Author - Jerry Paxton

Pablo Coma talks Outcast – A New Beginning in New Trailer

Today, Pablo Coma, Game Director of Outcast – A New Beginning, takes you on a deep dive and talks about the beautiful, interconnected world of Adelpha.

As you step into Cutter Slade’s boots, you are free to explore the planet at your own pace. After a brief tutorial, it’s up to you to decide what to do next. Whatever path you choose, your decisions not only impact you but the entire world of Adelpha.

The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend ft. Lucy Liu Out Now

Singer Studios announces the release of their debut game, the multi-award-winning narrative adventure The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend. Lucy Liu, renowned for her roles in ‘Charlie’s Angels’ and ‘Kill Bill’ takes centre stage as Cheng Shih, one of history’s most powerful and infamous pirates. Story seekers and history enthusiasts can embark on the cinematic VR experience by downloading the game now on Meta Quest and Steam for $16.99 USD.

Drawing inspiration from true events, The Pirate Queen transports players through a meticulously crafted world, amidst the tumultuous waters of the 19th-century South China Sea. The adventure unfolds on the crucial night of Cheng Shih’s ascent to leadership of the Red Flag Fleet.

“I was unaware of Cheng Shih’s story, however, after delving deeper into the material and researching further, I was astonished to learn of her history and the cunning intelligence she wielded to achieve such incredible power. The revelation that this narrative unfolds within a virtual realm, yet is rooted in genuine historical events, carries profound significance. It seamlessly intertwines the realms of tradition and innovation, offering an experience that transcends gaming, delivering authenticity, excitement, and a rich tapestry of history,” remarked Lucy Liu, also serving as executive producer.

Celebrated for its breathtaking environments and compelling narrative, The Pirate Queen appeals to story enthusiasts, gaming novices, and history buffs alike. Accessible to all ages, the game offers an engaging VR experience without combat. Instead, its gameplay is focused on stealth and exploration — players row passed enemies undetected, scale rival ships, and uncover the forgotten tale of Cheng Shih amidst historically accurate environments.

“Being of Chinese-German heritage and having grown up in Hong Kong, a culturally sensitive approach was very important to me,” notes Maja Bodenstein, Lead Writer of The Pirate Queen. “Our aim was to create a narrative that was both fun and educational, tailored around the player experience. To this end, we developed the story and the core gameplay functions simultaneously, to make sure our scenario made full use of the unique opportunities offered by VR.”

Driven by a desire to illuminate Cheng Shih’s journey as a pioneering leader, Singer Studios’ has garnered critical acclaim for their extensive historical research, detailed storyline and immersive gameplay. The game has been honored with the Tribeca Storyscapes Award (2023) and the Raindance Discovery Award (2021). This immersive experience is just the beginning of an expansive franchise being developed by Singer Studios and executive producers Lucy Liu and Eloise Singer.

“As a female-led studio, we’re incredibly proud to be launching the game during International Women’s History Month. It marks the beginning of The Pirate Queen universe and I’m hugely excited to be working with Lucy to expand the story into a visually stunning graphic novel, film, and TV series.” said executive producer Eloise Singer, the project’s creative director, and Singer Studios’ CEO and Founder.

“The team really threw themselves into how Cheng Shih’s world might look, sound and feel to craft the historical details that bring it to life. We’re looking forward to bringing this approach to the many other stories we want to share.” said Siobhan McDonnell, Producer of The Pirate Queen.

The Pirate Queen: A Forgotten Legend is available now on Meta Quest and Steam. For more information on Singer Studios’ multimedia projects, visit their website, sign up for their newsletter, and follow them on Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), TikTok, and LinkedIn. Follow The Pirate Queen on the game’s Instagram and TikTok to stay up to date with the new adventure.

2024 Knott’s Boysenberry Festival Preview

Get ready to tantalize your taste buds, because the Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival is back in 2024, and it’s bigger and better than ever! This beloved springtime tradition celebrates all things boysenberry, the delicious hybrid berry that put Knott’s on the culinary map. Here’s a delicious preview of what you can expect:

A Feast for the Senses

The Boysenberry Festival explodes with vibrant colors and tantalizing aromas. The air is thick with the scents of sweet boysenberry pie, savory barbecue infused with boysenberry sauce, and even the unexpected – imagine boysenberry-flavored funnel cakes! This festival is a foodie’s paradise, with over 80 unique dishes and drinks to try.

