Train2Game News Legend of Mana Remastered Edition

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Square Enix Ltd., today announced that Legend of Mana™, the remastered edition of the fourth instalment in the Mana series is now available to play on modern consoles Nintendo Switch™ system, PlayStation®4 console and STEAM®.

In Legend of Mana, players will embark on a journey to find the mystical Mana Tree seen in a dream, only to discover that the world map is empty. Throughout their adventure, they will acquire special artifacts, which can be placed on the map to bring towns and dungeons to life via the unique Land Creation system. Players can also capture eggs and hatch pet monsters to help with battles, and progress through the story in different ways based on the choices they make, offering a more personal and unique gameplay experience.

  Legend of Mana features remastered visuals and a rearrangement of selected songs from the beautiful soundtrack, including ‘Hometown of Domina’. Players will also be able alternate between the new and original soundtrack. The game also introduces the “Ring Ring Land” mini-game which will be available to the West for the first time. During their travels, players will encounter a colourful cast of characters, square off against fearsome monsters in real-time combat and explore the vast world of Fa’Diel, all while experiencing Legend of Mana’s timeless story.

  Legend of Mana is now available digitally for £24.99 on the Nintendo Switch™ system, the PlayStation®4 console and PC (STEAM®). Players who purchase Legend of Mana before July 23 will receive an early purchase reward, including ten avatars and a custom Legend of Mana theme on the PlayStation®4 console or Legend of Mana Wallpaper on PC (STEAM®).

For more information visit: https://square-enix-games.com/en_GB/games/legend-mana

Train2Game News Worms Rumble Launches

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Team17 has today completed docking procedures and launched Worms Rumble, the first real-time action instalment in the beloved, multi-award-winning Worms series, onto Nintendo Switch, Epic Games Store, and on Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One (via the Microsoft Store and Xbox Game Pass.

The release of the game, which first launched on PlayStation consoles and Steam for PC in November last year, will coincide with the availability of a brand-new and free arena – Spaceport Showdown – across all platforms.

  Enjoy ‘orbit’ of the new space-age Worms Rumble trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ExgNw0yqu7U&ab_channel=Team17 

  Set far above the stratosphere, the Spaceport Showdown features a new, randomly generated, low-gravity mechanic that slows the action down during battle and joins the existing available maps: Deadly Dockyard, Battlegrounds Bank, Missile Mall, Portal Park, and Transforming Towers. New extra-terrestrial premium skins, banners, and emotes will help acclimatise the weapon-toting annelids to their new surroundings. A free exclusive outfit, the Series Green Hoodie, will be available to Xbox players, while those on Nintendo Switch can enjoy the free Patchwork Bear outfit.

  Worms Rumble key features:

  • Fast-paced, arena action: Open fire in six varied arenas in up-to-32-player, real-time combat across five solo and team-based game modes, including Deathmatch, Team Deathmatch, and the battle royale mode, Last Worm Standing
  • Take aim across the platforms: Take on friends, frenemies, and unfamiliars whatever the platform, with cross-play matchmaking
  • Make your Worm its own: Choose and unlock over 1000 options to full customise your worm, from outfits and hats, to eye colour and teeth shape; further personalise the weapons they wield with additional skins to unlock
  • Lock and load your arsenal: Crates across the arenas contain a host of weapons and items, including fan favourites like the Sheep Launcher, Holy Hand Grenade, and Grapple Gun.
  • Regular Lab events: The time-limited event Lab mode provides preset maps, weapons, and gameplay mechanics for players to master and unlock new skins

A physical release for Worms Rumble is coming to all console platforms on 13th July.

To keep up to date with all the information on Worms Rumble please like Team17 on Facebook, follow them on Twitter and join them on Discord.

Train2Game News D&D Dark Alliance

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Wizards of the Coast, a division of Hasbro, Inc (NASDAQ: HAS), is proud to announce that DARK ALLIANCE, the explosive four-player, co-op action brawler is now available for PC, PlayStation®4, PlayStation®5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S and Windows 10 PC with Xbox Game Pass. Developed by Wizards of the Coast and Tuque Games, DARK ALLIANCE is the first Dungeons & Dragons video game published by Wizards of the Coast, and a new CGI trailer was released to celebrate the launch:

“Whenever I’m at the table playing Dungeons & Dragons with my friends, I always anxiously await that moment in a scenario when the Dungeon Master says, ‘Roll for initiative’. That’s when you know things are about to get fun and interesting,” said Jeff Hattem, Studio Head at Tuque Games and Creative Director for DARK ALLIANCE. 

