Author - Jerry Paxton

Star Wars: The Old Republic 7.5 Now Live

The Star Wars: The Old Republic development team has launched Game Update 7.5 “Desperate Defiance” which includes the newly revealed gear inspired by The Acolyte™, the first game content based on the series to be released prior to the premiere on June 4. Players can also look forward to the next chapter in the main storyline, a new farmstead for players to grow crops, the first of many new Single Player Ventures and more in “Desperate Defiance.”

You can find the highlights of all of the new content arriving in SWTOR 7.5 “Desperate Defiance” below.

  • The Acolyte™ inspired items available in the Cartel Market: Players will notice a new Inspire By tab has been added to the Cartel Market window. Under this tab, players will find the Dark Harbinger Armor set and Serpent’s Tongue Vibroblade inspired by The Acolyte™. Additionally, a Wookiee Jedi inspired by hairstyle and beard customization can be found as part of the Appearance Options: Loyal Adherent Hairstyles Bundle.

  • New Main Story Chapter – “Desperate Defiance”: After the events of “Chains in the Dark,” players will enlist Sa’har as a new companion and take part in a risky mission to retrieve the holocron and potentially learn more of Heta’s plans. Players will also journey back to Hutta in the midst of a worker rebellion in the Minboosa District where they’ll have to deal with the proprietor and “completely legitimate businessman,” “Yusinduu the Hutt”.

  • Dantooine Farmstead and Spring Abundance Festival: Star Wars: The Old Republic players will have the chance to step back from combat and become the caretaker of a farmstead on Dantooine. Players will go through a quick story arc introducing them to the farmstead and afterward will be given a plot of land for them to tend to in a deal that seems almost too good to be true… The Spring Abundance Festival will let players take part in many activities including seed collecting, dancing, pie baking, animal rehabilitation and a galactic egg hunt. Players can earn a variety of rewards including outfits, mounts, mini pets, decorations and more.

  • The First of Many Single Player Ventures: New, challenging single-player ‘Ventures’ will be added to the game, starting with the Basilisk Prototype. This Venture connects directly to the ongoing storyline of Lane Vizla and is all about training up the Basilisk Prototype B3-S1, also known as Bessie. This prototype can become a companion for the player and can be used in limited sets of time. Players will have to gradually work on training B3-S1 to reach its full combat potential and capabilities in order for it to become a permanent companion.

  • New PVP Seasons Release Schedule: Starting with Update 7.5, PvP seasons will now commence the day an update launches, with PVP Season 6 “Great Pirate Hunt” beginning alongside the release of Update 7.5.

  • Cartel Market Updates: The High-Republic themed Refined Mentor Lightsaber, Dualsaber, Armor set and the Hidden Chain Jetpack Mount will be available with the launch of Update 7.5. Players can also grab more player character customizations including the Ahsoka-inspired Baylan beard and new enhanced dye packs.

Please let us know if you have any questions and if we can assist in your coverage of Star Wars: The Old Republic!

Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2 Ventrue Clan Playstyle and Disciplines Revealed

Today, Paradox Interactive and The Chinese Room showcased the dominating, blue-blooded Ventrue clan’s playstyle and abilities for Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines 2.
In Bloodlines 2, the Ventrue clan supports Flesh of Marble as their passive ability, which makes players highly resistant to damage after feeding. Masters of bending the will of any who stand in their way, Ventrue can force prey into obeying commands, fighting friends, forgetting what they’ve seen, or even eliminating themselves.
Their signature vampiric abilities, or Disciplines, include:
  • Flesh of Marble: Feeding hardens the skin, making players highly damage-resistant.
  • Cloud Memory: Cause a target to forget you were there, putting them into a relaxed state.
  • Possession: Possess an opponent, allowing you to see through their eyes for a period. While possessed, the target can be commanded to attack another person.
  • Terminal Decree: Use your powers of “Dominate” to command someone to eliminate themselves.
  • Mass Manipulation: Subdue enemies within your gaze, preventing them from attacking. “Dominate” abilities will affect all subdued opponents while Mass Manipulation is active.
  • Thirst: Increases the amount of health restored by feeding.
Bloodlines 2 is the successor to the cult-classic Vampire: The Masquerade – Bloodlines. The game takes players to the dark underbelly of Seattle, where vampires struggle for survival and supremacy.
See the blog post here to learn more about the Ventrue play style, abilities, and skill tree customization, and the developer diary here for more about the narrative elements, combat disciplines, and art direction.

Natsume Inc. Announces Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home

Natsume Inc., a worldwide developer and publisher of family-oriented video games, today announced Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home, coming to iOS and Android in August 2024.

“We are excited to bring a fresh new Harvest Moon experience back to mobile gamers with Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home,” shared Hiro Maekawa, President and CEO of Natsume. “Featuring the traditional Harvest Moon style that fans know and love, along with some familiar faces, we hope this will be a cozy farming adventure favorite for all mobile gamers. We look forward to welcoming you home this summer!”

