Category: Game Releases

New game releases.

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The LOTR LCG is pretty fun, and you can watch some live gameplay right now!

By Joe Robinson 28 Aug 2018

As Hearthstone continues to dominate the digital CCG market, new and interesting variations on the formula are slowly starting to emerge. Faeria, despite abandoning mobile development, tried to change the game by adding a physical board. The Elder Scrolls: Legends iterated in a subtler way by providing more tactical depth.

The Lord of the Rings: Living Card Game is the latest contender for the throne, but it represents an interesting quandary – for one, it’s an adaptation of an existing, and highly successful physical card game of the same name. Secondly, it’s co-op, not PvP, so you’re playing against an AI opponent who uses slightly different rules and the whole design is bent towards a more bespoke, story-driven experience.

When it first announced last year, it was generally accepted that Lord of the Rings LCG will be coming to mobile. Sadly we’ve heard no further news on that score, but since the game’s out in Steam Early Access today and I’m sure some of you are interested in seeing how it plays, can’t hurt to highlight the on-going gameplay stream over on Asmodee’s Twitch account:

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The stream started at 4pm UTC / 5PM GMT, so you may have missed the beginning, but the archive will probably be made available tomorrow if you want to catch up.

I’ve been playing it myself, and so far it’s proved a fascinating experience – the narrative-driven nature of the game throws up some very interesting and unique mechanics you won’t find in more PvP games. On top of that though, I’m having conflicting emotions over how differently the digital game has evolved from the physical one – the physical game is a very good co-operative card game, and I’m surprised by how much the team at Fantasy Flight Interactive have decided to distil the game’s core tenets and try to mould into Hearthstone’s template.

We’ll probably do a full write-up over on Strategy Gamer since this isn’t officially a mobile thing yet, so keep an eye out over there for more impressions. Otherwise, enjoy the stream!

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Now Available on Steam Early Access – The Lord of the Rings: Living Card Game

The Lord of the Rings: Living Card Game is Now Available on Steam Early Access!

Build your deck and face Sauron in The Lord of the Rings: Living Card Game, a digital-only experience inspired by the tabletop LCG®. Lead your fellowship through quests that will test your Leadership, Tactics, Lore, and Spirit. Ready your weapons, gather your heroes, and create your own story.

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New Nintendo bundles, games and controllers open up holiday shopping possibilities

New Nintendo bundles, games and controllers open up holiday shopping possibilities

Starting in September, Nintendo is launching a series of bundles, controllers and “starter pack” versions of games for Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems. These items, which range from a Special Edition of Super Smash Bros. Ultimate to a New Nintendo 2DS XL bundle in a chic new color, are great for every type of player … and all conveniently fit inside the average-size holiday stocking.

“We want to give people a variety of options and price points when shopping for themselves or the Nintendo fans in their lives,” said Nintendo of America President and COO Reggie Fils-Aime. “Whether looking for a portable system for a first-time gamer or a cool controller to play Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, Nintendo has great gifts for all ages this holiday season.”

Some of the new Nintendo products that will launch between September and this holiday season include:

  • On Sept. 28, a New Nintendo 2DS XL system in a new purple + silver color with the high-octane Mario Kart 7 game pre-installed will be available at a suggested retail price of only $149.99. Both of the currently available New Nintendo 2DS XL color schemes (black + turquoise and white + orange) will also be changed to bundles with the Mario Kart 7 game pre-installed on the same day.
  • Also on Sept. 28, the “starter pack” versions of three top-rated Nintendo Switch games will launch in stores. These versions of The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild , Splatoon 2 and Super Mario Odyssey will launch with the game and a colorful strategy guide at a suggested retail price of $59.99 each.
  • A bundle featuring a new Nintendo Switch Pro Controller adorned with the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate logo, a steel case and the Super Smash Bros. Ultimate game launches on Dec. 7 at a suggested retail price of $139.99. The Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Nintendo Switch Pro Controller will also launch as a standalone product on the same day (Dec. 7) at a suggested retail price of $74.99.

This is just a sneak peek at what fans can look forward to this holiday season, with many other great games for Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems slated for release. Three of Nintendo’s longest running and most popular series are coming to Nintendo Switch with Super Mario Party (Oct. 5),Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!, Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! (both on Nov. 16) and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate (Dec. 7). In addition to the recently launched WarioWare Gold game, some notable upcoming releases on the Nintendo 3DS family of systems include YO-KAI WATCH BLASTERS (Sept. 7) and Luigi’s Mansion (Oct. 12).

Remember that Nintendo Switch and the Nintendo 3DS family of systems feature parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/ or https://www.nintendo.com/3ds/.

Games Shown:

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Nintendo announces diverse lineup of Nindies coming to Nintendo Switch

Nintendo announces diverse lineup of Nindies coming to Nintendo Switch

Over the next several months, Nintendo Switch will see its already deep game library grow even more with the release of a diverse lineup of games from independent developers. During a Nindies Showcase video presentation, Nintendo highlighted just a slice of this varied lineup of indie games, which includes indie hits like Into the Breach, Hyper Light Drifter – Special Edition and TowerFall, as well as first-time releases like Zarvot and Bullet Age.