“We designed DARK ALLIANCE from those moments in D&D campaigns; our game puts combat at the center of the experience and we can’t for players to feel what it’s like to battle a Frost Giant up close and personal.”

Featuring real-time combat and dynamic co-op gameplay, Dark Alliance pits Drizzt Do’Urden and his legendary companions – Catti-brie, Bruenor, and Wulfgar – against some of the most iconic monsters from the Forgotten Realms of Dungeons & Dragons. Frost Giants, Beholders, and White Dragons roam the frozen tundra of Icewind Dale in search of the Crystal Shard— and it’s up to the companions to muster the strength to stop them from claiming and using it to destroy their home. 

“Gathering a party and having fun with your friends is what Dungeons & Dragons is all about,” said Chris Cocks, President, Wizards of the Coast. “Launching DARK ALLIANCE today marks a big milestone for Wizards of the Coast, in that we’re opening up new ways for friends to experience D&D together whether they’re at the table or behind a screen.”

Dark Alliance is available digitally [$39.99 / £34.99 / € 39.99, DarkAlliance.com] and at retail, with an exclusive Steelbook® edition for $59.99 / £49.99 / €59.99 at select retailers. The Steelbook edition includes a Steelbook case, a printed art book, a downloadable Dungeons & Dragons soundtrack, a Beholder and Lich weapon set, and the forthcoming expansion “Echoes of the Blood War” which is set to release later this year.

Wizards of the Coast is making it easy to assemble your party. Players who purchase DARK ALLIANCE on PlayStation®4 will receive a free digital download code so that they can upgrade to the PlayStation®5, and vice versa. Players who preordered on Xbox One Consoles or Xbox Series X|S only must buy the game once and receive it on both platforms through Smart Delivery. DARK ALLIANCE is also available for Xbox Game Pass.

To learn more about DARK ALLIANCE and to watch the all-new CGI trailer, visit the official website at www.DarkAlliance.com.

Train2Game News An Introduction To Game Writing

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Steve Ince is proud to announce the release of his new book, An Introduction to Game Writing; a Workbook for Interactive Stories, which is now available.

With a foreword written by Stephen E. Dinehart IV, a renowned and respected writer and narrative designer, the book is primarily aimed at students aged 10 and upwards, but anyone curious about game writing and interactive stories will benefit from this introductory volume.

This book introduces the reader to the exciting nature of game writing in a step by step process that any person can pick up quickly.

Requiring no previous knowledge or outstanding English skills, the eager novice will learn to create interactive stories in next to no time.

Steve is an award-nominated writer and game designer with 28 years of development experience. After 11 years with Revolution Software, he turned freelance and has worked for a large variety of international clients. He speaks at conferences around the world, runs game writing workshops and wrote his first book, Writing for Video Games, a number of years ago.

The first steps of any journey are always the hardest, but An Introduction to Game Writing will help smooth the path.

The book can be ordered from your local bookshop or online book sellers as well as from Amazon in both paperback and Kindle versions.

Train2Game News New Game Making Tutorial Game For Game Maker

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YoYo Games today announced the launch of Fire Jump – a new game-making tutorial designed to introduce new users to the basics of GameMaker Studio 2, the world’s leading 2D game development engine. 

Designed specifically for those with little or no game design experience, Fire Jump features a step-by-step guide to making an infinite platformer game, primarily using GameMaker’s easy-to-use and intuitive Drag and Drop (DnD) system. 

In Fire Jump, players control an intrepid fireman on a mission to rescue civilians from a burning building. As our hero leaps vertically from window to window, he must rescue civilians whilst trying to avoid those windows which are on fire. 

Explained in an easy to understand manner, the free tutorial includes four tutorials plus a wealth of supporting materials, teaching new users how to make a playable character, generate infinite obstacles, build a solid game loop along with menus and much more. There is also enough useful information for intermediate users to enjoy as well.

The launch of Fire Jump tutorial follows the recent release of Little Town, a major new game-making tutorial designed to teach students the fundamental principles of game design with GameMaker Studio 2. 


You can download the Fire Jump tutorial by visiting https://www.yoyogames.com/en/blog/fire-jump-tutorial. 

Stuart Poole, General Manager, YoYo Games, said: “With Drag and Drop, absolutely anyone can make an impressive game without writing code – all you need is imagination. 

“This is why we’re extremely excited to be launching Fire Jump – our latest high-quality step-by-step DnD tutorial, designed to quickly get hobbyists up-to-speed with the core functionality of DnD and GameMaker Studio 2 while hopefully inspiring them to create their own amazing games.”

