The wait is over! Epic Mickey is back, and this time, the stakes are truly epic! Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, the highly anticipated remake of the beloved classic, developed by Purple Lamp in collaboration with Disney Games and published by THQ Nordic, is now available on Nintendo® Switch, PS4™, PS5™, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.
Mickey Mouse’s adventure with magic ink has gone awry, and he soon finds himself pulled into the dangerous world of Wasteland, a realm where forgotten Disney characters reside. In Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed, players will step into Mickey’s shoes and take control of his magical brush to restore the world around him or use paint and thinner to reshape the environment and uncover hidden secrets.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed brings the classic 2010 game back and for the first time ever, is available to modern consoles with enhanced visuals and graphics. New gameplay features include dash, ground pound and sprint allowing fans of the original and newcomers alike more ways to navigate Wasteland and combat enemies. Along with the magic paint brush, players can explore the unpredictable world of Wasteland, with levels inspired by classic Disney stories, and meet familiar faces along the way.
Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed is available now for Nintendo® Switch, PS4™, PS5™, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and PC at an SRP of € 59.99 / $ 59.99 / £ 49.99 / AU$ 99.95 / ¥ 7590.
Follow @thqnordic for all Disney Epic Mickey: Rebrushed news and updates.
In the first week since its launch on September 17, the2024 Player’s Handbookhas become the fastest-selling Dungeons & Dragons product in the game’s 50-year history. The success surpasses Tasha’s Cauldron of Everything, the previous record-holder which soared to success upon release in 2020.
“We couldn’t be more pleased with the resounding critical and fan acclaim and record-breaking launch of the 2024 Player’s Handbook, and we have our loyal fans to thank for it. They played a major role in helping make this product what it is,” said Jess Lanzillo, VP of D&D Product and Franchise at Wizards of the Coast. “Our team has been analyzing feedback from players since the release of the 2014 Player’s Handbook and have worked hard and thoughtfully to implement it into the new core rulebooksto create something that we hope everyone will enjoy.”
Anticipating the demand, Wizards of the Coast printed three times the number of 2024 Player’s Handbooks than the previous version in 2014, making this the largest physical first printing of a book in the history of D&D. The players responded and the 2024 Player’s Handbook has sold three times as many copies as the 2014 Player’s Handbook did at launch.
The success comes amid a year of celebrations and milestones to commemorate Dungeon & Dragon’s 50th anniversary and at a time when the game has never been more popular. Boasting more than 85 million D&D fans worldwide and more than 18 million registered D&D Beyond users, Dungeons & Dragons is back in a big way.
The new and improved 2024 Player’s Handbook is the ultimate guide for fifth edition D&D players. Fans are able to play their way with optimized rules for character creation and advancement, exploration, combat, equipment, spells, and so much more. Additionally, they can create fantastic heroes from an expanded selection of character origins, class features, and subclasses, revised and balanced for endless fun.
In addition to high marks from players, media including CBR and Bonus Action awarded the 2024 Player’s Handbook a 10 out 10 review score with the former calling it “…a must-have for everyone ready to follow D&D into the future.”Polygon stated that ”…the very shape of the brand feels suddenly glossy, modern, and new” and ScreenRant, ComicBook, WarGamer and others also positively reviewed the new release.
The 2024 Player’s Handbook can be purchased on D&D Beyond, where fans can get both the physical book delivered right to their doorstep and a digital edition that’s instantly playable on D&D Beyond, which provides access to an extensive suite of tools and services.
The 2024 Player’s Handbook can also be purchased at retailers across the US including local game stores, Amazon, and select Barnes & Noble stores where fans can take home an exclusive poster with their purchase[1].
The Riftbreaker: Heart of the Swamp plunges players into an all-new, uncharted Fungal Swamp biome teeming with unique flora, fauna, and challenges. As players explore the mysterious swamps, they will encounter new enemies, find powerful upgrades, and develop groundbreaking technologies that will give them a multitude of strategic options in this unwelcoming environment. “Our goal with Heart of the Swamp was to expand the universe of The Riftbreaker in ways that offer fresh, exciting experiences for both new and veteran players,” said Paweł Lekki, COO of EXOR Studios. “The Fungal Swamp biome is filled with unique challenges and mysteries that we believe will captivate and engage our community.”
