Ah, Sparta! Home to the finest warriors in all of ancient Greece, a marvel of a city, a true superpower on the Peloponnesian Peninsula, protected by its mighty city walls… wait a second. Wasn’t Sparta famous for its walls being its army only? So why can we see Spartans riding home through a massive wall in Titan Quest II’s announcement trailer?
The latest dev diary for the upcoming action RPG Titan Quest II highlights Sparta and explains how Titan Quest II offers a fantastical twist on the actual ancient reality.
The horrors of war seem an ocean away, but no major threat can be contained in a shrinking world. The influences of foreign ideologies and international pressure may force distant nations to take an active part in the global struggle against tyranny. Decide the fate of South America in Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance, available now.
This content pack for Paradox Interactive’s best-selling grand strategy wargame, players can write new histories of the major nations of South America in years around World War II. You can try to resist the pressure to join a costly conflict overseas, or take your chances with a major power bloc for help in pursuing your own goals.
Features of Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance include:
National Focus Tree for Brazil: Challenged by a decade of internal strife and constitutional crises, Brazil can follow the historical path as a late but valuable member of the Allied cause. Alternately, seek continental hegemony under a new government with new priorities.
National Focus Tree for Argentina: Rife with corruption, revolts and worker unrest, Argentina presents a difficult political challenge. Once you’ve settled the problems at home, you can contribute more on the world stage and help this nation reach its full potential.
National Focus Tree for Chile: Chile is a vigorous republic with a radical tradition that must face domestic fascist parties, the embers of ethnic unrest and the imposing influence of the United States. Chart a course of equality and renewal, pick up the banner of uniting the continent under one flag.
Paraguay and Uruguay: Minor content as well as several new releasable nations.
New Art: New 3D unit sprites for the Brazilian army, as well as new unique 2D art for National Focus trees and units
New Music: Six new songs, with two each for the major nations in the pack.
New Voiceovers: Voiceovers in Brazilian Portuguese, Argentinian Spanish and Chilean Spanish.
Hearts of Iron IV: Trial of Allegiance is available for the suggested retail price of $14.99/￡12.79/€14.99.
Serenity Forge (Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!) and the award-winning storytellers at Mojiken today revealed that the anticipated Physical & Collector’s Editions of acclaimed indie hit A Space for the Unbound will be coming to Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 5 next month on April 2:
Both versions will be available from your favorite retailer and at the Serenity Forge online store: https://store.serenityforge.com/
A Space for the Unbound transports you into late ‘90s rural Indonesia on a journey of self-discovery with high school sweethearts Atma and Raya. The slice-of-life adventure touches on topics of overcoming anxiety and depression through its stunning pixel art style. However, when a mysterious supernatural power is suddenly unleashed upon their town, Atma and Raya must explore and investigate to uncover hidden secrets, face the end of the world and maybe even grow closer together.
The Physical Edition of A Space for the Unbound ($44.99) features:
A striking inner cover sheet
Clipboard standees of Atma, Raya and, obviously, several cats
A washi sticker sheet to make your journaling more exciting and cat friendly
A soundtrack download card
A Space for the Unbound’s Collector’s Edition ($99.99) features all of the above extras plus:
A gorgeous Collector’s Edition box
A massive 254-page artbook filled with exclusive pieces from artist Dimas Novan
A stylized brass bookmark
A double-sided wooden charm with unique art featuring Atma and Raya
Atma and Raya’s journal – featuring a map of Loka Town
During today’s Capcom Highlights video presentation, Capcom conjured new updates on a fantastical pair of action-packed titles launching this year. The show featured the reveal of the “Character Creator & Storage” tool for Dragon’s Dogma™ 2. Beginning today, players can get a head start on designing their Arisen and Main Pawn, both of which can be transferred into the full game when the action RPG makes its highly anticipated arrival on March 22, 2024. The program also showcased an extended look at Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess™, bestowing new details on the strategic action game and its vibrant Japanese-inspired setting ahead of its 2024 release.
Create Your Character in Dragon’s Dogma 2 Today
Dragon’s Dogma 2 director Hideaki Itsuno and producer Yoshiaki Hirabayashi joined Capcom Highlights to provide an overview of what players can expect when setting out on their own immersive fantasy adventures. In addition to your party with up to three AI companions known as Pawns, players are encouraged to indulge their curiosity and stretch their creativity when exploring the world of Dragon’s Dogma 2.
