Author - Jerry Paxton

REANIMAL Announcement Trailer

The creators of Little Nightmares™ I & II have returned to take you on a darker, more terrifying journey than ever before. In REANIMAL, a horror adventure game, a brother & sister go through hell to rescue their missing friends and escape the island that they used to call home.

REANIMAL is being developed by Tarsier Studios and published by THQ Nordic and will be available for PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S.

Dying Light: The Beast – Announcement Trailer

During Opening Night Live at gamescom, Techland announced Dying Light: The Beast. Dying Light: The Beast is a thrilling 18+ hours standalone zombie adventure set in the post-apocalyptic Castor Woods, a once-popular tourist destination. After 13 years of enduring experiments, you escape and hunt down your captors to seek retribution, only to discover there’s far more at stake.

While the region is not as populated as it once was, there are still people and factions here, as well as plenty of horrors. Some will ask for your help, others will want to kill you. And that’s not to mention the mysterious creature that’s turned the woods into its personal hunting grounds.

Become the legendary hero

You are Kyle Crane, the man whose selflessness during the initial virus outbreak saved many from a fate worse than death. After more than a decade in captivity, you find yourself in a world that’s changed, and not for the better. Now, you’ll need to use the survival skills that kept you alive all those years ago to save even more innocent lives.

Nearly ten years after the launch of the original Dying Light, Techland also announced the return of voice actor Roger Craig Smith to his iconic role of Kyle Crane. “Stepping back into Kyle Crane’s shoes feels like a reunion with an old friend,” Smith said. “And even though he’s gone through a terrible time, there’s still plenty of legendary hero left in him.”

Explore a tightly-crafted open world

Welcome to Castor Woods! This once-bustling tourist destination is home to a diminishing number of survivors and an increasing population of zombies. Featuring natural landmarks, small villages and industrial complexes, the setting offers diverse traversal options, whether it’s using your parkour skills to gain the upper hand on your enemies or hopping into an abandoned 4×4 to outrun the horrors of the night.

Unleash the beast to survive

They caged you like an animal. Years of brutal experimentation took its toll, but the zombie DNA and yours are now intertwined so that you are able to unleash a beast-like power. It flows through your veins. No one can take it from you. Use it. And you’ll discover it’s not just a curse.

Surviving the night is easier in 4-player co-op

The day brings many possibilities to explore the region and make the most of your time while the sun is still out. But after sundown, the laws of nature take their course. Darkness tends to bring out the worst in the horde, leaving you with no other choice but to run, hide, or fight.

Sometimes it’s best to stick to a group. You never know what you might come across on your adventure. Team up in up to 4-player co-op, or ride solo if you have the guts to take it all on your own.

Ultimate owners get Dying Light: The Beast at no extra cost

Development of Dying Light: The Beast originally started as a story DLC for Dying Light 2 Stay Human. But after two years of work, its size and scope has changed so much that it evolved into a standalone, self-contained experience.

To show appreciation for the community who patiently waited for the DLC, Techland will be offering Dying Light: The Beast at no extra cost to all owners of the Dying Light 2 Stay Human Ultimate Edition, delivering a full standalone adventure instead of just a DLC.

Dying Light: The Beast will be available on both PC and current-gen and last-gen PlayStation and Xbox consoles. Techland will reveal more details including the release date later this year. To always stay up to date you can wishlist Dying Light: The Beast now on Steam, Xbox and PlayStation.

Dune: Awakening – Exclusive Gameplay Reveal Trailer

Funcom are thrilled to announce that Dune: Awakening, the Open World Survival MMO, will release in early 2025, with the console release planned for a later date. Premiered at gamescom Opening Night Live, fans were treated to a 5-minute Exclusive Gameplay Reveal, which shows, for the first time, a player’s rise from scavenging and survival to mobilizing an entire guild in the hunt for spice. See the new gameplay in action now.

Set on the most dangerous planet in the universe Dune: Awakening will challenge players to…

  • SURVIVE the scorching desert and colossal sandworms by learning the ways of the Fremen.
  • EXPAND your influence through combat, spice flow, building and upgrading bases, crafting vehicles, and trade. Develop your character by walking the path of the Mentat, Trooper, Planetologist, Swordmaster or Bene Gesserit.
  • CONTROL the spice and cling to power as guild intrigue and warfare rage.  Join a guild and align with House Harkonnen or Atreides, and clash for the precious spice in dynamic guild versus guild battles involving a range of vehicles, tech, and specialized combatants.

