Author - Jerry Paxton

Star Trek Adventures Second Edition Starter Set Now Available

The Starter Set for the second edition of the Star Trek™ roleplaying game, Star Trek Adventures, is now available from Modiphius Entertainment.

This Starter Set contains everything players need to begin their journey into the final frontier, including an epic campaign of three linked missions designed to challenge a brave crew of 3–7 player characters.

Travel to the edges of known space, to colonies in need, to the borders of neighboring galactic powers, or into the eye of interstellar phenomena. Explore strange new worlds, encounter fantastical alien life-forms, and engage in dramatic adventures in a detailed and immersive Galaxy!

The Star Trek Adventures Second Edition Starter Set includes:

  • RULES BOOKLET: A 48-page booklet providing an overview of the 2d20 game system adapted for Star Trek Adventures, for use with the included campaign.
  • CAMPAIGN BOOKLET: A 60-page booklet containing the epic, three-part campaign “Infinite Combinations,” which guides you through the rules as you play so you can begin exploring the Galaxy straight out of the box.
  • SHIP SHEET and CHARACTER SHEETS: A statistics sheet for the Constitution-class U.S.S. Challenger and seven player character sheets, with rules references on the back of each sheet.
  • REFERENCE SHEETS: Four double-sided rules reference sheets.
  • DICE: Five twenty-sided dice (d20s) in a unique color only available in this Starter Set.
  • TOKENS: Six Momentum tokens for each of six different civilizations (i.e., 36 total Momentum tokens), 36 Threat tokens on the reverse side of the Momentum tokens, and 9 Determination tokens.

Project Manager Jim Johnson said: “One of our key goals for second edition was to make the game accessible to new players, not just of Star Trek Adventures but of RPGs in general. I challenged the Starter Set campaign writers to think about what new gamemasters and new players might need to know as they play the game, and we wrote as much of that advice as possible into the campaign booklet. I hope you’ll be able to pick up the box, open it up, hand out characters, and then jump right into the first adventure and cooperatively tell a fun, evocative Star Trek story together. This one’s got it all–a dramatic rescue of citizens in peril, alien life-forms to investigate, and a science-fiction mystery to dig into and solve.”

The second edition of the game opens up the possibility for players to step outside the Starfleet-focused gameplay and tell stories with the well-known species of the Star Trek universe, including the Klingon and Romulan Empires, in addition to others present across the franchise. With the addition of Strange New Worlds to the license, the new edition will feature art themed around the popular new series.

Ace Combat 7: Skies Unknown Soars Past 6 Million Units Sold

ACE COMBAT™7: SKIES UNKNOWN, the narrative-driven flight combat game, has surpassed 6 million units sold as it nears its 6th anniversary milestone. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc. and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., the franchise that faithfully recreates the thrilling experience and explosive action of full 360-degree aerial combat has also surpassed 20 million units sold. The most recent entry, ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN, launched last year for the Nintendo Switch™ and is also available on PlayStation®4 (playable on PlayStation®5 consoles), Xbox One (playable on Xbox Series X|S consoles), and PC via Steam®. For more information on the game, visit the official website.

To mark the anniversary and sales milestone, the official web page features new digital wallpapers to commemorate the achievement, which can be downloaded here: www.bandainamcoent.com/news/ace-combat-7-skies-unknown-6th-anniversary-wallpapers-download

Also available are new hoodies and t-shirts based on call-signs and insignias from various factions in the game. View the latest merch on Amazon.

Bandai Namco is currently offering discounted versions of the game on both PC via Steam® and PlayStation®. Through January 19, the ACE COMBAT™7: SKIES UNKNOWN – TOP GUN: MAVERICK EDITION is on sale for 80% discount on Steam. Through January 29, the ACE COMBAT 7: SKIES UNKNOWN – TOP GUN: MAVERICK EDITION is on sale for 80% discount on the PlayStation®Store.

ACE COMBAT™7: SKIES UNKNOWN is an aerial combat game where players take on the role of an ace pilot to experience the exhilaration of intense dogfights in full 360-degree environments. Featuring both a memorable narrative-driven singleplayer experience as well as multiplayer modes, players fly the world’s most advanced fighter jets in a game marked by stunning visual details and effects, with realistic expanses of clouds, finely rendered terrain and landscape, and the added challenge of navigating through inclement weather. The acclaimed sequel captures the fiercest and most intense aerial battles and sense of speed in the series’ 28-year history.

