Search for:

Revenge of the Savage Planet locked in for May 2025 as Raccoon Logic Announces Release Window

Montreal, 5th December, 2024 –  Raccoon Logic have revealed their self published, sci-fi adventure Revenge of the Savage Planet will release on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox one, and PC in May 2025. Shown as part of the PC Gaming Show, the new trailer also sees the return of Martin Tweed (of Journey to the Savage Planet fame), and reveals his new nemesis, Gunther Harrison, along with some never before seen gameplay.

Bringing back everything players love from their first intergalactic adventure, but bigger and better in every way – Revenge of the Savage Planet has more planets, gear, critters, laughs, and is 1000x more gooey. The second chapter in the Savage Planet universe also welcomes back Kindred Aerospace CEO Martin Tweed, as he sets his sights on knocking fellow CEO, Gunther Harrison, down a few pegs in some interstellar corporate conflict. 

Abandoned on an alien planet after your mission to colonize space is deemed too costly by Alta Interglobal, your now former employer, you’ll head out to explore strange new lands, scavenge what you can from the vibrant landscape, and repurpose your salvage in an attempt to return home. Your intergalactic exploration will see you scanning plants, capturing creatures, upgrading gear, and unearthing secrets aplenty as you jump, slide, and shoot your way across alien worlds.

Welcome Back, Explorer!
https://youtu.be/7WQ8EEDycDk?si=y9bJCHD20yKMqBVS 

Alex Hutchinson, Creative Director, Raccoon Logic said: “We’re thrilled to share that Revenge of the Savage Planet launches in May next year. This new chapter sees the return of everyone’s favorite Kindred Aerospace CEO, Martin Tweed, as he rallies the troops against his new nemesis, Gunther Harrison, the CEO of Alta Interglobal. While that’s all we can say on Tweed and Gunther for now, we hope you enjoy watching the story unfold as you explore the far reaches of space, stick your nose in every nook and cranny, and work on serving up some delicious, delicious revenge.”

Depending on your preference for pioneering, Revenge of the Savage Planet can be played solo, or co-op (either split screen / couch co-op or online!), with the latter allowing you to use the marvel of the modern day internet to play with your pals on your platform of choice with crossplay. 

An in depth look at  Revenge of the Savage Planet will drop 17th December at 2pm GMT, so stay tuned as we throw back the curtain and reveal more on some of the new planets, equipment, creatures, abilities, and laughs that await you at launch next year. 

Revenge of the Savage Planet will be available in both digital and physical formats from select retailers, with a Day One Edition available which includes an exclusive in-game ‘Hot Wizz’ spacesuit, and an aromatic scratch ‘n’ sniff art card.  

Revenge of the Savage Planet Key Features:

  • Third-Person Online Co-Op & Crossplay – Play with your best friend, partner or hellspawn on/or between any platform and now in third-person! You’ll be tasked with fully exploring and understanding these beautiful alien landscapes and uncovering its secrets.   
  • Couch Co-Op with Split Screen – Experience the nostalgia tinged joy of sitting on the same couch and playing on the same screen with someone you love, like the olden days but with 100% more corporate satire
  • Survive a FOUR Savage PlanetS – Populate your Kindex by exploring four large, vibrant worlds each with their own weird and wonderful plants and creatures. Scan everything, catalog everything, hopefully increase your clearance level… and you might even unlock new (yet still 4th best) gear! Plus… there may be more than four planets. Maybe.
  • Space Action & Adventure – Run, Jump, Shoot, Grind, Stomp, Dodge, Slide, Lasso and Grapple your way through the world! While you’re at it you’ll also be experimenting with three different types of gameplay goo, most of which are highly flammable! Overcome challenging combat encounters with alien boss battles, suggestive fauna, problematic software and maybe even a greedy CEO.
  • Habitat & Character Customization – Alien plants! Exciting gear! Weird rocks! Each planet is packed with nooks and crannies hiding all manner of rewards and secrets.  While you’re at it you can even customize yourself,  and your tiny habitat-like corner of the universe.
  • Collect Alien Creatures –  Intergalactic Hoarders can also use their Lasso to Capture and Collect dozens of strange creatures, then go visit them once they’re relocated “happily placed” in Pens outside your customizable space trailer in scenic Nu Florida.  After all, who is the real dangerous enemy, the corporate profiteers who fired you or a slimy exploding alien creature? 
  • SAVAGE PLANET FRANCHISE – Originally released on Xbox, PS4, Epic Games Store, Steam, Stadia and Switch platforms enabling fun space adventures for millions of players across the globe.  The original game earned multiple awards as a humorous, cooperative indie adventure, Typhoon Studios captured attention of press, creators and earned its Very Positive consumer ratings and Critics endorsements. 

