Author - Jerry Paxton

Crunchyroll Unveils Huge Plans for Anime Expo 2023

2023/06/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

Crunchyroll, the global leader in bringing the ultimate anime experience to fans, is excited to announce plans for a tremendous return to Anime Expo at the Los Angeles Convention Center from July 1 – 4, 2023. This year, Crunchyroll is bringing a supercharged slate of panels on the hottest new series, next-level activations, world premiere screenings, exclusive merch, and more.

“Crunchyroll is thrilled to attend another amazing Anime Expo with anime experiences curated purposefully for our fans,” said Gita Rebbapragada, Chief Marketing Officer at Crunchyroll. “As anime continues to grow in popularity and become part of the pop culture fabric, Crunchyroll will continue to deliver deeper, richer explorations and in-person experiences of all things anime for fans around the globe.”

All day July 2nd, Crunchyroll will take over the Platinum Ballroom and dress it in orange to create the “Crunchyroll Stage at the JW Marriott”, where world-renowned creators from MAPPA will discuss the biggest names in anime, including Hell’s Paradise. Sharing center stage are all-new titles Metallic Rouge from Studio Bones and KamiErabi GOD.app from NieR creator Yoko Taro. The orange spotlight will also be on world and international premieres for Bungo Stray Dogs Season 5, Link Click Season 2, and Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation Season 2—each accompanied by discussions with series creators!

The Crunchyroll Stage at the JW Marriott is an all-day party—even between panels—with DJ entertainment from Otaku Passport, audience games, contests, exclusive swage, giveaways and prizes. Anime sleuths can take on the Crunchyroll Code Quest—gather hints and clues given out exclusively at the Crunchyroll Stage and enter the secret phrase for a chance to win a PlayStation 5! (*1)

Beyond the Crunchyroll Stage, fans are invited to check out panels discussing fan-favorite series, including JUJUTSU KAISEN, Horimiya: The Missing Pieces, and SPY x FAMILY with Takuya Eguchi—the Japanese voice of Loid Forger. Those looking to get a jump on Crunchyroll’s packed summer season can catch world and international premieres for Undead Murder Farce, The Rising of Shield Hero Season 3, Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 3, and many more!

On the show floor, Crunchyroll’s most advanced booth ever [#3000] will activate with scenes and sounds from hit anime, whisking fans away into beloved worlds. Those that revel in cursed energy may enter The JUJUTSU KAISEN Experience, where fans will find themselves immersed in expansive, iconic moments. Attendees can immortalize their Anime Expo experience at the Hell’s Paradise photo op or take picture-perfect moments in all-new digital photo booths featuring some of the most beloved anime on Crunchyroll, including One Piece, My Hero Academia, and SPY x FAMILY.

No booth is complete without swag! Crunchyroll members are invited to test their skills at the Subscriber Arcade to win exciting prizes. Of course, everyone is welcome to take a bit of Anime Expo home with free swag. Crunchyroll is offering Solo Leveling and Bungo Stray Dogs backpack bags for swag carrying needs, both perfect for filling with Dr. STONE posters; Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation pins; and so much more!

The Crunchyroll Store is setting up shop with more than 60 items, including never-before-seen Anime Expo Exclusive Merch. Purveyors of southern California skate culture can now hit the skatepark on Exclusive Anime Skate Decks, each donning iconic visuals from JUJUTSU KAISEN, Cowboy Bebop, Attack on Titan, SPY x FAMILY, Yu Yu Hakusho, and for those that shred especially hard, Chainsaw Man. Fans can also pull the chord on the exclusive Chainsaw Man Silver Chrome Figure. Additionally, Crunchyroll is unleashing limited reprints from the Team Liquid x Naruto 20 Year Anniversary Collection—the Kyubi Twill Jacket, Hatake Kakashi Vest, and Sakura Skirt will only be available from Crunchyroll at Anime Expo!

Fans and Subscribers looking to refresh can head to the “Crunchyroll Lounge” in the JW Marriot’s Mixing Room. From Saturday, July 1 through Monday, July 3, between 11:00AM and 11:00PM, subscribers can take advantage of anime themed drinks for purchase, pop-up photo ops, free swag, and don’t miss an exclusive mixology experience for Bartender, and more! From 11:00AM to 6:00PM, the lounge is open exclusively for Crunchyroll Subscribers. During this time, Crunchyroll subscribers need only flash their digital subscriber membership card located in the Crunchyroll app for access with up to 3 additional guests. From 6:00PM on, a space in the Crunchyroll Lounge will be open to all guests! (*2)

Tasty anime experiences don’t need to end with Anime Expo! Crunchyroll and Anaheim’s Requiem Cafe teamed up to offer a taste of Konosuba, Link Click, Obey Me!, Sugar Apple Fairy Tale, and Sasaki and Miyano. Through July 15th, fans can enjoy exclusive giveaways, drinks, and food based on these fan favorite series!

Check out the full Anime Expo line up where you can find Crunchyroll:

MAPPA PANEL IN LA

Saturday, July 1 | 3:00 PM PT

JW Marriott – Platinum Ballroom

The CEO and a producer of MAPPA will discuss behind-the-scenes of some of the up-coming anime titles! This is the first overseas face-to-face event for MAPPA’s first original movie.

