Did You Miss Gamescom 2024? Rerun It!

Hey, fellow gamers! Did you miss out on the excitement of Gamescom 2024? No worries! Grab your favorite drinks, some popcorn, and get ready to catch up on all the thrilling announcements and reveals from this year’s event.

The Biggest Highlights from Gamescom 2024

Gamescom 2024 was packed with jaw-dropping announcements, epic game reveals, and unforgettable moments. Here are some of the highlights you don’t want to miss:

1. Starfield: Shattered Space - Bethesda wowed us with a new expansion for Starfield, promising even more interstellar adventures.
2. Indiana Jones and the Great Circle - Get ready to don your fedora and whip as Indiana Jones returns in an all-new adventure, exclusively on Xbox.
3. Batman: Arkham Shadow - The beloved Arkham series is back, this time in virtual reality! Dive into Gotham like never before.
4. Dune: Awakening - Funcom’s latest survival game set in the Dune universe promises a blend of political intrigue and survival mechanics.
5. Little Nightmares III - Bandai Namco’s eerie and atmospheric platformer returns with more spine-chilling adventures.
   
   

Cosplay and Community Fun

Gamescom isn’t just about the games; it’s also about the community. This year, the cosplay contest was a major highlight, with incredible costumes and creativity on display. The winners were announced on August 24, 2024, and the competition was fierce.

Upcoming Releases to Watch

Keep an eye out for these upcoming releases that were showcased at Gamescom 2024:

• Ara: History Untold - A grand strategy game that lets you rewrite history.
• Lost Ember: Remastered - Explore a beautiful world through the eyes of various animals in this remastered edition.
• Mouse: P.I. For Hire - Imagine Cuphead as a black-and-white FPS, and you’re close to this unique game.

Sophima

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FTS: “Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2” Angels of Death Cinematic (PC, PS5, XSX)

 

Experience the Glory of Combat in Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2’s Gripping New Cinematic Trailer

PARIS – Aug. 29, 2024 – The power of the Space Marines, the terror of the Tyranids, and the machinations of the Thousand Sons are front and center in the new trailer for Saber Interactive and Focus Entertainment’s Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2. The new “Angels of Death” cinematic trailer showcases the sheer power and brutality of our champions - the Ultramarines Titus, Chairon and Gadriel - as they heed the call of war and fight to defend humanity. Space Marine 2 is now available for pre-order and will release on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC on September 9. Pre-order the Gold or Ultra Edition to play up to four days early!

Get ready for battle with Lieutenant Titus and his battle-brothers Chairon and Gadriel. These are the three playable characters of a fully co-op-enabled campaign, while custom-made Space Marine characters are playable in PvE missions and PvP battles across various modes—just a taste of all the carnage that awaits.

A few days remain for players to pre-order the Gold or Ultra Edition and secure the ability to play early up to four days before the game's official release on September 9! Space Marine 2 will be available on Steam, the Epic Games Store, Xbox Series X|S, and PlayStation 5, with all editions available on each platform.

The Gold and Ultra Editions come with the Space Marine 2 Season Pass, which grants players additional cosmetics inspired by the glorious Space Marine Chapters of the Warhammer 40,000 universe. Free updates for all players will add new missions, enemies, weapons, and much more after release.

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Shadow of the Ninja Reborn... Reviewed: A Fresh Take on Retro 2D Gaming

Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a must-play for fans of 2D retro games. This 2024 release offers clean 2D pixel graphics, smooth animations, and engaging gameplay that pays homage to the original 1990 “Shadow of the Ninja.” Younger gamers, who often find retro games too stiff, will appreciate the fluidity of this title, reminiscent of classics gems like Metal Slug.

Storyline:

In Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn, you follow the Dark Assassins, Hayate and Kaede, from the Ryuha Shippu clan. Hayate, the future leader, and his senior, Kaede, embark on a mission not only for substantial rewards but also to liberate people from the antagonist’s tyranny. Hayate’s journey is as much about mastering his ninja skills as it is about controlling his temper, with Kaede ensuring he stays level-headed.

Gameplay:

The game features multiple modes, including the standard Arcade Mode and Time Attack Mode, where players can compete for the best times on online leaderboards (serving replay value for those craving competition).

Players can jump, attack, shadow step, and use various weapons and health items. The kusarigama allows for 360 degree long ranged attacks, you're able to wall run, suspend from scaffolding, stand on the handle of your blade for downward attacks mechanics add depth to the gameplay. Don’t forget to use your Ninjutsu attack when things get tough!

  Family Fun  

This game is perfect for family gaming sessions. While it supports two players, you can take turns, just like in the old days. Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn, is available for $19.99 on Switch, Playstation, PC Steam, and Xbox. Physical copies available... here.

Audio:

The music and audio effects in Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn evoke a nostalgic feel, reminiscent of Streets of Rage, Final Fight, and even stages from games like King of Fighters '93 (or possibly from '95, it's been awhile). The retro vibe is strong... in a good way + it feels fresh and exciting.