Home is where the heart is! After ten years of city life, you’re ready to head back home in Harvest Moon: Home Sweet Home! Your childhood friend has convinced you to move back to your hometown to try to revitalize it, but it won’t be easy going! The town of Alba has seen better days, and not all its residents are happy to see a city slicker like you back! Can you convince even the negative naysayers that you truly have the village’s best interests at heart? And can you revitalize Alba? With the help of your childhood friend and other villagers on your side, you definitely can!

Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game Advance Access on Now

IllFonic, Inc. is thrilled to announce Advance Access begins today for pre-orders of Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game. The game officially launches on Tuesday, June 4, worldwide on Steam/PC and Steam Deck, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S. Pre-orders will remain open until launch; along with advance access, fans will unlock additional bonuses (below) for this zany adaptation of the beloved iconic ‘80s film.

Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game is a 3v7, asymmetric horror multiplayer experience. Unique to this category, the game evolves the online horror formula by pitting a team of three Killer Klowns against seven scrappy Humans. Where the game stands out – the Klowns aren’t the only hunters… whereas others in the category feature a hunter vs the hunted, Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game gives Humans a chance to be the aggressor, the escape artist, or master the art of hide-and-seek. With the backdrop of Crescent Cove, the game will launch with five maps that explore all parts of this Klown-captured community.

Killer Klowns From Outer Space: The Game is based on MGM’s iconic 80’s movie and was made under the guidance and support of the original creators, the Chiodo Bros. Fans of this IP will see easter eggs cleverly placed throughout the game, including an ice cream truck that just might save your Human. From Klown tricks and weaponry to Human customizations that hark back to the movie, this game will surely bring a wild experience for film fans, as well as asymmetric and multiplayer gamers. Most importantly, this is just the beginning… IllFonic will unveil its post-launch roadmap soon!

Blade Runner RPG REPLICANT REBELLION Funded on Kickstarter

The Replicant Underground is officially enlisting new recruits! The Kickstarter campaign for Replicant Rebellion, the massive new expansion for Blade Runner: The Roleplaying Game from Free League Publishing, was fully funded today within twelve minutes after launch.

Replicant Rebellion expands the scope of the 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 wonderland from the opposite perspective – now running from Blade Runners in an evocative cat & mouse race of provocateurs and powderkegs 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 titans of 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 sacrificing it all. Yet regardless the price, the Rebellion must live on.

With the debut of today’s successful Kickstarter, Free League has revealed their line-up available to backers now:

  • The hardcover Replicant Rebellion sourcebook, featuring 200+ pages of official Blade Runner lore on the history and organization of the Replicant Underground, new rules and guidelines for running your own Underground crew, and several complete Operations (aka complete adventures) to complete for the cause.
  • The Asset Pack, a host of physical and digital handouts and design tools for the Game Runner to create their own Case Files and Operations. The loadout includes Independent Sentinel front pages and templates, location maps, crime scene photos, NPC mugshots, data sheets, Esper photos, and much more to be unlocked as stretch goals.
  • Rebels may also snag both the Replicant Rebellion sourcebook and Asset Pack in the Rebellion Bundle, perfect for Game Runners eager to run their own Rebel crew. Players new to the RPG can also catch up with the Starter Bundle, experiencing the Blade Runner’s perspective first-hand with the Core Rulebook and Starter Set.
  • The Complete Bundle offers one physical and digital copy of every retail release in the Blade Runner RPG series thus far: the standard edition Core Rulebook, the Starter Set with Case File #1: Electric Dreams,  Case File #2: Fiery Angels, the Replicant Rebellion sourcebook, the Asset Pack, the Game Runner Screen, and the custom Dice Set.
  • For the elites, the Collector’s Complete Bundle offers the same complete collection, plus one of the few remaining Collector Editions of the Core Rulebook, boasting a deluxe black faux leather cover with an embossed holographic foil stamp of the iconic neon Origin kanji character. Once sold out, the limited-run Collector Edition will no longer be available for purchase.
  • FLGS buyers are welcome to purchase discounted Retailer-Exclusive Bundles: a standard Megacorp Bundle including five copies of the new Replicant Rebellion sourcebook and the Asset Pack, along with an Executive Bundle offering five copies of the complete works from the Blade Runner RPG series thus far.
  • And if cash or chinyen are short, the Digital Bundle offers PDF editions of the new Replicant Rebellion sourcebook and the Asset Pack for all to enjoy.

All backers will get the PDF version of Replicant Rebellion months ahead of the official release. As an added incentive, all backers of physical items who pledge their support within the first 24 hours will receive an exclusive art print featuring Martin Grip’s electric cover art of Replicant Rebellion at no extra cost.

The main crew from the Blade Runner RPG core game continues on Replicant Rebellion with Tomas Härenstam as game director and lead designer, Joe LeFavi as setting writer, and Martin Grip as cover artist, plus new recruits: Eren Arik (Dune) as lead interior artist and Johan Nohr (MÖRK BORG, CY_BORG) providing mind-melting interstitials as the subversive voice of the Rebellion.

