February 6, 2017 – Today PC/Mac players of The Elder Scrolls Online receive the first major DLC of 2017 – Homestead – a free update that will allow them to buy apartments, homes, manors – and even an island – in Tamriel. Available for both in-game Gold and through the Crown Store, homes can be customized with more than 2,000 decorating items, including furniture, décor, books, barrels and a whole lot more.
Homestead will release on Xbox One and PlayStation 4 on February 21.
Tons of Homes!
Homestead releases with nearly 40 instanced homes to choose from, each styled after one of the game’s 10 playable races. Anyone who would like to grab their own Tamriel digs can get one for free through an initial tutorial quest. Once that introductory quest is completed, players can move on and up, owning multiple homes of various sizes that can be shared across all of their in-game characters.
Not Your Friend’s House
Owning a house is only the beginning of Homestead – it’s not truly a home until you decorate it. Players can make their new residences truly unique by acquiring and placing more than 2,000 items with the game’s new Housing Editor. Furniture and other décor are available through in-game vendors and the Crown Store, but players can also craft their own using existing crafting skills. Available décor includes tables, chairs, chests, beds, bars, counters as well as decorating items like books, food, barrels, paintings, light fixtures, plants, trees, and more. Looking for more utility? Players can also place items like combat dummies, crafting tables and assistants in their homes.
February 6, 2017 –Mars – Simulator RED PLANET takes you on a journey into the unknown and gives you the unique opportunity to solve the mystery of Mars. Experience a fully-detailed mission to Mars. Land your rover on the red rocks of the fourth planet. Collect rock samples and drill for more. Photograph the landscape and transmit the data back to Earth. Investigate mysterious artefacts and discover if water or even life is hidden on Mars. Experience the breath-taking natural panorama of this fascinating planet.
Investigate – Investigate and discover exciting Martian landscapes, from canyons to caves to crater-strewn landscapes and the mountains beyond. But protect yourself from the dangers of sandstorms and earthquakes.
Explore – You control the Mars rover; Use the robot arm, drill, seismograph and camera to investigate every nook and cranny but make sure that your solar cells are soaking up enough sunlight.
Learn – You can read up on every aspect of Mars in the integrated Martian lexicon. All the key facts are at your fingertips and you’ll be able to delve into the history of the study of the red planet. Learn from previous missions, both successful and failed ones, and explore the potential home of our grandchildren!
February 3rd, Bielsko-Biała, Poland – It’s 1995, you’re Matthew Palmer, and you’ve just woken up after a train crash. There’s nobody around. In particular, there’s no trace of your wife and daughter. The only sign indicating where you are says: Welcome to Shivercliff…
Shivercliff – a small town somewhere on the coast. Once beautiful and lively, with gift shops and tourists visiting the nearby lighthouse, wharf, and forests. Now discouragingly empty with a vague sense of danger hanging in the air. A place where you’ll be forced to face your worst nightmares, solve mysteries, and survive the devouring darkness. A place that will make you answer one, important question: Do you have what it takes to look your demons in the eye and find your family?
Husk is a purebred FPP horror inspired by the classics of the genre such as Silent Hill and Alan Wake. Powered by Unreal Engine 4, the game is dripping with a 1990s climate and atmosphere. Offering immersive narration and terrifying iconic opponents, Husk at the same time raises important questions about domestic violence and alcohol addiction.
The game, developed by UndeadScout, debuts today on Steam (http://store.steampowered.com/app/553960/) and other major digital platforms, including Amazon, Green Man Gaming, GamersGate, and the Humble Store, at 7:00 p.m. CET / 10:00 a.m. PST at a cost of $19.99 (€17.99 / £14.99).
February 2, 2017 – Today, Respawn gives players a first look at Live Fire in the Titanfall 2 Live Fire Gameplay Trailer. Live Fire is a lightning fast 6v6 Pilot only mode that brings competitive, close quarter combat to the forefront. This free content update features two brand new maps, Stacks and Meadow – tight, enclosed death boxes specifically designed for the fast-paced, intense nature of the mode.
Check out the Titanfall 2 Live Fire Gameplay Trailer here and read more about Live Fire on the blog here.
STOCKHOLM – 02 February 2017 – We reach for the stars for many reasons. They challenge us to explore. They dare us to explain. They prod us to expand. But, most of all, the universe offers every space-faring race a new start. This is the chance to perfect the species and to reach new heights of self-awareness, technological prowess or spiritual enlightenment. You can only get to Utopia by moving faster than light.
Stellaris: Utopia is the first major gameplay expansion to Stellaris, Paradox’s critically acclaimed and best selling strategy game about building an empire in new galaxies. Utopia introduces new options for developing your empire, with new types of space stations and constructions that open alternate avenues for making your species the dominant power in the galaxy.
