Spelunky 2 delayed past initial 2019 release date

Spelunky 2 has been delayed past its original 2019 release according to Mossmouth founder Derek Yu on twitter. He said that while development is going smoothly, “the density and detail of the game is demanding more time.”

Here is the full message below:

Hey, Spelunky fans! Unfortunately, I don’t think we’re going to get to release Spelunky 2 this year. Development is still going well and we’re not far off target, but the density and detail of the game is demanding more time.

Thank you for your patience.

Spelunky 2

Also, apologies for the lack of updates! It can be tough balancing communication and dev time (and not spoiling too much). When things are quiet, we’re just working away. 🙂

There will be more updates coming, but for now we’re focusing on development!

Also, I took in the feedback about the environments from the trailer, and while I still love the overall style, we’ve been adding more detail, as well as increasing the contrast to make existing details pop (some were pretty subtle and compression wasn’t friendly to them)!

Spelunky 2

As soon as we have a release date for Spelunky 2, we’ll make sure everyone knows! We can’t wait to show you more, although of course the best way is for you to experience it for yourself at launch. All the crazy stuff we’re adding makes me buzz with excitement. 🙂

Spelunky 2 is currently in development for PC and PS4.

Shantae 5 is now named Shantae and the Seven Sirens, new screenshots

WayForward has announced that Shantae 5 will have a new name, Shantae and the Seven Sirens! Along with this, WayForward has provided some new details and screenshots for the game. Here are the details from their latest news post:

New locations, abilities, and friends await in Shantae’s biggest adventure yet!

Having previously announced the next game in the Shantae series back in March, we are proud to reveal the official title for the hotly anticipated action-adventure-platformer: Shantae and the Seven Sirens.

Formerly referred to as Shantae 5, Shantae and the Seven Sirens sends the belly-dancing, hair-whipping, half-genie hero to a tropical island where Shantae and her friends encounter other Half-Genie allies, but they soon learn there’s trouble in paradise. As Shantae gets caught up in the island’s sinister secrets, she’ll use all-new dance abilities and instant-transformation Fusion Magic to explore the nonlinear, interconnected world where she’ll visit multiple towns, overcome treacherous labyrinths, and battle dastardly bosses. The game also features a new collectible card system that grants players the freedom to augment Shantae’s powers to suit their own style of play.

Key Features:

    • Explore an interconnected world using new Fusion Magic creature transformations, including a newt and other aquatic forms!

    • 4K-resolution hand-painted visuals (on 4K devices only)!

    • All-new characters and returning favorites like Rottytops, Sky, Bolo, and the nefarious Risky Boots!

    • Collect and power up with monster cards!

    • Enjoy minigames, acquire magic and items, and uncover secrets!

    • Gorgeously animated TV-style cutscenes!

Currently, release date and price information is unknown but will be provided at a later time. The game will release for Apple Arcade, PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC. Stay tuned at Final Weapon for more information regarding WayForward titles and Shantae!

Power Stone producer wants to make another entry in the series, a “great fit” for Switch

The Guardian sat down with Power Stone producer Takeshi Tezuka and designer Hideaki Itsuno for an interview. In this interview, they talked about the history of the series, concept art and development at the time during the Dreamcast era.

 

 

Tezuka elaborated on the lasting appeal of the series 20 years after the game’s release. He stated that the series would be a great fit for the Nintendo Switch. Fans still request a new game in the series. He would love to make it happen if the chance arrives. Here’s the excerpt:

“We weren’t just aping current trends or reiterating what had come before, and that has contributed to its lasting appeal,” says Tezuka. “I still get messages from fans about the game. People tweet requests to me to make another Power Stone, which I’d love to do if I got the chance. It would be a particularly great fit for the Nintendo Switch.”

Stay tuned at Final Weapon for news regarding Capcom’s titles and further developments on this news when provided!

New MediEvil PS4 behind the scenes developer diary

A new three minute behind the scenes look from the developers of the MediEvil remake was released today by Other Ocean.

Here is some insight from Sony Interactive Entertainment associate producer Nick Accordino on the PlayStation Blog.

“One of the key aspects of remaking a 20-year old PlayStation classic such as MediEvil was getting into the heads of the original development team.

“Our credo was: Do what they did, and don’t change anything unless you have a good reason to change it,” said Jeff Nachbauer, executive producer on the project. “Often times you’d go in the code, see a strange design decision and think ‘Why did they do that? It doesn’t make a lot of sense.’ And then you go on the journey of trying to solve challenges further in the game and ultimately release—‘That’s exactly why they did it. I get it now.’