THE BLOOD OF DAWNWALKER Narrative Sandbox Action RPG Unveiled by Rebel Wolves

Under the full Wolf Moon, Rebel Wolves revealed the first look into the world of THE BLOOD OF DAWNWALKER™, its action RPG. The studio, co-founded by Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, director of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, set the game in an alternative 14th century, where feudal lords have been overthrown by a clique of powerful vampires. In this narrative sandbox players will forge their own story about saving their family… or taking whatever path their choices lead them down. THE BLOOD OF DAWNWALKER is developed by Rebel Wolves in Unreal® Engine 5 and published by Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc., for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC via Steam®. Players can follow the game’s latest developments on the official website: dawnwalkergame.com.

14th century Europe. Bloody conflicts sweep the lands, and the Black Death comes for the survivors. In the wake of the disasters claiming thousands of lives, the decimated human population struggles for survival. It’s a moment of weakness. In Vale Sangora, somewhere in a forgotten corner of the Carpathian Mountains, vampires seize their opportunity to walk out of the shadows, overthrow the feudal lords and claim what they’ve been denied for centuries: freedom, and ultimate power that comes with it. Legends turn into reality, and history as we know it will never be the same.

THE BLOOD OF DAWNWALKER is the first chapter of the Rebel Wolves’ original dark fantasy saga. You play as Coen, a young man turned into a Dawnwalker, forever treading the line between the world of day and the realm of night. Not fully human, not entirely a vampire, you have 30 days and nights to save your family or swear revenge on your sire and destroy everyone standing in your way.

“Inspired by classic RPGs, we want players to feel the sense of urgency in an open world game. There are multiple approaches to saving Coen’s family with no clear division between main and side quests, you decide on how you spend the time.”, explains Konrad Tomaszkiewicz, Game Director and Co-Founder of Rebel Wolves. “Time is a resource and with each quest progressing its passage, it is impossible to complete all stories and arcs before the dreadful deadline, making each playthrough unique. We call it a narrative sandbox.”

The freedom in gameplay is reflected in Coen’s very nature as a Dawnwalker. Depending on the time of day, players will have different skills, abilities and storyline outcomes. Players must choose: do they fight for humanity or embrace the cursed powers?

Watch THE BLOOD OF DAWNWALKER opening cinematic, taking place two years before the game, and meet Coen, his sister Lunka and the vampire clique led by their ruthless yet charismatic lord, Brencis. And take a look at a glimpse at the in-engine gameplay teaser here:

The Rebel Wolves pack plans to share more information about THE BLOOD OF DAWNWALKER in the following months, including a gameplay reveal this summer. For now keep an eye on an updated dawnwalkergame.com, follow the official Dawnwalker social media channels: X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and Twitch, or join the conversation on Discord or Reddit.

Achilles: Legends Untold Nintendo Switch Launch Date Trailer

Dark Point Games is excited to announce that their critically acclaimed action RPG Achilles: Legends Untold is coming to Nintendo Switch on January 23, 2025. Players will become Achilles – the greatest warrior the ancient world has ever seen – as they embark on a rich story through a vast world that rewards exploration and offers challenging enemies to overcome. Become the hero who defied the gods and rewrite history!

Originally released via Early Access on PC, Achilles: Legends Untold features souls-like combat, with unique weapons, items, and skills, set in the world of Ancient Greece. After the War of Troy, you return to Greece and find your homeland plunged into chaos. The multilayered story takes you through the diverse locations of ancient Mycenae, where danger lurks at every corner. Learn how to cope with your new nature and step on the hero’s journey to save the mortal world from impending doom.

Unveil the story, improve your skills, and choose your combat style in this original action RPG with an isometric view, a vast world design that rewards exploration, and a challenging enemy AI that demands a thoughtful approach to combat. Level up your skills, combine weapons and gear, and choose the fighting style that allows you to emerge victorious battle after battle against foes that are both human and beasts.

