‘Serene and evocative’ narrative adventure game GRIS announced for Switch

Publisher Devolver Digital and developer Nomada Studio have announced GRIS, a “serene and evocative narrative experience” game coming to Switch and PC in December. 

Here is an overview of the game, via Devolver Digital:

Gris is a hopeful young girl lost in her own world, dealing with a painful experience in her life. Her journey through sorrow is manifested in her dress, which grants new abilities to better navigate her faded reality. As the story unfolds, Gris will grow emotionally and see her world in a different way, revealing new paths to explore using her new abilities.
GRIS is a serene and evocative experience, free of danger, frustration or death. Players will explore a meticulous designed world brought to life with delicate art, detailed animation, and an elegant original score. Through the game light puzzles, platforming sequences, and optional skill-based challenges will reveal themselves as more of Gris’s world becomes accessible.

Watch the announcement trailer below. View the first screenshots at the gallery.

Doom Eternal debut gameplay, screenshots, and details; also coming to Switch

Bethesda Softworks and id Software debuted the first footage of its E3 2018-announced Doom Eternal at QuakeCon 2018, as well as confirmed that a Switch version will be released in addition to the previously announced PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC versions. 

Here is the official fact sheet, via Bethesda Softworks:

About
Developed by id Software, Doom Eternal is the direct sequel to the award-winning and best-selling Doom (2016). Experience the ultimate combination of speed and power as you rip-and-tear your way across dimensions with the next leap in push-forward, first-person combat. Powered by idTech 7 and set to an all-new pulse-pounding soundtrack composed by Mick Gordon, Doom Eternal puts you in control of the unstoppable Doom Slayer as you blow apart new and classic demons with powerful weapons in unbelievable and never-before-seen worlds.
Key Features

• Slayer 2.0 – Unleash the overwhelming power of the Doom Slayer. With updated armor and an arsenal of new and improved equipment, including a shoulder-mounted cannon with flamethrower, extendable blade, and a new dash ability, you’re faster and deadlier than ever. Destroy every demon in your path with an upgraded array of guns and mods, including the Super Shotgun’s new Meat Hook attachment to pull yourself point blank with the faces of hell.
• Rip More, Tear More – Obliterate more demons than ever before, each with their own attacks and abilities. Fan-favorite classics such as the Pain Elemental, Archvile, and Arachnotron make their return, while a horde of totally-new demons join the roster including the Doom Hunter and corrupted Marauders. Doom Eternal’s “destructible demons” system takes your power fantasy to new levels by ensuring that every trigger pull has never felt better.
• All-new Invasion – As the Slayer, allow real players to invade your campaign as demons for a dramatic and unpredictable twist anytime you’re playing the campaign. Or join the ranks of the damned yourself as you become a demon and invade a friend or other player’s campaign. Invade others either by yourself or with another player, as part of a hunting party, to give the Slayer a true taste of Hell.
• We’re Not on Mars Anymore – Rip and tear across epic, never-before-seen worlds. Witness the tumbling skyscrapers of Hell on Earth; battle through an invasion of the mammoth BFG 10,000 on Phobos; and discover the ancient secrets of the Doom universe. With idTech7, every environment is brought to life in unprecedented detail.

A release date for Doom Eternal has yet to be announced.

Watch the debut gameplay below. View a set of screenshots at the gallery.

Undertale for Switch launches worldwide in September

The Switch version of Undertale will launch in September “in all regions,” developer Tobyfox announced. 

In Japan, a more specific release date of September 15 has been previously announced.

While the game will be available via the Nintendo eShop, a physical edition is now available for pre-order on Fangamer.

Undertale is currently available digitally for PlayStation 4, PS Vita, and PC. A physical edition is also available for all platforms at Fangamer.

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

About
Welcome to UNDERTALE. In this RPG, you control a human who falls underground into the world of monsters. Now you must find your way out… or stay trapped forever.
((Healthy Dog’s Warning: Game contains imagery that may be harmful to players with photosensitive epilepsy or similar condition.))
Key Features

• Killing is unnecessary: negotiate out of danger using the unique battle system.
• Time your attacks for extra damage, then dodge enemy attacks in a style reminiscent of top-down shooters.
• Original art and soundtrack brimming with personality.
• Soulful, character-rich story with an emphasis on humor.
• Created mostly by one person.
• Become friends with all of the bosses!
• At least 5 dogs.
• You can date a skeleton.
• Hmmm… now there are 6 dogs…?
• Maybe you won’t want to date the skeleton.
• I thought I found a 7th dog, but it was actually just the 3rd dog.
• If you play this game, can you count the dogs for me…? I’m not good at it.

New Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu / Eevee trailers show Team Rocket, Mega Evolutions, more

New Japanese trailers are in for Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu / Eevee. We have English and Japanese videos below showing Team Rocket, Mega Evolutions, and more.

Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu / Eevee details and screenshots cover Mega Evolution, Vermilion City, Team Rocket

The Pokemon Company and Nintendo have put out an announcement covering today’s Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu / Eevee news. We have the rundown on Mega Evolution, Vermilion City, and Team Rocket. Find the PR below, along with new screenshots. 

The Pokémon Company International and Nintendo announced new details about Mega Evolution and much more in the highly anticipated Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! games, releasing later this year on the Nintendo Switch system. Both games are designed for players taking their first steps into the Pokémon video game world as well as longtime fans wanting a new way to play Pokémon.

Don’t Just Evolve—Mega Evolve
In Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee!, players will be able to Mega Evolve a Pokémon once per battle if they have a Key Stone and the Mega Stone corresponding to that specific Pokémon. Mega Evolution, known as “the Evolution that transcends Evolution,” momentarily unleashes the energy within a Pokémon and can only be accomplished when a strong bond exists between the Pokémon and its Trainer. The first three Pokémon that fans will be able to Mega Evolve during their adventure will be Venusaur, Charizard, and Blastoise.

Explore Iconic Kanto Region Location Vermilion City
Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! will bring players to a variety of interesting locations in the Kanto region, including Vermilion City, where the luxury cruise liner the S.S. Anne docks once a year. In the Vermilion City Pokémon Gym, players can battle Gym Leader Lt. Surge, who is also known as the Lightning Lieutenant.

Here Comes Team Rocket!
Team Rocket, a nefarious organization set on using the world’s Pokémon in despicable plots to make money, is another example of the diverse cast of characters that players will encounter in Pokémon: Let’s Go, Pikachu! and Pokémon: Let’s Go, Eevee! This includes the most famous members of Team Rocket—Jessie, James, and Meowth!

Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country introduces Hugo, Brighid, and Aegaeon

There more character introductions are in for Xenoblade Chronicles 2: Torna – The Golden Country. Nintendo and Monolith Soft provide overviews for Hugo, Brighid, and Aegaeon.

Below are their bios:

Hugo

The emperor of an emerging military state on Mor Ardain, Hugo stands alone as he leads his country’s Blades onto the battlefield (voiced by Akira Ishida). He protects his allies in battle, while facing his enemies head-on – he’s a leader that evokes pride in his people, and he’s handsome, too! Hugo is the ancestor of the current emperor of the Ardanian Empire, Niall – what a surprise!

Brighid and Aegaeon

Alongside Aegaeon (voiced by Shuichi Ikeda / Chris Ragland), Brighid (voiced by Shizuka Ito / Jules de Jongh) is a Blade passed down from emperor to emperor of the Ardianian Empire; at the moment, she serves Hugo. The two tirelessly support their ardent emperor.

And a few screenshots:

Horizon Chase Turbo playable on Switch at Gamescom

Horizon Chase Turbo will be playable for the first time on Switch later this month. Aquiris Game Studio will have a playable demo at Gamescom, the studio has announced.

Horizon Chase Turbo is arcade racing game that is “inspired by the super-fun-straight-to-the-point classic racing games from the 90s.”

A release date for Horizon Chase Turbo on Switch has yet to be determined. 

Source

The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince coming west for PS4, Switch in 2019

The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince is coming to PlayStation 4 and Switch in North America and Europe in 2019, publisher NIS America announced. 

A $39.99 limited edition including a copy of the game, “The Little Liar’s Fairy Tale” book, “Lullabies for the Blind Prince” soundtrack, and collector’s box is currently available for pre-order on the NIS America Online Store (PS4, Switch).

Here is an overview of the game, via NIS America:

About
The Liar Princess and the Blind Prince follows the tale of two lonely hearts brought together through a mutual misunderstanding. In it, you control the wolf, disguised as a princess, who guides the blind prince through a perilous forest in search of the witch capable of restoring his sight. The forest is home to a number of hostile creatures intent on ending your journey prematurely, as well as hazardous traps that put the prince in danger.
Switch between wolf and princess form to dispatch your foes, and guide the prince carefully as a princess to ensure his safety, in search of a fairytale ending.
Key Features

• Unleash Your Inner Monster – Transform at will from a princess into a wolf to guide the blind prince towards a cure. Weave through the dangerous forest, but be careful… A blind prince has no place in an all-seeing forest.
• Brute Strength Meets Sharp Wit – Various obstacles will require the wolf’s strength, and others will require the princess’s wit. With so many traps and perilous hurdles that await, can the two make it safely to their final destination?
• Lost Pages from a Forgotten Tale – With each delicate petal comes a fragment of memories shared by the wolf and the prince. Collect them along your journey and paint a vivid story of friendship, love, and loss.

