Sunday, 13 May 2018

ONRUSH Open Beta Dates Announced

ONRUSH OPEN BETA DATES ANNOUNCED

Open beta launches on Thursday 17^th May

SYDNEY, 10^th May 2018 – Codemasters have today confirmed that the ONRUSH open beta will launch at 11pm (AEST) on Thursday 17^th May and will conclude at 7pm (AEST) on Monday 21^st May on both the PlayStation® 4 computer entertainment system and Xbox One.

The open beta will teach players the basics of ONRUSH, with an interactive tutorial, before throwing them straight into the action in either ‘Superstar Practice’, where they’ll be able to hone their skills against AI competitors, or multiplayer.

Superstar Practice can be enjoyed solo or with a group of friends in co-operative mode. When playing solo, players will be able to take advantage of ONRUSH’s incredible Photomode*. Simply pause the madness, snap away using our advanced editing tools and filtering, before sharing the images with the world.

Players will also be able to dominate The Stampede in multiplayer mode. Lock horns with rivals from around the globe in exclusive 6v6 multiplayer events. Two beautiful yet deadly tracks, two game modes and 4 vehicle classes will become available throughout the beta with elements including night races and seasonal changes cycling throughout..

As players levels up through the beta, in both Superstar Practice and multiplayer, they can unlock stylish rewards for the final game in the form of Crashtags and Tombstones to drop and display when being wreaked or taking down rivals while in the heat of the action.

TRACKS - (Both will feature a variety of weather conditions and different times of day)

Big Dune Beach
Crater Lake

MODES

Overdrive
Countdown

VEHICLE CLASSES

BLADE

Firewall: RUSHing leaves a destructive trail of fire behind
Crashbang: Your Tombstones are blinding when collected by opponents
Tumbler: Earn RUSH directly from front and back flips

VORTEX

Turbulence: RUSHing leaves a disruptive wake of turbulent air behind
Touchdown: Timed boost landings are more effective
Spiral: Earn RUSH directly from performing barrel rolls

INTERCEPTOR

Rampage: Refill your RUSH gauge with every successful takedown
Surge: Initial boost usage is more powerful but more costly
Pinpoint: Earn RUSH directly from performing near misses

TITAN

Blockade: RUSHing drops a trail of blockades that slow your opponents down
Shield: Give nearby teammates a shield that offers protection from big hits
Impact: Earn RUSH directly from taking down opponents

Developed by the new Codemasters development team in Cheshire, UK (formerly Evolution Studios), ONRUSH is not about racing to the finish line. Racing with style and flair is what counts as you perform incredible takedowns and put everything on the line in order to power up your all-important RUSH bar.

ONRUSH will launch on PS4 and Xbox One on 5^th June 2018. For more information about the game, visit www.onrushgame.com. Fans can keep up to date with all the latest news by joining our communities on Facebook, Twitter and Reddit.

* Photomode is not available in co-op or multiplayer

Nintendo Announces New Adjustable Charging Stand For Nintendo Switch

NINTENDO ANNOUNCES NEW ADJUSTABLE CHARGING STAND FOR NINTENDO SWITCH

Enjoy longer play sessions and a fuller range of viewing angles while playing Nintendo Switch in Tabletop mode

10^th May, 2018 – Launching on 13^th July at a suggested retail price of AU$29.95, a new adjustable charging stand for the Nintendo Switch system makes playing in Tabletop mode easier than ever. With a handy port for an AC adapter on the side, the Nintendo Switch Adjustable Charging Stand allows the Nintendo Switch system to be charging while in Tabletop mode, enabling longer play sessions.

The angle of the stand can also be adjusted to create the best viewing angle for different environments.

Nintendo Switch can be played in three modes: TV mode, Handheld mode and Tabletop mode. Tabletop mode lets players set up the Nintendo Switch system to play games on the go without the need for a TV. The compact and sturdy stand will work with any flat surface, like a tray table on an airplane, or a dorm room desk. While not required, the adjustable charging stand makes playing in Tabletop mode more convenient.

For more information about Nintendo Switch, visit http://www.nintendo.com.au/nintendo-switch/.