From classic boysenberry treats to whimsical new creations, the chefs at Knott’s Berry Farm always develop innovative delicacies sure to please even the pickiest of palates. Adventurous eaters won’t want to miss some of the more daring combinations, like boysenberry pizza or the festival’s unique take on boysenberry sushi rolls.

Tasting Cards: Your Ticket to Flavor

The best way to sample the festival’s bounty is with a tasting card. These cards offer six generous portions from a vast selection of items. It’s the perfect way to explore the full range of flavors and share with friends and family. Get ready for a whirlwind of deliciousness!

Beyond the Food

While the boysenberry treats steal the show, the festival offers so much more. Live entertainment is a staple throughout the park. Catch country bands, swing dancers, and maybe even a strolling mariachi group playing festive music. Plus, browse craft vendors selling unique boysenberry-themed souvenirs and artisanal goodies to bring a taste of the festival home.

Don’t miss the special Boysenberry Museum exhibits, diving into the rich history of this jammy berry and its connection to the Knott family. Take a break from the crowds and wander through the themed Ghost Town area – it transforms into a whimsical scene right out of a boysenberry dream, filled with oversized berry props and charming characters.

Tips for the Savvy Festival-goer

With so much to do, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Here are some insider tips for maximizing the fun:

  • Arrive early to beat the crowds and get first dibs on the most popular treats. Remember, some specialty items might sell out as the day goes on.
  • If possible, consider visiting on a weekday to enjoy shorter lines and a more relaxed atmosphere.
  • With so many tempting options, don’t overload in the first hour! Use your tasting card strategically and savor each bite.
  • With all the flavorful delights, make sure to drink plenty of water – boysenberry lemonade counts!
  • Add to the fun by dressing in purple or boysenberry-inspired attire. You won’t be alone!

Make it a Family Affair

The Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival is fantastic for families. Little ones will enjoy dedicated kid-friendly activities, special character meet-and-greets, and a chance to try playful boysenberry treats tailored to their preferences. It’s a great way to make memories while introducing the next generation to this delicious tradition.

The 2024 Knott’s Berry Farm Boysenberry Festival promises a whirlwind of flavor, fun, and celebration. Come experience the joy of a perfect spring day mixed with the delightful taste of the iconic boysenberry. With something delicious for everyone, it’s an event you’ll be savoring long after the last bite.

Titan Quest II Details Sparta in Latest Dev Diary

Ah, Sparta! Home to the finest warriors in all of ancient Greece, a marvel of a city, a true superpower on the Peloponnesian Peninsula, protected by its mighty city walls… wait a second. Wasn’t Sparta famous for its walls being its army only? So why can we see Spartans riding home through a massive wall in Titan Quest II’s announcement trailer?

The latest dev diary for the upcoming action RPG Titan Quest II highlights Sparta and explains how Titan Quest II offers a fantastical twist on the actual ancient reality.

Check out the latest dev diary on Steam: https://t.co/Boq0o8fqRi. For a deep dive on the music and world design of Titan Quest check out the previous dev diaries:
Music: https://t.co/ubWkEjBdIr
World Design: https://t.co/tkrKph57GA
The Titan Quest II Announcement trailer:

Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance Out Now

The horrors of war seem an ocean away, but no major threat can be contained in a shrinking world. The influences of foreign ideologies and international pressure may force distant nations to take an active part in the global struggle against tyranny. Decide the fate of South America in Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance, available now.

This content pack for Paradox Interactive’s best-selling grand strategy wargame, players can write new histories of the major nations of South America in years around World War II. You can try to resist the pressure to join a costly conflict overseas, or take your chances with a major power bloc for help in pursuing your own goals.

Features of Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance include:

  • National Focus Tree for Brazil: Challenged by a decade of internal strife and constitutional crises, Brazil can follow the historical path as a late but valuable member of the Allied cause. Alternately, seek continental hegemony under a new government with new priorities.
  • National Focus Tree for Argentina: Rife with corruption, revolts and worker unrest, Argentina presents a difficult political challenge. Once you’ve settled the problems at home, you can contribute more on the world stage and help this nation reach its full potential.
  • National Focus Tree for Chile: Chile is a vigorous republic with a radical tradition that must face domestic fascist parties, the embers of ethnic unrest and the imposing influence of the United States. Chart a course of equality and renewal, pick up the banner of uniting the continent under one flag.
  • Paraguay and Uruguay: Minor content as well as several new releasable nations.
  • New Art: New 3D unit sprites for the Brazilian army, as well as new unique 2D art for National Focus trees and units
  • New Music: Six new songs, with two each for the major nations in the pack.
  • New Voiceovers: Voiceovers in Brazilian Portuguese, Argentinian Spanish and Chilean Spanish.

Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance is available for the suggested retail price of $14.99/£12.79/€14.99.

A Space for the Unbound Gets Physical & Collector’s Editions on April 2

Serenity Forge (Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!) and the award-winning storytellers at Mojiken today revealed that the anticipated Physical & Collector’s Editions of acclaimed indie hit A Space for the Unbound will be coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 next month on April 2:

Both versions will be available from your favorite retailer and at the Serenity Forge online store: https://store.serenityforge.com/

A Space for the Unbound transports you into late ‘90s rural Indonesia on a journey of self-discovery with high school sweethearts Atma and Raya. The slice-of-life adventure touches on topics of overcoming anxiety and depression through its stunning pixel art style. However, when a mysterious supernatural power is suddenly unleashed upon their town, Atma and Raya must explore and investigate to uncover hidden secrets, face the end of the world and maybe even grow closer together.

The Physical Edition of A Space for the Unbound ($44.99) features:

  • A striking inner cover sheet
  • Clipboard standees of Atma, Raya and, obviously, several cats
  • A washi sticker sheet to make your journaling more exciting and cat friendly
  • A soundtrack download card

A Space for the Unbound’s Collector’s Edition ($99.99) features all of the above extras plus:

  • A gorgeous Collector’s Edition box
  • A massive 254-page artbook filled with exclusive pieces from artist Dimas Novan
  • A stylized brass bookmark
  • A double-sided wooden charm with unique art featuring Atma and Raya
  • Atma and Raya’s journal – featuring a map of Loka Town

Dragon’s Dogma 2 and Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess Details Revealed

During today’s Capcom Highlights video presentation, Capcom conjured new updates on a fantastical pair of action-packed titles launching this year. The show featured the reveal of the “Character Creator & Storage” tool for Dragon’s Dogma™ 2. Beginning today, players can get a head start on designing their Arisen and Main Pawn, both of which can be transferred into the full game when the action RPG makes its highly anticipated arrival on March 22, 2024. The program also showcased an extended look at Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess™, bestowing new details on the strategic action game and its vibrant Japanese-inspired setting ahead of its 2024 release.

Create Your Character in Dragon’s Dogma 2 Today

Dragon’s Dogma 2 director Hideaki Itsuno and producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi joined Capcom Highlights to provide an overview of what players can expect when setting out on their own immersive fantasy adventures. In addition to your party with up to three AI companions known as Pawns, players are encouraged to indulge their curiosity and stretch their creativity when exploring the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2.

From how they resolve quests to the way they interact with characters around them, the decisions players make will not only impact their Arisen’s relationships with other characters, but they will also in turn change the interactions between characters as well. There are often creative solutions to avoid physical altercations, such as passing off an exquisite counterfeit item as the genuine article. Each decision the player makes will impact the complex web of relationships throughout a world filled with over 1000 characters, each with their own objectives and motives.

Itsuno and Hirabayashi also unveiled the “Character Creator & Storage” tool, which can be downloaded for free on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. This allows players to create five designs for their Arisen and Main Pawn starting today! Those designs will be instantly transferred to the full game when Dragon’s Dogma 2 releases for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam on March 22, 2024, so players immediately embark upon their journey at launch.

Finally, the duo unveiled plans to release official Capcom support Pawns created by renowned content creators that will be available for other players through the network to join their own adventure, with initial announcements during Capcom Highlights and other participating creators to be revealed in the near future.

Peer Into the Spirit Realm with Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

Explore a mesmerizing world steeped in Japanese culture and mysticism with the upcoming release of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess set to launch this year. The single-player action strategy game and newest Capcom IP will test your strategic ability within this mystical action adventure.

Set on a mountain infected with defilement, players will take on the role of Soh, the protagonist tasked with rescuing villagers and purifying their villages on Mount Kafuku along with the Maiden, Yoshiro.

