Author - Jerry Paxton

Train Sim World 3 Dev Diary Focuses on Weather

Dovetail Games, developer and publisher of authentic simulation titles, today released their development diary video for Train Sim World 3, coming to PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and Windows PC via Steam and the Epic Games Store on Sept. 6. This is the third of three videos focused on three topics core to Train Sim World 3: Freedom, power, and weather.

Weather alters the behavior of trains quite significantly in the real world, resulting in the skills of drivers and operators being tested to their maximum to keep passengers and freight moving on time. In Train Sim World 3, bringing this challenge to players has been a key area of development, resulting not only in better visual representation of rain, wind and snow but also a noticeable impact on how they affect the in-game vehicles.

The all-new Dynamic Weather feature adds excitement and variety to every journey as changing weather patterns merge seamlessly from one to another on a randomized cycle. The time and consistency of weather changes will vary, even if you repeat the same service with the same settings, so what seems like a repeated journey could bring with it entirely different gameplay. Inclement weather increases braking distance, slows acceleration and results in more sparking from electric trains – a new visual element to Train Sim World 3.

Perhaps the biggest visual difference however is the introduction of Volumetric Skies. Gone are the 2D textures that have been a staple of the Train Sim World skies for years, and in their place is a wonderfully detailed, ever-changing frame for every journey. Scrapping the flat textures and completely redesigning the skies from the ground up has resulted in a dramatic change to the overall feel of each route’s setting.

Lighting has also had an overhaul, not only seen in the day-night cycle and aforementioned electric train sparking, but also when entering and exiting tunnels. The implementation of ‘tunnel bloom’, where the eyes adjust to changing light levels, is particularly relevant for the new Kassel-Würzburg route which sees players operate the 280 km/h ICE 1 and ICE 3 trains in and out of tunnels, including the longest one in Germany.

Other additions and effects that really enhance the immersion come in the form of kick-up, where snow blows around the train as it blasts through wintry rails, and passengers react to conditions with umbrellas in a variety of colors. Whether a minor detail or a complete overhaul, the improvements made to weather are something that Train Sim World 3 players will really notice and enjoy.

Developed and published by Dovetail Games, Train Sim World 3 will release for Windows PC, PlayStation, and Xbox consoles on Sept. 6, 2022, and will also be available via Game Pass. The title is available for pre-purchase digitally now on Steam and the Epic Games Store, PlayStation®Store, and Microsoft Store with a Deluxe Edition available for £49.99/€59.99/$59.99 and four ‘Starter Packs’ each available for £29.99/€35.99/$39.99.

For more information about Train Sim World 3 fans can visit www.trainsimworld.com, and follow along on social media on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Tiktok, Discord, YouTube, and Twitch.

Rocksmith+ Music-Learning Service Launches September 6th

Today, Ubisoft announced that Rocksmith+, a premier music-learning subscription service that teaches players how to play acoustic, electric and bass guitar through their favorite songs, will be available on Windows PC exclusively through the Ubisoft Store on September 6.* Building upon 10 years of successful music teaching experience** with the award-winning Rocksmith method which has helped more than five million*** people learn how to play guitar, Rocksmith+ will be available for $14.99  for a 1-month subscription, $39.99 for a 3-month subscription, and $99.99 for a 12-month subscription. The subscription service will run on 10-year-old laptops with Windows 10 and will also be available on mobile later this year.****

Developed by a team of musicians, music educators and video game developers at Ubisoft San Francisco in collaboration with Ubisoft Osaka, Ubisoft Pune and Ubisoft Bucharest, Rocksmith+ will provide players with an expert, 360-degree approach and unlimited access to guitar learning, all included within the subscription:

  • Players will be able to learn how to play guitar through master recordings of songs from Sony Music, Universal and more, and will have access to an expanding library of more than 5,000 songs at launch, with new songs added each week from artists such as The Clash, Juan Gabriel, Alicia Keys, Santana, and more. Rocksmith+ will feature music across a variety of genres such as Rock, Metal, Pop, Latin, Hip-Hop and Indie from countries all around the world.
  • Rocksmith+ features a suite of new and improved practice tools to give players a fun, personalized experience at any skill level. For example, the Adaptive Difficulty feature will dynamically adjust to a player’s skill level while they play, introducing new notes and chords as the player progresses. The technology adapts to players’ skill levels by measuring the total sum of their abilities, rather than their performance for an individual song.
  • Rocksmith+ introduces the free Rocksmith+ Connect app, a phone-as-a-mic feature on iOS and Android that will let players follow along to Rocksmith+ on PC. The app works with acoustic instruments or electric instruments played through an amp or the Rocksmith Real Tone cable, sold separately. Players will benefit from Rocksmith+’s note detection and real-time feedback without the need for any peripherals. Additionally, the Rocksmith+ Connect app also works as an accurate, professional grade guitar tuner. For more information on the Rocksmith Connect app, please visit: rocksmith.com/tuner.
  • Players can hone their skills with interactive lessons and practice recommendations that the service generates based on their goals, skill level and progress.
  • In addition to learning and improving their mechanics, players will also have lessons available ranging from proper technique, gear, instrument care, music appreciation, and more.

Rocksmith+ is also collaborating with major music instrument partners Gibson, Epiphone, Kramer, Ibanez, Ernie Ball, Ernie Ball Music Man, Marshall, Orange, Mesa/Boogie, Roland, Boss and Electro-Harmonix.

For returning Rocksmith players, Rocksmith+ will have a loyalty offer for Rocksmith 2014 owners and closed beta participants who purchase a Rocksmith+ subscription of 3 or 12 months. Those players will get bonus time in their first billing cycle — one month free for those who purchase a 3-month plan and three months free for those who purchase a 12-month plan.

Ubisoft also announced that from now until September 6, the Ubisoft Store is running a contest for a chance to win a signature Gibson or Epiphone guitar. To enter, learn more about the prizes, and to read the complete rules, visit https://store.ubi.com/rocksmith-guitar-giveaway-contest.

For more information about Rocksmith+, please visit rocksmith.com.

Cross Roads Escape Games The Weeping Witch Opens Sept 9th

Banish the evil spirit and lift your curse in the newest escape room adventure, The Weeping Witch, by Cross Roads Escape Games! Using their theatrical background, owners Madison and Luke Rhoades create immersive sets, special effects, and show moments in their newest game.

The Weeping Witch is a monster disguised as a human. It lures people close by mimicking the sound of a woman crying. When people hear its wails, they follow the sound, thinking someone needs their help. Once they get close enough, the Witch reveals a mouth on the back of its head and slowly sucks the life out of its victims. If you choose to enter Madam Ruby’s study, that is what is awaiting you. Will you be able to banish the evil spirit and end your curse before the Weeping Witch consumes your soul?

Luke and Madison elevated the escape room industry with their award-winning games The Hex Room, The Fun House, The Psych Ward, and the 2019 immersive theatre experience, The Séance. This husband-and-wife team is determined to break the ‘escape room’ mold and create more unique, interactive, theatrical games. The Weeping Witch is opening on Friday, September 9th, 2022. Tickets are $38 per person. The game is 60 minutes long for 3-8 players over the age of 14. Cross Roads Escape Games is open Wednesday-Sunday until 11:30 pm, all year long. Please be aware that this show contains flashing lights, fog smells, jump scares, and loud noises.

TICKETS: $38 per person. On sale now at https://crossroadsescapegames.com/the-weeping-witch/

You Suck at Parking Release Dates Revealed

Happy Volcano is excited to announce forthcoming top-down racer You Suck at Parking™ will launch across PC and Xbox on Thursday 1st September 2022, with a launch on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation following in 2023.

Excitingly, Happy Volcano can also confirm You Suck at Parking™ will also launch on Game Pass for Xbox and PC on day one – Wednesday 14th September 2022.

Comprising both single-player and online multiplayer modes, You Suck at Parking ™ is the world’s most extreme parking experience and the only racing game where, uniquely, the goal is to come to a stop. Success is all about racing against the clock as players dash, drift, and drag their handbrakes as they slam into parking spots in quick time.

