Gaming News, PC, Video Game Trailers

First free Turbo Golf Racing update… NOW LIVE!

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Six new levels, two new Power Cores, a selection of new cosmetics and Whippy the Ice Cream Truck are now available in Turbo Golf Racing, as the arcade-style racer receives its first free update and shows off its future content plans.

One week on from Turbo Golf Racing’s successful Early Access and Game Preview launch across PC and Xbox platforms, developer Hugecalf Studios and publisher Secret Mode can reveal the full contents of the first free update, available now in-game for all Turbo Golf Racing players.

New content

  • Six New Levels: Rocket Ramp; The Snake; Bunker Balls; Dual Route Dash; Neon Raceway; A Walk in the Woods
    These levels are automatically added to the online playlist, and can be unlocked for Time Trials by achieving set star totals in the Solo mode
  • New Car: Whippy the Ice Cream Truck
    Available in the in-game store right now
  • New Active Power Core: Stomp – Stomps your car into the ground, sending your ball flying with great force
    Unlocked by clocking up 300 seconds of gliding in the online mode
  • New Passive Power Core: Rough Rider – Car ignores the effects of long grass
    Unlocked by clocking up 300 seconds of driving through rough in the online mode
  • New cosmetics 
  • New emojis: Poop and Yawn emojis now replaced by Fire and Luck


Bug fixes

  • [Windows Store] Fixed an issue where players would get stuck on the “Logging you in with the Xbox network…” on login screen
  • Provided a work around for players who experience “Waiting for QoS results” when searching for a match. Players who experience this should manually select their region from the settings menu.
  • Fixed an issue where the game could cut to a black screen after the match ends
  • Level Fix: Spots and Shots – the players’ ball could get stuck in the hole
  • Fixed various level exploits that would allow skipping of levels in unintended ways (thanks to the “TGR cool stuff” Discord members for helping us find them!)

 
In addition to today’s content update, Hugecalf Studios can also share more details about their upcoming development plans for Turbo Golf Racing content:

🔥 ONGOING  🔥
Hugecalf Studios will be adding FREE new content with each major update. This will include:

  • Loads more levels
  • Tons of cosmetics
  • New Power Cores

COMING SOON™️
Hugecalf Studios is actively working on these features. They should be landing in the next few months:

  • Early Access Season 2
  • New Biome
  • Cross-Platform Parties
  • Global Leaderboards
  • Private Lobbies
  • Improved Quest system and rewards

🌅 ON THE HORIZON 🌅
Hugecalf Studios will look to develop these features before exiting Early Access / Game Preview:

  • Early Access Season 3
  • Improved missiles and new pick-ups
  • Ranked Mode
  • New Game Modes (Duos?)
  • Platform Achievements
  • In-game Stats

And lots, lots more…

Turbo Golf Racing is out now on Steam Early Access and Xbox Game Preview on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One and Microsoft Store with an RRP of £14.99 | €17.99 | $17.99. It is also available via Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.

The current expectation is that Turbo Golf Racing’s Early Access period will last approximately 12 months.

Video Game Trailers

Tennis League VR on Quest Gets New Gameplay Trailer

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Step onto the court and ready your racket! Developer AnotheReality and funding partner HIP have announced that a free playable demo for Tennis League VR is now available on the Meta Quest Store. Designed for casual fans and aspiring pros, Tennis League VR delivers the thrill of intense rallies and the triumph of landing the perfect ace with the most realistic tennis physics available in virtual reality. Download the free demo and join over 50,000 other players who have already lobbed, sliced, and volleyed their way to matchpoint.

Developed with tennis and sportscare professionals, Tennis League VR offers a challenge for every skill level. Virtual champions can play solo across a variety of modes including career and custom games. Host your own online tournament or one-on-one matches and invite up to 8 friends to spectate as they jeer or cheer you on. Use real techniques to dominate the leaderboards and smash the competition.