Price:

While more stages or a stage creation feature would be a welcome addition, Shadow of the Ninja - Reborn is a solid experience at $19.99. A price point of $14.99 might be a sweet spot in my opinion, but the game offers plenty of enjoyment for its cost.

Story 4 - You know the story (as mentioned above), but... if there were an actual (skippable) cutscene in place after the initial splash screens, that would be great. There is a cutscene, but... you have to wait at the title screen before it begins. How many people are going to actually wait around to see it, if they even know its there? Let the cutscene get it's shine.

Visuals 5

Audio 5

Price 5

4.75 out of 5 Cool Points

 + Sophi 

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Will InZOI Be Able to Take on Sims or Will It Be an Ambitious Fail?

For there record, if there was no SIMS game, there may have never been an inZOI game.

Don’t think of this article as doom and gloom; think of it as written by those with fingers crossed, hoping for an amazing alternative in the life simulator genre. Fans are eager for a break from the DLC fees of inZOI's rival over at Electronic Arts. While there’s nothing wrong with DLC that expands on an already complete game, we’ve been here before. We've argued in the past that SIMS 4 should be free-to-play due to the limitations only to have the experience improved to what... should have been the out of box experience (luckily they made it so at a later time). SIMS 3, by contrast, offered more bang for your buck at the time. Now that inZOI is in the picture, will it offer enough to get gamers to open the door when it comes knocking without using DLC as a crutch for the base game? We shall see when inZOI rolls through on PC, Xbox, and PlayStation with an early access date in late 2024. Testing showcased an immersive experience in the base game, but... the final release is the final release (which is why it's important to acknowledge the final release of a title is subject to change). Needless to say, we like what we see.

We don’t know the official release date or the suggested retail price, but it looks promising and takes you street-level with obvious differences compared to the SIMS. inZOI doesn’t follow EA’s steps to a T, but the differences are enough to make it possible to own both games and get different experiences. SIMS has a unique toon look and a language of its own (Simlish), whereas inZOI is more hyperrealistic... although you should be able to get whimsical results for your characters. Some people, like Armsbend, have complained about the realistic look of the game, but different strokes for different folks. I can’t wait to customize characters and see what the generative AI can produce in terms of clothing.

You can choose your Zoi’s personality, select their desired life and the location you want to start in (in this fictional world, of course). You’re able to play the game similar to SIMS via point-and-click... plus you're able to use WASD on your keyboard to control the character (which likely means that you're able to use your game controller as well). I don’t want to compare the SIMS from top to bottom because the SIMS is what it is and has held its own for quite some time. However, I like what I see in this game and how you’re able to immerse yourself in this world in both third-person (that made me wish this were a Shenmue remake) and first-person views.

If you get this game on PC, make sure that you have at least the minimum specs:

• A 64-bit processor
• Windows 10
• Intel i5 10400 or AMD Ryzen 3600
• 12GB RAM
• Graphics card: Nvidia RTX 2060 (8G VRAM) or AMD Radeon RX 5600 XT
• DirectX 12
• At least 60GB of hard drive space

This is a very interactive game that gives me GTA vibes, aside from the crime. I’m curious to see what type of content they serve up for this game that can deliver various experiences for gamers. I think that if they keep the pricing reasonable, people will give this a chance without a second though, including some existing SIMS fans. You'll be happy to know that the creator of this game has experience doing SIM mods because they wanted to add desired content to the mix. So who better to create their own version of a life simulator? Those on the inZOI Discord also have their suggestions considered for the game, which is fantastic because what better way to help your game win than actually listening to the people who love life simulators?

If we review it, you’ll know, but until then... check out the roadmap video below and stay tuned for more. Game on!

Sophima

 + Blu 

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Dear Developers: How to Create an Indie Game Using Udemy Courses and Unreal Engine - A Step-by-Step Guide

Now more than ever, indie developers are getting their well-deserved recognition. Without the vast resources and budgets of larger game developers, indie creators rely on creativity and hard work, hoping gamers will embrace their games. When that happens, it’s a sigh of relief, as the success of a game can change developers’ lives.

That’s why we promote affordable courses that help aspiring developers create their own games. Whether you’re a solo developer or part of a team of friends, classmates, or like-minded strangers with a solid contract, you can tap into your dreams without waiting for established game studios to open their doors. Gamers are open to great games from indie teams, and if your game is awesome, it will get the love it deserves if it doesn't fly under the radar. So, salute to the indie developers out there, and for the rest of you aspiring to take that step.. be motivated by this Indie World Showcase + Nintendo Direct: Partner Showcase:

 Utilize the information below, and we look forward to checking out your game one day! 

