Playtonic shows off a fresh round of Elsie gameplay
All from the Steam demo
We still don’t have a release date for Elsie other than a vague 2024 timeframe, but what we do have is a new video for the game. This video shows off gameplay from the Steam demo that just went live, and the gang at Playtonic sits down to give it a go.
Experience the evolution of classic run and gun gameplay tightly tuned into a bullet hell ballet. Dash, dive and shoot across stages full or dynamic enemies whilst performing perfectly timed precision parrying.
With each new run, delve into the ever-shifting domains across Planet Ekis’s gorgeous neon-drenched pixelated biomes. Each environment has its own set of challenges with unique enemies to overcome as you learn attack patterns and weaknesses.
Embrace the chaos of continually changing opportunities, making decisions about character upgrades, skills and weapons that will drastically change the feel of each run. Experiment with different playstyles and create synergies for devastating potential.
Joining Elsie’s battle is Andru, a melee-based character with unique augments, weapons, and abilities that open up a slew of gameplay possibilities.
Do you consider yourself a Pokémon expert? With more than 1,000 Pokémon, there’s always more to learn, and Beyond the Pokédex is a video series committed to making learning about Pokémon fun.
Did you know that Sprigatito gets stronger and gains energy as its fur absorbs the sunlight? In this new episode, Pokémon enthusiasts Spruce and Maple deliver some purr-etty interesting information about Pokémon #0906, Sprigatito, the im-paws-sibly adorable first partner Pokémon from the Paldea region.
If you missed any other episodes, you can catch up by checking out the entire playlist now.
Check out two tracks from the Just Dance+ "Night Swan: The Prequel" event
Feet don't fail me now
Discover Night Swan’s past with 2 new songs and get 8 exclusive rewards in our Just Dance+ event! Night Swan: The Prequel will be available from May 14 to June 4 for all Just Dance+ players. Today, you can check out preview videos for two songs that’ll be featured in the Night Swan: The Prequel event.
Just Dance+ is a streaming service that gives you access to an ever-growing catalog of songs, from chart-topping hits to all-time classics. Dance to new tracks and exclusive seasonal benefits that will be added year-round! Just Dance 2024 Edition comes with a limited-time free trial of Just Dance+.
Dance and share exciting moments all year long with the #1 music video game platform of all time! Just Dance 2024 Edition features 40 songs from the latest hits and beloved classics, including “Flowers” by Miley Cyrus, “Tití Me Preguntó” by Bad Bunny, “How You Like That” by BLACKPINK, and “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston!
ATLUS has started off what will be a very lengthy video series for Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance. This series is going to offer up a video a day to showcase every single monster you’ll find in the game. Today starts up the line of videos with a look at Nahobeeho. You can learn all about the monster above, and we’ll keep updating this post with subsequent videos as the series continues.
Shin Megami Tensei V: Vengeance delivers a full-fledged RPG that can be enjoyed by existing and new fans. At the start of the game, players will choose between two paths: the story told in the original Shin Megami Tensei V, the Canon of Creation, or the brand-new Canon of Vengeance. This dramatic new tale of revenge introduces brand-new characters, an enigmatic cohort of demons called the Qadištu, a new dungeon and a new map to explore. Additionally, the original Shin Megami Tensei V battle system, demon merging and field exploration have been evolved and expanded in this newest entry in the series.
UPDATE: The second video in this series has been released and you can check out the latest monster profile below. Today’s video spotlights Glasya-Labolas.
UPDATE: The third video in this series has been released and you can check out the latest monster profile below. Today’s video spotlights Pellaidh.
UPDATE: The fourth video in this series has been released and you can check out the latest monster profile below. Today’s video spotlights Amabie.
Sakurai shares tips and tricks on physical game/hardware storage
Make some room!
Masahiro Sakurai is back with another installment in his game development video series, but today he’s putting development tips aside to share some insight into his approach to game storage.
How do you store all your unwieldy games and consoles? In today’s Grab Bag episode, Sakurai shares some of his own solutions. Sakurai is no doubt as much a game fan and historian as he is a developer, which means his home is stuffed with all sorts of games and hardware. A collection his size can quickly grow out of control, which is why Sakurai has made a great effort to keep things neat, tidy and safe.
Give the video a watch to get a pointer or two on how to keep your gaming collection from overtaking your entire house!
Trove "Spring Fling 2024" event detailed
Spring into action
Trove is getting a Spring Fling 2024 event in the near future, and we’ve got a first look at what to expect, along with details on all the fun that awaits.
Sir Dapper Duckington Esquire has returned to the Hub, selling Spring Flingers. These aren’t just for show; they work year-round, allowing you to spawn flowers wherever you go!
Dive into a new 6-step quest chain focused on bee conservation. Complete this chain, and discover new mounts, allies, and much more!
Gear up, meet Sir Dapper Duckington, and jump into this season’s Spring Fling for an unforgettable adventure!