TEKKEN 7 WORLD TOUR, DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ & SOUL CALIBIR VI TO SHOWCASE AT BATTLE ARENA MELBOURNE 10

RELEASE

TEKKEN 7 WORLD TOUR, DRAGON BALL FIGHTERZ & SOUL CALIBUR VI
TO SHOWCASE AT BATTLE ARENA MELBOURNE 10

Bandai Namco Entertainment have confirmed that TEKKEN 7, Dragon Ball FighterZ and Soul Calibur VI will showcase at Battle Arena Melbourne 10 at Melbourne convention and exhibition centre on the 18^th to 20^st of May.

TEKKEN 7 leads the line up as the Australian event for the TEKKEN World Tour of 2018. Dragon Ball FighterZ, just released on January 26, has its first national esports event at BAM 10, while Soul Calibur VI will make its first public appearance at BAM 10 before its highly anticipated release in 2018.

Battle Arena Melbourne is the marquee esports and gaming event in Victoria and an international destination. Australia’s largest open entry esports event and fighting game major brings together players across the nation for fun and competition.

A part of the global circuits featured at BAM 10, TEKKEN WORLD TOUR as a Master Event and CAPCOM PRO TOUR as a Ranking Event, and the largest Smash Bros event in the Southern Hemisphere, BAM brings attention from global communities. It is also the must-attend destination for national competition across a range of titles each with their loyal players and spectators. BAM10 is an internationally recognised esports tournament, set to attract approx 2,000 attendees and spectators in venue, while delivering over 1 million video views.

International competitors and former EVO champions in Street Fighter V (Tokido), Tekken 7 (JDCR) and Super Smash Bros. Melee (Armada) have confirmed that they will make their way to Melbourne for the event. Presenting these exciting matches of these world class competitors, BAM10 will feature top commentators, as seen at major events such as EVO, Turner E-League, Capcom World Tour and of course other Master Events of Tekken World Tour

Reepal "Rip" Parbhoo

Mark "Markman: Julio

Steve "Tasty Steve" Scott

Andrew "Jiyuna" Fidelis

This is alongside gaming event activities such as artist gallery, cosplay, first play displays, traders, community social play and spectatorship. Not only is it a major tournament, but a small scale games convention and cultural event.

Celebrate at Melbourne Convention Centre for its 10th Anniversary!

Event: BAM10 - Battle Arena Melbourne 10

Location: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre

Date: May 18-20, 2018.

Website: www.couchwarriors.org/bam10

Sponsorship Prospectus: Available by clicking here

BAM10 Trailer playlist: Click here to watch

CouchWarriors Social

Facebook: www.facebook.com/couchwarriors

Twitter: www.twitter.com/couchwarriors

Follow the hashtag #BAM10 | Follow updates on the Facebook Event

BAM10 Key Features/News

EVO World Champions

https://www.couchwarriors.org/bam10-evo-world-champions/

Tekken World Tour: Meet The Pros

https://www.couchwarriors.org/twt-tekken-pros/

Soul Calibur VI First Australian Hands on

https://www.couchwarriors.org/soul-calibur-vi-at-bam10/

BAM10 Cosplay

https://www.couchwarriors.org/bam10-cosplay/

Features:

● Double bay at MCEC, a huge 3,000 m2 of space to hold all the action over the weekend

● Free to play casual setups, multiple feature stages

● Global tournament circuits - Tekken World Tour - Capcom Pro Tour

● Nearly 30 National Fighting Game Tournaments

● International guests include EVO Champions - Armada (SSBM) - JDCR (Tekken) - Tokido (SFV)

● Chillout Zone

● PC LAN Area

● Tshirts and Merch

● Friday Night Exhibitions: SFV 3v3 Teams, Tekken State Teams, Dragon Ball Fighter 2v2, Smash 4 All Star Crew Battles, Smash Melee Crew Battles.

● Cosplay competition

● Artist Alley

● Indie Developer Showcase

● BAM10 Afterparty Sunday 7PM

Overwatch Contenders Australia Top 4 Revealed, Finals Take Place 19 May

Overwatch Contenders Australia Top 4 Revealed, Finals Take Place 19 May

Since kicking off in March, Overwatch Contenders Australia, the official path-to-pro for Overwatch in the region, has built on the amazing success of Team Australia at the World Cup Sydney Stop in 2017. Over the course of the first season, we have seen some world-class Overwatch from our 12 teams, along with the development of a passionate and vocal fanbase.

