One of the toughest choices to make in SYNCED is deciding which Runner to invest time in. Here’s a quick rundown of the first four Runners and who players looking for a certain playstyle will want to stick with.
Deadcut
The first Runner available in SYNCED is Deadcut, a serious force on the battlefield. With his skillset aimed at dealing with crowds of Nanos and spreading fire damage, Deadcut is a solid pick for players (solo or in a group) looking to punch through enemy swarms. Deadcut is at his best when jumping into tight spaces to wipe out lesser Nanos and dealing quick and heavy damage to elites with his special runner skill.
Runner Skill:
- Fire Grenade – A grenade that will split and bounce, producing a lasting burn area.
Perks:
- Dragon’s Breath – The last bullet in the magazine deals fire affliction.
- Hot Wheel – When on fire, movement speed is increased, and the last bullet in the chamber deals fire affliction.
Glory
Glory is the sharpshooter and her skills reflect her choice for precision combat. Unlike Deadcut, Glory is at her best when staying at a distance and laying down fire from a distance, all while keeping enemies and allies in clear view. Her Smoke Bomb skill makes for a great option to keep foes in a tight zone, letting her and the squad unload on them while they’re fazed.
Runner Skill:
- Smoke Bomb – A bomb that releases poison gas and blinds enemy runners.
Perks:
- Sight Lines – Highlight rival runners through sniper rifle scopes and see through smoke.
- The Tracker – Increases Nano weak point damage. Shooting Runners will tag them.
Dr. Stone
As the resident healer in SYNCED, Dr. Stone is one of the most valuable Runners on missions. His advanced healing abilities focus on keeping himself and his team in the fight for as long as possible. Along with having the fastest revives of any Runner, his Healer’s Aura skill allows him to drop a node to keep a steady flow of health going in a radius. When playing solo or in a team, Dr. Stone can be a solid pick for those looking to survive for the long haul.
Runner Skill:
- Healer’s Aura – Heal and automatically revive teammates inside a healing radius.
Perks:
- Combat Medic – Use medkits and revive teammates faster.
- Medical Marvel – Recover more health when using medkits and reviving teammates.
Ragna
Ragna is an aggressive and keen-eyed Runner focused on survivability and finding new threats in SYNCED. She can quickly locate enemies (PvE and PvP), and when she’s in a fight, she can recover health when taking out opposing Runners or elite Nanos. Ragna is a fantastic choice for players wanting a Runner that can easily jump in and out of intense fights while staying alive.
Runner Skill:
- Radiant Eye – Nearby teammates can detect enemies. Leech health from stunned nanos.
Perks:
- Death Defier – Recover health when killing prime nanos or rival runners.
- Sick Sense – Detect Rival Runners at close-range.
SYNCED is now available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
Taking those first steps into the Meridian to face the deadly Nanos can be daunting, but luckily, SYNCED provides all the tools needed for players to succeed. Here’s how best to optimize and put the Runners through their paces.
Know Thy Runner
The Runners of SYNCED have unique abilities grouped around the familiar archetypes of damage dealer, healer, and support. For new players and those sticking with solo activities, Deadcut and Dr. Stone are solid picks for dealing with crowd control and offering healing boosts respectively.
As for squad play, it’s always a good idea to build a balanced team. Having a dedicated party healer and damage dealer can come in clutch when facing down some of the tyrants and elite foes in the Meridian, so be sure to find a Runner that rounds out the squad.
Get to Know Haven and its Residents
The home base of Haven in SYNCED offers downtime after missions, and is also a vital space to amp up Runners, get to know key characters like Carroway, unlock new gear, engage in VR training, and collect rewards. Remember to take the time to make the rounds with folks to catch up and earn some well-earned rewards and bonuses.
Find the Right Nano Companion
While every Runner can make solid use of each of the four companion types, ensuring a companion is best paired with a Runner that complements its style is essential for the tougher missions.
Deadcut’s impressive crowd control skills are best paired with the Crusher companion, who can tear through crowds of enemies with a more focused aggression. Also, Glory is best fighting at a distance, making the ranged Seer companion a good pick.
Load Up on Mods in SYNCED
A critical power source for each mission is the mod cache. Choosing from the cache’s randomized buffs provides welcome boosts to both Runner and Companion. Take a moment to consider which mods best synergize with the team, as the right pick can become the foundation of an epic loadout on the battlefield.
Explore Meridian
SYNCED offers a range of Dead Sectors (PvE) and Nerva Run (PvP) activities to jump into, and it’s beneficial to try more challenging missions. Activities are often set on a large open map, which offers plenty of opportunities to explore, powerful new gear to loot, and Memory Fragments that reveal more details about the story to find. Even mission failure still earns experience, so exploring and engaging in different activities is a great way to build vital power.
SYNCED is now available on Steam and the Epic Games Store.
With Tokyo Game Show 2023 underway, Digital Extremes and Airship Syndicate have taken the chance to reveal a glimpse of a new hero, Grendel, that players can expect to use in Season 2 of Wayfinder, the online action MMORPG available now in Early Access on both PC and PS5.
Brought to life by the creative mind of co-director Joaquim dos Santos, who worked on Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse, the teaser trailer showcases the lion-warrior Grendel, who wields a giant axe against all who stand in his way.
“The idea for Grendel dates back to the start of Wayfinder. We wanted to have a large, menacing ferocious Wayfinder that didn’t fit the mold of a typical hero. He’s also our first non-human character which we know players have been begging for. Tokyo Game Show just made sense as the perfect place to debut Grendel’s anime as Joaquim’s team is inspired and excited by any and all anime,” said Steve Madureira, Game Director.
Season 2 of Wayfinder will arrive later this Fall, with the full release planned for early 2024. For visitors who are curious about the game but have yet to check it out, demos are available to attendees from Sept. 21 – 24, showcasing the game’s memorable characters and colorful, ever-changing fantasy world.
