Author - Jerry Paxton

Mattel and Outright Games Announce Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets

Mattel, Inc. (Nasdaq: MAT), a leading global toy and family entertainment company and owner of one of the most iconic brand portfolios in the world, in collaboration with Outright Games, the leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, has today revealed the first Monster High™ video game for the current generation of consoles – Monster High™: Skulltimate Secrets™. It’s almost time for players to create their very own monster, meet the Boo Crew, and lend a helping hand to stop the mysterious chaos roaming the halls. Developed by Petoons Studio, Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets will be available just in time for Halloween, October 29, 2024, on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, and PC available on Steam and the Microsoft Store.

Monster High is one of the most successful and beloved kids’ properties of all time, featuring a world of fangtastic characters that embrace what makes them unique and rally people everywhere to be yourself, be unique and be a monster. Monster High’s Skulltimate Secrets line is currently ranked #4 in Fashion Doll & Accessories items in the US (YTD 2024) and was the #9 item in 2023.* Now, the haunted halls are opening their doors to popular gaming systems with Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets, a single-player, 3D platformer with chillingly captivating gameplay. Strange things are occurring on the grounds of Monster High™, and it’s up to players to stop the chaos plaguing the halls of their school.

Players can become besties with Clawdeen Wolf™, Draculaura™, Frankie Stein™, and the rest of the Boo Crew to explore various locations, uncovering the fangtastic secrets of the Hidden Rooms along the way. Choose from six fangtastic monster types to craft a unique character, picking from a fabulous array of spooky hairstyles, haunt-couture clothing, and scareccessories for the ultimate Monster High experience.

“Monster High continues to resonate with kids and fans as a space to celebrate their true selves, and now we are introducing new characters and a spooktacular mystery to uncover for players on all major consoles and PC,” said Erika Winterholler, Head of Business Development, Digital Gaming at Mattel. “Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets lets players of all backgrounds imagine themselves as part of The Boo Crew and gives them the chance to express their personality in a quirky, playful way that embraces inclusion and creativity.”

“Monster High is an IP that truly encourages fans to express every part of themselves and think outside the box. We couldn’t be prouder to help build on its legacy and reintroduce the Boo Crew to a new generation of players,” said Stephanie Malham, COO of Outright Games. “As the latest Monster High video game to be released on all consoles and PC, Monster High: Skulltimate Secrets invites fans to explore faithful recreations of the school, experience a brand-new story, and design their own ghoulish character. Mattel has worked with us every step of the way, providing us the tools and support to create something that will be special for fans old and new.”

Monster High debuted in 2010 to create a more accepting world where everyone feels proud to be their authentic self and let their inner monster shine.The franchise follows a group of monster teens as they attend Monster High, learning to embrace their differences through strong friendships. Community, acceptance, and belonging are core tenets of this group. It’s not about one monster, but each one of them – coming together, supporting one another, and embracing their unique differences.

Since reimagining the brand in 2022, Monster High has made an even greater impact on issues that are core to the brand purpose of inclusion, diversity, and community through inspiring product, content and initiatives including the brand’s social mission, Monster High Project Belonging.

To learn more about Monster High™: Skulltimate Secrets™ and discover more upcoming games published by Outright Games featuring Mattel franchises, follow Outright Games on YouTube (@OutrightGames), X (@Outright_Games), and Instagram (outright_games).

*Source: Circana/Retail Tracking Service/US/JAN-MAY 2024 & JAN-DEC 2023/Fashion Dolls & Acc Subsegment/USD

Bad Boys: Ride or Die Available Tomorrow to Buy and Rent on Digital

The world’s favorite Bad Boys are back with their iconic mix of edge-of-your-seat action and outrageous comedy, but this time with a twist: Miami’s finest are now on the run. When Captain Howard is unjustly accused of a lifetime of drug-related crimes, the Bad Boys vow to clear his name. Available tomorrow to buy and rent on digital!