Razer x Kuromi Peripheral Collaboration is Here

Razer, a leading brand in gaming technology, has partnered with Sanrio to launch a new collection of Kuromi-themed gaming peripherals. The collection features a new Kraken Kitty V2 BT Kuromi Edition headset, Deathadder mouse, Enki gaming chair, and Goliathus gaming surface – All adorned with Kuromi’s signature black and pink color scheme and her iconic skull design.

The new line is designed to appeal to gamers and fans of Sanrio’s popular character. The products combine Razer’s cutting-edge technology with Kuromi’s mischievous charm, offering gamers a way to express their personality while enjoying high-performance gaming.

“We are thrilled to partner with Sanrio to bring this unique collection to life,” said a Razer spokesperson. “Kuromi’s rebellious spirit and edgy style are a perfect fit for our brand, and we know our fans will love these products.”

The Kuromi collection is now available for purchase on Razer’s website.

Logitech G Announces Availability of Two New Premium Momo Steering Wheels

The MOMO X Logitech G Sim Racing Steering Wheels bring the authentic feel of the track to racing enthusiasts’ hands, while continuing to deliver the iconic look that MOMO is known for. Crafted to the precise specifications of the popular Logitech G RS Wheel Hub, these 100% hand-crafted in Italy racing wheels feature a 3mm thick black anodized aluminum plate and a luxurious hand-wrapped microfiber rim grip. Utilizing the same methodologies that go into creating real-life racing wheels, the MOMO X Logitech G steering wheels deliver the most immersive experience available—feel every turn of the track and race to win.

Thanks to the flexibility of Logitech G’s new RS QR Adapter, drivers can also utilize MOMO’s full range of steering wheels with full compatibility— get on the track and start your engines. Regardless of your racing preferences, drivers can select their racing style from over 100 MOMO steering wheels, now supplemented with the new 320 and 290 wheels.

World of Tanks Blitz Announces Reforged Update

World of Tanks Blitz, the cross-platform, free-to-play tank action game, is about to enter a new chapter with the upcoming Reforged Update — the most significant one in the game’s history.

For over a decade, World of Tanks Blitz has set the standard for fun and engaging tank warfare, uniting over 180 million players worldwide, more than 500 historical and fictional tanks, 11 game modes, and 30+ maps. The Reforged Update brings into the game the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5 visuals, enhanced physics, redesigned progression and Commander systems, and more.

“It is a big milestone for the World of Tanks Blitz community,” said Thaine Lyman, General Manager at MS-1 Studio, Wargaming. “Over the past two years, the entire MS-1 team has worked hard to deliver an update that transforms the game, opens new possibilities for innovation, and delivers a modernized, visually stunning experience while staying true to what players love most. We’re excited to invite everyone to be a part of this new journey!”

The update will introduce:

  • Upgrade to Unreal Engine 5: The tools available in the Unreal Engine 5 will accelerate development, enhance gameplay, and enable a visual blend of realism and fantasy.
  • Revamped Physics and Graphics: Stunning visuals offer detailed and vibrant tanks, dynamic lighting, impressive particle effects, and more realistic tank movements.
  • New Commanders: A redesigned Commander system introduces a variety of new crew leaders with unique backstories and abilities.
  • New ‘Tanks Sets’ System: A streamlined progression system that organizes vehicles into themed groups, making it easier and more enjoyable to expand a collection.
  • Revitalized Maps: Beloved battlegrounds are reborn with advanced visuals, weather effects, and refined map layouts for more immersion and more strategy.

NOTE: All player progress and previously acquired assets will remain unaffected, ensuring a seamless transition into this exciting new chapter for World of Tanks Blitz.

The first Ultra Test, which will allow participants to experience the update before its wide launch, is set to begin on January 24, with additional tests planned for later.

Players can sign up for an exclusive first look at the new features here: https://reforged.wotblitz.com.

