Author: John Scalzo

John Scalzo is Warp Zoned's Editor-In-Chief and resident retro gaming expert. You can email him at john AT warpzoned DOT com.

WB Games will also release Lego Worlds for the Nintendo Switch

Posted on January 24, 2017 by John Scalzo

It looks like Lego Worlds, a Minecraft-like open world game currently in development at TT Games, will also be released for the Nintendo Switch. Replying to a fan on Twitter yesterday, TT’s Arthur Parsons confirmed the game will be released for Nintendo’s next console, alongside the previously-announced Lego City Undercover:

Lego Worlds will be released for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One on February 21. A release date for the Switch version has yet to be revealed.

Posted in News, Switch | Tagged

Tekken 7 will be released for the PC, PS4, Xbox One on June 2

Posted on January 23, 2017 by John Scalzo

I admit, I’m completely baffled by the ongoing storyline found in the Tekken franchise. But it’s all going to come to an end in Tekken 7, and today, Bandai Namco confirmed the game will be released for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One on June 2.

In addition to the release date announcement, Bandai Namco also announced plans to produce a huge amount of bonus content for Tekken 7 that’ll be doled out in a number of different packages. At the lowest level, fans who pre-order the game on any platform will receive Eliza (who originally appeared in Tekken Revolution) as a downloadable bonus character. Xbox One owners will also receive a digital copy of Tekken 6, which will be playable on the Xbox 360 or the Xbox One through a backwards compatibility patch.

A Season Pass is also in the works, and players who purchase it on the PC, PS4, or Xbox One will gain access to “new playable characters, new stages, a new game mode, costume packs, and a bonus 35-piece Metallic Costume Pack” sometime after launch.

Finally, a Collector’s Edition (priced at $149.99) will be available for the PS4 and Xbox One. It includes “a spectacular statue measuring approximately 12” tall by 18” wide that features a dynamic pose with Kazuya fly kicking Heihachi in mid-air, a special Steel Book, and the official Tekken 7 soundtrack.”

A closer look at the Collector’s Edition can be found after the break, and a brand new trailer for Tekken 7 has been embedded above. (more…)

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

Nintendo will bring eight Switch demos to this weekend’s PAX South

Posted on January 23, 2017 by John Scalzo

The Nintendo Switch will launch on March 3, but Nintendo wants to give all gamers a chance to play it before its available in stores with a whirlwind North American tour that’ll roll into San Antonio this weekend.

This morning, the consolemaker revealed plans to bring demos for eight games to the annual PAX South expo. The list includes launch titles like The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, 1-2-Switch, and Super Bomberman R (from Konami), as well as titles that are a bit further out such as Snipperclips: Cut It Out Together, Splatoon 2, Arms, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Ultra Street Fighter II: The Final Challengers (from Capcom). Fans will also be able to try out the demos in a living room setting (on a large TV) or in the cross-section of an airplane to “show how easy it is to take Nintendo Switch with you anywhere.”

“We absolutely love bringing our games and systems directly to the fans, and PAX South is a great venue to do just that,” said Doug Bowser, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “PAX South will be one of the first opportunities for fans to try out Nintendo Switch before it launches on March 3.”

PAX South will open its doors on Friday, January 27.

Posted in News, Switch | Tagged , , , , , , , ,

I Am Setsuna will be available for the Switch on March 3

Posted on January 23, 2017 by John Scalzo

The Nintendo Switch gained another addition to its launch lineup this morning, as Square Enix announced that I Am Setsuna will be released for Nintendo’s next console on March 3. Developed by Tokyo RPG Factory, the throwback RPG will be available to download through the Nintendo eShop with an exclusive new multiplayer mode, the Temporal Battle Arena, an area where players can battle it out against other players’ parties.

I Am Setsuna follows the story of Setsuna, a young woman of incredible power and inner strength, and the sacrifice she must undertake to save the people of her land as she leaves her hometown. Featuring simple turn-based controls and unique gameplay mechanics inspired by the golden age of JRPGs, I Am Setsuna merges nostalgic elements with modern current-gen technology. Tokyo RPG Factory’s debut title delivers an emotional story of bravery and sacrifice along with powerful character development.

I Am Setsuna was originally released for the PC and PS4 last year.

Posted in News, Switch | Tagged

Paradox will bring Xbox One version of Cities: Skylines to GDC 2017

Posted on January 23, 2017 by John Scalzo

Cities: Skylines has become a blockbuster hit for publisher Paradox Interactive and developer Colossal Order since releasing to a warm reception (and huge sales) in 2015.

But late last week, Paradox confirmed there’s still some life left in their city builder, as they told Destructoid that the game’s fourth expansion is nearing completion, along with a port for the Xbox One. And both will be playable on the show floor during next month’s Game Developers Conference in San Francisco.

