Author - Jerry Paxton

New Wave Unveils Space Ace and Dragon’s Lair RepliCade Mini Arcade Cabinet

New Wave is thrilled to announce that Cinematronics’ 1983 arcade hit Space Ace is joining the company’s line of fully playable 1/6-scale RepliCade mini arcade cabinet replicas. The miniature cabinets are available in two versions: Space Ace x RepliCade and a limited-edition Space Ace x RepliCade Conversion Kit Edition. New Wave is also revealing special new versions of one of the company’s most popular cabinets, Dragon’s Lair x RepliCade. All of these new RepliCades are available for pre-order at a special discounted price on NewWaveToys.com and are expected to ship Q1 2023.

Space Ace x RepliCade – $149.99 pre-order promo price (MSRP: $169.99)

Space Ace x RepliCade is a faithful reproduction of the arcade cabinet just as it would have rolled out of Cinematronics’ factory. The cabinet features the complete Space Ace experience, with the same attention to detail that RepliCade fans have come to expect. Key features include:

  • 4.2″ screen with the ability to screen mirror gameplay to an HDTV

  • Authentic ball-top joystick, action, and skill-level select buttons

  • Working digital scoreboard with player score, lives, credits, and skill-level indicators

  • Illuminated marquee and LED cabinet accents

  • Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery and micro USB charging cable

  • USB Controller Support

  • Includes a mini prop of the LDV1000 LaserDisc player (complete with a Space Ace “LaserDisc” and sleeve), four mini arcade tokens, replica operator’s manual, and a Space Ace one-sheet mini poster

Space Ace x RepliCade Conversion Kit Edition – $149.99 pre-order promo price (MSRP: $169.99)

Conversion kits were commonplace in the arcade era, giving operators a chance to give their customers new ways to spend their quarters without having to scrap their existing machines. In late 1983, Cinematronics gave its customers an option to get more mileage from their Dragon’s Lair units with a kit that replaced the cabinet art and LaserDisc to play Don Bluth’s new animated game, Space Ace. The Space Ace x RepliCade Conversion Kit Edition features everything from the Space Ace x RepliCade and:

  • Cabinet designed to replicate the Dragon’s Lair form factor

  • Space Ace field conversion kit replacement control panel featuring illuminated skill level select buttons

  • Space Ace conversion kit cabinet art

  • Red T-molding

Dragon’s Lair x RepliCade Overhaul Edition – $149.99 pre-order promo price (MSRP: $169.99)

Dragon’s Lair x RepliCade is one of New Wave’s most popular items, selling out shortly after its 2021 release. The Dragon’s Lair x RepliCade Overhaul Edition gives folks who missed out on the initial cabinet a chance to get their hands on the two-quarter classic, while also giving existing collectors a reason to clear some additional shelf space. Key features include:

  • Available in black and red variants

  • A more powerful processor that enables HDTV screen mirroring

  • 4.2″ screen with the ability to screen mirror gameplay to an HDTV

  • Authentic ball-top joystick, and action buttons

  • Illuminated marquee and LED cabinet accents

  • Built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery and micro USB charging cable

  • USB Controller Support

  • Cinematronics raised-letter coin door

  • A mini prop replica of the commercial-grade LDV1000 LaserDisc player used in late production runs of Dragon’s Lair and a mini “LaserDisc” and sleeve

  • Special Overhaul Edition packaging, four mini arcade tokens, replica operator’s manual, and a Dragon’s Lair one-sheet mini poster.

Pre-orders end Friday, March 25 at 6 p.m. PST.

Dead Man’s Diary Release Date Trailer

German indie dev TML-STUDIOS announced today a March 30, 2022, release date for their upcoming post-apocalyptic survival-adventure title, Dead Man’s Diary. Utilizing TML’s many years of expertise with the Unreal Engine, Dead Man’s Diary is a gorgeous narrative-driven experience that spans multiple genres — taking survival and crafting elements and blending them with a strong narrative, clever puzzles, and a thrilling mystery to solve. The game also features high-quality audio production that allows the backstory to unfold via the main character’s internal monologue and diary entries set to evocative music.

