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Video Game Canon- Angry Birds, Dragon Quest, FIFA Soccer, and Silent Hill are the World Video Game Hall of Fame’s Class of 2026
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Most Recent: Switch
Sega and Atlus announced their E3 2017 lineup
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…)
Content Crash #1: The Eve of E3 2017
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.
EA will announce at least two never-before-seen games during their 2017 E3 event
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 Battlefield 1, E3 2017, FIFA 18, Madden NFL 18, NBA Live 18, Need For Speed Payback, Star Wars: Battlefront II
Nintendo Download: Cars 3 Driven To Win, Shantae Half-Genie Hero, Shock Troopers 2nd Squad, more
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…)
Axiom Verge is coming to the Nintendo Switch this August
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 Axiom Verge, E3 2017
Natsume will bring several Harvest Moon and River City games to E3 2017
Natsume has announced their lineup of games for this year’s E3 Expo, and fans of Harvest Moon and River City Ransom should be very happy with what they have to announce. During next week’s industry showcase, the publisher plans to fully unveil Harvest Moon: Light of Hope (which is coming to the PC, PS4, and Switch), River City: Knights of Justice, River City: Rival Showdown, and more:
Natsume’s E3 2017 Lineup
Harvest Moon: Light of Hope (PC, PS4, Switch)
In Harvest Moon: Light of Hope, players begin the game as they set out looking for a fresh start and new surroundings. During their voyage, their ship is hit by a monsoon and goes down. As they drift into a small harbor town, now in a shambles from the storm, it will be up to the player to help rebuild the town and save the lighthouse…but it won’t be easy! Nevertheless, with some hard work growing crops, tending livestock, and gathering materials for repairs, players will be able to make new friends, start a family, revive the lighthouse, and save the town!Wild Guns Reloaded (PC)
In Wild Guns Reloaded, Annie has tracked down the famed bounty hunter Clint to get revenge on the Kid Gang. With eight stages, each with three zones, there’s plenty of bad robots to blast away. With a true arcade game feel, Wild Guns was the first sci-fi western to arrive on home consoles, and to this day, there really isn’t any other game like Wild Guns!River City: Knights of Justice (3DS)
River City: Knights of Justice (known in Japan as Nekketsu Mahou Monogatari), is scheduled to launch as a 3DS eShop exclusive this Summer. Kunio and his friends go medieval in this unique entry to the River City series, as they are transformed into heroes and villains that would be home in any RPG! Players will use swords, staves, and even magic to bring peace back to Riverandia!River City: Rival Showdown (3DS)
River City: Rival Showdown (known in Japan as Downtown Nekketsu Monogatari SP), will launch this Fall for the Nintendo 3DS. One night, Kunio is attacked by two mysterious individuals. On top of that, Riki’s girlfriend has disappeared, and it’s up to Kunio to find out the truth! Kunio has just 3 days to unravel the mystery, and he’ll need your help to take down all who stand in his way! Take on some familiar faces from the River City games and meet new ones in this fast-paced beat-’em-up RPG.Harvest Moon 20th Anniversary
Natsume’s European publishing partner, Rising Star Games, will be showing titles in the booth as well, including Harvest Moon: Lil’ Farmers (Android, iOS) and the European version of Harvest Moon: Skytree Village. As part of the year-long 20th anniversary celebration, Natsume has also unveiled a re-release of Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life – Special Edition and Harvest Moon: Save the Homeland for the PlayStation 4, both of which will be available to play at the show.
The 2017 E3 Expo kicks off on Tuesday, July 13.
Nintendo announces Pokken Tournament DX for Switch, as well as Pokemon UltraSun/UltraMoon and Gold/Silver for 3DS
Nintendo hosted a special Pokemon Direct livestream this morning, and they revealed that three games from the massive franchise will be re-released in new editions (and on new platforms) this Fall.
First up, Pokken Tournament will make the leap to the Nintendo on September 22 as Pokken Tournament DX. The expanded re-release will include five new Pokemon (Darkrai, Scizor, Empoleon, Croagunk, and Decidueye), as well as 3v3 Team Battles, Daily Challenges, and Friends-only Group Matches.
Also on September 22, Nintendo will add Pokemon Gold and Silver to the Virtual Console section of the 3DS eShop. Originally released for the Game Boy Color in 2000, Pokemon Gold and Silver introduced the Johto region and the franchise’s internal clock.
Finally, Nintendo announced plans to re-release Pokemon Sun and Moon on the 3DS as Pokemon UltraSun and UltraMoon. The expanded RPG will launch on November 17, and include an alternate storyline and new Pokemon not seen in Sun and Moon.
Sadly, the heavily-rumored Pokemon Stars was not announced for the Nintendo Switch… perhaps it’ll be included in Nintendo’s E3 2017 festivities. But the consolemaker did promise that we’ll hear more about Pokken Tournament DX, Pokemon UltraSun and UltraMoon, and Pokemon Gold and Silver next week during the industry’s annual showcase.
Posted in 3DS, News, Switch
Tagged E3 2017, Pokemon Gold/Silver, Pokemon Sun/Moon, Pokken Tournament
FIFA 18 will be available on September 29 with Cristiano Ronaldo on the cover
EA Sports has announced that FIFA 18 will be released across the globe on September 29. The publisher also confirmed that Cristiano Ronaldo, the award-winning forward for Real Madrid and Portugal’s National Team, will serve as the game’s global cover athlete.
Ronaldo also lent his “footballing” expertise to FIFA 18’s development team with a motion capture session that will inform “important gameplay elements” in the game:
To deliver innovation in FIFA 18, Cristiano Ronaldo’s data was recently recorded during a training session at a mobile EA Capture studio in Madrid. Data capture of Ronaldo’s acceleration, run cadence, skills, and shooting technique were all recorded to bring veracity to his likeness and personality in FIFA 18. His data also informed important gameplay elements including fluidity, player responsiveness, and explosiveness.
The first trailer for FIFA 18 has been embedded above, and EA Sports has promised to reveal more details about Ronaldo’s contributions to the game during their E3 Press Conference, which is scheduled to take place this Saturday, June 10 at 3:00 PM (Eastern Time). A livestream of the presentation will be available to watch on EA.com.
FIFA fans will also be able to purchase a special Ronaldo Edition of FIFA 18 for the PC, PS4, and Xbox One. The Ronaldo Edition will grant access to FIFA 18 three days early, and come bundled with bonus content for FIFA Ultimate Team including 20 Jumbo Premium Gold Packs, eight Special Edition Kits, and a Cristiano Ronaldo Loan Player for five matches.
FIFA 18 is in development at EA Vancouver and EA Romania, and will be available on September 29 for the PC, PS3, PS4, Xbox 360, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch.