During today’s PC Gaming Show, indie developer Monumental Collab and publisher CRITICAL REFLEX revealed a new trailer officially announcing Drowned Lake, a story-driven horror fishing game with survival elements in development for PC. Pilot a boat into the heart of the forest and investigate its ominous waters to fish out the terrifying secrets hidden in the darkness. Unravel the truth in a mystery told from three unique perspectives, inspired by the legends and nightmares of Brazilian folklore and influenced with a retro VHS aesthetic.
Deep in Brazil’s coastal forest is the Drowned Lake, an area of folk tales and legends, where many who trespass never return. When Bento, a student in his twenties, goes missing in this sinister place, it sets off a twisted story to discover the truth. Explore your surroundings by boat from a top-down perspective, collecting evidence with a fishing rod, while solving puzzles in first-person adventure-like segments. But try to avoid disturbing these troubled waters too much. Remember: you’re not safe here.
Key Features
A Non-linear Horror Story, Told From Three Perspectives: Explore the most forbidding reaches of the forest as a firefighter, a journalist and an elderly fisherman. Unravel the mystery and each character’s true motives in an interactive narrative where your choices matter.
Scour Dark Waters for the Truth: Collect evidence and uncover what hides beneath the surface of the Drowned Lake by exploring, fishing, investigating, and solving puzzles.
Beware Making Noise: As you probe the forest’s farthest depths, your choices and actions may increase your noise level, attracting unwanted attention from the horrors of the night.
Discover the Nightmares of Brazilian Folklore: Experience a tragic, twisted tale inspired by the unique melting pot of Brazilian culture and mythology.
Investigate in First-Person Mode: Navigate narrow areas, complete intricate puzzles, and experience the true terrors the darkness hides in first-person POV sections inspired by escape rooms and classic horror games.
Drowned Lake builds on the success of Monumental Collab’s Our Lady of the Drowned Lake, an original nautical horror experience created for the 2022 GMTK Game Jam. The development team has a shared passion for weird horror, producing multiple experiences for game jams over the years. The studio most recently released the free found-footage horror game TELEFORUM, which launched earlier this year to “Very Positive” player reviews on Steam.
Brace yourselves, horror aficionados and pinball enthusiasts! Zen Studios, the pinball wizards behind the acclaimed Pinball FX series, today unleash a new nightmare into the pinball realm with their new spine-tingling pinball platform – Pinball M. Prepare to tilt into terror as Zen Studios horrifies PlayStation, Xbox, Steam and the Epic Games Store with Pinball M – TODAY! Pinball M will launch on Nintendo Switch on December 28.
Pinball M boasts a sinister lineup of pinball tables available day one, designed to keep players on the edge of their seats from the moment they plunge into the darkness. Prepare to face your deepest fears with Zen’s own Wrath of the Elder Gods – Director’s Cut,Dead by Daylight Pinball, Chucky’s Killer Pinball, and The THING Pinball in collaboration with Universal Products & Experiences. To complete the launch table lineup, Duke Nukem’s Bigshot Pinball delivers a wild and uninhibited extravaganza, complete with bubble gum.
But the horror doesn’t stop there! Pinball M introduces never-before-seen features that will plunge players even deeper into the nightmarish realms.
Play Corners
With Play Corners, the haunting ambiance of each table creeps beyond the gameplay, immersing you in 3D environments in the table menus. You can customize your Play Corners with an array of chilling decorative elements that can be earned through gameplay, making the perfect space to reflect your own twisted tastes.
Profile Banners
Pinball M also touts a multitude of other new and malevolent features that will keep even the most experienced pinball players wickedly entertained. Player profiles become their own personal banner of horror, as you customize with a wide range of haunting options showcasing your unique and terrifying identity.
New Challenges
Engage the tables like never before in the Dread Challenge and Shiver Challenge. Reach the point threshold in Dread to give yourself another minute to reach the next one. Accumulate and survive as long as you can. Can you brave the Shiver Challenge? The table lights dim to almost total darkness and you have to navigate your ball based on your instincts.