Train2Game News Humble Bundle Supporting Games Aid

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Get ready to discover some of the best games from across the UK with the help of Games Aid’s newest Humble Bundle.



We’ve teamed up with some of the best developers from across all the nations of the UK to bring you the UK Collective Games Aid Bundle; a curated collection of intriguing titles to your PC, all available at a delightfully low cost.

The following games – which would normally collectively cost $95 – are all part of the bundle.

Pay more than a dollar to get:

  • Master Reboot by Wales Interactive: imagine a world where death is no longer final, where precious memories are saved to enjoy forever, where your soul is immortal, welcome to the Soul Cloud. Upload your soul to our dedicated servers and relax knowing that a part of you will live on for eternity.
  • Her Majesty’s Spiffing by Billy Goat Entertainment: a quaint graphic adventure game following the exploits of Captain Frank Lee English and his trusted regional accented colleague, Aled, as they travel through the cosmos in search of planets to claim for a new Galactic British Empire!

Pay more than the average to get those games and:

  • Lumino City by State of Play: an award-winning hand-made Puzzle Adventure game. By exploring the city, and using your ingenuity piece together all sorts of puzzling mechanisms to help the people who live in its unique world.
  • The Ship Murder Party by Blazing Griffin: a murder mystery alternative to traditional FPS multiplayer games. Each player is given a Quarry to kill – and must evade their own Hunter in the process, all set on board a series of 1920s art deco cruise ships.

Pay more than eight dollars to get all these games:

  • Warhammer 40k: Sanctus Reach by Slitherine: a 3D turn-based strategy game like you’ve never seen before: fast, immediate, deep, impressive to look at and incredibly fun! Fight through a dark era of carnage and endless war and lead the Space Wolves in a struggle to defend the last bastion of mankind.
  • Runescape Old School by Jagex (one month subscription): the best retro fantasy MMORPG on the planet. Old School is RuneScape but… older! This is the open world you know and love, but as it was in 2007.

And most importantly of all, every bundle that’s bought sees money head to the seven charities Games Aid supports – Access, Sport, Autistica Play, Everyone Can, Lifelites, Maps, Solving Kids’ Cancer and Clock Tower Sanctuary – to help a range of young people kick on with life.

Access the bundle over at https://www.humblebundle.com/games/uk-games-collective

Train2Game News Popular Retro Magazine

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Whether you’re a 70s kid, an 80s C64 gamer or perhaps you’re from the modern era of tech, Popular Retro is for everyone!

This print magazine is an observation into the past, looking at fashion, gaming, books, film, television and much more.

Popular Retro is the 21st Century magazine that looks at life before the world of fast-living technology. And it’s an all-new look for Popular Retro which is finally meeting print, Popular Retro started life as a digital download publication only. One which predominately covered the recently re-released classic gaming computer THEC64 (one which you’re also in with a chance to win). As well as featuring food, toys, and games, but the readers seemed to keep wanting more, so in this magazine, you’ll be sure to find a heck of a lot more variety and content; film, television, art, and gaming, of course!

A note from the editor, Darren Randle,

“When I took over the Editorial role of PR, my mission was simple – to create the retro magazine that I would want to read! My team and I will take you back down memory lane, to a time where arcades were packed, cinemas were filled with smoke, kids kicked balls, TV was four channels and smart phones were not even a concept. It’s a celebration of the things we grew up loving and now sadly miss. Whether you are young or old, you’ll find an eclectic mix of fun from the past in each glossy issue.

For the first-time, Popular Retro meets print, and with an all-new look! A journey to our love of the 80s and 70s as we look at the early days of home computing, starting of course with the ZX81. A machine which has now turned 40! The Philips CD-i gets a massive retrospective insight, looking at machines, games and unfortunately, where it all went wrong. Don’t think horror lovers are left out, sink your teeth into the classic low budget movie, Evil Spawn and read about the brilliant vampire comics from your childhood. The popular “Great Moments in Computing” cartoon (formally published in the now sadly missed ‘Computer Shopper’ magazine by Dennis Publishing) finds a new home within Popular Retro, and we talk to Pystronik software in an exclusive interview. Rounding-off with a chance to with a THEC64 computer from Retro Games Ltd, and a ‘go old-school’ pull-out poster.”

In Popular Retro’s Issue 1, Volume 2, you’ll be sure to find, ‘The Real Ghostbusters’, a feature surrounding the ZX81, “A computer for the masses” and of course, a review of the classic ZX Spectrum game, Valley of Rains. Popular Retro is for the lovers of anything classic, looking back to a time once missed, allowing you to re-live your childhood, or for some younger people, provide an insight into life away from mobile phones. A simpler time where you could enjoy Ghostbusters on your television, Brothers in Arms blasting through your radio and the world of wacky B-movies like the 1987 Evil Spawn horror movie. You can be sure to find some special edition content too, time to see if you’ve won the VIC20 and you could be in for the chance to win a C64!

