Author - Jerry Paxton

Expeditions: Rome Launch Trailer

The hero or heroine of Expeditions: Rome is not off to a good start: father murdered, sister married to an enemy and on their way to Asia Minor, to serve in the legion, far away from Rome. Meanwhile, on board your ship, there is another vessel getting closer – of course, pirates!

In Expeditions: Rome you will play a young male or female roman soldier, making your way through history. Take command of a small group of praetorians and eventually become the Legatus a Roman legion. You’ll gather a group of loyal companions, engage in tactical turn-based combat, learn new skills, loot and craft new equipment for your soldiers, and shape the fate of Rome. Expeditions: Rome offers over 50 hours of cRPG-gameplay and multiple ways to end the story.

Try before you buy? Download the Expeditions: Rome demo now on Steam, you can even continue playing from your savegame if you get the full game: https://thqn.net/rome-steam

Project Haven Gameplay Walkthrough Trailer

Project Haven developer Code Three Fifty One has released ten minutes of narrated, fresh gameplay of its tactical turn-based title. The fan favourite winner and NGDC grand-finalist has showcased fresh footage ahead of its major update in February, that’s set to bring significant improvements to the user interface, in-game mechanics, new playable characters and skills.

Inspired by Jagged Alliance and developed by a team of two, the Epic Grant recipient’s latest video sees the Steel Dragons reach a key subway station, only to find they’ve been ambushed by several Brotherhood goons. Shot to highlight the game’s tactical depth, players also get to see the process behind its deep combat and the depth of options available in how to approach each encounter.

Set in a grid-free urban battlefield using an action point-based movement system, Project Haven sees players needing to take cover using flexible stances, and aim every shot precisely using over-the-shoulder manual targeting. Each and every bullet is ballistically modelled and capable of punching a hole clean through a body.

Combat in Project Haven isn’t always about overwhelming force. Disarm your enemies by shooting the gun from their hands, then close the distance for a melee attack. Use an advanced stealth system to avoid enemy lines of sight and deliver a silent takedown from the rear, or use armor-piercing rounds to punch through solid walls for the ultimate in surprise attacks. Develop your tactics, upgrade your squad and customize your arsenal to become the city’s deadliest, most efficient merc crew for hire.

Launching this year, Project Haven will deliver a massive 45+ mission campaign, a gritty sci-fi story to unravel and a cast of mismatched mercenary personalities to fill out your roster. Every mission is hand-crafted, with narrative design by Edwin McRae, contributor to the likes of Lost Ember and Path Of Exile.

The new Project Haven demo will be available in February. The full game launches in 2022, and players can keep up with development on the game’s official Discord channel, or via Code Three Fifty One’s development blog on Steam.

RØDE Releases Single Version of Wireless GO II Wireless Microphone System

RØDE has released a much-anticipated single set edition of the industry-leading Wireless GO II wireless microphone system. Offering the same ultra-compact form factor and unmatched feature set as the original but with just one transmitter instead of two, the Wireless GO II Single is the ultimate do-it-all microphone for solo content creators.

With just one transmitter, the Wireless GO II Single is perfect for solo content creators.

KEY FEATURES OF THE WIRELESS GO II SINGLE:

  • Ultra-compact and versatile single-transmitter wireless microphone system
  • Series IV 2.4GHz digital transmission with 128-bit encryption – crystal-clear audio at up to 200m (line of sight), optimised for extremely stable operation in dense RF environments
  • 3.5mm TRS analog output, USB-C and iOS digital output – universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers
  • On-board recording – over 40 hours of internal memory
  • Safety channel, flexible gain control (three-stage pad, expandable to 10-stage)
  • In-built rechargeable lithium-ion battery – up to 7 hours battery life
  • Compatible with free RØDE Connect podcasting and streaming software
  • Complete on-the-go device configuration, access to advanced features, firmware updates and easy file management via RØDE Central app
  • Dual-channel receiver – compatible with additional Wireless GO II transmitter
  • Designed and made in RØDE’s precision manufacturing facilities in Sydney, Australia
  • Launched in early 2021, the Wireless GO II is an ultra-compact and extremely versatile microphone that carried on the legacy of the original Wireless GO as the go-to wireless mic for content creators.

