Life Is Strange: Forget-Me-Not Collected Edition graphic novel launches Dec. 10th, 2024
The return of Alex Chen
Life is Strange: Forget-Me-Not Collected Edition gathers together issues 1-4 of the comic series of the same name, written by Zoe Thorogood (It’s Lonely at the Centre of the Earth, The Impending Blindness of Billie Scott) and drawn by fan-favorite Life is Strange artists, Claudia Leonardi and Andrea Izzo. Featuring bonus behind-the-scenes content about the development of the series, Life is Strange: Forget-Me-Not Collected Edition launches Dec. 10th, 2024 for $18.
It’s been a year since Alex and Steph Gingrich left Haven Springs, Colorado, at the end of Life is Strange: True Colors. Though Alex might have found control over her psychic powers, she struggles with knowing when to use her powers and when to let those around her battle their own demons, if they’ll be strong enough to do so.
Touring across the states in their band Manic Pixie Nightmare Girls, and preparing to meet with an interested record label, Alex and Steph find another lost soul on the side of the road – Lily.
A mysterious girl in the middle of nowhere, Alex and Steph take the teenager under their wing to uncover the truth of what she’s running from. But there’s more to Lily than meets the eye – who silently struggles under the weight of heartache and memories from lives she hasn’t lived, to protect those around her from the truth of pain. An all too familiar story to Alex, but is there time to save the Lily from a similar, lonely, fate?
A graphic novel about found family, confronting demons, generational trauma, and living, loving, & losing the best you can. You can take a closer look at Life is Strange: Forget-Me-Not Collected Edition or place your pre-order here.
Future Games Show at gamescom set for August 21st, 2024
The future is (almost) now
The Future Games Show at gamescom Presented by Sid Meier’s Civilization® VII returns on Wednesday, August 21 at 1pm PT, 4pm ET and 10pm CEST. The show will be broadcast on Twitch, YouTube, X, Facebook, TikTok, GamesRadar, BiliBili and more. It will be hosted by actors Alex McKenna (Sadie Adler in Red Dead Redemption 2) and Ned Luke (Michael De Santa in Grand Theft Auto V).
The Future Games Show will highlight the best upcoming games on PS5, Xbox Series X, Nintendo Switch and PC, showcasing over 50+ titles from a range of developers and publishers, including 2K, Tripwire Presents, Plaion, Nacon and Rebellion. As part of a partnership with Civilization VII, the show will also feature two deep dive interviews with Firaxis Games, the team behind the upcoming installation from the iconic 4X strategy series. In addition, Prime Video will be sharing an exclusive look at The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 during the show.
Regular sections, like the Ones to Play segment featuring titles with demos available to play immediately after the show; the Indie Elevator Pitch designed to spotlight the development of up and coming indie games and the Ones to Watch section, which will reveal the games the Future Games Show editorial team are most excited about, will also return. The official post-show broadcast, the Future Games Show Expansion Pack, will once again air directly after the show featuring exclusive developer interviews, surprise reveals and special guests.
Developers Christophe Galati and Deneos, the team behind Save me Mr Tako, recently saw another Kickstarter success with Tako no Himitsu: Ocean of Secrets, an action RPG that is heading to Switch in 2026. While launch is a long way off, today brings us a new teaser trailer to enjoy and you can check that out above.
Tako no Himitsu: Ocean of Secrets is an indie action RPG made as a tribute to the Game Boy Advance era of gaming. A spiritual successor to Save me Mr Tako, play in a world where Octopuses were erased from history.
Following centuries of peace after the last war between Octopuses and Humans, the world must now face the secrets of its past. Wild animals are slowly disappearing, tensions between countries are brewing following the rise of the mysterious Temple of the Order, and shadow voids are appearing across the lands.
Balatro creator updates his will to ensure the game is never used to promote gambling
Not gambling on this
From the outside looking in, Balatro might seem like a game all about gambling. There’s no denying the game’s ties to casino staples like Blackjack or Poker, but those who’ve played the game know it’s actually quite different. In actuality, Balatro has nothing to do with gambling, and the game’s creator wants to keep it that way.
Localthunk, the developer behind Balatro, has just taken a major step to prevent the IP from being used in association with gambling, casinos and anything of the ilk. In a message shared on X/Twitter, Localthunk mentioned that he has updated his will with a clause that prevents Balatro from ever being sold or licensed to a gambling company or casino.
