Author - Jerry Paxton

FINAL FANTASY XVI State of Play Gameplay Trailer

Today, SQUARE ENIX® unveiled exciting new FINAL FANTASY® XVI gameplay for the latest standalone title in the FINAL FANTASY franchise, through a dedicated PlayStation® State of Play broadcast, revealing further details on role-playing game (“RPG”) elements and impressive Eikon battles players can look forward to when the game releases exclusively for PlayStation®5 on June 22, 2023. Developed as the first full action RPG in the series, FINAL FANTASY XVI is set in an epic dark fantasy world, where the fate of the land is decided by the mighty Eikons and the Dominants who wield them, FINAL FANTASY XVI follows the journey of warrior Clive Rosfield, who has been sworn to protect his younger brother Joshua, the Dominant of the Phoenix.

The footage reveals a host of details about the upcoming game, including:

  • New Hideaway advisors – The Hideaway, which serves as protagonist Clive’s base, will give players the opportunity to discover more about the world of Valisthea, from past to present, by speaking to historian Harpocrates, as well as view the relationship chart of the characters by speaking to military scholar Vivian.
  • New training function – Players can battle in training mode by accessing the ‘Arete Stone’ in the Hideaway. This feature will be useful when wanting to practice a combination of abilities, particularly after learning a new skill.
  • New hunts – More adventures can be accessed from the Hideaway as players can check the Wanted Posters to discover powerful monsters roaming around the world. Defeating these enemies will yield powerful rewards.
  • New battle footage – View newly released footage showcasing a variety of Clive’s combat actions, Eikon battles and more.

SQUARE ENIX also announced that popular singer-songwriter Kenshi Yonezu, whose fame spans generations, and whose single ‘Lemon’ set a record in Japanese music history, has been confirmed to perform the theme song ‘Tsuki Wo Miteita – Moongazing.’ The theme song teaser video can be viewed here: https://youtu.be/nwmMOnVfveM

Yonezu said, “Words cannot express the impact FINAL FANTASY has had on my life. I never thought or imagined that I would ever receive an opportunity like this. I wrote this song especially for this game. Thank you.”

Naoki Yoshida, Producer of FINAL FANTASY XVI said, “When I found out that we’d be able to work with Mr. Yonezu, I was not only surprised, but overjoyed. I’m a big fan of Yonezu’s work, and I know that he has a passion for creating music that resonates across the generations, so I was sure that he’d be able to capture the world, the story, and the themes of FINAL FANTASY XVI. He’s not only an amazing artist, but also an avid gamer and a FINAL FANTASY fan, so please look forward to hearing his theme song!”

FINAL FANTASY XVI is rated M (Mature). More information on where to pre-order, as well as new information is available on the official FINAL FANTASY XVI website: http://www.finalfantasyxvi.com

Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions Announced with Play Test Sign-Ups

Warner Bros. Games is opening limited playtesting April 21-22 for Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions, a fast-paced, online multiplayer game featuring the world’s most iconic magical sport.

“Fans have long requested a Quidditch game, and we have been working with Unbroken Studios for several years to create gameplay worthy of their expectations,” said David Haddad, President, Warner Bros. Games. “Now we are reaching out to the fans and inviting players into Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions to help us with this phase of building the experience.”

From Warner Bros. Games, under the Portkey Games label, and developer Unbroken Studios, Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions is a standalone Quidditch gaming experience where players can join their friends to compete in team-based gameplay.

To sign up for the Harry Potter: Quidditch Champions limited playtests, visit: QuidditchChampions.WBGames.com

DIABLO IV Goes Gold

With just over a month before the game’s launch on June 6, 2023, Diablo IV has officially reached gold status! The highly anticipated game is the fourth installment in the genre-defining series, bringing the dark world of Sanctuary to players once more.

“Going gold is a landmark milestone for the incredible Diablo IV team, who have all worked so hard crafting the next-generation installment of this iconic franchise. This is a concrete, meaningful step toward our June 6 launch” said Rod Fergusson, general manager of Diablo. “Whether players are veterans of the franchise or jumping in for the first time, we can’t wait for everyone to experience the full game: taking part in the incredible storytelling, experimenting with character classes and builds, and exploring what the endgame and the dark world of Sanctuary has to offer.”