V/H/S/BEYOND, the seventh installment of the V/H/S franchise will feature six new bloodcurdling tapes, placing horror at the forefront of a sci-fi-inspired hellscape.
Don’t miss the premiere of V/H/S/BEYOND Friday, October 4th on Shudder.
Directors: Jordan Downey, Christian Long & Justin Long, Justin Martinez, Virat Pal, Kate Siegel, and Jay Cheel
Language: English
Running Time: 110 mins
Today, SEGA of America hosted the fourth annual Sonic Central, a virtual fan-centric event, streamed on the official Sonic the Hedgehog YouTube and Twitch channels. Fans were provided details for upcoming titles including SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS™, Sonic Rumble™, Sonic Dream Team™, as well as insight into upcoming partnerships and more.
Below is a recap of all the Sonic gaming news discussed during today’s livestream:
SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS – The Sonic Team introduced a ton of new details ahead of the launch for the highly anticipated SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS this fall. A new story trailer was unveiled that featured a new look at the story of Shadow’s standalone campaign. Fans also got an action-packed teaser for the upcoming prologue animations, as well as more details about the physical pre-order incentive, Gerald Robotnik’s Journal, via a fun early 2000’s-inspired commercial. Lastly, fans can also pre-order the Limited Run Games Collector’s Edition until October 6, 2024 and get an exclusive Sonic and Shadow Dreamcast statue, along with a variety of other collector’s items.
Sonic Rumble – Get ready for the all-new mobile Sonic party game, Sonic Rumble, coming this winter to both mobile and PC! Play with up to 32 friends and face new challenges, race through the various stages, and collect rings to win and unlock a huge selection of cosmetic collectibles.
Sonic Dash™, Sonic Dash+, and Sonic Forces™ – New characters are joining the excitement! A new Challenger, Valhalla Surge, can throw multiple axes and shock all opponents who get in the way of her protective boost. Players can unlock her today! Coming later this year, fans can expect more new characters including the mysterious Oni Mephiles, the fearless Warrior Shadow, and the delightful Dulce Amy.
Sonic Dream Team – Since the launch of Sonic Dream Team in 2023, there have been many new updates added for fans to explore. New boss missions, new collectibles, an entire new Zone, and a special end game stage designed to challenge players’ skills! Stay tuned for additional updates, fresh content, and a new playable character later this year!
Sonic Racing™ – Racers, on your marks! Sonic Racing has a ton of new updates! Time Trial mode where players can test their need for speed and unlock the brand-new Rockstar Rouge and DJ Vector character styles. More updates are on the way, including Popstar Amy!
Super Monkey Ball Banana Rumble™ – Calling all Super Monkey Ball fans! Get ready to go bananas with the new Shadow the Hedgehog costume available now as part of the SEGA Costume Pack, available for purchase on Nintendo eShop. As an added bonus, to celebrate SONIC X SHADOW GENERATIONS, players can also customize their monkeys with Sonic and Shadow-themed monkey balls, available as free downloads on Nintendo eShop!
Two Point Museum™ – Two Point Museum will have a Sonic and Shadow themed pre-order incentive for a limited time only available before launch on March 4, 2025! From unique gift shop items to outfits, interactive displays and decorations, players can design their museum areas to be completely Sonic the Hedgehog themed. Gotta go fast!
Sonic Speed Simulator™ on Roblox – Face off against a new version of Neo Metal Sonic who’s back for revenge, but this time he’s super charged. Hop in the #1 branded Roblox game of all time (in partnership with Gamefam) to play as Super Sonic and dish out major damage to earn new rewards.
Following the game news, the Sonic Team introduced Chao Tales, a new animated web-series. Chao Tales will be eight-episodes of whimsical shorts featuring the adorable fan-favorite chao. Stay tuned for more updates!