DIGITAL EXTRAS*
  • Outtakes & Bloopers
  • Deleted Scenes

Also Includes:

  • Will & Martin Chemistry, Legacy & Laughs
  • The Bruckheimer Legacy: Crafting Bad Boys & Beyond
  • Fights, Camera, Action
  • Partners in Crime

*PLUS AN ALL-NEW POST-CREDIT SCENE

CAST AND CREW

Directed by: Adil & Bilall
Written by: Chris Bremner and Will Beall
Produced by: Jerry Bruckheimer, Will Smith, Chad Oman, Doug Belgrad
Executive Producers: Barry Waldman, Mike Stenson, James Lassiter, Jon Mone, Chris Bremner,
Martin Lawrence
Cast: Will Smith, Martin Lawrence, Vanessa Hudgens, Alexander Ludwig, Paola Nuñez, Eric Dane, Ioan Gruffudd, Jacob Scipio, Melanie Liburd, Tasha Smith, with Tiffany Haddish and Joe Pantoliano

SPECS
Run Time: Approx. 115 minutes
Rating: R for strong violence, language throughout, and some sexual references. Under 17 requires accompanying parent or adult guardian

Punch Club 2: Iron Fist DLC Launch Trailer

Punch Club 2, the fighter management simulator from developer Lazy Bear Games (Graveyard Keeper) and publisher tinyBuild, dodges and weaves with an epic counterpunch in the Iron Fist DLC, available on PC via Steam, Epic Game Store, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5|4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S today. Build fully customizable leagues to share with other players as part of a Steam exclusive update available now.

A new challenger approaches! The “Iron Fist” DLC welcomes returning fighters to an all-new story featuring robots, a worn-down workshop, and a new AI teammate, MoMMi (Modern Massive Microwave). Work together, since two brains (sort of) are better than one, and train a rusty robot into tip-top shape. Compete in the new Robot League to pummel through the Secret Robot Society and discover the AI’s companion’s true intentions for all of humanity.

Spruce up the robotic comrade through cybernetic enhancements available in the new Robot Path, from stat upgrades to powerful punches capable of landing a one-hit KO. Choose from dozens of designs and shapes with a spectrum of colors, new skills and kicks, to highlight the boxing spirit. Together with MoMMi, upgrade the workshop to gain access to additional robotic buffs with a robust skill tree to create the most technical robot fighter ever.

Through a Steam exclusive update, aspiring fighters can dream up and design fighting leagues. Craft a fully customizable league from modifiable fighters to unique rewards using Steam Workshop. Upload leagues online for the world to compete in, or bring the fight to others and become world champion.

Punch Club 2: Iron Fist DLC is available now on Windows PC via Steam, Epic Game Store, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5|4, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S for $9.99 USD, with the iOS version launching on August 22, 2024. A 10% launch discount is available for the DLC on Steam only, as well as the Punch Club 2: Complete Edition which bundles the base game and DLC together.

Dragon Age: The Veilguard Reveals Voice Cast and Comic-Con Appearance

Electronic Arts Inc. and BioWare today announced the voiceover cast for Dragon Age: The Veilguard, the new single-player fantasy RPG experience coming to PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC in Fall 2024. Taking up spell and sword as Dragon Age’s newest hero, Rook, players battle alongside an extraordinary cast of heroes known as the Veilguard, featuring voiceover work from a cast of new actors and returning favorites revealed today. Additionally, BioWare has announced the full details of their character-focused panel, titled “Dragon Age – Meet The Heroic Companions of Thedas,” taking place on Friday, July 26 at San Diego Comic-Con.

Our hero, Rook, debuts with four different English voice options – two North American and two British voices provided by notable television, film and video game personalities Erika Ishii (Apex Legends, Destiny 2), Jeff Berg (Battlefield 1, NCIS), Bryony Corrigan (Baldur’s Gate 3, Good Omens) and Alex Jordan (Cyberpunk 2077, The Amazing World of Gumball).