You might remember that Balatro had a bit of an issue in Europe shortly after launching on the Switch eShop. Following an initial rating of 3+ by PEGI, the game was yanked for an 18+ reclassification. PEGI believed the game deserved reclassification due to its gambling themes, which both the game’s developer and publisher pushed back hard on.
Again, just seeing Balatro on the surface will no doubt bring to mind gambling for some. Localthunk has gone on the attack ever since to make sure everyone knows that gambling isn’t a part of the experience, and it clearly never will be.
Disney Dreamlight Valley 2024 roadmap shared, update 13 and 14 teased and more
The magical world of Disney expands
Gameloft has shared a new Valley Vignette blog for Disney Dreamlight Valley that has a lot of new information, including info on the game’s late 2024 roadmap. The post in particular covers the following:
- Reveal of the late 2024 roadmap – info on Update 12 (new video preview will be coming next week) and some hints about what’s coming in Updates 13 and 14
- A big Showcase stream announced for later this year
- Teases of some upcoming features and improvements
To see the full details on what’s ahead and take a peek at the teases for upcoming content, you can find the full Disney Dreamlight Valley blog here.
Castlevania content heads to Dead by Daylight on Aug. 26th, 2024
But enough talk, have at you!
So comes the very night, accursed and ravenous. It spreads from Dracula’s Castle, through the woods and villages. Whispers of terror in the night. The vampire stirs. Available August 6 via the Steam public test build, and officially releasing on August 27, Dead by Daylight: Castlevania sinks its teeth into one of gaming’s longest running series to bring Dracula and Trevor Belmont into The Fog.
It’s difficult to think back to a time in gaming without Castlevania, one of the most iconic series from Konami Digital Entertainment’s (KONAMI). First released in 1986 on the Famicom Disk System in Japan, then on the NES in 1987 and going strong ever since, the Castlevania franchise boasts a legacy almost as enduring as that of its main villain.
For many – those on the Dead by Daylight team included – the original Castlevania in all its 8-bit glory represented an early introduction to horror gaming. Countless titles, a hit animated series, and decades of intricate lore later, Castlevania continues to ascend the pantheon of horror with its arrival in Dead by Daylight.
Dracula’s powers and those of his castle are inextricably linked, and The Entity has brought both into its realm. Any time Dracula is the featured Killer in a Trial with an Original Map, players will see the ominous castle looming over the proceedings, perched on the horizon of that Map. The powers it bestows upon its master are enough to make even the most grizzled Survivor’s blood run cold.
With Castlevania’s Dracula, Dead by Daylight welcomes both its first shapeshifting Killer, as well as its first vampire to The Fog. Regal, imposing, and wholly terrifying, Dracula’s disdain for humankind is matched only by his bloodlust – making The Entity’s Realm a perfect hunting ground for the nightwalker.
It is said the Dark Lord can take many forms, each one proficient in tracking and killing victims. As a Vampire he stalks his prey, able to conjure flames that sear flesh and render bone to ash. The Bat is as quiet as a creeping shadow, approaching at a moment’s notice and gaining ground with a blink. The Wolf is a relentless hunter, with a keen nose for fresh blood – even that which has yet to be spilled…
Tormented, exiled, and even cursed some say, the Belmont bloodline has stood between humanity and the forces of darkness for countless generations. Yet perhaps, no descendant of this clan is better equipped to take on The Entity’s Realm than new Survivor, Trevor Belmont.
First introduced in 1989’s Castlevania III: Dracula’s Curse, Trevor may not be the brawniest Belmont, but his unique skillset serves to set him apart. From an innate ability to seek out allies and work as part of a team, to his unmatched skills as a vampire hunter, his values and will exemplify what makes the Belmont clan who they are.
Fuecoco and Bellibolt Squishmallows now available to pre-order
Snuggle up with this duo
The Pokémon x Squishmallows line has been incredibly successful so far. Every time we see a new pair of Squishmallows go up for pre-order, they get gobbled up practically right away. Today, the rush is set to happen once again with yet another duo of snuggly Pokémon friends heading our way.
In a 12-inch size that’s exclusive to Pokémon Center, the ultra-squeezable Fuecoco and Bellibolt Squishmallows plushes are made with soft, high-quality materials. These two are perfect for snuggling in the car, on the plane, or at home during a Pokémon movie marathon.