From how they resolve quests to the way they interact with characters around them, the decisions players make will not only impact their Arisen’s relationships with other characters, but they will also in turn change the interactions between characters as well. There are often creative solutions to avoid physical altercations, such as passing off an exquisite counterfeit item as the genuine article. Each decision the player makes will impact the complex web of relationships throughout a world filled with over 1000 characters, each with their own objectives and motives.
Itsuno and Hirabayashi also unveiled the “Character Creator & Storage” tool, which can be downloaded for free on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam. This allows players to create five designs for their Arisen and Main Pawn starting today! Those designs will be instantly transferred to the full game when Dragon’s Dogma 2 releases for PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, and Steam on March 22, 2024, so players immediately embark upon their journey at launch.
Finally, the duo unveiled plans to release official Capcom support Pawns created by renowned content creators that will be available for other players through the network to join their own adventure, with initial announcements during Capcom Highlights and other participating creators to be revealed in the near future.
Peer Into the Spirit Realm with Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess
Explore a mesmerizing world steeped in Japanese culture and mysticism with the upcoming release of Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess set to launch this year. The single-player action strategy game and newest Capcom IP will test your strategic ability within this mystical action adventure.
Set on a mountain infected with defilement, players will take on the role of Soh, the protagonist tasked with rescuing villagers and purifying their villages on Mount Kafuku along with the Maiden, Yoshiro.
As players journey through Mount Kafuku, they’ll be immersed in dynamic day and night cycles. By day, Soh joins forces with the villagers to prepare for an impending battle. When darkness looms, Soh, the villagers, and Yoshiro confront the Seethe and the Festering Seethe, even more powerful enemies infused with the power of the stolen masks. Harness the power of Tsuba guards, wield dance-like sword techniques, adapt to constantly changing battle conditions, and take advantage of the different villager roles in order to cleanse the mountain. Various roles include:
Woodcutters – Strong villagers who excel at close-range combat.
Archers – Villagers with great accuracy and precision who fight from a distance with their bow and arrows.
Ascetics – Enchanting villagers who use spells to restrain the Seethe.
Brought to life by the power of the RE ENGINE, Kunitsu-Gami: Path of the Goddess will be available day one with Xbox Game Pass for console, PC, and Cloud, and on Xbox Series X|S, Windows, PlayStation 5, and PC via Steam. Stay tuned for more details as we set players off to embark on an unforgettable clash, filled with strategic challenges and aesthetically immersive gameplay.
Make sure to join us for Capcom Highlights Day 2 on Monday, March 11, 2024 for the latest news from the worlds of Street Fighter™ 6, Monster Hunter Stories™, and Exoprimal™.
The rapid technological and societal changes of the Victoria Era allowed empires to compete in new lands with new means. The competition for resources and markets could turn fast friends into bitter rivals, as strong nations fought to extend and secure their power over weaker ones. Preserve and project your own empire in Sphere of Influence, a new expansion pack for Victoria 3, coming May 6, 2024.
Paradox Interactive’s grand strategy simulation takes a diplomatic turn, with Power Blocs at the center of Sphere of Influence. Bully, bribe or befriend other nations in an effort to build a group that can act together towards a common goal. Smaller nations can seek security in a co-operative compact with a greater power, while major nations bring new subjects and middle powers into their orbit.
Historical content in the expansion is dedicated to The Great Game, the nineteenth century competition between the British and Russian Empires for influence and power in Central and South Asia.
Following the celebrated release of House Flipper 2 in December, Frozen District has now unveiled the game’s Spring update and a new accolades trailer. Additionally, the studio has revised the console edition launch of House Flipper 2 to April 10th. This Spring Update introduces various new interior options, decorative pieces, and a novel task to Pinnacove’s seaside setting. The latest trailer compiles some of the finest feedback from leading industry publications. Catch the trailer below!
Follow the game on Steam (https://store.steampowered.com/app/1190970/House_Flipper_2/) to not miss any news, and add the House Flipper 2 to your wishlist on PlayStation Store (https://store.playstation.com/en-ca/concept/10006545) and Microsoft Store (https://www.xbox.com/en-CA/games/store/house-flipper-2/9n67z2d5phw2) to not miss the launch.
