Author - Jerry Paxton

INDIE Live Expo Teaser Trailer

INDIE Live Expo, Japan’s premiere online digital showcase series connecting indie game fans all over the world, gives gamers a glimpse of upcoming world premieres with a new teaser trailer for the upcoming May 25th showcase broadcasted in English, Japanese, Chinese and Korean on YouTube, X, and Twitch at 1:00 AM PST / 5:00 PM JST.

2024’s blossoming batch of springtime indies take their turn in the spotlight. Witness world premieres and content updates across 100+ hand-picked titles within a variety of segments. Enjoy bite-sized “INDIE Waves” featuring multiple rapid-fire updates, extended looks at exclusive reveals during the “INDIE Live Premiere” presentation, and many more.

Catch the latest announcements from long-awaited titles such as Hotel Barcelona, the time-looping horror action game co-developed by Suda51 (Grasshopper Manufacture Inc., No More Heroes Series) and Swery65 (While Owl Inc., Deadly Premonition Series). Among INDIE Live Expo’s 100+ updates, tune in for news related to existing indie fan-favorites, including:

  • C.A.R.D.S. RPG: The Misty Battlefield, the new roguelike deckbuilder by ACQUIRE Corp.
  • PIGGY ONE SUPER SPARK, the hyperkinetic action platformer by Hanabushi and hako life
  • Boyhood’s End, the puzzle-filled story adventure by Why So Serious, Inc.
  • Omega Crafter, the automation-focused open-world crafting survival adventure by Preferred Networks
  • Witch and Lilies, the romantic JRPG dungeon-crawler by Stromatosoft Inc
  • Blade Chimera, the pixel art metroidvania by Team LadyBug (DRAINUS)
  • Kemono Teatime, the cozy tea shop simulator by Studio Lalala

Visit the Malaysian indie scene as INDIE Live Expo travels to Southeast Asia during this year’s “Indie Studios Around the World” segment. Emcee favorites make their return as INDIE Live Expo’s hosts. Take the ride alongside Kaori “Kaotan” Horiuchi, (AKIHABARA Backstage Pass), veteran Japanese indie game YouTuber and presenter J-mon, and bilingual gaming influencer HighTensionGaijin.

“We received hundreds of exciting submissions, and have so much more to share during this year’s showcase,” said Ryuta Konuma, Founder and CEO, Ryu’s Office. “The indie scene has many local flavors, and we’re excited to show off games from around the planet while taking the world on a deep dive into the Malaysian indie scene.”

A variety of INDIE Live Expo Winter 2024 sponsorship opportunities are available for companies of all sizes, including video featuring. For more information, please visit the informational and submission page here. Content creators of all sizes are invited to simulcast INDIE Live Expo here.

The INDIE Live Expo Official Discord Channel welcomes developers and consumers alike as a gathering place to discuss latest indie news. With direct access to developers, indie game fans can lend their voices to the creation and refinement of upcoming indies.

For more information and detailed reports on previous broadcasts, the impact of participating in INDIE Live Expo, INDIE Live Expo Awards, and information on how to promote games for creators, developers, and publishers alike, please consider subscribing to the INDIE Live Expo Letter.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire Official Launch Trailer

Maximum Entertainment and developer Still Running are thrilled to launch nightmarish action-adventure Morbid: The Lords of Ire to PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S! Face off against hordes of hideous creatures with furious hack and slash combat, testing your mental and physical resolve in a hellscape that threatens your very sanity. Loot and scavenge unique weapons, imbue them with runes to alter their abilities, grant blessings to garner unique perks and take on the grotesque Lords and their minions. Physical versions of Morbid: The Lords of Ire are also available now forPlayStation 5 & Nintendo Switch at all good retailers including Signature Edition Games.

Developed by Still Running, a small independent team consisting of only 14 staff, The Lords of Ire is sequel to the studio’s smash hit Morbid: The Seven Acolytes – the critically acclaimed isometric souls-like that originally launched in 2020.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire invites players to risk madness venturing through a revolting hell from an all-new 3D perspective.

Building on the sanity system from Morbid: The Seven Acolytes, your choices will send you down a path of Enlightenment or Insanity.
To reach Enlightenment will grant incredible resilience to your Stamina, while fortifying the Impact of your attacks to stop enemies in their tracks and usher in a mighty Critical Blow. You also accumulate more experience while Enlightened. Descend into the depths of madness and Insanity will fill you with an unrelenting power, dealing more health damage than ever before. But be warned, you’ll also take more damage as you frenzy against the hideous creatures in the lands of Ire.