Each Squishmallow measures about 12 inches high and 10 inches wide, features an embroidered Pokémon Center Poké Ball logo on the back, and is an officially licensed Pokémon Co. product. You can grab both of these for pre-order right now through the Pokémon Center website, and they’re set to ship out sometime in mid-September 2024.
SUNSOFT is Back! Retro Game Selection seeing Western release Sept. 6th, 2024
SUNSOFT is going HARD
Red Art Games is proud to announce the latest release in its partnership with legendary Japanese publisher SUNSOFT. The SUNSOFT is Back! Retro Game Selection is coming to Western consoles on September 6 digitally. The SUNSOFT is Back! Retro Game Selection is a compilation of three Famicom (the Japanese Nintendo Entertainment System) titles that were only released in Japan back in the 80s. Developed by Red Art Studios and published by SUNSOFT in Japan, the SUNSOFT is Back! Retro Game Selection is being published by Red Art Games in the West. Additional information regarding the three titles included in the compilation is available below. At launch, digital copies of SUNSOFT is Back! Retro Game Selection will cost $9.99/€9.99 on Nintendo Switch.
SUNSOFT is back and it’s bringing some of its 8-bit classics to the West for the very first time! In SUNSOFT is Back! Retro Game Selection, discover three of the legendary Japanese publisher’s Famicom games and play them in English for the first time ever! The three games included are: The Wing of Madoola, Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido and Ripple Island. Dive into SUNSOFT’s rich history by playing those Action and Adventure gems from the 1980s! About the games included:
● Firework Thrower Kantaro’s 53 Stations of the Tokaido (Action, 1986): As fireworks maker Kantaro, prevent evil merchants from turning his creations into weapons!
● The Wing of Madoola (Action, 1986): Help fierce warrior Lucia retrieve the powerful Wing of Madoola from the evil King Daltos. Directed by Kenji Sada (Blaster Master), with music from Naoki Kodaka (Albert Odyssey, Super Fantasy Zone).
● Ripple Island (Adventure, 1988): Play as Kyle, a young boy dreaming of a better life, who answers King Dotella’s call for help against the nefarious Emperor Groaker. Directed by Atsushi Sakai (Atlantis no Nazo, Ikki), with music from Naoki Kodaka.
In addition to giving brand new localizations to all three titles, multiple quality of life features have also been added to make the gameplay experience more pleasant, and less unforgiving, to modern gamers.
Features
- All three games playable in English for the first time ever
- Save States
- Rewind
- CRT filter
- Multiple aspect ratios and borders
- Gallery Mode showcasing concept art and promotional material
- 3D models of the original game cartridges
ModRetro and GameStop Launch Exclusive Chromatic Colorway
Game BOY, that's nice looking
ModRetro, the emerging leader in heirloom-quality electronics, is thrilled to announce the successful launch of an exclusive Chromatic colorway available only at GameStop. This nostalgic device exemplifies the retro-gaming renaissance, and it’s top-ten position in GameStop’s weekend console sales, combined with GameStop’s significant role in the national collectibles market indicate the future of gaming is indeed retro.
The new colorway has rapidly become a favorite, driving unprecedented demand in the cartridge-based console space. The device is positioned perfectly to capture the immense rise in popularity of retro gaming in the face of low quality, micro-transaction based mobile titles from major studios.
Top Ten Seller: The exclusive Chromatic colorway at GameStop has swiftly climbed the sales charts, outperforming hardware like the Meta Quest VR headset over the weekend. This shows the modern consumer demands both quality and protection from planned obsolescence, traits often lacking in the gaming space.
Retro Gaming Renaissance: The success of the Chromatic Console is part of a larger retro gaming renaissance, with ModRetro leading the movement. By offering the highest quality devices that blend nostalgic elements with modern advancements, ModRetro is setting a new standard in the industry and rekindling a love for classic gaming.
Reliable Supply Chain: ModRetro is well-prepared to meet the surging demand for the exclusive Chromatic colorway, thanks to its near-shored manufacturing facility. This strategic setup ensures efficient production and timely deliveries, providing customers with a seamless shopping experience.
Strategic Retail Partnership: The collaboration with GameStop not only brings the Chromatic to a wider audience but also reinforces the bond between two iconic brands in the gaming community. This partnership is a testament to ModRetro’s commitment to making high-quality retro gaming accessible to all.
ModRetro’s innovative approach and dedication to quality have resonated deeply with consumers, driving the brand’s rapid growth. The exclusive colorway launch at GameStop marks another significant milestone in ModRetro’s journey, solidifying its position as a leader in the retro gaming movement.
