This week’s episode of Frostpunk 2: CIty Unbound is out now and it focuses on the ominous-sounding Perils of Human Nature. ❄️
In Frostpunk 2, keeping an eye on your city’s ideological landscape is crucial for success. As the communities and factions gain influence you will have to build a council hall that serves as a place for their delegates to collide. As a steward, you can propose laws and put them up for the delegates to vote on and Frostpunk 2 is a constant dance between conflicting interests.
You must be mindful of factions taking too much power and influence. A power imbalance often leads to discontent among others and may even escalate into a violent civil war. To avoid such unpleasantries, you must think through every law and negotiate patiently, especially as the rising tension ball makes your job as a steward more difficult.
Publisher, 11 bit studios, and Spanish developers, Inverge Studios and Chibig, invite players to embark on a breathtaking mission in Creatures of Ava. Taking on the life-and-death task of cleansing an all-consuming infection—The Withering—ravaging the planet of Ava is the top priority, but is what’s in the planet’s best interest also aligned with your own best interests? Find out when Creatures of Ava, coming to PC, Xbox Series X|S, and Game Pass, launches on Aug. 7th.
Set against a canvas of wholesome and colourful visuals, Creatures of Ava hides a deep narrative—co-written by Rhianna Pratchett—that explores dueling themes of acting with empathy while learning when you may need to let something go. Players take on the role of Vic, a young explorer who finds herself crash-landed on a distant planet alongside her companion, Tabitha. During Vic’s adventure, players will embrace exploration that focuses on taming and saving the many creatures threatened by The Withering while also ensuring the protection of the natural world. The world of Ava is wide open to wandering, helping a myriad of creatures, taking on side quests, and appreciating the beauty of Ava.
Players will journey through four distinct biomes tackling environmental puzzles, unlocking new areas, and capturing the fading beauty of Ava via research photography. By upgrading Vic’s gear and skills, it’s possible to enhance her ability to aid Ava and its inhabitants, while magical flute melodies, learned from the grumpy local inhabitants known as the Naam, let her tame the many living species wandering its terrain.
The stage lights have dimmed, and the 2024 THQ Nordic Digital Showcase has officially taken its final bow! We’ve had a blast unveiling a treasure trove of game updates, reveals, and surprises. Missed the live show? No worries! You can catch all the action on demand across our official channels:
Developer Silent Dreams and publisher Headup today are announcing the upcoming release of Dead Age 2 for consoles. Headup will publish the tactical zombie survival game for Xbox Series X|S and PlayStation 5 on August 8, 2024.
Dead Age 2 is a unique combination of survival, management, rogue-like elements, fast turn-based combat, classic role-playing gameplay, and a story in which your decisions directly affect plot progression!
It’s ten years after the zombie apocalypse, and your group has made camp in Freedom City, rumored to be the birthplace of a cure for the zombie plague. However, it’s not just the ravenous undead who are the monsters here, as multiple factions vie for power and resources, attempting to squash all who oppose them. Will you lead your community to safety and security or fall to the dark machinations of other groups?
Features of Dead Age 2 include:
New Story: You won’t need to know what happened in the first game to appreciate this new narrative!
Improved combat system: A world of tactical combat opportunities opens up to you as you have more than 24 skills to bring to the battlefield
Faction Reputation System: Increase your standing with the three major factions to reap rewards and improve trade
Extensive Base Management Features: Assign tasks to survivors, craft items, and expand your camp’s capabilities
Open World Survival: Free exploration of the world map with 80 detailed locations to search for valuable resources
Decisions with Consequences: Your choices directly affect the story and the path you follow, leading you to one of the six potential endings
Rogue-like Elements: Random 3D events with permadeath! If you die, you may purchase upgrades unlocked in previous runs for your next playthrough.
Multiple Levels of Challenge: Choose from three difficulty options to customize your survival experience
Free League’s Kickstarter this Fall will debut a new wave of 2e releases, including new core rules, starter set, cinematic scenario set, and miniatures line. For five glorious years, Free League Publishing and 20th Century Studios have explored the ultimate reaches of the ALIEN universe. In celebration of the critically acclaimed ALIEN RPG’s 5th anniversary in 2024, Free League proudly announced their plans to unleash a Second Edition of the multiple award-winning game rules across an expansive new line of rulebooks, starter sets, cinematics, and accessories. The stress fest begins with bug hunts aplenty through an epic Kickstarter launching this Fall.
Free League has revealed their core line-up for the upcoming Kickstarter, with more details coming soon:
Based upon feedback from thousands of players over five years of adventures, the Second Edition of the core rules delivers an updated and streamlined version of the ALIEN RPG fans know and love, along with additional new artwork, new content, and a variety of new tools for players and Game Mothers alike, all fully compatible with previous releases and game material.
The new 2e starter set will be redesigned as the perfect starting point for newcomers to roleplaying in the ALIEN universe, containing everything they need for game night including abridged 2e rules, character sheets, custom dice, reference cards, various handouts, and an expanded 2e edition of the fan-favorite Hope’s Last Day scenario set on Hadley’s Hope just prior to the unforgettable events of Aliens.