One of the core improvements in Utopia is the introduction of Ascension Perks. As your species advances and gains new traditions, it can choose how it wants to evolve as it is further enlightened. You can choose between a biological path, a psionic path or a synthetic path, with various options within these broad categories. Body, Mind or Machine – how will your species challenge the future?
Utopia also includes:
Megastructures: Build wondrous structures in your systems including Dyson Spheres and ring worlds, bringing both prestige and major advantages to your race.
Habitat Stations: Build “tall” and establish space stations that will house more population, serving the role of planets in a small and confined empire.
Rights and Privileges: Set specific policies for which of the many species under your thumb will have the rights and privileges of full citizenship. Build an egalitarian paradise or follow a caste system.
And even more improvements and updates, including (as is traditional with all of our paid content releases) free updates for every Stellaris owner!
Stellaris: Utopia brings even greater depth and variety to a game already celebrated for its story-telling power and near endless possibilities. Are you ready for perfection?
January 31, 2017 – Today Bethesda Softworks announced The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind, the next epic Chapter of ZeniMax Online Studios’ award-winning online RPG, The Elder Scrolls Online (ESO). This new adventure will returnElder Scrolls fans to the legendary island of Vvardenfell, the same iconic environment featured in Bethesda Game Studios’ genre-defining open world RPG, The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind.
Introducing an enormous new zone, a new player class, more than 30 hours of main story content, a new Trial, and a new three-team, 4v4v4 PvP mode, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will be the biggest addition toThe Elder Scrolls Online yet, offering a new adventure for ESO veterans as well as a fresh Elder Scrolls saga for players new to the game.
The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will release globally for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on June 6, 2017. The game is now available for pre-order. To learn more and pre-order the game, please visit www.ElderScrollsOnline.com.
A NEW ELDER SCROLLS CHAPTER FOR EVERYONE
The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind redefines the traditional MMO expansion by delivering vast new content and features that are equally accessible and fun for both existing and new ESO players.
New Players: New players can jump into The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind and start a new character without having to complete any previous ESO content. And, since the original ESO game is included with The Elder Scrolls Online:Morrowind, new players will have instant access to hundreds of hours of additional adventures throughout Tamriel.
Existing Players: ESO veterans will be able to upgrade and immediately journey to Vvardenfell to start the new epic adventure. With the power of October’s One Tamriel update, existing players will find level-appropriate content from the moment they step onto the island of Vvardenfell, regardless of level. Existing players can also choose to create a new character and begin anew.
Haven’t played ESO in a while? The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind is a great chance to jump back in with your existing characters, or with a completely new one. Because ESO has no required subscription, you can just reinstall the game, log in, and start playing again.
RETURN TO MORROWIND
Vvardenfell is the largest zone added to The Elder Scrolls Online since launch and utilizes the same geographic footprint as The Elder Scrolls III, including all key points of interest from the classic game. Players will embark on a dangerous journey through legendary locales in Vvardenfell, 700 years before the events of The Elder Scrolls III, from the docks of Seyda Neen, to the volcanic Ashlands, to dense, mushroom-filled forests, and through the glory of Vivec City, still under construction in this time period.
NEW CLASS – THE WARDEN
Players will harness nature-based magic to master the powerful new character class – The Warden. The Warden is the first new class since launch of ESO and true to ESO and the Elder Scrolls franchise, the player will have the freedom to select from a number of abilities that enable a variety of play styles. The Warden also introduces a devastating new combat ally – the War Bear – a ferocious fighter will stay by the Warden’s side through the most intense battles.
AN INCREDIBLE ELDER SCROLLS STORY
Set roughly 700 years prior to the events of The Elder Scrolls III, The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will take gamers on a sweeping adventure through the legendary Vvardenfell, featuring iconic locations, characters, and storylines that will instill nostalgia with longtime Elder Scrolls fans and extend ESO’s narrative into a new chapter. Morrowind is in dire peril and it’s up to player heroes to help Vivec, the legendary warrior-poet and Guardian of Vvardenfell, solve the mystery of his mysterious illness, regain his strength – and save the world from ultimate destruction.
NEW PvP MODE — BATTLEGROUNDS
The Elder Scrolls Online is renowned for open world PvP battles, pitting hundreds of players in a massive battle for supremacy in Cyrodiil. The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will introduce a new PvP mode – Battlegrounds – intense 4v4v4 battles in arena-like environments. Players take the battle to the Ashlands to claim their place among the fiercest and most accomplished combat veterans in Tamriel.