Dune: Awakening has made its presence on the gamescom showfloor known to all, with visitors needing only to follow the towering sandworm sculpt to find the booth, where they can catch an extended 30-minute gameplay presentation and pick up their own Fremkit swag bag. For those at home, the 30-minute presentation will be livestreamed by various content creators over the next few days, including Sacriel, Alphacast, and Mowky. Additionally, journalists and creators will get a chance to try a demo of Dune: Awakening behind closed doors, and share their impressions with the wider public.

Joel Bylos, Creative Director at Funcom, said, “Revealing gameplay for the first time is always a big moment, especially in a game where the interplay between all these systems can create completely unexpected moments, but the team has done an incredible job and we can’t wait to see how the community reacts.”

Working closely with both the Herbert Estate and Legendary, Funcom’s Dune: Awakening introduces an alternate history in which Paul Atreides was never born, giving players the opportunity to put the future of Arrakis in their own hands.

Sam Rappaport, Vice President of Interactive Media at Legendary Entertainment said, “We are incredibly excited for gamers to get their first glimpse of ‘Dune: Awakening’ at gamescom. The game’s authenticity and attention to detail successfully convey the richness and depth of the Dune universe in a manner that is reminiscent of the world beautifully presented in Denis Villeneuve’s films. This game is a testament to the dedication of the developers and a thrilling new way for fans to engage with the iconic saga.”

Warhammer 40000: Space Marine 2 – Heed the Call of War

Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive are delighted to debut a new Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 trailer at Gamescom Opening Night Live! Featuring beautiful panning shots and quotes from press and influencers highlighting the game’s strengths, this new trailer offers another immersive glimpse at the grimdark universe of Warhammer 40,000 ahead of the game’s launch on September 9 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Space Marine 2 is available to pre-order now – play up to four days early when pre-ordering either the Gold or Ultra Edition!

Space Marine 2 invites players to embody the titular supersoldiers in all their brutality and glory across single-player, co-op, and competitive multiplayer modes. Take on horrors from beyond the stars as the full weight of Warhammer 40,000’s galactic warfare descends on a single star system. Combat is a grand spectacle combining fluid movement and lightning reflexes with humongous weaponry and overwhelming power.

Take on foul swarms of alien creatures, otherworldly daemons, and corrupted traitors to the Imperium across a co-op-enabled campaign as Titus and his battle-brothers Chairon and Gadriel – or in specific PvE missions and PvP battles where you can customize and upgrade six unique classes of Space Marines.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 is available to pre-order now. Standard and Gold Editions are available on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation stores, while the digital-only Ultra Edition gives another option for fans and comes with the exclusive “Ultramarines Champion Pack” DLC.

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 releases Sept. 9, 2024, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Play up to four days early with the Gold or Ultra Editions, available for pre-order now!

RoadCraft Reveal Trailer

In RoadCraft, revealed today by Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive at Gamescom Opening Night Live, players will take the helm of a company specializing in the restoration of industrial sites ravaged by natural disasters around the globe. Whether dealing with the aftermath of a devastating flood or relentless sandstorm, your mission is to deploy an impressive fleet of construction vehicles to clear debris, reactivate dormant factories, and rebuild crucial infrastructure like roads and bridges to revive the local economy.

As shown in today’s reveal trailer, RoadCraft pushes the boundaries of realism with an evolved physics engine, offering unprecedented and authentic interactions with the environment. Prepare for an unparalleled immersive experience that combines driving, operating construction machinery, and managing reconstruction resources.

“We are thrilled to embark on a new journey with Saber Interactive and announce RoadCraft today at the Opening Night Live 2024,” said John Bert, Managing Director at Focus Entertainment. “Saber’s experience combined with our expertise in the genre will pave the way for the success of this new franchise and allow players to discover a deep construction simulation experience.”

“Saber continues to explore ways to innovate using our industry-leading off-road simulation technology,” said Matthew Karch, CEO of Saber Interactive. “We are constantly in search of new and fun types of gameplay experiences that complement our best-selling titles, such as SnowRunner and MudRunner. RoadCraft is our first foray into heavy equipment simulation. The game provides the best combination of off-road and construction simulations to create a new experience unlike anything that has preceded it.”

From Chaos to Reconstruction
Take control of your fleet of construction vehicles to overcome the toughest challenges. Use your bulldozer to clear blocked paths, mobilize your heavy transporter to carry multiple vehicles, and operate your cranes, whether fixed or mobile, to lift containers and equipment with precision. Reactivate a factory by reconnecting it to the power grid with your cable layer, spread hot asphalt using your paver, and perfectly flatten it with your roller to create new roads.

