Author - Jerry Paxton

War Mongrels New Gameplay Trailer

War Mongrels, the grisly WWII real-time tactics game from publisher and developer Destructive Creations, launches pre-orders for a limited edition to be delivered in September, alongside its digital release on PC. PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One versions will follow. Thirteen minutes of new gameplay released today show a taste of the tough conversations War Mongrels hopes to inspire.

Destructive Creations plans to only produce 1,944 copies of the limited edition, and pre-orders open today at 1944.warmongrels.com. Prepare for hard-hitting WWII authenticity with an elaborate limited edition full of high-quality extras:

  • Huge, heavy ammo crate containing everything else
  • Personalized mug (choose a nickname or motto) with a coaster resembling barbed wire.
  • Concrete desk organizer built to look like a wrecked tank with a dedicated space for mobile phones and stationary like pens
  • Metal poster featuring War Mongrels’ vintage-inspired key art
  • Destructive Creations magnet crafted in the image of an atomic mushroom explosion
  • Dog tag imitating authentic German dog tags from WWII
  • War Mongrels T-Shirt
  • And of course, a game key! But expect a surprising, era-appropriate format…

The new gameplay video highlights a later section, some time after protagonist Manfred witnesses the horrific results of Hitler’s regime firsthand and abandons his post. Now a freedom fighter, he’s joined by Lead, a member of the “Silent Unseen,” a group of elite special-operations paratroopers of the exiled Polish army. Destructive Creations weaves inspiration from real-life characters and stories into the game, including Manfred himself. His story is loosely based on that of Manfred Zanker, who refused to “risk his life for a madman with a mustache“.

The pair infiltrate an SS internment camp to procure damning evidence of German War Crimes and rescue a member of the resistance. While skulking through the shadows, Lead and Manfred whisper in argument about Manfred’s ignorance. Lead dismantles Manfred’s desperate clings to Hitler’s propaganda, including the supposed execution of 50,000 Germans by the Polish. Listen in as Manfred tries to justify his past, until Lead and other teammates help open his eyes.

The two use every tool at their disposal: cigarette packs to distract guards, stealthy melee kills, and sniper rifles for loud but effective kills. War Mongrels displays information with an intuitive system designed to make stealth fast-paced and strategic. Vision cones and line-of-sight indicators provide a window into the Nazi’s tactics. Carefully consider routes and actions, then pause time with Planning Mode to queue up commands and then execute them all at once.

“While War Mongrels hopes to expose how terrible people have used history to paint themselves in a better light, we wanted to have some fun with the limited edition,” said Marcin Stanek, Business Development Manager at Destructive Creations. “We’ve enjoyed coming up with such premium packages, and we know our fans will love them.”

War Mongrels will be available on PC in September in both digital and limited edition formats. Players can pre-order the limited edition now for $ 249 USD/ 199 EUR (worldwide shipping included). PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One versions will follow. War Mongrels will support English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, Polish, Portuguese (Brazil), Russian and Chinese (Simplified + Traditional) language subtitles at launch with an English voiceover. For more information, please visit the official War Mongrels website and follow Destructive Creations on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube.

World of Tanks Gets Massive Artillery Update

One the more massive updates has arrived in World of Tanks. Update 1.13 sees major reworking of core mechanics, impacting the ammo types of HE shells and SPG (self-propelled gun) countermeasures, as well as other changes and additions, such as a brand-new mode, the eagerly anticipated Season 5 of Battle Pass and interface improvements.

The biggest change that players will notice is the new capabilities they now have to evade attacks from the shell launching artillery tanks. SPGs have changed a great deal since their inception in World of Tanks, and it became clear more artillery countermeasures were needed to level the playing field. With the latest update, tankers will now have 3 new tactical features to help evade attacks from above: Sound Detection is a new Commander-only perk which will warn those in the danger zone that an artillery shell is incoming through a special indicator, brighter shell tracers will allow players to better gauge from where an SPG has fired and the field of fire markers will let tankers know where an SPG recently fired (this marker will appear on the minimap for 10 seconds).

SPGs are also affected. Artillery now has three available shell types to the battle, each with varied trajectory and velocity, granting a greater variety of tactical opportunities to “arty” players. Additionally, the SPG ammo interface has been updated and the Intuition perk has been reworked, meaning quicker changes of shells for all vehicle types.

