Paradox Interactive, a benevolent megacorp that develops and publishes games for deckers worldwide, today announced that the Shadowrun Trilogy, a collection of three critically acclaimed role-playing games in the iconic fantasy-cyberpunk Shadowrun setting, will launch on consoles on June 21, 2022. The Shadowrun Trilogy, a remastered release of the Shadowrun Returns RPGs originally released by Harebrained Schemes, has been updated for a console experience, with upscaled graphics, improved performance, and controller-optimized gameplay. All three titles in the series will launch simultaneously for the Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5, and are available for pre-order on all platforms as of today*.
See the classic world of Shadowrun in a new trailer for the Shadowrun Trilogy:
Originally funded via Kickstarter in just 28 hours, and the first Kickstarter-funded game to launch after raising over $1 million, Shadowrun Returns is a story-rich RPG with turn-based tactical combat set in the celebrated Shadowrun universe. Designed by Jordan Weisman, the creator of the original Shadowrun tabletop RPG, Shadowrun Returns released to critical acclaim for PC and mobile platforms, with two sequels released shortly afterwards. The standalone sequels, Shadowrun: Dragonfall – Director’s Cut and Shadowrun: Hong Kong – Extended Edition, join Shadowrun Returns as the Shadowrun Trilogy, coming to console platforms later this year.
A lot of gamers struggle to find an use a desk lamp that will provide enough light for the situation but not interfere with their monitor – either by throwing off a lot of glare or simply taking up too much desk space. BenQ has attempted to solve this issue with their ScreenBar series of LED monitor lamps. A successor to its popular ScreenBar Plus, the ScreenBar Halo is said to make more improvements to the design and adds a wireless remote control unit.
Powered via USB cable, the BenQ ScreenBar Halo LED monitor light sits on top of your monitor and shines down light on the desk beneath. It feels very sturdy, being made from an aluminum alloy and ABS plastic. The light thrown from the ScreenBar Halo is adjustable – not only in temperature (2500K – 6500K) but also in brightness (all the way up to 800 lux). It also features a smart sensor which will automatically adjust the light based on the ambient light in your office.
Not only is it bright and adjustable, but it is also designed to illuminate the desk in front of you and NOT the monitor itself. This means that it won’t cause glare, which can be a real disruption when playing your favorite game. The light body can even pivot, allowing you to customize the angle of the illumination. It sits on top of the monitor with a spring loaded clip design and BenQ even includes a small pad that adheres to the back of your monitor to pad where the clamp touches it. On the back of the ScreenBar Halo, you’ll also find the backlight. This backlight will illuminate the wall behind the monitor and help reduce eye strain by eliminating contrast. It can be turned on and off of course, so you don’t have to use it if you don’t want to. If you have a curved display, that is no trouble for the ScreenBar Halo either, as BenQ has very smartly included a curved monitor adapter piece to allow the light to properly attach.
The wireless remote controller is outstanding. It uses three AAA batteries with an extremely long battery life. Not only is it small but it also has an extremely stylish touch interface. It has light elements and allows full control of the ScreenBar Halo. You can even save your light configuration and recall it with the press of a button – that saves me so much headache. It is nice to not lose my favorite light setup when I’m experimenting with it.
There are only a couple of things that could be improved with the BenQ ScreenBar Halo. One is that it takes up a decent amount of space on top of your monitor and, these days, our monitors are usually adorned with a webcam for Zoom use. With the ScreenBar Halo in place, it *could* interfere with your webcam placement. Of course, if you don’t have a webcam or have a larger monitor this might not be a big deal, but it’s worth mentioning. Also, the remote control touch interface gets very smudgy with consistent use. This can cause it to have glare when the light hits it which is a little annoying.
These small issues aside, the BenQ ScreenBar Halo LED monitor lamp is an excellent choice if you need a desk lamp that won’t take up a lot of space and won’t throw a lot of glare on your monitor. The BenQ ScreenBar Halo retails for $179.99 and is available now.
Sit back and relax with Little Cities this spring, as the cozy VR city creation game releases exclusively on Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2 on May 12th. Developed by UK indie studio, Purple Yonder, and published by nDreams, Little Cities lets players create beautiful miniature cities in idyllic island settings.
We are delighted to reveal the many locations where you will be able to create your perfect Little Cities, across the game’s extensive campaign. Each island or archipelago will feature diverse themes with each bringing unique gameplay elements that you will need to consider to keep your citizens happy.
Volcanic islands bring the risk of eruptions, but geothermal vents can be used to power cities, whilst desert islands feature sandstorms that can be overcome through the planting of trees. Archipelagos with multiple islands also bring the challenge of building bridges to efficiently connect your different neighbourhoods. Each island also features its own set of unique buildings that you will unlock as your city grows from a humble settlement to a bustling metropolis. These include a thermal spa and a water park on Volcano islands and an aquarium and a stadium on Tropical islands.
