Cat Quest 3 Getting A Physical Release, Includes A World Map And Collectible Stickers
Get yourself another big dose of cat-themed puns with Cat Quest III, the third game in the 2.5D open-world action RPG series. Announced during April’s Nintendo Indie World Showcase, the third game in the award-winning series is set to release on August 8 (which just happens to be international cat day) for PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, and PC. Preorders for the physical version of Cat Quest III for PS5 and Switch are currently live on Amazon for $30, and buying an early copy snags you some fun bonus items.
Cat Quest III preorder bonuses
All Cat Quest III physical preorders include a navigation map of the game’s world and a sticker sheet featuring various characters from the game. These preorder bonuses are bundled with the PS5 and Nintendo Switch versions, but only boxed copies. There are currently no digital preorder bonuses.
$30
The Cat Quest III standard edition includes the base game on either PS5 or Nintendo Switch, plus the physical edition preorder bonuses.
You can also grab the digital version of the game for $20 on Switch, PS5, or PC, which is $10 less than the physical edition, but you’ll miss out on the preorder bonuses.
Cat Quest III eschews the swords and fantasy trappings of the first two Cat Quest games to take to the high seas instead, as you sail the Purribean and battle pi-rats as a swashbuckling purrvateer. You’ll also have access to a ship of your own to facilitate your exploration and search for treasure. Check out our Cat Quest III coverage for more information about the game, or head over to the Nintendo eShop and download the free demo to try the game out yourself.
Cat Quest III launches for PS5, PC, and Nintendo Switch on August 8.
Proximus Caesar Reigns In Kingdom Of The Planet Of The Apes Clip
While Andy Serkis’ Caesar was last seen in 2018’s War for the Planet of the Apes, he’s been gone a much longer time in the upcoming sequel, Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes. Nearly 300 years have passed since Caesar’s death, and apes are now the dominant species on Earth. However, Caesar would probably be horrified by his self-proclaimed successor, Proximus Caesar (Kevin Durand). Especially since Proximus twists and perverts the meaning of Caesar’s teachings while enslaving apes and humans alike.
Perhaps the most disturbing aspect of the newly released preview clip from Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes is how many of Proximus’ followers hang on his every word, especially when he gets them to chant “apes together strong.”
The only ape in this scene who isn’t in Proximus’ thrall is Noa (Owen Teague), the young and heroic ape who is the new protagonist of the franchise. It’s unclear if Noa is a prisoner or if he has infiltrated Proximus’ seaside fortress. Either way, he’s vastly outnumbered by Proximus’ followers.
20th Century Studios has also released a new video where Serkis expresses his admiration for director Wes Ball’s work on Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes, and the feeling is apparently mutual for Ball.
Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes will be released on Friday, May 10.
Bitmap’s Stunning 650-Page History Of JRPGs Is Up For Preorder At Amazon
Bitmap Books is a publisher dedicated to giving readers an in-depth look at the history of gaming and the franchises that have left a lasting impact. Its titles encompass everything from a look at SNES artwork to the complete history of Metal Slug–though they’re often sold out at Amazon or marked up by resellers. Thankfully, a two of the publisher’s most popular and gorgeous books are getting reprints, with preorders now open ahead of their September 3 launch.
$45
Clocking in at over 650 pages, this book gives you an expansive look at the landscape of JRPGs. It discusses everything from Pokemon and Dragon Quest to Final Fantasy and Megami Tensei. It also covers multiple eras, starting with retro 8-bit titles before jumping to modern releases. The book itself is a work of art, with a hardcover design that uses special pantone inks and metallic foil accents.
$45
Much like the book above, Go Straight is a book dedicated to a single genre of games–side-scrolling beat-’em-ups. It examines over 200 games across nearly four decades, including hits like Kung-Fu Master, Streets of Rage 4, and Golden Axe. The book is a hefty 456 pages and features a vibrant hardcover design that’d look great in a game room or displayed on a coffee table.
