Masahiro Sakurai is back with yet another installment in his game development video series, and today brings us an episode that falls into the “Programming & Tech” category.
Sakurai says that he and his team implement a variety of debug features during a game’s development, and today, he introduces what he considers to me one of the more useful tools; transparency.
You might be surprised at just how much transparency features are used in a game. The visual trick is apparent in some areas, but there are plenty of other places where the approach is used where you might not even expect it. Implementing transparency elements in the right place and at the right time can lead to some truly impressive results!
Devolver Digital celebrates their 15th anniversary with a special video
15 years of killing it
You might think of Devolver Digital as a new(er) kid on the block, but that’s not really the case. While they’re a comparatively young company when looking at the greater industry, they’re no Spring chicken either. Devolver has been publishing hit after hit for 15 years now, and they’ve got a library that is pretty much second to none in the indie space.
To celebrate their 15th anniversary, Devolver has put together a special video that looks back on the many, many games they’ve released over the years, but there’s more to it than that. This video shares comments from fans around the world who were more than happy to share their thoughts on some of Devolver’s fantastic output over the years.
Devolver has been a staunch supporter of the Switch since very early on, and you can find tons of their amazing games on the eShop right now. This trailer is littered with Switch titles, and the comments in this video will no doubt inspire you to check some of them out!
Night Slashers: Remake "Hong Hua Zhao" Trailer
Say hello to Hong Hua Zhao
Night Slashers: Remake is heading to Switch, but a release date and price point are yet to be shared. What we do have is a new trailer that showcases Hong Hua Zhao, and you can check it out above.
Hong Hua Zhao is a whirlwind of fists and fury! A martial arts expert known for her deadly agility, she’s a nightmare for any monster foolish enough to cross her path.
Night Slashers is a pulse-pounding, horror-themed beat ‘em up game, in a nightmarish world filled with bloodthirsty creatures and unspeakable horrors. Prepare to step into the shoes of the unlikely heroes, as they battle hordes of supernatural foes and terrifying monsters.
In Night Slashers, you’re not just fighting for survival: you’re battling to save the world from a supernatural apocalypse. Join the fight, experience the adrenaline, and embrace the horror. Your darkest nightmares await…
Night Slashers, a classic arcade game originally developed by DATA EAST in 1994, still stands as one of the best titles in the beat ‘em up genre to this day! The gameplay consists of seven distinct stages, each subdivided into multiple sections. You can advance by navigating from left to right within each stage, combating waves of enemies to progress.
Attempting to proceed further without eliminating foes halts the screen’s scroll until all the threats are dealt with. Upon reaching the end of each level, a climactic showdown with a formidable boss awaits. Achieve victory over the boss to advance.
Thunderful Reveals SteamWorld Heist II "Story Deep Dive" Trailer
Things are getting steamy
Ahoy, crewmates and Steambots! Today, Thunderful revealed their second feature trailer for the upcoming game, SteamWorld Heist II.
In the newest feature trailer, SteamWorld Heist II narrator Kyle T. Johnson gives players a deeper look at the game’s story and lead characters, before taking them on a journey through SteamWorld Heist II with an expanded look at the sequel.
The Great Sea Shard is brimming with secrets, missions, and stories waiting to be uncovered. Explore the watery world that sets the stage for SteamWorld Heist II - and take a look at the overworld gameplay! Learn all about Captain Quincy Leeway and his loyal steam-mates Daisy and Wesley, dive into mysterious waters filled with dangers, discover thrilling ship combat, and more.
SteamWorld Heist II is coming to Switch on August 8th, 2024.
Slave Zero X physical Switch edition now available
On the cutting edge of retail
Today, multiplatform publisher of retro and modern titles Ziggurat Interactive is excited to announce the physical launch of 2.5D hack-and-slash bloodbath Slave Zero X on Nintendo Switch. In both a Standard Edition and a Deluxe Calamity Edition, players are invited to slice their way to the rotten core of Slave Zero X’s grisly tale of vengeance. Both editions also include the updated mega-challenging boss battle: SovKhan 300%.
