Author - Jerry Paxton

Men of War II Final Beta Weekend Announced

Fulqrum Publishing and Ukrainian studio Best Way are happy to announce the Final Beta weekend for the highly-anticipated real-time strategy title Men of War II will begin on Thursday, August 10, and conclude on Monday, August 14. This Final Beta weekend marks the third time fans will have access to the game ahead of the release on September 20th, 2023, via Steam, Epic Games Store and other digital store fronts. It will be available to download for free via the Men of War II Steam page, where players can immediately head to and sign up for access today.

During the open beta, players will be able to experience Men of War II’s Classic Modes, a highly-requested feature from the community, which will take players back to the multiplayer experience of previous Men of War games. Players will be able to simply select which nation they want to play as, and will immediately have access to all that nation’s units in each match. There are no battalions and echelons, with the player calling in their forces based on a combination of each unit’s individual timer, as well as the player’s own pool of resources.

Meanwhile, fans looking for a new experience can check out the Realism Mode, which offers a higher chance of disabling and capturing enemy vehicles, fewer visual cues concerning the visibility and health of their units, a more limited range of fire for weapons and many more gameplay changes.

This Final open Beta is based on community feedback from thousands of players who have already played, tested, and provided their thoughts on the previous two public tests on everything from unit balance to optimization improvements. The version in this Beta will closely mirror the full release experience, with further features, lots of content, and other modes added at launch. The developers will continue to work on polishing and balancing based on fresh player feedback from this Beta. Players’ progress and saves in this open beta test will not carry over to release.

Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic Final Pre-Launch Update

Independent games development studio 3DIVISION releases the last big update for Workers & Resources: Soviet Republic, the real-time Soviet-themed city builder tycoon game, on Steam today at $34.99. After this update, a release of the 1.0 version will follow in Q4 2023.

The game’s new update introduces waste management with up to 10 waste components from citizens and industries, challenging demolition tasks with handling demolition vehicles and waste, maintenance for buildings and vehicles, and additional mods like residential buildings, factories, aggregate storages, and trains.

Maintenance is necessary to repair buildings and vehicles after use. Additionally, the game incorporates various mods, including residential buildings, factories, aggregate storage, and multiple trains.

Other updates worth mentioning include the addition of new western vehicles that can be purchased with in-game currency, a graphical upgrade with various placeholder graphics replaced, the introduction of research that unlock numerous features and buildings, the ability to fertilize fields for better crop yield, and the implementation of single lane roads.

Update Features

  • Waste management: citizens and industries producing up to 10 components of waste such as metal scrap, aluminium scrap, constructon waste, burnable waste, ash, etc.
  • Demolition: if you wanna to demolish something you need to handle demolition vehicles (or pay for demolition) and then you need to handle waste from the demolition site.
  • Maintenance: now the vehicles and buildings wear out and you need to reconstruct and fix them.
  • Mods incorporation: the best mods were added into the game such as residential buildings, factories, aggregate storages, different models of trains, etc.
  • New western vehicles: purchase vehicles made in the West using dollars.
  • Graphical upgrade: various replacement of placeholder graphics.
  • Research: many features and buildings are now locked behind the research.
  • Fertilizing: fertilize your fields to get more crops.
  • Single lane roads.

Pickleball: Smash Release Date Announced

It’s time to step up to the court! Pickleball: Smash arrives this November for PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. Get ready to serve, dink, and smash your way to victory in the exciting world of pickleball! Can you handle the heat?

Experience the excitement of America’s fastest-growing sport on video game consoles for the first time! Hone your skills in single-player, or challenge your friends in local multiplayer fun, where every match is a test of skill, strategy, and agility. Compete across multiple venues, jump into challenging minigames, and upgrade your player’s stats to increase speed, accuracy, power, and more. Plus get even closer into the action with delightfully smooth motion controls, only on Nintendo Switch!