It has been more than a year and a half since Shiro Games and Funcom launched Dune: Spice Wars into Early Access. Following a constant stream of new content, updates, fixes, reworks, and more, the team is ready to unleash players onto the planet of Arrakis in its full glory with the 1.0 release.
“The last year and a half has seen multiple updates release, adding tons of content, improvements and more, largely built on the suggestions and feedback of our players. So thank you to everyone who has supported us and helped us build Dune: Spice Wars into what it is today over the course of the Early Access period. We literally couldn’t have done it without you,” shared Shiro Games.
Players jumping in for the first time will find an experience that has been refined throughout the entire Early Access period, and there are a ton of changes to check out for players who have been with the game since the beginning.
For starters, the new faction that is House Ecaz is now part of the fight for Arrakis in Dune: Spice Wars, bringing a sense of nobility and the love of art onto the desert planet. Players can also choose to play as House Ecaz in the Conquest mode, which is being bolstered with four new missions, along with rebalancing and reworks for missions, gameplay flow, and resources.
The development tree for all the factions has also been given a fresh coat of paint from the ground up, allowing players to better chart their course for the future without feeling the need to rush at the later tiers. As for boots on the ground, units will no longer have manpower upkeeps, and basic non-mechanical units no longer cost Solari in Dune: Spice Wars. On the other hand, healing non-mechanical units and mechanical units will require Manpower and Solari respectively.
In addition, the team has reworked other aspects of the experience, including water and supply, assassination, the Sietch, and more for the various factions. Be sure to check out the full patch notes for all the pertinent details.
“We really hope you enjoy the 1.0 version of Dune: Spice Wars, it’s been an amazing year and a half for us working alongside you all in Early Access and we are incredibly proud of what we’ve accomplished with the game and excited to continue the journey well beyond the 1.0 update. Heroes of Dune is currently in the works, alongside a ton of other ideas and plans floating around, so stay tuned for news and updates on what the future holds for Dune: Spice Wars,” added Shiro Games.
Armed with the magnificent Azure Dragon, the leader of the Azure Guards, Huang, brings her mastery of lightning to the world of Tower of Fantasy as a main DPS dealer, along with a plethora of skills that make this new Simulacrum a great supporting member as well.
Huang Skills and Mechanisms in Tower of Fantasy
Capable of sustained attacks both on the ground and in the air, Huang’s speed is essential to her effectiveness in combat. Her attacks can also be enhanced by summoning the Azure Dragon to join the fight, but her greatest on-field DPS skill is Thunder Burst, a lightning combo that can be channelled to deal consistent damage to enemies while granting Huang an HP shield.
If Fortitude Resonance is active, the skill taunts nearby enemies as well as grants a shield to the entire team. Dodging also allows Huang to fire a lightning ball directly in front of her, which be further leveraged by using a dodge attack, spawning a lightning pool that draws enemies in.
Landing three normal attacks in a row sees Huang gain one stack of Qinglong’s Might, which can be further added to with dodge attacks up to a max of eight times. Each stack grants increasing Damage Reduction for Huang in Tower of Fantasy, with the bonus of increasing the damage of weapon skills as well.
The weapon skill, Azure Moon, sees the coming of the Azure Dragon, which soars into the sky to deal massive damage while shrouding the area with dark clouds. At this point, Huang can spend Qinglong’s Might to call down lightning strikes. Having two Volt weapons equipped will allow for lightning to be inflicted on enemies, and the Soaring Dragon discharge skill will unleash a powerful AoE attack that can turn the tide.
Huang Key Star Mechanics
At 1-star, Huang gains Qinglong’s Might when using a Volt weapon skill, which enhances her attacks. Thunder Burst also restores up to 40% max HP, and Qinglong’s Might can be easily accumulated by using Azure Moon, which instantly grants three stacks.
With a 3-star Huang, players equipped with Azure Dragon will have all Volt weapon base skill cooldown reduced while dealing increased Volt damage.
At 5-star, having Fortitude Resonance active will allow Huang to survive lethal damage for a single time and gain damage immunity for a short duration. Discharging also ignores hyperbody and draws in nearby enemies, keeping enemies occupied. Use of Thunder Burst also spawns a power grid that stops enemies and projectiles in their tracks, which will come in handy defensively.
Huang Combat Tips in Tower of Fantasy
Huang can team up with the likes of Rubilia and Fiona, with the chief of the Azure Guards responsible for most of the DPS. The other two Simulacrums will help boost the damage output, with weapon charges key to this particular strategy.
Another possible team combination will see Huang join up with Rubilia and Fenrir. In this setup, Volt weapons will be the key that leverages Huang’s star trait effects, with Swift Cut becoming an effective tool to deal damage and stack Qinglong’s Might for weapon skills.
Get ready for intense PvE and PvP encounters with the release of SYNCED for PC on Steam and Epic Games Store! Developed by NExT Studios and published by Level Infinite, SYNCED transports players to the Meridian, a devastated zone populated with deadly Nanos – former humans transformed by nanotechnology gone tragically awry. Players will take on the role of Runners – brave fortune-hunters searching the Meridian for Nerva, a valuable nano-energy substance.
SYNCED features three-player co-operative gameplay, with Runners able to increase their squad size by syncing with Prime Nanos and turning them into deployable Companion Nanos. Runners will be able to strategically utilise their Companion Nano’s skills to compliment their play style and turn the tide of the battle.
For those who enjoy being a lone wolf, SYNCED offers a Solo Mode for players who want to take on the challenges of the Meridian on their own as well.