While those are the only two books up for preorder, you’ll find plenty of other Bitmap Books up for grabs at Amazon. Here’s a look at a few of our favorites.
Best Bitmap Books
Manor Lords, Developed By One Person, Is Putting Up Huge Numbers On Launch Day
Manor Lords, the medieval strategy game developed by a single person, is out now on PC after much anticipation, and the game is putting up big numbers, even in its unfinished state.
According to Steam’s publicly available data, the game has reached nearly 160,000 concurrent users, putting it inside the top five for Steam’s most-played games today. Only the free-to-play games PUBG, Dota 2, and Counter-Strike 2 have reached more players on Steam today.
Now Playing: Manor Lords – Official Medieval City Builder/RTS Launch Trailer
By comparison, the AAA game Suicide Squad: Kill the Justice League, which was released in February, reached a peak of 202 players today.
The game is also playable via PC Game Pass and can be purchased via the Windows PC store, GOG, and the Epic Games Store, so the player count from Steam represents just a piece of the game’s overall market opportunity for players.
Manor Lords is also the No. 1 top-selling game on Steam right now. The game is marked down by 25% for its first two weeks, bringing the price down to $30 until May 10.
Player sentiment is strong, too. Manor Lords has more than 2,000 user reviews on Steam already, with an aggregate rating of “very positive.”
Looking ahead, Manor Lords is likely coming to Xbox, but it remains to be seen if the game will be released on PlayStation or Switch.
Manor Lords is available via Early Access/Game Preview, and its developer is encouraging people to submit their feedback to help improve the game. Publisher Hooded Horse acknowledged that playing an unfinished game is not for everyone and said it understands if people want to delay their purchase until later.
Manor Lords was one of the most wishlisted games on Steam, reaching 3.2 million player wishlists, according to Hooded Horse. The publisher is promising regular updates to the game.
Stellar Blade – How To Get The Lingerie Outfit
Stellar Blade stars Eve, a warrior with killer moves and looks. Still, given all the fan service this game has to offer, it’s no wonder that a particular reward awaits those who are completionists at heart. Here’s our guide on how to get the Black Pearl lingerie in Stellar Blade.
How to get the Black Pearl lingerie in Stellar Blade
The Black Pearl lingerie is the final reward that you can obtain once you’ve acquired all 49 can collectibles. This is no easy feat given the sheer number of items, as well as certain related tasks.
Aside from the lingerie reward, collecting a certain number of cans (every seven) nets you permanent boosts, too. These increase the maximum number of consumable items readily held in your inventory, such as Lingering Potions, Smart Mines, Pulse Grenades, Sonic Grenades, WB Pumps, and more.
Tips to obtain all cans
If you want to unlock the Stellar Blade Black Pearl lingerie, the best thing to do is read our can collectibles guide since we have it organized per region. We also mention when certain items become accessible (i.e. an ability might be needed).
Apart from that, there’s the Can Detector upgrade for your drone. It requires you to unlock other perks along the left-hand side of the skill tree, and the perk itself costs 4x Drone Upgrade Modules. Once unlocked, the drone will make a whirring noise if a can is nearby. Sadly, the sound effect is barely audible, so you really need to be alert.
Lastly, we want to avoid spoilers as much as possible (since the game just came out). However, we do have to mention that there are two points of no return in the campaign. The game will warn you when you’re about to make a fateful decision, which will prevent you from returning to a certain area. It’s imperative that you pick up all the important items therein. If you miss out on anything, you might have no other choice but to try again in New Game Plus mode.
In any case, this is how to get the Black Pearl lingerie in Stellar Blade. For Eve’s other attires, you can check our outfits and nano suits guide.
Stellar Blade has you facing off against vicious Naytiba, all while trying to figure out your origins. Action, thrills, and a bunch of collectibles/unlockables await. For more tips, you can visit our guides hub.