With the regular season complete, it’s now time for the inaugural playoffs!

Dark Sided, Sydney Drop Bears, Blank Blue and Masterminds GC will be fighting for the right to call themselves the first Overwatch Contenders Australia champions, and take the lion’s share of the $50,000 USD prize pool. Tune in on Saturday 19 May AEST as each of the four teams go head-to head in their elimination matches live from ESL Studios Sydney.

The first semi-final will see Dark Sided taking on the Sydney Drop Bears from 11AM AEST/1PM NZST, followed by Blank Blue versus Masterminds GC. Finals will be held directly after the winner of the second semi-final is determined.

Catch all the action live at www.twitch.tv/overwatchcontenders!

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate comes to Nintendo Switch!

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate comes to Nintendo Switch!

Sydney, 11^th May 2018 - The highly anticipated Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate, the follow up to Monster Hunter Generations, marks the series debut on Nintendo Switch as an exclusive when it launches on August 28^th, 2018 for digital and physical retail purchase. For the first time, gamers have the flexibility to play both local wireless and online multiplayer with up to three other hunters whether playing at home on the big screen or on the go in handheld or table top mode. A brand new trailer for the title is available now from the press site here.

Hunters can face off against the series largest roster of unique monsters in this nostalgic look back at the series beginnings and evolutions. Take on the role of a brave hunter on an adrenaline fuelled adventure challenging larger than life beasts. Completing quests will yield valuable resources for crafting countless distinct weapons and equipment fashioned after players’ defeated foes. Along their journey, hunters must defend each of the game’s four villages from major threats known as the Fated Four, plus an even more dangerous new Elder Dragon.

Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate features a blend of classic gameplay and unique new twists, brand new explorable areas and monsters, plus returning fan-favourites like the lightning fast Zinogre and the stealthy long-tailed Nargacuga. This release introduces a new quest level called “G” rank that features even more formidable versions of familiar foes, truly testing experienced hunters’ battle tactics now with different moves and abilities never before seen in the wild!

For newcomers to the series, the gameplay features ton of powerful super moves called Hunter Arts that can be executed with a quick tap on the touch screen. Players can experiment and choose from six different Hunting Styles including two new ones called Brave Style, which rewards players with new moves for landing successive attacks, and Alchemy Style, a support style that grants the ability to creating useful items on the fly during combat. Hunters are encouraged to explore and customise the experience between quests to find the most personalised playstyle.

Players of the original Monster Hunter Generations can transfer save data from the previous title to continue their journey in Monster Hunter Generations Ultimate.

The Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy is Arriving Early!

The baddest Bandicoot in the land is CRASH-ing onto new platforms sooner than expected – get ready for June 29!

Crash Bandicoot has been working hard to look good for his debut on new platforms. Fans’ reaction to the news that he’s coming to Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC via Steam was that extra push needed and now he’s ready nearly two weeks early!

Originally slated to launch on July 10, Crash is making the WUMP earlier than expected on June 29!

The game is available for preorder now on the new platforms, so clear your calendars and get ready to jump, wump, spin, smash and Crash on your platform of choice.

For more information about the Crash Bandicoot N. Sane Trilogy, follow Crash Bandicoot on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and bookmark the Crash Bandicoot website.

DATES AND VENUE ANNOUNCED FOR FINAL FANTASY XIV FAN FESTIVAL EUROPE 2019 IN PARIS

DATES AND VENUE ANNOUNCED FOR FINAL FANTASY XIV FAN FESTIVAL EUROPE 2019 IN PARIS

Sydney, Australia - 12th May, 2018 – Square Enix® is today announcing the venue for the FINAL FANTASY® XIV Fan Festival 2019 in France. The event will take place at “La Grande Halle de La Villette” in Paris on 2^nd– 3^rd February, 2019.

The European FINAL FANTASY XIV Fan Festival taking place in 2019 is the third major event of its kind for the critically-acclaimed video game. This global event is set to take place across three different regions, in three major cities: Las Vegas, Paris and Tokyo. This massive event will feature exciting announcements, development panels, in-game activities, merchandise, as well as amazing opportunities to play together both in-game and in live activities.