For a taste of what you can expect when the game releases on April 21st, check out our latest trailer here:
Little Cities is a city creator with coziness at its heart. With an exquisitely composed soundtrack, the gentle hum of an everyday city comes to life, and the tranquil sounds of nature filters through. Offering multiple ways to play, Little Cities has been built for VR from the ground up and is designed to be accessible for everybody. Sit in comfort, or playroom-scale where you can move around and lean in to view the world you created up close. The intuitive controls make building easy, unfussy, and fun, as you relax and make your biggest creations possible!
Little Cities is the first title to be published by nDreams via their third-party publishing initiative. nDreams also recently announced a $35 million investment from the newly formed Aonic Group that will help expand their third-party publishing operation, with multiple games to be announced over the coming months.
There’s still lots of Little Cities news to share in the build-up to release so follow Purple Yonder on Twitter and nDreams on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram for further updates in the coming weeks.
Limited Run Games, pioneers dedicated to the preservation of classic, current, and influential games in the physical format, announced today it has partnered with video game publisher KONAMI to celebrate over 35-years of the beloved and classic Contra franchise with the physical release of the Contra Anniversary Collection, coming soon to Nintendo Switch™ and PlayStation®4. Three Collector’s Editions — the Classic Edition, the Hard Corps Edition, and the Ultimate Edition — will be made available alongside a Standard version of the game. The Contra Anniversary Collection will be available to pre-order for six-weeks, beginning on Apr. 29, 2022 via the official Limited Run Games website.
The three Collector’s Editions will contain a full loadout of extra collectibles worthy of any longtime-Contra fan. These curated versions include retro-style boxes styles modeled after the original NES and Genesis releases, a CD soundtrack, posters and prints, and much more.
“As lifelong gamers and fans, it is an honor and privilege to have the opportunity to work with KONAMI on the Contra Anniversary Collection,” said Josh Fairhurst CEO and Co-founder at Limited Run Games. “For players who grew up during those halcyon days of console gaming in the late ’80s and ’90s, we’ve put together something extra special with this collection, including the original arcade version, Japan-only releases, and all the landmark titles for this legendary franchise from the original Contra that made the ‘Konami code’ famous to more rare releases, like Probotector.”
Limited Run Games is excited to bring this amazing collection of Contra titles to physical formats, which allows a new generation of gamers to experience this beloved franchise in its full glory. In addition, Contra veterans will be happy to replay many of their favorite titles from the ’80s and ’90s and score these exclusive editions.
35 Years of Contra
This special, physical release coincides with the 35th anniversary of the franchise. On February 20, 1987, Bill and Lance blasted into arcades for the first time, and a year later they would liberate living rooms from the evil Red Falcon Organization. Its fast-paced gameplay and infamously brutal difficulty cemented itself as a must-play title and continues to give it a place on lists of the greatest games of all time. The Contra legacy is alive—and dangerous!
About the Contra Anniversary Collection
The Contra Anniversary Collection brings the classic run and gun franchise back to modern platforms. Released as part of KONAMI’s 50th Anniversary Celebration, this collection highlights the Contra franchise’s most definitive releases, from iconic arcade games to the classic console titles that fans have loved for decades.
Grab power-ups and blast your way through waves of menacing enemies and bosses that will put your reaction skills to the test. Included in the game is a digital Bonus Book featuring concept documents and sketches, the official chronology of the franchise, an exclusive interview with a veteran producer of the series, and more!
Alone or with a friend, Contra provides hours of nail-biting action. In a pinch, make sure you know the code!
The following games are included in the Contra Anniversary Collection:
Contra (Arcade)
Super Contra
Contra (NA)
Contra (JP)
Super C
Contra III: The Alien Wars
Operation C
Contra Hard Corps
Super Probotector Alien Rebels
Probotector
Details for the three Contra Anniversary Collection Edition sets include:
Standard Edition | $34.99:
A physical copy of Contra Anniversary Collection
Classic Edition | $64.99:
A physical copy of Contra Anniversary Collection
Classic-style silver box
Dust sleeve for the game
CD soundtrack
Reversible 18 x 24-inch poster
Hard Corps Edition | $64.99:
A physical copy of Contra Anniversary Collection
Deluxe clamshell case
CD soundtrack
Reversible 18 x 24-inch poster
Ultimate Edition | $174.99:
A physical copy of Contra Anniversary Collection
Classic-style silver box
Deluxe clamshell case
SteelBook® Case
Metal flying capsule replica with stand
Spread and Barrier power-up pins
Reversible 18 x 24-inch poster
Acrylic character standees
Bill & Lance Metal Keychains
Hardcover History of Contra book
Framed lenticular art print
For more details on Limited Run Games and upcoming sales for rare collectibles, sign-up for the newsletter on the official website, and follow the team on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Discord.