Update 1.13 also sees the introduction of the reworked HE (high-explosive) shell mechanics on the main server. Now, HE shells will deal damage at the point of impact, meaning that damage will be calculated at the point of contact with the armor, unlike before which was based on a shell-burst sphere. Those playing heavily armored vehicles will certainly appreciate this change, as HE shells will inflict less damage to their frontal armor from now on. Additionally, they will also now be able to penetrate screens, tracks and the wheels of wheeled vehicles as well as insignificant and/or destructible objects, like fences, for example.

And there’s still more coming with Update 1.13. A brand-new game mode, Recon Mission, will allow tankers to test maps that are in the later stages of development, a collection of Premium vehicles and Clan Wars reward tanks are being rebalanced (as well as the Minsk map), Season 5 of Battle Pass is ready to challenge players, and a selection of interface improvements have been introduced.

For more information about Update 1.13, visit worldoftanks.com.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles Gameplay Trailer

In a new trailer released today, Capcom revealed a more in-depth look at the core gameplay and new gameplay mechanics featured in The Great Ace Attorney™ Chronicles. The trailer showcased classic Ace Attorney courtroom and investigation sequences while delving into two new gameplay experiences: “Summation Examination” and “Dance of Deduction.” The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles will summon players to the courtroom when it releases in North America and Europe on July 27. The game will be available for MSRP $39.99 on Nintendo Switch™, PlayStation®4 and Steam.

In the latest trailer, fans are given a front-seat look at the vibrant world, captivating characters and thrilling gameplay that await them in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. Players will assume the role of an aspiring Japanese attorney named Ryunosuke Naruhodo, an ancestor of the courtroom legend himself, Phoenix Wright. With the help of his legal aid Susato Mikatoba and London’s great detective Herlock Sholmes, Ryunosuke will solve the mysteries behind 10 high-stakes cases set in the late 19th century during Japan’s Meiji Period and England’s Victorian Era.

The series’ core gameplay involving Investigations and Courtroom Battles returns. During Investigations, players will visit the scene of the crime to gather evidence, converse with witnesses and search for clues. In a new addition to the series, Ryunosuke will team up with Sholmes to engage in a show-stopping “Dance of Deduction.” In these new sequences, players are tasked with correcting Sholmes’s outlandish conclusions to uncover the true facts of the case.

The fate of the accused rests in Ryunosuke’s hands during Courtroom Battles. In the courtroom, players must present evidence, question key witnesses and make their case to secure a “Not Guilty” verdict. New to the series is “Summation Examination,” in which players must point out the inconsistencies between jurors’ statements in order to move the case forward.

Today, Capcom also released the first video in its “Case Preview” series on Twitter and other social media platforms. Fans can expect new case previews every week leading up to the game’s launch, with each video highlighting a different case in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles.

The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles is available to pre-order today on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Steam. Players who purchase the game by Sept. 1, 2021 at 9:59 AM PDT will receive the “From the Vaults” Early Purchase Bonus – a collection of 54 art and music pieces that contains some never-before-released content.

Planet Zoo: Africa Out Now

Get ready to welcome five new iconic animals to Planet Zoo, including the curious Meerkat, the endearing Fennec Fox and the striking Southern White Rhino. Zookeepers can care for their latest inhabitants and welcome guests to a rich and vibrant zoo with over 180 new scenery pieces, creating a paradise for both animals and guests alike! Players can also test their zookeeping skills with a fresh new challenge: a timed scenario taking place in a picturesque oasis bazaar.

Planet Zoo: Africa Pack is out now on Steam for a suggested retail price of $9.99.

Update 1.6 brings a range of extras and improvements to the game, including behavior updates, habitat webcams, vista points and a free Timed Scenario set in gorgeous Guatemala.

Read more about the 1.6 Update here: www.planetzoogame.com/news/planet-zoo-1-6-update.

The Mysterious Benedict Society TV Spot

Today, Disney+ announced that “The Mysterious Benedict Society” will premiere on Friday, June 25 with two episodes. Character posters and a new television spot highlighting Tony Hale’s dual roles of twin brothers Mr. Benedict and L.D. Curtain are also now available.

After winning a scholarship competition, four gifted orphans are recruited by the peculiar Mr. Benedict for a dangerous mission to save the world from a global crisis known as The Emergency. Reynie, Sticky, Kate, and Constance must infiltrate the mysterious L.I.V.E. Institute to discover the truth behind the crisis. When the headmaster, the sophisticated Dr. Curtain appears to be behind this worldwide panic, the kids of “The Mysterious Benedict Society” must devise a plan to defeat him.

“The Mysterious Benedict Society” stars Tony Hale, Kristen Schaal, MaameYaa Boafo, Ryan Hurst, Gia Sandhu, Seth B. Carr, Emmy DeOliveira, Mystic Inscho and Marta Kessler.