  • Panelists: Manabu Ostuka, Makoto Kimura

  • Host: Crunchyroll’s Kyle Cardine

STUDIO KAFKA X THE ANCIENT MAGUS BRIDE SEASON 2

Saturday, July 1 | 3:30 PM PT

Los Angeles Convention Center – Room 408

Studio Kafka is known for its elaborate craftsmanship with its signature title: The Ancient Magus’ Bride SEASON 2. Here is a chance for you to meet the main staff! Live-drawing, cosplay, and learn about the behind-the-scenes production! It’s the first time the creative team is at Anime Expo.

SPY x FAMILY PANEL FEATURING TAKUYA EGUCHI

Saturday, July 1 | 5:00 PM PT

Los Angeles Convention Center – Main Events Hall

Join Crunchyroll and Takuya Eguchi, the Japanese voice of Loid Forger, as we discuss all things SPY x FAMILY.

  • Panelists: Takuya Eguchi

  • Host: Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: NEW SIMULCAST PREMIERES ROUND 1

Saturday, July 1 | 7:00 PM PT

Los Angeles Convention Center – Room 403

Don’t miss your chance to be the first to catch the newest anime premieres from Japan, all in one place! Featuring early screenings with never-before-seen content, you won’t want to miss this! Each premiere session features unique and exclusive content, so go and watch them all!

  • Sweet Reincarnation – Episode 1

  • Malevolent Spirits: Monogatari – Cour 2, Episode 1

  • Masamune-kun’s Revenge R – Episode 1

MAPPA x CRUNCHYROLL

Sunday, July 2 | 11:30 AM PT

Crunchyroll Stage at the JW Marriott

Join MAPPA’s production staff for a behind-the-scenes discussion of some of Studio MAPPA’s most popular titles, in collaboration with Crunchyroll!

  • Panelists: Manabu Ostuka, Makoto Kimura, Kiyoshi Matsuda, Kaori Makita

  • Host: Crunchyroll’s Kyle Cardine

THE ART AND MEDIUMS OF STORYTELLING

Sunday, July 2 | 1:00 PM PT

Crunchyroll Stage at the JW Marriott

Meet the all-star group of storytelling and creative visionaries behind NieR:Automata (Yoko Taro), Fire Force (Atsushi Ohkubo), Knights of Sidonia (Hiroyuki Seshita), Kagerou Project (Jin), and many other titles. Explore the art of storytelling and the various mediums through which those stories reach the masses. From their latest upcoming work, KamiErabi GOD.app to many more!

  • Panelists: Yoko Taro, Atsuhi Ohkubo, Hiroyuki Seshita, Jin

  • Host: Crunchyroll’s Kyle Cardine

STUDIO BONES 25th ANNIVERSARY PANEL

Sunday, July 2 | 2:30 PM  PT

Crunchyroll Stage at the JW Marriott

Celebrating the history and legacy of Studio BONES from their early works through to the works of today such as Metallic Rouge. Featuring special guests Masahiko Minami (President of BONES) and Toshihiro Kawamoto (Cowboy Bebop Character Designer), there may even be a surprise!

  • Panelists: Masahiko Minami, Toshihiro Kawamoto

  • Host: Crunchyroll’s Kyle Cardine

JUJUTSU KAISEN PANEL, PRESENTED BY CRUNCHYROLL

Sunday, July 2 | 3:00 PM PT

Los Angeles Convention Center – Main Events Hall

Join Crunchyroll and special guests from the team behind the mega-hit JUJUTSU KAISEN as they discuss working on the show, and its upcoming highly anticipated second season!

  • Panelists: Manabu Otsuka, Ryota Ikeda, Masaya Saito

  • Host: Crunchyroll’s Tim Lyu

WORLD PREMIERE OF BUNGO STRAY DOGS S5 FEATURING KAFKA ASAGIRI, MASAHIKO MINAMI, AND CHIAKI KURAKANE

Sunday, July 2 | 4:00 PM PT

Crunchyroll Stage at the JW Marriott

Join BSD creator Kafka Asagiri, Masahiko Minami (president of Studio BONES), and Kadokawa Producer Chiaki Kurakane as they revisit the life of Bungo Stray Dogs leading up to the S5 World Premiere which will exclusively debut during the panel.

  • Panelists: Kafka Asagiri, Masahiko Minami, Chiaki Kurakane

  • Host: Crunchyroll’s Chris Han

MUSHOKU TENSEI: JOBLESS REINCARNATION SEASON 2 NORTH AMERICAN PREMIERE

Sunday, July 2 | 5:30 PM PT

Crunchyroll Stage at the JW Marriott

Catch the North American premiere of the second season of hit isekai series, Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation, along with special guest, Producer Nobuhiro Osawa!

  • Panelist: Nobuhiro Osawa

  • Host: Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore

ONE PIECE EPISODE 1000 DUB WORLD PREMIERE

Sunday, July 2 | 6:00 PM PT

Grammy Museum Terrace

Toei Animation and Crunchyroll will co-host the “One Piece Episode 1000 Dub World Premiere” on July 2 at the GRAMMY Museum at L.A. Live. Premiere screening of the 1000th dub episode, live drawing, Q&A, autograph signing session with “One Piece” animators, dub actors, and a variety of fan experiences.

LINK CLICK SEASON 2 PREMIERE WITH DIRECTOR

Sunday, July 2 | 7:00 PM PT

Crunchyroll Stage at the JW Marriott

Everyone’s favorite photography based problem solvers are back! Don’t miss your chance to watch the North American premiere of Link Click Season 2, along with special guest Haoliong Li, director of Link Click!

