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Tactical adventure Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden launching later this year

28/2/2018

 
Bearded Ladies and Funcom announce Mutant ear Zero: Road to Eden, an XCOM style tactical adventure with stealth elements

Developed by Bearded Ladies and published by Funcom, Mutant Year Zero is an adventure game which "combines the tactical turn-based combat of XCOM with real-time exploration and stealth gameplay."

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

The world as we know it has ended. Extreme climate change, a global economic crisis, a lethal pandemic, and increasing tension between old and new superpowers lead to nuclear weapons being used in conflict for the first time since 1945. The time of humans is over, the mutants are top of the food chain now.

Meet Bormin, Selma and Dux in the cinematic trailer.
Players will be journeying through a post-human world of abandoned cities, ruined highways and overgrown countryside as they hunt for the legendary Eden. Stealth can be used to gain an advantage over your enemies by launching a surprise attack, or even avoiding some instances of combat altogether.

You'll also unlock new abilities for your team of mutants and find improved weapons and armour which can be equipped as you plan your next mission once back at the Ark, the last bastion of civilisation.

Executive Producer at Bearded Ladies and designer of PAYDAY, Ulf Andersson, had this to say:

“It’s an unusual label for a game, but tactical adventure really fits the bill, no duck pun intended. Our goal is to blend the deep and tactical combat of ‘XCOM’ with a branching storyline that unfolds as you explore overgrown forests and abandoned cities with your team of Mutants. Mixing that with real-time stealth gameplay gives you a unique way to approach or avoid combat situations you encounter while exploring."

Mutant Year Zero: Road to Eden is due to release sometime in 2018 on Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Let us know what you think of the trailer below or over in the forums.
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PlayStation Plus to no longer include PS3 and PS Vita games

28/2/2018

 
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Starting next year, PlayStation Plus subscribers will no longer receive PS3 and PS Vita titles as part of their free monthly games allocation.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

The planned changes begin 8 March 2019 but will not affect the PS3 and Vita games subscribers have previously downloaded as part of the PlayStation Plus service, with these titles remaining playable as long as you have an active subscription.

Sony also confirmed that they won’t be replacing the missing PS3 and Vita titles with extra PS4 games, with subscribers only receiving two free PS4 titles as of March 2019.

Next month’s line up of PS Plus games has already been announced, and includes Bloodborne and Ratchet & Clank for PS4, Legend of Kay and Mighty No. 9 for PS3, and Claire: Extended Cut and Bombing Busters on PS Vita.
​

What do you think of the changes to PS Plus? Let us know below.
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Learn all about Battlezone: Combat Commander with the latest trailer

28/2/2018

 
Battlezone-Combat-Commander

Ever wondered what Battlezone: Combat Commander was all about? Then be sure to check out this latest video from Rebellion.

by Liam Andrews
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@pass_controller

The newly released trailer breaks down all of the game’s key features, from the mix of RTS and FPS mechanics to its branching storyline. Players will have to master both gameplay styles and survive deadly battles in order to emerge victorious in a campaign that features alternate final missions depending on whether you remain loyal to the ISDF or join the shape-shifting Scions.
The game features multiplayer for up to 14 players, with a mix of co-op and versus modes available both through online and local LAN play, plus support for cross-play between Steam and GOG Galaxy users.

Rebellion are also working hard to incorporate the same quality of mods the Battlezone 2 community have created in the past 20 years, with full support confirmed for the remaster.

Players will have access to a number of fan-made assets, from new vehicles, HUDs, custom scripts and much more across both single and multiplayer modes.

Battlezone: Combat Commander is out 1 March on PC with an RRP of £14.99 GBP / $19.99 USD / €19.99 EUR.

What do you think of the latest video? Let us know below and be sure to keep an eye on PTC for our thoughts on Battlezone: Combat Commander in the near future.
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Take an in-depth look at Two Point Hospital in the first gameplay reveal

27/2/2018

 
Two Point Studios share the first gameplay footage of Two Point Hospital, a spiritual successor to Theme Hospital.

Two Point Studios have revealed the very first gameplay footage of the spiritual sequel to Theme Hospital, and two of the studio's founders, Mark Webley and Ben Husky, are there to walk us through it.