Fall Guys Dives into Fortnite with an Obstacle Course in Battle Royale and Fall Guys Islands
Where we fallin, beans?
Time to spill the beans! Fall Guys bump into the Fortnite ecosystem today with a flying obstacle course in Battle Royale, six Mediatonic-made Fall Guys islands, and the ability for Fortnite Creators to publish new Fall Guys islands!
WHERE WE FALLIN’: An absolute unit of an obstacle course, Where We Fallin’, casts a shadow over the Fortnite Battle Royale Island from now until v31.00 on August 15! Players will need to track down one of several Bean Idols hidden in the Classy Courts arena to transform into a Fall Guys Bean and reach the obstacle course in the sky.
Run, mantle, dive, bounce, and more on this course to check off Where We Fallin’ Quests and earn rewards! Players have three attempts to set a time per Battle Royale match, but can only complete the course once per match. Completing the course within the 120-second time limit will award gameplay loot for the rest of the match!
FALL GUYS ISLANDS: Play three new Fall Guys islands built by Mediatonic Labs – Falling Up, Tumble Towers, and Blunderdome Blast – and three created in collaboration with Studio 568 and Spiral House – Hex-A-Gone Unlimited, Bean Circuit, and Pegwin Pickup. These islands are now in the “Fall Guys’’ row in Discover; visit the Fortnite blog for their island codes!
Fortnite Creators can also now publish Fall Guys Islands in Fortnite. Tools went live on July 23 in UEFN and Creative, and islands created and published with the Fall Guys template may qualify for placement in the “Fall Guys” row in Discover.
BEAN BOD: A player’s Fortnite Outfit will morph into a Fall Guys Bean in the obstacle course, in the Lobby and Locker whenever a Fall Guys island is selected, and on Fall Guys islands. How this Bean looks will depend on the equipped Outfit, and it will revert back to its Fortnite version once players complete the obstacle course or exit a Fall Guys island. If the equipped Outfit isn’t an original Fortnite character, the Bean will be a preset “default” Bean.
Indie studio Plane Toast and publisher Dear Villagers are excited to announce that their cozy, semi-open world exploration adventure, Caravan SandWitch, will launch in September 2024 on Switch. Since its reveal at the AG French Direct, Caravan SandWitch has garnered significant player interest and widespread attention, with its popularity surging during its showcases at Steam Next Fest and Wholesome Games, where the demo received overwhelmingly positive feedback.
Additionally, the single “Pensée Dérobée” by Antynomy, from the game’s enchanting soundtrack, is available now on all streaming platforms. Stay tuned for the exact release date and discover more about this captivating narrative-driven adventure as the launch approaches.
Set in a Sci-Fi Provence-like world, players will embark on a heartfelt journey to uncover the mysteries of Cigalo and find their missing sister. Featuring a hopeful post-apocalyptic setting, diverse characters, and a strong sense of community, this cozy, semi-open world adventure emphasizes exploration, inclusivity, and environmental themes.
Originally from Provence, in the south of France, the founders of Plane Toast were inspired by the landscapes of their childhood to create the universe of Caravan SandWitch. The game tackling themes close to the heart of both the team members, such as representation in video games, ecology and accessibility for all.
Equipped with your van and an array of essential tools, you set out on a quest to find your missing sister. Upgrade your van throughout your adventure and explorations to open up new passages and ruins. From navigating treacherous terrain to uncovering ancient ruins, every step of your journey brings you closer to unraveling the truth behind your sister’s disappearance.
From a green planet to a desertic one due to human activities and sur-exploitation; discover on Cigalo the impact of humans and its population through your road trip. Meet the Reinetos, an old aboriginal species, the Robots left behind after the planet exploitation, the humans who stayed after everyone left for another planet, and the mysterious SandWitch. All of them live peacefully in Cigalo and help each other in this unwelcome environment.
As you interact with the diverse characters you meet along the way, you’ll come to understand that your community is your home. Help everyone and contribute your piece to the edifice, enabling everyone to live in harmony in an environment hostile to all civilizations due to over-exploitation.
Plane Toast made huge importance to create a game in which everyone can feel included, representing their vision of a world where communities help each other to overcome the environmental consequences of our world. Caravan SandWitch is written with an inclusive script, that represents a real community with its people and representation.