For more information on Revenge of the Savage Planet please like us on X and Instagram, follow on Facebook and Tik Tok, subscribe on YouTube, and check out the official website. 

About Racoon Logic

A friendly pirate crew having fun making indie games, and sometimes causing mischief. Hand crafted. Super spicy. Irreverent and earnest.  We make games we want to play, for people who love discovering new wacky worlds, messing around with surprising and fresh mechanics, and playing games their own way.

For more information, please contact:

Stefano Petrullo, CEO, Renaissance PR

stefano@renaissancepr.biz 

Greg Jones, Head of Comms, Renaissance PR 

greg@renaissancepr.biz 

Rebecca Nicol, Senior Account Manager, Renaissance PR

rebecca@renaissancepr.biz  

Matthew Taylor, Content Creator Specialist, Renaissance PR 

matthew@renaissancepr.biz 

Reid Schneider, Studio Head, Raccoon Logic

reid@raccoonlogic.com

Pre-orders now live for Outbreak Shades of Horror: Chromatic Split on Xbox Series X|S!

Players can now preorder Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split on Xbox Series X|S ahead of its October 25th launch.  Running on the cutting-edge Unreal Engine 5, Chromatic Split delivers spine-tingling survival horror gameplay and high-stakes exploration just ahead of Halloween for both experienced and novice games with a wide array of difficulty settings.  The game also launches on PC via Steam on October 25th, with PS5 and PS5 Pro enhanced versions releasing in autumn 2024.
 

When Detective Lydia Daniels heads to the Cypress Ridge sewers to meet a contact, she gets much more than she bargains for on the eve of a deadly zombie apocalypse.  Chromatic Split is a standalone story bridging together the events of Outbreak The FEDORA Files: What Lydia Knows and the upcoming Outbreak: Shades of Horror.  Lydia will need to shoot, jump, climb, craft, and sneak through an expansive three act campaign if the city of Cypress Ridge is to have a chance at survival.  She’ll begin her ordeal in the city’s labyrinthine sewer system completely unarmed and at the mercy of her environment before getting access to new items that allow her to progress and fight back.  Will she discover the many secrets of the Cypress Ridge underground?
 

Early on in her exploit, Lydia will discover a lead pipe that not only allows her to combat zombies but also access new areas. Zombies are extremely dangerous and must be approached carefully; Lydia will need to employ stealth and careful movement to avoid attracting a deadly horde.  Landing strategic blows with her melee weapon will stun and even stagger zombies, but getting into large fights is not recommended. Eventually, Lydia will discover weapons like the handgun and shotgun, allowing her to dismember zombie limbs, incapacitating her foes and buying her a chance to escape and continue her journey.  With the ability to swap between third person and first person views at the press of a button, players can enjoy the game however they want!
 

In traditional survival horror fashion, Lydia’s resources are highly limited. She will need to forage through her environment to find precious crafting components, allowing her to create ammo, healing remedies, and more.  The choices are tough; does she combine gunpowder and bullet casings to build more ammunition? Or does she use it to concoct an ink jar, allowing for a one-time save?  With many materials and item types to create, managing her limited inventory is challenging; what items does Lydia keep with her, and which should be stored away into linked item boxes for future use?
 