Morbid: The Lords of Ire is a continuation and reinvention of the critically acclaimed isometric Souls-like ARPG Morbid: The Seven Acolytes from all-new 3D perspective.

The heroic Striver returns once more to do battle with horrific creatures in a dark and twisted world of pain and suffering. Slaughter hideous creatures using a range of vicious weapons and attacks, from finishers to guard breaks and the powerful Spectre Blaster, eviscerating everything in your path.

Battle your way through the five levels across the lands of Ire – horrific realms populated by five unique factions, from wintry mountains to rotten cities and beyond. Reaching enlightenment or succumbing to insanity can grant incredible power, but at great personal risk, dynamically changing how you perceive the world and its many threats…

Razer Firefly V2 Pro Gaming Mouse Pad Review

Razer, a brand synonymous with cutting-edge gaming peripherals, has once again pushed the boundaries of innovation with the Firefly V2 Pro. This isn’t just a mouse mat; it’s a canvas of customizable RGB brilliance designed to elevate your gaming experience. However, as with any product, it comes with its own set of strengths and weaknesses.

From the moment you unbox the Firefly V2 Pro, its premium build quality is evident. The micro-textured surface provides a perfect balance of speed and control, allowing your mouse to glide effortlessly while maintaining pinpoint accuracy. Whether you’re engaging in fast-paced shooters or meticulously navigating complex strategy games, the Firefly V2 Pro consistently delivers a smooth and responsive tracking experience.

But the true magic lies in its RGB lighting. With 19 customizable zones, the Firefly V2 Pro transforms your desk into a mesmerizing light show. Razer’s Chroma software offers an extensive array of effects, from subtle breathing patterns to vibrant reactive animations that sync with your gameplay. The lighting is remarkably bright and evenly distributed, creating an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall gaming experience.

Razer has also thoughtfully included a passthrough USB port, allowing you to conveniently connect your mouse or other peripherals. This is a welcome addition, especially for those with limited desk space. The non-slip base ensures that the Firefly V2 Pro stays firmly in place even during intense gaming sessions, eliminating any distractions caused by accidental movement.

However, the Firefly V2 Pro is not without its drawbacks. The most glaring issue is its price. At $99.99, it’s one of the more expensive mouse mats on the market. While the build quality and RGB lighting are undeniably impressive, the price tag may be prohibitive for budget-conscious gamers. Additionally, some users have reported that the micro-textured surface can be prone to wear and tear over time, particularly for those who use their mouse with high sensitivity settings. Another potential issue is the software dependency. While Razer’s Chroma software is generally well-designed and easy to use, some users may prefer a mouse mat that doesn’t require software installation for basic functionality. Additionally, the software can occasionally be buggy, requiring updates and troubleshooting.

Despite these minor flaws, the Razer Firefly V2 Pro remains an exceptional mouse mat. Its combination of precision tracking, customizable RGB lighting, and premium build quality makes it a worthy investment for serious gamers who demand the best. However, the high price and potential for wear and tear may deter some buyers.

Overall, the Razer Firefly V2 Pro is a dazzling testament to Razer’s commitment to innovation. It’s a mouse mat that not only enhances your gaming performance but also adds a touch of visual flair to your setup. While it may not be perfect, its strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it a worthy contender for the best RGB mouse mat on the market.

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5

E-WIN Flash XL Size Upgraded Series Ergonomic Computer Gaming Office Chair Review

In the realm of gaming chairs, the E-WIN Flash XL stands as a colossal contender, catering specifically to gamers of larger proportions. Having spent considerable time perched upon this behemoth, I can confidently assert that it offers a unique blend of comfort, support, and durability that sets it apart from the competition.

First impressions are dominated by the sheer size of this chair. The Flash XL series gaming chair is not for the faint of heart or those with limited space. It boasts a wider seat and taller backrest than most gaming chairs, making it a welcome respite for those who often feel cramped in standard-sized models. The chair is also remarkably sturdy, with a 550 lbs weight capacity, ensuring it can handle even the most enthusiastic gamers.

The chair’s construction is equally impressive. The frame is made of solid steel, and the upholstery is a plush yet durable PU leather. The stitching is meticulous, and the overall build quality exudes a sense of longevity. The chair comes with two pillows – a headrest and a lumbar support – both of which are generously padded and contribute to overall comfort.

However, the Flash XL’s true strength lies in its adjustability. The 4D armrests can be moved in virtually any direction, allowing for a perfect fit for any arm length or position. The backrest reclines up to 155 degrees, and the seat can be adjusted for height and tilt. The lumbar support is also adjustable, providing customized back support for hours of comfortable gaming.