Developer Happy Volcano lifted the lid on the game’s multiplayer mode – which will initially allow four players to take on each other in a full-on parking party – back in May, alongside the news that the top-down racer will feature 60 wild multiplayer levels and 100 solo levels with ever-increasing difficulty.

Excitingly, the multiplayer on offer will also be cross-platform, whilst Happy Volcano can also confirm it’s the studio’s intention to refresh the levels on offer in play every two weeks, with fresh ones delivered until…well, until the sun swallows the Earth.

“It’s great to be able to publicly pin down a launch date for You Suck at Parking™ after all the excitement we’ve seen from gamers over the last few months,” says David Prinsmel, Game Director. “There is, in fact, more news to come, however. Keep your eyes peeled and your handbrake firmly pulled up.”

Happy Volcano can also announce an exciting update to the game’s demo on Steam, with brand new levels added to build. Pick it up for free today!

In You Suck at Parking™, players will:

  • Speed through stages navigating obstacles aplenty before hitting the designated parking spots, all whilst somehow keeping cool, calm, and collected in the process.
  • Unlock Parking Tokens with their parking skills that serve up new customization options to pimp your ride with.
  • Climb the global leaderboards and prove to your friends that you truly do have the power to stop. Maybe not the world, but a car, at least.
  • Experience an ever-growing, always-expanding, forever-changing game, where more cars, more biomes, more tracks, and more customisation options are regularly added to the roster.

In addition, Happy Volcano is delighted to announce that it has partnered with Fireshine Games to release a physical edition of You Suck at Parking on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox, which will be racing onto store shelves in 2023. Formerly known as Sold Out, Fireshine Games is an established publisher of physical and digital titles, and a leading boxed partner who works extensively with indie developers to help bring their games to physical retail.

You Suck at Parking will launch on PC and Xbox (including Game Pass on both platforms) on Wednesday 14th September 2022 – with a launch on Nintendo Switch and PlayStation following in 2023 – for $19.99/€19.99/£15.49. You can pre-order on Xbox now, with a 20% pre-order discount currently available.

Six Flags Great Adventure Unveils Special Events for 2022 and 2023 Seasons

Six Flags Great Adventure, the World’s Ultimate Thrill Park, today announced a robust lineup of special events during the 2022 and 2023 seasons. In addition, the park’s dining pass and membership programs are back by popular demand. Returning guest favorites and new offerings create endless opportunities for fun all year long. Event highlights for the 2022/2023 seasons include:

  • NEW – Coca-Cola® Dreamworld Experience — Weekends through September 5, Six Flags and Coca-Cola present the launch of a new multi-platform Dreamworld Arcade to help inspire park guests to discover the magic of dreaming through a whimsical digital experience. The experience, as well as Coca-Cola’s limited-edition Dreamworld beverage, will be available at the park during this event;
  • Fright Fest presented by SNICKERS® — September 16 through October 31 — The area’s scariest & best Halloween event returns! Nighttime festivities include a fan-favorite ghoul parade, live stage shows, terrifying scare zones, plus six haunted houses designed for the ultimate scare;
  • NEW – Kid’s Boo Fest — September 16 through October 31 — For the little ghouls and ghosts, this daytime event is filled with Halloween activities, entertainment, trick-or-treat trails and other not-so-scary experiences;
  • NEW – Oktoberfest — September 17 through October 30 — This family-friendly German heritage festival will become a new fall tradition filled with authentic fare, and a large selection of seasonal craft lagers and beers from around the world;
  • Holiday in the Park — November 23 through January 1, 2023 — Guests can view millions of dazzling lights throughout this magical wonderland, along with festive treats, a full lineup of holiday entertainment and visits with Santa;
  • NEW – Viva La Fiesta — May 6 through May 21, 2023 — Guests can move to the beat during this all-new event as Six Flags’ Viva La Fiesta heats up the park with food, fun, and entertainment;
  • NEW – Kids Fest — June 3 through June 11, 2023 — The tiniest thrill seekers can celebrate during this event designed for children and their families, including kid-friendly activities, entertainment, rides and more;
  • NEW – Food & Brew Festival — June 17 through June 25, 2023 — Guests can enjoy a myriad of lagers, ciders, craft seasonal beers, and specialty cocktails along with food designed to tantalize the taste buds;
  • Summer Vibes Festival presented by M&M’S® — July 8 through August 12, 2023 —This spectacular event is returning for the 2023 season with mouth-watering treats, beat-the-heat beverages, colorful one-of-a-kind installations, photo moments, and live entertainment celebrating the many vibes of summer.

