Author - Jerry Paxton

Frostpunk 2 Intro Cinematic and Informative 11 Facts Trailer

With Frostpunk 2 just around the corner, 11 bit studios proudly presents a cinematic trailer that bridges the gap between the first and second chapters of its acclaimed city-building, society survival series.

The video, which serves as the sequel’s intro cinematic, gives a poignant look at the aging, weary Captain from the first installment, who in his prime “held New London together.” After 30 years of enduring the relentless whiteouts, the crumbling British Empire still clings to survival, but as the Captain’s final breath leaves his body, he realizes that mere survival is no longer enough in the current world.

Will years of struggle and sacrifice be undone by ideological infighting? Or can the new Steward reconcile the political factions and inspire society to believe that New London can still stand strong?

On the more informational side, 11 bit studios have also prepared their thematic “11 facts” trailer, but with a unique twist. In this video, which quickly walks players through the key features of Frostpunk 2 and the changes from the first game, the narration comes from the citizens of New London themselves, as they share their hopes and concerns about the city’s future.

Frostpunk 2 launches on PC on September 20th, with Advance Access, starting on September 17th, available for those who pre-order the Digital Deluxe Edition. The game will also be available on day one via PC Game Pass, with a console release to follow later. The Digital Deluxe Edition includes access to three yet-to-be-announced DLCs, an in-game item, and other exclusive extras.

For additional information about Frostpunk 2, watch the ‘City Unbound’ series.

Dark Sky Selects Unveils The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition

Dark Sky Selects proudly presents The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition. This multi-disc set will include the new 4K UHD edition of the film, a Blu-ray bonus disc containing new extra features, and an exclusive VHS release of the movie. The special edition collector’s set will be housed in a custom created box, which is a replica of the iconic chain saw from the film. Opening the chainsaw triggers the sound of Leatherface wielding the chainsaw in the film. Each box set will be numbered and only 5000 have been created.

This limited edition also features a newly designed 50th Anniversary O-card and brand-new bonus content, including The Merchandise of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre and The Restoration of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition will be available for $299.98 exclusively at darkskyselects.com

DISC 1: 4K UHD (FEATURE FILM)

BONUS: 4 FEATURE COMMENTARIES

  • Writer-Producer-Director Tobe Hooper, Actor Gunnar Hansen, Cinematographer Daniel Pearl
  • Actors Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, and Paul A. Partain, and Production Designer Robert Burns
  • Writer-Producer-Director Tobe Hooper
  • Cinematographer Daniel Pearl, Editor J. Larry Carroll and Sound Recordist Ted Nicolaou

DISC 2: BLU-RAY (FEATURE FILM)

BONUS: 4 FEATURE COMMENTARIES

  • Writer-Producer-Director Tobe Hooper, Actor Gunnar Hansen, Cinematographer Daniel Pearl
  • Actors Marilyn Burns, Allen Danziger, and Paul A. Partain, and Production Designer Robert Burns
  • Writer-Producer-Director Tobe Hooper
  • Cinematographer Daniel Pearl, Editor J. Larry Carroll and Sound Recordist Ted Nicolaou

DISC 3: BLU-RAY BONUS FEATURES

  • NEW The Merchandise of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
  • NEW The Restoration of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
  • Feature-Length Documentary: The Legacy of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre
  • The Cinefamily Presents FRIEDKIN/HOOPER: A Conversation About The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Between William Friedkin and Tobe Hooper
  • Flesh Wounds: Seven Stories of the Saw
  • A Tour of the TCSM House with Gunnar Hansen
  • Off the Hook with Teri McMinn
  • The Business of Chain Saw: An interview with Production Manager Ron Bozman Interview
  • Deleted Scenes & Outtakes
  • Grandpa’s Tales: An Interview with Actor John Dugan
  • Cutting Chain Saw: An Interview with Editor J. Larry Carroll
  • Blooper Reel
  • Horrors Hallowed Grounds: TCSM
  • Dr. W.E. Barnes Presents “Making Grandpa”
  • Still Gallery
  • Trailers
  • TV Spots
  • Radio Spots

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre 50th Anniversary Chainsaw Edition is the third of many iconic Dark Sky titles that will be available this year. Additional limited-edition releases of fan favorite films and merch will be announced throughout the year, which will only be available direct to consumer at DarkSkySelects.com.