You can get the magazine via newsstand at https://www.newsstand.co.uk/popularretro

Train2Game News Nintendo At E3 2021

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During its nearly 40-minute E3 2021 Nintendo Direct video presentation, Nintendo spotlighted a wide variety of new games coming to the Nintendo Switch system – with many launching this year!

Announcements include Metroid Dread, the first 2D Metroid game starring bounty hunter Samus Aran with a new story in 19 years; Mario Party Superstars, a new game in the Mario Party series featuring classic boards from the Nintendo 64 era and a collection of minigames from across the series; Advance Wars 1+2: Re-Boot Camp, which includes the first two Advance Wars games rebuilt from the ground up; WarioWare: Get It Together!, the newest game in the frenetic and humorous WarioWare series; and Game & Watch: The Legend of Zelda, which is inspired by Game & Watch systems and features three of the earliest games in the Legend of Zelda series.

In addition, the next DLC fighter in the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Fighters Pass Vol. 2 was revealed as Kazuya Mishima from the TEKKEN series.

The debut of a new teaser for the sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild also premiered during the Nintendo Direct presentation, showing off gameplay and a new world high above the kingdom of Hyrule.

A slate of exciting games from development and publishing partners were also featured, including Mario + Rabbids Sparks of Hope from Ubisoft, a sequel to the hit game Mario + Rabbids Kingdom Battle; Shin Megami Tensei V from Atlus, the next entry in the acclaimed Shin Megami Tensei role-playing series; and three games in the Life is Strange series from SQUARE ENIX, including the latest game Life is Strange: True Colors.

“With Nintendo Switch now in its fifth year, we have a diverse software lineup from Nintendo, as well as our development and publishing partners, including new games announced in this Nintendo Direct,” said Nick Chavez, Nintendo of America’s Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing. “We hope players of all kinds – even those who have yet to play Nintendo Switch – will find games they’ll enjoy.”

To view the Nintendo Direct video in its entirety, visit https://www.nintendo.com/e3/.

Train2Game News Capcom At E3 2021

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During the all-virtual E3 2021, the Capcom showcase offered fans a look at what to expect from the renowned Japanese publisher’s latest lineup.

The broadcast, hosted by Rachel “Seltzer” Quirico, shared news and updates for the upcoming games Monster Hunter Stories™ 2: Wings of Ruin and The Great Ace Attorney™ Chronicles, the recently released hits Resident Evil™ Village and Monster Hunter™ Rise, plus a look at the year ahead for esports from the Capcom Pro Tour (CPT) and Street Fighter League (SFL).
 
Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin Takes Flight
The new story trailer for Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin shed light on the fate of the famous Monster Rider Red, the origins of Razewing Ratha, and the player’s journey to unravel the Wings of Ruin prophecy. Monster Riders eager to hop in the saddle to experience the opening hours of the highly anticipated RPG can enjoy a Free Trial Version offering full save data transfer when it lands on June 25 for Nintendo Switch™ and Steam at launch. Fans interested in seeing more of the diverse and majestic monsters coming to the game could catch a glimpse of numerous fan favorites they can bond with during their travels, including Elder Dragons Kushala Daora and Teostra. Finally, the showcase offered a look at some of the free title updates coming to the game after its release on July 9, 2021, starting with the Palamute from Monster Hunter Rise.
 
Mysteries Abound in The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles
Budding defense attorneys looking to make the journey West with rookie ace attorney Ryunosuke Naruhodo got a first look at the new features and gameplay arriving with The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles. While investigating heinous crimes, Ryunosuke and his legal aid Susato Mikatoba will team up with the preeminent investigator in London: Herlock Sholmes. During these Dances of Deduction, the duo will need to work together to untangle the ace detective’s over-enthusiastic assumptions and discern the truth. In order to stave off the peril awaiting his clients, Ryunosuke must use these facts in court to convince a jury of his client’s innocence. Just as the scales of justice lean toward a guilty verdict, Ryunosuke can engage in a Summation Examination to tip the scales back in his favor. This seldom-used legal practice allows Ryunosuke to pick apart any inconsistencies in each juror’s logic, and pit the jury against itself to force the trial to continue. With 10 new cases to unravel, eight mini escapades to experience, and a wealth of bonus content to explore, ace attorneys will have a full docket when The Great Ace Attorney Chronicles arrives in court on July 27, 2021.
 
