Sclash: Don't underestimate this 2D Samurai fighting game + the First 30!

 

Slice Into Sclash - The Tense 2D Samurai Fighter Available Now

PC Version Also Gets New Sakura DLC Today in This Unique Hand-Drawn Fighter

Console players can now experience the exhilarating tension of samurai duels, as the critically acclaimed 2D fighting game Sclash slashes its way onto Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S! Developed by Bevel Bakery and published by Maximum Entertainment and Abiding Bridge, Sclash brings the art of sword combat to life with gorgeous hand-drawn characters battling across stunningly painted environments.

In Sclash, a single well-timed strike can mean the difference between victory and defeat. Players must carefully manage their stamina and breathing while sizing up opponents, looking for the perfect opening to unleash a deadly blow. With an intuitive yet supremely skill-testing combat system, Sclash captures the patient lethality and solemn drama of traditional samurai duels.

"We wanted to recreate the intense psychological warfare and surgical precision of real sword fighting in a way that was both accessible and endlessly rewarding to master," said Yuki Morimoto, lead developer at Bevel Bakery. "Sclash's deceptively simple controls belie an incredibly deep combat system that forces you to be hyper aware of everything from your spacing to your breath control."

Fun fact: Our dojo was split between karateka like myself... who were learning Uechi Ryu, and the other half were Kendo & Iaido. So while we were empty handed, they had (wooden) swords outside of certain occassions where non-battle ready blades came out for demonstration. Good times. -  Blu 

While the game may seem minimalist on the surface, players can take their skills online and duke it out against other samurai masters from around the world. There's also an immersive story mode that fleshes out the conflict between the warring Aki and Natsu clans through the lens of Japanese culture and history.

Perhaps Sclash's most stunning feature, though, is the breathtaking hand-drawn visual style that brings the characters and environments to life. Each of the 5 playable samurai characters and their 50+ unlockable skins has been painstakingly animated frame-by-frame, while the 16 battleground stages look like living Japanese ink-brush paintings. It's a real feast for the eyes.

The storymode is badass. Really look at the environment when you're in the heat of battle (especially the boss battles) and remind yourself that it's... hand drawn. I have to share this one with my Renshi, and i'm sure our Kyoshi would've been impressed. HAJIME! -  Blu 

To celebrate the console launch, Maximum Entertainment is also releasing the "Sakura" DLC for the existing PC version of Sclash today. This new add-on content includes two new customization items inspired by the iconic Japanese cherry blossom imagery.

Since first releasing on PC back in August 2023, Sclash has cultivated a passionate following among fighting game enthusiasts who appreciated its unique spin on the genre's fundamentals. With its easy-to-learn but insanely difficult-to-master mechanics and stunning visual style, it quickly established itself as an under-the-radar gem.

Now, with Sclash finally making the leap to consoles, an even wider audience can discover the unparalleled tension and exquisite artistry of this new take on samurai sword-fighting games. Grab your controller of choice, steady your breath, and prepare to put your focus and reflexes to the ultimate test against worthy foes. Just don't blink, or it may be Sclashed!

If it were me, I'd hold game tournaments at dojos, but... that's just me. HAJIME! -  Blu 

Sophima

 + Blu 

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Rainbow Cotton HD Remake Soars Onto Modern Platforms Today + First 30 Gameplay!

The Classic Dreamcast Shoot 'Em Up Returns With Remastered Visuals, New Gameplay Modes, and Fully Localized Anime Cutscenes

Dust off your broomstick and get ready to take to the skies, because the beloved witch 'em up shooter Rainbow Cotton is back with a magical HD remake that just launched today on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Steam! Originally released in 1999 on the Dreamcast, this cult classic title has been completely remastered for modern platforms, treating longtime fans and newcomers alike to a dazzling visual overhaul, silky smooth gameplay, new features and modes, and—for the first time ever—fully localized anime cutscenes with English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German subtitles.

In Rainbow Cotton HD Remake, players take control of the adorably mischievous witch Cotton and her fairy companions as they embark on a sugary sweet quest to gather up delicious Willow candies. Using an arsenal of whimsical spells and magical attacks, Cotton must fend off an onslaught of demonic enemies and outrageous bosses across vibrant, fantasy-themed stages. It's a wild and wondrous romp that beautifully captures the series' trademark blend of intense shoot 'em up action and offbeat, lighthearted storytelling.

"The original Rainbow Cotton was a beloved cult classic that really pushed the boundaries of the shoot 'em up genre with its charming characters, creative spellcasting mechanics, and delightfully quirky sense of humor," said Takashi Izuka, director at developer Success. "With this HD remake, we've carefully preserved all the whimsical gameplay that made the original so special while also overhauling the graphics, adding awesome new features, and finally giving Western audiences a chance to experience the full story with localized anime cutscenes."