Dead Man’s Diary puts players in the shoes of a nameless survivor who must navigate the remains of a land ravaged by nuclear war. Survivors must stay sharp and survive this hostile world by crafting items and finding safe places to eat and sleep — all without the use of weapons. Uncover the secrets of this deadly and dangerous world by solving realistic puzzles and piecing together an enthralling story via fully-scored diary entries and the words of the main character.

View the Dead Man’s Diary trailer here:

“Dead Man’s Diary is a project delivered straight from the heart of our team — it’s a story we’ve wanted to tell for a long time and we’re very happy that the game is now coming to market,” says Thomas Langelotz, CEO and founder of TML-Studios. “We can’t wait to finally welcome players into our world”

Dead Man’s Diary Key Features:

  • 27 action-packed levels: The levels of Dead Man’s Diary are full of peril. The players are constantly fighting for survival against a harsh world that wants them dead.
  • Varied environments: Encounter dark forests, ruined cities, and abandoned industrial complexes, as well as other exciting locales. Each of these places hides numerous secrets and tricky puzzles that are just waiting to be solved.
  • Complex puzzles: Players are confronted with puzzles that are as challenging as they are satisfying to solve.
  • Strong narrative focus: Dead Man’s Diary tells the story of an outcast forced to make his way through a world destroyed by nuclear war. The story is told in the form of diary entries and soliloquies by the protagonist.
  • Crafting and survival management: Life after the apocalypse is hard. Players are tasked with making sure that they have enough food to survive and that their equipment is up to scratch. All equipment can be upgraded by players at a workbench to improve its quality.
  • Over 50 hours of play: The expansive game world and comprehensive story ensure a long-lasting adventure.

Dead Man’s Diary was partly funded by the German Federal Ministry of Transport and Infrastructure as part of the federal government’s computer games funding program.

Dead Man’s Diary releases on March 30, 2022, for Windows PC via Steam, with console versions following later in the year.

New Wrestlers Coming to WWE 2K22

2K today unveiled the roadmap for post-launch content updates* in WWE® 2K22, featuring fan-favorite WWE Superstars, celebrity guests, Legends, and several rising NXT stars making their franchise debuts. In total, five post-launch content packs will be available featuring 28 new playable characters, providing players with new content for months to come. Post-launch content packs are available for individual purchase, while the full set of packs is included with the Season Pass, Deluxe Edition, and nWo 4-Life Digital Edition of WWE 2K22.

Notable celebrity additions from post-launch content include WWE 2K22 Executive Soundtrack Producer Machine Gun Kelly, as well as social media personality Logan Paul, who is currently scheduled for a match at WrestleMania with tag team partner The Miz against the team of WWE 2K22 cover Superstar Rey Mysterio and his son, Dominik Mysterio.

Additional post-launch playable characters of note include “The Baddest Woman on the Planet” Ronda Rousey, Doink the Clown, LA Knight, Mr. T, Rob Van Dam, Stacy Keibler, Cactus Jack, The British Bulldog, Umaga, Yokozuna, and Doudrop. Full content pack names, dates, and notable additions include:

Banzai Pack
Release Date: April 26

  • Yokozuna;
  • Umaga;
  • Rikishi;
  • Omos;
  • Kacy Catanzaro.

Most Wanted Pack
Release Date: May 17

  • Cactus Jack;
  • The Boogeyman;
  • Vader;
  • Ilja Dragunov;
  • Indi Hartwell.

Stand Back Pack
Release Date: June 7

  • Hurricane Helms;
  • Stacy Keibler;
  • A-Kid;
  • Wes Lee;
  • Nash Carter.

Clowning Around Pack
Release Date: June 28

  • Doink the Clown;
  • Ronda Rousey;
  • The British Bulldog;
  • Mr. T;
  • Doudrop;
  • Rick Boogs.