Tennis League VR’s free playable demo is now available on the Meta Quest Store. The game will launch on Meta Quest and Meta Quest 2 this Fall.

Tennis League VR was designed by real tennis and sportscare professionals for casual fans and aspiring athletes. In the full version, which is slated to launch this Fall, players will be able to play across a variety of modes like career and custom.

Additionally, virtual champions will be able to host their own online tournaments and one-on-one matches. Up to 8 friends will be able to spectate and cheer (or jeer) you on!

Gaming News, Video Game Trailers

Moonscars to Launch on September 27

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Today, publisher Humble Games and developer Black Mermaid revealed that 2D Platform Slasher Moonscars will launch on September 27, 2022 on PC via the Humble Store and Steam, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4.

The new launch date reveal trailer helps set the stage for the dark and foreboding world that players will get to experience in Moonscars as lead protagonist Grey Irma, as well as more thrilling combat sequences and boss reveals.

In Moonscars, every death is a lesson learnt—and as you overcome each challenge, new truths will be revealed. As the fierce clayborne warrior Grey Irma, you must push your combat skills to the limit and master new abilities to progress through an unforgiving nonlinear 2D world. Facing off against the relentless, destructive darkness and cruel mistress the Moon, your quest is to find the Sculptor and unravel the mystery of your existence.

KEY FEATURES:

  • Death shapes you – Before you rise, you first must fall. Mold yourself into a master warrior through a cycle of trial and triumph.
  • A grimly gorgeous world – Explore the shadows and secrets concealed in the moonlight of a painterly nonlinear 2D realm marred by desperation and despair.
  • Test your resolve – Sharpen your skills and reflexes in challenging, action-packed combat. Slash and parry with your sword, wield unique special weapons, and command powerful Witchery.
  • The Moon hungers – Unearth a strange, dark fantasy tale filled with twists and intricate worldbuilding. Seek the truth of your creation and be rewarded.
  • Clay, bone, and ichor – Bear witness to tales and memories of betrayal, suffering, and revenge as Grey Irma and her fellow beings of flesh and clay seek truth and purpose.
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God of Riffs Slays Sinful Skeletons on Steam, Meta Quest on September 21, 2022

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God of Riffs, the rhythmic heavy metal slasher from publisher Vyersoft and developer Boss Music Games, breaks through the skeleton swarms into v1.0 on Steam in Q4 2022 with support for Meta Quest and Rift.

Charge into thematic hellscapes to rescue the musical multiverse from a sad, rhythmless afterlife. Dual wield two axe-guitar hybrids imbued with the power of the gods to strike a move against undead spawn with a fast-paced barrage of rhythmic melee combat. Annihilate headstrong skeleton warriors to the hair-thrashing base of a rock’n‘roll original soundtrack.

Earn bragging rights by bashing the most skulls and reaching the top of the charts, fueled by the immersive roar of fans fist-pumping to a killer performance. Turn the amp up to 11 with highly customizable difficulty settings, creating a suitable stage for every rockstar. Conquer the seas of the undead and emerge victorious to become a true ruler of the beat.

“God of Riffs journey to v1.0 is finally upon us, and the team couldn’t be more excited,” said Mathew Palumbo, Company Director at Boss Music Games. “We’ve upgraded the battlefield with fresh tracks, new game modes, and many technical changes to create a smoother playing experience overall. We’re also hyped to bring a full story mode DLC to fans later this year and can’t wait to see everyone’s reactions!”

God of Riffs launches into v1.0 on Meta Quest, Meta Rift, and Steam on September 21, 2022, for $14.99 with a 30% launch discount. For more information, please visit the official website and Facebook page. Follow Vyersoft on Twitter, Boss Music Games on Twitter, and Instagram.

Gaming News, Video Game Trailers

‘Meet the Cast’ Teaser Trailer Revealed for The Chant

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Today’s video begins with The Chant’s lead character, Jessica Briar, performed by Siobhan Williams, as she’s asked by her friend Kim Mallari (played by Kira Clavell) to come to this remote Glory Island on a spiritual retreat. Jess is happy to take a few days away from the city and her stressful life and career. Why not?

