Train2Game News Atari 2600 returns for Christmas

One of the most iconic video games consoles, the Atari 2600 is returning as a handheld console and innovative plug and play TV joystick in time for Christmas 2018.

The ‘Atari “Retro” Handheld‘ features the immortalised “wood” effect and includes 50 classic games built-in, including: Asteroids®, Pong®, Centipede®, Missile Command®, Breakout®, Millipede® and more.

In addition to featuring a 2.4″ screen, it also includes A/V output (with HDMI adapter available) and super responsive buttons with a stylish analogue control stick.

The ‘Atari “Retro” Plug and Play TV Joystick‘ features a progressive design, with the inclusion of an arcade style button on top of the controller and will connect to your TV with the included A/V cable (or HDMI with an available adapter). It will feature the same 50 built-in games as the handheld.

Pre-orders from FunstockRetro.co.uk will also receive an exclusive limited edition Centipede coin:

The range is officially licensed by Atari and is being developed by PQube, the leading distributor of retro gaming hardware in Europe.

The range was originally announced in 2017 however, development has seen the product range move to October 19th 2018. A lot of care and attention has been put into remaining faithful to the Atari brand and the outcome will be worth the wait. The new images in this announcement are photos of the latest samples, ahead of final production and give the first glimpse of the final design.

CEO of PQube, David Pain quoted:
“We are delighted to be working with Atari on this amazing project. Having sold over a million retro gaming consoles, we have taken the extensive feedback from press, retail and the consumer to develop new range of hardware that is faithful to the Atari brand”

CEO of Atari, Frederik Chesnais quoted:
“We are thrilled to partner with PQube on the compact handheld and Plug and Play TV Joystick,” said Fred Chresnais, Chief Executive Officer, Atari. “Both products are packed with nostalgic and fun-filled games that will give our fans the opportunity to relive the golden age of videogames wherever they go.”

The “Atari ‘Retro’ Handheld console” will retail for just £34.99 and the “Atari ‘Retro’ TV Plug and Play Joystick” at just £24.99. It is available to pre-order now at Europe’s Number One Retro Gaming Destination, FunstockRetro.co.uk

Train2Game News Dark Souls Steelbook Trilogy

Leading video game publisher and developer BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. today announces that DARK SOULS™ Trilogy will be coming to the PlayStation®4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One on October 19, 2018 with an MSRP of $79.99.

This three-game compilation includes DARK SOULS™: Remastered, DARK SOULS™ II: Scholar of the First Sin™, and DARK SOULS™ III: The Fire Fades™ Edition packaged in an exclusive Steelbook® case.

The DARK SOULS series has been a benchmark of excellence since it’s initial release in 2011. The series has ignited the imagination of video game fans the world over with its unique gameplay elements including asynchronous multiplayer, challenging difficulty that requires players to think before they act, deep lore that expands a deceptively simple story, and an atmospheric twisting and interconnected world map. Now players can own the entire series along with all associated DLC in one ultimate package.

“The DARK SOULS Trilogy gives those who haven’t played the DARK SOULS series a great opportunity to jump in and experience what has become one of the most influential video game series of the past decade,” said Jenn Tsang, Marketing Brand Manager for BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. “The magic of DARK SOULS lies within its ability to challenge players with highly rewarding gameplay and deliver a euphoric sense of accomplishment after beating a particularly tough boss, or area in the game. We hope to share that feeling with new players through DARK SOULS Trilogy.”

The physical edition of DARK SOULS Trilogy will be available in limited numbers across the Americas. To ensure a physical copy at launch, it is recommended that players please pre-order the physical game at participating retailers.

DARK SOULS Trilogy is rated “M” for Mature by the ESRB and will be available for the PlayStation 4 system and Xbox One on October 19, 2018 with a MSRP of $79.99. For more information regarding DARK SOULS Trilogy and other titles from BANDAI NAMCO Entertainment America Inc. please visit https://www.bandainamcoent.com, https://www.facebook.com/BandaiNamcoUS, or join the conversation at https://www.twitter.com/BandaiNamcoUS.