Key Features

  • Pick-Up-&-Play Fun: Get right into the swing with quick-play exhibition matches against AI in singles or doubles competitions. Participate in challenging Pickleball Tournaments to perfect your skills on your way to becoming the best of the best.
  • Customize Your Champion: Gear up for glory while expressing your style and personality by customizing your champion character. Unlock a wide range of outfits, rackets, and accessories to create a unique look that sets you apart on the court.
  • Compete with Friends & Family: Serve up competitive fun with family and friends in local multiplayer for up to four players.
  • Minigame Mastery: Have a blast with challenging minigames that mix up the experience while allowing you to hone the specific techniques, core mechanics and aspects of the sport.
  • Thrilling Motion Controls (Nintendo Switch Only): Whether you’re a seasoned pro or new to the sport, intuitive motion controls capture your movement and swings to deliver an unparalleled level of pickleball action and fun.

Pickleball: Smash is available to preorder now for $39.99 at major retailers. This title is published by GameMill Entertainment.

Disney Illusion Island Out Now

Today, Disney Games, in collaboration with developer Dlala Studios, launch Disney Illusion Island globally, a local cooperative 2D platform adventure video game for up to four players, exclusively for Nintendo Switch™.

Experience a brand-new adventure as players join Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse, Donald Duck and Goofy on a whimsical journey through the island of Monoth. Explore this beautiful yet mysterious world to recover the three magical Tomes – powerful books used to protect the island. Disney Illusion Island gives players the chance to be a part of an authentic Mickey & Friends adventure with an original story, stunning hand-drawn animation, and an original fully orchestrated score by Ivor Novello and BAFTA-nominated composer Dave Housden.

“Disney Illusion Island marks Mickey Mouse’s return to video games and we’re honored to bring this one-of-a kind adventure to the Nintendo Switch,” said Luigi Priore, VP, Disney, Pixar and 20th Century Games. “We’re excited to see gamers jump in and explore the wonderfully hand-crafted world of Monoth with their friends and family.”

Featuring the authentic voice actors of Mickey, Minnie, Donald, Goofy, Disney Illusion Island brings everyone together. Whether playing solo or teaming with up to three friends, in local co-op players will perform high flying platforming feats, uncover secrets, and take on epic boss encounters. There is always something new to discover in the expansive world of Monoth as players uncover the mystery of the stolen Tomes.

“Disney Illusion Island has been an absolute career high for myself and the studio,” said Aj Grand-Scrutton, Creative Director/CEO, Dlala Studios. “We have absolutely loved bringing Mickey, Minnie, Donald and Goofy back in a brand-new 2D platforming adventure and we can’t wait for players to join us in the world of Monoth!”

Disney Illusion Island is now available for $39.99, exclusively for Nintendo Switch on the Nintendo eShop and at retail, beginning today.

For more information about Disney Illusion Island: www.disneyillusionisland.com

For more updates on Disney Illusion Island, please follow us on social below:

  • Twitter.com/DisneyGames
  • Facebook.com/DisneyGames
  • Instagram.com/DisneyGames

Baldur’s Gate 3 First Look at Orin the Red Trailer

With the launch of Baldur’s Gate 3 just around the corner, Larian Studios has released a new video introducing the RPG’s third and final central antagonist: Orin the Red. A practitioner in the art of inflicting pain and a grandmaster of murder, Orin has killed for many years but has yet to be caught, thanks in part to her shapeshifting abilities, which enable her to take the form of anyone – perhaps even someone in your camp…

Orin the Red is voiced by the incredible Maggie Robertson, known to many as the voice of Lady Dimitrescu (Resident Evil Village) and Skjóthendi the Unerring (God of War Ragnarök).

“Orin is, affectionately, unhinged,” said Robertson. “You don’t know when she’s going to pop up, you don’t know in what form she’s going to be, she’s incredibly tricksy.”

As Orin, Maggie Robertson joins General Ketheric Thorm (J.K. Simmons) and Lord Enver Gortash (Jason Isaacs) to complete the “unholy triumvirate” of villains in Baldur’s Gate 3.

“To be considered even in the same realm, much less share scenes with J.K. Simmons and Jason Isaacs… was such an honour, and it was so inspiring and exciting to see their work in this game and experience how our characters come together in the scenes we share to create this unholy, evil triumvirate,” said Robertson.