The series is executive produced by Sonar Entertainment, 20th Television, Jamie Tarses, Karen Kehela Sherwood, Deepak Nayar, David Ellender, Matt Loze, James Bobin, Matt Manfredi (writer/creator) and Phil Hay (writer/creator). Showrunners for the series are Darren Swimmer and Todd Slavkin.

World of Warships: Legends June Update Trailer

Today American battleships are arriving in force during the new update to World of Warships: Legends as the defining features of a new campaign. In addition, a special bureau project, and a whole alternate battleship tech tree branch arrive in early access. Beyond plenty of USN representation, there is also a trio of German aircraft carriers coming plus a new season of Arena.

The new “Georgia On My Mind” campaign presents the fast American battleship, Georgia. Based on a preliminary design for the Iowa-class battleships, Georgia boasts an incredible top speed for a battleship with six monstrous 18-inch (457 mm) guns. Using these features in concert, Georgia can effectively brute force her way through many engagements. Apart from her offensive ability, she has comparable defenses to the Iowa with an improved repair party and signature American anti-aircraft firepower. There are 100 milestones to complete in the campaign over the next five weeks; players who finish the campaign with admiralty backing will earn the Georgia along with a pile of rewards.

A new line of American battleships is joining the fleet starting from Tier IV in early access. Firepower is the name of the game for these heavy hitters — the lightest you get is a salvo of ten 14-inch (356 mm) guns at Tier IV with Nevada, working your way up to an absurd salvo of twelve 16-inch (406 mm) guns aboard Kansas at Tier VII. The first three battleships: Nevada, Tennessee, and North Carolina, are available in this update in early access and can be obtained through new USN battleship containers. Kansas arrives in the next update. USN battleship containers can be earned through the campaign and the new bureau project: Star-Spangled Fleet.

The Star-Spangled Fleet bureau project is here just in time for Fourth of July celebrations in the United States. Throughout this all-American project, there are free permanent camouflages for American battleships of both tech trees, but the ultimate prize is a free premium American battleship—Oklahoma. This is the sister-ship to Nevada and was one of the fateful battleships irreparably sunk during the attack on Pearl Harbor and is brought back to fighting form in World of Warships: Legends.

For something entirely different, the update brings a new set of German aircraft carriers, the Rhein at tier III, Weser at tier V, and August von Parseval at Tier VII. These somewhat mythical carriers bring new armament to the high seas: Armor Piercing Bombs. These can be used to deal significant damage to the citadels of enemy ships. Their torpedo bomber armament focuses on light targets with high-speed torpedoes with short range. These new flattops are available to unlock immediately via the tech tree, be sure to try them out in the new update.

Last, but certainly not least, we have a new season of Arena opening from June 24th to July 12th. This fan-favorite is returning with a twist—the Arms Race mode. In this edition of Arena, players will have to compete for various buffs and bonuses for their ships around the map in battle. Each one will give your team’s ships an edge over the enemy, allowing you to get the upper hand in the four-way duel. Go out there, play a few battles, and see how well you can place on the leaderboard!

June and July are set to be a freedom-packed month for World of Warships: Legends with lots of new content to dominate the seas. Be sure to try the new ships and Arena and turn the tide.

A Plague Tale: Innocence Next-Gen Console Trailer

After the recent reveal of A Plague Tale: Requiem at the E3 2021 Xbox & Bethesda Games Showcase, Asobo Studio and Focus Home Interactive are thrilled to announce that the critically acclaimed first opus of the series, A Plague Tale: Innocence, will come to Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation®5 on July 6. These versions of the game will be enhanced to feature 4K UHD (only on Xbox Series X and PlayStation®5), 60 FPS, and 3D audio support.

Watch today’s new trailer and witness the award-winning journey through a grim medieval France in unparalleled detail on next-generation consoles.

A Plague Tale: Innocence will also launch for the first time on Nintendo Switch on July 6. The game will be available as a cloud-based title, allowing players to pick it up digitally and play using cloud-streaming technology.

Midsummer Scream Unveils Awaken the Spirits! Halloween Convention

The producers of Midsummer Scream are thrilled to announce a surprise event kicking off the Halloween season to take place the weekend of August 14-15, 2021 at the Pasadena Convention Center. Awaken the Spirits! will feature over 200 spooky vendors, live entertainment, and a presentation stage where fans will learn what’s in store for Halloween 2021 from the likes of LA Haunted Hayride, Delusion, Six Flags Magic Mountain, Winchester Mystery House, and others.