TRANSFORMERS ONE: NEW ADVENTURES Stop-Motion Series Announced

Hasbro Inc., a leading toy and game company, announced the new toy stop-motion 14-episode series, TRANSFORMERS ONE: NEW ADVENTURES, will premiere on the official TRANSFORMERS YouTube Channel beginning January 17 at 7am ET. This bi-weekly stop-motion series will capture the trendiness of gaming and POV-style content, infused with bursts of action-based comedy and high-stakes drama inspired by TRANSFORMERS ONE. In partnership with TheSoul Publishing to produce and distribute the series, new episodes will be released every Friday and Saturday that transports fans directly into key locations from the TRANSFORMERS ONE film. This series takes place beyond the existing canon and offers fans a unique perspective on their favorite characters’ points of view.

“We are delighted to give fans a new opportunity to revisit the world of Cybertron depicted in the TRANSFORMERS ONE animated feature film,” said Alyse D’Antuono, Vice President, Global Brand Strategy and Management, Action Brands at Hasbro. “This collaborative effort with TheSoul Publishing continues to push the boundaries of the TRANSFORMERS brand and reach new fans around the world. We invite you to explore this fresh perspective inspired by the movie and join us for the premiere on January 17.”

“Working with the Hasbro team on TRANSFORMERS ONE and using our expertise in social media and stop motion animations to bring these incredible stories to an expanded global audience is an amazing opportunity for TheSoul Publishing.” said Patrik Wilkens, Vice President of Business Development at TheSoul Publishing.

Featuring Hasbro’s TRANSFORMERS ONE toy line as the leading stars in this YouTube shorts series, which includes Robot Battlers, Studio Series characters, and Prime Changers (view/download product images HERE).

TRANSFORMERS ONE: NEW ADVENTURES will be available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, German, French, and Italian.

TRANSFORMERS ONE: NEW ADVENTURES episode titles and dates below:

  • E01 Energon Mine January 17
  • E02 Runaway Train January 18
  • E03 Battle Royale January 24
  • E04 Race Orion Pax vs. D-16 January 25
  • E05 Exploring the Tomb January 31
  • E06 Life-Form Scanner February 1
  • E07 Steve Cam February 7
  • E08 Archive Chat Bot February 8
  • E09 Show Jumping February 14
  • E10 Energon Pool February 15
  • E11 Arcade Platformer Run February 21
  • E12 Energon Run February 22
  • E13 Energon Delivery Service February 28
  • E14 Cybertronian Ninja Warrior Aerial Course March 1

Paradox Interactive Releases Stellaris 4.0 Phoenix Dev Diary

Paradox Interactive today announced that Stellaris 4.0 ‘Phoenix,’ the next major free update for the hit sci-fi strategy game, will launch in May 2025 alongside the next expansion. The 4.0 update will introduce sweeping enhancements to improve performance, pacing, and player engagement.
Stellaris 4.0 ‘Phoenix’ refines core systems and adds more features to enhance both new and veteran players’ experiences. Highlights include:
  • Performance Improvements: Major overhauls in how populations and trades are calculated to ensure smoother gameplay in even the most expansive galaxies.
  • New Player Guidance and Game Pacing: Streamlined notifications and event systems to make early game decisions more impactful and less overwhelming.
  • Quality of Life Improvements: From fleet management to empire customization, every aspect has been enhanced to maximize player enjoyment and efficiency.
More information on the Stellaris 4.0 ‘Phoenix’ update can be found in the latest Stellaris dev dairy.

Netflix’s Surviving Black Hawk Down Gets an Official Trailer

Today, in partnership with RSA, Netflix announced the trailer and premiere date for Surviving Black Hawk Down, a three-part 360-degree telling of the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, whose events served as inspiration for Ridley Scott’s Academy Award® winning film Black Hawk Down.

Logline: Surviving Black Hawk Down tells the gripping real story of the horror and heroism behind the events that inspired Ridley Scott’s blockbuster movie Black Hawk Down, blending raw, immersive storytelling with first-person interviews from both sides of The Battle of Mogadishu.
Premiere Date: February 10, 2025
Production Company: RSA
Producers: Jamal Osman, Emma Supple
Executive Producers: Dominic Crossley-Holland, Tom Pearson
Director: Jack MacInnes
Format: Three episodes

“RSA are thrilled to bring this compelling story to a new audience with Netflix, almost 25 years after Ridley’s iconic movie. It’s a gripping tale, and powerful and moving to hear from both US forces and Somalis for the first time.” – Dominic Crossley Holland, Global Head of Unscripted, RSA.