In Diablo IV, players can join the fight to save the dark and gothic world of Sanctuary from the Blessed Mother Lilith, battling demonic hordes on monsters along the way.

GOLDEN HIGHLIGHTS FROM HELL

  • Play Your Way: Players have more options than ever before to create the character fantasy they want, choosing from five different character classes, a litany of cosmetics and skills, and whichever path they want to take through the world.
  • Open World Gameplay: Complete with a full story campaign, 120+ dungeons, dozens of side quests, world bosses, and tons of land to explore.
  • New Endgame Systems: Players can continue to grow and test their skills in the endgame through massive paragon boards, PvP zones, Nightmare Dungeons and Helltides, and the Tree of Whispers.

Tennis Manager 2023 Announcement Trailer

French indie studio Rebound is proud to announce the release date of Tennis Manager 2023 (PC/Mac) on Steam and the Epic Games Store on May 25th, a few days prior the start of Roland Garros.

To accompany the announcement, Rebound has released a teaser featuring motivational talks during a Tennis World Cup game by some of the content creators who have supported the project since day one.

Tennis Manager 2023 is the most realistic, deep, and immersive tennis simulation to date, and returns with an ambitious 3rd opus, featuring long requested by the fans.

Stay tuned for more news in the coming weeks, including the full list of new features.

Dakar Desert Rally Classics Vehicle Pack #1 Trailer

The latest update for Dakar Desert Rally, the largest open-world rally racing game from Saber Interactive, introduces legendary classic vehicles from the Paris-Dakar Rally today in the new “Classics Vehicle Pack #1” DLC, available as a free download on all platforms for owners of the Dakar Desert Rally Season Pass. It is also available to purchase standalone for $9.99.

Race across the desert with both the all-wheel-drive Porsche 959 as well as the powerful six-wheel Tatra 815 truck. Today also marks the release of Patch 1.9, which adds an overall performance boost for the game, as well as new voice-over support for a variety of languages. You can read a complete list of patch notes on Saber’s website.

Dakar Desert Rally captures the genuine scale and thrill of one of the world’s most challenging off-road events across over 20,000 square kilometers of diverse terrain with dynamic weather. Choose from some of the sport’s most renowned racing teams, or create your own and build up your garage with a long line of cars, bikes, trucks, quads and SSVs from the world’s top manufacturers. Forge your path to victory across a variety of game modes, including an arcade-style Sport mode for quick pick-up-and-play action, Professional and Simulation modes for a true rally experience, and online multiplayer for up to four players for the ultimate competitive challenge.

Dakar Desert Rally is available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store. For more information, check out www.DakarTheGame.com, and #DaretoDrive by following the game on Twitter, Instagram, Discord and Facebook.

New World of Warship Update Brings New Japanese Battleship, Hololive Characters, and More

Wargaming, the publisher and developer of the leading naval multiplayer World of Warships, is sailing all around the world in its latest update. Packed with content, this update sees Japanese Tier IX battleship Daisen in the Dockyard, an exotic new map of the Seychelles added into the game, plus a collection themed around the Allied powers of World War II. In addition, hololive production makes a return to the game with four new VTuber Commanders to take the lead in battle.

Sail into the Seychelles
Expanding the horizons of Warships’ waters, a new map of the tropical Seychelles Islands has been introduced in Update 12.3. Bearing strong resemblance to the mountainous islands of Praslin and La Digue, this new, leafy green map will be available for both Random and Co-op Battles. Ships spanning Tier V-IX can compete in Domination mode with four key areas, scattered across the map in two different variations.

A New Allied Heroes Collection
World of Warships also welcomes a themed “Allied Heroes” Collection in dedication to the end of World War II in Europe. With 12 different elements to collect, players who complete each section will be rewarded with corresponding Commanders for the allied nations, each equipped with 10 skill points. These elements can be found through new “Allied Heroes” containers, which are obtainable for credits and free XP in the Armory. Sitting at the end of the entire collection is a redeemable three-days of Warships Premium Account.

Say Hello to hololive production
Closing out Update 12.3’s content drop, hololive production characters make a return to the game. Four Japanese virtual bloggers (VTubers) join the ranks of Commanders. Choose from different commanders including Watson Amelia and Takanashi Kiara, who are each equipped with their own unique voiceover, to take the helm in battle. Alongside these new additions, this partnership also introduces a special expendable camouflage and a commemorative flag.