Explore and unlock more than 40 vehicles as you progress through a captivating campaign. Each object, based on its mass and size, can be moved and manipulated to achieve your goals. Use materials like sand, wood, and tar to transform the terrain and facilitate the passage of your vehicles. Every resource found can be crucial for reconstruction! Supply factories and sand quarries to ensure a continuous production of resources needed for building roads and bridges. As the operations chief, plan the routes for your transport trucks on the map and ensure no obstacle impedes their path!

Features:

  • Rebuild devastated areas solo or in co-op mode for up to four players in a simulation featuring advanced physics.
  • Operate more than 40 vehicles, from bulldozers to construction cranes.
  • Work in various regions around the world with eight maps, each 4 km² in size.
  • Manipulate materials such as wood, sand and asphalt using Saber’s new physics engine.
  • Construct new roads and bridges to facilitate movement across rugged terrain.
  • Plot point-to-point routes on your map to guide your logistics convoys and recycle every piece of debris into reconstruction materials.

RoadCraft is planned for release in 2025 on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. Wishlist now!

Kong: Survivor Instinct Reveal Trailer

Inspired by Legendary’s blockbuster Monsterverse franchise and set shortly after the events of 2021’s hit theatrical release, Godzilla vs. Kong, players will navigate a shattered city through the eyes of a father desperate to find his missing daughter. The compelling narrative delivers an intense gaming experience, as you encounter survivors seeking refuge and discover Monarch technology to turn Titans’ power to your advantage while traversing a perilous maze of crumbling structures, hazardous leaks, and blazing fires.

The game combines realistic platforming and challenging combat in a quest for survival. Featuring the first on-screen appearance of the terrifying Titan, Abaddon, players will confront Kong in all his glory and encounter new and returning Titans and superspecies. Stand your ground against the Hyenas, a mercenary group led by Alan Jonah, the former eco-terrorist from Godzilla: King of the Monsters. Titans are always nearby, directly or indirectly impacting your gameplay. Kong: Survivor Instinct will be available on PC, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Wishlist now!

KONG Survivor Instinct – Reveal Trailer

“The opportunity to work on the hugely popular Monsterverse IP has been an exciting and formative experience for all of us at 7Levels. Not only did we have a chance to show some of the fan-favorite Titans from a unique perspective, but we also found committed and supportive partners in the exceptional people at Legendary. Their deep understanding of the Monsterverse lore and what makes it so captivating to so many people around the world allowed us to recapture that essence and recreate it in our game,” said Paweł Biela, Co-Founder at 7Levels.

“7Levels has brilliantly captured a unique corner of the Monsterverse through a gripping 2.5D action-adventure experience, weaving in a very human storyline. Experiencing the narrative through the eyes of a civilian, unaffiliated with any agencies, adds a layer of realism and emotional depth that we hope will resonate with our fans. It has been a pleasure to collaborate with 7Levels on this truly compelling experience,” said Sam Rappaport, VP Interactive Media at Legendary.

The Thing: Remastered New Screenshots Released

In honor of the 22nd anniversary of the North American release of the cult-classic horror game The Thing, video game remaster developer Nightdive Studios has shared a fr(l)esh look at The Thing: Remastered, which will inflict alien terror on PC and console gamers later this year!

We know you folks have been champing at the bit for more gruesome sights, so check out the new 4K The Thing: Remastered screenshots below!

The Thing: Remastered is a faithful restoration of the 2002 third-person survival horror shooter inspired by Universal Pictures’ genre-defining 1982 film, The Thing. Nightdive Studios has upgraded this horrifying classic for the modern era through its proprietary KEX Engine for play on current-generation gaming devices up to a 4K resolution at 120FPS. Improvements to character models, textures, and animations have been hand-crafted by Nightdive Studios, with the implementation of advanced 3D rendering for updated lighting and atmospheric effects — for a suspenseful and disgustingly detailed remaster that reanimates the thrilling game for modern audiences.

In the frozen arctic tundra, a mysterious shape-shifting alien has wiped out the crew of the U.S. Outpost #31 research facility. In The Thing: Remastered, players step into the boots of Captain J.F. Blake, the leader of a United States Army Special Forces rescue team sent to investigate the blood-curdling events that transpired in the original The Thing film. Trapped by the elements and at risk of infection by a horrific entity, Blake must keep his squad together to survive by gaining their trust and ensuring that their fear and paranoia don’t get the best of them … or himself.