  • Panelists: Haoliong Li

  • Host: Crunchyroll’s Tim Lyu

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: NEW SIMULCAST PREMIERES ROUND 2

Monday, July 3 | 12:00 PM PT

JW Marriott – Diamond Ballroom

Don’t miss your chance to be the first to catch the newest anime premieres from Japan, all in one place! Featuring early screenings with never-before-seen content, you won’t want to miss this! Each premiere session features unique and exclusive content, so go and watch them all!

  • The Rising of Shield Hero 3 – Episode 1

  • MF Ghost – Episode 1

  • My Unique Skill Makes Me OP even at Level 1 – Episode 1

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: NEW SIMULCAST PREMIERES ROUND 3

Monday, July 3 | 2:00 PM PT

JW Marriott – Diamond Ballroom

Don’t miss your chance to be the first to catch the newest anime premieres from Japan, all in one place! Featuring early screenings with never-before-seen content, you won’t want to miss this! Each premiere session features unique and exclusive content, so go and watch them all!

  • Sugar Apple Fairy Tale Season 2 – Episode 1

  • AYAKA – Episode 1 & 2

CRUNCHYROLL INDUSTRY PANEL

Monday, July 3 | 3:30 PM PT

Los Angeles Convention Center – Petree Hall

Hear about all the latest and greatest anime coming out of Crunchyroll straight from the source!

  • Host: Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore & Tim Lyu

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: UNDEAD MURDER FARCE WORLD PREMIERE

Monday, July 3 | 5:00 PM PT

Los Angeles Convention Center – Room 403

Catch the world premiere of Undead Murder Farce with Crunchyroll! Two full episodes! The 19th century — a world inhabited by vampires, golems, werewolves and other paranormal creatures. Immortal beauty and disembodied head Aya Rindo, along with half-human-half-demon “Demon Killer” Tsugaru Shunichi and her loyal maid Shizuku Hasei, travels through Europe as supernatural detective “The Cage User,” on a quest to reclaim her lost body.

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: GRIDMAN UNIVERSE PREMIERE

Monday, July 3 | 6:00 PM PT

JW Marriott – Diamond Ballroom

Crunchyroll is proud to present the US premiere of Gridman Universe. Brought to you by Tsuburaya Productions and Trigger, superheroes and giant robots collide in an all-new animated film.

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: NEW SIMULCAST PREMIERES ROUND 4

Monday, July 3 | 6:30 PM PT

Los Angeles Convention Center – Room 403

Don’t miss your chance to be the first to catch the newest anime premieres from Japan, all in one place! Featuring early screenings with never-before-seen content, you won’t want to miss this! Each premiere session features unique and exclusive content, so go and watch them all!

  • Saint Cecilla and Pastor Lawrence – Episode 1

  • I Shall Survive Using Potions! – Episode 1

  • Firefighter! Daigo of Fire Company M – Episode 1

HORIMIYA: THE MISSING PIECES PANEL BY CRUNCHYROLL & ANIPLEX

Tuesday, July 4 | 10:30 AM PT

Los Angeles Convention Center – Room 408

Crunchyroll is proud to bring you Horimiya: The Missing Pieces panel featuring special guests Koki Uchiyama (Izumi Miyamura) and Director Masashi Ishihama! Don’t miss your chance to hear about all things Horimiya straight from the director and Miyamura himself, including a special sneak peek of an upcoming episode!

Panelist: Koki Uchiyama, Masashi Ishihama

Host: Crunchyroll’s Lauren Moore

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: FREE! – THE FINAL STROKE PART 2 US PREMIERE

Tuesday, July 4 | 11:00 AM PT

Los Angeles Convention Center – Room 403

Crunchyroll is proud to bring you the US premiere of Free! The Final Stroke Part 2! The world in water is not comfortable for Haruka anymore, what awaits him in his final swim?

CRUNCHYROLL PRESENTS: NEW SIMULCAST PREMIERES ROUND 5

Tuesday,  July 4 | 1:45 PM PT

Los Angeles Convention Center – Room 403

Don’t miss your chance to be the first to catch the newest anime premieres from Japan, all in one place! Featuring early screenings with never-before-seen content, you won’t want to miss this! Each premiere session features unique and exclusive content, so go and watch them all!

  • I’m in Love with the Villainess – Episode 1 & 2

  • Rent-a-Girlfriend Season 3 – Episode 1 & 2

ANIME IN LATIN AMERICA 101 POWERED BY CRUNCHYROLL
Tuesday, July 4 | 3:00 PM PT
Los Angeles Convention Center – Room 404

How did anime become such a force in Latin America? How are Latino audiences driving success across genres and titles? Join Latino professionals from across the industry for a deep dive into Latin America’s history with anime and the broader relationship between Latinos and the medium.

  • Panelist: Kate Sánchez, Editor in Chief of But Why Tho?; Rafael Motamayor, Journalist; Cristal Marie; Josellie Ríos, Director of Marketing at Crunchyroll.

  • Host: TBD

Details subject to change. Updates can be found on Crunchyroll News!

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game Launches Today

2023/06/13
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News

S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game is the newest game from Awaken Realms, creators of many critically acclaimed games such as This War of Mine: TBG, Tainted Grail, and Nemesis. One of the most anticipated games of this year is launching today at 5 PM CEST with their crowdfunding campaign on Gamefound.