Train2Game News Devil May Cry 5

Just announced during Microsoft’s Inside Xbox show at Gamescom, Devil May Cry 5 will be releasing on March 8, 2019.

The latest title in the iconic gaming series is coming to the Xbox One family of devices including the Xbox One X, PlayStation 4 computer entertainment system, and Windows PC early next year. A brand new trailer showcasing the high-octane stylized action gameplay featuring demon hunter Nero can be viewed below.

The threat of demonic power has returned to menace the world once again in Devil May Cry 5. The invasion begins when the seeds of a “demon tree” take root in Red Grave City. As this hellish incursion starts to take over the city, a young demon hunter Nero, arrives with his partner Nico in their “Devil May Cry” motorhome. Finding himself without the use of his right arm, Nero enlists Nico, a self-professed weapons artist, to design a variety of unique mechanical Devil Breaker arms to give him extra powers to take on evil demons such as the blood sucking flying Empusa and giant colossus enemy Goliath.

The first arm Nico makes for Nero, the Overture Devil Breaker, looks plain in style allowing Nero to wear it inconspicuously throughout the city, but the hidden electric generator inside is enough to shock any demons that come too close. Adding a bit more versatility, the Gerbera Devil Breaker generates an intense heat that can be shot out as a highly powerful shockwave which can be used as a direct attack, reflect enemy projectiles, or even to propel Nero through the air and augment his evasion capabilities.

Combined with melee attacks using his ‘Red Queen’ sword and the long range firepower of his ‘Blue Rose’ handgun, the power of Nero’s Devil Breaker arms add dramatic adrenaline fueled action to the eternal battle between the forces of good and evil that plays out in the streets of Red Grave City. With the arrival of Dante on his flashy motorbike, the pair of demon hunters are set to try and save the city and find out what’s behind this latest demon invasion.

Train2Game News Insomnia63 Details

GAME Esports and Events is excited to announce further details of Insomnia63, the UK’s biggest gaming festival, as it returns to Birmingham’s National Exhibition Centre over the Bank Holiday Weekend.

The four-day gaming extravaganza kicks off from 10:00 a.m. on Friday 24th August 2018.
Attendees will be able to get their hands-on the biggest upcoming titles from major publishers as well as the most exciting new indie titles. Ubisoft’s line-up includes the UK debuts of Assassins Creed Odyssey, The Division 2, StarLink and Just Dance 19.

Insomnia63 will also be hosting the UK qualifiers of the Just Dance 19 World Cup – each day of the show, fans of the franchise can head to the Ubisoft stand to take on the Just Dance challenge and get the highest score. At the end of the day the highest scorer will be invited to compete at the qualifier final on the Main Stage on Monday. The winner will not only be crowned Just Dance 19 UK Champion, but will have won a spot to represent the UK at the World Cup finals taking place in Brazil.

This year PlayStation® will be offering players the chance to get hands on with such eagerly anticipated PS4™ exclusives as Marvel’s Spider-Man, Concrete Genie, Days Gone and the latest PlayStation™VR titles, Firewall: Zero Hour and Beat Saber. Also available to play on the stand will are FIFA19 and Fortnite with attendees having the chance to win prizes across the weekend.

For the Nintendo fans among attendees, the Japanese publisher will have Splatoon 2, Super Smash Bros Ultimate as well as many more titles playable throughout the show.

The festivals interactive zones celebrate all elements of gaming culture from VR to retro, cosplay to table-top gaming, there is something for the whole family at Insomnia63.

Youtube sensation Alfies Dayes of the wildly popular ‘PointlessBlog’ with headline this year’s all-star special guest line-up, making his Insomnia debut. Youtubers WillNE and JMX will also be in attendance along with as well as dozens of favourites including the likes of Syndicate, Ashens, ImAllexx, FazeKay, Yammy making Insomnia63 the most star-studded show to date.

