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The Riftbreaker: Heart of the Swamp – Launch Trailer

The paid DLC is released alongside the biggest free content update for The Riftbreaker up to this date – World Expansion III. Thanks to World Expansion III, all players can discover the new Fungal Swamp biome in two brand-new Survival Mode scenarios, complete with its unique fauna and flora. The expansion also features more than seventy new technology items players can use in-game, as well as dozens of game optimizations, bug fixes, and quality-of-life improvements.

The Heart of the Swamp DLC is now available on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/2506610/The_Riftbreaker_Heart_of_the_Swamp/), GOG, Epic Store, and other PC storefronts, priced at $9.99 (and local equivalents).

Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 – Gameplay Overview Trailer

Today Focus Entertainment and Saber Interactive premiered the new gameplay overview trailer for their hotly-anticipated third-person action game Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. Narrated by Creative Director Oliver Hollis-Leick, this six-minute video dives deeper into Space Marine 2’s main story campaign, multiplayer modes, and progression mechanics. Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 releases on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC on September 9. Pre-order the Gold or Ultra Edition today and play up to four days before release!

Play as Lieutenant Titus and Fight the Tyranids in All-Out Galactic Warfare

Continue the story of legendary Ultramarine Lieutenant Demetrian Titus a hundred years after the events of Space Marine and fight the endless Tyranid swarms to defend the Imperium. Unleash Titus’ superhuman skill and wide-ranging arsenal solo, or with up to two friends playing as Titus’ battle-brothers Chairon and Gadriel in seamless drop-in/drop-out co-op.

Customize Your Space Marines and Loadouts in PvE and PvP

Battle as one of six playable classes (Tactical, Assault, Vanguard, Bulwark, Sniper, and Heavy) in “Operations” (PvE) and “Eternal War” (PvP) modes, and make them your own with Space Marine 2’s deep customization system for armor and weapons.

In “Operations” mode, use Armoury Data and experience earned on the battlefield to upgrade each class with up to 25 perks to shape your playstyle. Armoury Data will also let you level up your weapons with each new mission to unlock more powerful variants and unique cosmetics. The armor and weapon cosmetics earned in “Operations” will even be available for your “Eternal War” matches, though your perks and weapon upgrades will remain exclusive to the PvE experience for balancing purposes.

More Missions, Enemies and Weapons Coming in Free Updates

Following the game’s launch on September 9, Space Marine 2 will add new “Operations” missions, PvP maps, enemies and weapons to fight them with through regular free content updates for all players. Additional cosmetics and Chapter heraldry will release as part of the Season Pass, with no microtransactions or in-game cash shop involving premium currency.

Heed the call of battle when Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 launches Sept. 9, 2024, on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC. Pre-order the Standard, Gold, Ultra, or Collector’s Edition now! Sign up as a Focus member to get exclusive news and upcoming special offers for Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 and the whole Focus catalog.

World of Tanks Blitz Celebrates 10 Years

World of Tanks Blitz was launched a decade ago as a mobile only game with 8 maps and 3 tank nations. Since then, it has evolved into a successful AAA title and expanded to macOS, Windows 10, Steam, and Nintendo Switch, creating a full cross-play and cross-progression eco-system for tank lovers.

Over the years, World of Tanks Blitz has seen consistent growth, as the MS-1 team continuously implemented player feedback, improved graphic fidelity and performance, while creating in-game events and forming major partnerships. Today, the project boasts over 500 historical and fictional tanks, 11 game modes, and 30+ maps enjoyed by 180 million players around the world.

“While working on World of Tanks Blitz, one of the key lessons that we learned was: set no limits. This allowed the team to transform a rather niche slow-paced tank gameplay into fun and engaging experience that appeals to a wider audience,” said Thaine Lyman, General Manager at MS-1 studio, Wargaming. “While our players are celebrating this big milestone, we have already started implementing all the ambitious plans we have for the upcoming decade.”

World of Tanks Blitz has an entire summer of in-game festivities planned to make the party hotter.