While the core shooting mechanics that Rainbow Cotton fans know and love remain fully intact, the HD remake introduces a slew of enticing new enhancements. The visuals have been completely remastered in 1080p and 4K resolution with beautifully crisp sprite work, dazzling new lighting effects, and meticulously hand-drawn backgrounds that burst with vibrant colors and incredible details. The remixed soundtrack brings the game's upbeat, lighthearted melodies to life with renewed clarity as well.

Perhaps the most exciting new addition, though, is the debut of a local 2-player co-op mode, allowing a friend to join in on Cotton's magical misadventures for some couch co-op pandemonium. By collecting special items during levels, player two can actually transform into different fairy characters—each with their own unique abilities—allowing for some wild strategic teamwork and combo attacks. For the first time in series history, Rainbow Cotton's frenetic shooting action can be an eye-popping social experience!

The HD remake has also incorporated a host of new quality-of-life improvements to fine tune the gameplay, such as additional spellcasting options, revamped scoring systems, optional auto-fire for simplified play, and more. Combined with the buttery smooth frame rates and gorgeously remastered graphics, these enhancements ensure that Rainbow Cotton looks, sounds, and plays better than ever before.

Of course, one of the most highly anticipated components of this HD remake is the addition of localized versions of the original Dreamcast game's anime cutscenes, which were previously only available in Japanese voice acting with no subtitles. Now, fans in the West can finally experience the full narrative scope and quirky humor of Cotton's misadventures with the inclusion of subtitle tracks in English, French, Spanish, Italian, and German. It's the most complete and accessible version of Rainbow Cotton's story to date!

With its irresistible charm, vibrant personality, and action-packed gameplay, the original Rainbow Cotton established itself as a must-play for any self-respecting shoot 'em up enthusiast or Dreamcast collector back in 1999. Over 20 years later, this enchanting cult classic has been expertly rejuvenated with the kind of deluxe HD remaster treatment it so richly deserves, introducing its wonderful blend of frenetic shooting, spellcasting mechanics, and off-the-wall storytelling to a whole new generation of gamers.

So grab your trusty broomstick controller, pucker up those lips, and get ready to blow away the demonic hordes as the irrepressible witch Cotton in this lovingly crafted HD remake, available today on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox, and Steam. It's the sweetest magical mayhem you'll experience all year! Just try not to stress out those poor fairy companions too much, okay?

Sophima

 + Blu 

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Hit the Road Down America’s Highways in Heading Out + the First 30!

 

Grab the wheel for a thrilling, narrative-fueled driving adventure inspired by cult-classic American road films, here today with a 10% launch discount

Buckle Up for an Adrenaline-Fueled Road Trip in Heading Out, Out Now on PC

Embrace Your Inner Rebel and Hit the Open Road in This Stylish Narrative Driving Adventure

Get behind the wheel and prepare for the ride of your life in Heading Out, the hotly anticipated narrative driving game that just released on PC today! Developed by indie studio Serious Sim and published by Saber Interactive, this thrilling road trip experience takes inspiration from iconic American road movies to deliver an unforgettable cross-country adventure filled with high-stakes racing, meaningful choices, and stories that will stoke your spirit of rebellion.

With its unique blend of high-octane driving and compelling storytelling, Heading Out invites players to ditch the mundane and pursue an odyssey of self-discovery on the open roads of America. Whether you're yearning to outrun your fears, escape the long arm of the law, or simply chase your dreams to the horizon, this game is your ticket to an exhilarating joyride across the urban sprawls, desert highways, and forgotten backroads that make up the vast American landscape.

"Heading Out is all about capturing the visceral thrill and emotional weight of the great American road trip," says Sam Raimi, founder of Serious Sim. "We wanted to bottle that feeling of liberation you get when you put the pedal to the metal and let the world blur by, all while taking players on a high-stakes personal journey that will really resonate."

At its core, Heading Out is a freeform narrative adventure with roguelite elements that empower you to carve your own unique path across the United States. As you roar down the asphalt, you'll encounter a diverse cast of eccentric personalities that could become allies or antagonists depending on the choices you make. Will you lend a sympathetic ear to the lost soul hitchhiking on the side of the road, or zip past without a second thought? The impactful decisions are all up to you.

And with every pit stop on your transcontinental trek, radio stations and random citizens will spread tales of your growing legend, immortalizing your badass antics in the cultural zeitgeist. An eclectic Americana soundtrack provides the perfect mood music for your adrenaline-charged escapades too.