Considering herself someone who is willing to try new things, Jessica is also ready to deal with some much-needed closure from a traumatic event she experienced with Kim during their teenage years. What she does not know is that she will be forced into a new way of thinking in order to survive a new series of horrors.

Meet the cast of The Chant…

Kim´s been looking forward to the retreat ever since she first heard about it from Tyler Anton (portrayed by Adam Millard) at one of his seminars. Since becoming a student of Tyler, she has felt more alive than ever. She is grateful that Tyler allowed and even encouraged her to invite Jess to join, but is Tyler the healing, powerful and spiritual leader he claims to be?

Tyler inherited the island from his troubled mother and now he’s ready to welcome a small group of followers to a transformational journey into Prismic Science. This is the opportunity he’s been waiting for, and it’s time to leave his mark on the world and maybe even the cosmos.

Hannah Wilson (played by Emily Tennant) feels nothing but excitement at the thought of welcoming the retreat attendees. She has spent the past several months as Tyler’s right-hand. Never before has she experienced such a sense of belonging.

Maya Kalani (portrayed by Nicole Anthony) is on the island because she believes this retreat is her first step towards confronting the scars of her past and discovering true healing. During her journey of self-healing, she met Tyler, whose keen eye saw her pain and enrolled her in the retreat with ease. She embodies a special spirit and energy.

Since connecting with Tyler, Sonny Sonti (Praneet Akilla) has decided to channel his energy (and some family wealth) towards his vision to help promote Prismic Science and create a movement. This is his chance to find greater meaning and leave behind a pattern of broken promises and self-destruction.

Multiple characters, multiple reasons to be there. One interconnected journey that will avow the strengths and weaknesses of each of the spiritual retreat attendees on Glory Island.

The Chant – developed by Brass Token and published by Prime Matter – will ship on Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, and PC later this year.

Gaming News, PC, Video Game Trailers

Tim Burton-Inspired Adventure “Whateverland” Torments Souls on PC September 15

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Whateverland, the hand-drawn, point-and-click adventure game from Caligari Games, drops into a surreal world on Windows PC via Steam, GOG, and Itch.io on Thursday, September 15, 2022. Versions on Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One also aim to take control of their destiny late 2022.

Whateverland, a world where morally grey souls are banished and transformed in a darkly comical way into forms befitting their souls’ selfish desires, ends up being the perfect place for professional thief Vincent. Stranded in this weird place, Vincent must seek an escape out of a makeshift society full of people no one would ever (willingly) get a drink with alongside a newfound–and not-so-helpful–sidekick Nick.

Discover new puzzles, storylines, and endings with nonlinear progression. Branching narratives and a morality system stretch beyond the bounds of good and evil with lots of grey to play with. Vincent’s skills as a thief can help get what he needs or wants, but at a potentially steep price. Vincent’s choices lead him down different paths containing more than 20 mini-games, with not all of them discoverable on a single playthrough.

Lead a team of small bug-like creatures that spawned from burned books, called the Bookashes, each bearing different abilities in battle to score a goal before the other team in Bell and Bones, an easy-to-learn hexagonal grid strategy game that’s popular in the world of Whateverland. Thanks to the Kickstarter’s reaching its stretch goal, fans who can’t get enough of this game-within-a-game can enjoy a standalone version at a later date.

The Whateverland experience combines a number of familiar influences, including point-and-click adventure classics and the best titles from the genre’s modern revival, with entirely hand-drawn art inspired by masters of the bizarre such as Tim Burton. Experience each storyline and mini-game with fully voiced English language dialogue, told to the sound of an original jazz and polka inspired soundtrack performed and recorded by a sextet.