“The ever-growing community of talented independent developers sees the benefit of releasing creative games on the versatile Nintendo Switch, a system that can be played at home or on the go,” said Steve Singer, Vice President for Nintendo of America’s Publisher & Developer Relations team. “We are happy to support their work and contributions on our platform as we further grow our strong relationship.”

To view the Nindies Showcase video in its entirety, visit https://live.nintendo.com/. Highlights of the presentation include:

  • Into the Breach: The hit turn-based strategy game is headed to Nintendo Switch. In the stylish Into the Breach, players will suit up in powerful mechs and defend against the Vek infestation across randomly generated islands. Players can perfect their strategy and build the ultimate mech by finding powerful new weapons and unique pilots throughout the campaign. Into the Breach is available for Nintendo Switch starting … TODAY!
  • Hyper Light Drifter – Special Edition: In the Nintendo Switch version of this critically acclaimed action/adventure game, players can equip an exclusive outfit that will help them locate hidden items. The Special Edition also includes new weapons like the Crystal Shot and deadly Blade Caster. Hyper Light Drifter – Special Edition is available for pre-purchase today, and launches for Nintendo Switch on Sept. 6.
  • TowerFall: Anyone who is interested in the indie game scene has most likely heard of TowerFall. The extremely popular action game is beloved by many people for its slick fast-paced gameplay and raucous local multiplayer matches. This version of the game includes all the original and add-on content, as well as a new six-player battle mode, four additional Variants and the ability to play as Madeline and Badeline, two characters from indie game Celeste. TowerFall ascends onto Nintendo Switch on Sept. 27, but is also available for pre-purchase starting today.
  • Treasure Stack: Treasure Stack adds a unique platforming mechanic with hookshots and grappling hooks to the traditional falling block puzzle formula. In the game, players control a whimsical cast of heroes as they navigate obstacles to stack treasure chests and solve puzzles. With cross-platform play with Xbox One and PC, players will be able to stack online with even more players. Treasure Stack launches for Nintendo Switch this winter.
  • Zarvot: Charcoal and Mustard are the stars of this charming arcade game about friendship among cubes. In the game’s story mode, players adventure through nine worlds as they attempt to cheer up their best friend. And in Versus Mode, friends can challenge friends to some cutthroat cube action across five game modes. Zarvot launches first on Nintendo Switch in October.
  • Mineko’s Night Market: While Mineko’s Night Market boasts more than 20 hours of story-based gameplay, including four regions to explore, diverse villagers to meet, interesting quests to undertake, and activities like sewing and woodworking to partake in, it also features cats. A lot of them. But even though this is a game starring cats, dog people will love it as well! Mineko’s Night Market opens for business first on consoles on Nintendo Switch in early 2019.
  • Samurai Gunn 2: This sequel to the original lightning-fast Bushido brawler features a new adventure mode. Players can explore a medieval metropolis on the brink of crisis to discover the mystery behind Gunn City’s ghostly threat. Classic Versus Mode returns, with up to four players battling it out in sword-and-gun battles. Samurai Gunn 2 launches on Nintendo Switch in early 2019.
  • Bullet Age: In this co-op action game, players can team up with another player in an intuitive mix of sword-and-gun gameplay. Bullet Age also features challenging platforming, fully upgradable weapons and a charming cartoon art style. Players will feel HD Rumble when they attack and when locating hidden secrets. Bullet Age launches as a console exclusive on Nintendo Switch in November.
  • The World Next Door: Influenced by anime, The World Next Door is a story-driven game that follows a rebellious teenage girl trapped in a parallel world inhabited by magical creatures. Players will meet and develop friendships with an eclectic cast of characters by means of a reputation system, which features branching dialogue based on player choice. The World Next Door becomes a friendly neighbor on Nintendo Switch in early 2019.
  • Levelhead: Players that have a head for level building have found a game for them. In Levelhead, players can design their own game levels using a robust level maker using both touch-screen and traditional controls. Subscribing to other people’s content allows players to create a curated feed of levels they can play. With leaderboards, level sharing and couch co-op, the possibilities are endless! With cross-platform capabilities, content can be shared with players on all platforms that also support Levelhead, including PC, iOS and Android. Players can also take control of GR-18, a delivery robot in training, through a full-fledged single-player campaign. Levelhead launches on Nintendo Switch in November.
  • King of the Hat: This fast-paced, hat-based party game finds players crushing their friends’ hats before they crush their own! All in game, of course. No actual hats were harmed in the making of this game. Matches in the game are short and action-packed – perfect for playing on the couch or on the go. And thanks to simple two-button controls, anyone can pick up and play in local or online multiplayer. King of the Hat launches on Nintendo Switch in early 2019.
  • Untitled Goose Game: With a name like Untitled Goose Game, what’s not to love? In a game that defies all genres, Untitled Goose Game is part stealth, part sandbox and all goose simulator. Play as a goose to take on challenges and cause general goose chaos. Untitled Goose Game launches on Nintendo Switch in early 2019.

In addition to all these games, the Nindies Showcase video also detailed a new channel on the Nintendo Switch system that will entirely focus on indie games. Featuring updates and announcements about indie games, the Indie Channel is live starting today, and can be found by searching in “Find Channels” in the handy News app.

Additional indie games that are coming to Nintendo Switch this year include the following:

Remember that Nintendo Switch features parental controls that let adults manage the content their children can access. For more information about other features, visit https://www.nintendo.com/switch/.