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

It all starts with the creation of the hospital itself. Players must build rooms for diagnosis and treatment, buy the equipment needed to run a successful practice, hire personnel to keep things ticking over and provide facilities to keep both the staff and patients happy.
Some features will require in-game research to unlock them, but the developers have removed those limitations in order to show off some of the equipment, and the illnesses they are used to treat, in this video.
If you're interested in seeing more, you can sign up for the Hospital Pass to get exclusive access to behind-the-scenes videos before anyone else and grab a free item when Two Point Hospital releases later this year.

​What do you think of the gameplay reveal? Let us know below or over in the forums.

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Nightdive Studios bringing Turok remasters to Xbox One, meanwhile System Shock remake is put on hold

26/2/2018

 
Nightdive Studios are remastering the first two Turok games for Xbox One but their remake of System Shock is currently on hold

The 1997 Nintendo 64 classic Turok: Dinosaur Hunter, and its sequel, are being remastered for Xbox One with updated visuals and new features.

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

Each generation the mantle of Turok is passed down to the eldest male and it's their duty to protect the barriers between Earth and The Lost Land, a savage world where time has no meaning.

As a time travelling warrior, Turok must reclaim the eight pieces of an ancient artifact, known as the Chronoscepter, in order to stop an evil overlord, The Campaigner, from using its power to shatter those barriers between the ages and rule the universe.
Turok 2: Seeds of Evil directly follows on from its predecessor. After his battle against The Campaigner, Turok's actions (which we aren't going to spoil) inadvertently awaken an even greater threat - The Primagen. A new hero takes on the mantle and must thwart The Primagen's plot to merge the two worlds.

The remasters are being handled by Nightdive Studios, the developers behind the System Shock remake. Unfortunately, that has been put on hold for the time being.

Stephen Kick, CEO of Nightdive Studios, posted an update to Kickstarter letting backers know that the project has not been scrapped, however:


"I have put the team on a hiatus while we reassess our path so that we can return to our vision. We are taking a break, but NOT ending the project. Please accept my personal assurance that we will be back and stronger than ever. System Shock is going to be completed and all of our promises fulfilled."

Whilst we may have a lengthy wait for
System Shock, Turok and Turok 2 are both releasing on 2 March, and can be pre-ordered from the Xbox Store using the links above. They will set you back £15.99 a piece.

Does the impending launch of
Turok cushion the blow of the System Shock delay? Share your thoughts with us below or over in the forums.
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ENDED: The Station giveaway

26/2/2018

 
The Station Xbox One giveaway header - Pass the Controller

Congratulations to Stuart Wilkinson (@Alex_Hunter2018), this week's randomly drawn winner!

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by Sam Sant

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@SlamShotSam


This week’s giveaway prize is The Station - a hot-off-the-press, horror-themed independent game made by a group of industry veterans - on Xbox One.

​
Chris, one of our Staff Writers, reviewed the game when it released last week and noted that, in spite of a few niggling issues and limited interactivity, The Station’s story “makes it a fantastic experience that couldn't be conveyed with as much impact in any other medium.” Check out the full review if you’d like to learn more.

If a trip to the Espial Space Station sounds like something you want to undertake and you aren’t picked as our lucky winner, you can pick the game up for £11.39 on Steam, £11.99 on Xbox One, or £12.99 on PS4.

Giveaway entry is registered via the Gleam widget below, with entries being valid Monday through Friday.

Good luck!
The Station Xbox One giveaway banner - Pass the Controller
The Station giveaway
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SEGA's Shining series returns this summer with Shining Resonance Refrain

22/2/2018

 
SEGA's JRPG returns to the west for the first time in over a decade with Shining Resonance Refrain

This JRPG is a remaster of the original Shining Resonance, which released on PS3 exclusively in Japan. The rerelease marks the first time the series has came to the west in over a decade.

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

The protagonist, Yuma, has the soul of the Shining Dragon within him and can transform into the beast with the power conducted through his sword. The Empire capture Yuma, hoping to use his power against the Kingdom of Astoria, though, with help from the Dragoneers, a princess from the Kingdom rescues Yuma and, after hearing their plight, he decides to aid them in their fight against the Empire.
As you may have guessed from the trailer, there's a bit of a focus on music. Dragoneers wield Armonics, ancient weapon-instruments, that allow them to perform powerful Rune Songs. After building up enough Battle Performance Mana, your party will be able to perform a session through the B.A.N.D. system. Depending on which song you play and which character you set at the center, your party will be provided with different beneficial effects, such as increased speed or making the enemy more vulnerable to certain attacks.