Community Features
With Pinball M, pinball is no longer a solitary gaming experience. Players can engage in a variety of new community features where modes like the Nightmare Trails await! Each day, random objectives materialize to torment and test players, accompanied by separate daily leaderboards that intensify the spirit of competition.
This is just the beginning of the horrors that await in Pinball M. Stay tuned for spine-chilling updates, as additional pinball tables are planned to release later this year with more expected to come in 2024.
Don’t miss your chance to immerse yourself in the darkness and unleash your pinball prowess in Pinball M. Get ready to tilt into terror like never before! For more information visit www.pinballm.com.
About Zen Studios
Zen Studios is a leading global producer and publisher of interactive entertainment software for all major digital game platforms. Recognized as one of the premier gaming studios in the world, Zen has worked with some of the most iconic entertainment studios, including Lucasfilm, Marvel Entertainment, NBC Universal, and FOX Digital Entertainment.
Zen’s Pinball FX franchise has defined video game pinball excellence since 2007, and critically acclaimed titles like Circus Electrique and Operencia: The Stolen Sun have proven its devotion to creating captivating RPGs. Zen Studios joined Saber Interactive in November 2020. For more information on Zen’s library of titles, visit zenstudios.com.
Universal Studios Hollywood invites guests to ring in 2024 with EVE, Hollywood’s hottest New Year’s Eve celebration featuring multiple dance locations, a captivating fireworks display and access to select rides and attractions, on Sunday, December 31 with extended hours until 2:00 a.m.
Included in the price of theme park admission, EVE is the ultimate way to usher in the new year. Beginning with a full day of theme park fun, guests can enjoy award-winning rides and attractions, before transitioning to a park-wide celebration and special midnight countdown to 2024.
Universal Studios Hollywood’s unforgettable night begins at 9:00 p.m. as the theme park transforms into a thrilling celebration, including designated dance party zones with DJs spinning an eclectic medley of music from pop, rock and hip-hop to EDM and Latin music. Unique photo opportunities located around the theme park will also provide a sparkling backdrop to capture and share memorable moments from the night.
Guests will countdown and toast to the new year as a dazzling fireworks display punctuates the nighttime sky. Plus, a winter snowfall and confetti will add to the celebratory feel in the air within designated areas.
An array of food and beverages, champagne, beer, wine and cocktails will be available for purchase. Guests must be 21+ and have a valid photo ID to purchase alcoholic beverages.
While rejoicing in the New Year, visitors can enjoy festive holiday activities such as “Christmas in The Wizarding World of Harry Potter,” featuring “The Magic of Christmas at Hogwarts TM Castle” which brings the iconic Hogwarts castle to life in a stunning spectacle. The Who-bilation continues at “Grinchmas” where joyful park-goers can delight in the wonderous Who-ville and meet its legendary resident, The Grinch and his faithful dog Max, plus the Whos.
Holiday festivities at Universal Studios Hollywood run daily now through Monday, January 1, 2024.
To purchase tickets to Universal Studios Hollywood, which includes Holidays and EVE access, guests can click here.
Core Engage and Daedalic Entertainment are proud to announce that the developer’s debut title, New Cycle, will launch into Early Access on January 18th, 2024. The survival city-builder is set on a post-apocalyptic Earth ravaged by solar flares and reduced to settlements reminiscent of early civilization. Players must take lessons and knowledge of the past into each new day, hoping to carry forward into a future for humanity.
Watch the release date trailer for New Cycle here:
New Cycle is a dieselpunk-inspired city-builder with an emphasis on survival. You are the leader of a small group of settlers seeking refuge after a catastrophic solar flare desolated the Earth. You start with only a basic settlement, a few hungry workers, and many unfulfilled needs. Over time, as your population grows, new challenges for your colony will emerge —fluctuations in morale, disease outbreaks, power losses, and resource demands will all test your capabilities as a leader. Nothing is ever certain, but each new day is another opportunity to rebuild what was lost and return humanity’s dominion over the earth.