The game is created in a collaboration with Ukrainian developers from GSC Game World, a studio working on S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl, and sci-fi writers Marcin Mortka and Michał Gołkowski – authors of multiple S.T.A.L.K.E.R. books on GSC license.

Moreover, Polish board game producers and Ukrainian developers are working on other projects for all the fans of the Zone and Stalker universe. A big box of collectibles with masterpiece craftsmanship and a bunch of Stalker inspired goodies packed into the themed metal chest. “This is a set that every Stalker fan should definitely look forward to! Inside the box you will find awesome pieces of the finest craft from Awaken Realms” – the producer says.

The S.T.A.L.K.E.R. Legacy Collectors Chest will include an awesome and highly-detailed Stalker diorama, representing the most important places and enemies of the Zone in a level of detail that has never been seen before. Accompanied with a bunch of collectibles like Stalker-themed coasters and magnets, faction patches, neoprene mats and metal posters. All hidden in the special metal box perfectly suiting the collection.

Whatsmore, this special Collectors Chest will include free shipping independently of other board game products offered and is not scheduled with the S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Premiere.

If you don’t want to miss out on your chance to own this incredible collection, make sure to follow S.T.A.L.K.E.R. The Board Game on Gamefound to stay up to date with all the updates from Awaken Realms.

Last Train Home Announcement Trailer

2023/06/12
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Ashborne Games & THQ Nordic announce its debut, Last Train Home – an epic survival strategy game about Czechoslovak legionaires inspired by real events after World War I.

The Great War is over – the fight continues. Command a legion of soldiers desperately trying to make their way home amidst the chaos of civil war. Lead them through the unforgiving wilderness onboard an armored train. Manage your crew and resources and try to survive.

Watch the game trailer:

The game was first shown to the world at the PC Gaming Show on June 11. It is now possible to add it to the wishlist on Steam, where it will be released in 2023. The title is being created by a 50-member team cooperating with the Czechoslovak Legionary Community providing historical consultations and support.

Add the game to your wishlist on Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1469610

“Last Train Home is a story of a desperate journey where soldiers stranded in an enemy country during a civil war simply want to return home. It’s more than just an RTS, as it contains a persistent layer that adds consequences to your decisions. Last Train Home is inspired by real historical events after the Great War, challenging times when Czechoslovak soldiers had to travel over the Trans-Siberian railway to return to their newborn country. It lets you catch a thing or two about forgotten parts of history while enjoying a challenging journey through harsh Siberia.” – Petr Kolář, Studio Manager.

Last Train Home Key Features:

  • PICK YOUR BATTLES: Deploy your squad and complete diverse objectives in a series of real-time missions where specialist combat skills, planning, and superior tactics will lead you to victory.
  • EQUIP YOUR SOLDIERS: Level up your men by unlocking new skills and gathering better equipment – discover their stories, assign medals, and help them rise up through the ranks.
  • MANAGE YOUR CREW: Direct your soldiers in their non-combat roles onboard the train. Craft items, heal your wounded, and restore morale for the arduous journey home.
  • UPGRADE YOUR TRAIN: Unlock your armored train’s full potential by upgrading the carriages and locomotive and oversee important maintenance work to keep it running.
  • JOURNEY THROUGH SIBERIA: Stockpile and trade supplies, make new allies, and overcome crisis after crisis as civil war rages across the vast snowfields of Siberia.
  • BASED ON HISTORICAL EVENTS: The Last Train Home, is compelling narrative that portrays the experiences of the Czechoslovak Legion and their valiant fight on behalf of the Entente powers during World War I.

Capcom Showcase Unveils New Dragon’s Dogma 2 Details and So Much More

2023/06/12
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Industry News, News, Trailers / Videos

Today’s Capcom Showcase provided a glimpse at the latest releases coming from the storied publisher. The digital broadcast unveiled new updates on upcoming and recently released titles, including the latest dinosaur forecast on Exoprimal™ unveiling its second Open Beta Test, and a closer look at the puzzling mysteries of Ghost Trick™: Phantom Detective. The Capcom Showcase also announced multiple titles including the alluring Japan-inspired world of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess, the return of Machiavellian courtroom machinations in Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney™ Trilogy, and a data dive into the world of Mega Man™ X DiVE Offline. Finally, viewers got a look at the road ahead for competitors in Street Fighter™ 6, an introduction to the engrossing fantasy world of Dragon’s Dogma™ 2, the latest update on Pragmata™ and more!

The entire Capcom Showcase is available to view on the official Capcom YouTube and Twitch channels. Individual assets and trailers for each game are also available on the Capcom Press Center.

Exoprimal Summons New Open Beta, PvE Challenge Mode, and Exosuit Variants

Suit up, Exofighters! Today’s dinosaur forecast revealed that a second Exoprimal Open Beta Test is imminent. The online team-based action returns Thursday, June 15 at 5:00pm PDT – Sunday, June 18 at 4:59pm PDT across Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Steam. The Open Beta Test 2 includes new elements, including 10-player co-op missions and story content that provides a more in-depth look at the ever-changing main game mode, Dino Survival. Open Beta Test 2 participants will also qualify to receive the “Flash” Zephyr skin as special bonus item in the full game.