Frozen District has also shifted the console version release of House Flipper 2 from its initial March 21st date to April 10th. This adjustment grants the development team additional time to refine the game for console certification. This ensures that the Spring and April Fool’s Day updates (scheduled for April 1st) are available to console players upon release.
Developed by the Simteract studio and published by NACON, Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is out now on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. The launch trailer gives you the chance to check out the game’s various features as you spend a day in the shoes of a Barcelona taxi driver who also runs his own business:
06:26am: My work day starts with the first fare! It’s still early, just after sunrise, but already fairly warm. My customer asks me to open the window. I grant her request, and a light breeze blows in and cools the interior. It’s set to be a fine day!
09:02am: After taking a coffee break at the Barceloneta market, I stop at a gas station, taking the opportunity to fill up the car: best to be good and ready before the next fare!
11:43am: I had a long chat with one of my passengers, a tourist, who was asking for recommendations for iconic locations to photograph. I advised her to check out the Basilica of Santa Maria del Mar, a magnificent Gothic church situated in the La Ribera district. She must have been really pleased, because she gave me a very positive rating and left a generous tip!
1:32pm: I just had a minor accident on the road… I braked too suddenly at a red light, and a car ran into the back of mine. I swiftly stop by the garage for a quick repair. To help get myself over the mishap, I take the opportunity to customise my vehicle, by changing the wheels, the bodywork colour and adding the odd interior accessory.
3:17pm: I’ve got a meeting with one of my drivers, Claudia. She’s been working for my taxi company for a few months, and today I decided to assign her to the El Raval area, a very touristy part of Barcelona. I’ve noticed that she always takes great care of her vehicle, and I think I can trust her with a fancier car, which will definitely catch the eye of the customers there.
5:19pm: As usual, I set aside some time to cruise around the city with no particular destination in mind. No matter how long I’ve lived here, I’m always discovering hidden points of interest! Getting to know Barcelona like the back of my hand provides precious experience, enabling me to acquire new skills, which makes me a better driver, but also a better manager.
6:34pm: I round off the day with a beautiful drive along the seaside road, enjoying the rows of palm trees and a magnificent sunset. I hope to see you soon in Barcelona!
Taxi Life: A City Driving Simulator is now available on PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S and PC (Steam, Epic Games Store).
Razer has long been a dominant force in the gaming peripheral space, and their foray into streaming microphones continues to impress. The Seiren V3 Chroma is the latest iteration of their pro-grade USB microphone line, bringing a compelling mix of sound quality, customization, and that signature Razer flair.
The Seiren V3 Chroma’s design continues the sleek and minimalist aesthetic found on previous Seiren mics. Its cylindrical body, available exclusively in classic black, looks sharp on any desk setup. A noticeable upgrade is the integrated RGB lighting strip that wraps around the base of the mic. It’s a subtle touch, but adds a dynamic element, especially when you use Razer Synapse to synchronize it with your other Chroma-enabled devices. The Seiren V3 Chroma comes with both a sturdy desktop base and an optional shock absorber to help mitigate unwanted vibrations. Notably, it abandons the screw-on mount in favor of a standard-sized mic arm fitting, making setup extra convenient.
Razer replaced the physical knobs found on earlier Seiren models with a multi-function tap-to-mute sensor on the top of the mic. It’s responsive, highly visible, and makes quick muting actions a breeze. The front of the mic houses a volume wheel, which doubles as the microphone gain adjustment when combined with Razer Synapse software. This streamlining might initially be a touch jarring for users accustomed to a separate gain knob but proves to be a practical change for everyday use.
The most crucial aspect of any microphone is its sound quality, and the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma does not disappoint. The supercardioid pattern effectively focuses on your voice while minimizing unwanted background noise. This focus creates a clean, isolated vocal track perfect for streaming, podcasts, or even professional recordings. The 24-bit/96kHz sample rate delivers a detailed, nuanced sound that adds depth and presence to your voice. There’s a slight boost in the highs for extra clarity, but it never becomes harsh or sibilant. You’ll find your vocals clear and articulate with a broadcast-ready quality without extensive post-processing.