Flint: Treasure of Oblivion “Making Of” Featurette

Microids and Savage Level are thrilled to present the first making of Flint: Treasure of Oblivion. This documentary offers an insight into the motivations and inspirations behind this tactical RPG set in the 18th century, during the golden age of piracy. Go behind the scenes of this adventure, where the Savage Level team set out to recreate an authentic world of piracy, far from the clichés and popular beliefs. By focusing on the values of brotherhood, mutual support and the quest for freedom, the game aims to capture the true essence of pirates.

Discover how in-depth historical documentation and meticulous artistic and narrative choices have brought a rich, nuanced world to life. Every detail has been carefully crafted to deliver a total immersion in the fascinating world of piracy.

Polish Voice-Over is Now Available in The Thaumaturge

If your knowledge of Polish is limited to famous swear words but you’re curious to learn more, then Fool’s Theory and 11 bit studios have a pleasant announcement. As of today, the Polish voice-over is available in The Thaumaturge, a narrative RPG unfolding in 1905 Warsaw.

In the early 20th century, Warsaw was partitioned by invaders who tried to remove the Polish language from all walks of life including schools. This quest ultimately failed thanks to the brave spirit of Poland and its people, and the dev team decided to honor this resilience with the new voice-over. Polish V/O has also been one of the most requested community add-ons since launch.

To maintain the Slavic flavor of The Thaumaturge’s narrative, Polish voice actors recorded the English dialogues, and the same actors have reprised their roles for the Polish dub of the game. With writing taking full advantage of the realities of the Warsaw setting, using the period vocabulary and expressions that are no longer in today’s everyday speech, The Thaumaturge with Polish voice-over gives its players an even more immersive and true-to-life experience.

The Thaumaturge is an isometric RPG that blends a gripping narrative with morally ambiguous choices and a meaningful theme. Crafted by Fool’s Theory and published by 11 bit studios, it puts players in the haunted shoes of Wiktor Szulski, a gifted yet tormented thaumaturge, as he traverses the complex tapestry of early 20th-century Warsaw.

The Thaumaturge is available on Steam, with a console version releasing later this year. To celebrate today’s release of the Polish voice-over patch, the game is currently discounted by 25 percent on Steam.

Bungie Releases Destiny 2: The Final Shape Launch Trailer

Bungie released the latest trailer leading up to the launch of Destiny 2: The Final Shape on June 4, 2024. Guardians will travel into The Pale Heart of the Traveler to aid the Vanguard leading to a final confrontation with their ultimate adversary, the Witness.

The final cinematic for Season of the Wish and the year of Lightfall was revealed last week, which featured the first encounter of Cayde-6 and Crow inside the Traveler.

Soon enough, Guardians will head into the Traveler and wield the powers of Light and Darkness to aid them on their journey against the Witness and its army, when Destiny 2: The Final Shape launches next Tuesday, June 4.

Gothic Classic Khorinis Saga Retail Exclusive at Video Games Plus in North America

Get ready to dive back into the world of Khorinis! On June 27, the legendary RPGs Gothic Classic and Gothic II Complete Classic will make their much-anticipated debut on the Nintendo Switch. Today, Video Games Plus and THQ Nordic are thrilled to announce an exclusive retail partnership, bringing this epic saga to fans across North America.

These beloved titles, known for their immersive storylines and rich, detailed worlds, have captivated players for decades. Now, a new generation of gamers will have the opportunity to experience the magic of Gothic in a handy compilation.

The Gothic Classic Khorinis Saga will be available at a suggested retail price of $39.99 USD / $54.99 CAD, exclusively through Video Games Plus. Don’t miss your chance to secure a copy—pre-orders are now open:
https://videogamesplus.ca/products/gothic-classic-…

To give you a taste of the adventure that awaits, check out the thrilling trailers for both games

Check out the trailers for both games:
Gothic Classic Release Trailer: https://youtu.be/631HECnhMgM
Gothic II Complete Classic Release Trailer: https://youtu.be/iqDvhVgnAwM

Tarot Now Available on Digital

When a group of friends recklessly violates the sacred rule of Tarot readings – never use someone else’s deck – they unknowingly unleash an unspeakable evil trapped within the cursed cards. One by one, they come face to face with fate and end up in a race against death to escape the future foretold in their readings.

DIGITAL EXTRAS*
A Twist of Fate: Making the Film
Circle of Friends
Killer Outtakes

CAST AND CREW
Written and Directed by: Spenser Cohen & Anna Halberg
Produced by: Leslie Morgenstein, Elysa Koplovitz Dutton, Scott Glassgold
Based on The: Marvel Comics
Executive Producers: Andrew Pfeffer, Scott Strauss, Anna Halberg, Spenser Cohen
Cast: Harriet Slater, Adain Bradley, Avantika, Wolfgang Novogratz, Humberly González, Larsen Thompson, and Jacob Batalon

SPECS
Run Time: Approx. 91 minutes
Rating: PG-13 for horror violence, terror, bloody images, some strong language and drug content