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Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis Closed Global Beta Set For May 14-16

Phantasy Star Online 2 New Genesis

For many years, Phantasy Star Online 2 enjoyed immense popularity in Japan, but stayed in that region. That changed last year when the game finally came westward and seemed to do pretty well for itself. Now a new version of the game, one that is set to run side-by-side with the original PSO2, is coming with New Genesis. The game was announced to be getting a closed beta, and now we know when.

As announced by Sega, the global closed beta will begin on May 14th. You can register starting next week starting April 22nd, however, via the Xbox Insider Hub app. It will have a limited number of spots, and will be first come, first serve. You can check out links and all information needed in the link above.

Phantasy Star Online 2: New Genesis has been announced for Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC for the West, with versions coming also coming to PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in Japan. The closed beta running from May 14th-16th will be only on PC.

Blizzard Arcade Collection Adds Lost Vikings 2 And RPM Racing

Blizzard_Arcade_Collection_Logo

While Blizzard Entertainment is known for several high profile titles such as World of Warcraft and Diablo, earlier in the year we got to go back to their past with the Blizzard Arcade Collection. The game released with three older classics from Blizzard's catalog: The Lost Vikings, Blackthorne, and Rock N Roll Racing. It was a somewhat rare, but appreciated, acknowledgment of the company's storied past, and now we have two more.

As announced on the official website, two more games from the developer's past has come to the collection. The first is Lost Vikings 2, a follow up to the original platformer that was already in the collection. Worth note that this is the SNES version, not the PS1, Saturn and PC version that was released later, as that version was not developed by Blizzard. The second title is RPM Racing, a precursor of sorts to Rock N Roll Racing, which was also already in the collection.

Blizzard Arcade Collection is available now on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch and PC.

The House Of The Dead: Remake Revealed, Announced As Coming To Nintendo Switch

house-of-the-dead remake

Earlier today we got several announcements as part of the Nintendo Indie Showcase that displayed a lot of smaller scale games to look forward to. One of those games, tucked away in the presentation, was the return of a classic franchise with The House of the Dead: Remake. Seemingly out of nowhere, the remake has been unveiled with a new trailer.

The game is being done by developer MegaPixel Studio and publisher Forever Entertainment. They are licensing the IP out from Sega, the original Creators of the property in a deal that seems to be similar to their Panzer Dragoon one that saw a remake of the first title in that franchise last year. The trailer highlights improved visuals, but the same old zombie shooting fans know and love. If you aren't familiar, this was originally an arcade title developed by Sega where you navigated a mansion filled with zombies and other undead threats that released way back in 1996 for arcades, and then was ported to the Sega Saturn. Forever Entertainment actually announced they were working on a remake of the game, as well as its sequel, way back in 2019, but this is the first official reveal.

The House of the Dead: Remake has been announced to release on Nintendo Switch, but as of now, no timeframe is set.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla's Wrath Of The Druids Expansion Has Been Delayed To May 13

assassin's creed valhalla

Last year saw the release of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the latest entry in Ubisoft's crowning action series. Valhalla was a massive game, probably the biggest in pure content and size in the franchise so far (and that is saying something if you know anything about the series), but it's not over just yet. The game is still getting updates, however, including its first major expansion. However, it seems you will have to wait just a bit longer for it.

The first expansion, Wrath of the Druids, was originally scheduled to release on April 29th. It hasn't been detailed yet exactly what the content will be like, but the company announced that they will need a little extra time to polish up things. They announced the delay to next month, saying they hope to provide a more "refined" experience.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is available now on PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, PC and Stadia. Wrath of the Druids will now release across all platforms on May 13th.

Apex Legends Has Surpassed 100 Million Players

apex legends

It was early 2019 when Apex Legends launched. A game technically in the same world as Respawn Entertainment's Titanfall (which its ninth season will show more than ever before), it joined the many battle royale shooters in the market. While the game had a hot beginning, it felt like there was some sag afterward, but now we know the game has found a solid audience.

Via the game's official Twitter, it's been announced that the game has now crossed a major threshold: 100 million players. The game is free to play, so how much of that equates to paying customers is anyone's guess, but either way, a lot of people have at least tried the game out since that original launch over two years ago.

Apex Legends is available on the PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch and PC. You can read about the planned new game modes the developer has in mind through here.