As players journey through Mount Kafuku, they’ll be immersed in dynamic day and night cycles. By day, Soh joins forces with the villagers to prepare for an impending battle. When darkness looms, Soh, the villagers, and Yoshiro confront the Seethe and the Festering Seethe, even more powerful enemies infused with the power of the stolen masks. Harness the power of Tsuba guards, wield dance-like sword techniques, adapt to constantly changing battle conditions, and take advantage of the different villager roles in order to cleanse the mountain. Various roles include:

Woodcutters – Strong villagers who excel at close-range combat.
Archers – Villagers with great accuracy and precision who fight from a distance with their bow and arrows.
Ascetics – Enchanting villagers who use spells to restrain the Seethe.

Brought to life by the power of the RE ENGINE, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass for console, PC, and Cloud, and on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Stay tuned for more details as we set players off to embark on an unforgettable clash, filled with strategic challenges and aesthetically immersive gameplay.

Make sure to join us for Capcom Highlights Day 2 on Monday, March 11, 2024 for the latest news from the worlds of Street Fighter™ 6, Monster Hunter Stories™, and Exoprimal™.

Victoria 3 Sphere of Influence Expansion Announced

The rapid technological and societal changes of the Victoria Era allowed empires to compete in new lands with new means. The competition for resources and markets could turn fast friends into bitter rivals, as strong nations fought to extend and secure their power over weaker ones. Preserve and project your own empire in Sphere of Influence, a new expansion pack for Victoria 3, coming May 6, 2024.

Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy simulation takes a diplomatic turn, with Power Blocs at the center of Sphere of Influence. Bully, bribe or befriend other nations in an effort to build a group that can act together towards a common goal. Smaller nations can seek security in a co-operative compact with a greater power, while major nations bring new subjects and middle powers into their orbit.

Historical content in the expansion is dedicated to The Great Game, the nineteenth century competition between the British and Russian Empires for influence and power in Central and South Asia.

House Flipper 2 Spring Update and Console Launch Info

Following the celebrated release of House Flipper 2 in December, Frozen District has now unveiled the game’s Spring update and a new accolades trailer. Additionally, the studio has revised the console edition launch of House Flipper 2 to April 10th. This Spring Update introduces various new interior options, decorative pieces, and a novel task to Pinnacove’s seaside setting. The latest trailer compiles some of the finest feedback from leading industry publications. Catch the trailer below!

Follow the game on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1190970/House_Flipper_2/) to not miss any news, and add the House Flipper 2 to your wishlist on PlayStation Store (https://store.playstation.com/en-ca/concept/10006545) and Microsoft Store (https://www.xbox.com/en-CA/games/store/house-flipper-2/9n67z2d5phw2) to not miss the launch.

Frozen District has also shifted the console version release of House Flipper 2 from its initial March 21st date to April 10th. This adjustment grants the development team additional time to refine the game for console certification. This ensures that the Spring and April Fool’s Day updates (scheduled for April 1st) are available to console players upon release.

Vermintide 2 Celebrates 6th Anniversary by Opening Versus Alpha to All Game Owners

Today Fatshark celebrated Warhammer: Vermintide 2’s sixth anniversary by opening the doors to their new alpha version of Versus, available to all owners of the game on Steam.

Vermintide 2: Versus allows players a new chance to play in Fatshark’s new PvP+E game mode, with teams featuring the heroes from the beloved Ubersreik Five and Skaven specials.

“For the next test, you will play on a new map, see the addition of premium careers, get kick and mute options, see a match score screen, and Versus specific menu settings,” said Joakim Setterberg, Design Director for Vermintide 2. “We’re also aiming to do the next test directly in the Vermintide game and not on a testing app, and for this reason, we’re adding a title screen, just like for consoles, with shortcuts to Adventure, Chaos Wastes, and Versus.”

Versus is an asymmetric 4v4 PvP+E game mode that pits the Ubersreik Five against AI enemies and up to 4 player-controlled Skaven specials. Teams switch sides, competing for points over multiple sections and rounds.

In addition, all platforms will participate in the game’s annual anniversary challenges, featuring a special map for adventure mode, and a new portrait frame for players to kit out their characters.

The anniversary event and Steam-only Versus alpha test runs March 7 to March 18 for all owners of Warhammer: Vermintide 2.