Fans also received a first look into the newly announced collaboration between Sonic the Hedgehog, DC and Warner Bros. Discovery Global Consumer Products (WBDGCP), following a brief teaser showcasing Shadow as Batman, Sonic as The Flash and Amy Rose as Wonder Woman. Kicking off in 2025, the DC x Sonic collaboration launches with an all-new, five-issue comic series published by DC Comics. Merchandise developed by SEGA and WBDGCP, spanning numerous categories including apparel, toys, and more, will follow in late 2025.
SEGA® also revealed a variety of partners they will be collaborating with this year, to create a wide range of all-new, Sonic-themed products and experiences, including:
LEGO – Get ready for Sonic and friends in LEGO form! Joining the collection come new sets including the Shadow the Hedgehog Escape Set, Knuckles’ Guardian Mech, Tails’ Adventure Boat, Knuckles and the Master Emerald Shrine, and Super Sonic vs. Egg Drillster.
Topgolf – Sonic and friends are coming to Topgolf in a first-of-its-kind game! Use Sonic, Tails, Knuckles, and Amy Rose as on-screen golf balls to aim for targets both on the green and on the screen. Once you hit your golf ball, watch it speed through the air as each character on the screen, collecting rings and points, hopefully earning you that S-rank. Speed through a location near you this fall!
JAKKS Pacific – The new six-inch customizable Shadow the Hedgehog figure by JAKKS Pacific is sure to be a hit with collectors and Sonic fans of all ages! Mix and match the swappable pieces to build a variety of Shadow presentations.
PDP – Leading game peripherals brand, PDP, is back with a new Nintendo Switch Shadow the Hedgehog REALMz wireless controller. Launching this October, the controller features a collectible Shadow the Hedgehog figurine, multi-layered design, and a built-in rechargeable battery.
First 4 Figures – This holiday season, in collaboration with First 4 Figures, Shadow fans everywhere can look forward to the incredible new Shadow Evolved statue! The statue faithfully portrays Shadow wielding his Doom Powers, emphasizing his black wings with red tips.
HJC Helmets – This October, fans can look forward to the newest RPHA 12 motorcycle helmet from HJC Helmets featuring everyone’s favorite brooding hedgehog, Shadow!
Louis de Guzman – Coming in late 2024, Sonic the Hedgehog and visual artist Louis De Guzman merge worlds to create a collaboration that reaches new heights and speeds. Stay tuned for more updates later this year!
Bushiroad Creative – Joining the PalVerse Palé figure product lineup is Shadow the Hedgehog! Keep an eye out and add Shadow to your collection in April 2025.
Explore a richer and deeper medieval world in Roads to Power, the highly anticipated expansion of Crusader Kings III, Paradox Interactive’s best-selling strategy role-playing game about the Middle Ages. Travel a world of danger and opportunity as your character seeks wealth and adventure, or navigate the perilous waters of imperial politics – a setting where brute force often bows to diplomacy and intrigue.
Roads to Power is the newest Major Expansion of Crusader Kings III, focusing on two significant changes to the core game experience. First, Landless Adventurer characters start with a camp and a few followers but can gain great power and influence by offering their skills to neighboring rules. Second, the Administrative Government playstyle comes to the Byzantine Empire, in a more historically appropriate representation of the political system of one of the great Mediterranean powers. An associated comic book about the rise of Basil I, “Many Roads to Power”, was published in August, free for everyone to read and enjoy.
Features of Crusader Kings III: Roads to Power include:
Administrative Government: Experience medieval rule outside of the feudal system with a new style of empire management. A web of Governors jockeys for position in the empire with intrigue and power, sometimes rewarding merit and sometimes rewarding perfidy. Only a truly skilled Emperor can keep these squabbling forces in line.
The Family Estate: Run and manage a powerful Family Estate, the seat of your House’s power, even when you hold no other land. Construct new buildings and improvements to further your power and influence within an administrative empire.