The power of Unreal Engine 5 enables dazzling effects, massive enemy counts, and intense set-pieces. Moody and intimidating lighting mixes with terrifying sound design to fully immerse layers into the world of Chromatic Split. Lydia doesn’t have much time to take in the bloody, creepy sights as she defeats enemies and solves puzzles, but players can enjoy the slime and grime of the sewers, the decay and rotting flesh of the undead, and the sparking and flickering of subterranean machinery gone awry.
 

Beyond the main quest, Chromatic Split is rich with bonus modes and content.  Obliterate massive numbers of zombies on unique maps in the Onslaught and Besieged Modes, and escape old Cypress Ridge in the ultra-hard Looming Dread Mode. Revisit the main story, and carry over your weapons in New Game Plus.  Secret cheat codes, hidden costumes, and a multitude of achievements can be discovered and unlocked, and all modes can be enjoyed on one of six difficulties, including Assisted for players new to the game and genre.  Post-launch, expect to unleash carnage in the extra Trials of Hank side-campaign, explore optional Developer Commentary for a behind-the-scenes look at the game’s development, and more!
 

The time is nigh for Cypress Ridge, and only Detective Lydia Daniels can prevent a full zombie outbreak from extinguishing the city.  Will she be able to contain the chaos in Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split before all hope is lost?
 

From the Developer:

“The first taste of Outbreak: Shades of Horror has arrived via Chromatic Split,” says Julia Wolbach, co-founder of Dead Drop Studios. “This standalone prologue is a tight and moody adventure built on the latest version of Unreal Engine 5, enabling a captivating world and the polished, modern gameplay that survival horror fans have come to expect.  Exploring the underbelly of Cypress Ridge and discovering a wealth of secrets along the way is both deeply satisfying and unnerving, and players will need to contend with nasty creatures and sinister puzzles to emerge victorious.  Add to that a flock of bonus modes, multiple difficulties, and a new game plus, and you have a comprehensive package bound to excite even the most hardened horror veterans.”
 

Platforms and Pricing:

Outbreak: Shades of Horror Chromatic Split debuts on Xbox Series X|S and on PC via Steam on October 25th at an MSRP of $24.99 USD.  International pricing may vary.  Pre-orders for the Xbox Series X|S edition of the game are now available.  Dead Drop Studios will also release both PS5 and PS5 Pro enhanced versions this autumn.  More specific information on launch timing and on which enhancements the game includes when played on PS5 Pro will be revealed in the future.
 

About Dead Drop Studios:

Dead Drop Studios is an indie game developer and publisher created and run by a husband and wife duo which focuses on creating retro-style survival horror games for the modern gamer. Their next announced title, Outbreak: Shades of Horror, is built in Unreal Engine 5 and brings a thrilling next-generation survival horror experience to console and PC platforms.
 

Genshin Impact Version 5.1 arriving October 9th

Singapore, September 27, 2024 – HoYoverse announced the upcoming release of Genshin Impact Version 5.1, titled “The Rainbow Destined to Burn,” on October 9th today. The main story will continue in the new region of Natlan, where Xilonen will join as a master forger and a dependable ally in combat and exploration. Meanwhile, Sumeru will celebrate the return of the Sabzeruz Festival, filled with joy, festivities, and a special birthday surprise for Nahida.
 
Check out Genshin Impact Version 5.1 trailer here:
https://youtu.be/yJ-tllvBvmI
 
Following the last Archon Quest, Natlan is in urgent need of assistance to save herself from destruction and the looming threat of the Abyss. While players and Xilonen work together to forge an Ancient Name for the Traveler, Citlali, a member of the Masters of the Night-Wind, will finally appear to lend a hand. Meanwhile, her fellow tribe member, Ororon, is devising a secret plan. Players’ efforts to rescue Natlan will be rewarded, as they can claim an additional 500 Primogems by completing the two new acts of the Archon Quest in Version 5.1. Additionally, up to 400 Primogems can be obtained by completing specific World Quests and gaining Natlan Exploration Progress.
 