Visit sixflags.com/greatadventure/events for dates and complete event details.

The popular Seasonal Dining Pass is back! The re-launched dining program offers guests with a Seasonal Pass or Membership a convenient way to fuel up for their day. The Seasonal Dining Pass allows up to two meals per visit with a 3-hour window between meals. And those who purchase their pass or membership by September 5, 2022 will receive a 10% discount off the new Seasonal Dining Pass as well as FREE drinks for the rest of the 2022 Season.

Membership returns with three tiers of benefits! The Gold Thrill Seeker includes unlimited visits plus parking and in-park benefits. The Platinum Thrill Seeker levels up and is ideal for guests that like to visit multiple Six Flags venues, including Hurricane Harbor and other outdoor properties. The Diamond Thrill Seeker is the best value with the best benefits; it includes all of the advantages of Platinum, plus deeper discounts on food and merchandise, extra discounted tickets for friends, and more skip-the-line passes! Best of all, there are no blockout dates! Guests may also select the flexible payment plan for the Thrill Seeker annual memberships. Six Flags also offers a Seasonal Pass for frequent home park only visitation.

Six Flags Pass Program:

  • Seasonal Pass:

o   Provides unlimited visits to Six Flags Great Adventure through 2022 and all next summer through Labor Day 2023 for only $79.99;

  • Gold Thrill Seeker Annual Membership includes:

o   Unlimited visits to Six Flags Great Adventure PLUS Wild Safari for one year, beginning on date of purchase;

o   General parking;

o   10% discount on food and retail items;

o   One skip-the-line pass;

o   Two specialty rate friend tickets;

o   Only $6.99 per month after initial payment;

  • Platinum Thrill Seeker Annual Membership includes:

o   Unlimited visits to ALL Six Flags outdoor parks, including Hurricane Harbor, for one year beginning on date of purchase;

o   General parking;

o   15% discount on food and retail items;

o   Two skip-the-line passes;

o   Five specialty rate friend tickets;

o   Only $9.99 per month after initial payment; and

  • Diamond Thrill Seeker Annual Membership includes:

o   Unlimited visits to all Six Flags outdoor parks, including Hurricane Harbor, for one year beginning on date of purchase;

o   Preferred parking;

o   20% discount on food and retail items;

o   Five skip-the-line passes;

o   Ten specialty rate friend tickets;

o   Only $19.99 per month after initial payment.

Pass details can be found at sixflags.com/greatadventure.

Hocus Pocus 2 Debuts in One Month on Disney+

The countdown is on! Disney’s original live-action comedy “Hocus Pocus 2” debuts one month from today, September 30, 2022. The film will premiere exclusively on Disney+ as a part of the streaming service’s Hallowstream celebration. Check out the new key art for thehaunting sequel to the Halloween classic for a new look at Bette Midler (“The First Wives Club,” “Beaches”), Sarah Jessica Parker (“Sex and the City,” “Divorce”), and Kathy Najimy (“Sister Act,” “Younger”) as the delightfully wicked Sanderson sisters.