Achilles: Survivor – Reveal Trailer

Dark Point Games reveals the next chapter of their game development journey with a journey into the Survivors-like genre, set in a mythical Ancient Greece world. Achilles: Survivor is a dynamic single-player bullet heaven game where you’ll face thousands of enemies in short game sessions, build destructive structures, and develop your character to return as an even more powerful machine of destruction.

Return to the world of the action RPG Achilles: Legends Untold and slay them all, as you transition from hero to god of destruction. Expand your arsenal with a unique building mechanic that adds a new layer of strategy to the bullet heaven genre. Erect fiery defensive towers, healing structures, and summon allies to more effectively decimate hordes of enemies. Buildings not only provide protection but also strategic support that can turn the tide of battle. Featuring multiple characters, with more to be revealed and added as time goes on, each character changes the way you play, introducing unique combat abilities to fight against countless waves of enemies. Prepare your build for a powerful boss encounter, set up your structures, and unleash your god-like power to be the last one standing. Return from each expedition with treasures that help you become even stronger or unlock new content, including abilities and maps.

Various locations from the mythical story of Achilles make its appearance here, such as Troy, Greece, and the kingdom of Tartarus, all rendered in the visual style that players loved in Achilles: Legends Untold. Discover the secrets and dangers of these mystical realms, battling mythological monsters and acquiring legendary weapons and artifacts. Traverse picturesque locations, from mountain passes to the deepest dungeons, and face the challenges that each new adventure brings.

Following the end of the Trojan War, Hades, the god of death, resurrected Achilles to use him in his plots against the other gods. Once his plans came to fruition, Hades claimed Achilles’ soul and cast him into Tartarus—the underworld of the dead. Yet, Achilles managed to break free, liberating the souls of many other beings, known as survivors, in the process—including those who had fallen by his own hand. Infuriated by this act of defiance, Hades unleashed legions of creatures and allies to hunt down the escapees, swearing to pursue them until the last one was captured. Step into the shoes of Achilles or one of the many survivors freed from Tartarus and engage in a desperate struggle with high stakes.

GAME FEATURES
  • Survival bullet heaven with building mechanics: Expand your arsenal with traps and fortifications.
  • Diverse characters: Choose from numerous heroes, each with unique combat powers.
  • Dynamic action: Slay thousands of enemies, develop your character, and return stronger.
  • Various bosses and enemies: Face powerful bosses and hundreds of enemy types in different biomes.
  • Meta progression: Return from each expedition with treasures that make you even stronger.

Achilles: Survivor will launch as an Early Access game on Steam in late 2024, allowing the Dark Point Games team to build the action-packed adventure with player-input as they did with Achilles: Legends Untold. The first playable version of Achilles: Survivor will debut during the Steam Next Fest starting on October 14. Players can join Discord for the latest updates and support.

SpellForce: Conquest of Eo – Weaver’s Realms Announcement Trailer

Sometimes, dreams come true. Turn-based strategy game SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is getting a new expansion, Weaver’s Realms, on September 30th! A new spell class will be available with the expansion, the school of dreamweaving will unleash the power of illusions and manipulation upon the realms of Eo. Dreams can make your followers do things deemed impossible, as long as they believe it, they actually can do it – and of course, as long as you can sustain your magic.

Apart from the new, powerful school, The Weaver’s Realms expansion will introduce randomly generated campaign maps that can be customized in many ways, from the shape of the map to the exact rules of your match. This will offer you exactly the challenge you are looking for and will increase the game’s replayability, as no game will be the same as another. On top of that, three new scenarios are added to the game, each with a unique rule set and interesting mechanics.

“New heroes and new units!” you say, your mageship? Well, we’ve heard you and are happy to be of service! The Weaver’s Realms is home to a new hero, various new units, skills, items, quests, and more.

The Weaver’s Realms DLC for SpellForce: Conquest of Eo will be available at an SRP of $ 14.99 / € 14.99 on September 30th!