Looking into the bright dawn of Early Access in January, Turkish developers Core Engage are excited to inject fresh energy into the survival city-building genre by elevating tried and true hallmarks both narratively and mechanically. With the unique crisis component around the sun and climate changes reminiscent of today’s ecological concerns, New Cycle honors the existing elements while entertaining innovation in light of the new world and circumstances. Early Access will feature two different gameplay modes (campaign and sandbox), three different biomes, 54 buildings, 47 producible resources, three classes of society, eight different stages of development, and an inventory of 3D assets divided into three main eras and art style approaches.
A44 Games, in collaboration with publisher Kepler Interactive, unveiled the stunning new gameplay trailer for their highly anticipated gods-slaying Action-RPG, Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn at this year’s PC Gaming Show: Most Wanted. Scheduled for release in Summer 2024, the game is set to send players on a journey only they can survive on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store).
Watch the brand-new trailer:
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn takes place in a breathtakingly beautiful yet perilous open world where magic and guns collide. Taking control of Nor Vanek, alongside her mystical companion, Enki, players find themselves in a relentless battle against the gods and their menacing army of the dead. They must hone their combat skills using an enthralling mix of gunpowder and magic to reclaim the lost City of Dawn as the world around them plunges into chaos. Switch seamlessly from magic to weapons-based combat and partner with Enki to deliver devastating attacks on towering enemies. As the gods seek to rule over everything they call home, Nor must become more than a soldier if she’s to save humanity.
Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn launches on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5 and PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), in Summer 2024. Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn will also be available day one with Xbox Game Pass. For more information visit www.playflintlock.com.
Got something new for ya, stranger! Resident Evil™ 4 VR Mode is welcoming players to enter the world of survival horror on Dec. 8, 2023. Step into the boots of Leon S. Kennedy and experience his action-packed journey closer than ever with PlayStation®VR2. This immersive new way to enjoy the award-winning title will be available as free DLC for all PlayStation®5 owners of Resident Evil™ 4.
A free demo for Resident Evil 4 VR Mode is creeping to the PlayStation™ Store the same day. The Resident Evil 4 VR Mode Gameplay Demo provides a 360° look at the game’s opening and new features, including the Shooting Range, where players can experiment with weapons and get a feel for the realistic controls.
Resident Evil 4 VR Mode supports the full main story campaign and delivers an added level of immersion to Leon S. Kennedy’s harrowing rescue mission. The experience lets players see the terrifying world directly through Leon’s eyes and soak in his surroundings with the 4K HDR display of PlayStation VR2. Resident Evil 4 VR Mode further enhances the atmosphere with 3D audio so players can hear the threats lurking around every corner.
In addition to grounding players in this hostile environment, Resident Evil 4 VR Mode heightens the realism with PlayStation VR2 Sense™ technology. The intuitive controls provide new ways to interact with the world. Weapons can be handled with natural motions, including unique gestures for reloading specific firearms, such as handguns, shotguns, and rifles. This also extends to the game’s enhanced knife action for those close encounters.
Resident Evil 4 VR Mode also features a Shooting Range mode that provides a training ground to help players hone their combat skills by testing out the aiming, firing, and reload mechanics for each weapon.
Resident Evil 4 is available now across PlayStation 5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam. The title is also set to debut on iPhone 15 Pro and all iPads and Macs with the M1 chip or later on Dec. 20, 2023.
Best-selling gaming headset and accessory maker Turtle Beach Corporation (Nasdaq: HEAR), today unveiled its eagerly anticipated first-wireless controller for Xbox and PC, the Designed for Xbox Turtle Beach® Stealth™ Ultra Wireless Smart Game Controller. Turtle Beach’s new king of wireless game controllers delivers ultra-premium performance through precision-crafted components and customization options for Xbox and PC gamers who demand the best. The Stealth Ultra features Turtle Beach’s proprietary low-latency wireless connectivity to Xbox consoles and Windows PCs, and Bluetooth® for gaming on supported Smart TVs and Android mobile devices. Stealth Ultra’s tactile microswitches provide fast, reliable responses and are designed to last up to five times longer than standard buttons found in other controllers. AntiDrift™ thumbsticks eliminate drift for precise control, and adjustable short and long-pull triggers ensure a response suited to the game being played.