Farming Simulator Kids Free "Forestry Pack" DLC Now Available
Baby's first tractor
Farming Simulator Kids, the particularly child-friendly version of the acclaimed series, receives more content – further increasing the range of activities and the cuteness factor. Publisher and developer GIANTS Software released the Forestry Pack for free on Nintendo Switch.
Campfires and Marshmallows in the Woods
With the forest, a whole new environment becomes accessible to little farmers – inviting them to sit around a campfire to roast marshmallows while squirrels watch from high up in the trees. They can spend time in their treehouse or camp outside using their tent. More than that, players can learn, in a simplified way, about forestry and the importance of wood as a renewable resource.
New Machines and Animals
They try their hands at forestry and woodworking with new machines and activities: planting and harvesting trees, or turning timber into guitars, wooden chests, and birdhouses. To cut the trees, they can use the wheeled and tracked feller bunchers that come as part of the update. These machines in the iconic John Deere livery give players a glance of what these big machines do.
The countdown for TIES: Soul Link is on, and to make the wait more enjoyable, a new trailer is now available that you won’t want to miss. This highly anticipated 2D Metroidvania game, combining RPG action with platforming adventures, is about to launch on Kickstarter.
TIES: Soul Link takes players to a deteriorated world in the year 2097. The story follows Kiro and Chloe, who, after a tragic accident separates them, must face a brutal and bloody environment. Weakened and desperate, Kiro must find Chloe, who has fallen ill, to save both of them while exploring amazing cities and battling ruthless enemies.
What to Expect in TIES: Soul Link ?
Emotional story and impactful decisions: Experience a deep narrative where your choices will shape the fate of Kiro and Chloe.
Equipment and customization: Equip Kiro with a variety of swords, armors, and runes to tailor your playstyle and tackle ruthless enemies in a dark and challenging environment.
Travel: Visit the different cities where cyberpunk urban landscapes blend with Nordic ruins, Japanese culture, Greek mythology, and Persian influences.
Exploration and secrets: Discover vibrant cities full of secrets, collectibles, and challenging puzzles that will test your skills.
Dynamic day and night system: Experience a world that changes over time, affecting the environment and gameplay based on the day-night cycle.
On the Kickstarter page preview, you can already see one of the exclusive rewards: the “Dark Kiro” skin for the protagonist.
Virche Evermore -EpiC: Lycoris- heads to Switch Nov. 7th, 2024
The next entry in the series revealed
Experience the anguish once again as Aksys Games reveals more details about the upcoming Virche Evermore -EpiC: Lycoris-, coming to Nintendo Switch™ on November 7th.
On a small island called Arpéchéle grow the black flowers of misfortune called Lycoris Noirge. The people of this country are born with a curse, condemning the people to death before the age of 23. After many years of research, a method of prolonging their life spans was created by cloning their memories and bodies. Those who live forever through the memory download system are known as “Relivers” and continue to resist their short lives. Experience the new despair and salvation that awaits Ceres and her suitors in these five new tales that further explore the world of Virche Evermore.
Fans who pre-order the game through the Aksys Online Store will receive a set of exclusive character cards, and may also choose to add on a special 3.5” x 5” 3-piece acrylic diorama.
Virche Evermore -EpiC: Lycoris- explores five unique, all-new tales:
Side Story -Interlude- Various events within the main story, what-if stories, the men’s pasts, and other stories yet to be told.
Side End -Encore- New, extended pathways created by the girl called “Death” and the men surrounding her.
Virche de La coda -Émotion- Discover what future awaits these characters: Happiness? Promise? Eternal salvation? This mode includes epilogues for the Despair and Salvation endings of the original game.
Tradition -Drifter- An untold story of the founder of the family that secretly guards the lycoris flowers, and how he changed the country’s fate.
Virche de Le Salut -Ankou- A new story of the Watchman of Death and the key he holds to the maiden of death’s future.
Fire Emblem Heroes "Special Heroes: Timidity Trials" Trailer
More fresh faces incoming
Nintendo has revealed the next round of Fire Emblem Heroes content, and it’ll be available between August 8th and Sept. 7th, 2024. You can find out full details on who’s joining the game along with their stats and skills by watching the new trailer above.
The new heroes featured in this trailer are Mia (Summer Slice), Lucia (Loyalty Enrobed), Leo (Festival Bonds) and Nephenee (Festival Harmony). These characters come along with a new Paralogue Story called Timidity Trials.