  • June has already started with a special birthday event where players can win a brand-new Tier VIII and favorite Tier X tanks. Tankers can also claim a special festive container filled with the Blasteroid tank, a themed avatar, and a profile background before June 30.
  • July rolls out a space-themed party and cosmic activities, bringing back the “Objective: Sheridan Missile” event featuring the Sheridan Missile tank. Players can also look forward to a special collaboration with a world-famous sci-fi movie franchise, taking the party even further into the cosmos.
  • August will bring in the beloved among players Mad Games event returning for 10 days along with the highly anticipated seniority awards. Tankers can also expect a totally epic (and secret) gift to conclude the festivities, celebrating a decade of virtual tank battles. Don’t miss out!

Join World of Tanks Blitz for celebration during the whole summer!

Dune: Awakening Direct Reveals New Details in Massive Showcase

Dune: Awakening, the Open World Survival MMO set on Arrakis from developer Funcom, today unveiled the second Dune: Awakening Direct. The showcase offers 30 minutes of in-depth interviews and game footage showing character creation, the MMO-like server structure, the narrative ramifications of a world where Paul Atreides was never born, and the spiritual journey the player will undergo in the game, following in the footsteps of the Fremen.

Dune: Awakening, which recently shot past 1 million wishlists on Steam, draws on the visual and aural identity created by Denis Villeneuve and Legendary’s recent blockbuster movies and is deeply rooted in the original masterpiece by Frank Herbert. The game unleashes you on a vast and open Arrakis torn by war, where you must survive and strive for control of the spice alongside hundreds of other players.

Premiered at Summer Game Fest, the Story Cinematic – The Vision of Paul Atreides, revealed the alternate timeline that Jessica Atreides creates by choosing to give birth to a daughter instead of Paul, beginning a cascading chain of events. Paul’s absence leads to a huge power vacuum into which players will venture, creating their own story.

“Expression and customization” is one of the core pillars of Dune: Awakening. To showcase a part of that, the Direct shows off the robust in-game character creation tool. Choose every detail of your appearance, then your home planet, and even your mentor’s specialization, such as Mentat, Swordmaster, or Bene Gesserit, which determines your starting abilities.

Creative Director Joel Bylos also dived into the server structure and the Overland Map, which connects various massive sandbox maps, allowing for a larger number of players in each, both of which set Dune: Awakening apart from many other survival games.

“Making the world feel seamless and connected has always been one of our goals on Dune: Awakening,” said Joel Bylos. “We built this structure with the idea of making the game expandable, which is difficult with a single map. The idea with the overland map is that it allows us to just keep building the world and giving players new spaces to explore. Who knows what it will look like 5 years from now?”

Dune: Awakening has recently entered its persistent closed Beta, giving access to the full breadth of the game, from the Hagga Basin starting area to the Deep Desert endgame. Sign up for a chance to join on the official website, and wishlist the game on Steam.

With Gamescom coming up in August, Funcom now prepares for an epic Dune: Awakening gameplay reveal.

Spirit Halloween Unveils 2024 Animatronic Collection

The countdown to Halloween has begun and Spirit Halloween, the nation’s largest Halloween retailer, announced its lineup of delightfully disturbing animatronics. Fans anticipating the grand reveal can witness new and returning legendary characters available on SpiritHalloween.com and attend the Carnevil in stores opening this August while supplies last.

The shriek-worthy lineup stars hair-raising clowns, monsters, demons, and a few familiar faces from horror film shows that are sure to send chills through anyone brave enough to step right up. This highly anticipated drop includes:

  • Emily and Victor of Corpse Bride: Straight from the mind of Tim Burton, the cursed couple from “Corpse Bride” bring their on-screen romance to life. These motion-activated animatronics feature realistic fluid movement, are motion and audio compatible with one another, and speak lines from the beloved movie. Available for $299.99 and $279.99 respectively.
  • Deluxe Ghostface: A new rendition of the cut-throat killer, the Deluxe Ghostface animatronic not only stabs and speaks lines from “Scream VI,” but also comes with two interchangeable masks and weapons to switch up the scares. Available for $279.99.
  • Michael Myers: Realistic fluid stabbing motions and Halloween-themed music bring this Michael Myers animatronic to life… Available for $279.99, exclusively on SpiritHalloween.com.
  • Nibbles the Clown: On the prowl for his next victim, Nibbles the Clown uses motion-tracking sensor technology to stalk his prey and follows movement with his head. Available for $299.99.
  • Ringmaster: Standing at a staggering 7 feet tall, Ringmaster introduces himself in a smooth, yet thunderous voice to distract his victims, then tilts back his head with erupting evil laughter as a projection of swirling red souls light up his barrel chest. Available for $329.99
  • Towering Tallulah: Her bewitching look and yellow LED eyes will be the least of your worries! This terrifying witch springs forward rising from 4 feet and 9 inches to an impressive 8 feet and 10 inches, while her signature evil laughter drowns out the sounds of screams. Available for $329.99.

“Halloween enthusiasts are upping their game when it comes to décor and they’re starting their quest for their favorite animatronics earlier than ever,” said Kym Sarkos, Executive Vice President at Spirit Halloween. “We are thrilled to introduce this year’s lineup, featuring fan-favorite characters equipped with innovative technology, and we can’t wait to see them come to life at incredible home haunts this fall.”

Fans can shop this lineup of animatronics online now on www.SpiritHalloween.com and come enjoy the show at Spirit Halloween stores across the country opening this August, while supplies last.

Follow @SpiritHalloween on social media to stay up to date on everything Halloween and visit SpiritHalloween.com to shop the best Spirit Halloween has to offer anytime, anywhere, every day of the year.

Ultimate Hunting – Official Reveal Trailer

Hunting simulators have yet to be as brutally realistic as the just-revealed Ultimate Hunting. In the first official trailer, the simulator surprises with the exciting beauty of hunting reserves in California and Africa. Developed on Unreal Engine 5, Ultimate Hunting will push the boundaries of realism in hunting games, with every decision and every shot meant to be truly felt. The game will offer both single-hunter and cooperative hunting modes for up to 16 people. Scheduled for release on PC in 2025/2026, Ultimate Hunting will later hit PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and the Nintendo Switch successor. A VR version is also planned.

A Polish studio of several people, 3T Games, is working on Ultimate Hunting from 2021. The publisher of the game on PC and consoles will be Ultimate Games, which is known, among other things, for its bestselling series of highly rated fishing games Ultimate Fishing Simulator.

Ultimate Hunting is a realistic open-world hunting simulator with single and multiplayer game modes (up to 16 hunters at a time), with extensive gameplay including expedition planning, stealth, tracking, or baiting. Players will have the opportunity to take on the roles of hunters who, while exploring nature, discover the habits of local animals, select suitable individuals, and admire the richness and diversity of local flora and fauna. The simulator will offer a choice of first-person or third-person perspective (FPP/TPP) view.

Our goal is to capture the pure and true essence of hunting. Ultimate Hunting is a game that will stand out for its realism, which at times will be literally brutal. Thanks to realistic animals shoot reaction, the player will feel more strongly the weight of his decisions and the importance of every shot he takes. We are also working on a whole set of other mechanics and elements that have not been present in hunting games so far, or have only been there in a heavily simplified form, including a Random Antler Generation System (RAGS), dynamic need zones, active camouflage, and much more. Within the ecosystem, individual species will naturally react not only to players, but also to other animals, noise or the current weather. On top of that, the need zones of individual animals will be dynamic, so that each hunt can be a unique experience,” says Rafal Jelonek, producer and director of the game, who privately is a hunter himself.

The new hunting simulator is being developed on Unreal Engine 5. As a result, hunting on the African savannah or in the sequoia forests of California is expected to become a delightful and unforgettable experience. Ultimate Hunting will also support ray tracing, DLSS, and FSR technologies, among others.