Initially released as a dual-channel system with one receiver and two transmitters, the Wireless GO II revolutionised wireless audio, boasting a slew of world-first features unlike anything that had come before. This includes universal compatibility with cameras, mobile devices and computers, up to 200m range, on-board recording with over 40 hours of internal memory, flexible gain control, complete on-the-go configuration and advanced features via the RØDE Central desktop and mobile apps, and much more. All of this was in addition to the ultra-compact form factor and professional audio quality that creators had come to expect from the Wireless GO.

Since its release, the Wireless GO II has been upgraded several times, with firmware and software updates adding new features and functional enhancements. This includes unlocking compatibility with RØDE Connect, making it the first wireless microphone system of its kind to be fully integrated with podcasting or streaming software, as well as adding a standalone recording function, essentially turning the Wireless GO II into a standalone field recorder, and updating RØDE Central for easier file management.

The Wireless GO II Single is identical to the dual-transmitter edition in a convenient and affordable single-transmitter package. This is ideal for solo content creators or users in need of a backup Wireless GO II set in the field (an additional Wireless GO II transmitter can be paired to the receiver for users who require dual-channel recording).

This new release affirms the Wireless GO II as the best-in-class wireless microphone system, offering the ultimate in performance and versatility for a wide range of content creation applications.

The Wireless GO II Single is shipping worldwide now. Find out more about the Wireless GO II at rode.com/wirelessgoii.

Dying Light 2 Stay Human Launch Trailer and Final Dev Diary

Today’s final episode of Dying 2 Know, the behind-the-scenes web series diving deep into the world of Dying Light 2 Stay Human, was devoted to Techland’s fans, offering answers and video presentations for the long-awaited topics of 4-player co-op and cross-gen console comparisons of performance and visuals.

One of the most common questions asked about Dying Light 2 Stay Human is, “Will there be co-op?” And the answer is yes! Giving a short explanation of how it works and a video presentation of 4-person co-op, Techland showed off this exciting aspect of the gameplay.

During Dying Light 2 Stay Human preview events last year, media from around the world had a chance to test the game on both PC and consoles. Their first preview impressions were insightful, but this episode gave players a look at how gameplay compares across platforms. PS4, Xbox One X, PS5, Xbox Series X… It’s all here, but even more comparisons are coming soon!

As the episode continued, Techland’s developers took a moment to speak directly to the Dying Light community with a few words about the truly sentimental journey of the last six years. The entire team has spent this journey working really hard to give fans the best possible experience.

Finally, viewers learned more about the UGC contest originally announced in the first episode. With special guest judge and cosplayer Irina Meier, Techland’s jury will soon choose the winners of the contest. Stay tuned for more information on TechlandGG, and best of luck to all participants! As a bonus, TechlandGG users may once again find the Banshee comic free for everyone on the social hub.

Are you ready to dive into the vast open world of Dying Light 2 Stay Human? Immerse yourself in the new Launch Trailer. Aiden’s story—your story—begins here! The whole Techland team thanks you for being with us on this journey so far. We’ll see you in The City on February 4!

The world premiere of Dying Light 2 Stay Human is just around the corner, so don’t miss any episode of the Dying 2 Know web series (all available here) and if you’re Dying 2 Know More, go further behind the scenes with more episodes of exclusive interviews.

Dying Light 2 Stay Human, published by Techland, launches on February 4, 2022 on PC, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Nintendo Switch (Cloud Version).

Pre-orders are available via dyinglightgame.com/preorder. All pre-orders will come with the exclusive digital Reload Pack and Reach for the Sky Pack, featuring unique outfits, weapons, backpack and paraglider skins. Reach for the Sky Pack, was created in collaboration with Rosario Dawson (The Mandalorian, Sin City), who plays Lawan, a key character whose fate connects with main protagonist Aiden during his journey.

Expeditions: Rome Companions Trailers

Expeditions: Rome will release in less than a week – time to show off the companions of your Legatus! During your adventures in Greece, Africa, Gaul, and Rome you will meet five different party members that you will be able to add to your band of heroes, called the “Speculatores”. There is the wise servant Syneros, who is a healer on the battlefield as well as the voice of reason in dialogues. Former Gladiator “Bestia” Tabat is a lightly armored, very agile, and ferocious melee fighter who uses two weapons to overcome his enemies. Julia Calida is the person to ask when it comes to stealth maneuvers or covert operations, while Centurio Caeso is the prototype of a heavy roman infantry soldier.