The game’s cast of companions includes:

  • Ali Hillis (Mass Effect 3, Naruto) returns to the fray as Harding, the dwarven scout, a Dragon Age: Inquisition hero with a big heart, a positive outlook, and a ready bow – as well as unexpected magical powers.
  • Ike Amadi (Mass Effect 3, Halo 5: Guardians, Insomniac’s Spider-Man) as Davrin, a bold and charming Grey Warden who has made a name for himself as a monster hunter.
  • Jee Young Han (Perry Mason, Unprisoned) as Bellara, a creative and romantic Veil Jumper obsessed with uncovering ancient secrets.
  • Jessica Clark (True Blood, Pocket Listing) as Neve, a cynic fighting for a better future, both as a private detective and a member of Tevinter’s rebellious Shadow Dragons.
  • Jin Maley (Star Trek: Picard, Silicon Valley) as Taash, a dragon hunter allied with the Lords of Fortune who lives for adventure and doesn’t mind taking risks.
  • Nick Boraine (Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, Black Sails) as Emmrich, a necromancer of Nevarra’s Mourn Watch who comes complete with a skeletal assistant, Manfred, voiced by Matthew Mercer (Critical Role, Fallout 4).
  • Zach Mendez (Horizon Forbidden West, Married Alive) as Lucanis, a poised & pragmatic assassin who descends from the bloodline of the House of Crows, a criminal organization renowned throughout Thedas.

For more information, please check out the Dragon Age blog here.

“Each companion in Dragon Age: The Veilguard brings a unique personality and backstory, with some of the most compelling individual storylines in franchise history,” said Ashley Barlow, Creative Performance Director at BioWare. “The talent contributing to this next game in the series is tremendous – translating stellar writing from the BioWare team into performances fans will find worthy of the drama, fantasy and romance they come to expect from Dragon Age.”

Dragon Age fans will have the opportunity to learn more about these companions and how they fit into the overall story and world of Dragon Age: The Veilguard at San Diego Comic-Con at the “Dragon Age – Meet The Heroic Companions of Thedas” panel, moderated by GameSpot host and producer Lucy James.  Attendees will hear from the BioWare team as well as members of the cast played by Jessica Clark (Neve), Nick Boraine (Emmrich), Zach Mendez (Lucanis) and Ali Hillis (Harding) about their motivations and inspirations that have lit up the personalities and uniqueness of each companion.

The panel will be held on Friday, July 26 from 3:15PM – 4:15PM in Room 6BCF and will shine light on the voiceover actors’ experiences working on the game and give a glimpse at how bonds and connections will unfold through BioWare’s dynamic conversation system.

Fatal Fury’s Terry Announced for Street Fighter 6

Hey, c’mon, c’mon, Terry finally arrives to fight in Street Fighter™ 6 this fall, with the debut of a first-look trailer at his in-game action at this year’s historic Evolution Championship Series (Evo) 2024! The charismatic, pony-tailed fighter, and first-ever guest character in the Street Fighter™ series, Terry, from SNK’s Fatal Fury series, will be available to play in all three modes of Street Fighter 6 (World Tour, Fighting Ground, Battle Hub) across PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam! Congratulations to the Evo 2024 Street Fighter 6 champion Punk as well and the more than 5,000 Evo competitors who keep our fighting spirit alive as Street Fighter 6 tops its second consecutive year as the game with the most registrants for this year’s tournament!

The battle between good vs. evil…why not both? Players can continue wreaking havoc as the recently released crime syndicate boss M. Bison as part of the Year 2 character roster and enjoy a taste of fighting as everyone’s happy-go-lucky neighbor, Terry, when he drops this fall!

Terry, the Legendary Hungry Wolf, will be unlocked and ready to rumble for players who own or purchase the Year 2 Character Pass or Year 2 Ultimate Pass. The conniving M. Bison and charismatic Terry will be joined by the legendary Mai (Early 2025) and Elena (Spring 2025) to round out the Year 2 character roster. Let’s welcome them, as Mai will be the second-ever guest character to step into the Street Fighter universe, and Elena will return for the first time since Street Fighter™ IV.