Players will hunt in two vast locations – the California Hunting Reserve and the Southern Africa Hunting Reserve. The reserves are modeled on real locations, and the flora and fauna present in them will correspond to the real conditions in these places. Each map will cover an area of at least 64 km2.

As the developers of the game point out, it will be possible to hunt a total of more than 30 different species of animals. In California, these include California black bears, North American cougars, California mule deer, wild boars, American badgers, western crow, California quail, wood ducks, and more. In South Africa, on the other hand, hunters will find, for example, African bush elephants, South African giraffes, Cape hippopotamus, southern lions, Nile crocodiles, southern chacma baboons, Burchell’s zebra, Cape ground squirrel, and more. At the same time, the animals will be differentiated by gender, age, and weight, among other factors.

Ultimate Hunting will offer a wide range of weapons and hunting equipment. The list includes many variants of firearms (bolt-actions, lever-action, semi-auto, shotguns, and revolvers) and silent weapons (bows and crossbows), various types of decoys and baits, optical devices, hunting clothing and footwear, as well as vehicles. There will be two aiming modes with the scope (quick scope and full scope). The 3T Games team also promises advanced weapon customization with additional accessories. Ultimate Hunting will not lack licensed hunting equipment, including, for example, Titan 6 rifles from the Austrian brand Rößler Waffen and camouflage from the American brand Next Camo.

Importantly, in Ultimate Hunting, the principles of ethical behavior of hunters will be promoted. This will be evident, for example, in the situation after hunting a deer – the player can leave the carcass of the animal to attract predators with it, and then hunt it. At the same time, he will receive a penalty for leaving the animal in such a way but he can earn more by hunting those predators or …become a prey,” adds Rafal Jelonek.

Ultimate Hunting’s release on PC is tentatively scheduled for 2025/2026, with the simulator also coming later to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S consoles. Ultimate Games S.A.’s plans also include releasing Ultimate Hunting on Nintendo’s new console, which will replace the Nintendo Switch, as well as preparing a version for VR systems.

Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition: Launch Trailer

Today, during the Limited Run Games showcase, Ubisoft announced that Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition will be available on June 25 on PlayStation®5 & PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch™, Amazon Luna and PC through the Ubisoft Store, Epic Games Store and Steam, to celebrate the 20 years of the franchise. To add to the celebration, Limited Run Games showcase also revealed their involvement in the physical edition and a Collector Edition coming soon, with pre-orders opening on July 12.

Players will be able to (re)discover the pioneering action-adventure game by exploring the wonderfully odd maritime world of Hillys in the best way possible with improved performances up to 4K, 60 FPS and numerous qualities of life improvements including autosave, cutscene-skip, full controller and keyboard & mouse support, and cross-save across all platforms.

Alongside these updates, Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition will also introduce a new Speedrun Mode to challenge players, 20+ new achievements and an Anniversary Gallery delving deep into the game’s development history and featuring tons of never-before-seen artworks, videos and so much more.

Finally, this special edition will feature hunt in which players can discover more about Jade’s past and collect exclusive cosmetic rewards. This exclusive new mission also reveals more about the narrative link to Beyond Good & Evil 2, showing Ubisoft’s enduring commitment to the franchise.

For the latest news on Beyond Good & Evil – 20th Anniversary Edition, please visit: https://bgegame.com/20th-anniversary.

SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset Review

The SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset is a luxurious and high-performance audio solution for the modern gamer, promising an immersive and comfortable experience that justifies its premium price tag. Does it live up to the hype? After extensive testing on both Xbox and PC, I can confidently say that it largely delivers on its promises, though not without a few minor caveats.

First and foremost, let’s talk about sound quality. The Nova Pro Wireless is equipped with premium high-resolution capable drivers that produce incredibly clear and detailed audio. Whether you’re listening to the subtle footsteps of an enemy sneaking up behind you in a first-person shooter or enjoying the soaring orchestral score of a fantasy RPG, every sound is rendered with exceptional clarity and depth. The headset also supports 360° spatial audio, which adds another layer of immersion by accurately simulating the directionality of sounds.