Warframe’s Jade Shadows Update Adds New Warframe And Cinematic Quest In June
Today, Warframe‘s devstream revealed details on Jade Shadows, the game’s next cinematic update. Jade Shadows adds the 57th Warframe, Jade–known as the “song of devastation”–as well as the Ascension mission type, a new Clan Operation, quality-of-life changes, and more.
The Jade Shadows quest involves the return of the Stalker and will have players confront him again with all-new lore, details, and additional secrets to unveil. Jade is an angelic Warframe who thematically opposes the Stalker’s corruption, despair, and brutality, with her love, hope, and wonder instilled with her signature weapons. She is also the first Warframe in a long time to have three signature weapons. “Mechanically she is more support and debuffing. Assisting your allies and debuffing the enemies,” said Digital Extremes during the devstream.
Jade Shadows launches the new mission type Ascension, more TennoGen items, and a new Clan Operation: Belly of the Beast. Further details of Ascension and Belly of the Beast will be revealed closer to the update.
Quality-of-life changes such as new Warframe Augments and Arcanes, brand-new Duviri decrees, increased drop rates for Debt Bonds, and Whispers in the Walls replayability all debut in the Jade Shadows update.
The Jade Shadows update releases this June. Be sure to check out our interview with creative director Rebecca Ford on another upcoming Warframe story update later this year with Warframe 1999 and our Warframe tips for beginners, so you can start your journey as a Tenno.
Hades 2 Early Access Might Be Coming Sooner Than You Think
Supergiant Games has hinted that Hades II might be hitting early access sooner than we may have though. The developer also said that the technical test will start to wind down on April 29.
Once the the technical test is over, it will no longer be available to access through Steam libraries. it’s not all bad news, though. “However, we plan to launch Hades II Early Access relatively soon after, so please stay tuned,” Supergiant Games said in an updated Steam post. “We hope you share our excitement for Early Access, and really appreciate your support and encouragement during the Test!”
Thank you for your patience during the Hades II Technical Test, which helped us identify and address a number of key issues we weren’t able to find before.🌒
We plan to start winding down the Test on Monday, then launch Hades II in Early Access relatively soon after that! pic.twitter.com/QjryI9xERO— Supergiant Games (@SupergiantGames) April 26, 2024
It’s unclear what “relatively soon” means to the developer. It could be as early as next week or a few months down the line. However, it seems like we won’t have to wait too long.
Lots of lore and info about Hades II have already been chronicled through those playing the technical test. For example, we may already know who the unnamed narrator is. We’ve also got a list of confirmed gods and characters who will appear in the game.
Hades II will launch into Early Access sometime this year for PC. In GameSpot’s Hades II technical test preview, we said, “Supergiant Games’ Hades 2 technical test offers a fascinating glimpse at how the sequel is building on the success of the first game.”
New Alien Game Announced For VR, Aims To Make Your Skin Crawl
A new Alien video game is coming this year. Game developer Survios and 20th Century Games have announced Alien: Rogue Incursion, an action-horror VR game due out this holiday.
The game is coming to PlayStation VR 2, Meta Quest 3, and PC VR on Steam.
Now Playing: ALIEN: Rogue Incursion – Announcement Teaser Trailer
The game tells an original story that focuses on an “ultimate mission” that has players trying to survive as Xenomorphs come after them. Survios chief product officer TQ Jefferson said the game features “kinetic action and heart-pounding exploration.” Jefferson added that the aim is to “truly make your skin crawl.”
Survios has developed a number of other licensed VR games, including Creed: Rise to Glory, Westworld: Awakening, and The Walking Dead: Onslaught.
Survios and 20th Century announced their partnership back in 2022. Also coming in 2024 is the next Alien movie, Alien: Romulus, and it looks extremely scary.
This isn’t the first time that the Alien IP has been used in the horror genre, as Creative Assembly’s 2014 game Alien: Isolation mixed stealth with suspense to tell the story of Amanda Ripley, daughter of Alien protagonist Ellen Ripley, as she investigated a space station infested with the iconic Xenomorphs.