Each of the Speculatores will be introduced with a short trailer, and on top of that, we also have the Extension Trailer ready to be shown off. It presents the special Twitch-Extension made for Expeditions: Rome and how a gang of well-known content creators made use of it. When Expeditions: Rome launches on January 20th, the extension, as well as the Twitch-drop campaign, will be available again.

Want to try the game for yourself? Download the Expeditions: Rome demo now on Steam.
You can even continue playing from your save game when the game launches: https://thqn.net/rome-steam

Here’s the full pack of trailers:
Caeso: https://youtu.be/-g_xDxONrRo
Julia: https://youtu.be/KIL_A8zohew
Bestia: https://youtu.be/QYaN-wtIUHQ
Syneros: https://youtu.be/Sm-RCHo2KLQ
Deianeira: https://youtu.be/viyTiZ0wGws

Twitch Extension Trailer #02: https://youtu.be/kXOZ_NvQ_u0

Expeditions: Rome will launch on January 20th, 2022 on PC at an SRP of $ 44.99 | € 44.99 | £ 36.99.
You can pre-order now on Steam to get a 20% discount: https://thqn.net/rome-steam

D23 Expo 2022 Tickets On Sale January 20th

Tickets for D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa go on sale at 12 p.m. PT, Thursday, January 20 with an exclusive presale for Visa cardholders who are also D23 Members starting on January 19, at 10 a.m. PT. “The Ultimate Disney Fan Event,” hosted by D23: The Official Disney Fan Club, will take place at the Anaheim Convention Center September 9th through the 11th, celebrating the magic and excitement of Disney entertainment past, present, and future and kicking off Disney100, the centennial celebration of The Walt Disney Company. All of Disney’s wonderful worlds—including Pixar, Marvel, and Star Wars—will unite under one roof to showcase what’s new and what’s on the horizon from Disney theme parks, streaming, television, music, products, and films. Complete details are available at D23Expo.com.

D23 Expo 2022 will feature more than 50 shows, presentations, and panels, including the Disney Legends Awards Ceremony, which honors the talented individuals who have made significant contributions to the Disney legacy, as well as an all-new exhibit curated by the Walt Disney Archives highlighting the 100th anniversary of Disney.

 

The popular Mousequerade costume contest will return, hosted by Nina West and featuring a star-studded panel of judges including Yvette Nicole Brown (Big Shot, Disenchanted), Ashley Eckstein (voice of Ahsoka Tano and creator of Her Universe), and Ally Maki (Toy Story 4, Home Sweet Home Alone). The contest will feature new categories including “Off the Screen,” “Imagine That!,” “Magical Mashups,” and “Cast of Characters,” as well as a fan-favorite award voted on by the audience and a “Best in Show” prize of $2,300. Complete rules for entry and details are available at D23Expo.com.

Presenting Sponsor Visa will be the “Official Way to Pay at D23 Expo,” and Visa cardholders will have access to additional benefits and one-of-a-kind Disney experiences.

Plus, D23 and the Walt Disney Archives, working with new D23 Expo Platinum sponsor Amazon, are restoring Walt Disney’s Grumman Gulfstream I company airplane, currently housed backstage at Walt Disney World Resort, and transporting it to Anaheim. The iconic aircraft was seen for years as part of the Studio Backlot Tour at Disney’s Hollywood Studios and will be on display at D23 Expo 2022 for guests to see in an exhibit called Mickey Mouse One: Walt’s Plane presented by Amazon.

Returning to D23 Expo 2022 will be the massive show floor full of immersive experiences and special opportunities for guests to see what’s next for Disney around the world—and they may even run into their favorite Disney stars, characters, Imagineers, animators, and filmmakers. Guests can also enjoy numerous shopping opportunities, many featuring D23 Expo-exclusive collectibles, at an assortment of Disney and partner pop-up shops including the D23 Expo Emporium, where the ultimate Disney fans can find their ultimate treasures. The 7,000-seat Hall D23 returns and will be joined this year by the 3,000-seat Premiere Stage, the 1,200-seat Backlot Stage, and the expanded, 700-seat Walt Disney Archives Stage for more presentations curated by the staff of the Archives. On the main show floor, the D23 Expo Live! Stage will feature performances, appearances, demonstrations, and more all weekend long, many of which will be livestreamed to guests at home.