One of the standout features of the Nova Pro Wireless is its active noise cancellation (ANC). When enabled, the ANC does an excellent job of blocking out external noise, allowing you to fully focus on your game without distractions. Whether you’re gaming in a noisy living room or trying to escape the hustle and bustle of a coffee shop, the ANC creates a peaceful and immersive soundscape.

Comfort is another area where the Nova Pro Wireless excels. The ear cups are plush and well-padded, and the adjustable headband ensures a secure and comfortable fit even during extended gaming sessions. The headset is also surprisingly lightweight, which further contributes to its comfort.

The Nova Pro Wireless comes with a dual-battery system that allows for continuous use. When one battery runs out, you can simply swap it out with the fully charged spare battery without having to interrupt your game. The included base station also serves as a charging dock and a wireless transmitter, offering convenient control over volume, equalizer settings, and other features.

The ClearCast Gen 2 microphone is another highlight of the Nova Pro Wireless. It delivers crystal-clear voice communication, ensuring that your teammates can hear you loud and clear even in the midst of a heated battle. The microphone is also retractable, which is a nice touch when you’re not using it for voice chat.

In terms of design, the Nova Pro Wireless is sleek and minimalist. The matte black finish and subtle SteelSeries branding give it a sophisticated look that won’t clash with your gaming setup. The build quality is also excellent, with the headset feeling sturdy and durable.

However, there are a couple of minor drawbacks to consider. Firstly, the price is undeniably steep, making it a significant investment for most gamers. Secondly, some users may find the ear cups to be a bit too warm during extended use, especially in warmer climates.

Overall, the SteelSeries Arctis Nova Pro Wireless Headset is a top-of-the-line gaming headset that offers exceptional audio quality, comfort, and features. While it may not be the most affordable option on the market, its performance and versatility make it a worthwhile investment for gamers who demand the best.

Overall Score: 4 out of 5

ARROWs July 2024 Video Line-Up Announced

Arrow Video is excited to announce the July 2024 lineup of their subscription-based ARROW platform, available to subscribers in the US, Canada, the UK and Ireland. Enjoy a selection of new titles, from carefully cultivated curations to shorts by new talent to deep dives into the tastes of filmmakers that changed the way we see the genre.

On July 1st, dive into the July lineup with Mick Garris Selects (UK/IRE/US/CA), a Season of titles from the mind of filmmaker and author Mick Garris, best known for his Stephen King adaptations and creating the “Masters Of Horror” television series.

“I was flattered to be asked by my friends at Arrow to recommend some of their titles that I particularly enjoy. The world of cult video is a deep and expansive one, and the Arrow catalogue is filled with gems, wonders of a cockeyed world of cinema that much of the world believes is of the gutter variety. But these movies are imaginative, propulsive, unafraid to travel where the mainstream might fear to tread. Some of these are more unhinged than others, but they all display filmmakers working on films that only they could create. These are distinctive visions, unfiltered by studio notes and corporate influences.

Here’s a list of delectables that you might want to take a bite out of, next time you’re jonesing for something outré, outside of the lanes of your neighborhood cineplex, some more obvious than others, but all of them treats.”

Titles Include: Dark Water, Ringu, Audition.

On July 5, head off for a summer trip in style with First Class Fear (UK/IRE/US/CA).

Plane? Train? Automobile? No form of transport is safe on ARROW, but, whichever method of killer conveyance you choose, we guarantee you a great seat in First Class Fear!

Titles Include: The Hermit, Bloodstone, Death Has Blue Eyes.

On July 8, head onto the Loop Track (UK/IRE/US/CA).

Writer-director and actor Tom Sainsbury, known for his comedic flair in such works as Wellington Paranormal and Guns Akimbo, shows his hidden passion for thrillers and human drama with Loop Track, his latest collaboration with Chillbox Creative which promises an electrifying journey into the unknown.