SpellForce: Conquest of Eo is available at an SRP of $ 29.99 / € 29.99 for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series S/X. The critically acclaimed DLC Demon Scourge is also available at an SRP of $ 12.99 / € 12.99.

Meridiem Announces Physical Edition of 63 Days for PlayStation 5

Meridiem is pleased to announce that the World War II real-time tactics game 63 Days will be released as a physical edition on November 5th, 2024 for PlayStation 5. Set during the Warsaw Uprising of 1944, 63 Days tells a universal story of brotherhood, youthful passion, and immense bravery against overwhelming odds and is developed by Destructive Creations, recognised for hits such as Ancestors Legacy and War Mongrels.

Meridiem is responsible for the design and manufacturing of The Home Army Edition of 63 Days physical release for PlayStation 5 and will include a special collector’s case and an exclusive five-card set with illustrations of the main characters of this historical adventure.

 

Elgato and Bitfocus Launch Pro-Level Stream Deck Studio

Elgato, a brand of CORSAIR (NASDAQ: CRSR), today announced the launch of Stream Deck Studio in collaboration with Bitfocus, pioneers in professional broadcast software. A truly modern, hyper-customizable control surface that’s set to redefine how pro broadcasters interact with their tools, Stream Deck Studio takes the form of a sleek 19-inch console with 32 LCD keys and two rotary dials. Slotting seamlessly into universal studio racks, it consolidates the controls of legions of hardware and software in ways that ensure remarkable ease of use without sacrificing advanced broadcast functionality.

Elgato launched Stream Deck in 2017. Shortly after, seeing how it simplified content creator workflows, Bitfocus developed Companion, custom software that repurposed Stream Deck for use in traditional broadcast settings. Both companies observed wide adoption of Stream Deck and Companion, validating the potential for a more tailored solution. Subsequently, Elgato and Bitfocus co-developed Stream Deck Studio.

“Our growing relationship with Bitfocus has been instrumental in bringing this vision to life,” said Julian Fest, General Manager of Elgato, “They are experts in the pro broadcast industry who also happen to be capable of building great software. Their responsiveness to community feedback has already made our Stream Deck devices powerful tools that continue to evolve in the broadcast space, despite being originally designed for individual content creators. Stream Deck Studio is unique because it contains Bitfocus’ DNA—it’s built from the ground up to meet the rigorous demands of professional broadcasting.”

Stream Deck Studio Image2

Stream Deck Studio will run on Bitfocus’ acclaimed Companion software. However, the developer’s latest software, Buttons, offers a superior user experience with advanced functionalities built especially for Stream Deck Studio. The interface is fully customizable through the software, allowing users to define layouts with personalized icons and text labels for quick identification, making navigation fast and intuitive. The software integration also enables instant visual feedback on the device’s LCD keys, confirming actions and system statuses in real-time. In addition, the two rotary LED encoders enable quick navigation and dynamic control. An onboard RFID/NFC reader works in conjunction with the software to manage user authentication and permission-based access control. For larger systems that require even more control, multiple Stream Deck Studio devices can be linked and configured in Buttons to function as a unified control surface.

Stream Deck Studio Image3

Buttons operates with verified integrations, ensuring wide compatibility with a vast and growing library of hardware and software from major industry vendors. The software’s core features include automatic device identification with mDNS Discovery, tag-based routing for NMOS and legacy baseband equipment, support for IP-based broadcasting with modern protocols, real-time infrastructure monitoring, and an intuitive Web GUI for remote operation.

“Stream Deck Studio and Buttons completely streamline the way broadcast systems operate,” said Bitfocus CTO William Viker, “Until now, managing complex configurations of equipment has been anything but easy. The flexibility of Buttons paired with the intuitive interface of Stream Deck Studio allows users to, for example, quickly and easily route signals without the need for physical cable switching. This not only reduces errors but also significantly cuts down on the time required for setup and adjustments. Operators and technicians can now focus on creative problem-solving and high production quality, rather than getting bogged down by tedious manual processes.”