Influence System: Build up a character’s influence within an administrative empire to climb the rungs of bureaucracy. Raise your status in the realm and gather more power for yourself. Start as a landless noble on an estate, and compete for valuable provinces to govern before making your bid for the Purple.
A Life of Adventure: Freely roam the map, untied to any realm or holding, going wherever the winds of fortune blow you. Fulfill contracts as a landless adventurer, even through the generations, building up a reputation of your own. Earn gold, prestige and fame travelling the globe until you decide to settle down and claim land you have earned through merit.
Choose Successor or Caesar: Spend the influence you have gathered to determine the course of the Empire and get the successor you want, whether a royal family member, a powerful noble, a martial hero, or any other candidate you can rally the people behind. The Emperor can even opt to co-rule if the burden of the throne is too much for one person.
New Byzantine Flavor Content: New events, monuments and activities built around the Byzantine theme, including chariot racing.
Cosmetic Additions: A Byzantine-themed UI skin and new court fashions for your characters, new 2D event art, new on-map monuments of the Byzantine world, new on-map holding designs, and a Byzantine throne room for Royal Court sessions, among other aesthetic improvements. New music inspired by Orthodox holy chants is also included.
Limited Run Games today revealed in close collaboration with Knights Peak and Offworld a Collector’s Edition for Starship Troopers: Extermination. This limited edition will be available only for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X, and PC.
Based on the renowned Sci-Fi franchise, Offworld’s Starship Troopers: Extermination features the familiar conflict between the Federation’s military forces and the Arachnids. The game allows up to 16 friends to join forces online and fight back against the never-ending Bug threat. Building bases and storming others, players are tasked with taking control of planets swarming with vile Bugs by dominating the battlefield through teamwork.
The design team at Limited Run is excited to join their effort with their very own “Big Bug Edition,” and pre-orders are now open with an RRP of 149.99$. This collection includes the Federation’s esteemed flag, an embroidered patch to show your loyalty, double-sided posters, art cards, a big “Warrior Bug” figure, and more!
The Starship Troopers: Extermination Collector’s Edition will include:
Physical Copy of Starship Troopers: Extermination: PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X, or Steam (as a PC Code)
Exclusive Collector’s Box design featuring a brand new key-artwork by PETROL, renowned for their stunning and immersive designs.
The hero item: “Warrior Bug” Figurine (H: 200mm x W: 319mm x L: 276mm)
Federation Flag, Certificate of Authenticity, Stickers, Embroidered Patch, Metal Pin, Tattoo Transfer, 2 Double-Sided Posters, 4 Art Cards
Starship Troopers: Extermination is a 16-player co-op FPS that puts you on the far-off frontlines of an all-out battle against the Bugs! Squad up, grab your rifle, and do your part as an elite Deep Space Vanguard Trooper to take back planets from the Arachnid threat!
Thirty years after the storm, the city of New London stands as a testament to humanity’s resilience. But the ice hasn’t thawed, and the struggle for survival has only intensified. In 11 Bit Studios’ “Frostpunk 2,” players once again take on the mantle of leadership, facing the impossible task of guiding their people through a perpetual winter.
The sequel expands upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, offering a larger, more intricate world to manage. The city-building mechanics are deeper, with the introduction of districts and a more nuanced approach to resource management. The political landscape is rife with tension, as various factions vie for control, forcing players to navigate a web of alliances and betrayals. The narrative is rich with moral dilemmas, challenging players to weigh the needs of the many against the sacrifices of the few.
In comparison to the original “Frostpunk,” the sequel feels more ambitious in scope. The world is more expansive, the systems are more complex, and the narrative is more nuanced. The addition of districts adds a layer of strategic depth to the city-building, while the political intrigue creates a sense of tension and uncertainty. The moral choices are more impactful, forcing players to confront the consequences of their decisions in a more visceral way.
However, while “Frostpunk 2” excels in many areas, it also suffers from a sense of familiarity. The core gameplay loop remains largely unchanged, with players still tasked with balancing resource production, heat management, and societal needs. The moral choices, while impactful, often feel like variations on themes explored in the first game. The sense of dread and desperation is palpable, but it’s a feeling that players of the original will already be intimately familiar with.