The Whole Dam Pack
Release Date: July 19

  • Rob Van Dam;
  • Logan Paul;
  • Machine Gun Kelly;
  • LA Knight;
  • Xia Li;
  • Commander Azeez.

WWE 2K22 will be available on March 11, 2022**. For more information on WWE 2K22, visit the game’s official website, become a fan on Facebook, follow the game on Twitter and Instagram using the hashtag #WWE2K22 or subscribe on YouTube.

Visual Concepts is a 2K studio. 2K is a wholly owned publishing label of Take-Two Interactive Software, Inc. (NASDAQ: TTWO).

*WWE 2K22 required to use DLC content. DLC purchase necessary.

**WWE 2K22 Standard Edition and Cross-Gen Bundle will be available March 11, 2022. WWE 2K22 Deluxe Edition and nWo 4-Life Digital Edition are available now.

Distant Worlds 2 Out Now

Slitherine Games and Code Force are thrilled to announce that today, March 10th, players will be able to return to the Distant Worlds universe with the highly anticipated sequel, Distant Worlds 2, launching on PC.

With the first installment setting the standard for the sci-fi 4X genre as fans have come to know it today, Distant Worlds 2 builds on this by launching players into a living galaxy in constant evolution. No two adventures will be alike as the game generates events that happen independently of one another within the game world. Galaxies can feature up to 2,000 star systems including tens of thousands of planets, moons, and asteroids, providing a deeply immersive experience that will be different every single time.

Distant Worlds 2 is all about player choice and the freedom to explore the game world and play the way you want. Automate the various tasks in your empire, so that you can focus on the areas that you enjoy most. Play only as an explorer without worrying about economics and trade, or manage the home planet, leaving your faction’s AI to exploration and defensive duties. The powerful AI engine has been created so that you can also play as Ship Designer only, if you choose, with the rest of the galaxy evolving and living independently in the background.

Every faction in Distant Worlds 2 has its own story arc and dedicated faction missions. Explore the vastness of space, find valuable resources, discover potential colonies for your empire and make contact with other empires, discussing treaties, making trade offers and forging alliances. Defend the outlying areas of your empire to protect it from raiding pirates, or even dangerous space monsters. Develop new technologies for building your own unique ships and star bases. Design your own starships, mixing designs and elements such as weapons, engines and sensors. The possibilities are endless, play your own way and map out your own adventure across the galaxy.

Distant Worlds 2 also features a completely overhauled, clear and easy to use UI, and an all-new introductory tutorial will ease players into the world; helping them get to grips with all of its systems.

Distant Worlds 2 will be available on Slitherine.com, Steam and other digital shops, and also playable on NVIDIA GeForce NOW.

For more information on Distant Worlds 2, you can stay up to date on Slitherine Games, and on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and Twitch.

Free League and Titan Books Announce Partnership for the ALIEN Universe

Free League Publishing and Titan Books today announced a collaboration to publish a unified storyline set within the ALIEN Universe. For 2022 and into 2023, the editorial and writing teams will share assets and coordinate plotlines to form a cohesive narrative across three original novels and the multiple award-winning ALIEN RPG.

“The ALIEN RPG has established the ‘Frontier War,’ as remote human colonies come under assault by an unknown enemy, dropping a deadly pathogen that unleashes monsters on those worlds,” Titan Acquisitions Editor Steve Saffel said. “At the same time, in the wake of the Titan novel Alien: Into Charybdis, political tensions on Earth reach a boiling point.”

These dramatic events play out in the recently released ALIEN RPG: Colonial Marines Operations Manual by Free League and three upcoming trade paperback novels by Titan Books, each independent but all set against a dramatic galactic backdrop:

  • Alien: Colony War by David Barnett  (April 2022)
  • Alien: Inferno’s Fall by Phillipa Ballantine and Clara Carija (July 2022)
  • Alien: Enemy of My Enemy by Mary SanGiovanni (February 2023)

The results will set the stage for further developments within the ALIEN Universe, as depicted in the roleplaying game and original fiction.