The team even went so far as to research the music the original developers were listening to in the days of the original PlayStation. According to Jeff, “There’s comments in the original source code of what music the developers were listening to at the time they were first making the game, which helped us understand what they were getting at when they first coded that area.”

MediEvil PS4 releases October 25th.

Watch the new developer diary here:

A new Metro title is in development at 4A Games

Metro fans last got an entry into the series back in February of this year with Metro: Exodus. That game released to around 80% among critics, and got solid sales figures, selling 2.5 times more than Last Light. With that game completed, players are likely wondering when the next entry will arrive. Thankfully, THQ Nordic appears to be answering that. CEO Lars Wingefors has announced that Metro’s next title is currently in development at 4A Games.

Unfortunately, there is no more news revealed regarding the title, but that isn’t surprising. It’s likely in the very early stages of development and will require a lot more time before the team is to show anything. Still, it’s good news for us Metro fans. Having another entry already in development is great news to hear.

If you haven’t gotten the chance to play through Exodus, it’s available on PC (through Game Pass or EGS), PS4, and Xbox One. It furthers the story of Artyom while providing a very fresh take on the series, stepping away from its metro setting. It’s a very worthwhile play, and we recommend checking the game out yourself.

Are you excited for another Metro title? Be sure to let us know!

THQ Nordic April-June 2019 report: new Saints Row in development, Dead Island 2 development in progress

THQ Nordic has published their interim report for their first quarter of 2019. Aside from listing earning increases year over year, the company decided to share huge news regarding their titles. Among one of the companies under THQ Nordic is Deep Silver. Here’s the news shared about Deep Silver’s current developments:

Looking Ahead:

> Volition is deep in development of a brand-new Saints Row game, the first full entry in this much loved series since Saints Row IV was released in 2013.

 > We have entrusted Dambuster Studios with the Dead Island franchise, bringing the development of this key franchise to one of our internal studios. They are now leading the development of Dead Island 2.

 > Fishlabs is working on a new IP, as well as a number of unannounced projects. We’re excited to see Fishlabs grow as a major talent within our internal studio system.

 > Last year Deep Silver acquired the much-loved TimeSplitters IP. We’re delighted to announce that one of the series’ creators, Steve Ellis, has joined us to help plot the future course for this franchise.

Stay tuned at Final Weapon for more news regarding THQ Nordic published titles in the near future!

Bubble Bobble 4 Friends announced for Switch, out on November 19th in EU and Q1 2020 in NA

ININ Games and Taito have announced Bubble Bobble 4 Friends for Switch! As of now, release in North America is due in Q1 2020. It will release in Europe on November 19th. Here’s an overview provided by ININ Games and the announcement trailer:

After more than 10 years, Nintendo Switch players can look forward to a sequel of the cult 80’s game series Bubble Bobble by TAITO. The new Bubble Bobble 4 Friends was developed by the original studio TAITO Corporation and will include a brand new local 4-player mode.

The sequel will be released both digitally and physically exclusively for Nintendo Switch in Europe on November 19, 2019, with the release in the USA to follow in the first quarter of 2020.

As in the previous highly popular series, the thrilling and epic bubble fight starts again!

One night, a child’s room became enfolded by a miraculous light and every object under its rays suddenly came to life – including the child’s most favorite toy, the little dragon called Bub. Full of jealousy, the wicked magician Bonner challenges the friendly dragon to battle.

Team17 announces PAX West 2019 lineup, includes an unannounced game and surprises

Team17 has announced their lineup for PAX West this year! This includes an unannounced game and some surprises. At the event, Team17 will have a booth where people can try out their lineup:

Blasphemous
Repent, sinners. Prepare for a descent into a dark and punishing Metroidvania world where fast-paced, skilled combat combines with a deep and evocative narrative core. Come by our booth and descend into the nightmarish world of Cvstodia, unlocking the hellish secrets within! Blasphemous is launching on Steam, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch later this year and is available to Wishlist on Steam

Yooka-Laylee and The Impossible Lair
You better bee ready for Capital B’s most dastardly challenge yet! Grab hold of some mischievous platforming fun in Yooka-Laylee and the Impossible Lair at our booth, although belly slides will be optional! The game is currently available to Wishlist on Steam and will be releasing on PC, PS4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch later this year.

Overcooked! 2 – New DLC
We will be showing off a brand new Overcooked! 2 DLC! Stop by our booth and start cooking up a storm with new recipes, chefs and levels. Overcooked! 2 is available on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Steam.

If you come by our booth, you’ll also be able to take part in our Overcooked! 2 cook-off competition. Bring your fellow chefs and take on the high score leader boards for a chance to win some flaming hot prizes. Cosplay is highly encouraged!