New gameplay video shared for Paper Trail
Coming into the fold
Newfangled Games previously announced that paper-folding puzzle adventure game Paper Trail will launch on Switch May 21st, 2024, introducing players to a beautiful 2D paper world. Ahead of the game’s release, Game Informer has shared a new gameplay video that you can check out above.
A charming puzzle adventure following the story of aspiring academic Paige, players will fold and tear their way through gorgeous levels built entirely out of paper, solving puzzles and overcoming obstacles by folding the very world around them. Along the way, they’ll meet a cast of colorful characters with stories of their own, who will help Paige discover new paths on her journey as she leaves home for the first time.
From the BAFTA award-winning creator of Hue, Paper Trail has already picked up over 38 awards and accolades, including ‘Best Family Game’ at the Gamescom Awards, ‘Game of the Year’ at Reboot Develop, ‘Most Innovative’ at IndieX, and ‘Best International Game’ at SXSW Sydney.
Paper Trail Features:
A foldable world - Fold and join paths together to explore and progress. Alter the fabric of the world as players untangle the puzzle of the Paper Trail.
Engaging puzzles - Simple to learn but tricky to master, players will challenge their wits with mind-bending paper puzzles as they follow Paige’s journey.
Intriguing people - A unique cast of characters with their own stories to tell, enlightening players about the wider world of Paper Trail.
Beautiful environments - Explore a variety of handcrafted environments as Paige makes her journey to university, from deep dark caves to the tallest treetops.
An enchanting art style - Paper Trail blends together inspiration from flat aesthetic styles like printmaking and watercolour to create a unique look all of its own.
Sea of Stars: The Art of Bryce Kho book gets another promo video
She's got the book
As we shared a few weeks back1. , Sea of Stars: The Art of Bryce Kho is a 272-page collection of concept art from the game, featuring over 90+ illustrations of concepts for playable characters, NPCs, enemies, bosses, and environments. The book also showcases the creative process through excerpts of conversations between concept artist Bryce Kho and creative director Thierry Boulanger. Today brings us a new sneak peek at the book via the video above.
It’s published in partnership with 3dtotal, and the devs couldn’t have dreamed of a partner better aligned with the vision they had for it. To say that the team is very happy with the final product would be an understatement, and they hope you love it as well!
Immerse yourself in the concept art belonging to one of the most beloved role-playing games of 2023. Known for his colourful and complex, retro-anime inspired illustrations, it’s no mystery as to why Bryce and Sabotage Studio collaborated to make this turn-based RPG inspired by the classics. Sea of Stars: The Concept Art of Bryce Kho showcases all the incredible characters that Bryce has lovingly brought to life through years of discussion with Creative Director Thierry Boulanger, and is a book to enjoy for gamers and art-lovers alike.
The book is available for pre-order through this link and is expected to ship out May 28th, 2024.
Arcade Archives: F/A heads to Switch May 16th, 2024
Next up for your virtual arcade
HAMSTER Co. is happy to announce that F/A, by Bandai Namco will be released for Switch on May 16th, 2024, available digitally for Arcade Archives series by HAMSTER. “F/A” is shmup released by Namco in 1992.
In F/A, choose one of 16 fighter units and conquer all 8 stages. Unit attacks are broadly divided into 6 types, so choose the one that suits your taste. You get just one life to blow through as many enemies as possible, so good luck!
The “Arcade Archives” series has faithfully reproduced many classic Arcade masterpieces. Players can change various game settings such as game difficulty, and also reproduce the atmosphere of arcade display settings at that time. Players can also compete against each other from all over the world with their high scores. Please enjoy the masterpiece that built a generation for video games.
UK software sales for the week ending May 11th, 2024
Soccer still reigns supreme
The weekly UK software sales are in! Let’s take a look at the top 40 best-selling games in the United Kingdom for the week ending May 11th, 2024, which you can see in full below.
We usually have a breakdown of the finer points for the UK sales charts, but that information hasn’t come in yet. There’s no doubt it’ll arrive sometime this week, and once it does, we’ll be sure to update this post with the details.
A Space for the Unbound now available in New Physical and Special Editions in Europe
Got some space for these?
Once upon a time the Publisher Serenity Forge (Doki Doki Literature Club Plus!) joined the European Distributor and Publisher Tesura Games to announce that the European physical release of A Space for the Unbound, nominated at The Games Awards 2023 in the category “Games for Impact”, is now available. The heartfelt adventures of Atma and Raya come to life in A Space for the Unbound Standard and Special Editions for Switch.
A Space for the Unbound transports you into late ‘90s rural Indonesia on a journey of self-discovery with high school sweethearts Atma and Raya. The slice-of-life adventure touches on topics of overcoming anxiety and depression through its stunning pixel art style. However, when a mysterious supernatural power is suddenly unleashed upon their town, Atma and Raya must explore and investigate to uncover hidden secrets, face the end of the world and maybe even grow closer together.