Publisher Wired Productions, Writer / Director Jörg Tittel and pioneering games studio Wolf & Wood are today thrilled to announce that Zelda Williams (The Legend of Korra) and Tommie Earl Jenkins (Death Stranding) have joined the cast of the upcoming narrative adventure The Last Worker. A brand-new trailer, featuring Zelda, as well as existing cast members David Hewlett, Jason Isaacs and Ólafur Darri Ólafsson, unpackages the dystopian, thought-provoking world of the game and showcases its stunning hand-crafted visuals.
Visitors to PAX East, (Boston, MA) this weekend can get the world’s first hands-on with The Last Worker, by swinging by the Wired Productions booth at 14030, located at the heart of the show floor.
Zelda Williams and Tommie Earl Jenkins join a star-studded cast alongside Jason Isaacs (The Death of Stalin), Ólafur Darri Ólafsson (The Deep), Clare-Hope Ashitey (Children of Men) and David Hewlett (The Shape of Water).
The Last Worker is a first person narrative adventure centred around our struggle in an increasingly automated world. Combining a hand crafted art style with uniquely immersive gameplay mechanics in an epic setting, The Last Worker delivers an emotional, thought provoking and comedic story packaged with rich characters performed by an all-star cast.
“Who would’ve thought a casual conversation on Twitter in the middle of a global pandemic would somehow lead us here?”, said Zelda Williams. “I’ll be forever grateful that Jörg saw fit to send another battle-weary warrior woman my way, and it was a joy to lend her my voice.”
“Working with such a stellar cast would be miraculous enough on a major feature film or series”, said Writer, Director Jörg Tittel, whose company, Oiffy, is producing the game. “But to have such world class actors lend their talent to an indie game must make me the luckiest man alive. But ultimately this game has been an equaliser, with every team member pouring heart and soul into every minute detail. No matter how dystopian they want to make the real world, ours at least will be full of colour and crafted with love.”
“The anticipation of seeing the first public demo of the game is really building in the studio” , said Ryan Bousfield, Creative Director of Wolf & Wood, “As a collective, we’ve all had a part in shaping the stylised world and unique characters of The Last Worker, but now, to have such beautiful performances from an amazing cast to top it all off, fills us with confidence for the public response!”
“The Last Worker continues to be a thrilling project to work on with the groundbreaking storytelling from Jörg, and the technical genius of Wolf & Wood,” said Neil Broadhead, Head of Marketing, Wired Productions. “With the addition of Zelda Williams and Tommie Earl Jenkins to the all-star cast, we are so excited for visitors at PAX to get their hands on The Last Worker for the very first time!”
The Last Worker will be released in 2022 on Steam, Epic Games Store, GOG, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and Meta Quest 2.
For more information, check out the latest news and wishlist via Steam, visit the official website for The Last Worker or follow on Twitter or Instagram.
Focus Entertainment is pleased to announce that Evil West will be playable for the first time as part of the publisher’s show floor lineup at PAX East 2022 at booth #12043! The new third-person action game from Flying Wild Hog puts you in the boots of a vampire hunter fighting bloodthirsty monstrosities to save a Wild West consumed by darkness.
Battle through the shadows to eradicate a threat that lies beneath your feet in this exhilarating adventure featuring dynamic, third-person combat and brutal combos, coming soon to PlayStation®5, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation®4, Xbox One and PC.
The physical edition of Evil West is available for pre-order now on the Focus Entertainment Store. Add the game to your wishlist now and become a Focus member to get the latest information and future exclusive offers from Evil West and across the entire Focus catalogue.
The unique Yupitergrad (2020) will receive a sequel. Let’s back to the VR adventure on the space station! Thanks to the first part of the game created by Gamedust, studio gained great recognition among VR players and reviewers. Its average rating on the Oculus platform is 4.7/5 with over 500 votes. The creators announce that Yupirtegrad 2: The Lost Station is more action-packed, ambitious, and expanded than its predecessor.
Watch the reveal trailer of Yupitergrad 2: The Lost Station and get ready for an adventure full of puzzle-solving, wacky humor, spatial stunts, and space acrobatics!
The game will offer an interesting story spiced with a large dose of characteristic humor, combined with the possibility of free exploration of the vast space station, on which our hero finds himself after receiving a mysterious signal. Players will be able to freely explore the environment in virtual reality, swinging on ropes (like space Tarzan), look for hidden secrets and ways to unlock further passages and inaccessible areas. And now, combat comes to that as well.