The new cinematic scenario boxed set, Rapture Protocol, written by Jonathan Hicks and Free League’s Tomas Härenstam, returns to the roots of the ALIEN franchise, featuring the crew of a small star freighter on a resupply run to the remote industrial colony, soon embroiled in a deadly conflict.
The miniatures set is designed to bring the events of Rapture Protocol to life, but fully complement other adventures and skirmish battles throughout the ALIEN RPG series.
Sign up today to follow the upcoming Kickstarter, look out for more news across Free League’s social channels, and then get ready for a whole new chapter of sprawling, stress-inducing, blood-curdling ALIEN RPG adventures for years to come. We can’t lie to you about your chances, but you have our sympathies.
Indie horror developer DarkStone Digital and horror publisher DreadXP are proud to announce that the hair-raising nightmare that is The Mortuary Assistant: Definitive Edition is now available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and PlayStation! Grab your clipboard and embalming tools and prepare for new Haunt Events, cadavers, lore, and an endless embalming-only mode in the free update for PC and Nintendo Switch players and for the first time ever on PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5! Xbox One and Xbox Series X|S will launch as early as next week!
River Fields Mortuary isn’t your average mortuary and its owner Raymond Delver isn’t your average mortician. As a newly graduated apprentice, Rebecca Owens has no idea of the dark secrets hidden within and beneath her new workplace. One night when you’re called in to handle some embalmings Raymond phones to break the news that there are demonic forces at work… and now you’re part of it.
Examine and prepare bodies with disturbingly realistic techniques including cleaning, embalming, jaw-wiring, and more. While some bodies require the basics before returning them to the morgue, others will need more of an esoteric approach to dispel the demons possessing them.
Skybound Games, a division of Skybound Entertainment, the creator-led, multi-platform entertainment company behind mega-franchises The Walking Dead, Invincible, Impact Winter, and more, today launches Closer the Distance, the story-driven slice-of-life simulator from award-winning indie developer Osmotic Games. Use ethereal abilities to discover the characters at the heart of a community, unearth its long-kept secrets, and guide your loved ones through unimaginable tragedy in this deeply emotional tale about loss, grief, and hope. Closer the Distance is available on PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X|S for $19.99|€19.99|£15.99, with a bonus 10% discount offered on Steam at launch.
From the talented team behind the critically acclaimed Orwell, Closer the Distance tells a story about the connections between family and friends in the face of death. When a young woman named Angela dies suddenly in an unfortunate accident, it shakes the tight-knit community of Yesterby to its core. Playing as Angela from beyond the grave, you’ll use your ethereal abilities to explore Yesterby, unearth the many intimate stories and secrets lying beneath its surface, and help uplift and heal those you’ve left behind.
Closer the Distance combines engaging sim gameplay with a gripping narrative for a truly immersive experience. Key residents of Yesterby are fully simulated with their own complex emotions, memories, and relationships that develop over time with or without your input. But ultimately, the choices you make will determine the fate of Yesterby and its people.
A new chapter in the never-ending war for the galaxy will be written as Stardock and Ironclad Games announce that Sins of a Solar Empire® II is set to release on Steam on Thursday, Aug. 15. The sequel to one of the most beloved strategy titles of all time, Sins of a Solar Empire II will once again feature a seamless combination of real-time strategy and 4X gameplay, delivering sprawling empires, huge tactical fleet battles, and unforgettable gameplay moments that can only be found in Sins II. Players who wishlist now will receive a reminder when the game releases in just under two weeks, and Epic Games Store owners of Sins of a Solar Empire II will receive the full update coming to the Steam launch version of the game.
“It’s been amazing to see how hyped fans are for the release of Sins of a Solar Empire II on Steam,” said Brian Clair, Director of Publishing at Stardock Entertainment. “We have seen so many people who were fans of the original Sins, and Sins: Rebellion, sharing their excitement for this long-awaited sequel. Sins of a Solar Empire II will deliver epic galactic warfare and strategy to new players on Steam, and our existing players on Epic Games Store, as they will be continually supported with new content and updates. We can’t wait to share more with you and celebrate the launch of Sins of a Solar Empire II on August 15!”
Sins II will give players more tools than ever to form their own play styles as they battle, scheme, monopolize, and manipulate their way to victory. The sequel also introduces new emergent tactics and strategies that reward creative thinking. Players can protect vulnerable units by body-blocking missiles with their Titan, launch a surprise attack from a rogue asteroid when its orbit reaches the enemy’s back line, or guard themselves against a backstab with a time-locked alliance.