Companion Nanos are just one way players can adapt their build in SYNCED. During each run players will find exchange machines allowing them to acquire random power-ups known as Exchange Mods – these expire at the end of each run but provide welcome, albeit temporary power boosts. Additional loot dropped by defeated enemies can be taken back to Haven, the Runners’ base, and permanently equipped as Runner Mods. Both temporary and permanent mods draw from the same pool. Equipping Runner mods will not only give players a pre-set loadout but also increase their power level, making them stronger for the threats that lay deeper within the Meridian.
Guntech for weapons are another way for players to define their style – these weapons are unlocked during gameplay and come with special features altering the mechanics of regular firearms and adding unique features such as the “Vicious Cycle” which recalls all fired bullets on a reload dealing additional damage on their way back.
The development team at NExT is hard at work crafting new Runners, Nanos, maps and more to ensure a steady flow of future content for the Season 1 update coming soon after the launch of SYNCED on PC.
The Archduchess prepares to land
The warfare continues in Dune: Spice Wars, with the likes of House Atreides, House Harkonnen, the Smugglers, and the Fremen clashing all over the planet of Arrakis. Now, Shiro Games is bringing a new face to the battlefield, with the refined and prestigious House Ecaz joining the fray in Dune: Spice Wars.
Who are House Ecaz?
Patron of the finest artists, and master of every and all pleasures, House Ecaz knows all about living, and now their sights are set on the exotic planet of Arrakis. While they may be historical allies of House Atreides, nothing is going to stop House Ecaz from turning the source of spice into another jewel in their glittering collection.
Expect a whirlwind of overt luxury, passive aggression, and political mastery when House Ecaz arrives in Dune: Spice Wars, ensuring that no other faction is safe from their golden touch.
Archduchess Armanda Ecaz
A refined lady of high standing, the Archduchess Armanda Ecaz is one formidable foe. Her appetite for success and everything shiny might make her seem like an easy mark, but her political acumen is not to be underestimated.
As the leader of one of the mightiest Houses in the galaxy, she has seen it all and done it all. A valuable ally to have and an even worse enemy to make, cross the Archduchess and pay the price.
Ecaz Councillors
Family comes into the picture when it involves the House Ecaz administration in Dune: Spice Wars, with the Archduchess’ daughters assuming key roles throughout the leadership.
As the eldest and heir to the Ecaz dynasty, Sanya Ecaz’s charming personality and eclectic tastes allow her to thrive among the artistic community of the house. Second daughter Ilesa Ecaz is a bitter and serious woman; she is deft at leveraging her weakness to guilt people into doing her bidding.
The youngest daughter Mesa Ecaz is driven and smart, with a propensity to help and support the people. The councillors are rounded off by Whitmore Bludd, a renowned instructor of the Ginaz swordmaster school. Entering the service of House Ecaz, he now serves as a capable warmaster.
House Ecaz General Gameplay in Dune: Spice Wars
For House Ecaz, it is all about the connections within the world of Dune: Spice Wars that make a difference. They can use art to disgrace and demoralise opponents, building invulnerable Masterpieces that will draw the ire of both the Landsraad and the locals.
On the other hand, they can help preserve local culture by raising sanctuaries surrounded by their own villages that cannot be captured, increasing their claim and territory on Arrakis. This can be further enhanced with a Garden Resort. When the need to draw arms comes, the Ecazi soldiers are a force to be reckoned with, wit the Champion units increasing in strength with every kill.
House Ecaz Unique Units
Bravery and honor are what the lower Ecazi nobility hold dear, and warfare is the key to achieving everlasting greatness. The Ecazi army will bring their best units to the frontlines to win battles with flair and style.
These unique units include:
- Squires, armored pikemen used to take the biggest blows from enemy forces and focus on softening defences for stronger units to finish the job.
- Musketeers are big-game hunters equipped with heavy muskets. They can take down even the most armoured enemies.
- Fencers, expert martial artists armed with elegant swords, engage backline units in duels that they are sure to win.
- War Banners are a floating reminder of everything House Ecaz stands for, and embolden Ecazi soldiers and demoralise their enemy.
- Knights come from Ecazi nobility, who demonstrate their bravery by joining the fray with a long sword and the support of all of their subordinates.
Digital Extremes definitely knows something about keeping players happy with a live service game, and now, in partnership with Airship Syndicate, the pair has opened the gates to Wayfinder, a free-to-play, character-based, action-MMO taking place in the world of Evenor.
With the encroachment of the Gloom, it will be up to the players to harness the power of a Wayfinder, one of the many champions in the game, and take back Evenor. That is a task easier said than done, but within this structure, there is lots of freedom to be found in Wayfinder.
For starters, players will eventually gain access to seven Wayfinders during Early Access, which has already begun on Steam and PlayStation 5. These heroes each boast different unique abilities – some being adept at being up close and personal, others more efficient from range – that will suit players’ way of adventuring. With progression, they will only grow to become even more effective in combat. Moreover, none of the Wayfinders are restricted in their choice of the initial 15 weapons, which further expands the way combat feels and unfolds. Heavy weapons hit hard but slow, while lighter weapons boast more speed, and there is even a parry system with the good old sword and shield combo.
With the possibility of partnering up with two other players in Wayfinder, the team synergy and hero combinations will only increase with time, making everything that players will get up to in the game much more entertaining. There are also a ton of upgrades and resources to seek out that further feed into the cycle, which always looks to reward players for their time.
“It’s all about making everything more interesting, be it the Wayfinders, the Echoes, or the adventure itself,” shared the team at Gamescom 2023. “Early Access is a conversation to make the game better and to make sure the community see what we are trying to build.”
Some examples of welcome changes made to Wayfinder included the addition of more I-frames when parrying attacks to make sure players were benefitting from their skill despite any latency issues, as well as adding in an air dash because it just made much more sense for certain Wayfinders. All of these small things can add up, and in the long run, lead to a much better game.