Xilonen, renowned for crafting legendary items like the Pyro Archon’s sunglasses, is not only a talented smith but also an agile and reliable warrior. Unlike traditional climbers, this five-star Geo Sword wielder can skate effortlessly and execute agile leaps along cliff walls. In combat, Xilonen demonstrates versatile support skills by reducing enemies’ Elemental RES or healing her teammates, thanks to her unique combat equipment: Samplers. All three Samplers initially record Geo Source Samples, which Xilonen can instantly activate using her Elemental Skill to reduce enemies’ Geo Elemental RES while enhancing her Normal and Plunging Attack DMG. When she teams up with Hydro, Pyro, Cryo, or Electro characters, the Source Samples will undergo Elemental Conversion and change colors, but they can only be activated after maxing out her Nightsoul Points through Normal Attacks, allowing her to reduce the corresponding Elemental RES of enemies. If at least two Source Samples change color, Xilonen can activate them more rapidly, shifting her Elemental Burst from dealing Geo AoE DMG to healing nearby active teammates. Additionally, she can help the team regain a certain amount of Phlogiston by triggering a Nightsoul Transmission.
 
In the Version 5.1 Event Wishes, Xilonen will feature in the first half alongside the rerun of Chiori, while the second half brings back Nahida and Hu Tao. As more allies join the team, Natlan introduces a new Enemy Boss: the “Secret Source Constructor,” an ancient construction machine with a lethal nature that awaits challengers in a long-forgotten cave.
 
Back in Sumeru, the streets come alive with joyful rhythms during the Sabzeruz Festival, honoring the birthday of Lesser Lord Kusanali. This year, players will reunite with Dehya, Tighnari, and Collei to prepare a heartwarming birthday surprise for Nahida, taking on the special role of Knight of Flowers to escort her carriage through the festival parade. In Port Ormos, the festivities feature a series of mini-games, including “Rocking Carriage,” where players control a carriage to collect flowers and dodge obstacles; “Interreflection of Reality and Dreams,” which challenges players to spot anomalies in the dream world; and a combat challenge where participants fight as the Knight of Flowers. By earning enough Festive Fervor through these activities, players can claim various rewards, including a chance to recruit Candace for free.
 
Version 5.1 also introduces several quality-of-life improvements for the Spiral Abyss, character ascension, Artifacts, and Echo Cosmetics. In the Spiral Abyss, a new skip feature allows players to bypass Floor 9 if they achieved full stars on Floor 11 in the previous update. Similarly, players who completed Floor 12 with full stars can skip both Floors 9 and 10. Character ascension has become more intuitive, with inventory updates displaying the quantities of craftable materials. A new formula filter at the Crafting Bench will also simplify crafting management. Additionally, in the character Artifact interface, Artifact Set filters and affix sorting preferences for individual slots will now be saved, eliminating the need to reset them after each session. Lastly, Zhongli and Keqing’s Echoes can now be obtained by completing new Envisaged Echoes challenges introduced in the latest update.
 
Genshin Impact Version 5.1 will be arriving on October 9. With cross-progression and Co-Op functions, players can enjoy their adventure across PlayStation®, PC, Android, and iOS. The game has been rated T for Teen by ESRB on PS5, PS4, PC, and Google Play, and 12+ on iOS. For more information, please visit the official website (genshin.hoyoverse.com) or follow @GenshinImpact on X, Instagram, and Facebook.
 
About Genshin Impact
Genshin Impact is a free-to-play open-world adventure RPG that brings players to the visually stunning world of Teyvat. The player takes on the role of the mysterious “Traveler,” who sets off on a journey to discover the fate of their lost sibling. Starting from Version 5.0, Natlan, the sixth of the seven nations is open for exploration. Players can explore each nation with unique cultures and vast landscapes, meet a diverse cast of characters, master the art of element-based combat, and unveil the secrets of Teyvat. With cross-progression and Co-Op functions, players can now continue their adventure across PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, PC, Android, and iOS alone or with friends.
 