In addition to the plethora of YouTube and Twitch talent, Insomnia Gaming Festival welcomes WWE’s NXT UK to the event for the first time ever. Showing off the best of the UK and Ireland’s wrestling scene, superstars including WWE United Kingdom Champion Pete Dunne, Tyler Bate, Trent Seven plus many more favourites will be lighting up the ropes.

Outside the wrestling ring, competition will be heating up on across a number of esports tournaments in Insomnia’s famous LAN hall including CS:GO UK Masters with a £30,000 prize pool. Insomnia63 will also play host to Rocket League’s Game Fuel League European Finale, courtesy of Mountain Dew, where aspiring teams will have the opportunity to meet and compete with against esports mega-star Splyce. The show also boasts the Flightball World Championships, where attendees can sign-up to compete in this spectacular aerial football contest.

Insomnia63 is set to be the biggest summer show ever this Bank Holiday weekend. Doors open on Friday 24th August at 10:00 a.m.

For more information including full line-up of guests and games, please visit: https://insomniagamingfestival.com

Train2Game News Wrestler Tag Teams with Razer

RazerTM, the leading global lifestyle brand for gamers, today announced its partnership with Kenny Omega, one of the highest rated professional wrestlers of all time and the current International Wrestling Grand Prix (IWGP) heavyweight champion in Japan.

Under this partnership, Kenny Omega will represent Razer as a gaming lifestyle ambassador in public events and campaigns. An avid fighting game player, his top product choices include the Razer Panthera Evo fight stick and Razer Thresher Ultimate headset for PlayStation 4.

“I’ve always been a supporter of Razer and their products, so joining their team is really exciting,” said Omega. “To rise to the next level in wrestling or gaming, a true support system is needed, and that’s where Team Razer comes in. Their top-quality devices and fashion-forward gear are the best on the market, and I’m proud to be working with a company whose motto is ‘for gamers, by gamers’ that is just as driven to win as I am.”

Over his 18-year career, Omega starred in wrestling leagues all over the world, including Premier Championship Wrestling, World Wrestling Entertainment, Ring of Honor Wrestling Entertainment and New Japan Pro Wrestling.

Omega’s many recent achievements include 13 Match of the Year awards in Japan. He is the only foreigner to ever win the prestigious G1 tournament in Japan, and was named “Wrestler of the Year” by Sports Illustrated in 2017.

In addition to wrestling, Omega is also a long-time aficionado of anime and video games, and he is a huge fan of “Street Fighter.” Earlier this year at E3 2018, he triumphed over WWE Superstar Xavier Woods in a high-octane “Street Fighter: Arcade Edition” showdown.

Min-Liang Tan, co-founder and CEO of Razer, said: “Esports is becoming so mainstream that today’s pro-gamers can come from anywhere. Kenny Omega is a great addition to Team Razer’s roster of elite athletes, and I can’t wait to see him dominate the competition both in the ring and in gaming.”

For more information on Team Razer visit https://www.razer.com/team.

For more information on Kenny Omega:
Twitter
YouTube

Train2Game News Record Breaking at Insomnia63

Esports and Events is delighted to partner with Guinness World Records to bring their roadshow, GWR Live!, to Insomnia63.

Attendees will have the chance to attempt a variety of GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ titles inspired by the world’s best-selling videogames annual, the Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition, at GWR’s stand – including record attempts for hit games Fortnite, Rocket League and Gang Beasts. The UK’s biggest gaming festival returns this Bank Holiday weekend, kicking off from 10:00 a.m. on Friday 24th August 2018.

To join in, all attendees need to do is visit the GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ stand and achieve the highest score on that day’s game. The individual with the highest score by 15:30 will be invited to take part in an official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ attempt during the Nerds & Noobs show (every day at 16:15) on the Main Stage alongside everyone’s favourite YouTubers who will be on that stage show.

The GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ Insomnia63 schedule:

Friday 24th August – Trackmania:
Teams of two will attempt to complete the official GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ course in double driver mode in Trackmania: Turbo on PlayStation 4.