The Physical Standard Edition of A Space for the Unbound features:
- Full Game (PS4, PS5 or Switch)
- Mini booklet “A Space for the Unbound Tales”
- OST Download Card
The Physical Special Edition of A Space for the Unbound features:
- Premium Collector’s box
- Full Game (PS4, PS5 or Switch)
- Mini Booklet “A Space for the Unbound Tales”
- “Admiral” Keychain
- OST Download Card
- Artbook (250 pages) filled with exclusive pieces from director and artist Dimas Novan
- OST Disc
- Blooming Flower Brooch
- Exclusive Art Print
In recent years, SEGA has been commissioning animated features to go along with various Sonic games. Titles like Sonic Mania, Sonic Superstars and more have all included lovely animated segments, and now we know that Sonic x Shadow Generations will do the same.
SEGA has announced that Sonic x Shadow Generations is going to include a prequel animation, and its been titled Dark Beginnings. You can see a piece of teaser art for the animation above, with more details set to come July 6th, 2024.
The new details on Dark Beginnings will be shared at a special Anime Expo 2024 panel, and special guests Takashi Iizuka, Kirk Thornton, and Stephanie Sheh will all be attending. The panel will not only showcase more of Dark Beginnings, but it will also offer up answers to fan questions about the project. Whatever news gets shared, we’ll be sure to bring it to you!
Overwatch 2’s Porsche collab now live
Buckle up!
Blizzard has just launched the Overwatch 2 x Porsche Collaboration! This partnership brings together the realms of gaming and automotive excellence, incorporating Porsche’s fully electric vehicle designs into the Overwatch universe.
Electrify the battlefield when you snag the co-designed collab Porsche D.Va and Porsche Pharah Legendary skins from the shop, featuring exclusive paint textures and custom sound effects from the new all-electric Porsche Macan and Taycan.
D.Va drives to victory in her reimagined mech, inspired by the sleek design of the all-electric Porsche Macan Turbo. The stunning new look integrates elements of the all-electric Porsche Macan Turbo, from its distinct headlights, coil suspension, and brake calipers to the luxury interior. The Porsche D.Va Bundle will also have the Test Drive Highlight Intro, Night Drive name card, Porsche avatar, and the Sweet Ride spray.
Meanwhile, Pharah charges the battlefield with a reimagined combat suit infused with the essence of the all-electric Porsche Taycan. Experience the thrill of flight, highlighting Porsche’s renowned craftsmanship with the sleek lights, forged wheels, and tinted glass featured in Pharah’s collab skin. The Porsche Pharah bundle will also include the Porsche Flight name card.
These high-voltage cosmetics can be purchased all together through the Porsche Mega Bundle or individually with the Porsche D.Va and Porsche Pharah Bundles until June 3.
During the collaboration event, charge through challenges to earn up to 40,000 Battle Pass XP, the Porsche and Zero to Sixty name cards, and the Porsche Drift spray. Each cosmetic has been meticulously crafted to bring the cutting-edge style and innovation of Porsche directly into the Overwatch 2 universe.
Enjoy this turbocharged collaboration event in game until May 27, with the Shop Bundles available through June 3. Buckle up, Heroes!
Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Glow-in-the-Dark Keychain available via My Nintendo (UPDATE)
For making your keys boss keys
Yes, we know you’re incredibly excited about The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. We feel exactly the same way, but there’s a few hours to kill until the game launches. Why not spend that time making a purchase on My Nintendo?
For just 550 My Nintendo Platinum Points, you could be the lucky owner of a Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Glow in the Dark Keychain reward. According to the Big N, this keychain helps keep your keys safe and looking stylish!
As always, we have no idea how many of these are in stock, so don’t wait if you want to secure one. You can order your Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Glow-in-the-Dark Keychain through this link.
UPDATE: This item has been restocked, so if you missed out the first time around, you’ve not got a second chance. The Zelda: TotK glow-in-the-dark keychain is priced at 550 Platinum Points and you can lock in your order through this link.
Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery physical editions now available to pre-order
Might want to hop on this one
Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery has been available on Switch digitally since late last year, but if you’ve been holding out for a physical release, today’s your lucky day. Fangamer has just opened pre-orders for a Deluxe Edition physical release of Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery, and it contains the following goodies:
- A four-piece acrylic mini-standee measuring about 2.3 inches tall and 3.45 inches wide when assembled.
- Two kiss-cut sticker sheets
- A set of three postcard-style art cards wishing you the best from Haunted Island, Warlock Woods, and Cowboy County
- A digital download code for a copy of the complete soundtrack.
- Reversible cover art
- Business cards from Frog Detective and Lobster Cop
There’s also a standard edition physical release for Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery, and it includes the above-mentioned soundtrack code, reversible cover art and business cards.
In Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery, you’re a detective, and a frog, and it’s time to solve 3 thrilling mysteries! Play as the #2 best investigator as you find clues, question silly suspects, and look at things through your magnifying glass. Some nay-sayers have called the magnifying glass “useless”, but what do they know?
If you’d like to pre-order either physical version of Frog Detective: The Entire Mystery (both of which are launching Aug. 9th) or simply get a better look at the packages, you can find them on the Fangamer store.