It’s currently unknown when Cities: Skylines will make its Xbox One debut, but GDC 2017 is set to kick off on February 27.

Posted in News, PC, Xbox One | Tagged ,

Weekly Warp-Up: Nintendo Heats Up Our Interest in the Fire Emblem Franchise…

Posted on January 22, 2017 by John Scalzo

No, that’s not a typo. Welcome to the Weekly Warp-Up, your weekly wrap-up of the biggest and the best articles posted at Warp Zoned this week…

We’ve updated our Big List of Nintendo Switch Games in the aftermath of that huge Nintendo Switch Presentation. There’s definitely something for everyone with more than 80 games in development for Nintendo’s next console.

However, the consolemaker had more to say this week with a packed Fire Emblem Direct presentation that included new details on the February 2nd launch of Fire Emblem Heroes on Android devices, a New 3DS debut for Fire Emblem Warriors, and the announcement of a “main series” Fire Emblem game that’ll come to the Switch in 2018. Nintendo also confirmed that 1992’s Fire Emblem Gaiden will finally be released in the US as Fire Emblem Echoes: Shadows of Valentia in May.

Finally this week, our latest essay looking at the history behind “The Scientifically Proven Best Video Games of All Time” focused on the theatrical themes present in Super Mario Bros. 3. Did you know Shigeru Miyamoto thinks of Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach, Bowser, and all the rest as actors?

More dispatches from the video game news ticker can be found after the break. (more…)

Posted in News |

New Retail Releases: Resident Evil 7, Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8, Yakuza Zero, More

Posted on January 22, 2017 by John Scalzo

We’re finally kicking off 2017 in style with a big batch of new releases that’ll be available to purchase this week…

Capcom will resurrect the Resident Evil franchise once again with Resident Evil 7: Biohazard for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One. Utilizing a brand new first-person perspective (and PlayStation VR support on the PS4), the latest Resident Evil game will mark a fresh start for the series.

Also available this week is Kingdom Hearts HD 2.8: Final Chapter Prologue, a high definition remake of Kingdom Hearts 3D: Dream Drop Distance, which was originally released for the 3DS in 2012. The PS4-exclusive package will also include a movie-length retelling of mobile title Kingdom Hearts Unchained X and a brand new epilogue to Kingdom Hearts: Birth By Sleep.

Speaking of prologues, Sega will go back to the beginning of the Yakuza series and reveal the story of how Kazuma Kiryu and Goro Majima originally climbed the ranks of the crime syndicate in Yakuza Zero for the PS4. Players will be able to battle it out with rival gangs, or indulge in “all the vices 1988’s Japan had to offer.”

You won’t find any gangsters in Bandai Namco’s Tales of Berseria, but you will find plenty of pirates in the PS4 RPG. The latest game in the Tales franchise will star Velvet, a young woman who has to defeat her own inner demons while sailing the seven seas of Midgand in search of adventure.

Finally this week, Milestone will release Moto Racer 4, another motorcycle racer, for the PS4 and Xbox One.

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

Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns will be released on February 28

Posted on January 21, 2017 by John Scalzo

XSEED Games has announced that Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns will be released for the 3DS on February 28.

In celebration of the upcoming 20th anniversary of the longest-running farming and life simulation series, the beloved Bokujo Monogatari franchise [Known in the US as Harvest Moon (1997-2013) and Story of Seasons (2014-Today)] returns with its biggest adventure yet in Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns. Settled on a homestead in the middle of three distinct and uniquely themed locales, players can explore a diverse landscape as they search for new ways to grow their farms and friendships. Extensive customization and gameplay options are on offer in Trio of Towns, with each village offering its own variety of regional crops, lads and ladies to romance, animals, festivals, furniture, decorations and more. More ways to play sprout up as players connect to one another locally or via the internet to chat, trade, and enhance items on a mysterious multiplayer island.

The publisher has also partnered with Nintendo to include a few signature fashions from the Mushroom Kingdom in the Trio of Towns. Players who discover these items will receive an in-game boost and look stylish to boot:

Mario-Themed Items in Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns

  • Mario’s Outfit and Hat: Mama mia! The iconic plumber’s signature red and blue uniform gives your running speed a boost.
  • Luigi’s Outfit and Hat: Luigi’s costume will improve your luck at fishing. Others will be green with envy!
  • Princess Peach’s Dress and Tiara: This regal dress and tiara will make you better friends with other characters. Sweet!
  • Toad’s Outfit and Hat: The tireless Toad’s outfit causes your stamina to recharge automatically over time.

A new trailer for Story of Seasons: Trio of Towns is also now available and it’s been embedded above.

Posted in 3DS, News | Tagged