It’s been 29 years since someone lit the Black Flame Candle and resurrected the 17th-century sisters, and they are looking for revenge. Now it is up to three high-school students to stop the ravenous witches from wreaking a new kind of havoc on Salem before dawn on All Hallow’s Eve. “Hocus Pocus 2” also stars Sam Richardson (“The Tomorrow War”), Doug Jones (“The Shape of Water”), Whitney Peak (“Gossip Girl”), Belissa Escobedo (“American Horror Stories”), Lilia Buckingham (“Dirt”), Froy Gutierrez (“Teen Wolf”), with Tony Hale (“Veep”) and Hannah Waddingham (“Ted Lasso”). The film is directed by Anne Fletcher (“Dumplin,’” “The Proposal”), produced by Lynn Harris (“King Richard,” “The Shallows”), with Ralph Winter (“Hocus Pocus,” “X-Men” franchise), David Kirschner (“Hocus Pocus,” “Chucky”), and Adam Shankman (“Disenchanted,” “Hairspray”) serving as executive producers.

Brewmaster: Beer Brewing Simulator Release Date Trailer

We’re super excited to announce that Brewmaster: Beer Brewing Simulator will be pouring onto PC, PlayStation, Xbox, and Nintendo Switch on September 29th 2022!

In case you missed it, IGN dropped the release date on Friday as part of their Awesome Indies showcase at Gamescom.

We at Auroch Digital, alongside our publisher Fireshine Games, have been working so hard on this game and we are so stoked to announce a release date so we can share it with you! Brewmaster: Beer Brewing Simulator is the first realistic brewing simulator, with authentic, chemistry-driven brewing techniques, to bottling and labelling your very own beers.

Players will be able to become the ultimate Brewmaster from September 29th 2022 on all platforms.

The Treasure of the Midnight Isle DLC Out Now for Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous

Owlcat Games today launched The Treasure of the Midnight Isle – the third premium DLC for critically-acclaimed RPG Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous, now available on Steam, GOG.com and Epic Game Store. Board the grim cursed ship and venture into the inky blackness of the Abyss – will you uncover untold riches, or be devoured by unspeakable horrors?

  • Explore the vast archipelago full of treasures and dangers in a stand-alone rogue-like mode, or as a part of the main campaign.
  • Try out different builds and party compositions, taking advantage of the enormous variety of the Pathfinder role-playing system – including the mythic paths.
  • Death is just a setback! If a party perishes, its progress can still help you in subsequent playthroughs.
  • Equip new magic weapons, put new magic potions and scrolls on your belt, and challenge both old and new enemies.
  • Discover the secret of the ship that takes you on your journeys – and the truth about the ultimate treasure you’re seeking.

This DLC along with the two previous ones conclude the first Season of additional content, which can be purchased altogether via Season Pass for a discounted price. The second Season of content for the game (Season Pass #2) will also consist of three new DLCs and will become available to players later this year. More details are to be revealed in September.

Alongside the new DLC, patch 1.4 launches for Pathfinder: Wrath of the Righteous including quality of life improvements and fixes. The full list of changes can be found here.

Gungrave G.O.R.E. Release Date Trailer

Today we are excited to announce the official release date for Gungrave G.O.R.E. The pistol-blazing, coffin-manipulating Grave will be unleashed in a blaze of bullets on Nov. 22, 2022, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC.

Pre-orders are now available and include incredible exclusive content. Become the Grim Reaper and mow down your enemies in style with the “Death Ronin Grave” skin, designed by Ikumi Nakamura.

Want to turn back time to 2004 and get yourself an overdose of old-school action? “O.D. Grave’s” skin has got you covered, turning your adventure into a trip down memory lane.

But that’s not all. Now that we have your attention, it’s time for a new mind-blowing trailer.

Get to know more of the two warring sides – the good guys and the baddies, with their larger-than-life personalities all fatally locked into this extraordinary confrontation.

Dead by Daylight: Resident Evil: PROJECT W Chapter Out Now

“The future hinges upon this fight”. Starting today, players can step into the Fog as Albert WeskerAda Wong and Rebecca Chambers as the highly anticipated second installment of the Dead by DaylightTM and Resident EvilTM partnership takes flight. To celebrate the release of the Dead by Daylight: Resident EvilTM: PROJECT W Chapter, players are also treated to a rework of the iconic Raccoon City Police Department MapThey will also be able to get their hands on the impressive new Outfits from the PROJECT W Collection, which include the Carlos Oliveira, Sheva Alomar and Hunk Legendary Sets for Leon S. Kennedy, Jill Valentine and The Legion, respectively.