The King of Iron Fist Returns to TEKKEN 8 in First Story Expansion

Bandai Namco Entertainment America Inc. revives Heihachi Mishima, the King of Iron Fist, in a new character reveal trailer debuted at EVO 2024. Revealed as the next DLC character, Heihachi will return to the TEKKEN roster in Fall 2024. The DLC is the third since the launch of the game, bringing back fan-favorite characters including Eddy Gordo and Lidia Sobieska. Developed by Bandai Namco Studios Inc., TEKKEN™ 8 harnesses Unreal® Engine 5 to bring new weight and atmosphere to the game’s battles, with every character remodelled in stunning detail and new dynamic and destructible environments added to the game. TEKKEN 8 is available now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC via Steam®. For more information on the game, please visit https://tekken.com/.

Check out the TEKKEN 8 – Heihachi Mishima reveal trailer here:

For the first time ever in TEKKEN history, TEKKEN 8 adds an entirely new chapter to its story mode, expanding on “The Dark Awakens” storyline, which continues the clash between the Kazama and Mishima families. “The Dark Awakens” story mode expansion will be available as a free update for all TEKKEN 8 players.

Following an epic conclusion to the EVO 2024 finals, Arslan Ash continued his streak of TEKKEN domination as he claimed his fifth EVO championship, beating his friend and longtime practice partner, Atif. Bandai Namco also announced the location of the TEKKEN World Tour 2024 Finals from the EVO stage. The TEKKEN finals will be held in Tokyo, Japan on December 8, 2024, with group stages for Global and Regional Leaderboards beginning December 5. For more information about finals, the TEKKEN World Tour 2024 tournament portal can be accessed at https://tekkenworldtour.com.

Check out the all-new TEKKEN World Tour 2024 Finals announcement trailer here:

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate – Nintendo Switch Launch Trailer

Super Evil Megacorp, in collaboration with Paramount Game Studios, is thrilled to announce the worldwide launch of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate on Nintendo Switch. The pizza loving, half-shelled brothers are back and better than ever in this roguelike action game for the device, marking Super Evil Megacorp’s console debut.

Travel through reality bending portals to rescue TMNT’s abducted master, Splinter. Players will take full control over the crime-fighting Turtle brothers, each wielding their own unique powers through this fast-paced roguelike action. Whether playing solo or with friends through the bodacious co-op capabilities, experience thrilling combat, randomized power-ups, boss modifiers and endless challenges – no two runs will be the same!

Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate’s features include:

  • Play the way you want! Solo, local or online co-op, up to 4 players.
  • Play as any of the 4 turtles, Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michelangelo, each with their own attack style, special skills, and unique masteries.
  • Randomized powerups, enemies, and minibosses so no two runs are the same!
  • Permanent upgrade progression so you can still make progress, even in defeat!
  • Improved visual design, graphics, audio and optimized controls for Nintendo Switch.
  • All-new, dynamic story written by legendary comic book author Tom Waltz and Kevin Michael Johnson.

Creative Unveils Creative Outlier Go Open-Ear Earbuds

Creative Technology today announced the release of the Creative Outlier Go, the latest wireless open-ear headphones designed for personalized comfort and rich audio, perfect for those who are always on the move. Featuring custom-tuned 14.2 mm Neodymium drivers and an adjustable fit that suits all ear shapes, these headphones are a must-have for adventurers and daily commuters looking to enjoy superior sound quality while staying connected to their surroundings.

Boasting up to 26 hours of total playtime, the Creative Outlier Go keeps the beats going all day long. These headphones are also all about comfort, featuring an adjustable fit with soft silicone ear hooks that keep users comfortable even during marathon music sessions. Plus, users get to enjoy seamless connectivity with Bluetooth 5.4 and low latency mode, offering minimal audio delay for a smooth and lag-free listening experience.

The Creative Outlier Go is also adventure-ready, featuring an IPX4 splashproof rating and dual microphones for clear calls and uninterrupted jams in any environment. Users can further personalize their listening experience using the Creative App, customizing controls to match their preferences. Additionally, the multi-device connectivity enables seamless connection to two devices simultaneously, making switching effortless. Along with voice assistant support such as Siri and Google Assistant, hands-free control is more convenient than ever.