RELEASE AND VERSION DETAILS; PRE-ORDER BONUSES
The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will release globally for PC, Mac, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One on June 6, 2017. The game is now available for pre-order on all platforms. Please visitwww.ElderScrollsOnline.com for more information. Editions available include:
Standard Edition ($59.99): Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind as well as The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.
Upgrade Edition ($39.99): Existing players can upgrade their current game to unlock the new The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind content.
Digital Collector’s Edition ($79.99): New players can grab this special collection of in-game bonuses by purchasing digitally:
o Collector’s Edition Grey Bear – An exclusive grey War Bear for use while playing as the Warden.
o Armored War Horse – Players can charge into battle atop this steed clad in armor fashioned with ancient Dwarven plate.
o Dwarven Spider Pet – A personal Dwarven Spider is ready for adventure through Vvardenfell.
o Morag Tong Converter – Players can flaunt their commitment to the assassins by customizing their gear with the distinct style of the Morag Tong.
o Character Emotes – Celebrate victory in the battlegrounds with this bundle of exclusive emotes.
Includes all in-game rewards contained in the Pre-Order Bonus “Discovery Pack.”
Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.
Digital Collector’s Upgrade ($59.99): Existing players who only need an upgrade can grab all the digital goodies from the Digital Collector’s Edition with the Digital Collector’s Upgrade.
Collector’s Edition ($99.99): The ultimate fan of The Elder Scrolls Online can grab the Collector’s Edition, which contains everything included in the Digital Collector’s Edition, as well as:
Dwarven Colossus Statue – Recreated with the help of sacred Dwarven texts, this 12” tall replica of the Colossus that starred in the announcement trailer stands ready to defend treasures.
Naryu’s Journal – A full-color, large-format book chronicling Morag Tong assassin Naryu’s pursuit of a conspiracy across Tamriel. Illustrated with a broad array of concept art.
Map of Morrowind – Players can chart adventures throughout Vvardenfell with this handy map at their side.
Exclusive Game Case – A limited edition metallic case bearing the marks of Vivec and the Tribunal.
Includes all in-game rewards contained in the Pre-Order Bonus “Discovery Pack.”
Includes The Elder Scrolls Online: Tamriel Unlimited.
PRE-ORDER BONUS — THE DISCOVERY PACK: Fans who pre-order The Elder Scrolls Online: Morrowind will be rewarded with a collection of exclusive in-game bonuses, including:
o Exclusive Warden Costume – An exclusive costume available for all classes that matches the Warden’s outfit as seen in the announcement trailer.
o Dwarven War Dog Pet – A unique armored non-combat in-game pet.
o Treasure Maps – Maps detailing the location of Vvardenfell’s greatest rewards.
o Dwarven Crown Crate – A special Crown Crate with a chance to contain Dwarven-themed mounts, pets, costumes, and more.
o Experience Scrolls – Advance through Vvardenfell gaining 50% more experience points for two hours.
January 31, 2017 — Captured entirely from in-game footage, this six-minute ‘101’ trailer showcases all-new gameplay from Sniper Elite 4’s extensive feature set, including:
An expansive campaign for 1-2 players: Explore 1943 Italy and fight alongside the brave men and women of the Resistance. Hunt down a terrifying new weapon that threatens the entire Allied fightback.
A deep and rewarding sniping simulation: deliver pinpoint assassinations at extreme distance, adapting to wind and gravity, and adjusting for range with scope zeroing.
Traverse massive environments featuring hundreds of enemies and vehicles: Find your ideal sniper’s nest, out maneuvers your enemies or hunt them up close. Combine suppressed weapons with deadly traps to torment enemy formations and isolate priority targets.
Employ a massive, personalized arsenal including iconic World War II rifles, submachine guns, shotguns, explosives and heavy weapons. Adapt your loadout for each mission and upgrade core attributes like scope magnification, stability, recoil, muzzle velocity and more.
Challenging online co-op & multiplayer modes set across six gorgeous custom-designed maps. Take on dedicated co-op modes for up to four players and prove your mettle across seven competitive modes for up to 12 players.
It’s time to deploy, sniper. It’s time to liberate Italy and set the wheels in motion for victory in Europe.
SNIPER ELITE 4 releases for PlayStation 4, Xbox One & PC on February 14, 2017.
January 31, 2017 – Zen Studios is excited to announce that Star Wars™ Pinball: Rogue One™, the highly-anticipated pinball table based on the blockbuster film Rogue One: A Star Wars Story, is now available across Zen’s pinball platforms. In Star Wars™ Pinball: Rogue One™, team up with Jyn Erso and steal the Death Star plans to bring hope back to the galaxy! To celebrate the launch, Zen has released a new trailer showcasing the table in action.