In terms of comfort, the Flash XL delivers on its promises. The high-density foam padding provides ample cushioning, and the breathable PU leather prevents overheating during long gaming sessions. The neck pillow, while a welcome addition, sits a bit low for my preference, but this is a minor quibble in an otherwise comfortable experience. It’s one of the best gaming chairs I have ever used in terms of comfort.

The chair’s aesthetic is understated yet stylish. The all-black design is sleek and modern, with subtle accents of color on the stitching and logo. The chair would not look out of place in a home office or a professional gaming setup.

The assembly process is straightforward, with clear instructions and all necessary tools included. The chair comes in a large box, and some users have reported minor shipping damage, but E-WIN’s customer service is responsive and quick to resolve any issues.

In terms of value, the Flash XL is a worthwhile investment for gamers who prioritize comfort and durability. The chair is priced higher than some standard-sized models, but the superior build quality and features justify the cost.

In conclusion, the E-WIN Flash XL is a gaming chair that lives up to its name. It is big, bold, and built to last. If you’re a larger gamer who struggles to find a comfortable chair, the Flash XL is worth serious consideration. It may just be the throne you’ve been waiting for.

Pros:

  • Spacious and supportive for larger gamers
  • Sturdy construction and high weight capacity
  • Highly adjustable for personalized comfort
  • Comfortable padding and breathable materials
  • Understated yet stylish design

Cons:

  • Neck pillow may sit too low for some users
  • Some users have reported minor shipping damage
  • Higher price point than some standard-sized models

Overall, the E-WIN Flash XL is a top-tier gaming chair that caters to the needs of larger gamers. Its combination of comfort, durability, and adjustability makes it a worthwhile investment for those who spend long hours gaming or working. The E-WIN Flash XL is available now at E-WIN’s official website.

Overall Rating: 5 out of 5

RIPOUT Rips Out of Steam Early Access on May 28

3D Realms and Pet Project Games are thrilled to announce that RIPOUT, the co-op sci-fi horror FPS, will exit Steam Early Access for PC on May 28, 2024! Traverse (not-so) abandoned spaceships filled with terrifyingly deadly monstrosities. Take down these mutant horrors alone or with a squad of up to three, tearing through enemies as you search for Sanctuary, the last bastion of humanity.

As you sweep the forbidding hallways of derelict starships, you’ll encounter genetically altered beings that can attach smaller mutants to their bodies. Luckily, you can harness the power of your enemies with the Pet Gun, using their own biotech to tear through the most formidable defenses!

Equip multiple weapons and abilities as you embark on a dangerous journey through space unraveling the fate of humanity. Will you find Sanctuary in time – or will you perish alongside the rest of Earth’s inhabitants?

RIPOUT’s 1.0 release includes new levels and the brand-new Kill Zone objective type, as well as a variety of balancing and quality-of-life updates.

New 1.0 Features

  • Eight new levels for players to explore
  • New Objective Type – Kill Zone: A new objective where players must eliminate a specific number of enemies at a certain section of the level
  • Improved balancing for enemy health and damage based on player count and sector progress
  • Quality-of-life updates, including sensitivity settings for keyboard and controller, the ability to toggle ADS, and more
  • Cloud saves

For more on RIPOUT, visit the official RIPOUT website, follow the game on Twitter, and join the official Discord community.

Devolver Digital Celebrates 15th Anniversary

Devolver Digital, the disruptive publishing powerhouse behind some of the world’s finest indie games, is celebrating 15 years of kicking ass and breaking hearts with the mother of all Steam publisher sales. From May 16 – May 23, players young and old can take advantage of obscenely generous discounts on Devolver Digital games, even the ones they promised their concerned parents that they would never buy. (Steam link: http://steam.devolverdigital.com/)

This year’s unprecedented Devolver 15th Anniversary Steam Publisher Sale features a frankly ridiculous number of games from our eclectic roster including the critically acclaimed Cult of the Lamb (40% off), award-winning creepy roguelike deck-builder Inscryption (50% off), philosophical puzzler The Talos Principle II (40% off), and recently released solo-developed hits Children of the Sun and Pepper Grinder (20% off).

Thrifty players can also pile their baskets high with historically low discounts on classic Devolver games such as GRIS and APE OUT (80% off), Return to Monkey Island and Wizard With a Gun (50% off), SLUDGE LIFE 2 (40% off) and Disc Room (75% off). Wizard With a Gun will also be free to try on Steam throughout the course of the promotion.