YouTubers on the stage show: Dawko, DAGames will be alongside the top team on stage during the World Record Attempt.

Saturday 25th August – Fortnite
Individuals will have the chance to prove that they’re the best at the smash-hit, Fortnite.

YouTubers on the stage show: Cheering them to victory on stage will be Ashens, Dan Bull, Yammy and Seepeakay.

Sunday 26th August – Rocket League
If you think you can break a record with a high-flying, hard-hitting, rocket-powered car in the critically-acclaimed Rocket League, stop by the GWR stand on Sunday to give it a go.

YouTubers on the stage show: Syndicate, Kaaaarl, Yogscast will be on hand to support the top team.

Monday 27th August – Gang Beasts
Step into the ring for a chance to make your way into the record books.
YouTubers on the stage show: Helping the top scorer will be ThePrenti, Meganyyy, MarleyThirteen and Yammy

In addition to getting the chance to break GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS™ title, attendees will be able to experience everything gaming culture has to offer. From meeting the top YouTubers to taking part in esports tournaments, getting their hands on the biggest upcoming games to shopping for exclusive gaming merchandise, as well as being able to buy the brand-new Guinness World Records: Gamer’s Edition before it hits bookshops in September, Insomnia63 caters to the whole family.

Insomnia63 is set to be the biggest summer show ever this Bank Holiday weekend. Doors open on Friday 24th August at 10:00 a.m.

For more information including full line-up of guests and games, please visit: https://insomniagamingfestival.com

For more information on tickets and booking, please visit: https://www.theticketfactory.com/insomnia/

For NXT tickets, please visit: https://insomniagamingfestival.com/wwe-nxt-uk/

Train2Game News Timesplitters is coming back

Koch Media today announces the acquisition of the cherished video games series Timesplitters.

The agreement sees Koch Media become the owners of the intellectual property and the rights to create videogames based on the brand which will be produced by the Koch Media’s publishing label Deep Silver.

Largely considered as one of the most influential console games of the early 2000s Timesplitters was originally created by Free Radical Design, who later became Crytek UK Ltd and finally Deep Silver Dambuster, also part of the Koch Media family.

The three game series earned a large and passionate fan base thanks to its unique humour, art style and pop culture references while encouraging customisation and modification to give each person their own individual experience.

“We are hugely excited to have acquired Timesplitters” commented Klemens Kundratitz, CEO Koch Media GmbH “The original games gave fans a massive content offer and provided a pure and genuinely fun arcade shooter experience. We have many fans of the Timesplitters series among our own staff who are passionate about creating a product that will thrill todays gaming audience.”

In addition to Timesplitters, Koch Media have also acquired the IP and the rights to science fiction action-adventure game Second Sight. Also conceived by Free Radical Design, Second Sight was originally released in 2004 and follows the adventures of an American parapsychology researcher who undertakes missions alongside a band of U.S Marines using a mix of gun combat and stealth gameplay. Forthcoming Second Site products will also be published by Deep Silver.

Full details of future Timesplitters and Second Sight products will be revealed in due course.

Train2Game News Retro Gaming Silent Disco on a Yacht

REZtron Ltd., invites you to a night of SEGA RETROTAINMENT like no other…expect competition, drinks, magic, dancing, silent disco and much more…all on top of Europe’s most exotic Mega Yacht Hotel, Sunborn, moored in the Royal Victoria Dock….

Re-live the golden era of gaming with legendary titles on all four generation of SEGA consoles, Master System! Mega Drive! Saturn! Dreamcast!