The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma really shines when you pair it with the Razer Synapse software. Synapse unlocks a suite of powerful tuning options that let you tailor your sound with precision. Inside, you’ll find an onboard audio mixer for adjusting the balance between game audio, chat applications, and your microphone input – a lifesaver for streamers. There’s also a 10-band equalizer to shape your vocals, and essential filters like a high-pass filter (for cutting out low-end rumble), noise gate, compressor, and limiter to keep your voice crisp and consistent. Naturally, Synapse lets you customize the RGB lighting, with various patterns, effects, or the ability to react to in-game events or stream alerts. If you’re a beginner, Synapse also includes several handy presets optimized for different use cases, so you can achieve a great sound baseline fast.
The Seiren V3 Chroma incorporates a couple of additional features that are tailor-made to elevate your live streams. You can connect your stream alerts and make the mic’s RGB lights react, adding a visual flair to your broadcast. A digital gain limiter prevents your audio from clipping and distorting during those excited, high-volume moments.
Should You Buy It?
The Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is an exceptional USB microphone aimed squarely at streamers and content creators. Its broadcast-quality sound, user-friendly controls, customization options, and dash of RGB flair make it a compelling choice. At a price point of around $129.99, it falls into the higher end of USB microphones. However, it fully justifies its price by delivering excellent features and performance. If you’re seeking a plug-and-play option, the Seiren V3 Chroma might overwhelm at first; its full potential is best realized with Razer Synapse.
Overall, the Razer Seiren V3 Chroma is an impressive package that will elevate your streaming and content creation. If you’re looking for a microphone that looks polished, sounds fantastic, and offers the customization serious streamers crave, it’s tough to beat.
11 bit studios is excited to announce Creatures of Ava, the latest title from the 11 bit publishing division. Co-developed by Spanish studios Inverge and Chibig, Creatures of Ava is an action-adventure game where players tame creatures to save their world from a life-consuming infection. Creatures of Ava will be released in 2024, initially available on Xbox Series X|S and Windows 11 PC, and also with Xbox Game Pass for console and PC Game Pass.
Creatures of Ava is a unique creature saver game that invites you to explore a world teeming with wild beings. These once peaceful creatures now succumb to an unknown infection, compelling them to behave aggressively. Once healed, they form a unique bond that allows you to use their skills for traversing the planet and solving environmental challenges. With non-aggressive combat mechanics designed for healing rather than defeating, and indigenous Flute melodies that you play to tame creatures, the game further emphasizes the creature saver nature of the experience.
Your hero is Vic, a 22-year-old adventurer navigating an immersive expedition alongside researcher, Tabitha. Together, you confront the recurring infection—referred to as “the withering” by the local population known as the Naam—threatening Ava’s inhabitants. The gameplay encourages curiosity-driven exploration of its distinct ecosystems, such as the colorful Nari jungle or mysterious Mâruba swamp, creating an interconnected world.
The game’s narrative, co-created by renowned writer Rhianna Pratchett, is a journey of wonder, mystery, and discovery. Once you understand the true meaning of the infection, you’ll be challenged to step out of the human-centric point of view and learn about the real toll it takes to preserve the primal beauty at the very roots of Ava.
Creatures of Ava will be coming to Xbox Series X|S and Windows 11 PC in 2024. The game will be available on PC Games Pass and Xbox Game Pass for console upon its release.
THQ Nordic, All Elite Wrestling (AEW) and YUKE’S Co., Ltd. today added Blackpool Combat Club’s Claudio Castagnoli to the playable AEW: Fight Forever talent roster. The second installment in Fight Forever’s Season 3, the Giant Swing in the Ring DLC also includes 30 re-skin options, a gold attire option, and an alternate entrance music track. AEW: Fight Forever players on PS4™, PS5™, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo® Switch and PC can download The Giant Swing in the Ring ($6.99) NOW!
Giant Swing in the Ring ($6.99) can be purchased as a stand-alone DLC, as part of Season Pass 3 ($16.99) or as part of the AEW: Fight Forever – Light the Fuse special edition ($99.99).
The complete AEW: Fight Forever Season Pass 3 pass includes:
3 new wrestlers
New day and evening beach ring
33 new move-sets
42 new skin and attire options
11 new music tracks
AEW: Fight Forever is available for PS4™, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PC and Nintendo® Switch at an SRP of € 59.99 / $ 59.99 / £ 49.99.