This update also brings several bug fixes, upgrades and balance changes across the game.

GameSir Launches T4 Kaleid RGB Gaming Controller

GameSir, a leading provider of innovative, high-quality gaming peripherals today announces the launch of its new T4 Kaleid RGB gaming controller. Equipped with special motion aim/steer technology, users can enjoy their favorite games with motion control, or through regular analog stick gameplay. The GameSir T4 Kaleid is available on the GameSir website now at a discounted rate of $41.99/£41.99 (RRP £41.99) and AliExpress for £37/$43.

Boasting Hall-Effect magnetic sensing joysticks providing anti-drift technology, the T4 Kaleid is a durable controller that retains its precision over the course of its use. Joy-con drift can greatly impact gaming, so users of the T4k can rest assured that their controller will not be affected by the wear down caused by continued heavy usage.

The tactile face buttons on the T4 Kaleid are crisp, yet cushioned, and expertly tuned for fast and comfortable button presses. The buttons are designed with micro-switches to reduce travel distance to only 0.6mm, so gamers can use the controller with confidence and satisfaction in its performance. In-game racing, accelerating, or braking are all intuitive while using the T4 Kaleid controller thanks to the consistent precision it provides through the Hall Effect analog triggers.

With an in-built 6-axis gyro, the T4k allows gamers to combine more motion inputs in Switch games, like tilt and rotation, enabling a more active and immersive gaming experience. Additionally, the special motion aim/steer tech takes games to the next level also on PC and Android devices, especially for FPS and Racing games. Equipped with rumble motors that respond to in-game action, the T4k offers gamers multiple features that heighten the quality of their gaming sessions.

The exterior of the GameSir T4 Kaleid is innovatively designed with kaleidoscopic lights that can be set to the user’s preferences, with 4 light effects available. Additionally, the GameSir T4k App software also offers users even more opportunities to fine-tune the controller to their liking. Gamers can fine-tune the keyframe, speed, and brightness to suit the individual games they are playing. Furthermore, a multi-function M button allows for convenient control of a variety of settings, such as the light effects, brightness, trigger mode, and ABXY layout, meaning the control of settings across platforms is easy and seamless

The T4K works with Windows 10/11, Switch, and Android 8.0 or above devices, allowing gamers to use it across all their favorite platforms.

The GameSir T4 Kaleid is available on the GameSir website now at a discounted rate of £38 (RRP £47.99), AliExpress for £37/$43.

It will also be available on Amazon.com and Amazon UK at the end of April for $41.99/£41.99/€57.99

Tech specifications:

  • Working Platform: Windows 10/11, Switch and Android 8.0 or above devices
  • Connection: Wired, 2m detachable USB-C cable
  • 3.5mm Audio Jack: Yes
  • 6-axis Gyro: Yes
  • Capture Button: Yes
  • Microswitch Buttons: Yes, ABXY, 5 million-click lifespan
  • Analog Triggers: Yes, Hall Effect Magnetic Sensors
  • Hall Effect Sticks: Yes
  • Rumble Motors: Yes, 2 in total, in 2 grips
  • Back Buttons: Yes, 2 Back Buttons
  • Customization Software: Yes, “GameSir T4k App”
  • Battery: No

Package Contents:

  • GameSir-T4k *1
  • 2m USB-C Cable *1
  • User Manual *1
  • Thank You & After-sale Service Card *1
  • Certification *1

Razer Unveils Stream Controller X

The Razer Stream Controller X is Razer’s newest addition to their streaming ecosystem of products, designed to captivate audiences during gameplay or casual socializing. With 15 programmable LCD buttons in a compact form factor, streamers can effortlessly flash stream lights, blast customized sounds, or switch between applications with a simple click, elevating their streams to the next level.