Turtle Beach’s Stealth Ultra Controller also introduces a first-of-its-kind full-color Connected Command Display that lets gamers customize RGB lighting, game & chat audio settings, thumbstick sensitivity, mappable buttons, and more. Plus, patented Turtle Beach technology also lets gamers receive social notifications from their phone in the Connected Command Display dashboard on the controller. The Stealth Ultra also features adjustable power modes with the ability to provide up to 30-hours of battery life on a single charge, with power delivered via the included low-profile charging dock that also acts as a convenient place to store the controller when not in use. Turtle Beach’s Designed for Xbox Stealth Ultra Wireless Smart Controller is available for pre-order today for $199.99 MSRP from www.turtlebeach.com and participating retailers worldwide. Stealth Ultra launches December 15, 2023.
“The Stealth Ultra’s premium components, build quality, and features elevate it beyond any other controller in the market today, and firmly establishes it as the must-have controller for gamers who want the best,” notes Cris Keirn, Interim CEO & SVP of Global Sales, Turtle Beach Corporation. “Turtle Beach controllers have been designed to provide the ultimate in control and to integrate features far exceeding the category. The all-new Stealth Ultra is a supreme testament to that ideal and another clear example of Turtle Beach continuing to deliver on that promise to our fans.”
The Stealth Ultra’s innovative full color Connected Command Display not only keeps gamers connected while playing, but also offers extensive settings and adjustments accessible right on the controller’s dashboard. A patented, Turtle Beach-exclusive feature only available on Stealth Ultra, the Connected Command Display shows social media notifications from your phone on the controller’s dashboard, meaning no more glancing away from the game and missing key moments while checking notifications. The Stealth Ultra’s Connected Command Display also gives players access to on-the-fly adjustments for 10 on-board profiles for different game genres or character loadouts. The display also allows gamers to adjust key controller performance aspects, like button mapping, thumbstick response, dead zones, and vibration intensity, as well as adjusting its visual style with 16.8 million different RGB colors so you can set your preference for aesthetics, notifications, and low battery warnings.
Beyond customization and appearance, the Stealth Ultra is designed for longevity and reliable performance. It features premium materials throughout, including soft-touch finishes and a comfortable ergonomic shape with micro-cooling channels, as well as tactile microswitches rated at a five million click lifecycle in the D-Pad, ABXY cluster, mappable buttons, and bumpers for reliable, faster responses with every press. The Stealth Ultra’s AntiDrift thumbsticks use contactless Hall Effect sensors to enhance accuracy and improve durability, and two extra sets of domed thumbstick caps are included for added customization. The trigger stops are adjustable for short hair triggers in action or FPS games, to full travel distance for fine adjustment of throttle and braking in racing games. Plus, four mappable quick-action buttons let gamers configure their exact control preferences depending on the game being played.
The included low-profile, high-speed charge dock provides Stealth Ultra a convenient place to rest and charge when it’s not in use. There are also a variety of adjustable power modes, including Eco Mode that turns off RGB lighting, allowing gamers to extend the Stealth Ultra’s battery life up to 30-hours on a single charge. High-speed USB 3.0 charging gets the controller back to 100% charge in under two hours. The charge dock also has a built-in USB port for connecting the controller’s wireless transmitter, and only takes up one USB port on Xbox or PC. The Stealth Ultra also comes with a 10ft / 3m USB cable, providing the ability to play and charge when needed.
