Monthly Archives: June 2017

Sega and Atlus announced their E3 2017 lineup

Posted on June 10, 2017 by John Scalzo

Sega originally acquired Atlus in 2013, but the two companies continued to operate separately in the years that followed. But they’ve been growing closer in 2017, and this year’s E3 Expo marks the first time that Sega and Atlus are presenting a joint booth to the industry.

As you might expect, the Sega half of the booth will be anchored by Sonic the Hedgehog… more specifically, this Summer’s Sonic Mania and this Fall’s Sonic Forces. Both games will share space with two upcoming Yakuza games (Yakuza 6: The Song of Life and Yakuza Kiwami), as well as Total War: Warhammer II and a bevy of Atlus-branded RPGs.

“We’re really pleased to see Yakuza and Sonic back on the biggest stage for video games, and having the first public hands-on for Total War: Warhammer II underlines a really strong showing from Sega and Atlus this year,” said John Clark, the Senior Vice President for Sega Europe. “We look forward to welcoming trade visitors but we’re especially looking forward to having the public come and see our line-up this year, it’s great for E3 and it’s great for publishers. We’re confident there’s something for everyone on the Sega stands this year.”

The 2017 E3 Expo opens its doors this Tuesday, June 13, and you can find Atlus and Sega’s full lineup after the break. (more…)

Posted in 3DS, News, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

Content Crash #1: The Eve of E3 2017

Posted on June 10, 2017 by Dan Hartnack

What better way to start a new podcast than the eve of E3? I mean, it’s in a couple of days. I’m recording this on Thursday, and I’ll probably put this up for your consumption on Friday, but the actual convention begin on Monday. Well, the conferences start on Sunday, but Monday will be the start of the whole event. But I’m so looking forward to it. It’s… It’s something I always take the time to watch all the conferences that I can… or as many conferences as I can and this year I finally have time to watch almost all of them barring Microsoft and possibly Nintendo.

Microsoft starts on Sunday at 5:00 PM, Eastern Standard Time, and they really have to set off this show right…

Other press conferences I’ll preview include Bethesda Softworks, the PC Gaming Show, Ubisoft, Sony, and Nintendo, as well as a brief roundup about what we can expect from the rest of the show.

You can subscribe to the Content Crash podcast on YouTube or SoundCloud.

Posted in PC, Podcast, PS4, Switch, Top Story, Xbox One | Tagged

Kickstart This! The Return of Way of the Rodent

Posted on June 9, 2017 by Andrew Rainnie

I keep promising the people of France that I will cover a French game, and I will, but not in this edition. I stumbled across a project here in the UK that I though was worth this segment. Imagine that you run a cool, semi-retro online gaming magazine. You have been doing so for 12 years, and have managed to produce 94 issues, just six away from the big 100. Then, hackers decide to corrupt your system beyond repair, erasing all that work and effort.

This is the story of Rodent. (more…)

Posted in Etcetera, Features, Top Story |

Xbox Store Today: Kholat, King of the Monsters, Jump Stars, A Hole New World

Posted on June 9, 2017 by John Scalzo

The last Xbox Games Store update before the start of the 2017 E3 Expo is here, and here’s what you can download on your Xbox One beginning today…

Kholat is an exploration adventure game where players attempt to discover the truth behind the the real-life Dyatlov Pass incident. Nine hikers died under mysterious circumstances in the Ural Mountains, but the horror starts to raump up as you try to figure out what really happened.

Three other titles are also available to download today, including King of the Monsters, a monster-battling game originally released by SNK for the NeoGeo in 1991. Xbox One owners will also be able to download Jump Stars, a “bonkers” multiplayer party game set within a violent game show, and A Hole New World, a retro-themed platformer that looks like it would have fit right in on the NES.

You can learn more about all of these games after the break. (more…)

Posted in News, Xbox One | Tagged

EA will announce at least two never-before-seen games during their 2017 E3 event

Posted on June 9, 2017 by John Scalzo

The 2017 E3 Expo will unofficially begin this weekend, when Electronic Arts opens the doors to “EA Play 2017,” their E3 Press Conference. EA Play 2017 will feature eight new titles, and it can be viewed online at EA.com or Twitch beginning on Saturday, June 10, at 3:00 PM (Eastern Time).