The Capcom Showcase debuted the first glimpse of a new Exosuit variant, the Deadeye Alpha: Burst Fire. Director Takuro Hiraoka also introduced a special co-op mode, Savage Gauntlet, which challenges teams of five players with PvE missions that rotate weekly. Beyond survival, teams can compete with other squads around the world for fastest completion times. To learn more about Savage Gauntlet and Exosuit variants, tune in to the Xbox Games Showcase: Extended on June 13 at 10:00am PDT.

Exoprimal releases July 14 for Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Windows, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Steam. The game also launches on day one with Xbox Game Pass for console, PC, and Cloud.

A Deadly Demo for Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective is Out Now!

It’s been thirteen years since the original release of Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective and legendary producer Shu Takumi wants to prepare players for the rebirth of the spirited classic! Takumi invites detectives around the world to begin investigating the thrilling mystery of Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective with a demo now available on PlayStation®4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™, and PC via Steam.

The Capcom Showcase provided a sneak peek into the spirit realm with a tutorial on how to use the powers of the dead. Possess and trick items to help Sissel – our hero and main character – change the fates of the living and get one step closer to solving the mystery of his own death.

Prepare to possess Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective by pre-ordering now to receive additional bonus content, including four side banner images and two background music tracks! Pre-orders are now available on Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam. Bonus content will be available to PlayStation 4 users if purchased before July 31, 2023. The mysterious adventure launches on June 30, 2023!

First Gameplay Details for Dragon’s Dogma 2

Dragon’s Dogma 2 Director Hideaki Itsuno joined the Capcom Showcase to provide a deeper look at combat, Pawns, and gameplay systems for the hotly anticipated action-RPG. The vocations players choose shape whether they tackle foes with swords at their side or magick incantations, and varied elements such as terrain and enemies create dynamic combat scenarios throughout the game. AI-controlled Pawns return from the original Dragon’s Dogma™ and accompany players throughout their journey to form a party of up to four characters. In addition to customizing their Arisen, players can also personalize their main Pawn, who can in turn be recruited by other players’ Arisen to borrow their skills and knowledge. What Pawns learn through these experiences will be reflected in their behavior, making them worthy player companions.

Dragon’s Dogma 2 harnesses the power of the RE ENGINE to create a world map about four times the size of the original Dragon’s Dogma that is densely populated with enemies, events, and locations rendered with the latest graphical technology. The environment is complemented by immersive physics and character AI that brings Pawns, monsters, and NPCs to life. Pawns organically guide players to new locations, dynamically cooperate during battle, and even react to special moments such as celebrating narrow victories with high-fives. Monsters new and old encourage players to devise numerous strategies to succeed in combat, or even avoid it all together. NPCs, such as the bow-wielding Ulrika who has a deep connection to the Arisen, or the high priestess of the beastren Nadinia, will form intricate relationships with the Arisen that set the stage for nuanced story moments.

New information on vocations and other experiences unique to Dragon’s Dogma 2 will be shared in the future. Dragon’s Dogma 2 is in development for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Court is Back in Session – Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is Set for 2024!

Hold it! Get ready to battle for justice when Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy brings courtroom catharsis and devious legal duels to Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4, Xbox One, Windows, and Steam Look forward to the collection, which includes Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Dual Destinies, and Phoenix Wright: Ace Attorney – Spirit of Justice, coming in 2024!

The Capcom Showcase unveiled new features coming to Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy that take Apollo’s trials and tribulations to a new level with the help of Phoenix Wright and Athena Cykes! Players can now experience the courtroom in full HD in seven languages, including Japanese, English, French, German, Korean, Traditional Chinese, and Simplified Chinese. Voice recordings are available for these languages as well!

Stay tuned because evidence suggests more news about Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney Trilogy is coming soon!

Experience the Story of an All-New Kami with Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess

The Capcom Showcase announced a brand-new tale that invites players to explore an incredible world with Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess coming to Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation 5, and Steam. Following in the tradition of unique titles such as Okami™ and SHINSEKAI　Into the Depths™, players will experience a unique blend of strategy and action in this Japanese-inspired world brought to life through the power of the RE ENGINE.

Witness an epic clash between the spirit realm and mortal man, as the villagers fight to cleanse the holy mountain on which they live. Foul creatures called the Seethe have besieged the mountain, drawn to the defilement that has spread throughout the villages. To purify the land and seal away the Seethe, the Spirit Stone Maiden must perform a rite of cleansing—but she requires a guide to clear her path.
More details about Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be revealed in the future, but for now, we invite players to immerse themselves in the mysterious story of the Kami.

Street Fighter™ 6 – The Hits Keep Coming!

Street Fighter 6, which recently announced that it surpassed 1 million sales and more than 50 million franchise sales, spotlighted the game’s three core game modes – including World Tour, Fighting Ground, and Battle Hub – and showcased the upcoming hype of Street Fighter 6 esports! Capcom Pro Tour 2023 will feature Online Premiers, Offline Premiers, and World Warrior Events with a $1 million prize for the winner of Capcom Cup X. Street Fighter League: Pro JP 2023 will begin on July 7 with nine teams, 36 players, and the opportunity to be crowned the best team in Japan on the line!

Get all the latest info at the Street Fighter 6 website, Capcom Pro Tour website, and Street Fighter League website. Street Fighter 6 is available now across PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam.

MEGA MAN™ X DiVE Offline Rolls Out This Year!

