together. Players will be able to learn about the city early on in the game as they interact with people who witnessed its siege and claim to be responsible for its loss 70 years ago. During the adventure the Queen will order heroes to take back the fortress by any means necessary. The assault’s starting location is highly influenced by the choices players make and the advice they follow. A climatic battle of resilience and wit unfolds.

If players are successful, Drezen will evolve to become much more than a place to sleep, wash, sell and buy gear. The fortress and its NPCs will change according to the Mythic Path one chooses and the decisions one makes throughout the game.

Moreover, Owlcat Games has announced that Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous is coming to Nvidia’s cloud gaming service on release date. GeForce Now members who purchase Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous on PC will be able to stream the game to Windows or Mac computers, Android devices, or Nvidia’s Shield TV streaming players starting the same day it officially launches.

Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous will launch for PC via Steam, GOG and Epic Games Store on September 2. The game will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S via backwards compatibility later this year.

Universal Studios Hollywood Announces July 4th Fireworks Celebration

Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to experience its annual July 4th fireworks celebration with a dazzling burst of colors against the night sky from multiple locations within the theme park.

This exciting fireworks spectacular is included with theme park admission to Universal Studios Hollywood.

The exhilarating energy of Independence Day will permeate the theme park as guests enjoy musical performances, along with popular rides and attractions. At 9:00 p.m., the holiday is capped off with the extravagant fireworks display synchronized to a score of Universal-themed music and patriotic favorites.

The festivities will punctuate the skyline as guests stroll along a cleverly themed Pets Place to the front of Katie’s NYC apartment building, home to the innovative “The Secret Life of Pets:  Off the Leash!” ride.

Only the deafening roar of the extraordinarily realistic Indominus rex dinosaur, featured in “Jurassic World—The Ride” could possibly drown out the fireworks display.

These new experiences are among the many attractions and themed environments at Universal Studios Hollywood available to help guests usher in a joyful Independence Day. Highlights include “The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™” which features a bustling Hogsmeade village and the critically-acclaimed rides, “Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey™” and “Flight of the Hippogriff™”, “Transformers™:  The Ride-3D,” “Revenge of the Mummy:  The Ride,” “Despicable Me Minion Mayhem” and “Super Silly Fun Land,” and “The Simpsons Ride” located in “Springfield, U.S.A.,” home of America’s favorite animated family.

The theme park’s signature attraction and world-renowned Studio Tour takes guests behind-the-scenes of an authentic production movie and television studio where they can experience such thrill rides as “Fast & Furious—Supercharged” and “King Kong 360 3D.”

As a precursor to the evening’s pyrotechnics, “WaterWorld” is an exciting action show that involves hundreds of stunts and fiery special effects.

More information is available at www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com.  Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.