Standard Edition
- Slave Zero X cartridge
- Guidebook (manual with art)
- Controls reference card (key art on back)
- Console-themed costume palette for Shou
The Calamity Edition
- All elements of the Standard Edition
- Exclusive outer box
- Slave Zero X Comic by Andy Lanning and Ant Williams of Ideas & Inks
- Art Book (“Visuals of Megacity S1-9”)
- Dual Soundtrack - OST of Slave Zero & Slave Zero X (Physical CD in Europe only)
- Voucher for Dual Digital OST download - Slave Zero & Slave Zero X
- 3 Art Postcards
Chief among the goodies in the Calamity Edition is the official art book, with all its wonderfully grotesque and imaginatively bizarre art. Led by Francine Bridge and the Slave Zero X art team and heavily Inspired by H.R. Giger & Anno’s Evangelion, the team created a new take on a dystopian savage future, biomecha artforms, and nubile — yet powerful — characters from all levels of society. The art book is a 150-page love story that visually builds the world sketch by sketch, setting the foundation for the game design — and imagination beyond.
Additionally, Ziggurat partnered with Andy Lanning and Ant Williams, two Marvel and DC Comics legends who’ve worked on properties such as Guardians of the Galaxy and Batman, for an official comic miniseries for Slave Zero X. Included in the Calamity Edition, the miniseries depicts the backstory of several major characters from the game, all set in a dystopian biopunk setting. These comics are available in the Calamity Edition of Slave Zero X and in the Digital Deluxe version on PC.
Slave Zero X is available to purchase from these retailers at USD $29.99 for the Standard Edition and USD $49.99 for the Calamity Edition.
World of Tanks: Blitz "Object 590" reveal video
An object of your affection?
Introducing the Object 590, a marvel of modern engineering that redefines battlefield supremacy. With its advanced armor and cutting-edge design, the Object 590 stands as an unyielding force against any adversary.
The only sound louder than the gunfire? The echoes of bullets ricocheting off its impenetrable armor. Experience the might of the Object 590, where every shot fired in its direction only adds to its legend. Join us in witnessing the birth of an unstoppable war machine. The Object 590: Where power meets invincibility.
World of Tanks Blitz is a cross-platform, free-to-play, team-based MMO action game dedicated to fierce tank combat. Available on iOS, macOS, Android, Windows 10, Steam, and Nintendo Switch, the game lets players control over 370 legendary armored vehicles.
World of Tank Blitz is an action-packed tank game that lets players seamlessly enjoy the online real-time action anywhere. Fast paced and accessible, the game puts fun first, mixing the historical and lighthearted, the serious and the fantastic, offering a thrilling arcade-like experience.
Pokémon Scarlet/Violet can badges releasing in Japan
10 in all to collect
Another day, another round of Pokémon for fans in Japan. Yet another piece of merch has been revealed, and this one is tied to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet.
Pokémon Co. has revealed a series of can badges that are based the Hidden Treasure Of Area Zero DLC for Pokémon Scarlet And Violet. There are 10 designs in total, and they feature characters like Carmine and Kieran, Perrin, Director Cyrano, and the Blueberry Academy Elite Four.
These can badges will be made available via Pokémon Center locations starting May 25th, 2024. As of right now, there’s no word on if/when these can badges will be released outside of Japan.
Square Enix Music has been sharing a decent amount of covers lately, and that trend continues with yet another video. In the clip above, you can hear a piano cover of “Moogle Theme” from Final Fantasy V, which was composed by Nobuo Uematsu and is performed here by Yui Morishita and Takurou Iga
In Final Fantasy V, the King of Tycoon has sensed a disturbance in the wind. When the crystals that balance the powers of the world are threatened, the king hastens to the rescue…only to go missing. Somewhere a young man and his Chocobo find themselves drawn toward friends that will change their destiny. Building on the job systems of previous games, FFV includes a diverse selection of jobs to try, and a unique ability system that lets you combine skills.
The above version of Moogle Theme to Final Fantasy V was both recorded and mixed by Junichiro ”ojjy” Ojima, and the recording session itself was held at FREEDOM STUDIO INFINITY.
Comedy duo Yoiko checks out Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door
New footage of a revamped classic
Nintendo is back with another video featuring Yoiko, a popular comedy duo in Japan. Once again, the comedians have visited their friends at Nintendo to go hands-on with a game, but this time around they’re enjoying a game that needs little introduction.