Stream Deck Studio Image4

Stream Deck Studio and Buttons represent a significant leap in broadcast control technology, offering several advantages over competing systems. Complete customizability allows operators to tailor the interface to their specific workflows, while an intuitive design reduces the learning curve for new users. Support for legacy and modern protocols ensures seamless operation across diverse broadcast environments, and smooth scalability allows for evolving and growing production needs. Additional third-party software integrations are planned, notably one with Nevion’s VideoIPath, which will turn Stream Deck Studio into a dedicated console for users of the leading media orchestration platform.

Stream Deck Studio is available for direct purchase from the Elgato webstore for $899.99. All of this and more makes Stream Deck Studio an accessible, groundbreaking, future-proof solution for the ever-demanding broadcast environment.

Star Wars Jedi: Survivor PC Patch 9 Brings FPS Improvements and Lots More

Today, Respawn Entertainment and EA released Patch 9 for Star Wars Jedi: Survivor, which brings substantial performance improvements for various PC hardware configurations and the removal of Denuvo DRM.

Plus, an upcoming PS5 update will enable save file transfers from the upcoming PS4 version of the game (releasing Sept. 17) to the PS5 version.

Here’s what Patch 9 brings to the PC version of Star Wars Jedi: Survivor:

  • Framerate improvements for various hardware configurations.
  • Smoother gameplay with fixes for several sources of framerate hitching
  • CPU usage for Ray Tracing has been optimized, and Ray Tracing now scales better for high-end GPUs.
  • Denuvo DRM has been removed
  • Various quality-of-fixes, including improved mouse-and-keyboard control across many in-game menus
  • Bug fixes for rare crashes and collision issues

Check out the full patch notes on the official website.

MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics Out Today

Kick (and punch!) into action today with the iconic fighting games of MARVEL vs. CAPCOM® Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics, now available worldwide digitally across Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, and PC via Steam, with an Xbox One digital release coming in 2025! For the first time ever, play these classics with friends and foes across the world from the comfort of your home with online multiplayer supported by rollback netcode!

Experience the extraordinary nostalgia of the seven-in-one collection with countless characters and Super Heroes prepared to brawl for an MSRP of $49.99! All seven games promise to take players back in time with their hard-hitting action for the first time ever on modern platforms:

  • X-MEN® CHILDREN OF THE ATOM
  • MARVEL SUPER HEROES™
  • X-MEN™ VS. STREET FIGHTER®
  • MARVEL SUPER HEROES™ vs. STREET FIGHTER®
  • MARVEL™ vs. CAPCOM® CLASH OF SUPER HEROES
  • MARVEL™ vs. CAPCOM® 2 New Age of Heroes
  • THE PUNISHER™

And don’t forget to gear up for the collection’s physical release on Friday, Nov. 22, 2024 on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4! If that wasn’t enough, all physical copies of the collection will come with a jaw-dropping 32-page comic with everyone’s favorite Capcom characters and Marvel Super Heroes as a special gift to thank players for their unwavering support.

The future of MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics is surely bright with its upgrades and enhancements that will make the fighting experience fun and memorable for everyone:

  • Battle It Out Online: Online ranked, casual, and custom matches are available for all six fighting  games so you can go head-to-head with family and friends from around the world!
  • Robust Rollback Netcode: Online matches are supported with rollback netcode for the most stable online gameplay experience!
  • Be the Best!: Climb the global high-score leaderboard across all seven games to show your skills to the rest of the world!
  • Practice Makes Perfect: Training Mode is now included across all six fighting games so you can master your favorite character or try a new one!
  • A Rare Gem: THE PUNISHER comes to the US for the first time ever on PC and modern consoles as a special addition to the Arcade Classics!
  • Watch This!: All eyes are on the players with Spectator Mode to make watching matches seamless and entertaining!
  • One-Button Specials: One-Button Specials are now available for players, making these games even more accessible than ever!
  • There’s Levels to This: Difficulty Settings can be adjusted higher or lower for solo players to up the ante or ease up on the challenge!
  • Additional Features: The collection is a treasure trove for fans of the classic games with an immersive music jukebox to lock in with, an in-game Museum for a trip down memory lane, original Marquee Cards from all titles, the ability to save the game in single-player mode, new display filters to emulate older television and arcade screens, and so much more!

For Capcom fans, fighting game enthusiasts, comic book and Super Hero aficionados, and everyone in between, MARVEL vs. CAPCOM Fighting Collection: Arcade Classics offers a timeless celebration of a legacy fighting game series, delivering a diverse roster of iconic characters, enhanced features, and competitive gameplay. Relive the nostalgia or discover enduring classics for the first time, uniting fans of all generations in celebration of Capcom’s legendary fighting game series, and stay tuned for more information on the collection in the coming months!

Spray Paint Simulator Reveal Trailer

Whitethorn Games — publisher of inclusive, accessible, easy-going games including APICO, Botany Manor, Calico, and Lake — would like to invite you to experience the joy of painting. Today, the publisher, along with developers North Star Video Games, is delighted to announce the studio’s first major title, Spray Paint Simulator, which merges creativity, ease of play, and a relaxing gameplay experience. Pick up your spray tool, paint, masking tools, and scaffolding, and let your imagination soar and the paint fly as you give a fresh coat of paint to rooms, buildings, and so much more! There are no mistakes, just happy little accidents waiting to happen. There’s no pressure, no rush — just you and your creativity — the world is your canvas. Happy painting, friends!

“Creating Spray Paint Simulator has been a rewarding experience for us,” says Nick Jefferson Tame, Lead Artist and Creative Director at North Star Video Games. “We value the process of transformation, both in the game and in life. There’s something deeply satisfying about taking something old and forgotten, preparing it, and giving it new life with a fresh coat of paint. It’s a stress-free achievement that brings pride and joy. In a world full of challenges, we wanted to offer a space where players can embrace creativity, find calm in the rhythm of the spray, and enjoy the simple pleasure of renewal.”

The town of Splatterville is in dire need of a makeover, and they need you to help them! Spray Paint Simulator is a relaxing and totally satisfying painting simulator that invites you to start your own painting business, starting from the ground up! Embark on a whimsical adventure in Story Mode as you meet with an eclectic group of clients, each in dire need of your painting expertise. Take on each job right from the start by prepping your space to ensure you deliver the best results, selecting the right colors for the task, and unleashing your creativity as you paint to perfection and keep your customers happy! Upgrade your tools, vehicles, and equipment, and use an assortment of ladders and scaffolding to help you get to those hard-to-reach spots. Fill the world with rainbow hues, painting everything from rooms and homes, to cars and bridges, and even giant robots! Unlock Free Spray mode to make the entire town your canvas and unlock the unlimited potential of your creative freedom!

Between Horizons Console Release Date Trailer

Publisher Assemble Entertainment and developer DigiTales Interactive are thrilled to announce that their narrative 2.5D sci-fi detective adventure Between Horizons will launch for consoles including PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on September 19th. Aboard the Zephyr, a ship en route to a distant star, players assume the role of Stella, the recently appointed Chief of Security. Dive into the conspiracy behind the incident that threatens to disrupt the Zephyr’s social order and foil its mission.

Between Horizons is a 2.5D pixel art adventure that emphasizes branching narratives, exploration, and investigation. Decades into the Zephyr’s journey, its mission is suddenly jeopardized. Utilize your detective skills to solve problems aboard the ship – while making decisions that impact the overall story. Along the way, you’ll collect clues, connect evidence, and confront the citizens aboard the Zephyr. Can you find the culprit before it’s too late?

Decision-making is at the heart of the experience, with tough choices that ask you to reevaluate your moral compass. But in Between Horizons, the story continues, even if players select the “wrong decision,” adding weight and gravity to each choice. The team at DigiTales has applied numerous lessons from their first game Lacuna and proven solutions to detective game design problems to maximize player agency in the investigation process – all the while maintaining the tight pacing of a meaningful story.

Between Horizons launches for PS5, Xbox Series X|S, and Nintendo Switch on September 19th, 2024, for $15.99 (with a 25% discount on Nintendo Switch), and is currently available on PC via Steam. Stay up to date by following the official DigiTales Interactive Twitter account. For additional information, follow Assemble Entertainment on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Steam, and join the official Assemble Discord server.