In Star Wars™ Pinball: Rogue One™, players are tasked with a special mission of the utmost importance. The Empire has begun testing a major weapon, and the Rebel Alliance needs to find out how to destroy it. As part of a small band of Rebels, you must infiltrate the Empire and steal the plans for the Death Star and restore hope to a hopeless galaxy.
The Star Wars™ Pinball: Rogue One™ table features 10 story-related game modes, each one with its own set of playfield toys and goals. You must avoid stormtrooper detection in stealth missions, hold your own in firefights and combat missions, evade the footsteps of an AT-ACT walker, navigate the U-wing to shoot down TIE strikers as the ship’s gunner, and face off against Director Krennic and his Death Troopers in a white-knuckle multiball mode.
Rebellions are built on hope – and the only hope the galaxy has lies at the feet of a rogue band of rebel fighters that is prepared for a daring mission. Welcome to Rogue One!
Tuesday 31 January, 2017: Little Bobby’s dead, the BBQ’s on fire, Jen’s eating poisonous berries and the birthday cake still needs icing. It’s just another wonderful day out with the kids in Think of the Children, a frantic new multitasking game revealed today by developer Jammed Up Studios and indie label Surprise Attack Games. Think of the Children will release on PC via Steam in mid 2017.
Hauled before the court for bad parenting and endangering your children, the prosecution present a series of family days out as evidence that will either condemn or exonerate you. To avoid jail players will have to play through each event in flashback to prove their parenting skills, and their innocence, to the judge.
Looking after kids is far from child’s play, however. Playerc1s are tasked with simple jobs to be done like setting the tables, tending the BBQ, putting suntan lotion on grandpa, having an adult conversation. Unfortunately their kids can’t seem to stop playing with dangerous hazards like rabid dogs, vicious seagulls, runaway trolleys or escaped gorillas. To get a good parenting grade and avoid jail time you need to get all your tasks done, keep the kids happy and, ideally, have as many of them as possible still alive at the end.
Players can parent solo or co-operatively with up to four players, locally or online and all kinds of families are welcome – single dad? Two mums? A mum, two dads and a horse in a long distance relationship? It’s all good.
Highlights:
Think of the Children officially announced, coming to Steam mid 2017
Frantic multitasking game
Get your tasks done whilst keeping the kids happy and, ideally, alive
Prove your parenting skills to avoid a jail sentence
I recently got the chance to take a look at Magnolia Pictures new horror anthology, XX. XX is made up of four short horror films, each directed by a different female filmmaker. The four short films are separated by some really creepy segments of stop-motion animation which were very impressive, and the film’s overall runtime is 1 hour and 20 minutes. I sat down to watch XX on one of Southern California’s more recent cold evenings with a trusty mug of hot cocoa next to my chair and my fireplace roaring – a great night for a spooky horror film.
Interestingly enough, XX was not a horror anthology of the kind that I was used to. Modern horror anthology films like V/H/S and ABC’s of Death all have a a certain frenetic (maybe sometimes amateurish) pacing to their horror segments – even those segments meant to be more cerebral seem to move along curtly. The four short films of XX have a more professional pacing, which is terrific for the body of each short, but not for their endings. I was consistently left wanting or needing to know more about the story that wasn’t provided. While this can work to a short film’s benefit, in these cases what with their professional pacing, you simply don’t expect for the endings to come on as abruptly as they do. When the endings do arrive, it is somewhat jarring. Also, while I appreciated the amazing stop-motion animation, I was hoping to find the interludes and bumper sections to be more of a frame story.
It may sound like I am picking on XX, but I am only mentioning these things because I enjoyed the film quite a bit. Each of the short stories had me wanting more and I applaud each director for their mastery of film craft. Jovanka Vuckovic’s “The Box” had me on the edge of my seat the entire time as did Roxanne Benjamin’s “Don’t Fall”, while Annie Clark’s “The Birthday Party” had a wicked sense of dark comedy that I desperately wanted expanded upon. I would love to see The Birthday Party made into a 90 minute feature. Melanie Lynskey is a great actor with terrific comic timing and she could carry the story to dark, dark places in a believable and humorous way. Karyn Kusama’s “Her Only Living Son” was tense and also a bit heartstring-tugging. I am intentionally avoiding talking about the plot points of the film just because XX should be viewed with as little foreknowledge as possible. If you do a spoiler search on the Internet prior to viewing, you will probably not enjoy the film nearly as much.
Ultimately, XX is an intense horror anthology that leaves audiences wanting more. It is also a testament to women in film-making and the four directors should be very proud of their work. XX is due out in theaters and VoD come February 17, 2017.