To enhance the 15th birthday celebrations even further, a series of back-slapping blogs will pepper Devolver’s official website, taking a trip down memory lane to cover hot-button topics such as the team’s favorite t-shirts, soundtracks, trailers, websites and event spaces from over the years. Each new entry will appear on devolverdigital.com daily throughout the sale.

Devolver’s 15th Anniversary Steam Publisher Sale is just our little way of saying thanks to all the fans out there for wishlisting our games in anticipation of Devolver’s 15th Anniversary Steam Publisher Sale.

Immortals of Aveum Out on Play List for EA Play

Immortals of Aveum, the single-player, first-person magic shooter from Ascendant Studios, in partnership with EA Originals, is now on the Play List for all EA Play* members. Get ready to experience the story of JJak as he joins an elite order of battlemages to save a world on the edge of abyss. Master three forces of magic and unleash spells with deadly skill in a game that defies FPS conventions.

Powered by the groundbreaking Unreal Engine 5.1 technology, Immortals of Aveum puts players in a visceral and cinematic fantasy universe that combines modern characters and a story-driven campaign with intense magic-based action, world exploration and puzzle-solving. The game tells the story of Jak (played by actor Darren Barnet) who discovers that he is a magically-imbued ‘Unforeseen’ and finds himself reluctantly caught in the middle of the raging Everwar. Members will be thrust into action-packed gameplay, testing their skills in fast, fluid combat that is easy to learn and satisfying to master.

Immortals of Aveum is just the latest addition to the Play List’s huge library of games, which also includes EA titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order™EA SPORTS™ NHL® 24EA SPORTS™ PGA TOUR™Madden NFL 24 and more. EA Play members also save 10% on their purchases of EA digital content, and score monthly rewards for several fan-favorite games.

To learn more about EA Play, check out X and Instagram, or visit: www.eaplay.com

Colorful Unveils EVOL G Series Gaming Laptops

Colorful Technology Company Limited, a leading brand in gaming PC components, gaming laptops, and HiFi audio products, proudly introduces the new EVOL G Series gaming laptops powered by the 13th Generation Intel Core processors and NVIDIA RTX 4060 graphics. The EVOL G Series comes in a new futuristic design featuring Lila – a space traveler exploring colorful galaxies and the universe.

Futuristic Design with Lila

The EVOL G Series gets a new look that sets it apart from the EVOL P Series. The new EVOL G Series also introduces Lila, a space explorer that inspired the futuristic design of the new EVOL gaming laptop. The EVOL G Series is available in white and grey colors with an RGB-lit keyboard.

Made for Gaming

The COLORFUL EVOL G Series comes equipped with up to a 13th generation Intel Core i7-13620H processor with 10 cores and 16 threads, clocked up to 4.9GHz. It is paired with an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 4060 GPU, which supports ray tracing and DLSS 3.5 for more immersive gaming, and the highest AI power of up to 233 TOP.

EVOL G Series comes equipped with a QHD (2560 x 1440) 165Hz IPS gaming screen, with a high screen-to-body ratio of 86%. Display also features a viewing angle and 100% sRGB color gamut coverage delivering accurate colors and vivid visuals.

Advanced Cooling

The EVOL G Series laptops feature three cooling modes allowing users to tweak cooling performance between maximum cooling and maximum silence. The EVOL G Series are packed with 10mm-thick heat pipes with high-density turbine fans for fast heat dissipation with improved acoustics.

Specifications

Pricing and Availability

For more information on availability and pricing, please contact your local COLORFUL Technology representative.

For more information, please follow COLORFUL’s social media channels below or visit en.colorful.cn

F1 Manager 2024 Release Date Revealed

Frontier Developments plc (AIM: FDEV, ‘Frontier’) today announced F1® Manager 2024, the officially licensed Formula 1® management game, will launch digitally on July 23 across PC, PlayStation® 5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation® 4 and Xbox One for £29.99/$34.99/€34.99. Players will return to the role of F1® Team Principal, where they can choose to design their own constructor and bring an eleventh team to the grid in the new Create A Team mode, take the hotseat at an existing Formula 1® team in Career mode or re-write the real-world 2024 season in Race Replay.

Players who pre-order ahead of launch will receive an additional exclusive Create A Team preset livery replicating the F1® 2024 Show Car. Those wanting to enhance their experience with F1® Manager 2024: Deluxe Edition will also receive 10% off the suggested retail price of £39.99/$44.99/€44.99. Deluxe Edition further expands fans’ creative options with five additional classically inspired patterns, providing additional Create A Team livery options, whilst an additional five fictional Race Replay scenarios offer unique single-race challenges.