D23’s seventh Expo in Anaheim follows the success of D23 Expo 2019, which drew tens of thousands of Disney fans for three star-studded days and nights. Guests were treated to appearances by celebrities such as Robert Downey Jr., Christina Aguilera, Dwayne Johnson, Emily Blunt, Angelina Jolie, Robin Roberts, Salma Hayek, Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, and the casts of The Mandalorian and High School Musical: The Musical: The Series. Guests immersed themselves in the one-of-a-kind exhibit Inside the World of Avatar, saw models and artwork from the new experiences and attractions coming to EPCOT at Walt Disney World Resort, and admired iconic costumes on display from Star Wars and the Marvel Cinematic Universe. They also enjoyed a look back at Disney’s rich history through extraordinary panels, presentations, and exhibits and discovered the newest entertainment, technology, and products coming from Disney.

Tickets for D23 Expo 2022 presented by Visa will go on sale at D23Expo.com beginning January 20, 2022, at noon PT. Guests must be members of D23: The Official Disney Fan Club—either at the complimentary General Member level or at the Gold Member level—to purchase tickets. Discounted single-day ($89) and three-day tickets ($229) will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members. Regularly priced single-day tickets are $99 for a one-day adult admission and $79 for children, and money-saving three-day tickets are also available. This year, a limited number of Hall D23 Preferred Seating tickets (which include admission for all three days and a reserved seating section for all Hall D23 presentations) will be available exclusively to D23 Gold Members. D23 Members who are also Visa cardholders, and who pay with their Visa, will have pre-sale access to a limited number of one-day and three-day tickets for 24 hours beginning January 19, 2022, at 10 a.m. PT, while supplies last. Discounted hotel and Disneyland Resort park tickets are available to all D23 Expo ticket purchasers.

In addition to an exclusive discount on tickets, D23 Gold Members will enjoy special benefits at the Expo, including on-site discounts from select retail locations and a complimentary gift. And guests will be able to visit the D23 Ultimate Fan Lounge presented by Amazon on the show floor. For more information on tickets, ticket prices, and D23 Expo, visit D23Expo.com.

Schedule and talent are subject to change.

Ubisoft’s The Settlers Comeback Trailer

Today, Ubisoft announced the much-anticipated return of The Settlers®, the build-up real-time strategy (RTS) game where players must settle onto a new land, gather resources to build their communities, recruit fellow civilians (or engineers) and form military units to protect and defend their new settlement.

The Settlers will release on Windows PC on March 17 and is available for pre-order now on Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store. Additionally, players can participate in the upcoming closed beta, which begins January 20.

Developed by Ubisoft Düsseldorf, The Settlers returns as a reboot mostly inspired by The Settlers III and The Settlers IV, two of the most popular games in the franchise. Players can expect a fresh take on the new The Settlers. Built from the ground up using Ubisoft’s proprietary Snowdrop Engine, The Settlers sets a new visual benchmark in the RTS game genre. Traditional and new players will experience lush and colorful environmental biomes, as well as modernized gameplay. Players can enjoy The Settlers in one of three game modes: single-player campaign, Skirmish (solo vs. AI, co-op vs. AI or PvP featuring up to eight players) and Onslaught, where players can experience Skirmish maps solo, but with challenging conditions.

In The Settlers, the Elari (one of the factions in the game) are forced to flee from their homeland and must settle on new and unknown lands. Adventure awaits as The Settlers come across other citizens and face tough challenges on their journey. There are a total of three playable factions in The Settlers, each with a unique look, playstyle and respective background story.

At release, The Settlers will be available in the following editions:

Standard Edition: Base game
Deluxe Edition: Base game and deluxe pack featuring unlocked digital items

Players participating in the upcoming closed beta can expect to experience: Tutorial, two playable factions and two Skirmish modes, 1v1 and 2v2. Players will be able to play the closed beta for an unlimited time between January 20-24 on both Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store. The closed beta pre-load will be available on January 18.

Register for the closed beta at https://thesettlers.com

Ocean’s Heart Nintendo Switch Trailer

Join the swashbuckling Tilia on her quest to defeat the evil pirate Blackbeard as sea-braving adventure RPG, Ocean’s Heart, launches on Nintendo Switch for $14.99/€14.99/£13.49. Brought to life by the creator of Yarntown, Max Mraz, and publisher Nordcurrent, Ocean’s Heart pays homage to the genre classics, enriching tried and true roleplaying concepts with a modern flair.