About HoYoverse
HoYoverse is committed to providing immersive virtual world experiences to players around the world. We have brought fans popular games including Genshin Impact, Honkai: Star Rail, Honkai Impact 3rd, Tears of Themis, and Zenless Zone Zero, as well as a wide range of entertainment content.
Community is at the heart of everything we do. We are devoted to engaging fans and fostering an enthusiastic and inclusive global community that provides access and encouragement for people to share their passion for ACG (Animation, Comics, and Games) through their own creativity and skills.
Pushing the boundaries of imagination, we consistently explore cutting-edge game development technologies, and have accumulated leading technical capabilities in cel shading, cloud gaming, and other fields.
In the future, we will continue to expand our content production, technology research, and publishing duties through operations in offices in Singapore, Montreal, Los Angeles, Tokyo, Seoul, and other areas.
 
Media Contact:
Steven Ruygrok: steve.ruygrok@hoyoverse.com
Xin Yang: xin.yang@hoyoverse.com
Amos Yeo Kaizong (SEA): amos.yeo@hoyoverse.com

Award-winning FPS Exophobia is now physically available for the PS4, PS5, & Nintendo Switch

Las Vegas – September 3rd, 2024 — PM Studios is excited to announce that Zarc Attack’s award-winning FPS Exophobia is now physically available for the PlayStation 4 and 5, as well as the Nintendo Switch. 

You can find it at the following retail establishments:

Prepare to dive into the heart-pounding action of Exophobia, the newest first-person shooter that pays homage to the classics while carving out its own legacy with new metroidvania style action. In Exophobia, players navigate the twisted corridors of a crashed spaceship, now a breeding ground for alien nightmares. With each step, the threat intensifies, but so does your arsenal. 

Features:

🛸 Non-Stop Action: Battle through relentless hordes of aliens with a variety of weapons and tactics at your fingertips.
💥 Progressive Power: Grow stronger with each encounter, unlocking powerful weapon upgrades and game-changing powerups.
🕹️ Retro Aesthetics: Immerse yourself in a game that captures the essence of old-school shooters with modern twists for a fresh and exhilarating experience.

Exophobia, is not just a game; it’s a journey back to the roots of the shooter genre, reimagined for today’s gaming landscape. Whether you’re a seasoned veteran or new to the scene, Exophobia, offers a challenge that will test your skills and reflexes, all while delivering an adrenaline-fueled narrative that keeps you on the edge of your seat.

Make sure to check out the launch trailer for Exophobia in two different flavors.

Oh, and in case you were wondering. Yes, you can still pet that dog!

PM Studios Social Media: Site / Facebook / Twitter / YouTube / Twitch

PR Contact
Bill Murphy
billiam@pm-studios.com

About PM Studios
Founded in 2008 and based in Las Vegas, and internationally in Seoul, Korea; PM Studios, Inc. is an independent developer and publisher of interactive entertainment and mobile applications. More information about PM Studios and its products can be found at www.pm-studios.com.

About Zarc Attack

Zarc Attack is a studio run by solo developer and artist José Castanheira. This seasoned game jam veteran from Portugal is going public with his first commercial project, Exophobia: a boomer shooter + metroidvania hybrid. The studio focuses on creating experiences that are fun and original; set in colourful worlds with exciting characters. Stay tuned for the launch of Exophobia and even more brilliant projects to come!

GUNDAM BREAKER 4 Landing on Consoles and PC August 29th 2024

GUNDAM BREAKER 4 will launch on August 29th 2024 on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam. The game, developed by CRAFTS & MEISTER Co., Ltd, is the next entry in the hack and slash looter franchise and pre-orders are available now.

Embedded media – Click here to see the full story in your browser

In this new GUNDAM BREAKER 4 trailer, players can discover more about the customisation, including the presence of SD Gundam, the possibility to change the size of all parts individually and to create their own colour preset based on either their preferences or their favourite Gundam.

GUNDAM BREAKER 4 will have players fighting their enemies solo or with up to two friends in co-op multiplayer. In addition, the game goes back to the roots of the franchise letting players create the Gunpla of their dreams with a large collection of mobile suits and parts, as well as a new diorama mode.

Digital pre-orders for the Standard, Deluxe and Ultimate edition of GUNDAM BREAKER 4 are now live on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4 and PC via Steam. Digital pre-orders on Nintendo Switch will come at a later date.

Players can now pre-order to get the following bonus:

– RX-78 Gundam Recirculation Color Early Unlock
– Builders Parts Early Unlock

The Deluxe Edition of the game contains the following:
– Season Pass
– Season Pass bonus – Gambarrel Strike Gundam parts (Gundam Breaker Ver.)
– Early unlock for 15 Gunpla parts

The Ultimate Edition, in addition to the Deluxe edition includes:
– Diorama Packs and Diorama Pack set bonus

In addition, a Collector Edition for the game is available on the Bandai Namco Store. This edition includes the Ultimate version of the game, along with a limited edition Gunpla, Gunbarrel Strike Gundam (GUNDAM BREAKER ver.), the digital soundtrack and a steelbook.

MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM is a franchise that celebrates its 45th anniversary this year and was created by Sunrise Inc. The first animation series of the franchise, MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM was first broadcasted in Japan, 1979. Known for its giant mechas called “Mobile Suit” as well as its sci-fi military stories, the franchise grew in popularity and throughout the years and counts now more than 50 TV series, films and OVA, along with lots of merchandise with the most know being Gunpla, plastic model kits with whom people can recreate small versions of their favourite mobile suits.

For more information on GUNDAM BREAKER 4 visit the official page. For other BANDAI NAMCO Europe products, visit their website, follow them on Facebook or X, or subscribe to their YouTube channel.

Spider-Man: Miles Morales

Released on November 12th for PS4 and PS5, Spider-Man: Miles Morales is the second installment from Insomniac Games in the Marvel’s Spider-Man series. A release title for the Playstation 5, the game takes full advantage of the new DualSense controller’s haptic feedback features. The core gameplay and setting of the new title remains the same as the first game, but there a few legitimate improvements. It’s a beat-em-up with all the classic Spider-Man abilities at the player’s disposal. The plot is vastly different from the previous game, there are excellent graphic improvements, and Miles has a few new tricks up his sleeve in the form of cloaking and venom abilities.

Spider-Man swinging from a web
Miles has his own flair and personality as Spider-Man.

With Great Power

While the controls are still the same, Miles has his own distinct feel compared to Peter Parker when swinging around New York City. Because he’s younger and inexperienced, he’s flashier and looks like he’s having more fun than Peter did in the original game. There are also plenty of new suits for Miles to try on. The plot of the story is also very different. Miles has his own unique issues and journey as Spider-Man. He has the power to fight his enemies with a bio-electric ability called “venom”. He uses it often and there are multiple ways that he builds up this power. Miles can also camouflage himself, although this ability doesn’t come into play as often. Of course, he still has all the web-slinging, web-shooting, wall crawling, super-strength, and spidey-senses that Peter does too. But Miles does give the role of Spider-Man his own personal flair.

A purple figure in armor
The game features a new gang for Spider-Man to clean up off the streets of New York.

Comes Great Responsibility

Despite the various improvements that are made with this new installment, most of the game remains the same as the original. Although the original Spider-Man game’s map of New York City is excellent, this game features the same map. It will also take you about half of the time to complete the main story in this game. There are new villains and a new gang to fight against, but the combat is identical except for a few additions. The original Spider-Man was an excellent game, but don’t expect Miles Morales to deviate much from what was already presented. This game serves as a stand-alone continuation of the last game. If you enjoyed the original, you can expect to enjoy this game.