The Stream Controller X is powered by Loupedeck Software, ensuring play-and-play compatibility across all major streaming platforms such as OBS Studio, Twitch, Streamlabs, Adobe Premier Pro, and more. With access to Loupedeck’s UI, streamers can effortlessly install popular applications, plugins, and even emotes to further enhance their streaming experience. Streamers can also easily drag and drop preferred applications via the Loupedeck Marketplace, for endless customizability. Popular plugins include Spotify, Phillips Hue, Adobe Photoshop, and even Voicemod which can help streamline creative processes. Additionally, Loupedeck’s full suite software also provides users with access to native profiles that are preset for convenience and inspiration. Each comprehensive set of profiles contains premade macros and functions that can be easily interchanged to suit the user’s needs, further enhancing the Stream Controller X’s customizability.

Equipped with customizable icons for easy visual navigation, the Stream Controller X allows streamers to create matching themes or moving GIF icons with their favorite characters for a more personalized touch. It is designed for efficient multi-tasking, enabling streamers to easily switch between multiple profiles and build a folder system that ensures organization during streams and daily workflows. Each button can be programmed as multi-link macro functions to automate synchronized processes, increasing productivity and streamlining daily tasks. With creative customizations, users can quickly take screenshots or record on stream, making it easier to share their highlights with their audiences.

The Stream Controller X also utilizes a detachable 50° anti-slip magnetic stand, ensuring a comfortable viewing angle and keeping the controller stationary during long and intense gaming or streaming sessions.

For more information on the Razer Stream Controller X, please visit here.

For more information on how Razer empowers you to #WinItYourWay, please see here.

Gaijin Entertainment Unleashes New War Thunder Soundtrack Albums

Gaijin Entertainment announces that two albums featuring the new War Thunder soundtrack are now available on all popular streaming platforms. These albums include 20 tracks added to the game in the Apex Predators update that serve as background music when Cold War-era or modern ground and air military vehicles clash in the game.

The War Thunder Original Game Soundtrack Air Forces Vol. 2 and War Thunder Original Game Soundtrack Ground Forces Vol. 2 are over an hour and a half in total, and are available on dozens of platforms like Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music and others, as well as on YouTube. A similar new naval combat soundtrack and other projects are also in the works at Gaijin.

The first volumes of albums featuring the original music from War Thunder meant for World War II-era ground, air and naval battles, are also available on the same streaming services and YouTube.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Behind the Scenes Trailer

Today, Gun Interactive—the multimedia development firm behind the upcoming asymmetrical-horror adaptation of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre—is pleased to to share a brand-new behind-the-scenes video detailing their creative process and the benefits and challenges that come with making a video game based on one of the most celebrated horror franchises of all time. Featuring interviews with eight different team members of both Gun Interactive and co-developer Sumo Nottingham, the video illustrates the guiding philosophies that informed the design and development of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, as key members from both teams share their personal ties to the series as well as their individual contributions to the game.

With insight on what it takes to work with such an important piece of film history, as well as the process of introducing new characters into an established narrative, this featurette is a glimpse into the world of The Texas Chain Saw Massacre itself. From digitally scanning every scratch on an authentic 70’s chainsaw, to digging through the journals of original screenwriter Kim Henkel to revive the drifter Sissy, this latest behind-the-scenes video has all kinds of details for fans to dig into as they await the game’s August 18th launch.

This latest video arrives in advance of the technical playtest for The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which will be conducted on May 25th. The best way for fans to stay informed on the technical test is to add the game to their wishlists on Steam and to follow The Texas Chain Saw Massacre on social channels (Reddit, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook). Eligibility for the test will be limited, but further details and instructions will be shared in the coming weeks. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre will debut in full on August 18th, 2023 for PC, PlayStation® 5 (PS5™) & PlayStation® 4 (PS4™), Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One, and will launch into Game Pass on Xbox and PC.

The Texas Chain Saw Massacre video game takes place in the months leading up to the events of the original 1974 film, and features authentic recreations of the locations, characters, and imagery of the source material. Players control either the Victims or members of the Slaughter Family—including the infamous Leatherface—in a vicious game of 3v4 cat-and-mouse that takes the tension and suspense of the film and repurposes it into thrilling, competitive action. The Victims and the Slaughter Family must both utilize their unique abilities to come out on top, as the former use stealth and smarts to escape their fearsome tormentors, while each member of the Slaughter Family wields brutal and murderous attacks to hunt their prey.

For more information, visit The Community Hub at the official The Texas Chain Saw Massacre Website, and join the conversation at the Gun Interactive Discord.