Speaking of making a better game, that process will include long-term support of the game until and after launch, with new seasons that will bring new characters, weapons, hunts, quests, and more to flesh out the game. Beyond the narrative and main storyline, there are also other aspects like community building and Apartment decorating systems to get deep into as well. What doesn’t change is the togetherness of Wayfinders who are enjoying all of it as a family.
As avid players of the MMO genre, it is clear that the Airship Syndicate team is well invested in making sure that Wayfinder lives up to the expectations and vision of the creators. Making a socially focused, online, and persistent experience is not always that straightforward, but Wayfinder is off to a good start, and players can expect to see more in the coming months as Early Access gets into its groove.
By this point, Sumo Leamington and Secret Mode Games‘ Stampede: Racing Royale has made quite an impact. After all, it’s not every day that there is a battle royale kart racer that races onto the tracks promising consistent, quality content all for the price for nothing, but that is exactly what the team behind this game is doing.
“The game is free to play, and our monetization only applies to cosmetics and the Season Pass,” said Paul Hollywood, Development Director of Stampede: Racing Royale. “However, anytime players race, no matter the outcome, they are going to earn soft currency, which can be used to buy things at the shop, and the Season Pass can be earned that way as well.”
A level playing ground for all is not something to take for granted, and that’s exactly what players will be getting with Stampede: Racing Royale, no matter when they decide to join the fun. And the voices of the players matter, as it helps to shape the development of the game in these early stages, and beyond launch as well.
“Part of our philosophy is to bring the community in really early to start getting feedback, and the previous Steam playtests have done just that. It can get brutally honest, but also, anything that is fantastic is recognized straight away. We have already improved the game with feedback from the community, and we want to keep doing that,” added Hollywood.
With each run consisting of three different events that is randomized, players can look forward to competitions that test their racing skills, environmental awareness, and their ability to react to sudden changes. With pickups to contend with and randomized obstacles, trying to survive each round can be a tough challenge if there is an aim to be the last one standing out of 60 racers. The presence of skill-based matchmaking will also keep things competitive.
That said, Stampede: Racing Royale is an accessible experience; just knowing how to accelerate and brake will make completing races easy. Of course, for those who are into advanced techniques, mastering drifting and taking advantage of the slipstream can make all the difference.
It is all brought to life in vibrant color and style, where players are encouraged to show off their personalities by changing costumes and detailing their karts. More options are already in the works to augment the selection when Early Access begins on November 2, and players can even expect more varied karts that can appeal to different kinds of racing styles.
For players who are eager to get behind the wheel, the Stampede: Racing Royale Steam Playtests are set to begin soon once more. Time to get the engine running and put the pedal to the metal.
It’s never easy trying to make the next big step for a franchise that has a long history, especially when it’s one that is chocked full of pleasant memories like that of the Command & Conquer series. However, that is exactly the tough task that Yorha Studios is planning to overcome along with Electronic Arts with Command & Conquer: Legions, setting its sights on mobile domination after its Gamescom 2023 reveal.
Set after the Third Tiberium War, the faction known as the CABAL has launched yet another assault on humanity with its cyborg army in Command & Conquer: Legions. Despite their long-standing conflict, the NOD and GDI forces are compelled to unite once again in the face of these threats, fully aware that their own internal conflicts could erupt at any moment. This relatively unexplored territory is what allows the developers to put into place some of the new ideas that will hopefully usher in a new age of fandom for the real-time strategy stalwart.
“While it’s important that we respect the IP and its history, there is a balance to be found between the old and the new so that we have fresh gameplay features that will appeal to new fans as well as satisfy those returning to the franchise,” shared the team.
The power to control units remains a core part of the RTS experience, and that will still be the case in Command & Conquer: Legions when players go head-to-head with others. What is distinctly different is that of the heroic generals who bring unique abilities to the field, as well as being active combatants. Whether it is for the GDI, NOD, or the new Cabal, the various generals will fit certain playstyles, allowing players to find the right fit so that their strategies are enhanced.
That would be key as combat is no longer restricted to contained missions, with commanders thrust into a large map shared with other players globally. Here, it is up to the leaders to decide when to form alliances, carry out strikes, acquire more Tiberium and other resources, and more. Base building also returns in familiar form, allowing for a variety of benefits that include stronger and more powerful units to bring to the fight.
Having the right balance in Command & Conquer: Legions will be vital to the game’s longevity, and that is something Yorha Studios will look at carefully over the course of development and after release. Players can expect to “match up to similarly advanced armies, and always be given a fighting chance” even if they abstain from any in-game microtransactions.
Add to all that the shadow of superweapons such as nuclear warheads, the ION Cannon, or the weather control systems, and things are shaping up nicely for the next chapter of this storied franchise to unfold on the battlefield. Command & Conquer: Legions is set to have a closed beta in Australia, Canada, France, Mexico, New Zealand and the Philippines for Android later this month, with a full launch planned for later this year on iOS and Android.
With Gamescom 2023 in full flow and the city of Cologne playing host to thousands upon thousands of excited gamers and industry professional, the fun never seems to end. Even for those who are unable to make their way over to the biggest gaming event of the year thus far, Level Infinite wants to make sure that nothing is missed.
Located at Hall 6 at Gamescom 2023, the Level Infinite booth is larger than before, housing several marquee titles that will have players excited to check out throughout the entire show. From Assassin’s Creed Jade, SYNCED, Nightingale, Stampede: Racing Royale, GTFO, Wayfinder, to Arena Breakout, there’s something for everyone.
Be sure to drop by and enjoy the gaming goodness, but for fans who are unable to make the trip, join the team on this virtual tour of the Level Infinite booth here at Gamescom 2023, so that preparations can be made for next year’s event!