Tickets and more info available at: midsummerscream.org/awaken

“The entire team is excited to be able to create live events once again,” says David Markland, Executive Director of Midsummer Scream. “Awaken the Spirits! will allow us an opportunity to bring together fans and professionals from the Halloween and haunt community to celebrate and prepare for what will be a great ‘spooky season’.”

After the pandemic caused Midsummer Scream to cancel their flagship event for the past two years, the team has ramped up production on several related projects for a strong end to 2021. Midsummer Scream’s Screaming Room Film Festival presented by HorrorBuzz will be held at the Frida Cinema in Santa Ana July 10-11. Season’s Screamings, Midsummer Scream’s dark holiday convention, takes place December 17-19, also at the Pasadena Convention Center. Next summer, Midsummer Scream returns to Long Beach for its highly anticipated 5th Anniversary show July 29-31, 2022.

“Once we were certain Southern California was allowing live events again, we felt it was extremely important to do something for our longtime supporters, and create a showcase for the theme parks and attractions to inform the public what each of them will be doing for Halloween,” says Gary Baker, Executive Producer of Midsummer Scream. “Since there are so many questions concerning haunted attractions and events this year, we really wanted to create a solid platform for that information to be relayed directly by our partners.”

Midsummer Scream and the Pasadena Convention Center are working in accordance with all CDC, state, and local guidelines governing requirements for events and gatherings of this type.

For breaking information about Awaken the Spirits! and other upcoming Midsummer Scream events, follow them on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter @midsummerscream and sign up for the newsletter at MidsummerScream.org.

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers Launch Trailer

It is finally time for police fans to take up their badges: Police Simulator: Patrol Officers, the new simulation project of the Munich-based developer studio Aesir Interactive and the successful German publisher astragon Entertainment will become available in early access on Steam™ today at 5 pm (CEST)/11am (EST)! The game is supported by a game-grant of the German funding body FilmFernsehFonds Bayern.

Not only are police and simulation game fans now called upon to patrol the streets of the fictional US metropolis Brighton to protect law and order, they are also able to contribute their ideas and wishes to the ongoing development and to join forces with the Police Simulator in the coming weeks and months. For this purpose, an official roadmap was recently published, which not only provides information about the future content of the game, but also gives gamers the opportunity to vote for their favorite features.

  • Platform: PC
  • Engine: Unreal® Engine 4
  • Release: Available now in early access on Steam™
  • Several update phases follow the initial release
  • Game modes: Single player from launch; cooperative multiplayer to be added in Q3 2021
  • Price: 19.99 Euro/USD 24.99/17.99 GBP (RSP) – all future content until the official end of the early access phase are included at no additional cost

In Police Simulator: Patrol Officers, players can choose from a total of 8 different characters and slip into the role of a male or female US police officer. In this role, they go on patrol in the first city district of the fictional US metropolis of Brighton. They start in the neighborhood of North Point, where they collect shift points and duty stars by completing their first shifts and patrols, which in the course of the game will give them access to four more neighborhoods as well as new tasks and equipment. Initially they will patrol the streets on foot to look out for parking offenders, speeders and suspicious persons. With a good work performance officers can soon get behind the wheel of the first patrol car included in the game as well.

Brighton itself offers players a varied urban landscape that exudes liveliness and authentic city flair thanks to a complex city simulation. Here, the players can expect numerous tasks and emergencies in which they have to decide for themselves which action is appropriate depending on each situation. All measures taken should always be proportionate and compliant with the rules of law, as police misconduct or even police violence in Police Simulator: Patrol Officers results in the loss of shift points or even in the immediate end of the game. When working out these individual tasks, developer Aesir Interactive and publisher astragon Entertainment attached great importance to the level of detail in order to let players experience the everyday work of the virtual police officers as realistically as possible.

In the coming months, Police Simulator: Patrol Officers will be expanded through regular updates and will receive even more game depth through the addition of new districts, tasks, equipment, and vehicles as well as a cooperative multiplayer. As it should be for a game in early access, the intensive involvement of the player community will be an essential part of the ongoing development. Interested players can not only exchange ideas with developers and other gamers on Discord, the Steam™ page and of course the game’s official channels on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram, they can also use the official Police Simulator: Patrol Officers roadmap to find out more information about the planned next steps, express their wishes for the game, and even vote on their favorite features.

Police Simulator: Patrol Officers for PC is available now via Steam™ and the official astragon homepage for 19.99 Euro/USD 24.99/17.99 GBP (RSP).
More information at:

Steam™:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/997010/Police_Simulator_Patrol_Officers/
Homepage
https://www.patrol-officers.com