Find out more about the novel Alien: Colony War here.

To further establish the connection between the game and the novels, the ALIEN RPG lead setting writer Andrew E.C. Gaska will develop three unique RPG scenarios which will appear as bonus features in the books, one per novel. The first such scenario, Fallout, is included in Alien: Colony War. Readers intrigued by these adventures will have the opportunity to further explore the RPG experience.

Capcom Unveils New Team-Based Action Game Exoprimal

Yesterday on PlayStation’s State of Play broadcast, Capcom revealed Exoprimal™. This team-based action game is a new IP set to unleash a prehistoric blast from the past on the near future. Suit up in powered armor to put down dinosaur invasions and save humanity from extinction when the Exofighters deploy for battle on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Steam in 2023.

It’s 2040 and the planet is in crisis. Dinosaurs are appearing from thin air and laying waste to cities across the globe. Threatened by history’s deadliest creatures, the world turns to the powerful Aibius Corporation and its revolutionary technology for help. The company’s next-generation AI, Leviathan, can forecast where dinosaur outbreaks will occur and deploy Exofighters to the area. Armed with state-of-the-art mechanized combat armor known as Exosuits, these warriors represent humanity’s last hope.

Exoprimal pioneers a new multiplayer experience rooted in co-op – but with a competitive edge. In the game’s main mode, Dino Survival, teams fight for every breath against countless dinosaurs while racing to complete missions before rival squads in 5v5 matches. A dynamic mix of objectives keeps players on their guard and ensures each match is different form the last. Exofighters will need to stay on their toes as hunts transition into precious cargo deliveries or desperate last stands against relentless assaults. Opposing teams are even given opportunities to tackle adversaries head-on and impede their progress. While Exoprimal is purely focused around multiplayer, a narrative is interwoven throughout the game. Players can sink their teeth into the world’s rich history and colorful characters by unlocking new story threads and piecing together the mystery behind the dinosaur outbreaks.

Exofighters are always outnumbered and must work together to overcome overwhelming odds. Their Exosuits come in an array of classes, each playing a distinct role in combat. Assault models like the marksman Deadeye and the melee-oriented Zephyr excel at cutting down enemy swarms. Meanwhile, tanks such as the shield-bearing Roadblock and support types like the vital Witchdoctor help keep everyone alive to fight another day. Every model is outfitted with a unique armory and special abilities. Players can even swap between Exosuits on the fly to overcome any situation, no matter how dire.

Stay tuned to Exoprimal on Twitter and Facebook for more updates.

Super Nintendo World Opens in 2023 at Universal Studios Hollywood

It’s official! SUPER NINTENDO WORLD™, the innovative, immersive and highly-anticipated themed land, will open at Universal Studios Hollywood in 2023, and will be the first SUPER NINTENDO WORLD to debut in the United States.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD opened first at Universal Studios Japan to rave consumer and critical reviews in 2021. The U.S. debut of SUPER NINTENDO WORLD at Universal Studios Hollywood will transport theme park guests and Nintendo fans into the world of Mario, Luigi and Princess Peach to become part of their compelling universe.

SUPER NINTENDO WORLD was conceived in partnership with Nintendo and the visionaries at Universal Creative to deliver exhilarating entertainment with innovative technological achievements inspired by characters and video games that have appealed to generations of Nintendo fans for over 40 years.

The immersive land will be a visual spectacle of vibrant colors and architectural ingenuity located within a newly expanded area of the theme park, featuring a groundbreaking ride and interactive areas, to be enjoyed by the whole family. Themed shopping and dining will enhance the entire experience.

To mark the occasion as the countdown begins to the land’s exciting debut, Universal Studios Hollywood will unveil a takeover of its popular Feature Presentation retail store with SUPER NINTENDO WORLD theming, opening soon. Located just inside the theme park’s main entrance, guests will have a chance to share their excitement for the land’s 2023 arrival by gearing up with merchandise such as Mario and Luigi themed apparel and iconic character hats. A selection of plush characters, including Yoshi, Mario Bowser and Luigi in a variety of sizes, will also be among the many fun items available for purchase.