The Stealth Ultra wouldn’t be a true Turtle Beach game controller without the brand’s standard suite of audio features. As with Turtle Beach’s award-winning Recon and REACT-R controllers, the Stealth Ultra also enhances any wired gaming headset connected via the 3.5mm jack with exclusive Turtle Beach-only audio features, including Superhuman Hearing® for a competitive advantage, EQ audio presets, game and chat volume mix, mic monitoring, and more. Turtle Beach’s Pro-Aim™ Focus Mode also returns in the Stealth Ultra, which allows gamers to tune thumbstick sensitivity for enhanced long-range accuracy and is selectable as a preset for any of the four mappable buttons on the back of the controller.
Dual-rumble motors in the Stealth Ultra’s handles and triggers provide immersive vibration feedback and are also adjustable through the Connected Command Display dashboard. Beyond the Connected Command Display, gamers can also update and adjust the Stealth Ultra’s settings and customization options through the Control Center 2 companion app which will be available on Xbox, PC, Android, and iOS mobile devices. When not in use, the Stealth Ultra controller, charge dock, cables and additional thumbcaps can be stored in the included hardshell travel case. Plus, the travel case features a built-in slot to charge the Stealth Ultra while in its case.
For more information on Turtle Beach’s groundbreaking Stealth Ultra controller and other award-winning controllers, gaming headsets, simulation products, and other gaming accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and YouTube.
Deep Silver and Starbreeze today announced that PAYDAY 3, the ultimate co-op heist shooter fantasy, is rewarding players with some vaulted gems with the Legacy Patch (1.0.2) releasing today.
This major update for PAYDAY 3 brings back fan-favorite heists from PAYDAY 2, known as Legacy Heists, allowing players to relive the thrill and excitement of these classic missions in the franchise’s latest entry, complete with new and additional features.
Cook Off and Turbid Station (Murky Station in PAYDAY 2) have been reimagined to fit the recently launched title, providing a smooth gameplay experience that works alongside the features found in PAYDAY 3.
Today’s Legacy Patch (1.0.2) for PAYDAY 3 offers:
Two Legacy Heists (Cook Off & Turbid Station)
The Transporter skill line
First-person interaction animations
In-game weapon inspect
Added Infamy Points to heist payouts
The “Under Wraps” mask
The “Compact7 Lycan” preset weapon
200+ bug fixes and many balancing and quality-of-life improvements
Continuing with its Year-1 post launch content, PAYDAY 3 players can also look forward to the release of Syntax Error this December.
The four most well-known clown-masked criminals in recent video game history returned from retirement last September in PAYDAY 3 on PC via PC Game Pass, Steam, and the Epic Games Store, as well as Xbox Series X|S, on Console Game Pass, PlayStation 5, and GeForce Now.
GameSir, a leading provider of innovative, high quality gaming peripherals, is thrilled to unveil its latest masterpiece, the GameSir G8 Galileo Mobile Gaming Controller, a groundbreaking innovation that redefines the way gamers experience mobile gaming. Drawing inspiration from the spirit of Galileo, who dared to explore the uncharted universe, the GameSir G8 Galileo is set to be the gateway for gamers to redefine their gaming excellence, merging console-controller design, a moveable Type-C port, and pass-through charging. The GameSir G8 Galileo Mobile Controller is now available for purchase for $79.99/ £79.99/ €89.99 from Amazon UK, Amazon US, Amazon Europe stores and GameSir official website.
The GameSir G8 Galileo Mobile Gaming Controller elevates the mobile gaming experience with its console-sized sticks and buttons. This design ensures exceptional comfort during extended gameplay, akin to holding a console controller in the palm of the hand. Whether navigating treacherous terrain or taking precise shots, the G8 Galileo guarantees expert precision and maximum comfort.
For seamless connectivity, the G8’s cutting-edge movable Type-C port guarantees a dependable connection to gaming devices, delivering unparalleled smoothness and reliability, eradicating cable chaos and pesky disconnects. Boasting Pass-Through Charging, users can bid farewell to disruptions caused by a drained controller, ensuring gameplay remains uninterrupted by charging the users device whilst using the controller.