When compared to other city-building survival games like “Surviving Mars” or “Banished,” “Frostpunk 2” stands out for its bleak atmosphere and morally challenging scenarios. The focus on human drama and the constant struggle against the elements create a unique sense of tension and urgency. The game forces players to make difficult choices that have a tangible impact on the lives of their citizens, creating a sense of emotional investment that few other games in the genre can match.
In conclusion, “Frostpunk 2” is a worthy successor to the original, offering a deeper, more complex experience. It expands upon the strengths of its predecessor while introducing new mechanics and narrative elements. However, it also suffers from a sense of familiarity, with the core gameplay loop and moral dilemmas feeling somewhat repetitive. It’s a bleak, beautiful, and brutally challenging game that will push players to their limits.
Overall Score: 4 out of 5
Pros:
Deeper city-building mechanics with the addition of districts
More complex political landscape with various factions
Rich narrative filled with impactful moral choices
Bleak atmosphere and sense of urgency create a unique experience
Cons:
Core gameplay loop remains largely unchanged from the original
Moral dilemmas can feel repetitive
Sense of familiarity can dampen the impact for returning players
Endzone 2: A World Apart is not just another colony builder; it’s a stark reminder of humanity’s fragility, set against a beautifully desolate backdrop. The game throws you into a world ravaged by environmental disaster, where every decision carries weight and survival is a constant struggle. If you’re expecting a light-hearted city-building experience, look elsewhere. But if you’re ready for a gritty and rewarding challenge, Endzone 2 might just be your next obsession.
The game strikes a delicate balance between harsh realism and engaging gameplay. The environmental threats are relentless; sandstorms can bury your crops, droughts can cripple your water supply, and radiation storms can decimate your population. These aren’t just random events, they’re integral parts of the game world, forcing you to constantly adapt and plan ahead. Compared to other colony builders that might offer a more forgiving experience, Endzone 2 demands your full attention and strategic thinking.
Exploration and expansion are key components of the gameplay loop. The world map is vast and varied, with different biomes offering unique resources and challenges. Sending out expeditions to scout new territories and gather vital supplies is both exciting and nerve-wracking, as your settlers face dangers like bandits and mutated creatures. It’s reminiscent of the exploration mechanics in games like Frostpunk, where venturing into the unknown is both necessary and perilous.
Managing multiple settlements adds another layer of complexity. Each zone has its own microclimate and resource distribution, requiring you to specialize and establish trade routes between them. This interconnectedness creates a sense of a living, breathing world, where your settlements are interdependent and vulnerable to disruptions in the supply chain. It’s a refreshing change from colony builders that focus solely on a single settlement, offering a more dynamic and strategic experience.
Building and upgrading your settlements is satisfying, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Resources are scarce, and you’ll often find yourself prioritizing which buildings to construct and which technologies to research. The game doesn’t hold your hand; you need to carefully consider the needs of your population and the limitations of your environment. This level of depth and resource management is what sets Endzone 2 apart from more casual colony builders.
Endzone 2’s graphics are stunning, capturing the bleak beauty of a post-apocalyptic world. The environments are detailed and atmospheric, and the weather effects are particularly impressive. The sound design is equally immersive, with ambient sounds and a haunting soundtrack that perfectly complement the game’s tone.
The game isn’t without its flaws. The early game can be brutally difficult, and the learning curve is steep. Some of the mechanics could be explained more clearly, and the interface can feel a bit clunky at times. But for those willing to invest the time and effort, Endzone 2 offers a deeply rewarding and thought-provoking experience.
Overall, Endzone 2: A World Apart is a standout entry in the colony builder genre. It’s a challenging but ultimately fulfilling game that forces you to confront the harsh realities of survival in a post-apocalyptic world. While it may not be for everyone, those seeking a deep and immersive experience will find plenty to love here.