Killer mains will be able to step into the shoes of the nefarious Albert Wesker, known in game as The Mastermind. A true icon of the Resident Evil franchise, Wesker is easily recognizable with his sleek blond hair, signature sunglasses, leather trench coat – and of course, his piercing orange eyes. Once a high-ranking official for Umbrella Corporation, his ambition and sense of moral superiority led him to create a powerful weaponized virus: Uroboros. Wesker’s Power, Virulent Bound, allows him to rush forward at an incredible speed, grabbing anyone that stands in his path and infecting them with Uroboros. Though he may appear cool and composed, his explosive power is unmatched.

Two Survivors are making their marks in the Entity’s Realm. Enigmatic and unpredictable, Ada Wong is a complete mystery; her true goal as elusive as she is. Her survival skills make her a valuable ally…provided interests remain aligned. Rebecca Chambers is a talented and gifted young woman who joined the S.T.A.R.S. Bravo Team as a field medic at 18 years old. An asset on any mission, Rebecca will go to great lengths to save a teammate in need – sometimes even risking her own life. ​ ​

Starting today, players will also be able to set foot in the improved Raccoon City Police Department Map. Launched in 2021, the Map has undergone a complete quality of life update in response to player feedback. From now on, the Raccoon City Police Department will be split into two separate variations built around the West and East Wings, with both including the Main Hall. Additionally, more navigational paths have been added inside and outside of the building, leading to improved level design flow and gameplay.

The Dead by Daylight: Resident Evil: PROJECT W Chapter marks an important milestone for us – as it is the first time we are creating a second Chapter in the same licensed universe,” explains Dave Richard, Creative Director for Dead by Daylight. “It’s an opportunity for our fans to continue immersing themselves in one of the most popular horror universes and it is such a treat for us to continue this prolific collaboration with Capcom.”

The Capcom Team is delighted to collaborate once more with Dead by Daylight to expand The Resident Evil Story,” explains the publisher in an official statement. “Merging the many iterations of the iconic Resident Evil characters such as Albert Wesker and seeing them stand on their own in a new universe is a proud moment. Melding two iconic horror universes together is not an easy feat – but the results are wonderful and we hope the fans will enjoy.”

Transforming into Carlos Oliveira, Sheva Alomar and Hunk

In addition to Ada Wong, Rebecca Chambers, and Albert Wesker, players are also able to step into the shoes of Carlos Olivera, Sheva Alomar, and Hunk, thanks to the Legendary Sets available in the PROJECT W Collection.

An Umbrella mercenary with a troubled past, Carlos Oliveira is ready for battle with his messy mane of hair, his heavy camo-printed vest, and tactical cargo pants. Carlos Olivera is available as a Legendary Set for Leon S. Kennedy.

Sheva Alomar is a member of the BSAA on a mission to apprehend a black-market seller of Bio-OrganicWeapons. She is ready for action with her hair slicked back in a ponytail, her alluring and practical purple singlet, and smart knee-high boots. Sheva Alomar is available as a Legendary Set for Jill Valentine.

A mysterious Umbrella specialist whose laser-focus in combat makes him a powerful enemy, Hunk is the ultimate fighter. Donning his signature gas mask, Umbrella armor, and trusted Grim Reaper bladeHunk is available as a Legendary Set for The Legion.

The PROJECT W Collection

On top of the three Legendary Sets listed above, fans would be remiss not to take advantage of the slew of outfits available, including 7 Very Rare Outfits. Players can dress Albert Wesker in the Albert Wesker S.T.A.R.S. OutfitLeon S. Kennedy in the Detective Noir OutfitAda Wong in the Undercover Espionage OutfitRebecca Chambers in the Cowgirl OutfitJill Valentine in the S.T.A.R.S. OutfitFeng Min in the Jill Cosplay Outfit and Felix Richter in the S.T.A.R.S. Uniform Outfit.

The Dead by Daylight: Resident Evil: PROJECT W Chapter is available now via Steam, PS5, PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Epic Games Store, Windows Store, Nintendo Switch and Stadia.