With the confirmation that Assassin’s Creed Codename Jade will now be officially called Assassin’s Creed Jade, fans will undoubtedly turn their attention to the weight of the legacy that comes with the long-running Ubisoft series. Trying to distill a full-fledged experience that is well known on both consoles and PCs to the mobile platform is a daunting challenge, but for Executive Producer Andrei Chan, that is a challenge he and his team are more than happy to take on.
“It was always our initial target to make sure it feels like Assassin’s Creed, and to make sure we are staying in the canon. We want to contribute to this story in a meaningful way,” said Chan. “We want to be very respectful of Chinese history and culture, while remaining honest to the freedom of the Assassin’s Creed world.”
This means that while the focus is on third-century China in ancient times, there is still room for iconic franchise faces, such as Kassandra from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, and the possibility of visiting other lands, a key feature that is part of the mobile adventure in Assassin’s Creed Jade that will come free for players after launch.
Large vistas also await, with the current map showing more points of interest as players synchronize more viewpoints, another great avenue to show off the scale of the game on mobile.
One big departure from the established formula, however, is the ability to create the playable character from scratch in Assassin’s Creed Jade. But once that is done, what awaits players will be familiar and intuitive, even if it’s not delivered in the traditional sense. Touch controls for the protagonist make it possible to go anywhere the player desires, with context-specific actions popping up when there is a need. Climbing and assassinations come to mind and will be easy to pick up for most players, even those new to the series.
Combat will also feature a scope that is quite extensive, with various weapons and loadouts allowing players to switch their approach according to the foe. Chan explained that “some weapons work better against certain enemies” and for players who master them all, they will become “effective enough to kill everyone” standing in their way. Add to that progression systems for both the character and individual weapons, and the depth of Jade reveals itself.
Any fears that going mobile will create some sort of wall to progression are also unfounded, as Chan reiterated that Assassin’s Creed Jade will be “playable from the start to the end without spending any money,” with monetization still being looked at by the team to ensure that players have the optimal experience. While Chan and the rest of the team continue to work towards pushing out the game in the best form possible, it becomes clear that their sights are set even further beyond the horizon.
“Launch is only the beginning, and we will continue to focus on creating valuable content for our players. This could be new features that we want to add to the game or improvements on current ones, or the regions and maps we talked about earlier. It is really exciting, and we hope that fans will come along with us for the ride.”
There is no set release date just yet for Assassin’s Creed Jade, with a 2024 window the target for both iOS and Android devices. Hopefully, when players take the trip back to ancient China, they will do so knowing that a true Assassin’s Creed experience lies in wait.
The first-person shooter market is not by no means an easy one to crack, but for MoreFun Studios, changing dynamics and an immersive experience are at the heart of what makes Arena Breakout a unique standout in the mobile space. Instead of being the last one standing, players are always on the move in a high-risk, high-reward affair. Grabbing the best loot in this extraction shooter means nothing if there is no successful escape, and being targeted by everyone else always means the tension never truly goes away.
Having only launched in July for both iOS and Android devices, the game has already hit a huge milestone of over 80 million registered users globally as announced at Gamescom 2023, with plenty of player feedback for the studio to mull over. The battles across the wartorn remnants of Kamona in Arena Breakout are only just beginning.
At Gamescom 2023, it was also revealed that Season 2 of Arena Breakout will arrive in October. The War For The Port update will bring a new Storm Warning mode, a new Port map, as well as a variety of new firearms for players to pore over in the Gunsmith system. The new arrivals will see players get up close and personal with “action-packed urban warfare in the streets,” an experience that the studio is keen to deliver, where “the enemy is always closer than you think.”
As for the new Storm Warning mode, players will have to contend with never-before-seen weather effects like fog in Arena Breakout. Using a tactical flashlight may increase visibility, but it is also a beacon for enemy fire. With bosses Ajax and Porrero ready to eliminate the weak, survivors will have to go the extra mile to make it to the end. And for those who persevere, the future looks bright.
“Over 16 unique modes built around Arena Breakout’s core principle of extraction will be available throughout the next year, alongside new maps and variants of existing maps that offer new battlefield experiences, from tight urban layouts to close quarters combat. A dynamic weather system and more new weapons will also be introduced to the game soon. Additionally, MoreFun Studios will announce its plans for an official Arena Breakout esports competitive scene in the months ahead,” added the team.
As Inflexion Games‘ debuted an all-new trailer for its shared world survival crafting game, Nightingale, at Opening Night Live of Gamescom 2023, the excitement of the development team is surely shared with its invested community.
While eager Realmwalkers will have to wait a little longer, until February 22 2024 to be exact, before they can jump into Early Access, that means the folks back at the studio will have even more time to create a product that has plenty of player feedback built into it already.
“I haven’t worked on an early access title before. And a lot of our developers haven’t either. And so we were a little bit nervous about Nightingale, but the players have been absolutely amazing. They’ve been so gracious and so appreciative. And so giving of their thoughts, feedback, praise, and even constructive criticism, all that stuff,” shared Aaryn Flynn, CEO of Inflexion Games.
“It’s made for a really fun time. I think our developers now look forward to playtests, because they want to show off to players, what they’ve worked on and at the same time, engage with them and say, ‘What did you think of this? What are your thoughts?’ And I think that’s just been a wonderful process.”
From reworking the onboarding experience to including the much-requested third-person perspective, it is clear that Nightingale continues to be a product of love from both sides of the equation. While the core idea of the game is still to “reward players for their curiosity” and provide “interesting puzzles to solve” as part of the adventure, everything else around that can change. One of those reasons is the increasing familiarity that the Inflexion team has with Unreal Engine 5, but also, having a good grasp on things.