The GameSir G8 Galileo’s Hall Effect sensing sticks offer 360° seamless pinpoint control, providing the precision and durability that mobile gamers demand. Anti-friction glide rings enhance stick control, reducing stick grinding and extending usage time. In addition, the precision-tuned Hall Effect analog triggers provide unparalleled smoothness and responsiveness, for a competitive advantage in any game. For FPS and action gamers, a quick switch to Hair Trigger Mode is available by holding the M+LT/RT buttons. Whether its precise linear control or ultimate responsiveness, the G8 controller gives the competitive edge required.
The GameSir G8 Galileo is purposefully designed for universal compatibility. Featuring an extendable bridge from 110-185 mm in length and sufficient rear space (13 mm or below in depth) to accommodate a wide range of phone models, including the iPhone 15 series and Android. It’s the perfect choice for mobile gamers seeking adaptability, ensuring a seamless gaming experience.
Designed for pro-level mobile gaming, the GameSir G8 Galileo comes with two additional back buttons, for On-the-Fly Mapping, allowing gamers to map in-game actions instantly. Furthermore, when using the The GameSir APP, the customization and fun of the GameSir G8 controller is taken to the next level with exclusive Android system support. Gamers can create personalized controller profiles by mapping buttons, fine-tuning the D-pad diagonals, and adjusting sticks and triggers zones. It is even possible to set a 0 Deadzone through the APP. Gamers can immerse themselves in exclusive impulse triggers for all their games. The software also provides the convenience of updating firmware for the controller instantly.
For personalized style and individuality, it is possible for gamers to match their unique style with interchangeable magnetic detachable faceplates and customize the stick caps effortlessly to keep the gaming setup fresh and exhilarating.
Going beyond gaming, the GameSir G8 Galileo also offers a blend of style and substance. Laser-Engraved Texture Grips ensure a secure and comfortable hold, while the High-Saturation Fluorescent Ink Buttons add a vibrant, eye-catching touch to the gaming experience.
The GameSir G8 Galileo Mobile Gaming Controller ushers in a new era of gaming excellence, promising gamers an unparalleled level of control and performance.
Rebellion, one of the world’s most successful independent video game developers and publishers, has today released Sniper Elite VR: Winter Warrior, a new VR game for Meta Quest 2, 3 and Pro which takes you behind enemy lines for the ultimate immersive World War II sniping experience. The launch trailer is available to watch here.
Sniper Elite VR: Winter Warrior is available to buy now on the Meta Quest Store for $14.99.
Developed in partnership with Just Add Water, Sniper Elite VR: Winter Warrior features a full story-driven campaign as you relive the memories of the Partisan, a former Italian resistance soldier. Take on the fight to banish the Nazi forces from your homeland and uncover Nazi wonder-weapons that must be destroyed along with those behind the plans.
In addition to the full-length campaign, there are two new game modes: Sniper Hunt and Last Stand. Sniper Hunt is an intense game of cat and mouse that pits you against expert Nazi snipers. Ambush a patrol to lure out a crack enemy sniper and engage in a nail-biting duel. Then relocate, collect ammo and prepare to face the next expert marksman that the enemy has to offer.
Last Stand sees you digging in against waves of enemies. You will have to gather weapons and ammunition, and set traps, before deciding on your strategy to defeat the oncoming forces. Will your strategy be to run and gun, or defend a single location? Either way, there are only two options: survive or die.
The immersion offered by virtual reality helps to greatly enhance the gunplay and handling in all game modes. Hold your sniper rifle with both hands, bring the scope to your eye and hold your breath as you prepare to take the perfect shot. Sniper Elite VR: Winter Warrior also features new weaponry including the M1 Garand, a fan favorite from the Sniper Elite series.
Game features:
Riveting Campaign
Hyper immersive gunplay
Sniper Hunt pits you against expert Nazi sharpshooters
Hold the line in Last Stand against ever increasing waves of enemies
Authentic World War II weaponry
Experience the brutality of X-Ray Kill Cam in VR
Wide range of difficulty, comfort and control options, including sitting/standing
Feel those bullets hit with ProTubeVR and bHaptics support