Yoiko is a Japanese comic duo from Konohana-ku, Osaka that is employed by the comedy talent agency Shochiku Geino. Yoiko are known otakus, and the duo (kombi) was originally formed under the pretense of Shinya Arino as the boke (stooge) and Masaru Hamaguchi as the tsukkomi (straightman), but as time went on and Hamaguchi’s “natural stupidness” started to shine through, the duo became known as “the duo with no real distinction between the boke and the tsukkomi”.
In today’s video, Yoiko sits down to play the upcoming Switch remake of Paper Mario: The Thousand-Year Door. While the video might not have a translation, it still offers up plenty of gameplay from the Switch revamp. Give it a watch and scrub through the video to see all kinds of gameplay footage not seen anywhere else!
The Pokémon Co. has really been leaning into their Pokémon Kids TV YouTube Channel lately, adding all sorts of content for youngsters to enjoy. Today they’re back with yet another feature, and this time it’s not a music video!
Today brings us a new episode of Puppet Pokémon ON AIR, a program presenting fun reports on Pokémon! This installment gives us a look at the Ice-type Pokémon featured illuminations, drift ice, and Kamakura (igloos) during a visit to Hokkaido.
Just in case you couldn’t tell from the Channel name, these videos are aimed at very young children. If you’re a parent looking to steal away just a few minutes of personal time, this video might be able to help!
Remakes are a big part of the game industry right now. Every publisher under the sun is looking to snag remake rights, and developers are quick to turn to their classics in order to revive them for modern-day audiences. Forever Entertainment is no stranger to the remake scene, and they believe they’ve found the perfect platform for their revamps.
In an interview with Games Industry, Forever Entertainment communications and marketing manager Monika Ginter spoke about the company’s remake output, much of which has found its way to Switch. According to Ginter, there’s simply no better platform right now for their remakes than Nintendo’s hybrid.
“Until now, our remakes have focused on games from Japan, and Japanese gamers have shown great excitement for our updated versions of classics. In terms of platforms, we consider the Nintendo Switch as the ideal platform for various classic remakes. We appreciate the accessibility of the Nintendo Switch. With a diverse user base, our games can reach a broad audience, including those who may not have encountered classics like Front Mission or Panzer Dragoon before.”
Celebrate ActRaiser, Yuzo Koshiro, and Jazz with Prescription for Sleep: Heavenly Avatar, Launching Today
Rest easy, gamers
Scarlet Moon is pleased to announce Prescription for Sleep: Heavenly Avatar, a celebration of jazz and friendship with a tribute to Yuzo Koshiro’s soundtrack to ActRaiser to chill, relax, sleep, and study to. As one of Koshiro’s defining works, the score has been a longtime standout in his expansive catalog. Scarlet Moon was thrilled to collaborate with Koshiro on the album’s track selection and on commentary in the digital booklet available to customers on Bandcamp. The booklet also includes and interview with GENTLE LOVE, recording notes, comics by illustrator Maximo Lorenzo, and more.
Prescription for Sleep: Heavenly Avatar is the 15th album in this Billboard-charting jazz series. GENTLE LOVE is a duo compromised of Metal Gear Solid series composer Norihiko Hibino on saxophone and Etrian Odyssey/PersonaQ performer AYAKI on piano. After many past collaborations between Yuzo Koshiro and Norihiko Hibino, including on the Etrian Odyssey, 7th Dragon, and WANGAN MIDNIGHT series, the two are once again reunited. Fans will enjoy key themes from the original ActRaiser, including the triumphant opening theme, the action-packed first stage “Filmoa,” the serene city-building theme, “Birth of the People,” and yes, even the short “descent” stinger that will prove to be a welcome surprise for listeners in “Advent.” Prescription for Sleep: Heavenly Avatar is now available for pre-order on all digital storefronts and will release on May 17, 2024:
Prescription for Sleep: Heavenly Avatar Pre-Orders on All Storefronts
“I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with Hibino-san for over a decade,” reflects composer Yuzo Koshiro. “What sets Heavenly Avatar apart is its jazz-infused tracklist—a departure from ActRaiser’s original orchestral compositions. I hope you find as much enjoyment in listening to this album as I have.”
“Knowing about Hibino-san and Koshiro-san’s longstanding friendship, and loving Koshiro-san’s music over the years, I wanted to find a way for them to collaborate once more,” adds Scarlet Moon’s Jayson Napolitano. “We’re really pleased to celebrate ten years of the series with this album and hope fans of the series and the game enjoy it!”