Ocean’s Heart is a charming pixel-art action RPG set in a spirited world brimming with secrets, magic, and perilous affairs. As Tilia, a young girl who’s father has been kidnapped by the ruthless pirate Blackbeard, you must set off on a treacherous journey through a vast and dangerous wilderness to rescue him, unraveling a web of pirate conspiracies on the way. Gather items along your journey to craft potions as well as expand and upgrade your ever-growing arsenal of weapons, constantly increasing your skills to fight boss adversaries and survive deadly dungeons.

“Ocean’s Heart wears its influences on its sleeve, so of course I am ecstatic to see the game come to Nintendo Switch. Ocean’s Heart is a love letter to the Legend of Zelda but it also has its own uniqueness that sets it apart. It’s about exploring, and the sense of satisfaction of finding a mystery out there, and trying to figure out what it means,” said Max Mraz, the developer of Ocean’s Heart. “So it lures you off the path by being full of hidden areas that hint at stories and hide new monsters and treasure. After building my vision for Ocean’s Heart from the ground up, it’s satisfying to see my game on the platform of its greatest inspiration.

“It is exciting to work with Max again to release Ocean’s Heart on Nintendo Switch. The system perfectly suits this kind of game and players will soon be able to see that for themselves,” said Andrius Mackevičius, Publishing Team Lead at Nordcurrent. “We love his vision and inspiration from the classic RPGs of the 80s and 90s, and we think that Ocean’s Heart delivers when it comes to nostalgia by offering hours of exciting top-down roleplaying action, an engaging story crafted with clever humor, and a beautiful pixel art aesthetic.”

Blade Assault Official Launch Trailer

Blade Assault, an action-packed roguelite platformer being published by NEOWIZ and developed by Team Suneat, is officially launching on Steam with its 1.0 version on January 17th, 2022. Packed to the brim with content, including the exciting final act, never before seen in Early Access, Blade Assault is the next great action roguelite from the publisher of Skul: The Hero Slayer.

The full version launches with three playable characters – Kil, Jenny, and Darcy, each with their own unique playstyle and signature weapons. There are over 200 different items from Cores to Gears, and Enhanced Weapons to equip your characters with in order to take on the monsters flooding the world of Blade Assault. With 3 new bosses (bringing the total to 7) and the “Ending” of the game now added, as well as the Friendship System which allows you to make friends and earn rewards from the game’s NPCs – there’s a whole lot to explore in this cyberpunk-fueled pixel world.

And if you manage to take down the big baddies, and beat the game? The Assault Level will test your might with its endless hard mode waves of enemies designed to challenge even the most seasoned players.

All this, and yes – new characters, bosses, and weapons are going to be added in the future with more details to follow.

Action Arcade Wrestling New Trailer Released

Bring your powerbombs, fireballs, and steel chairs to the wrestling ring! VICO Game Studio, in partnership with Reverb Triple XP, has announced today that Action Arcade Wrestling will launch on Nintendo Switch this February. In a few short weeks, ‘90s arcade wrestling fans everywhere will be able to pass around a Joy-Con and land the ultimate finisher at home and on the go.

Choose from over 30 mighty characters and brawl across over 25 playable game modes, including 5-on-5 tag team, Elimination matches, Battle Royale, and more. Perform moonsaults, grab power-ups, unleash laser beams, and pummel the opposition with giant squeaky hammers! After sending rivals to dream land, head to the extensive Wrestle Lab to create the world’s greatest wrestling star, legendary superhero, or even recreate your friends! From old school rasslin’ fans to newcomers and everyone in between, Action Arcade Wrestling on Nintendo Switch can be enjoyed by anyone – anytime and anywhere!

Action Arcade Wrestling is a fast-paced, arcade wrestling extravaganza that superkicks overly simulated wrestling games out of the ring! Master powerful attacks and superhero-like abilities in the most over-the-top wrestling game ever conceived.

Action Arcade Wrestling will launch on Nintendo Switch this February and is currently available on PlayStation®4, Xbox One, and PC via Steam. Stay up to date on Action Arcade Wrestling by following the game on Twitter, ‘Like’ it on Facebook, and visiting its official website at ActionArcadeWrestling.com.