From exploring new trails to kicking back with favorite tracks, the Creative Outlier Go keeps users grooving wherever they go, ensuring they never miss a beat.

Pricing and Availability

Given these features at its irresistible launch price of $79, the Creative Outlier Go is simply a steal.

For more information, visit creative.com/OutlierGo

NEW EWOKS COMIC SERIES REVEALED

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Ewoks’ continued adventures beyond the Star Wars films. The Ewok Adventure, also known as Caravan of Courage, followed up on the popularity of the adorable—but formidable—creatures who secured the Rebellion’s victory during the Battle of Endor in Return of the Jedi. To celebrate the anniversary and the Ewok’s mighty legacy, they’ll star in a new 4-issue limited comic series this October—STAR WARS: EWOKS!

STAR WARS: EWOKS will be written by Marvel superstar Steve Orlando (Scarlet Witch) and drawn by acclaimed artists Álvaro López (Extreme Venomverse) and Laura Braga (Star Wars: The High Republic). The series will take place in the aftermath of Return of the Jedi as the Ewoks must once again stand against a caravan of carnage to save their home! Fans can expect new insights into Ewok culture, the return of friendly faces like Wicket, and the introduction of all-new Ewok heroes!

A team of Imperial-led bounty hunters and scavengers arrive on the Forest Moon of Endor searching for a secret cache of Imperial weaponry! Are they prepared to face off against the battle-ready Ewoks who took down so many of their ranks? Who is the mysterious new warrior Ewok returning to Bright Tree village, and what is their connection to Wicket W. Warrick?

“Forty years of EWOKS! Sometimes, a lot of the times, this job is just a dream–and for someone who grew up watching Return of the Jedi after every single Sunday Ski Trip, getting the chance to celebrate them and explore their world in the aftermath of the second Death Star’s fall is truly beyond belief,” Orlando shared. “When I was young, the Ewoks got me in the door–Wicket was my hero, a young hero like me (like I was back then) going on adventures with Princess Leia herself! Now, as an adult, it’s an honor to challenge Wicket and bring all-new Ewoks to Bright Tree Village–but not just that! There’s a lot more to Endor that we’ll be seeing for the first time since the Ewoks animated series–this is a powerful world, a powerful ecosystem, and we’ll be exploring it like never before! Join us for a caper like no other as Wicket races against time to outwit a dangerous crew of Imperial Thieves and save the Forest Moon!”

“The Ewoks are an often underestimated force in Star Wars. As a life-long Ewoks fan, I am EXTREMELY excited for the world to read this story and get a closer look into their world. It’s full of action, thrills, and heart. All things we’ve grown to love about Star Wars!” Editor Mikey J. Basso added.

Check out a trio of covers for STAR WARS: EWOKS #1 and don’t miss this exciting never-before-told Star Wars chapter this October! For more information, visit Marvel.com.

Endzone 2 – Release Date Reveal Trailer

Assemble Entertainment is thrilled to announce that post-apocalyptic survival colony builder Endzone 2 will launch into Early Access for PC via Steam and GOG on August 26th, 2024. Discover and repopulate the last habitable grounds, while the survival of your people hinges on your wits, foresight, and resilience in a harsh and unforgiving world. You can look forward to the Endzone 2 roadmap, which will be revealed very soon. Assemble Entertainment is also currently participating in Tacticon 2024, with Endzone 2 featured as part of the lineup. Check out the latest Steam demo and view the Early Access release date trailer below!

Developed by internal Assemble Entertainment team Gentlymad Studios, Endzone 2 is a post-apocalyptic survival colony builder in which players embark on missions to secure humanity’s survival after a cataclysmic disaster. Discover and repopulate the last habitable grounds, and manage the survival of your people by utilizing your wits, foresight, and resilience in a harsh and unforgiving world. Explore the treacherous badlands to discover loot as you develop and expand your settlements amidst the chaos.