More Challenges Await in Monster Hunter Rise
The robust post-launch support for the critically acclaimed Monster Hunter Rise continues, with the next update featuring the first Capcom collaboration title: Monster Hunter Stories 2. Hunters who complete the free collaboration quest arriving June 18 will receive layered armor based on the wise Palico Tsukino for their buddies, while players who use save data from Monster Hunter Stories 2 can access the Rider layered armor based off the gear of Mahana Village Monster Riders on July 9. Additionally, new Event Quests arrive starting June 24, and offer a variety of rewards for intrepid hunters such as new armor, gestures, and stickers. Fashionistas will also gain access to a treasure trove of new looks, with new (paid and unpaid) DLC options for hunters and their buddies. Finally, fans can look forward to a number of additional collaborations with other Capcom titles throughout the second half of 2021.
 
The Road Ahead for Resident Evil
Following the successful launch of the acclaimed Resident Evil Village last month, Producer Tsuyoshi Kanda shared news on what fans can expect next as the Resident Evil 25th anniversary celebration continues. Due to the overwhelming support and feedback for the game, the team has just begun development on additional DLC for Resident Evil Village. More news will be shared at a later date.
 
Capcom Esports
Capcom Pro Tour (CPT) commentators Vicious and RobTV provided a breakdown of the upcoming competitions and an overview of the changes coming to CPT 2021, which is shaping up to be the best season yet for fans and competitors alike. These changes include updates to the rules for competitors, and details about prizing. Additionally, the next season of Street Fighter League (SFL) is on the horizon, with more details coming soon. For all the latest information and 2021 schedules, check out the official CPT and SFL pages.

The full Capcom showcase broadcast can be accessed on Capcom’s official YouTube and Twitch channels, in addition to being available within the official E3 portal and app.

Train2Game News Guardians of the Galaxy Game Announced

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During the SQUARE ENIX® PRESENTS digital-showcase event, Eidos-Montréal and SQUARE ENIX today unveiled Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, a bold third-person narrative action-adventure game which combines original storytelling with electrifying single-player gameplay.

Developed by Eidos-Montréal in collaboration with Marvel Entertainment, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will release simultaneously on the PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, and on PC, and streaming via GeForce NOW on October 26, 2021.
 

Watch the Official Reveal Trailer, Deep Dive and Gameplay First Look

Fire up Star-Lord’s jet boots for a wild ride across the cosmos in this fresh take on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. With the unpredictable Guardians at your side, blast your way from one explosive situation to another, with both original and well-known Marvel characters caught in a struggle for the fate of the universe. You got this. Probably.

  “The Eidos-Montréal team is honored to have the opportunity to work on such an iconic franchise alongside our trusted collaborators at Marvel Entertainment,” said David Anfossi, Head of Studio at Eidos-Montréal. “Our teams are known for revisiting IPs and bringing their own twists and craft to the stories and the art surrounding them. As you will experience, it’s no different for Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy.”

  Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy is created by the seasoned Eidos-Montréal team, working closely with Marvel Entertainment to provide an original and authentic experience inspired by over 50 years of Guardians of the Galaxy lore. Influenced by the comics, this unique spin on the Guardians of the Galaxy will take players on a riotous journey across the stars as Peter Quill and the Guardians unintentionally become the galaxy’s first and last line of defense.

  “A distinct mix of sci-fi, family drama, and rock n’ roll attitude with an edgy aesthetic is the foundation for our Guardians franchise”, said Jay Ong, EVP and Head of Marvel Games. “We are thrilled to collaborate with Eidos-Montréal knowing they are the team that can deliver on this core promise. The team’s laser-focused vision for our beloved band of misfits shines in Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy. We are excited for our fans to play it this October.”

  Master Star-Lord’s dynamic combat style to obliterate foes with his Element Blasters and call on the unique abilities of each Guardian to defeat a wild variety of interplanetary enemies. Also, as self-proclaimed leader of the Guardians of the Galaxy, players will engage in select player-choice driven dialogue and interactions between Quill and the Guardians that further strengthens the bonds within this dysfunctional family.  

  Finally, Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy wouldn’t be complete without a killer soundtrack to rock out to while soaring through space in the Milano. The game is jam-packed with classic 1980s hits and kicking original tracks.

  Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy will be available on PlayStation®5 console, PlayStation®4 console, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One consoles, and PC digital, and streaming via GeForce NOW on October 26, 2021. Pre-orders are available now for the Standard and the Deluxe Editions. For full details on pre-order items and more information on Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, please visit the official website and follow us on social networks.