Highly anxious Ian Thompson (Sainsbury) sets off on a solo trek in the New Zealand bush for some respite from the stress of everyday life. His plans for uninterrupted solitude are scuppered however, when he encounters Nicky (Hayden J Weal) and other hikers, only exacerbating his paranoia. As Ian’s grip on reality weakens, he becomes convinced they are being followed. Miles from civilisation, their journey turns into a fight for survival as Ian’s fears manifest into a surreal battle against an unseen threat lurking in the wilderness. Is it all just in his head? Or is someone, or something, really out there?
On July 12, get down and dirty with Little Monsters (UK/IRE/US/CA).

We can’t get enough of weird little guys who just wanna rip you to pieces or cause absolute havoc. Come and join the party with a great and gruesome gaggle of little (and not so little tbh) monsters!

Titles Include: Meat Friend, Gwilliam’s Tips for Tricks and Treats, 100 Monsters.

On July 19, take some inspiration from actor, comedian and filmmaker Thomas Sainsbury (Loop Track). Thomas Sainsbury Selects (UK/IRE/US/CA): “I’m absolutely thrilled to do an edition of ARROW selections. I really adore these films and want the world to cherish them too. Some of them have huge ideas, some of them are great character studies and some of them are all out zany. And I reckon we could all do with some more zaniness in our lives. I hope you enjoy!”

Titles Include: Eros + Massacre, Vengeance is Mine, Khrustalyov My Car!

Also on July 19th, enjoy a trio of genre shorts fresh off the festival circuit to their new home on ARROW.

Eric (UK/IRE/US/CA): Joshua finally gets to meet Eric, the beloved dog of a girl he’s been dating. As the evening evolves, Josh begins to get a sneaking suspicion that Eric isn’t your typical house pet.

I Know What You Need (UK/IRE/US/CA): It’s 1976, and popular college co-ed Elizabeth meets an unusual boy, Edward, who knows what she needs. But who is Edward really, and what secrets is he hiding? It’s a love story, but a Stephen King love story, so things aren’t always what they seem.Elizabeth doesn’t know what she wants, but Edward knows what she needs.

Earworm (UK/IRE/US/CA): A rip roaring film about two knuckleheads facing off against a gnarly tape cassette dwelling worm that really wants inside their ear holes.

On July 22, enjoy another dose of Nico Mastorakis with ARROW’s curation of two more of his classics.

Ninja Academy (UK/IRE/US/CA): Take a martial arts school, throw in a snotty rich kid, a clumsy geek, a paranoid survivalist, two beach joggers, a cool secret agent and a mime, and you get Ninja Academy, a madcap karate comedy like no other starring Gerald Okamura (Big Trouble in Little China).

The Naked Truth (UK/IRE/US/CA): Mastorakis pays homage to a certain Billy Wilder film when two friends decide to pass as women and pose as makeup artists for a local beauty pageant to elude a vicious mafia boss. It seems like the perfect cover, until the mafioso gets the hots for one of them!

On July 26, get ready for The ARROW Olympics (UK/IRE/US/CA)!

Test your mettle in an international athletics competition where the difference between winning and losing is quite literally life and death. Will you get a bronze in beheading? Can you manage a silver in sprinting from a slasher? Got what it takes to get a gold in gore? Find out in The ARROW Olympics.

Titles Include: Bad Acid, Why Don’t You Just Die!, Bloody Spear at Mount Fuji.

Combat Air Patrol 2 – MicroProse Announcement

MicroProse is proud to announce that it has secured a publishing partnership with Combat Air Patrol 2, the early access flight and surface combat simulator with a mission planner from Sim155.

For the occasion, a big patch has been released with a lot of improvements, together with a precise ROADMAP for the upcoming updates (more details below). It is the perfect time to try the game!

Main features:

  • Already flyable: AV8B Harrier II, V-22, A400M, KC-767 and helicopter SH-60
  • Beautiful world 100% based on reality, with VR support
  • Mission Genres: ​Air to air, air to land, maritime, training
  • AV8B Harrier II Virtual cockpit – touch every button and it works
  • Approachable ‘mid-core’ sim
  • Local Network MP, with Online MP modes coming during Early Access