Cris Tales Releases on July 20th

Cris Tales_02

Time-traveling RPG Cris Tales is out on July 20th according to a new trailer by Modus Games. Developed by SYCK and Dreams Uncorporated, the title sees Crisbell gaining the power of a Time Mage to see the past, present and future at once. Along with several allies, she must use this to save the world from the evil Empress.

Along with moving between different time periods to make different story decisions, Crisbell's powers can also be used in combat for beneficial effects. For example, you could make certain foes younger and thus easier to defeat. The game's hand-drawn 2D aesthetic also continues to look good, as seen in the latest trailer.

Cris Tales is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5, Stadia, PC and Nintendo Switch. It will retail for $39.99 at launch. A free demo is currently available to play so it might be worth checking out to get a feel for the game.

GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon Coming to Steam Early Access on May 13th

GetsuFumaDen - Undying Moon

Of all the titles we expected from Konami, a sequel to Getsu Fūma Den from 1987 was the least expected. GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon will be coming to Steam Early Access on May 13th with the full version launching in 2022 for PC and Switch. Check out the game's sharp ukiyo-e aesthetic below in the reveal trailer.

As a rogue-lite hack and slash, GetsuFumaDen: Undying Moon sees a guardian utilizing powers of the Getsu clan venturing into Hell to battle yokai forces. Pacing and timing is part of the combat with weapons like spears, katanas and battle umbrellas available along with special moves. If you die, then Hell's layout changes, offering new challenges.

Players can customize their weapons, unlocking new abilities and enhancements to make future runs easier. You can also collect souls during each run for selecting enhancements "dynamically and strategically." Along with the gameplay trailer, Konami also released two uncut gameplay videos with one showcasing a second playable character.

OlliOlli World Announced, Releasing This Winter

Roll7's acclaimed OlliOlli series is getting a sequel in OlliOlli World. Though it was revealed during the Nintendo Indie World Showcase for Switch, it's also releasing for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PS4, PS5 and PC with Private Division as the publisher. Check out the first trailer below.

Boasting a more colorful aesthetic, the sequel takes place in Radland and has the player interacting with different characters along with completing various challenges and missions. The player character's looks and tricks can be customized while levels offering multiple paths to explore. There are "millions" of unique levels via the sandbox mode and players can compete in leagues or invite their friends to play against them.

With over 100 different tricks and moves, there's quite a lot to master. Fortunately, OlliOlli World is also looking to welcome new players with its accessibility. The sequel is out this Winter and there will be more details on the procedurally generated levels, how to share them with other players and much more.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge Coming to Switch, New Action-Packed Trailer Debuts

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge was already confirmed for PC but it's also coming to consoles with the Nintendo Switch being the first announced. Developer Tribute Games debuted a new trailer during the Indie World Showcase stream, highlighting the amazing music and action. Check it out below.

The story sees the Turtles battling Shredder and Krang once again, venturing to different stages and fighting off everything from Foot Clan Soldiers to Triceraton Warriors. There are even vehicle sections. Combining an old-school aesthetic with gorgeous pixel art and modern gameplay, the title offers support for up to four players in co-op. Depending on the turtle chosen, you can use different weapons and abilities.

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Shredder's Revenge is out this year though a release date has yet to be confirmed. Tribute Games has yet to confirm other consoles but perhaps we'll learn more in the coming months. Stay tuned for more details in the meantime.

Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals Announced for Switch and PC

Oxenfree 2 Lost Signals

Before the Nintendo Indie World Showcase concluded, one last title was revealed – Night School Studio's Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals. Coming later this year, it takes place five years after the original game and focuses on Riley as she returns to the town of Camena. What are these strange radio signals? As she investigates, even stranger things start to occur.

The original Oxenfree first launched in 2016 and focused on 2.5D side-scrolling adventure without any cutscenes. Much of the dialogue choices and conversations happened on the move, allowing players to freely explore environments, interrupt characters, remain silent and much more. Depending on one's choices, different endings could be unlocked.

Oxenfree is available for PC, Xbox One, PS4, Android, Nintendo Switch and iOS. As for Oxenfree 2: Lost Signals, it's currently slated for Switch and PC. Check out the reveal trailer below, which showcases some familiar entities, rifts and signal tuning, and stay tuned for more details in the coming months.