Shure Unveils SM4 Home Recording Microphone

Shure, the audio brand behind nearly a century of cutting-edge microphone technology, today introduced the SM4 Home Recording Microphone, a versatile, large-diaphragm condenser microphone engineered for at-home and studio recording of both vocals and instruments. With a meticulously engineered dual-diaphragm capsule and a patent-pending RF shielding system, the SM4 empowers artists to create professional-quality recordings regardless of their setup, environment, or experience level.

“The SM4 is designed to reflect the modern workflows of musicians, engineers, and creators who are serious about their craft, helping them overcome the issues that make engineers cringe: plosives, harsh high-frequency response, undefined low-end, and RF interference,” shared Steve Marek, Associate Manager of Product Management, at Shure. “If you’re a musician, you want to stay in the creative flow, rather than chasing down problems in your audio setup. No matter what you are recording with the SM4, you need your tracks to be professional quality. If you’re an engineer receiving those tracks, you’ll appreciate how seamlessly they fit into a mix, and the time saved from not having to fix a variety of problems surgically.”

All elements of the SM4 were meticulously designed to streamline the recording experience, bringing forward the details users want while leaving problems behind. This microphone features multiple layers of plosive protection and integrated components. The dual-diaphragm capsule reduces popping noises and keeps sound quality consistent with reduced proximity effect.” With its patent-pending Interference Shielding Technology, users don’t have to worry about unwanted RF interference noise from wireless devices commonly found in at-home recording environments, including smartphones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers.

The SM4’s built-in features make it easy to achieve professional-quality recordings with minimal effort. The controlled low-end response enables EQ adjustments without introducing unwanted elements, making it easier to achieve a big radio voice and full-sounding instrument tracks. The magnetic pop filter helps diffuse air blasts while the shock mount reduces handling noise and rumble. The microphone’s cardioid polar pattern provides a forgiving and large “sweet spot,” enabling vocalists to move freely without compromising sound quality. With the SM4, users can focus on staying creative and spend less time on post-production.

Key Features and Benefits:

·       Smooth and Natural Audio Reproduction: Equipped with a brass one-inch dual-diaphragm capsule, the SM4 condenser microphone captures clean, controlled low-end and smooth, detailed highs. The uniform cardioid polar pattern provides strong off-axis rejection of unwanted noise, and the large “sweet spot” reduces proximity effect.

·       Patent-Pending Interference Shielding Technology: Block unwanted RF noise from common wireless devices, including smartphones, laptops, and Wi-Fi routers. The proprietary system features an integrated pop-filter and woven mesh Faraday cage that shields the microphone capsule for clean audio capture.

·       Mix-Ready Sound Effortlessly: Internal pop filter enables clean, plosive, and rumble-free recordings for easier post-production work. Compress and EQ to taste without bringing forward unwanted elements that can plague recordings and mixes. With optimised sensitivity, the SM4 works with any interface to achieve professional-quality recordings, no matter the environment.

·       Exceptional Flexibility for Vocal and Instrument Recording: The SM4 is optimised to capture a wide range of sound sources, from soft vocals to loud instruments, including drums, guitar amps, and horns, with exceptionally high sound pressure level (SPL) handling capabilities (max SPL of 140dB; equivalent to a jet engine).

·       Legendary Durability and Camera-Ready Design: Rugged, all-metal construction from a brand with nearly a century of experience in producing reliable gear for stage and studio. The sleek, low-profile design won’t distract from the performer or environment.

Pricing and Availability:
The SM4 Microphone, now available for £195 / €229 / $199 USD, comes with a swivel-mount microphone clamp and zippered carrying bag. Additionally, a bundle option is available; the Home Recording Kit option, priced at £249 / €289 / $269 USD, includes a shock mount, magnetic pop filter, and premium carrying case.

Razer Launches Kraken V4 Headset Line

Razer™, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announces the Razer Kraken V4 and the Razer Kraken V4 X gaming headsets. Building on a legacy spanning over 12 years since the first Razer Kraken headset, and celebrating over 20 million units shipped worldwide, these headsets are the latest evolution in Razer’s renowned Kraken lineup. Known for redefining immersive gaming audio, the Kraken V4 line offers innovative features, stunning lighting effects, and versatile connectivity options, providing gamers with the ultimate immersive gaming experience.