Baldur’s Gate 3 releases August 3 on PC and September 6 on PlayStation 5. See the attached map for release timing per region on PC.

More information on Baldur’s Gate 3 is available on the official website. You can stay up to date with the latest Larian Studios news via Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, TikTok or the official Discord server.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 Announcement Trailer

Today GameMill Entertainment introduces Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2the next evolution of the smash-hit fighting game series. Rebuilt from the ground up with reimagined gameplay and mechanics, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is a wholly new game experience that’s more accessible and competitive than ever, made for fans of every skill level.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 lets you duke it out with the series’ biggest and best fighting character roster yet, including all-new characters like Squidward Tentacles, Jimmy Neutron, and more to be announced. Choose your favorite brawlers, master their unique move sets, and use brand-new powerful Supers to land the finishing blow. Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 will launch with its own single-player campaign featuring roguelike elements, voice acting for all playable characters, and full crossplay on all game systems.

Key Features

  • A Totally New Fighting Game Experience: Rebuilt and reimagined from the ground up, Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 redefines what a Nickelodeon fighting game can be with new and revamped visuals, audio, animations, modes, stages, mechanics, taunts and move sets, competitively tuned for all levels of play.
  • New & Improved Brawlers: Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2’s roster is bigger and better than ever, with even more variety in how each unique character plays. Battle with brand-new Nickelodeon fighters, as well as returning fan favorites!
  • Hit Hard With Supers: Power up your fighters with incredible new Supers, which can deal devastating blows to opponents.
  • Single-Player Campaign: Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 will launch with a unique campaign featuring roguelike elements. Put your skills to the test as you fight to stop Danny Phantom archvillain Vlad Plasmius from taking over the Nickelodeon universe!
  • Voice Acting for All Playable Characters: Feel the energy and excitement of every attack with a fully voiced cast of fighters, including the talents of Tom Kenny (SpongeBob SquarePants) and Bill Fagerbakke (SpongeBob SquarePants).
  • Minigame Mayhem: Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 introduces all-new minigames to play alone or with friends. Compete for global leaderboard high scores in Pinch the Blimps, Whack-a-Bot, and Irken Armada Bootcamp Survival.
  • Full Cross-Platform Play: Battle it out with up to four players on any platform with seamless crossplay, utilizing enhanced netcode for consoles and PC.

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 will launch later this year on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam. The game will be available to preorder soon:

  • Preorder Bonus: Exclusive Patrick Elastic Waistband Costume
  • Base Game: $49.99
  • Digital Deluxe: $69.99 [Contains Season Pass Content at Discounted Bundle Price]
  • Ultimate Edition: $79.99 [Contains Digital Deluxe Content + 1 Extra Costume per Character]
  • Season Pass: $24.99 [Contains All 4 New DLC Brawlers + Exclusive SpongeBob Quickster Costume]
  • 4 Individual DLC Brawlers: $6.99 (+3 Skins Included) Coming Next Year!

Nickelodeon All-Star Brawl 2 is developed by Fair Play Labs and Ludosity and published by GameMill Entertainment. For the latest updates on the game from now until launch, visit nickelodeonallstarbrawl.com, and follow the team on Twitter.

Raw Fury Gamescom 2023 Game Lineup

Raw Fury has announced the full list of titles it will be showcasing at this year’s Gamescom. From August 23-27 at Raw Fury’s booth (Hall 2.2, Aisle C-030), attendees will be able to experience hands-on demos for several games in Raw Fury’s current and upcoming publishing line-up.

POST TRAUMA

Red Soul Games’ Post Trauma is an ambitious, modern take on classic retro horror games, blending classic fixed camera angles and gameplay mechanics with realistic visuals and intense soundscapes. Awakening alone in a hostile place, you’ll need to solve mind-bending puzzles, gathering information by exploring your unsettling surroundings, to find a way home.

Gamescom attendees can check out a playable demo of one of the game’s early chapters, set in a mysterious hospital, offering a gripping vertical slice of its major gameplay mechanics.