  • Legendary games including Golden Axe, OutRun, Space Harrier, Mortal Kombat, Street Fighter II, Altered Beast, Pac-Man, R-Type, Streets of Rage 2,Alien Storm, Sonic 2, Road Rash II, Thunderforce III, Super Monaco GP, California Games,V irtua Racing,Shadow Dancer,Italia ’90, 8 – player Micro Machines 2, Virtua Cop, Virtua Fighter 2,SEGA Rally, Virtua Tennis ,Crazy Taxi, House of the Dead 2,Power Stones, Soul Calibur,Marvel Vs Capcom and many more will be there to keep you retrotained…
  • Retro games displayed on Retro CRT TVs and Huge Projector screens on walls and ceiling
  • SILENT DISCO – ( 3 – Channels) Switch between 80s, 90s and even a retro game music channel throughout the night with our amazing LED lit headphones
  • Dance , Sing and Play retro games in front of a stunning panoramic view of the city skyline that’ll sure to keep your phone busy
  • Sonic speed run Competition + Prizes Giveaway!
  • WIN AN ORIGINAL MEGA DRIVE + Sonic the Hedgehog game
  • Stay inside the sky bar or check out the top deck with a gorgeous view of London (one for all you sunset instagrammers!)
  • Photographer will be there capturing all the antics
  • Welcoming drink sponsored by Asahi

AND MORE….

8, 16, 32 and 128-BIT Yacht Retrotainment Awaits…

Video of last Yacht Retrotainment:

The Mega Yacht Retrotainment experience will take place on Friday August 31st, 6pm til 12am at Sunborn. Tickets are £20 and can be registered through Eventbrite.

Further details on REZtron’s upcoming events or for retro gaming private hire & corporate bookings please visit Reztron.co.uk or email events@reztron.co.uk
For up to date news on our retrogaming geekery please check us out on the following social media channels…

Twitter: @theREZtron
Facebook: facebook.com/theREZtron
Instagram: instagram.com/REZtron

Train2Game News Battle for Azeroth launched

The tensions between the Horde and the Alliance have reached the breaking point, and the entire world of Azeroth is now consumed in the fires of war.

Battle for Azeroth ™ , the seventh expansion for Blizzard Entertainment’s internationally acclaimed massively multiplayer online role-playing game World of Warcraft®, is now live!

Today’s launch signals the start of a new era of all-out warfare between the Alliance and the Horde, as players around the globe set out on a vital mission to ensure that Azeroth’s future belongs to their faction.

Defenders of the Alliance are called to the kingdom of Kul Tiras, ancestral home of Jaina Proudmoore, to enlist the aid of their legendary navy, while champions of the Horde must seek allies in the distant empire of Zandalar, home of the ancient Zandalari trolls. As part of the campaign ahead, heroes will clash for critical resources in myriad Island Expeditions; draw upon the strength of Azerite, lifeblood of the planet, to unlock new powers using the Heart of Azeroth artifact; prepare for a massive confrontation on the Warfront of Stromgarde; recruit new Allied Races to bolster their faction’s cause; and much more.

“Battle for Azeroth builds upon nearly 25 years of faction rivalry, history, and pride to challenge World of Warcraft players with the question of what it truly means to be a member of the Alliance or the Horde,” said Mike Morhaime, CEO and cofounder of Blizzard Entertainment. “This expansion is loaded with new content and features that draw upon that core conflict, but today’s launch is just the beginning—we’re excited for players to experience everything we have planned as the Battle for Azeroth unfolds.”

Battle for Azeroth – Standard, Digital Deluxe, and Collector’s Editions

World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth is available in physical and digital standard editions (SRP £39.99) as well as a Digital Deluxe Edition (SRP £52.99). The latter contains an arsenal of in-game bonuses for a variety of Blizzard games, including the Seabraid Stallion mount (Alliance), Gilded Ravasaur mount (Horde), and Tottle the Baby Tortollan pet for World of Warcraft; an “Azeroth Is Burning” card back for Hearthstone ®; a Primal Flamesaber mount in Heroes of the Storm ®; Horde and Alliance sprays for StarCraft ® II; and a collection of faction-themed cosmetic loot for Overwatch ®.

Battle for Azeroth is also available in a retail-exclusive Collector’s Edition (SRP £89.99). In addition to the in-game items from the Digital Deluxe Edition, the Collector’s Edition contains a cache of faction-themed loot, including a collectible Horde and Alliance Double-Sided Mark of Allegiance; a limited-edition hardback of the novellas Elegy and A Good War, featuring exclusive artwork; and a Battle for Azeroth digital soundtrack. For additional details, visit https://worldofwarcraft.com/battle-for-azeroth.