Watch the announcement trailer below.

2D action RPG Tale of the Ice Staff announced for Switch

Publisher Zodiac Interactive and developer Kurumi Gaming have announced Tale of the Ice Staff, a 2D action RPG due out for Switch in 2019. 

Here is an overview of the game, via Zodiac Interactive:

Embark on a stunning magical journey with Yersa and her companion Nick in this single-player 2D action RPG. Shape the course of the engrossing storyline, explore new lands, meet interesting characters, and uncover secrets about the mysterious world. But be cautious! Dark forces are trying to keep you from the truth. This gem by Kurimi Gaming combines its nostalgic pixelated style with state-of-the-art game mechanics.

Watch the announcement trailer below.

Windjammers coming to Switch in 2018

Windjammers is coming to Switch in 2018, publisher DotEmu announced. 

The Switch version is the online multiplayer-supported port of the game that first launched for PlayStation 4 and PS Vita in August 2017.

Here is an overview of the game, via DotEmu:

Jam anywhere, anytime with your friends!
Windjammers is the ultimate competitive multiplayer game with easy to learn control systems, making it perfect for the Switch. Jammin’ on the beach in your sweet Windjammers gear is now a reality as you can play Windjammers anywhere, anytime – and with local multiplayer you can live all of your wildest Windjammers fantasies with just the touch of a button.

Watch the Switch announcement trailer below.

Hyakki Castle coming to, Switch on August 30 in Japan

Happinet is bringing Hyakki Castle, its yo-kai-themed, real-time, first-person dungeon RPG first launched for PC via Steam in November 2017, to  Switch as the enhanced Hyakki Castle: Kougi Onmitsu Roku on August 30 in Japan, the latest issue of Weekly Famitsu reveals. It will launch digitally and cost 1,389 yen (1,500 yen with tax). 

Here is an overview of the game, via its Steam page:

Story
Hyakki Castle is set in the Edo Period of Japan, and the castle is on an island of exile where criminals are sent. Doman Kigata, a prodigy sorcerer who schemed to overthrow the Shogunate and place a death curse on a leader, has been captured and sent to the island. One day decapitated heads were sent to Edo Castle. It was the barely recognizable form of Hyakki Castle guards and criminals. “My offering to you, contents: 3 heads – The Lord of Hyakki Castle” News of a mystical castle appearing on Hyakki Island had already reached the Shogunate’s search team. Iemune, the current Shogun of the time, believed this to be the doing of Doman Kigata. The investigation of Hyakki Castle and the assassination of Doman Kigata were appointed to 4 secret agents (the player)…
Key Features

• It is possible to divide the parties of 4 into 2 parties (2:2 people or 1:3 people) at any given time. (* Only when party is together.)
• Divide into 2 parties to work your way through various traps. Use one team to open a door with a switch, while another party passes through the door to get an item, and then go back to maneuvering with the first party…
• View of the World: A true Fantastical World of Japan created by a Japanese studio – A slew of creepy monsters, such as the “Yokai” of ancient Japanese literature, have been brought back to life, ready and waiting for the player at Hyakki Castle!
• When making characters the player can choose from traditional Japanese classes, such as Samurai or Ninja, and can choose from different races, such as Oni or Tengu.
• The player can choose from different traditional Japanese classes such as Samurai, Ninja, Monk, etc. Different races, such as Oni, Tengu, and Nekomata, can also be chosen, each having their own special ability.
• The player can set skills they’ve acquired, such as attacks and spells! Each character can equip up to 4 “actions” at the same time, such as attacks, defenses, projectiles, and spells.
• Death over dishonor… “Seppuku”, a skill where you take your own life! All of the player’s characters commit Seppuku, in which they all take their own lives. Seppuku is an act of the Japanese Way of the Samurai, in which one takes their own life to protect their honor. Choose an honorable death by Seppuku over the dishonor of being killed! (Dead characters will be revived at a save point inside the castle.)

Thanks, Famitsu.

Nobunaga’s Ambition: Taishi with Power-Up Kit announced for Switch,

The latest issue of Weekly Famitsu reveals Nobunaga’s Ambition: Taishi with Power-Up Kit, the latest entry in Koei Tecmo’s historical simulation game series for , Switch A release date has yet to be announced. 

In addition to Nobunaga’s Ambition: Taishi base game, the Power-Up Kit includes new additions such as “Siege Battles.” Further information has yet to leak from the magazine.

image: https://gematsu.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Nobunagas-Ambition-Taishi-Power-Up-Kit_Famitsu_08-07-18_002.jpg

Thanks, Famitsu.