More information and details will be shared soon. In the meantime, guests can visit www.UniversalStudiosHollywood.com for theme park updates. Like Universal Studios Hollywood on Facebook and follow @UniStudios on Instagram and Twitter.

ROCCAT and Turtle Beach Unveil Scout Air and SYN Buds Air Wireless Gaming Earbuds

Best-selling console gaming headset brand Turtle Beach®, and ROCCAT® – Turtle Beach Corporation’s (NASDAQ: HEAR) award-winning PC peripherals brand, today unveiled the all-new Scout Air™ and SYN™ Buds Air true wireless gaming earbuds. Designed for console and PC gamers on-the-go and for fans of each brand, the Turtle Beach Scout Air and ROCCAT SYN Buds Air true wireless earbuds are compatible with iOS, Android, and other Bluetooth®-enabled devices like Nintendo Switch™, Windows PCs, and Mac®. For mobile gaming, the Scout Air and SYN Buds Air feature Game Mode for 60ms, low-latency feedback to ensure critical in-battle audio recognition. They also offer 20 hours of total battery and are IPX4-rated for sweat and water-resistance, so listening to music or podcasts while working-out between gaming sessions will not pose a problem. Dual mics deliver top clarity, and the included multiple ear tip options provide a comfortable fit for long gaming sessions. Features including customizable touch-enabled controls, easy selection of EQ presets, activating low-latency Game Mode, and battery monitoring are available via Turtle Beach’s Audio Hub app for the Scout Air, and via ROCCAT’s SYN Buds Air app. Turtle Beach’s Scout Air and ROCCAT’s SYN Buds Air true wireless earbuds are available for pre-order today at www.turtlebeach.com and www.roccat.com, respectively, as well as at participating retailers worldwide for a $99.99 MSRP. Both versions will launch at participating retailers worldwide on March 21, 2022.

“The mobile gaming market grew to nearly $100 billion in 2021, and we’re continuing to expand our portfolio of mobile gaming products so gamers on iOS, Android, and Nintendo Switch can capitalize on the game-winning advantage of using Turtle Beach and ROCCAT gear,” said Juergen Stark, Chairman and CEO, Turtle Beach Corporation. “In this exploding category, the Scout Air and SYN Buds Air true wireless earbuds offer top audio quality, clarity, and comfort at a level that hits on the exacting demands console and PC gamers desire when they’re on the go.”

NBA star Josh Hart, a fan and partner of both Turtle Beach and ROCCAT, looks for the freedom and performance of wireless earbuds for when he’s traveling, practicing, and on-the-go. Josh partnered with Turtle Beach and ROCCAT early in the development of new Scout Air and SYN Buds Air to ensure they meet his active mobile gaming needs. The Portland Trail Blazers’ guard added, “I want stellar audio performance whether at home or on the road and it doesn’t matter if I’m gaming, listening to music, or chatting. I need clarity, comfort, and great sound and the Scout Air and SYN Buds Air earbuds deliver.”

The Scout Air and SYN Buds Air true wireless gaming earbuds are designed to connect to Bluetooth 5.1 equipped devices, Windows PCs, and Mac. They offer 20 hours of total playback time, with five hours in the earbuds and an additional 15-hours in the charging case. The charging case features a battery indicator and can recharge the earbuds with five hours of battery life in just 15-minutes. Turtle Beach’s Scout Air and ROCCAT’s SYN Buds Air also feature Game Mode for 60ms, low latency feedback to ensure critical in-battle audio recognition. The Scout Air and SYN Buds Air are also ready for the gym or outdoors without a worry thanks to their IPX4-rated sweat and water-resistant design. Built-in dual mics deliver crystal-clear chat, and three sets of swappable ear tips provide a secure, comfortable fit for all day use.