The full track listing for Prescription for Sleep: Heavenly Avatar is as follows:
- Opening
- Sky Palace
- Advent
- Filmoa
- Blood Pool ~ Casandora
- Autos ~ Temple
- Pyramid ~ Marana
- North Wall
- Birth of the People
- Offering
- Peaceful World
- Music in Heaven (Original)
Outright Games, the leading publisher of family-friendly interactive entertainment, in collaboration with Hasbro, a leading toy and game company, is launching the newest video game based on the iconic MY LITTLE PONY franchise with MY LITTLE PONY: A Zephyr Heights Mystery. The title follows Sunny, Izzy, Misty, Pipp, Zipp and Hitch on an open-world cooperative adventure set in the kingdom of Zephyr Heights, as they stop a strange magic from turning the world upside down. Developed by Drakhar Studio, MY LITTLE PONY: A Zephyr Heights Mystery is available on Switch starting today.
In this open-world mystery adventure, everypony can return to the kingdom of Equestria. Choosing from any one of the Mane Six, players will work together to tame an unstable magic which has sent the cloud city of Zephyr Heights out of control. Along the way, players can find more ways to have fun with replayable minigames like Pipp’s Photo Shoot, Hitch is on the Trail, and Sunny’s Smoothie Delivery. Special collectibles, photo opportunities and a closet full of accessories are also available for fans to customise their personal hooftastic style.
Bringing the magic of friendship to new heights, MY LITTLE PONY: A Zephyr Heights Mystery also includes the option of two-player co-op, to uncover the magical mystery with another special pony pal!
From its launch in 1983, MY LITTLE PONY has evolved from an iconic toy line into a worldwide entertainment universe. In September 2021, MY LITTLE PONY: A NEW GENERATION launched on Netflix and introduced a new generation of ponies to a new generation of kids. The movie kick-started a new era for the brand, with a focus on inspiring today’s kids to explore, express and celebrate what makes them unique. MY LITTLE PONY celebrated 40 years of heritage in 2023, solidifying its status as a multi-generational brand with a global and timeless appeal among pony-loving fans. Following the successful release of MY LITTLE PONY: A Maretime Bay Adventure in 2022, MY LITTLE PONY: A Zephyr Heights Mystery invites fans to return to Equestria and explore a whole new story of magic and excitement.
Morbid: The Lords of Ire wreaks havoc on Switch today
You could say we've got a curiosity
Those looking forward to Morbid: The Lords of Ire will be happy to know the game is coming to Switch today! Sequel to the studio’s smash hit Morbid: The Seven Acolytes, the critically acclaimed isometric Soulslike originally launched in 2020, Morbid: The Lords of Ire invites players to risk madness venturing through a revolting horrorpunk hell from an all new 3D perspective.
Players will re-join their hero, the Striver of Dibrom, to slay and scavenge their way through a tortured world of vile creatures where you are the underdog.
Featuring an improved version of the Sanity System from the prequel, experience a dynamic adventure that bends and shapes around your actions.
Tear through your enemies with revamped weapons, progression and upgrade systems, preparing you to face off against the Lords of Ire themselves.
Tokyo Cooking serves Switch owners today
Time to eat!
RedDeer.Games has announced that Tokyo Cooking is coming to the Switch today. Nintendo Switch players will have the chance to prepare iconic dishes, chat with customers, and run the sushi restaurant of their dreams in this title.
The kitchen is where the players will reside. It has all the equipment and ingredients they will need to fill out the orders. Every meal has a to-do list attached that varies depending on the client’s wish – it’s not all just following directions, though!
A chef is an artist, and cooking is the tastiest form of art – balance, timing, and precision are big parts of it. These skills will be needed when frying and cutting food, as well as adding spices and preparing sauces.
With money in their pocket, players will sit down and relax in the evening after the restaurant closes. This will also be the perfect moment to take a look at new decorations they can purchase for their restaurant. A simple, modern vibe or a light and traditional look? That’s all up to them.
Composing the perfect dishes isn’t everything – there are also a couple of mini-games that add a buck or two to the overall order price. Players also have the chance to encounter unique customers and maybe, just maybe, they will become regulars at this one-of-a-kind restaurant.