Cyberspace needs urgent repairs! DiVE into the Deep Log and rescue data from the games in the Mega Man™ X series when MEGA MAN™ X DiVE Offline launches later this year for Steam, iOS, and Android.

Jump into battle as the Maverick Hunter Mega Man X and an array of new and familiar faces from the Mega Man™ franchise, including Zero, Proto Man, Bass, Sigma, Axl, and MegaMan.EXE. Save the Deep Log by traversing over 900 playable stages, vanquishing fan-favorite bosses, powering up weapons, and unlocking more than 100 customizable characters. By taking part in a wide variety of quests, players can earn rewards to upgrade and customize characters to unlock even more quests! MEGA MAN X DiVE Offline provides players the opportunity to fully explore the Deep Log with rich content to enjoy offline.

A Glimpse of Pragmata

The Capcom Showcase also debuted a new trailer for Pragmata featuring gameplay footage. Alongside a glimpse of the sci-fi action-adventure game’s futuristic lunar setting, the video saw heroine Diana share the message that the title’s release window has been postponed. The development team appreciates everyone’s patience as they work to deliver the best possible experience for players.

Pragmata is currently in development for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Capcom 40th Anniversary

Capcom celebrates its 40th anniversary this month, and today, festivities continued with details regarding the many exciting experiences in Capcom Town, a digital theme park that commemorates the historic milestone. Fans can enjoy various attractions such as taking a stroll through a digital museum to view artwork and other materials from the publisher’s storied history, playing classic Capcom titles, and visiting the castle to vote in the Capcom elections for their favorite characters and games to receive rewards for participating. Even more attractions await, so come celebrate 40 years of Capcom with us.

Star Trucker Announcement Trailer

2023/06/12
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

The open road doesn’t get more open than this! Indie developer Monster and Monster has hitched a ride with out-of-this-world publisher Raw Fury to announce Star Trucker, a retro-futuristic space truck simulator featuring RPG elements, an eclectic cast of fully voiced truckers, an original soundtrack packed with galactic country and starburst blues, and much more.

Revealed at the Future Games Show, jump into the driver’s seat of an intergalactic big rig as you haul cargo, trade salvage, and search for fortune out among the stars on PC in 2024.

Star Trucker combines the fun and immersion of the truck sim genre with a retro-futuristic take on classic trucking stories for a truly unique sci-fi experience. Haul your cargo across the vastness of space, exploring rich environments, beautiful wonders, and dangerous hazards.

Discover bustling sectors filled with truckers, stations, shipyards, traders, interactive CB radio chatter, and more as you plan your route and navigate across the galaxy (tolls may apply!).

Master your skills with zero-g physics inside and outside of your vehicle, docking, towing and drifting while taking spacewalks to perform essential maintenance and keep your rig in peak condition. Your truck is yours to command: upgrade its systems to gain access to new destinations, and personalize its appearance to ride in style. Star Trucker provides the ultimate escapism experience where the whole galaxy is open for business!

Key Features

  • Navigate a dynamic galaxy populated with fellow truckers, stellar events and hazards
  • Unlock a wide range of haulage jobs, trailer types, suppliers and cargo
  • Customize your rig with an extensive collection of parts and paint jobs
  • Spacewalk to perform essential maintenance and collect salvage
  • Trade small goods and contraband based on an ever-shifting galactic economy
  • Use your CB radio to interact with a fully voiced cast of characters for an authentic trucking experience

Undead Inc. Announcement Trailer

2023/06/12
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Team17 Digital and Rightsized Games have announced roguelike resource management game Undead Inc. at the PC Gaming Show. Coming to PC, Undead Inc. welcomes players to step into the role of managing director of their very own Endswell Medical franchise. Already an established successful and lucrative pharmaceuticals company, players will have to grow the business, keep the money flowing, meet the targets set by an increasingly hungry board of directors … and keep the bodies buried by absolutely any means necessary.

The Director will see you now:

Running a successful corporation requires sacrifice, but as all good CEOs and MDs know, the sacrifice needn’t be their own. As the public-facing arm of Endswell Medical keeps things running above ground (and above board) its nefarious underbelly is where the real transformative and lucrative magic happens. Players will research and develop bioweapons, questionable pharmaceuticals, and dangerous technology for sale to the highest bidder, all while keeping any … situations … literally and figuratively behind closed doors.

Of course, eventually the truth will out, and to continue Endswell Medical’s ambitious growth strategy players will have to uproot their operation, grab armfuls of money, equipment, and other unmentionables on the way out – enough to establish a brand-new corporation in the next town over – and start the cycle anew.

Undead Inc. Key Features

  • Research above all: The money won’t make itself, and the most lucrative adventures require a less than ethical path: Deadly bioweapons, questionable pharmaceuticals, illegal technology – nothing is off the table
  • All about the base: Choose from several different biomes to build a base of operations, each with its own opportunities and challenges
  • The end comes for us all: Eventually, the directors’ crimes will catch up with them, so prepare to flee with as much cash, drugs, and research to fund the next Big Pharma in the next town over
  • Management is key to success: Hiring the cheapest labour might sound like a good fit, but ultimately, loose lips sink ships – the right person in the right position can spell the difference between success and a bioweapon on the loose
  • The Director will see you now: Being at the top is tough, and choosing the right director to stand at the helm of the newest Endswell Medical franchise is imperative to success, each on boasts their own special abilities, buffs, back stories, and scenarios … Choose wisely.

Final Fantasy XVI Demo Available Now

2023/06/12
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News

Today, SQUARE ENIX® released a free consumer demo for FINAL FANTASY®XVI, the latest standalone entry in the critically-acclaimed FINAL FANTASY franchise, ahead of its highly anticipated launch on June 22 for PlayStation®5 (PS5™) consoles. The consumer demo was revealed during the FINAL FANTASY XVI Pre-Launch Celebration in Los Angeles yesterday, which hosted hundreds of fans and guests who celebrated the upcoming launch with a variety of activities, on-stage announcements and panels.

An archive of the event livestream, which recapped the on-stage activities is available at:
https://www.twitch.tv/videos/1843958486

At the FINAL FANTASY XVI Pre-Launch Celebration, FINAL FANTASY XVI Producer Naoki Yoshida announced that the FINAL FANTASY XVI Demo will give fans interested in starting the adventure early access to the opening prologue, with saved progress carrying over to the full game after its release. In the demo, take control of Clive Rosfield at the start of his epic tale and learn about his ambitions and goals, as he endures a tragic event sending him on a dark and dangerous path of revenge. Completing the prologue allows players to experience a special battle demo which has numerous abilities unlocked, giving them the opportunity to jump into exhilarating battles and test out a wide array of devastating attacks and combos.

Players can download the FINAL FANTASY XVI Demo at:
https://store.playstation.com/product/UP0082-PPSA13802_00-FF16DEMO00000000

Additionally, a new trailer, titled “ASCENSION,” was revealed. The trailer provided a further glimpse of what fans can expect in the high-octane action-RPG.

The latest FINAL FANTASY XVI trailer, “ASCENSION” is available at:
https://youtu.be/iaJ4VVFGIa8

Further, in partnership with creative agency Anomaly, SQUARE ENIX revealed a short film at the event, titled “Requiem.” The three minute 30 second film is directed by Diego Contreras and features live actors, along with a moving score composed by the game’s Composer Masayoshi Soken, further bringing to life the game’s immersive story.

The live action short film, titled “Requiem,” is available at:
https://youtu.be/iK_8iCINO6M

FINAL FANTASY XVI introduces players to an all-new story in the FINAL FANTASY universe, an epic dark fantasy that takes place in the realm of Valisthea – a land blessed in the light of the Mothercrystals, and where peace falters as the spread of the Blight threatens to destroy their dominions. The fate of the land is decided by the Eikons, mighty summoned beasts and their Dominants, men and women who have been blessed with the ability to call upon and wield them. This is the tale of Clive Rosfield, a warrior granted the title “First Shield of Rosaria” and sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix, Eikon of Fire. Before long, Clive will be caught up in a great tragedy and swear revenge on the Dark Eikon known as Ifrit, a mysterious entity that brings calamity in its wake.

FINAL FANTASY XVI is rated M (Mature) and will be available for the PlayStation®5 console on June 22, 2023.

Baldur’s Gate 3 Unveils the City of Baldur’s Gate in New Trailer

2023/06/12
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News

Hot on the heels of last week’s Summer Game Fest – which revealed award-winning actor Jason Isaacs in the role of Baldur’s Gate 3’s second major villain – at today’s PC Gaming Show, Larian Studios provided players their first look at the iconic Forgotten Realms city of Baldur’s Gate in decades.

Opening on an image of the sprawling waters of the Chionthar River, in-game footage reveals a fully next-gen reimagining of this iconic fantasy setting while the development team discusses the daunting undertaking of recreating Baldur’s Gate for a modern RPG.

The city of Baldur’s Gate is a metropolis of labyrinthine streets, with alleys, temples, and crowded public houses teeming with life, and stories woven into the lives of every local you encounter.

Baldur’s Gate is back and bigger than ever

“We can put lots more of the city on screen than we could in 1998,” narrative design expert Lawrence Schick explains, “We can do something that is more immersive, richer, has more texture to it.”

The city itself is also bigger than any iteration of this setting that’s come before it. The streets – which span the menacing roads of the Outer City, the opulent estates of the Upper City, and the dark alleys of the Lower City – are populated with a rich cast of characters, each possessing their own untold stories, well-kept secrets, and personal reactions.

“You have crowds that are walking around everywhere. You can talk to pretty much anybody, and they react to every single thing,” says Swen Vincke, creative director at Larian Studios. “It’s very alive in that sense.”

“One of the things that’s done is it’s added this level of believability and immersion and also complexity that wouldn’t have been there otherwise,” adds associate writing lead Chrystal Ding. “It feels like you are walking around a place where there are lots and lots of people living their actual lives.”

Larian originally prototyped Baldur’s Gate as a series of smaller contained regions connected by teleports, but mid-way into developing the city, decided to make some major changes.

“[Swen] said, like, can’t we just connect everything?” reminisces world building director Farhang Namdar. “And that was an interesting day.”

Come launch, players will be stepping foot in a Baldur’s Gate made up of three seamless open world districts. No matter if you’re investigating underground crypts, wandering the chambers of a towering citadel, or descending into hidden cellars, there will be no visible loading screens to interrupt your experience.

“We spent I think three times, four times more effort on the city than we originally planned to, but the result, the feeling of walking in there, is just fantastic,” says Vincke. “So, the thing that I was the most afraid of when we started making this game turned out to be the thing that I’m the most proud of.”