Sins of a Solar Empire II Key Features:
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Three unique playable races including the Advent, Vasari, and TEC return with two sub-factions that utilize unique items, mechanics, and Empire Systems to achieve total victory
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Orbiting planets that dynamically alter the map during play, requiring players to gradually shift their strategies as new challenges and opportunities present themselves
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Enhanced tactical battles and deeper combat simulation featuring tracking turrets and missiles that can be blocked by ships or shot down
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Minor factions that provide unique capabilities to players that befriend them through a new influence system
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New economy model that allows players to truly customize their worlds to fit production needs
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10-player multiplayer matches that allow players to seamlessly join or resume games
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Build and command thousands of high fidelity ships that are effortlessly powered by a new 64-bit multicore engine
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Capital ships that can be equipped with special augmentations to be more effective in battle
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New in-game mod browser allows for easy installation for mods and maps
Step into “Downtown,” a dynamic new area teeming with urban charm. Whether renovating a chic city loft or tackling unique job assignments, this new setting offers endless possibilities for creativity and exploration.
150 New Items to Transform Your Space
This update introduces a whopping 150 new items to jazz up your renovations:
Playful beach toys, perfect for summer vibes
Stylish accessories like flip-flops and sunglasses
Realistic garden additions, including weeds and a cozy campfire
Urban decor like benches, fire hydrants, and traffic lights
Expansive balcony doors and charming awnings
Fresh plant options like rhododendrons and decorative moss
Adorable bee-themed kitchen decor and Cozy Rosie patio furniture
There is an array of doors, towels, and classic musical instruments to choose from
A chic new bedroom set with a hidden door for the Valenti collection
Enhanced Features and Settings
Explore new features that enhance your House Flipper experience:
Customize your spaces with 13 new images for Custom Pictures.
Chat with clients after completing jobs for a more immersive experience.
Enjoy new visual and audio effects when items hit boundary walls.
Adjust the new Chromatic Aberration setting for a unique visual twist.
Use the new unstuck button if you find yourself in a jam.
Check out items from the new FixeD! Brand—looking familiar?
Quality of Life Improvements
We’ve made several changes to improve gameplay:
Adjustable curtains that can now be opened and closed.
Items can be placed freely on scaffolding and in the atlas.
Copy surface styles onto items, similar to walls.
A new confirmation prompt when starting a new game to protect your progress.
A “continue” button for archival jobs lets you pick up where you left off.
Fridges, microwaves, and ovens now feature interior lighting.
Large items now require holding the left mouse button to sell, preventing accidental sales.
Store categories are now more intuitively organized.
Bug Fixes and Enhancements
The update also squashes several pesky bugs and brings improvements, ensuring a smoother experience for all players.
The Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick emerges as a beacon of innovation and value in the ever-evolving landscape of flight simulation peripherals. Its sleek, modern aesthetic, coupled with a robust build quality, immediately sets it apart, hinting at the premium experience that lies within. The stick itself, with its smooth, fluid motion and adjustable tension, responds to the slightest of inputs with laser-like precision, empowering virtual pilots to execute maneuvers with finesse and confidence. The strategically placed buttons and switches offer satisfying tactile feedback, further immersing you in the virtual cockpit.
What truly distinguishes the VelocityOne, however, is its modular design. This ingenious approach allows for unparalleled customization, enabling you to tailor the layout to perfectly complement your preferred flying style and aircraft. The detachable throttle quadrant, swappable modules, and integrated display create a dynamic and adaptable setup that caters to a wide range of simulation needs. This level of flexibility is rarely found in flightsticks within this price range, making the VelocityOne an even more compelling proposition.
The accompanying software ecosystem further solidifies the VelocityOne’s position as a frontrunner. Its comprehensive suite of customization options allows you to fine-tune every aspect of the stick’s behavior, creating a truly personalized experience. While the learning curve may be slightly steep for newcomers, the potential rewards are immense, empowering you to unlock the full potential of this remarkable peripheral.
When juxtaposed with other flightsticks on the market, the VelocityOne strikes a harmonious balance between price and performance. It delivers a level of sophistication and feature richness that rivals high-end models, yet it remains accessible to a wider audience thanks to its competitive pricing. This makes it an ideal choice for those seeking a premium experience without compromising their budget. While some enthusiasts may gravitate towards even more specialized or niche options, the VelocityOne’s versatility and overall value proposition are undeniable.
For aspiring pilots and seasoned veterans alike, the Turtle Beach VelocityOne Flightstick represents an enticing gateway to the exhilarating world of virtual flight. Its blend of quality, precision, customizability, and affordability sets a new standard in the mid-range segment, making it a worthy addition to any flight simulation setup. Whether you’re soaring through the clouds in a majestic airliner, engaging in heart-pounding dogfights, or embarking on daring space adventures, the VelocityOne will empower you to take command of the virtual skies with confidence and flair.
Overall Score: 4 out of 5
Pros:
Excellent build quality and ergonomic design
Smooth, precise stick movement with adjustable tension
Modular design for customizable layout
Integrated display for real-time information
Comprehensive software ecosystem for customization
Seamless integration with popular flight simulation platforms
Competitively priced in the mid-range segment, offering excellent value
Cons:
Throttle quadrant can feel slightly flimsy
Software ecosystem can be overwhelming for novice users