Step 1: Learn the Basics with Udemy Courses

Udemy offers a variety of courses that can help you get started with game development. Here are some top recommendations:

1. Unreal Engine 5: The Complete Beginner’s Course: This course covers the fundamentals of game development using Unreal Engine 5. By the end of the course, you’ll have built an entire demo game from scratch.
2. Unreal Engine 5 C++ Developer: Learn C++ & Make Video Games: Learn how to create and mod video games using Unreal Engine 5, even if you’re a complete beginner.
3. Unreal Engine 5 Megacourse: Create Games in UE5 & Blender: This course covers everything you need to know to get started in creating your own game in Unreal Engine, including pre-production, prototyping gameplay, and creating finalized props and characters in Blender.

Step 2: Master Unreal Engine

Unreal Engine is a powerful tool used by both AAA studios and indie developers worldwide. Here are some steps to master it:

1. Understand the Interface: Familiarize yourself with the Unreal Engine Editor and its components. Learn how to navigate and customize the interface to suit your workflow.
2. Learn Blueprints: Blueprints are Unreal Engine’s visual scripting system. They allow you to create game logic without writing code. Start with basic Blueprints and gradually move to more complex ones.
3. Practice with Projects: Apply what you’ve learned by working on small projects. This hands-on experience is crucial for mastering Unreal Engine.

Step 3: Upgrade Your Hardware

Creating an indie game requires a solid hardware setup to ensure smooth development and testing. This will cost a lot less than tuition when it comes to persuing a degree related to game development, and this is actually your equipment to keep and create games on. Here are the essential hardware components you’ll need:

Processor (CPU): A powerful CPU is crucial for handling the complex tasks involved in game development, such as compiling code, rendering graphics, and running simulations.

• Intel Core i7 or i9: These processors offer excellent performance for most game development tasks.

• AMD Ryzen 7 or 9: Known for their multi-threading capabilities these CPUs are great for handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
  
  

Graphics Card (GPU): A dedicated GPU is essential for rendering high-quality graphics and running game engines efficiently.

• Nvidia GeForce RTX 3060 or higher: These GPUs provide excellent performance for both 2D and 3D game development.

• AMD Radeon RX 6700 XT or higher: Another great option for high-performance graphics rendering.
  
  

Memory (RAM): Sufficient RAM is necessary to handle large assets and complex scenes in your game.

• Minimum 16GB: Suitable for smaller projects and basic game development.

• We Suggest 32GB or More: Idea for larger projects and more demanding tasks. If you stay ready, you don't have to get ready.

Storage: Fast and ample storage is crucial for storing your game assets, project files, and software.

• SSD (Solid State Drive): At least 512GB for the operating system and software, plus an additional 1TB or more for project storage. SSDs offer faster load times and better performance compared to traditional HDDs. They're more afforable now, so it wouldn't be a stretch to get a good one at a "solid" price. :p

Monitor: A high-resolution monitor helps you see your game in detail and makes development easier.

• 27-inch or larger: Provided ample screen space for multitasking. Aim for two.

• 4K resolution: Offers sharp and clear visuals, which is especially useful for detailed work. You want to see your 4K game if you're presenting it as a title with 4K visiuals.

Peripherals: Quality peripherals can enhance your development experience.

• Mechanical Keyboard: For comfortable and efficient typing.

• Precision Mouse: For accurate control and navigation.

• Graphics Tablet: Useful for artists working on game assets and textures. There are some great options that are affordable and actually rival the biggest names around, so don't sleep on options like Xencelabs.

Backup Solutions: Regular backups are essential to prevent data loss.

• External Hard Drives: For manual backups.

• Cloud Storage: For automatic backups.

Step 4: Develop Your Game

Once you have a solid understanding of Unreal Engine, it’s time to start developing your game:

1. Pre-Production: Plan your game. Define the concept, story, characters, and gameplay mechanics. Create a game design document to guide your development process.
2. Prototyping: Build a prototype of your game. Focus on core gameplay mechanics and test them to ensure they are fun and engaging.
3. Production: Develop the full game. Create assets, implement gameplay features, and continuously test and refine your game.
4. Polishing: Focus on polishing your game. Improve graphics, fix bugs, and optimize performance to ensure a smooth gaming experience.

Step 5: Launch and Market Your Game

After developing your game, the next step is to launch and market it:

1. Create a Marketing Plan: Define your target audience and create a marketing plan to reach them. Use social media, gaming forums, and other platforms to promote your game.
2. Launch on Platforms: Choose the right platforms to launch your game, such as Steam, Epic Games Store, or itch.io.
3. Engage with the Community: Build a community around your game. Engage with players, gather feedback, and continuously improve your game based on their input.

Creating an indie game is a challenging but rewarding journey. By following these steps and utilizing resources like Udemy courses and Unreal Engine, you can turn your game development dreams into reality. Just know that challenges are real, but luck favors the prepared. Remember, the indie game community is supportive, and gamers are always on the lookout for great games, regardless of their humble beginnings.

So, plan and proceed, and we look forward to playing your game one day!

 + Sophi 

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