So what will EA talk about during their 90 minutes in the spotlight? In addition to a closer look at six previously-announced blockbusters, the publisher plans to unveil “more surprises,” including at least two never-before-seen projects. The six games currently confirmed for EA Play 2017 are:

EA Play 2017 Lineup

  • Star Wars: Battlefront II – Featuring all Star Wars eras, a single player campaign and epic scale multiplayer battles, Star Wars: Battlefront II presents the most robust Star Wars game to date. The game is developed in partnership with three powerhouse studios: DICE, Motive Studios and Criterion Games, each with a rich background of creating award-winning games.
  • FIFA 18 – Powered by Frostbite, FIFA 18 blurs the line between the virtual and real worlds, bringing to life the heroes, teams, and atmospheres of the world’s game.
  • Madden NFL 18 – With Frostbite, the spectacle of NFL gameday comes alive delivering photorealistic players, crowds and stadiums, and introduces an all-new mode to the Madden NFL franchise.
  • NBA Live 18 – Delivering gameplay innovations and a brand-new way to play with “The One,” NBA Live returns with an experience completely centered around a player’s individual journey.
  • Need For Speed Payback – This explosive adventure is filled with intense heist missions, high stakes car battles, epic cop pursuits and jaw dropping set pieces. It’s blockbuster gameplay never before seen from the series, fueled by a gripping story of betrayal and revenge. With Need for Speed Payback, it’s about building the perfect ride, getting behind the wheel and playing out an action driving fantasy.
  • Battlefield 1 – It’s a Summer of Battlefield including the entry of the Russian Army and the biggest front of WW1 in Battlefield 1: In the Name of the Tsar. Partake in the skirmishes of the Albion assault in a freezing archipelago and fight in the snow-covered ravines of the treacherous Lupkow Pass.

EA Play 2017 will be followed by a second livestream that includes further details about the all-new “Nivelle Nights” map in Battlefield 1 Need For Speed Payback, Madden NFL 18, FIFA 18, and Star Wars: Galaxy of Heroes.

If you’re going to be in Los Angeles for this weekend, you can attend the EA Play FanFest at the Hollywood Palladium to play any (or all) of games. More than 150 demo stations will be available, and tickets are free (but limited). You can learn more about how to attend the EA Play FanFest at the event’s official website.

Posted in News, PC, PS4, Switch, Xbox One | Tagged , , , , , ,

Nintendo Download: Cars 3 Driven To Win, Shantae Half-Genie Hero, Shock Troopers 2nd Squad, more

Posted on June 8, 2017 by John Scalzo

Three new additions to the Nintendo eShop will make the Switch an even more family-friendly destination this week…

Beginning this Tuesday, June 13, Switch owners will be able to put the pedal to the medal in Cars 3: Driven To Win. Based on the upcoming Pixar film, Cars 3: Driven To Win is a collaboration between WB Games and Disney, and includes six different driving modes. Cars 3: Driven To Win will also be available for the Wii U.

If you’re looking for something to download today, WayForward has re-released their side-scrolling platformer, Shantae: Half-Genie Hero, for the Switch. Players will need to use all their skills to save Sequin Land from the “bodacious buccaneer” Risky Boots… including the ever-popular Belly Dance!

Finally today, Hamster Corporation is back with another NeoGeo re-release on the Switch. This time, the publishing company has made Shock Troopers: 2nd Squad available to download through the Nintendo eShop.

You can learn more about all of these games after the break. (more…)

Posted in 3DS, News, Switch, Wii U | Tagged ,

Axiom Verge is coming to the Nintendo Switch this August

Posted on June 8, 2017 by John Scalzo

Axiom Verge, Thomas Happ’s love letter to the Metroid franchise, will be released for the Nintendo Switch this August.

After a successful launch on the PS4 in April 2015, Axiom Verge expanded its universe to also include the PC, Vita, Wii U, and Xbox One throughout the next two years. For the game’s Switch debut, it’ll be available on retail shelves in a special Multiverse Edition, and as a digital download through the Nintendo eShop:

Axiom Verge: Multiverse Edition

  • A Copy of Axiom Verge – On a Cartridge
  • Deluxe Booklet – With Developer’s Commentary and Art
  • Double-Sided Poster – Featuring World Map and Weapons/Items from the Game
  • Exclusive Making-Of Documentary – Produced by 2 Player Productions
  • Soundtrack CD – Available Only on the Nintendo Switch

A new trailer for Axiom Verge’s upcoming Switch release has been embedded above.

Posted in News, Switch | Tagged ,

Return to Ivalice in the newest Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age trailer

Posted on June 8, 2017 by John Scalzo

Square Enix will reintroduce players to the world of Ivalice in Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age next month, but first, they’ve unveiled a new trailer for the remake ahead of this year’s E3 Expo.

Players will be able to experience the intrigue of Final Fantasy XII’s story like never before with enhanced high-definition graphics and the Zodiac Job System, allowing players to pick two of 12 jobs in a character progression system first introduced in the Japan-only release, Final Fantasy XII International Zodiac System. The title will also feature a remastered soundtrack, 7.1 Surround Sound, Speed Mode, an auto-save feature, faster loading times, a new Trial Mode and more.

Final Fantasy XII: The Zodiac Age will be released exclusively for the PS4 on July 11. A Collector’s Edition that features an Art Card set and a Judge Magisters Mini Bust Set is also still available through the Square Enix Online Store.

Posted in News, PS4 | Tagged ,