STAR TRUCKER

A grounded, single-player, retro sci-fi journey, Star Trucker blends the popular truck sim genre with Americana inspiration and RPG elements. Hit the ultimate open road – space – in an intergalactic big rig, hauling cargo, trading salvage, tuning in to the radio, and keeping your space suit close as you search for fame and fortune among the stars!

Visitors can experience a hands-on demo for Star Trucker. Developer Monster & Monster will also be available to offer in-person interviews with media.

KINGDOM EIGHTIES

The latest standalone entry in the award-winning single-player micro-strategy series, Kingdom Eighties draws inspiration from the neon lights and summertime nostalgia of the ‘80s to deliver an exciting new adventure. Recruit neighborhood kids, assign them roles, and expand and fortify your kingdom to defend against the overwhelming threat of the Greed.

Attendees can check out a hands-on demo for the upcoming Nintendo Switch version of Kingdom Eighties, featuring the game’s second level.

PIZZA POSSUM

Live your best possum life in Cosy Computer’s Pizza Possum, the bite-sized, all-you-can-eat arcade game where you’ve gotta eat as much food as you can without getting caught! Experience adorable hide-and-seek action as you scamper around a picturesque seaside town, causing unruly marsupial chaos, evading guards, and risking it all for every crumb!

Guests can play Pizza Possum’s single-player and local co-op demo at Gamescom.

DOME KEEPER

The developers at bippinbits will be at Gamescom to show off a first look at the new upcoming multiplayer mode for Dome Keeper, the hit roguelite survival mining game. Fans will be able to play Dome Keeper in local multiplayer at the Indie Arena.

Cities: Skylines II Maps and Themes Feature

Today, Paradox Interactive and Colossal Order published a gameplay feature deep dive for Cities: Skylines II, focusing on new map-building and customization abilities. Players can now create isolated pocket towns, construct taller buildings than ever before, and build in a playable area up to five times larger than that of the original game. Cities: Skylines II also introduces a range of theme options such as North American and European, allowing players to personalize styles of roads and buildings, elevating customization to new heights.

SAW X Official Trailer Released

ONLY IN THEATERS SEPTEMBER 29TH – Witness the return of Jigsaw in the worldwide debut of the SAW X red band trailer

Synopsis
John Kramer (Tobin Bell) is back. The most chilling installment of the SAW franchise yet explores the untold chapter of Jigsaw’s most personal game. Set between the events of SAW I and II, a sick and desperate John travels to Mexico for a risky and experimental medical procedure in hopes of a miracle cure for his cancer – only to discover the entire operation is a scam to defraud the most vulnerable. Armed with a newfound purpose, John returns to his work, turning the tables on the con artists in his signature visceral way through a series of ingenious and terrifying traps.

Way of the Hunter Tikamoon Plains Release Date

Tikamoon Plains is coming to PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S on August 11, 2023! The upcoming DLC for Way of the Hunter is set in Africa and offers players a diverse range of biomes including lush grasslands, vast savannas, deadly deserts, and windy mountains.

Join Malachi, a professional Tikamoon Plains hunting guide and immerse yourself in Africa’s unique wildlife and get acquainted with a wide selection of hunting gear as you explore the environment. Life flourishes throughout Tikamoon Plains and new opportunities await.

Trailer Here

Experience a new approach to hunting with bows coming to Way of the Hunter – but be cautious: among hyenas and lions you are not the only predator stalking these plains!

Way of the Hunter – Tikamoon Plains will be available for PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S at an SRP of $ 9.99 / € 9.99 / £ 7.99 on August 11, 2023. The base game Way of the Hunter is required to play. Way of the Hunter is available for PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S at an SRP of $ 39.99 / € 39.99 / £ 34.99.

Way of the Hunter Season Pass
It includes the upcoming Tikamoon Plains DLC as well as the already released Aurora Shores DLC, each offering a new, vast region and coming with new animals and weapons. Also, the Way of the Hunter Hunter’s Pack is included in the Season Pass. It’s available at an SRP of $ 19.99 / € 19.99 / £ 15.99.