One of Heading Out's most compelling features is its innovative blend of real-time driving with meta-game strategic planning. Before hitting the road, you'll map out your intended route and resource management on an overhead map, carefully budgeting fuel, money, and vehicle repairs to increase your odds of making it to the final destination in one piece. Or you can take a more impulsive approach and just put the pedal to the metal, dealing with challenges as they arise in a daring, spur-of-the-moment road rally!

These races might seem like something you can simply do everytime your echallenged... but there are multiple factors you have to consider. Fear, sleep, car condition, and if the money is truly worth it based on the position you're in. If you lack sleep, it leaks over into your racing and your overall driving experience... so getting zzz's is a must. -  Blu 

No two journeys are ever the same in Heading Out. Procedural systems generate new narrative vignettes, races, vehicular challenges, environmental hazards, and more on each soul-searching run, ensuring a fresh and unpredictable ride every time you start up the ignition. And with the game's stylish graphic novel art style bringing the action-packed escapades to life, it's like playing through an interactive comic book brought to life.

So whether you're craving some cathartic nitrous-fueled street racing, an emotionally compelling narrative adventure, or just an opportunity to flip a middle finger to society's restrictions, Heading Out will satisfy all those cravings and more. The keys are in your hands, and the open road is calling!

Heading Out is available now on PC via Steam for $17.99 USD / €17.99 EUR / £14.84 GBP with a 10% launch discount until May 14, 2024. For the ultimate road trip experience, the Heading Out - Soundtrack Edition ($22.49 USD / €22.49 EUR / £18.44 GBP after discount) includes the game and its awesome original Americana soundtrack. Gun that engine and hit the streets in this one-of-a-kind driving opus!

Sophima

 + Blu 

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Best Nintendo Switch Games For Family Fun: TMNT Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants

We're back with more family fun gaming for those like the individual I met during a get together at the beginning of May 2024. Not going into detail, but he was a gamer... and hung up the controller to increase his focus in areas that needed more of his attention (i.e. his family). While commendable, I did see a potential opening in terms of getting his family in on one of his favorite pass times... instead of it being shelved. If it's something you enjoy, and could potentially be something the family wouldn't mind indulging in as well for the sake of more fun times and memories, then... why not? 

Gaming as a family is a great way to bond and spend quality time together. One platform that makes this a bit easier (in my opinion) is the... Nintendo Switch! As mentioned before... gaming can be a great way to teach kids about teamwork, problem-solving, and competition in a healthy and fun way.

In addition to games relieving stress and delivering fun, there are some titles that provide additional benefits that most movies & TV shows don't deliver.

In the case of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants, your children learn about teamwork, and healthy competition. These skills are a great thing to instill at an early age so that they know the importance of working with others and not feeling as if they have to do everything alone. Serve up some delicious pizza and other goodies and enjoy your family game night on all platforms.

The last time I recall playing this game, was actually in the arcade when I took my daughter for a day of fun. This is the expanded version.

This 4-player arcade game takes you on a multiplayer adventure with our favorite turtles in a half shell... and it delivers a decent dose of lightweight action that's safe for kids to enjoy. You fight your way through 6 stages as you work together to take on 13 bosses. This version delivers 3 new stages + 6 new bosses, but... you aren't going in with your weapons and ninja skills alone.

This game also equips you with powerups, specifically one that will send you spinning to send enemies for a loop, and their individual specificials. In addition, you also have the support from other characters that assist you from time to time in order to clear the way. The action is enough to enjoy some family time on a Friday while the pizza being delivered to your place or afterwards. It's a quick jump in a go type of game that's a nice addition to your family game night library. The game can be played with 1 to 4 players on Switch, PS4, PS5, Xbox, and PC, so no matter where you game... fun it up and create some awesome memories... together!

Key Features

• Double the Mayhem: Fight your way through six stages and 13 boss battles, including three all-new stages and six new boss battles not present in the original arcade release.
• Play as the Four Turtles: Join Leo, Raph, Donnie and Mikey, voiced by the talents of the 2012 TMNT series (Seth Green, Sean Astin, Rob Paulsen, Greg Cipes), against the evil Foot Clan!
• Unleash Turtle Power: Use special super attacks unique to each Turtle to devastate waves of enemies and find tokens to summon mutant backup to help clear your foes.
• Team Up in Local Co-op: Play with your friends in four-player local couch co-op.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Arcade: Wrath of the Mutants is out now on PlayStation®5, PlayStation®4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam for $29.99.

This game is rated E10+ for Everyone!

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