For more information on the latest Turtle Beach products and accessories, visit www.turtlebeach.com and be sure to follow Turtle Beach on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook

For more information on the latest ROCCAT PC gaming products and accessories, visit ROCCAT.com and be sure to follow ROCCAT on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.

Ghostwire: Tokyo Official Launch Trailer

At yesterday’s PlayStation State of Play livestream, Tango Gameworks revealed the thrilling new trailer for Ghostwire: Tokyo, an exciting preview of the mystical action and fascinating world players can look forward to exploring when the game launches on PlayStation®5(PS5™) and PC on March 25, 2022.

Ghostwire: Tokyo is an action-adventure game that challenges players to master the powerful arts of Ethereal Weaving while working to defeat the menacing Hannya and his followers, the Visitors, who have invaded Tokyo. These supernatural entities roam the stunning world of Ghostwire, creating a stunning atmosphere that is a love letter to Tokyo, its curiosities, and secrets.

Players who digitally pre-order the Deluxe Edition of Ghostwire: Tokyo from the PlayStation Store will gain early access to the game on March 22, 2022. They will also receive access to the Streetwear Outfit Pack, Shinobi Outfit, and Kunai Weapon.

Ghostwire: Tokyo will be available worldwide for PS5 and PC on March 25, 2022. For more information and news, stay tuned to our official website and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection Announced

Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KONAMI) today announces that Leonardo, Donatello, Raphael, and Michelangelo are back from the sewers with Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga CollectionIn collaboration with Nickelodeon, thirteen radical games from KONAMI’s entire archive of retro 8-bit, 16-bit, and arcade Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (TMNT) titles and their Japanese versions* will be coming to PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC Steam. Physical retail and digital versions will be available in 2022 at SRP $39.99.

This incredible collection of thirteen original classics gives chasing down Shredder, fighting the Foot, and tangling-up with Bebop and Rocksteady a fresh look at why KONAMI’s adaptations of the heroes in a half shell set the standard in beat ‘em up, action games. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection includes:

  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (Arcade)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time (Arcade)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (NES)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Arcade Game (NES)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: The Manhattan Project (NES)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (NES)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (Super Nintendo)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Super Nintendo)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Hyperstone Heist (Sega Genesis)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (Sega Genesis)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of The Foot Clan (Game Boy)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: Back From The Sewers (Game Boy)
  • Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III: Radical Rescue (Game Boy)

KONAMI partnered with game developer Digital Eclipse to expertly adapt these classics for modern gaming systems with a fantastic set of quality-of-life features including save anytime and rewind, button mapping, and added online play for certain games** with local couch play for all titles where originally intended. The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection will also come with a digital game guide for each title to help players fight and sometimes swim through difficult areas.

“I grew up on these TMNT games and can’t wait to have gamers of all generations relive these legendary classics or try them for the first time,” said Charles Murakami, Senior Producer, Konami Digital Entertainment Inc. “With collaboration from our partners at Nickelodeon and Digital Eclipse, we set out to make a celebration of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles’ world. As you dig deep into the Turtles’ lair, you’ll discover the comic and cartoon influences on each of the games. With hundreds of never-before-seen source material, this will be a perfect addition to any fan’s collection.”

The games are based on the characters and themes of the 80’s children’s cartoon and comic book series, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles often taking place in a fictionalized New York City, around the sewers, inside futuristic enemy bases and even across time itself! In collaboration with Nickelodeon, the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Cowabunga Collection will also include loads of extras using imagery from the original cartoons, comics and other historic TMNT media content in a compiled Museum connecting the franchise across the various mediums. Additionally, never-before-seen development art, sketches and game design material will also be included.

*11 Japanese regional versions total -No Japanese versions released for TMNT Turtles in Time (Arcade) and TMNT: Tournament Fighters (NES)

**Titles with online functionality –TMNT (Arcade), TMNT: Turtles in Time (Arcade), TMNT: The Hyperstone Heist, TMNT Tournament Fighters (Super Nintendo)

For more information, please visit us at: https://www.konami.com/games/tmntcollection/