“How we prioritize everything is a combination of ideas from the dev team, and then we validate those ideas, first and foremost, against the vision of the game. Is it consistent with the vision? Does it require an expansion of the vision? Have we had any confirmation from our players that they would appreciate this or not? So it’s a bit of both, but it always starts with our developers,” said Flynn.
Knowing what the players want warrants less risk in implementing such ideas, and the collaborative environment created by the development of Nightingale has only boosted the confidence of the people working on the game. This leads to more engagement with the same, brilliant community, and starts the cycle all over again.
“I’m a big believer in the phrase ‘We like because, and we love despite,’ And what that means is that when you ask somebody why they like something, they generally list off specific things that they like about something. But when you love something, you tend to love it, despite its flaws, and you accept it for its flaws, but the criticism can be equal,” added Flynn. The input from a player with hundreds of hours in the game is as valuable as the one that drops off only after a few; such is the willingness of Inflexion to take in feedback and ensure Nightingale is as polished as can be.
This may be a debut title from the studio that is Inflexion Games, but much of the journey has been made even better with the help of its community. For all Realmwalkers hoping to make their mark across the mystical Fae Realms, that is truly the spirit that should power all the adventures beginning in early 2024 on Steam and Epic Game Store.
Earlier today, Level Infinite shared a wealth of information with players across the globe who tuned in to watch its inaugural Into the Infinite showcase. Here’s a recap of all the important news:
Assassin’s Creed Jade
First things first, this latest addition to the epic franchise is now officially known as Assassin’s Creed Jade and, as showcased in this latest trailer, features the series’ iconic stealth, parkour and assassination for the first time on mobile devices. Players wanting to experience the action ahead of the full launch will be able to participate in a second closed testing phase coming soon. Further information is available on the official Assassin’s Creed Jade site.
Arena Breakout
A new trailer at the Into the Infinite showcase revealed content heading to the highly immersive and tactical FPS in a major update – Battle for the Port – due for release this October. This update will see players fighting it out on the all-new Port map, taking on new Boss – Delwin Pan, and to make things even tougher there’s a typhoon approaching. Discover more at the official site.
Command & Conquer: Legions
More details were shared on what players can expect in this recently announced addition to the Command & Conquer series in an exclusive new trailer. Currently in development for mobile devices, Command & Conquer: Legions combines iconic Command & Conquer elements with engaging strategic gameplay and social interaction.
From tomorrow, August 25, a new test phase will commence for Android players in Australia, Canada, France, Mexico, New Zealand and the Philippines, with other regions to follow later this year. For a full intel briefing, head to the game’s official HQ.
Delta Force: Hawk Ops
Following its announcement during yesterday’s Opening Night Live, viewers got to meet several members of the game’s development team as part of an introduction to Delta Force: Hawk Ops. This all-new addition to the franchise will bring the series’ iconic tactical FPS play to console, PC and mobile players at launch. For more details about this Operator-based tactical shooter, visit playdeltaforce.com.
Dune: Spice Wars
In the latest trailer for the title, Shiro Games and Funcom revealed a September release window for Dune: Spice Wars at the Into the Infinite showcase. The game has seen numerous updates during Early Access, thanks to community feedback, and the team is very excited to get the 1.0 update in players’ hands. For more game details please visit dunespicewars.com.
GTFO
10 Chambers premiered the trailer for their next big content update of hardcore co-op shooter GTFO – ALT://Rundown 6.0 Destination, which will add thirteen new expeditions to the game – for free. When the update arrives in September, GTFO will have over 70 playable expeditions in total. To learn more about ALT://Rundown 6.0 head to gtfothegame.com.
Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story
Raul Rubio, Tequila Works’ CEO, and Rowan Parker, Creative Director of Riot Forge at Riot Games, joined the showcase hosts to share a new sneak peek of Song of Nunu: A League of Legends Story. This story-driven adventure follows League of Legends champions Nunu & Willump, two best friends who embark on the ultimate road trip through the frozen wilds of the Freljord, meeting other legendary champions along the way. Song of Nunu is scheduled for release in fall 2023. To learn more, please visit www.songofnunu.com.
Stampede: Racing Royale
Following the debut of the latest trailer, it was confirmed that the PC version of Secret Mode’s 60-player kart racer will be power sliding into Early Access on November 2. Ahead of this, players can still get an early taste of the action via the game’s second Playtest on Steam, which runs until August 28.
Stampede: Racing Royale is also scheduled for a console release at a later date. For more game details head to stampederacing.com
SYNCED
Taking to the stage at the Into the Infinite showcase was the game’s creative director, Clark Yang, who confirmed the game’s global launch date on PC will be September 8 and shared a new trailer for the futuristic co-op shooter also heading to PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S in the coming months. Ahead of the release date, players are invited to pre-register via the official website, for the opportunity to earn in-game rewards.
Tarisland
During the showcase, it was confirmed that a second Closed Beta test for this free and fair-to-play, class-based, cross-platform MMORPG will commence in November. This forthcoming test phase will allow both PC and mobile players across Europe, Asia and the Americas to experience deeper class building and new PVP elements with multiple language support.
At full launch players from around the globe will be able to freely explore Tarisland’s world, socialise with others and embark on epic adventures. To see more, visit the website for more details.
Undawn
An all-new trailer gave a taste of what awaits players when Undawn’s first major update – Desert Fury – goes live on August 24. Featuring a brand new map, story arc and character roles, there are now even more challenges to overcome in this open-world survival RPG. For further details on Desert Fury, please head to Undawn’s official website.
Warhammer 40,000: Darktide
The wait is nearly over as developer and publisher, Fatshark, confirmed that the game will be launching for Xbox Series X|S on October 4 at the Into the Infinite showcase. They also shared more exciting news with the announcement of a radical revamp of the game’s class system for both the PC and forthcoming Xbox versions. Replacing the current structure will be full talent trees, taking character progression to a whole new level. For more information, check out the video and visit www.playdarktide.