Players can experience the city for themselves when Baldur’s Gate 3 releases on PC & PS5 on August 31, 2023.

Cyberpunk 2077 Phantom Liberty Trailer Dev Breakdown Video

2023/06/12
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

CD PROJEKT RED released a new video today covering the latest trailer for Phantom Liberty, the upcoming spy-thriller expansion to Cyberpunk 2077, with keen developer insight into the new adventure’s story and setting.

In the video, Narrative Director of Phantom Liberty Igor Sarzyński, together with Senior Communication Manager Paweł Burza go over key scenes of the trailer as they watch it, discussing the events, characters, and locations presented for the first time during the Xbox Games Showcase, including the real-life and genre inspirations behind some of them — all from a set styled after one of the locales players will explore in Phantom Liberty.

In Phantom Liberty, players once again take on the role of V, a cyberpunk for hire, as they embark on a mission to save the President of the New United States of America after her orbital shuttle is shot down over the deadliest district of Night City — Dogtown. What follows is a deep dive into an intricate story of espionage and political intrigue which connects the highest echelons of power with the brutal world of black-market mercenaries. The stakes are larger than life, but so is the reward — your very survival.

Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty releases September 26th, 2023 for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC (GOG, Steam, Epic Games Store), and is available for pre-order right now. For more information on both the base game and the upcoming expansion, visit the official website, as well as follow the game on Facebook and Twitter.

Layers of Fear (2023) Cinematic Trailer

2023/06/11
Jerry Paxton
Geek News, Halloween, News, PlayStation 5 News, Trailers / Videos, Windows PC News, Xbox Series X News

With less than a week before the global release of Layers of Fear (2023), Bloober Team and Anshar Studios debuted a new, cinematic story trailer at the Future Games Show today, depicting the story of The Writer, the recently introduced a new protagonist in the series. Hers is a harrowing tale that ties each entry in the series together. Showcasing a mysterious lighthouse and alluding to past horrors, this trailer invites players to gain a glimpse of the terrors that await them when the game launches on June 15th for Windows PCs, Mac and current generation console hardware.

Layers of Fear (2023) is a tribute to fans of the series both new and old. This franchise has helped shape Bloober Team’s core goal of delivering high-quality psychological horror games, and this new title represents the definitive Layers of Fear experience, making it the series’ crowning work. Speaking on the game’s impending release, Bloober Team CEO Piotr Babiano had this to say:

“The official premiere of Layers of Fear is just around the corner, and it’s no secret that everyone at Bloober Team and Anshar Studios has been waiting for this moment for a long time. We are thus closing an important chapter in our history, and are very much interested in general feedback from the Layers of Fear community. We hope that fans of the series—as well as new players—will enjoy the unique atmosphere of the game and immerse themselves fully in it. We wish you great fun, as much as we were having during the development process!”

Built on Unreal Engine 5, Layers of Fear supports Ray Tracing, HDR and 4K resolution to make the stunning visuals, and your nightmarish experience, as immersive and realistic as possible. The game will launch on PC, PS5, Apple Silicon Mac and Xbox Series X|S on June 15th, 2023, and the Standard Edition containing the base game will be released at $29.99. Players can also enjoy the deluxe edition for $34.99 USD, which includes a digital artbook and soundtrack by Arek Reikowski, a Hollywood Music in Media Awards nominee who previously scored other acclaimed Bloober Team titles including Blair Witch, Observer: System Redux and The Medium.

The developers will also be offering a special, limited-timed 30% discount for both the Standard and Deluxe Editions of Layers of Fear (2023). This veteran player discount will be eligible to anyone who has previously purchased either Layers of Fear (2016) or / and Layers of Fear 2, active from launch day (June 15th) through to June 29th, 2023 16:00 UTC. Additionally, Bloober Team will offer a 15% launch discount, available for a week for everyone.

Layers of Fear (2023) Key Features:

  • The Ultimate Layers of Fear Experience – The series’s crowning work casts an overarching narrative over the entire franchise.
  • Horror Reimagined – Everything in the Layers of Fear series melds together into a single experience, including all DLCs, so players can find all the answers they seek.
  • Shocking New Looks – Enhanced with Unreal Engine 5’s improved technology. This version offers a more immersive horror experience with the addition of Ray Tracing, HDR, 4K resolution, and the Lumen system.
  • Psychological Horror – A grim but gripping first-person psychedelic horror game focused on tense exploration, puzzle-solving, and immersive storytelling. Discover what lies in the depths of the human psyche with this mature, cathartic game.
  • New tricks – New brand-new core mechanics that will be introduced to Layers of Fear and its sequel, as well as additional features, so all the chapters and stories will blend seamlessly
  • Horror Through the Many Lenses of Art – Explore the depths of obsession with three different stories of craft-obsessed protagonists (The Painter, The Actor and The Writer) which are interwoven to create a truly immersive experience and gripping storyline
  • Classical, Ominous Soundtrack – Hauntingly beautiful soundtrack composed by the highly-acclaimed musician Arek Reikowski. He has composed a hypnotic score that adds an extra layer of tension to the game and will leave you on the edge of your seat

Layers of Fear (2023) is being published by Bloober Team and co-developed by Bloober Team and Anshar Studios and will be available on June 15th, 2023. To remain up-to-date on the latest news, wishlist the game over on Steam, and follow Bloober Team on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.