The mysterious space station will not be completely deserted. Rebellious robots will stand in our way so the game will be even more fast-paced. Creators will equip players with deadly weapons to fight hostile machines. Thanks to that game will be even more action-packed.
Besides combat developers will introduce new mechanics. Yupitergrad 2: The Lost Station will be the first modern Metroidvania type of game in VR. Players will be provided with unique equipment (gadgets) that will help them move around the space station and solve various environmental puzzles, including well-known grappling hooks with suction cups for swinging and boosters.
– Our whole team had a great time creating the first Yupitergrad, and on top of that, the game was a success. We still want to swing in space and further develop this world. Yupitergrad 2: The Lost Station will be a unique game as it is the first, faithful to the genre, Metroidvania in a VR environment. We are preparing the possibility of acquiring new equipment, searching for ways to open doors, and above all, a lot of freedom moving around the beautiful and detailed space station – said Dominik Strugała, game designer from Gamedust.
The developers announced that Yupitergrad 2: The Lost Station will be released on Oculus Quest and other VR platforms. The game’s Steam card will be revealed in the coming weeks.
A new trailer and poster are now available for Marvel Studios’ “Thor: Love and Thunder,” offering long-awaited clues to what’s in store for the God of Thunder. The film finds Thor (Chris Hemsworth) on a journey unlike anything he’s ever faced – a quest for inner peace. But his retirement is interrupted by a galactic killer known as Gorr the God Butcher (Christian Bale), who seeks the extinction of the gods.
To combat the threat, Thor enlists the help of King Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), Korg (Taika Waititi) and ex-girlfriend Jane Foster (Natalie Portman), who – to Thor’s surprise – inexplicably wields his magical hammer, Mjolnir, as the Mighty Thor. Together, they embark upon a harrowing cosmic adventure to uncover the mystery of the God Butcher’s vengeance and stop him before it’s too late. Directed by Waititi (“Thor: Ragnarok,” “Jojo Rabbit”) and produced by Kevin Feige and Brad Winderbaum, “Thor: Love and Thunder” opens in theaters July 8, 2022.
NACON and Spiders are pleased to share the first gameplay video of Steelrising, an alternative version of the French Revolution history in 1789. The player embodies Aegis, the master chief automaton of Eugene Vaucauson, an engineer working for Louis XVI. The game will be available September 8th 2022, on PC, PlayStation®5, and Xbox Series X|S.
The video reveals for the first time more than 5 min of gameplay and several levels, highlighting the combat. This trailer also reveals many enemies and illustrates the first bosses that Aegis must face in Steelrising.
In one of the levels, the player is in the workshop of Vaucanson, where the automatons that make up the king’s army are invented. Confronted with several types of mobs, Aegis can select her weapons and objects to try to defeat each enemy. After a carriage ride, the next level is revealed, and with it, the customization options for Aegis’ outfits. The player will also discover the possibilities offered by the grappling hook in the vertical exploration of Parisian buildings. The dash – a system of boosts to be activated at the most opportune moment – also allows the player to move less conventionally and to reveal other facets of the Paris of 1789.
1789 is the year of the storming of the Bastille and the start of the fall of the Monarchy. Steelrising shows us an alternative version of history, asking: what if King Louis XVI, passionate about watchmaking, had conceived an army of automatons capable of putting down this insurrection? Powerful and cruel this army spares no one and violently punishes rebels. Paris is on fire: men, women, and children are systematically massacred.
Aegis, once an automaton dedicated to dancing for the pleasure of the Court, is now a warrior, Marie Antoinette’s bodyguard. Appointed by the Queen, Aegis will have to navigate through a Paris crawling with machines. Each fight with these mechanical enemies is a challenge where the player’s skills are subjected to a tremendous ordeal. Such is the price to pay for those who want to change the course of history.
***
Steelrising will be available on September 8 2022 on PC and consoles.
Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. today announced that PvP multiplayer mystery simulation game CRIMESIGHT is now available globally on Steam®. The bundle edition with “Project Winter” (Other Ocean Interactive) is 10% off now. Don’t miss this opportunity! *The information is subject to change. CRIMESIGHT is currently available for SRP $19.99 on Steam®. Players can also purchase a Deluxe Bundle that includes CRIMESIGHT, the original soundtrack and a total of 144 in-game icons for SRP $29.99. These bonus items can also be purchased separately as DLC.
CRIMESIGHT will be available globally and will support 11 languages – Japanese, English, Chinese (Simplified), Chinese (Traditional), Korean, French, German, Italian, Russian, Spanish (Spain – Spanish) and Portuguese (Brazil-Portuguese).