#Marvel #SpiderMan #MilesMorales #PS5

Review: Ghost of Tsushima

Ghost of Tsushima logo

For Playstation fans that didn’t manage to secure a PS5 by now, it might not be until 2021 that we get another opportunity to pick up a next-gen console. If you’re like me and you’re going to be stuck with the PS4 for a few more months, then consider playing through Ghost of Tsushima. This game was one of the very few blessings of 2020. It’s an open-world adventure game that revolves around extensive stealth and combat gameplay.  It features an incredibly well-told story, gorgeous graphics, a complex combat system, rewarding progression, and so much more. The game goes back to the basics of the genre, while simultaneously pushing it to new heights that the genre has never seen.  The game feels like real passion was put into its development. It’s a must-play for PS4 owners.

Samurai on horseback
The bushido honor code of samurai is explored in depth through the story.

The Ghost

One of the most powerful elements of the game is its story. Set in 13th century Japan, you play as Jin Sakai.  You are a samurai on a mission to drive back the Mongolian invasion of his home island of Tsushima. You must hunt down the villainous Khotan Khan and restore peace to your home. But at what cost? The main story explores Jin’s incredible journey towards becoming the hero of his island. As the world changes around him, so does he. As he meets new people, his perspectives change. The game does an excellent job at motivating you to continue playing because you sympathize with him. You feel the same pressures and motivations that force this character to adapt and change so radically. Jin is one of the most well-written dynamic protagonists that I’ve ever seen in a video game. The game even weaves new skills and weapons into the game as Jin goes through character development. This is exactly how a game nails its story and keeps the audience enthralled. Many of the random side quests can be somewhat dull, but even some of these have an interesting plot to them. Still, the main story is a superb example of how a game can pair a developing character with a progression system.

Jin Sakai with fire behind him
Jin Sakai is a complicated man with a tragic past.

From Katana to Kunai

Ghost of Tsushima has tons of different ways for you to go about killing your enemies. But it all boils down to two approaches, direct combat or stealth. As you progress, you can build your character in such a way that prioritizes one or the other. For example, you can work on spending your materials on a heavy suit of armor and spending your experience points on new sword attacks. This would be a good way to go if you want to charge in and fight your opponents head on. If you want to take more of a stealthy approach, you can invest in a powerful bow and upgrade your stealth weapons. Then, you can try to silently pick off your opponents one by one. It’s really the player’s choice on how they want to handle most of their combat. But boss fights are where the real challenge comes in. Jin will find himself in plenty of duels against skilled enemies. Having finished the entire game on the hardest difficulty, this is where the game can get terribly frustrating. Some bosses are lightning fast and can kill you instantly. To beat them, you need to sustain perfect dodges and parries for an extended period of time. If you’re not looking for a serious challenge, then definitely avoid the hardest difficulty. But nothing feels sweeter than finally taking down a boss after a long fight.

Jin drawing his sword against a Mongol
As you get stronger, so do the Mongols. They’ll come at you with everything from fire and blades to poison and beasts.

The Blade of the Samurai

Most of the combat in the game revolves around Jin’s katana. As you progress through the game, you unlock different stances for holding the sword. Each stance’s attacks are different and each one specializes in fighting against a different type of enemy. Combat focuses on light attacks, heavy attacks, parrying, and dodging. But the game also features bows, blowguns, bombs, kunai knives, smoke grenades, and more. The island of Tsushima is split into three geographic sections and the enemies get tougher as you go further north. Just when you think you’ve mastered the combat and strengthened your character enough, you move onto a new level of difficulty. The game also features interesting side quests where you investigate a legend such as a “cursed” bow or an “immortal” samurai with a huge payoff of a special new item or special new skill. Thanks to the loads of player options and the diverse range of enemies, combat never gets old.

Jin on horseback in front of a shrine
The game features various points of interest in the form of mini-games or puzzles. You can write haiku, visit shrines, bathe in hot springs, and more.