Each edition of Battle for Azeroth also includes a level-110 character boost so players can immediately head to the front lines and fight for their faction’s cause.† In addition, new players interested in joining the fray for the first time with this expansion can do so simply by purchasing Battle for Azeroth and subscribing to World of Warcraft, which unlocks full access to the original game and all previous expansions.

World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth Features

World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth includes new content and features that put heroes’ fortitude and faction dedication to the test. Over the course of this expansion, players will be called upon to:

  • Explore Two Fabled Kingdoms: As a champion of the Horde, travel to the empire of Zandalar to persuade the trolls to lend their naval might. As a defender of the Alliance, venture to the seafaring kingdom of Kul Tiras, home of Jaina Proudmoore, and rally its inhabitants to fight for your cause.
  • Recruit Allied Races: Take a new form for your adventures as several new playable Allied Races, each with unique racial abilities. Earn the favor of the Dark Iron dwarves, Mag’har orcs, Highmountain tauren, Void elves, and others to create a new character of that race and add their strength to your faction.
  • Plunder the Islands of the Great Sea: Set out on Island Expeditions and conquer an ever-changing array of enemies, environments, and objectives. Battle in groups of three as you race against cunning rival intruders—or enemy players—to collect each island’s resources and fuel the war effort.
  • Prepare to Charge the Stromgarde Warfront: Get ready to fight on the battlefields of a large-scale, 20-player cooperative Warfront to claim a key strategic location. Capture resources to build your faction’s forces, lead the charge as your troops lay siege to objectives, and fight the enemy commander to claim victory in this new mode inspired by classic Warcraft real-time strategy–game battles.
  • Infuse Your Armor with Titanic Might: Seek out Azerite, an invaluable new resource that has emerged in the Burning Legion’s wake. Imbue the Heart of Azeroth—a legendary neck piece entrusted to each hero by Magni Bronzebeard—with Azerite to customize your armor with new powers and traits.
  • Battle to Level 120: Trace the corruption of the Blood God to the Underrot, unearth the secrets of a lost titan vault, escape from the Drust Realm of the Dead, and more as you quest through 10 new levels—then continue to grow in power through new World Quests, raids, dungeons, and more.

To learn more about World of Warcraft: Battle for Azeroth, visit the expansion’s official website at www.worldofwarcraft.com/battle-for-azeroth.

†Players upgrading from World of Warcraft Starter Edition must wait for trial restrictions to be removed (up to 72 hours) before using character boost.

Train2Game News Ocarina of Time goes Metal

Materia Collective is thrilled to release The Temples (Music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) by arranger Ro Panuganti.

Ro Panuganti is an avid fan of videogames, rock and metal, and computers. Alongside experience in IT Development, he’s worked on home-recording of various videogame, movie, and even original tracks from an array of rock and metal styles.

This creative metal album remixes each of the iconic temple themes from this beloved classic in explosive metal fashion, incorporating ambiance and sound design to tell the game’s story over the course of the album. The Temples (Music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) is available today:

The Temples (Music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) on Bandcamp
The Temples (Music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) on iTunes
The Temples (Music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) on Spotify

“The Temples is a culmination of learning new production skills, exploring wholly new areas of guitar playing, and above all, story-telling,” notes arranger Ro Panuganti. “Just like its inspired work, The Temples sets out to be a story of bravery over adversity, inviting new worlds and influences to the core music, and hopefully inspires any listener to pick up their instrument.”

The track list for The Temples (Music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time) is as follows:

01. In Time
02. In Forest
03. In Fire
04. Ice Interlude
05. In Shadow
06. In Spirit
07. In Evil
08. In Courage

Learn more about the The Temples (Music from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time):
https://www.materiacollective.com/music/the-temples-music-from-the-legend-of-zelda-ocarina-of-time