Overall Score: 3 out of 5
**Pros:**
* Deep and engaging gameplay
* Beautiful graphics and sound
* Challenging but rewarding
* Unique setting and mechanics
**Cons:**
* Steep learning curve
* Early game can be frustrating
* Interface could be improved
Razer’s latest offering, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%, proves that good things can indeed come in small packages. This compact wireless keyboard targets gamers and keyboard enthusiasts who crave a premium typing experience without sacrificing precious desk space. But does it live up to the hype, and more importantly, is it worth the considerable investment? Let’s dive into the details.
Right out of the box, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% exudes quality. The aluminum frame feels robust, and the PBT keycaps promise durability while resisting the unsightly shine that often plagues lesser keyboards. Razer’s signature attention to detail shines through in the subtle touches, like the dedicated media controls and a vibrant OLED screen that adds a touch of futuristic flair to your setup. It’s a keyboard that looks as good as it performs.
The pre-installed Razer Orange Tactile Gen-3 switches deliver a satisfying typing experience with a pronounced tactile bump and a relatively quiet actuation. Razer has even thoughtfully included sound dampening foam to further minimize noise, making it ideal for shared spaces or late-night gaming sessions. But the true magic lies in the hot-swappable sockets. You can effortlessly swap out the pre-installed switches for any compatible 3-pin or 5-pin mechanical switches, allowing you to tailor the typing experience to your exact preferences. They even provide some extra key switches in the box for good measure.
Razer’s HyperSpeed Wireless technology proves that wireless gaming keyboards can truly compete with their wired counterparts. The connection is rock-solid, with no noticeable lag or dropouts, even during intense gaming sessions. For those who juggle multiple devices, Bluetooth 5.1 connectivity is also available. And let’s not forget the impressive battery life, boasting up to 2100 hours of battery life with power saving mode on (which disables RGB and the OLED screen). I was a wireless gaming keyboard skeptic until the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. Even better is that the keyboard is capable of up to 4KHz polling in wireless mode! That is an incredible feature which will make your key press timing a lot more accurate.
Layers of Gaming Keyboard Goodness
Razer Chroma RGB is back and more vibrant than ever. With 16.8 million colors and a plethora of customizable effects at your disposal, you can transform your keyboard into a mesmerizing light show. The Razer Synapse software provides granular control over every aspect of the keyboard, from lighting to macros. While the software can be a bit overwhelming for newcomers, the level of customization it offers is truly impressive.
The BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% isn’t alone in the premium compact keyboard market. The Keychron Q1 Pro offers a similar hot-swappable experience with extensive customization options. The Glorious GMMK Pro boasts a unique gasket-mounted design for a distinct typing feel, and the Drop CTRL caters to DIY enthusiasts with its minimalist approach. Compared to its rivals, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% stands head and shoulders above with its rock solid build quality, seamless wireless performance, stunning RGB lighting, and convenient media controls. However, it’s important to note that this level of excellence comes at a higher price.
OLED Info Screen
The small OLED screen at the top right of the keyboard is a multifunctional gem of a feature. Not only is it integrated with the command dial but it can function in several different ways. It can be set to control volume, provide a brief info summary of the keyboard (battery life, etc.), media control, lighting brightness, app switches, and a lot more. Learn this command dial and the screen modes for maximum enjoyment of the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75%. Once you do, you will be sad that most other keyboards lack it.
Final Verdict
The Razer BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% is undeniably a fantastic keyboard. It’s compact, customizable, wireless, and aesthetically pleasing. Of course, a keyboard is nothing without a pleasant typing experience and I am pleased to report this one is: Flawless. If you’re a discerning user who demands the best and is willing to pay for a higher-end product, the BlackWidow V4 Pro 75% won’t disappoint.
Overall Score: 5 out of 5
Pros:
Compact 75% layout saves desk space without sacrificing functionality
Hot-swappable switches for unparalleled customization
Flawless wireless performance with Razer HyperSpeed Wireless
Dazzling Razer Chroma RGB lighting with 16.8 million colors
Dedicated media controls and convenient OLED screen
Exceptional build quality and premium materials
Cons:
Razer Synapse software can be overwhelming for beginners