The Beauty of Japan

When you aren’t liberating Japan from the Mongols, the island of Tsushima can be quite beautiful. As you progress through the game, the island’s geography will change as well. There’s a diverse range of environments that the player finds themself in. The games features multiple different forests that have their own type of tree, all of which are visually stunning. Tsushima has flower fields, mountains, and lakes. All of them are breathtaking. Even the swamps, tundras, and burned wastelands look incredible. Clearly, incredible attention to detail was put into making this game look beautiful. There isn’t even a minimap on the screen. You swipe the controller’s touchpad and wind will blow in the direction of your objective. Plus, the game is packed with customization options for your character. Unlike Assassin’s Creed, which much of the gameplay seems to be inspired by, this game is micro-transaction free. Other than one suit of armor available in the deluxe edition, every single item in the game can be acquired through the one-time purchase of the standard edition. It was refreshing to experience a well-crafted game in this genre without a currency system backed by real money. Ghost of Tsushima gives you a wide range of customization options for your character without constantly dangling micro-transactions in front of you.

Jin Sakai looking at the horizon
The war with the Mongols takes a toll on the island… and on Jin.

The Conclusion

Ghost of Tsushima is an open-world adventure game that goes back to the basics while simultaneously adding so much new content. The rich progression system, unlockable customization options, beautiful scenery, and thrilling story motivates you to keep on playing. Sucker Punch hit this game out of the park, ending the PS4’s exclusive list on a high note. Although many of the side quests are rather dull, the core gameplay is so invigorating that I found myself enjoying them just because it was an opportunity to show off the skills that I was picking up through my adventures. I’m truly excited to see what Sucker Punch has planned for the PS5.

Final Score: 9.1/10

#GhostOfTsushima #PS4 #PS5 #SuckerPunch #Sony

EGX 2018

EGX 2018

17 Sept. 2018

If you’re heading to this week’s EGX – the UK’s biggest games event – 20 to 23 September – be sure to stop by and pay us a visit. We’ll be there with a quadruple-whammy of mighty titles: Valfaris, Shikhondo – Soul Eater, Bleed 2, and Spectrum.

And, if everything goes according to plan between now and the show (what could possibly go wrong!?), we’ll also have a couple more as-yet-unannounced indie gems that we’ll be showing for the first time.

Where to find us: RZ4 (Rezzed South on the show guide)

Everyone is welcome to drop by at any time, but if you’d like to book a specific appointment, we are more than happy to accommodate. Just send an email request to: matt@digeratidistribution.com

Look forward to seeing you at EGX!

Valfaris
Platforms: PC, PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Release: 2019

Valfaris is a heavy metal infused 2D action-platformer and the next game from the team behind cult indie hit, Slain: Back From Hell. Brutal combat. Deadly enemies. Stunning pixel art. Savage soundtrack. Get ready to rip the galaxy a new wormhole… at EGX!

After being selected for Indie Megabooth at PAX West, the Eurogamer Expo is the first time Valfaris will be publicly playable outside of the US. Don’t miss your chance to play one of next year’s hottest indie prospects.

Bleed 2
Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Release: Out now

Bleed 2 is a furiously fun and fast-paced run-and-gun thrill-ride with slick shooting and tightly-designed arcade action. Released earlier this year on consoles, if you haven’t given it a whirl already, come check Bleed 2 out at EGX and find out why Cuphead co-creators Chad and Jared Moldenhauer call it “the ultimate all-killer, no-filler game”.

Shikhondo – Soul Eater
Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Release: Out now

Shikhondo – Soul Eater is a Korean bullet-hell shoot ‘em up set within a beautiful and bizarre world of Asian mythology. Released on consoles in Aug/Sept, fans of Touhou Project will want to check out this vertically scrolling shmup at EGX. Hypnotic. Intense. Hardcore.

Spectrum
Platforms: PS4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One
Release: Out now

Spectrum is a unique platform game set in a stunning abstract world. Jump, dive and find your flow to skillfully navigate ingenious levels of shifting shapes and vibrant colours. We’ll be showing the Nintendo Switch exclusive co-op mode at EGX, so be sure to stop by with a buddy.

Gaming News and the Ultimate Universe