This edition contains all the DLC that released for the original, along with a new Refrain Mode, which unlocks the Imperial Princess Excella and Dragonslayer Jinas as party members. SEGA have warned that this is better saved for a second playthrough to avoid any spoilers.

Shining Resonance Refrain is set to launch this summer on Xbox One, PS4, Switch and PC. Pre-orders are now open and those who do so will receive the game in a collectible metal slipcase, featuring character artwork of Excella, Sonia, and Kirika.

​Are you excited about the return of the
Shining series? Let us know below or over in the forums.
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Huge Star Wars Battlefront II patch now live

21/2/2018

 
A huge patch for EA's Star Wars Battlefront II is now live

Patch 1.2 for Star Wars Battlefront II adds a new game mode, some additional maps to custom arcade, addresses issues with the dodge mechanic and buffs a few heroes, along with the usual host of bug fixes and balancing tweaks.

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

The new mode is Jetpack Cargo. Available for a limited time, it sees players flying around in jetpacks armed with rocket launchers for the entire round.

Also available for a limited time are new hero appearances - one each for Luke, Leia and Han Solo - which are unlockable through a series of challenges.
The maps Kashyyyk, Hoth, Endor, Crait, Jakku, and Death Star II can be selected in custom arcade and the AI in arcade matches has been improved to give players more of a challenge.

Boba Fett, Iden Versio, Bossk, Rey, Kylo Ren, Luke Skywalker, Emperor Palpatine, Chewbacca, Yoda, Lando Calrissian, Darth Vader and Captain Phasma have all been reworked, the changes making them slightly stronger in most cases.

Classes and special units have also seen various adjustments, with dodging being one of the primary concerns as the developers felt it was too strong. You'll still gain the same benefits, such as damage reduction and avoiding lightsaber damage, but there's a smaller window, meaning players will have to predict attacks and time their dodges correctly.

Another positive note is an increased credit payout for duplicate items.

The full list of changes and known issues can be found on the official forums.

​Are you happy about the changes? Looking to try out the new game mode? Let us know below or over in the forums.

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Switch exclusive Castle of Heart launching in March

20/2/2018

 
7LEVELS' action platformer is coming exclusively to Switch in March

Castle of Heart is a classic action platformer from Polish developer, 7LEVELS, which promises challenging gameplay and plenty of twists on the typical formula.

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

Players take on the role of a cursed knight, turned to stone by an evil sorcerer's spell but ready to prove that love and courage can conquer even the darkest magic.

Alongside love and courage, you'll be equipped with more traditional weapons for chopping and stabbing. Further tools, such as flaming grenades and magical items, are unlocked through progression.
As part of the curse, the knight's stone body will disintegrate over time as he loses energy, which can only be restored by defeating enemies. If the process reaches a critical state he could lose an arm, and the ability to wield additional weapons with it.

The game features 20 levels set across four discrete environments. Their aesthetics, and the creatures you'll be taking on within them, are partly inspired by Slavic mythology - with some locations derived straight from famous places in the developers' home country - and the classic platforming titles of yesteryear.

Castle of Heart hits the Nintendo eShop on 23 March.

Fancy some retro platforming action? Let us know below or over in the forums.
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PS VR title Moss launches next week

19/2/2018

 
Moss, from Polyarc Games, launches on PS VR next week

Polyarc Games have announced the release date for their anticipated VR adventure game, Moss, and shared a launch trailer that provides a brief look at the story and some new gameplay.

by Chris Brand
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@pass_controller

You play a powerful spirit awoken at the beginning of the game by the protagonist, a young mouse named Quill. Her uncle's life at stake, she must journey through caves, forests and foreboding ruins, collecting ancient artifacts and battling mysterious creatures.

You'll assist Quill on her travels by healing her, helping to solve puzzles and defeat enemies, and altering the landscape of the world itself.
Moss releases on 27 February, exclusively for PlayStation VR. You can pre-order from the PlayStation Store to grab a free PlayStation Theme and Avatar, featuring Quill and the game’s forest setting.

Do you plan on picking
Moss up? Let us know below or over in the forums.

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