For the first time, fans can live out their ultimate fantasy by bringing their own team to life, with customisable livery and logo creation tools giving them control of their team’s unique branding. Team Origins provide total customisation of their team’s starting conditions, whether they choose to enter as a total newcomer, or to target an immediate spot amongst the title contenders with major investment and an all-star line-up. Team Principals must also directly manage their stable of sponsors to deliver both engagement opportunities and results to bolster marketability and attract future support.

At the pinnacle of motorsport, F1® Team Principals are responsible for ensuring every individual is motivated and believes in their ability to achieve their goals amidst fierce competition. With the introduction of the all new Mentality System, players will have greater understanding than ever before into the personal ambitions and characters of their team. Managing people and personalities, Team Principals will see the impact of their decisions directly influence drivers and staff mentality; prioritising one car’s performance risks building an inter-team rivalry. Failure to keep their stars happy will present rivals with opportunities to poach talent, disrupting the team’s trajectory towards the top.

Building their legacy across multiple generations, Team Principals can secure rising stars by recruiting them to the new Affiliates system, allowing young drivers to continue their careers in F2™ and F3™ whilst receiving training and development from the player’s F1® team. Fans can experience this evolution of the sport across multiple seasons and plot their own route to the top with the option to simulate entire races, build their credentials in the paddock by making the leap to a competitor, or adjust their challenge with difficulty settings.

Across each visually enhanced circuit on the official 2024 race calendar, fans will aim to execute the perfect strategy; instructing their drivers to extract every millisecond of performance. As tyre wear and temperatures increase, so too does the risk of an incident. Much like their real-world counterparts, players will need to think tactically as they strive to mitigate and capitalise on the ever-evolving challenges and opportunities mechanical failures bring. Players can choose to watch the action unfold from a range of immersive camera angles; feeling the rush of acceleration with Visor-cam, directing the race from trackside and onboard cameras or even taking to the skies with the debut of the strategic Heli-cam view as the simulation brings the racing action to life with greater realism.

F1® Manager 2024 will launch on July 23 on PC, PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4 and Xbox One for a suggested retail price of £29.99/$34.99/€34.99, with the Deluxe Edition available for a suggested retail price of £39.99/$44.99/€44.99. Fans who pre-order Deluxe Edition will receive 10% off the suggested retail price.

Blade Runner RPG Replicant Rebellion – Kickstarter Announcement

Free League Publishing has announced that a Kickstarter for Replicant Rebellion, a mammoth expansion for the award-winning Blade Runner: The Roleplaying Game, is launching on May 28, 2024!

Replicant Rebellion massively expands the scope of the critically acclaimed tabletop RPG, recruiting players to join the ranks of the Replicant Underground in Los Angeles 2037. Set at the same time and place as the Core Rulebook, players explore this neon-noir cityscape from the opposite perspective – now running from Blade Runners in an evocative cat & mouse race of provocateurs and powder kegs lit to explode, expose, and oppose the establishment, one way or another.

For the Rebellion, players will run their own independent crew who must undertake a variety of operations, all while attempting to maintain their cover and keep their records clean. Are they helping fugitive Replicants evade capture? Sabotaging the Replicant trade? Grappling with the cops, courts, and megacorps? Clashing with warring crews and syndicates? Smoking out moles in your midst? In this big city of dazzling lights and moral contradictions, Replicant Rebellion flips the famous script of the beloved Blade Runner universe and dares you to explore how much you’re willing to lose for a cause that’s sacrificing it all. Yet regardless the price, the Rebellion must live on.

This Kickstarter campaign also offers an Asset Pack for use with both Replicant Rebellion and the core game. The Asset Pack includes a host of physical and digital handouts and tools for the Game Runner to create their own Case Files and Operations.

Find out more and sign up at the Replicant Rebellion Kickstarter Page here.

The Kickstarter will be launched on May 28th at 6:00 am US Pacific Time (9 am US Eastern, 3 pm Central European). Backers and retailers alike eager to enlist should visit the Kickstarter pre-launch page and sign up to be notified the moment the campaign goes live. If successfully funded, all backers will get the PDF version of Replicant Rebellion months ahead of the official release. All backers who pledge levels with physical rewards within the first 24 hours will receive a bonus item to be revealed soon.

  • An in-depth overview of the history and organization of the Replicant Underground, charting its presence throughout the Blade Runner Universe.
  • Detailed guidelines on how to play a Replicant Underground campaign, including several new player character archetypes and various new rules, such as maintaining Covers and sweating the Heat as the law closes in.
  • Several complete Operations (i.e., full adventures) to play for a crew in the Replicant Underground.