Golf With Your Friends
Fancy putting your golf skills to the test? Golf With Your Friends is an entertaining, challenging, multiplayer mini golf game for up to 12 players. You’ll find plenty of fun across the 7 levels containing 18 holes each with many custom game modes, including power-ups. Golf With Your Friends is currently in Steam Early Access.

Monster Sanctuary
Do you fancy yourself as the ultimate monster keeper? Come by our booth to play Moi Rai Games‘ Monster Sanctuary, which launches into Steam Early Access August 28th 2019. This epic monster collecting Metroidvania tasks you with assembling a team of creatures to clash in tactical turn-based combat. Are you up to the challenge? Come find out!

Can’t make it to the event? Check out the completely free Monster Sanctuary demo, available now on Steam.

Automachef
Are you a culinary master or kitchen disaster? Automachef is the resource management puzzler where you design kitchens, program machinery and serve up delicious fast food! Supervised by Robert Person, you will be driven to maximum efficiency as you make meals for the masses. Automachef is out now on Nintendo Switch and Steam!

PAX West 2019 runs from August 30th to September 2nd. Stay tuned at Final Weapon for more information regarding PAX West 2019 and Team 17’s new unannounced game!

Need for Speed Heat officially announced by EA

Yesterday we reported on an apparent leak of the new Need for Speed and today EA has confirmed that the title for their new racing sim is indeed Need for Speed Heat.

Due out November 8th, the game will feature an 80’s-themed retroesque style, with classic cops-vs-racers gameplay. EA had this to say about the game upon announcement:

Need for Speed: Heat sends fans to Palm City, a brand-new open world where street racers have gathered to make their names known. By day, players compete in the Speedhunters Showdown, a sanctioned competition where they earn Bank to customize and upgrade their garage of high-performance cars. At night, players risk it all to build their Rep in underground races where a rogue police task force roams the streets, ready to take racers down and swipe all their earnings. The roads, the risks, and the rides never end in this street racer where a player can roll deep with their crew, build their garage full of hot cars, and make the city their nonstop playground.

The game should be available for preorder at most retailers now, if not by the end of the day. Editions available include:

  • Standard Edition – K.S. Edition-styled Mitsubishi Evolution X as preorder bonus
  • Deluxe Edition – K.S Edition-styled cars (Mitsubishi Evolution X, BMW i8 Coupe, Mercedes C63 AMG Coupe, Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport), exclusive deluxe edition character clothing, and increased Bank and Rep earnings in-game.

Also, any preorders placed in 2017’s Need for Speed: Payback will net players a 10% discount as a loyalty bonus.

EA has also announced they’ll be sharing first look gameplay at Gamescom on August 19 at 11 am PT / 2 pm ET so tune in for that.

Need for Speed Heat releases November 8 for PC, Xbox One, and PS4. EA Access and Origin Access subscribers can play early on November 5 for the 10 hour first play trial, while Origin Access Premier subscribers get full access that day.

Cooking Mama: CookStar listed for PS4 and Switch on Amazon Germany, details and screenshots

Amazon Germany has listed Cooking Mama: CookStar for PS4 and Switch! Previously, this new game in the Cooking Mama series was trademarked in Australia. It seems that an official announcement is imminent. Here’s an overview of the game found on Amazon Germany’s page:

Cooking Mama is back with their awesomest and funniest video game adventure ever. Cooking Mama: CookStar is a brand new Cooking Mama experience designed specifically for console. Cooking Mama: CookStar offers over 90 incredible new recipes for players to master. The menu ranges from classic Japanese recipes to the most delicious home cooking and the culinary soul comforts of today. Cooking Mama offers something for every taste. Not a carnivore? No problem! For the first time, Cooking Mama offers both traditional and vegetarian recipes: Burritos, Bibimbap, Bubble Tea, Baked Alaska, Poke Bowls, and much more. Explore the diverse menu to find out what suits your taste. Don’t think you have what it takes to to become a master chef? Don’t worry, Mama will take care of it! Just follow Mama’s instructions to create delicious and decadent treats that you can share with your friends. Chop, mince, cut, and dice! With Mama’s help, you can become the greatest cook in the world.

Features: 

  • Brand new Cooking Mama game designed specifically for console.

  • Completely new Vegetarian mode.

  • A total of 90 recipes in traditional and vegetarian mode.

  • Classic and fun new recipes like unicorn food.

  • Mix of traditional and motion control.

  • Multiplayer and co-op party games.

  • Up to two players.

  • Challenge Mode for experienced chefs.

  • Share your great creations with friends on Facebook and Twitter.