Warhammer: Vermintide 2
In a new cinematic trailer, Fatshark announced the long-awaited fourth career for their fire-wielding spellcaster, the Necromancer. Born from a fight with her twin sister Sofia, this new career grants new powers and abilities to allow her to control the dead. Exactly how these powers were obtained by the fire mage is yet to be revealed. The Necromancer career releases on Steam, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4 on October 19. Learn more at www.vermintide.com.
Wayfinder
The latest trailer from Airship Syndicate (Ruined King: A League of Legends Story) and Warframe creator Digital Extremes, provided more of what awaits players when they enter the rich, expansive world of Wayfinder and the heroic battles they must face to push back the Gloom from the world of Evenor. Additionally, viewers tuning in got a sneak peek tease of new content coming to Wayfinder soon.
Level Infinite will release a new Command & Conquer mobile game via a licensing agreement with Electronic Arts. Command & Conquer: Legions, published by Level Infinite, is a new mobile strategy game based in the Command & Conquer (C&C) universe.
The game incorporates iconic heroes and villains, factions and a vast array of units from across the Command & Conquer games. The reimagined storyline and a new approach to strategy gameplay open up endless strategic possibilities. The game will have a Closed Beta Test later this month in Australia, Canada, France, Mexico, New Zealand and the Philippines for Android devices. The global launch for Android and iOS devices is planned for later this year.
“Command & Conquer: Legions is being created with both mobile platforms and mobile gamers in mind, matching the way people play on their devices with shorter, faster sessions and streamlined controls,” said Anthony Crouts, Senior Director, Level Infinite. “The mobile strategy gameplay of Legions provides a new type of experience while presenting familiar units, heroes and aspects of previous C&C games.”
In Command & Conquer: Legions, players can engage in real-time PVE and PVP battles against other factions as they collect Tiberium, a powerful resource brought to earth that can either be used for technological advancement or to unleash destruction on enemies. On a large map shared with other commanders globally, leaders will be able to form strategic alliances of their choosing to coordinate attacks with allies, share resources, and strategize to outwit enemies. Send units to capture strategic locations and acquire as many Tiberium spikes as possible and claim precious resources. Outposts will extend reach and secure supply lines as players harvest resources, build bases, develop advanced technologies, and conquer cities and regions to claim victory.
TiMi Studio Group leads development, including a Black Hawk Down Campaign Mode, as announced during Gamescom Opening Night Live
Global game development and operations team TiMi Studio Group announced today at Gamescom 2023 Opening Night Live the return of Delta Force, an iconic first-person shooter originally launched as a PC game 25 years ago. The new game, Delta Force: Hawk Ops, will feature cross-platform play across console, PC and mobile when it launches at a date to be shared at a later time.
Players can pre-register their interest, and obtain updates on the game’s upcoming plans via Twitter, Facebook, and YouTube, as well as receive a free in-game item at launch.
Delta Force: Hawk Ops intends to launch with three exciting, distinct game modes:
- Campaign Mode – Black Hawk Down: This exciting new campaign mode is a return to the infamous Mogadishu battle from the movie, featuring both the movie characters and their likenesses and the officially licensed remaster of the original Delta Force: Black Hawk Down video game.
- Extraction Mode – Hazard Operations: Squad up and take on other teams or AI-controlled mercenaries and royal guards in Hazard Operations, the most tactical take on the popular extraction genre to date. Random events across this massive map will keep players engaged, as well as selecting challenging PvE-focused missions as part of the experience.
- Large-Scale PvP Mode – Havoc Warfare: Compete as part of a large team on a massive map, featuring authentic terrains and including military vehicles, tanks and helicopters in a grand war.
Gameplay in Delta Force: Hawk Ops will feature a strong dose of tactical combat in each mode, as players will select from four Operator classes at launch. Choose from the dominant firepower of the Assault class, showcase your superior tactics with the Engineer class, heal teammates and keep your team fighting on as a Support class or create havoc through the element of surprise as the Recon class.
“Delta Force is one of the most iconic, original games in FPS history and it will soon be time for this fantastic series to return for players on all devices – console, mobile or PC – to play,” TiMi J3 studio general manager Leo Yao said. “We believe we’ve honored the original series while creating a modern, tactical, operator-based game to be enjoyed by players worldwide, of all skill levels, for many years to come.”
The announcement was officially made with the game’s announcement trailer as part of Gamescom Opening Night Live, marking the first title in the series since 2009 and a continuation of the Delta Force gaming brand that launched in 1998.
TiMi has assembled a global co-development unit, called Jade Team, which features extensive experience making hit PC games for the Chinese audience. Jade’s FPS team is led by Yao, who is one of the most successful game makers in the world, leading teams in the development of Call of Duty: Mobile and CrossFire Mobile.
Delta Force: Hawk Ops will also participate in Into the Infinite: A Level Infinite Showcase on August 23 as part of Gamescom 2023. Game director Shadow Guo will present some information about Delta Force and TiMi will present a new video showcasing both the game’s history and the title’s new lore, which is set in the near future on a North African island where elite corporate mercenaries, dangerous tribal guards and cutting-edge AI technology create an exciting setting for players to make their way.
SYNCED isn’t an average shooter. Combining elements of roguelites, competitive multiplayer and loot-driven RPGs, underneath its shiny sci-fi spectacle lies a myriad of fun, engrossing mechanics.
This delightful depth makes NExT Studios’ SYNCED such a blast to play – and with this handy guide, it will be easier to get through The Meridian’s Dark Sectors in one piece.
Basic Training
Take control of one of five Runners and embark on thrilling missions in The Meridian, slowly raising their power levels with increasingly epic gear. The question is, how does upgrading the Runners work?
Mod(ern) Love
The first way to improve any chosen Runner in SYNCED is to equip them with many ability-enhancing Runner mods. Defeating enemy Nanos will be the most reliable method of obtaining these gameplay-altering abilities.
With four PVE runner mod slots available, mixing and matching these mods is where the real fun begins, each synergizing to dramatically enhance abilities and switch up the gameplay. From melee-enhancing mods to abilities that damage opponents with every weapon reload, cleverly combining Runner mods is critical to surviving The Meridian’s Dead Sectors.
Tech Care of Your Guns
Gun tech modules are the other most notable upgrade in SYNCED. As a roguelite, players earn permanent and temporary gun tech mods during missions. Temporary mods are easy to buy mid-round using Radia, the in-game currency dropped by enemy Nanos. However, these temporary gun tech modules will be gone once the mission ends.
As for permanent runner mods, players can spend Radia to upgrade them, raising their stats and contributing to the overall power level. Locked to a single weapon, these upgradeable attributes help bring out a specific weapon-enhancing attribute, allowing players to hunt for the perfect combination of gun and gun tech.
The Final Fun-tier
Last but not least is the endgame progression in SYNCED. Once players have battled their way across the Dead Sectors, Armband Codexes is the biggest prize to aim for. These power-enhancing trinkets function like a classic accessory in RPGs, allowing players to boost a specific ability for a chosen Runner.
Each contains a single ability – from improving damage with light machine guns to increasing overall speed – and raises the Runner’s overall power level.
Players across the globe can now pre-register for the futuristic cooperative and free-to-play shooter, SYNCED, ahead of its full release on PC, PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X|S later this summer.
Following the roaring success of its first Steam Playtest, Stampede: Racing Royale is revving the engines for a second round of chaotic racing action. The quick pit-stop will be followed up by a second Steam Playtest this coming August 21 to 28, with players likely to benefit even more out on the track.
Building on the first Playtest, there will be a wealth of bug fixes based on player feedback. All the same tracks will be returning from the previous Playtest, with new cosmetics added to create any desired style. The second Steam Playtest for Stampede: Racing Royale will give players another taste of what’s to come, with full patch notes shared on the game’s Steam page.
Stampede: Racing Royale will launch into Early Access later in 2023, with more content being planned by Sumo Leamington and Secret Mode to enrich the launch experience.
For those unfamiliar with the racing mayhem that is coming, prepare to step on the gas in thrilling kart racing and battle events, with 60 participants all competing simultaneously. Harness those driving skills and a huge range of power-ups to power to the front of the herd in classic circuit racing, or fight the crowd head-on to score the most points in arena-based battles.
As the Steam Playtest teases, the more players race, the more options there are for customization. Custom paints, stickers, and clothing for characters are but the tip of the iceberg in Stampede: Racing Royale. And with Seasons, Events, Challenges, and more coming, there will always be something to be a part of.
Be sure to register for the Stampede: Racing Royale Steam Playtest ahead of time, and prepare to hit the tracks in just a few days’ time.
Wielding the powerful Greatsword, Onyx Tortoise, Ming Jing arrives as the latest addition to the Simulacrum roster of Tower of Fantasy. His mastery of the Physical and Flame resonances will make all who resist to cower, with the execution and conduction mechanisms delivering devastating area of effect damage.
Ming Jing Skills and Mechanisms in Tower of Fantasy
With the Onyx Tortoise, Ming Jing is a force to be reckoned with both on the ground and in the air in Tower of Fantasy. Each strike comes with immense force behind the swing, and his trio of dodge attacks – Open Clouds, Cutting Sand, and Lookout – means attacking this Simulacrum is always a risky gamble. At the heart of Ming Jing’s combat prowess are the two mechanisms of Dark Slash and Serpent Chain, with the former easily eliminating common or elite enemies instantly, while the latter brings invaluable AoE damage.
To trigger Dark Slash, players need to trigger the completion of the Xuanwu Totem by using the Mirror Reflection skill, follow that up by using Lookout to enter the Selfless Realm, which grants Ming Jing three charges of Dark Slash to dish out the hurt.
As for Serpent Chain, landing certain attacks while the Xuanwu Totem is active will trigger the snake bite effect, which recovers HP for Ming Jing while binding the target with the Serpent Chain. A total of four targets can be targeted this way, with a percentage of any main slot weapon damage and debuffs being transferred to all bound foes.
The Simulacrum is also able to utilize Absolute Ravine to trigger two other mechanisms in Mighty Wind, which causes all Serpent Chain-affected foes to deal additional damage to nearby targets, and Shield Break: Detachment. This particular mechanic causes additional damage over time after using Absolute Ravine, which can be further enhanced using volt, flame, and frost weapons.
Ming Jing Key Star Mechanics
At 1-star, Ming Jing is able to deal devouring damage to the target every time Grevious is inflicted on an opponent in Tower of Fantasy. This combines well with his ability to ignite targets, which also causes the Grevious status.
A 3-star Ming Jing is an even more dangerous opponent, with Mighty Wind causing all targets that are hit to become Serpent Chain members, amplifying his potential to deal damage to not just one sole enemy, but all who are unfortunate enough to be caught in the area.
Ming Jing Combat Tips in Tower of Fantasy
With the Onyx Tortoise capable of both Physical and Flame resonances, it makes perfect sense for Ming Jing to be a key part of both teams. A Physical team consisting of Ming Jing, Gnonno, and Fiona or Umi will ensure any who stand in their way are beaten to a pulp, even if they are elite and higher-level enemies.
For a Flame team, consider Ming Jing, Liu Huo, and Fiona as a potential combination, with Serpent Chain playing an important support role to maximize damage alongside other discharge skills and damage boost effects. Replacing Fiona with Lan can also be a viable plan, once again allowing Ming Jing to shine in Tower of Fantasy.