“We love the renaissance era of point and click adventures and want to bring back the feeling those games gave us to our audience,” said Eli Mikeladze, Narrative Designer, Producer, and Co-Founder, Caligari Games. “We’re glad we got such great support from fans of The Great Perhaps and with our Kickstarter and can’t wait to welcome them to the weird world of Whateverland.”

Whateverland releases on Thursday, September 15, 2022 for $19.99/19.99€ on Steam, GOG, and Itch.io for Windows PC, Mac, and Linux with English language voice acting and English, Russian, Ukrainian, Italian, Turkish, Japanese, Korean, and Chinese (Simplified) language text with more languages to come. Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One versions will release later this year. Whateverland: Prologue is available now on Steam for Windows PC, Mac, and Linux.

For more information, please visit Caligari Games’ official website, follow Caligari Games on Facebook and Twitter, and search for #Whateverland on social media.

Gaming News, PC, Video Game Trailers

Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2 will pit you against the madness of the Great Old Ones this September!

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Fulqrum Publishing and LLC Blini Games are happy to announce the return of Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2, now scheduled to launch on September 13, 2022 on PC, Mac and Linux. The game features an intriguing, madness infused narrative wrapped in roguelike, action-heavy gameplay full of nightmarish locations, enemies, and bosses. Players should prepare themselves for truly challenging combat, in which their success or failure will be determined by their skill with a gun, proper preparation of crafted gear and consumables, selection of the right character for their playstyle and of course, the fickle whims of the Great Old Ones.

Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2 let’s players switch between 6 different characters which can be unlocked during their journey, each one with a different playstyle. Fan favourites from the previous instalment – the Detective, the Witch and the Professor – make their return, joined in their fight against the insanity of the Great Old Ones by the newcomers: Medium, Veteran and Alienist.

Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2 continues the narrative of the cult classic first game, but this time players will continue the fight against the unknown with new elements like crafting – using blueprints and resources to create consumables and even new equipment. Reunite with old acquaintances and meet new characters, explore new procedurally generated locations, defend themselves against dozens of different enemies and face off against epic bosses. But beware… Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2 is more challenging than ever before, and the tough nightmarish creatures opposing you will not give up easily!

Lovecraft’s Untold Stories 2 launches September 13, 2022 on PC, Mac and Linux, and will be available through Steam, GOG, Epic Games Store and other digital stores for $24.99 USD / 24.99 EUR / £19.99 GBP, with a 15% store discount available during the first week of release.

Developer Diaries, Gaming News, HTC Vive, Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift, Video Game Trailers

VR Sword-fighting Game ALTAIR BREAKER Launches Globally on August 18

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Thirdverse, Inc. is pleased to announce that its new multiplayer VR sword-fighting action game, “ALTAIR BREAKER” will launch globally for Meta Quest 2 and PCVR platforms on August 18, 2022, at a set price of $24.99. The game is already available for wishlisting on the Meta Quest and Steam stores.

Transcendent VR Sword-Fighting
Designed with casual players in mind, ALTAIR BREAKER brings a “new generation of VR sword-fighting action” to the VR world. The game features several unique aspects and actions that would be impossible to perform in the real world, such as high-speed sword-fighting action, blow-ups, aerial combos, and wide-range attacks with special moves.

ALTAIR BREAKER also enables multiplayer gameplay for up to four players and cross-play between Meta Quest 2 and PCVR, leaving players free to be matched with players from all over the world and communicate via voice chat.

The World of ALTAIR
The game takes place in an aerial city located in the VR world called “ALTAIR”, where AI was created in the past to help and develop singularity-like creatures. Once a group of islands covered in a sea of clouds, most of the islands have collapsed to this day. Now they are nothing but ruins floating in the void inhabited by LAWS, the experimental battle AIs left behind and free to wander around. Players are guided by the humanoid AI “Stella” who observes and manages this land and are challenged to fight against the vicious “LAWS”.

Listen to ALTAIR BREAKER Main Theme “Singularity”; Composed and arranged by Hideki Sakamoto (noisycroak):

Game Reviews, Xbox Series X|S

Outbreak: Contagious Memories Review – Xbox Series S|X

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Outbreak: Contagious Memories wants to take you back to a time when tank controls felt immersive. Where a well-designed horror game made you feel vulnerable and unsure of what lies around the corner. The 90’s horror games of yore were a diamond in the rough, but three decades of innovation have made them impenetrable without modernization. Outbreak Contagious Memories wastes no time making comparisons to early Resident Evil and Silent Hill. However, it’s a bill of goods that the game doesn’t come close to delivering. Graphics, controls, combat, puzzles seem more of a proof of concept rather than a commercial product due to quality.

Dead Drop Studios is porting Contagious Memories, one of several games in a series, to the Xbox Series platform. While the marketing indicates that it is taking advantage of new hardware, it’s apparent from the get-go, that this is simply a port. Nearly every action outside of gameplay will force a loading screen. Hitting pause, opening a door, and navigating one or two clicks deep into a menu, all cause a brief loading screen. It’s jarring and while I’m not a developer, it makes me ask the question, why does a native game with such simple levels require a landing screen given the SSD and speed of these consoles?

You play as Lydia who wakes up to a city undergoing the early hours of zombie infection. While getting the lay of the land you must find a way to escape by managing your resources, shooting monsters, and solving puzzles. The game attempts to apply pressure by giving you limited resources to clear each section of a level, solve a puzzle, and keep moving towards leaving town. The game also features a coop mode where you must share resources.  While I appreciate the goal of wanting to transport me back to the 90s and make a campy experience that gives me feelings of nostalgia, I found the game to be too frustrating to be able to appreciate the aim of the developer.

Outbreak: Contagious Memories gives you the option to choose between fixed camera, over-the-shoulder, and first-person perspective. While It’s a good idea to give players choice when revisiting a more reductive level design, the controls, locomotion, and aiming were so clunky none of the schemes felt at all playable. Similar to when Grand Theft Auto V added first-person to their third-person game, your character has the momentum to overcome before and after indicating walking. It gives the controls a loose feeling that makes it difficult to line up shots, with your limited ammo as a zombie takes sometimes 6-10 shots to kill!

To add insult to injury, the aim-assist system is so broken that you’ll end up wasting shots and get your health chipped away. This is evident especially when shooting the dog enemies in the game. As the dogs run towards you, the auto-aim in first person locks on above the dog’s character model. I can only suspect that this is what happens when you apply the same auto-aim mechanics to a character model that is 1/3 the size of the zombie character model. I understand a design choice of wanting to not feature the overly sticky auto-aim of modern games, but this game’s aiming mechanic is broken not challenging.

I had to restart from scratch two different times when I would reach a new room and not have enough ammunition to clear the enemies or even begin to read whatever note was left behind to solve a puzzle. For that reason, I ended up not even finishing the game but instead spent my time sussing out all the ways this game trips over itself and tries to call it nostalgia.

I can put up with campy and silly callbacks to 90’s horror games, I was there and loved discovering the genre moving into the 3D realm, but I can’t describe this game as a finished commercial product. Enemies clipping in and out of each other as they shamble towards you while you empty shot after shot into them, dogs levitating back up from the ground after you’ve spent all your ammo shooting behind them, clogged levels that have you endlessly backtracking and seeing a loading screen for the 5th time in three minutes of playing, it all robs the experience of any fun you could have.

Outbreak: Contagious Memories is a part of a series that can be found on Limited Run Games, Stadia, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Switch, and Steam. It’s normally priced between 10 and 30 dollars and I have to say it certainly smells like shovelware. Furthermore, Dead Drop Studios is launching a Kickstarter this month to fundraise. It’s certainly a harsh criticism, and I’m sure someone else may resonate more with the design intent, but I can’t recommend you spend your money or time on this title. I’d be suspicious of other games in the franchise given how many platforms it’s been ported to. If you’re looking for a nostalgia kick, I’d look somewhere else.