3 Modes of Connectivity for Seamless Versatility
The Razer Kraken V4 supports Razer HyperSpeed Wireless, Bluetooth, and USB connections, delivering seamless audio across devices including PC, PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, Steam Deck, and mobile. This versatility ensures full immersion with ultra-fast 2.4 GHz wireless, Bluetooth, or a wired USB connection for uninterrupted gameplay.

Retractable Razer™ HyperClear Super Wideband Microphone – Pro-Level Voice Quality
Featuring technology derived from our award-winning Razer BlackShark V2 Pro, the retractable HyperClear Super Wideband Mic captures incredible voice detail. Covering a wider frequency range, this next-gen mic ensures high-definition, pro-level voice quality for clear and natural communication, while staying fully flushed with the earcups when retracted for a sleek, non-obtrusive look.

Razer™ TriForce Titanium 40 mm Drivers
Equipped with Razer’s patented TriForce Titanium 40 mm Drivers, the Kraken V4 pushes out exceptional highs, mids, and lows that do not muddy, providing a rich listening experience for deeper immersion. The 3-part driver design delivers powerful, dynamic audio that enhances every gaming moment.

THX Spatial Audio – Immersive Positional Sound
With THX Spatial Audio, the Kraken V4 offers advanced 7.1 surround sound, delivering realistic positional audio that optimizes game sound design. Additionally, with an expanded soundstage and custom-tuned THX Game Profiles for over 60 popular titles, gamers can dive right into the action with tailored auditory settings that bring every detail to life.

Game/Chat Balance for Perfect Audio Control
The Kraken V4 features an on-earcup game/chat balance button that not only allows for quick adjustments on the fly but also offers precise control over the volume mix between in-game audio and voice communications. This ensures that players can easily manage and balance the loudness levels between game sounds and chat to avoid overwhelming audio during any critical gaming moments.

Stunning 9-Zone Earcup Lighting
The Kraken V4 is the first Razer gaming headset ever to offer 9-zone earcup lighting powered by Razer Chroma™ RGB. With access to 16.8 million colors, this allows for gorgeous new lighting effects including the “Wheel”, “Starlight” and “Fire” presets that were previously not achievable with single-zone lighting. Users can customize each individual lighting zone via Chroma Studio, apply their preferred settings, and watch the lighting work seamlessly with over 300 games and 500 devices across more than 50 partners.

Introducing the Razer Kraken V4 X
Complementing the wireless Kraken V4 is the Razer Kraken V4 X, a wired RGB gaming headset that offers lasting comfort and similar immersive audio features.

The Kraken V4 X features Razer™ TriForce 40 mm Drivers for powerful, lifelike audio, and a retractable Razer™ HyperClear Cardioid Mic for enhanced voice capture. With advanced 7.1 surround sound, the Kraken V4 X offers true-to-life acoustics, optimizing game sound design. Hybrid fabric and leatherette memory foam cushions provide superior comfort and noise isolation, allowing gamers to enjoy hours of uninterrupted gameplay. The headset’s convertible Type C & Type A cable ensures multi-platform versatility, and it is powered by Razer Chroma™ RGB for greater visual customization.

PRICE & AVAILABILITY
Razer Kraken V4
$179.99 USD / €199.99 MSRP
Razer.com, RazerStores, & Authorized Resellers – Available Now, 20 August 2024
For more information on the Razer Kraken V4, please visit Razer.com.

Razer Kraken V4 X
$79.99 USD / €89.99 MSRP
Available Q3 2024
For more information on the Razer Kraken V4 X, please visit Razer.com.

Funko Fusion – Mega Man Reveal Trailer

10:10 Games, in collaboration with Capcom, Funko, Inc., and Universal Products & Experiences, today announced that the Blue Bomber, Mega Man™, will be a playable character in the upcoming action-adventure game Funko Fusion.

Mega Man will join the fandom-filled roster powered by Funko that features some of the most recognizable characters and franchises across pop culture, including JAWS, Battlestar Galactica, M3GAN, Five Nights at Freddy’s, Xena: Warrior Princess, Chucky, and more, allowing players to explore these worlds as key characters across these familiar titles.

Also announced and available today, PC players have an opportunity to download a free demo of Funko Fusion on Steam and can play through the first level of the world inspired by Universal Pictures’ 1982 horror classic, The Thing. Solve puzzles, battle enemies, explore Outpost 31, and get a taste of how the full version of Funko Fusion will reimagine beloved films, TV series, comic books, and video games.

The demo also allows players to find hidden characters to play as, including Mega Man.

Funko Fusion launches on September 13 for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam, and on November 15 for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch.