Thirty five years ago a game released for the NES (1987) that was to set a benchmark and spawn a franchise to last decades. That game was Final Fantasy.

From the very start Square Enix has been at the helm of the RPG fantasy game and now for this gen of consoles Final Fantasy Origin – Stranger of Paradise takes us back to the roots. Sort of.

You are Jack Garland flanked by two other NPCs, Ash and Jed in the Kingdom of Cornelia.

Tasked with entering the Shrine of Chaos to destroy Chaos, a dark entity that threatens the realm.

After an epic playable battle it appears that Chaos is destroyed, however the trio become a foursome as from the ashes of Chaos comes a young girl called Neon. Like Jack, Jed and Ash she also possesses a black crystal, determining that she is a Warrior of Light, as they are.

But does Chaos really exist and who is the true enemy…?

With Jack being a man of few words the games narrative relies on other NPCs and some really, really cringe-worthy cheesy humor.

Final Fantasy Origin – Stranger of Paradise is played out in third person sees with combat in real time. Ash and Jed will join in to the battle assisting you, but it is also your objective to make sure they are as well prtotected and equipped as possible.

Being an RPG you’ll find loot, loads of loot infact. Most of which being better outfits and weapons, not just for you but also your allies.

There is of course a skill tree too. Ash, Jed and Jack can all upgrade their skills and abilities accordingly.

Enemies are a mixed bag when it comes down to difficulty level and even well in to play, some are easier than others.

Each foe has a break gauge once this is depleted you can perform a finishing move. The more of these that you do the sooner you’ll earn Skill Points and likely get better gear.

I liken the combat to a certain degree play to that of Capcom’s latter Devil May Cry – which for me is a good thing.

Reminiscent of the very first Final Fantasy (hence the ‘Origin’ in the games title) Square Enix has gone back to the very first game and added a very modern, present day feel.

An excellent Final Fantasy game for new comers, but equally a worthy edition for the fans.

Final Fantasy Origin – Stranger of Paradise has enough turns and twists within its story, endless melee combat and revisits the story that started its lore.

The post Final Fantasy Origin – Stranger of Paradise (PlayStation 5) Review appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

PopCap, creator of one of the world’s most beloved video game franchises and a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. has  announced that Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville has released in stores and for digital download on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC via Origin.

The newest entry in the world’s wackiest shooter franchise features the expansive suburban region of Neighborville where another coniferous conflict between the brain-less and botanicals is brewing. The battle continues to bloom with three free-roam regions that will have players kicking grass beyond the town. With 20 fully customisable character classes, six glorious online multiplayer modes and the new Giddy Park social region, Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville is blooming with freshly picked content for players of all walks of life.

“We’re thrilled for adventure-seeking neighbors around the world to fully experience our biggest and most accessible shooter ever with Plants vs Zombies: Battle for Neighborville,” said Rob Davidson, Game Director at PopCap in Vancouver. “We set out to release an early edition of our game that was available for six weeks before today so we could polish performance, listen to feedback and establish a more stable launch. We thank our fans for joining us on this journey.”

Like the previous Plants vs. Zombies shooter titles, over-the-top multiplayer gameplay continues to plant itself at the core of Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville with six online multiplayer modes including the new and frenetic 4v4 Battle Arena in the Funderdome. Alongside returning character favorites such as Peashooter, Sunflower, Imp and Mech and Soldier, players will bring even more strategic depth to the all-out botanical battle with six newly-sprouted faces such as the flame-blowing Snapdragon, and a new zombie of few words and fewer thoughts, 80s Action Hero. Also, new to the lineup is the Team Play character class where you and up to three others play together as Oak and Acorn for the plants and Space Cadet for the Zombie faction. All characters can get decked out with the wildest customisations yet.

Ridiculous quests, vibrant cosmetics and a familiar cast of zany characters are scattered across the game’s three free-roam regions, including the familiar central location of Neighborville Town Center, as well as adventuring through the outer edges of Neighborville in the hot and dusty Mount Steep, and the lush and strange Weirding Woods. Players can join forces in split screen couch co-op* and online co-op across every mode, whether it is battling through the flourishing free-roam regions or jumping into online multiplayer battles.

Additionally, players can jump down into the new Giddy Park social region in-between the action to engage in light multiplayer battles, while on different amusement park rides, or use the social board to interact with other players and group up. Giddy Park also includes a target range to test each character’s wildly different abilities and also a giant piano to play a catchy tune. Transformative monthly events such as October’s spooky Lawn of Doom Festival will also allow players to unlock seasonal cosmetic rewards and challenges.

Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville Standard Edition includes the full base game. The Deluxe Edition includes 2 legendary costumes for Peashooter and 80s Action Hero, an exclusive Battle for Neighborville digital comic and 5 emojis.

Passionate fans who purchased the Founder’s Edition, an early edition of the game with exclusive cosmetic rewards, won’t miss a beat as their game progression transferred today to the full Standard Edition. Those who purchased the Founder’s Edition or Standard Edition can also upgrade to the digital Deluxe Edition.

EA Access and Origin Access Basic subscribers can enjoy up to 10 hours of play time, along with 10% off the purchase of the full game. Origin Access Premier subscribers get all the benefits of Basic on top of full access to the game on PC for as long as they are subscribed.

All Plants vs. Zombies: Battle for Neighborville players can build roots on forums and social networks now.

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Today at EA Play, Electronic Arts Inc. and partners Zoink Games, Glowmade and Hazelight Studios announced three new promising and independent development projects coming to consoles and PC.

Lost in Random is Zoink’s next game after releasing the stunning Fe, offering a unique spin on puzzles and combat. RustHeart is Glowmade’s EA Originals debut where players can forge an endearing friendship with a courageous robot hero. Hazelight’s follow up to the critically-acclaimed A Way Out builds on the studio’s expertise and success, with a new cooperative experience that will be named at a later date.

“We continue to connect innovative and creatively distinct new games from the best and boldest independent game makers to a global audience of players.” said Matt Bilbey, EVP Strategic Growth. “We want to offer our players the broadest, highest quality content possible, with the best access possible. Whether you join us to play EA’s biggest franchises like Apex Legends, one of the more than 200 games available from more than 85 content partners in our Origin Access subscription, or for innovative EA Originals titles like A Way Out, we have something compelling to offer.”

EA Originals supports up-and-coming studios by showcasing unique, innovative games to more players on all platforms. Following the success of Coldwood Studios’ Unravel, the label has built a proven track record with the BAFTA-winning A Way Out by Hazelight and Fe by Zoink, blazing the trail for games like Sea of Solitude by Jo-Mei Games launching on July 5th, 2019. The success of these partnerships has expanded the collaborative charter with new independent developers, such as the recently announced RustHeart from Glowmade and new EA Partner Velan Studios for more inspiring future titles.

EA is also increasing its commitment to players by offering more quality games from some of best developers in the industry through its subscription services. With EA Access on PlayStation® 4 launching this July in addition Xbox One and PC services, EA will offer subscriptions on more platforms than any other gaming company. EA’s Origin Access on PC gives players one of the deepest and highest rated catalogs of PC games available, featuring more than 200 games from more than 85 content partners boasting an average Metacritic score of 80. The library features games from award-winning studios like 11bit who will release Frostpunk and Moonlighter into the service later this year, to narrative-driven indie darlings like Supergiant Games’ Pyre, new releases like Tropico 6, Mutant Year Zero, Breathedge, alongside EA franchises like Battlefield and FIFA.

Zoink Games

Zoink’s Lost in Random is another stand out fantasy action adventure from the studio that brought you the magical EA Originals title, Fe. Lost in Random brings a brand-new spin on the genre, in a blend of strategy and action that explores the notion of chance and possibility, set within a beautifully dark and vivid world.

Glowmade

A co-op Action-RPG, RustHeart follows the player and their handmade robot sidekick as they adventure across a vibrant, alien multiverse. Glowmade’s RustHeart taps into the simple joy of creating in a uniquely cooperative setting: a compelling mix of tactical action-roleplay gameplay, player invention and spray paint.

Hazelight Studios

Hazelight Studios’ continues to cement their reputation for delivering story-driven, co-operative, and highly unexpected experiences, following the success of EA Originals title, A Way Out. Returning with a completely new title, Hazelight’s unannounced game promises to give players a fresh new take on the challenges of working together.

Stay tuned for more updates on these three independant titles soon.

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Today, Electronic Arts and visionary German studio Jo-Mei Games announced that the story-driven adventure game Sea of Solitude.

Sea of Solitude is an emotional experience that takes players on a personal journey to overcome a young woman’s inner loneliness. Players must help Kay see below the surface and beyond, guiding her through a flooded city landscape in a deeply touching tale of darkness and light. As waters rise and fall to reflect her own state of mind, Kay will meet fantastical creatures and monsters, learn their stories and solve challenges to rid the world of tainted memories.

“Sea of Solitude centers on the essence of loneliness and tugs on the heartstrings of its players by mirroring their own reality. It’s by far the most artistic and personal project I’ve ever created, written during a very emotional time in my life,” said Cornelia Geppert, CEO of Jo-Mei Games. “Designing characters based on emotions was a deeply personal achievement for our team and we’re so excited for players to soon experience Kay’s powerful story of self-discovery and healing.”

Designed with a striking visual style, Sea of Solitude is an intimate adventure across a beautiful and evolving world where nothing is quite as it seems. Kay’s journey unfolds around dynamic environments as atmospheric in-game weather help visualise the characters’ emotions. Players unlock new areas to explore by overcoming emotional challenges and progressively revealing light and color into the dark and stormy world. Through unique encounters with a variety of beautiful and terrifying monsters, Kay will discover why her loneliness has turned her into a monster and what it will take to change back to a human.

Sea of Solitude is an innovative EA Originals game developed by the talented team at Jo-Mei Games in Berlin, Germany. EA Originals helps shine a light on some of the most passionate, independent and talented game studios across the globe. These games come from highly creative game makers who love to enchant and inspire players. Sea of Solitude’s empowering narrative makes it an unforgettable gaming experience and another exciting addition to the EA Originals program.

Sea of Solitude is rated T for Teen by the ESRB and will be launching worldwide on July 5th, 2019 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC via Origin.

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Coldwood and Electronic Arts, at EA PLAY in Los Angeles today, for the first time ever, instantly revealed and launched Unravel Two. The innovative new single player and co-op puzzle platformer comes from the Swedish studio that brought to life Yarny, the tiny red woolen character that captured the hearts of players in 2015 with the hit indie game, Unravel.

Unravel Two builds off of the original game and centers on the bond between two Yarnys, which can be played as a single player or local co-op drop-in/drop-out experience, available beginning today. The two Yarnys will need to support one another as they work through tricky trials and traverse between beautiful natural landscapes and intricate urban environments, with the surroundings blossoming into new life as they embark on an adventure together.

“Unravel Two is about the new bonds that form when we cut ties to the past,” said Martin Sahlin, Creative Director at Coldwood. “Like Unravel, it is a deeply personal game for the studio and our passion and life experiences are intertwined in the fabric of the journey players and their Yarnys will embark on. Unravel Two is about the unbreakable bond between friends and how hope and love can make the world around us a better place.”

Unravel Two features an evocative story filled with energy, intrigue, and inspiration, as well as ominous threats. Players can customise their own Yarnys by helping others in Unravel Two, as they jump, slide, swing and run along their adventure with two Yarnys side-by-side or joined together, always. The engaging and lighthearted story of Unravel Two demonstrates the power of positivity in the face of uncertainty.

Unravel Two has released on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and Origin for PC. EA Access and Origin Access  members can play the beginning of Unravel Two, starting today.

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EA PLAY, Electronic Arts Inc. (NASDAQ:EA) announced a new PC subscription tier, Origin Access Premier, that unlocks a new way to play. Starting this Winter, players can join Origin Access Premier to enjoy full access to new EA releases on PC before anyone else, including the upcoming launches of EA SPORTS Madden NFL 19, EA SPORTS FIFA 19, Battlefield V and Anthem.

“Millions of players have experienced the fun of playing more games through our subscription programs, and today we’re taking another groundbreaking step with Origin Access Premier,” said Electronic Arts’ Chief Executive Officer Andrew Wilson. “Origin Access Premier unlocks unprecedented levels of choice and value for players who love PC games. For the first time in a subscription, you’re getting new games like Madden NFL 19, FIFA 19, Battlefield V and Anthem, and full access to more than 100 games from EA and other publishers with a single membership. We’re thrilled to be opening up this new way for players to access great games, with the freedom to play what they want, whenever they want.”
Included in the Origin Access Premier membership is full access to EA’s upcoming highly-anticipated games on PC.

Members will also receive the benefits from the current Origin Access Basic membership that already includes an evolving library of 100+ games, including Battlefield 1, Mad Max and the Batman: Arkham series, as well as newly added titles, including Need For Speed Payback, Inside, This Is The Police, Surge and more. Along with a 10% discount on Origin purchases.

Additionally, joining Origin Access Premier will give players a whole new way to play with life through unlimited access to The Sims 4, including content from the Digital Deluxe Update, Dine Out Game Pack and Kids Room Stuff Pack.

To be among the first to hear more about Origin Access Premier and pre-register, go HERE.

For players who are not currently a member of Origin Access, sign-up for a free seven-day trial available now through June 17th, 2018 to download and play games from the Origin Access library.

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Criterion Games, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. has announced Burnout Paradise Remastered will become available on March the 16th, 2018 on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One, inviting players to wreak havoc and unleash automotive anarchy once more.

Players will be transported back into the world of Paradise City to tear it up in the ultimate driving playground, from hectic downtown avenues to the wild mountain roads. Pull off high-octane stunts and create insane car destruction in one of the greatest arcade-driving games ever created.

Burnout Paradise Remastered includes the original base game and the eight add-on game packs released during the Year of Paradise, including the extension to the drivable world with Big Surf Island. Burnout Paradise Remastered also features a range of technical enhancements for greater visual fidelity, including high resolution textures for players to explore Paradise City in 4K with supporting 60FPS on the PlayStation 4 Pro and Xbox One X.

“When people think of Criterion Games, they often remember the Burnout franchise and for good reason. What we created 10 years ago, is as fun and unique today as it was back then,” said Matt Webster, General Manager at Criterion Games. “Burnout Paradise is an open world arcade racer built to provide players the thrill of racing with their friends, in a free form way that’s both seamless and immersive. Featuring Criterion’s trademark speed and destruction with awesome stunts and spectacular crashes. With the release of this remaster, we’re able to share this action-packed ride and innovate online vehicle play with a whole new generation of players.”

Burnout Paradise Remastered is rated M and will be available digitally and in stores on PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. It will be available later this year on Origin for PC, bringing the Big Surf Island add-on to PC players for the very first time. EA Access members will also get to play Burnout Paradise Remastered before its worldwide launch, starting on March the 9th, 2018 via the Play First Trial.

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DICE, a studio of Electronic Arts Inc. revealed at this years Gamescom a Revolution for Battlefield 1. In the complete Battlefield 1 experience, Battlefield 1 Revolution allows players to experience the dawn of all-out war through epic multiplayer battles where no battle is ever the same, immersive single player War Stories, more maps, deeper progression and new modes, all in a single package. Battlefield 1 Revolution is now available worldwide for Xbox One, PlayStation 4 and Origin on PC. In addition, Battlefield 1 Incursions is a new intense gaming experience being developed in collaboration with players, and optimized for competition.

Battlefield 1 Revolution is the quintessential way to join the Battlefield community and experience war on an unmatched scale. Battlefield 1 Revolution contains the Battlefield 1 base game and Battlefield 1 Premium Pass which includes four themed expansion packs, each filled with all new maps, new modes and more, making it the complete Battlefield 1 experience. Players will have immediate access to Battlefield 1 They Shall Not Pass, featuring six maps including the game’s first night maps, Nivelle Nights and Prise de Tahure. Players can further expand the battle with Battlefield 1 Revolution in Battlefield 1 In the Name of the Tsar in September, partake in amphibious warfare in Battlefield 1 Turning Tides set to launch in December 2017, and the most infamous battles of the Great War in Battlefield 1 Apocalypse, available in early 2018. Those who purchase Battlefield 1 Revolution will also receive the Red Baron Pack, Lawrence of Arabia Pack and Hellfighter Pack which contain themed weapons, vehicles and emblems based on the famous heroes and units.

Also available now for those that own Battlefield 1 Revolution or Battlefield 1 Premium Pass is Lupkow Pass, the first map to be released from the upcoming expansion In the Name of the Tsar. In Lupkow Pass, players can battle it out in the snow-covered ravines and treacherous vertical drops of World War I. Then, when the full expansion releases in early September, players will further enter the war’s biggest front with the Russian Army and the Women’s Battalion of Death with five additional all new maps and two new Operations. In the Name of the Tsar also includes 11 new weapons, the new Ilya-Muromets Heavy Bomber vehicle, the Putilov-Garford Heavy Armored Car, the new Supply Drop game mode, new medals, dog tags, service stars and more, making it the most extensive update in Battlefield franchise history.

In the Battlefield 1 Incursions Closed Alpha, players will be introduced to a tight, teamplay focused competitive experience in the game. Competitors will have to put their skills to the test in intense 5 vs. 5 matches, creating dramatic moments that include the signature Battlefield vehicle gameplay. Starting in September, players in the Closed Alpha will be able to choose from eight different kits (Trench Surgeon, Control Leader, AT Assault, Battle Mechanic, Mortar Support, Raid Leader, Shock Assault, Proximity Recon) on the modified Battlefield 1 Giant’s Shadow map, and rank up to gain access to improved weapons and abilities based on a combination of time and performance.

The Battlefield 1 Incursions Closed Alpha is just the beginning of the team’s journey in crafting a long term-competitive experience in collaboration with the Battlefield community. The features, content, and systems of Battlefield 1 Incursions may change between Closed Alpha and its final, finished form. More details on the competitive gaming structure and events will be shared in the coming months.

The post BATTLEFIELD 1 REVOLUTION AND BATTLEFIELD 1 INCURSIONS @ GAMESCOM 2017 appeared first on Shane the Gamer.

Today Electronic Arts, in partnership with Hazelight, announced A Way Out, a new EA Originals game coming to players from the creative minds behind the critically-acclaimed indie title, Brothers – A Tale of Two Sons. Coming early 2018, A Way Out is a co-op only game uniquely tailored for two players to work together no matter the situation. Through a compelling narrative, Leo and Vincent will embark on an emotional adventure, where they will live some memorable action moments that they will face together including car chases, stealth passages, melee fights, shootouts and many more.

“Josef and his team at Hazelight represent everything that EA Originals stands for,” said Patrick Soderlund, Executive Vice President of EA Worldwide Studios. “They are a small and very talented group with a vision and passion for a game that is truly unique in the video game industry. A Way Out is going to surprise people with its innovative co-op gameplay and the way it tells an emotional story solely through these two characters.”

“This game is going to bring a co-op experience unlike anything you have ever seen before,” said Josef Fares, Writer and Director at Hazelight. “The idea for A Way Out came when me and a friend tried to find a story driven co-op game that wasn’t a drop-in/drop-out experience. We simply could not find a game like that. We’re also bringing an innovative look into how to tell the story of both these characters. Players will be immersed in the game with the way we change the display from a full screen experience seamlessly to different cinematic split-screen formats. By focusing on the two characters in different ways, it opens up a huge variety of gameplay, as we really wanted to avoid repetitions so they will get to know the characters through very different situations.

The story of A Way Out begins in prison with two separate inmates, Leo and Vincent, who don’t know each other. While their individual stories progress, players will have to build a relationship based on trust as they break both men out of prison into the world beyond. This co-op only experience is meant to be played together with a friend on a couch or online.

A Way Out is being developed by Hazelight and will be available as a digital download in early 2018 on PC via Origin, Xbox One and PlayStation 4.

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During their Live @ EA PLAY, Electronic Arts, in collaboration with Lucasfilm, announced that fresh new content will be released in Star Wars Battlefront II through themed seasons that will allow players to continue their Star Wars Battlefront II hero’s journey in a world that is constantly growing.

All players will have access to these free content drops that will include a mix of new locations, characters, vehicles, modes, weapons, star cards, and more. Players will also be able to participate in regular live events and challenges that will come with their own special rewards. The first free season will be coming in December (2017) after the game’s launch and will be inspired by the upcoming film, Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Through the relationship with Lucasfilm, this season will include Finn and Captain Phasma as new playable heroes, a new planet location known as Crait, a new space map above D’Qar, new events, rewards and more.

“With Star Wars Battlefront II, we’ve really taken feedback from our players to heart, and you see that in the base game, which has so much more content than the first game – a new authentic single player campaign, epic multiplayer, starfighter battles, and solo or co-op PvE on console – a huge game across all eras of the Star Wars films,” says Matt Webster, Executive Producer on Star Wars Battlefront II. “But just as important is how we support the game after launch. Our live service is built around the philosophy of keeping our fans playing together, with seasons that will add meaningful content and in game events on a regular basis.”

Fans will have the chance to get hands-on with Star Wars Battlefront II multiplayer for the first time at EA PLAY 2017. Here, they will be able to experience the Assault on Theed demo, which features the updated signature multiplayer mode, Galactic Assault, on the Naboo: Theed map set in the prequel trilogy era. Players will get a sample of the new class system, ground and air vehicles like the AAT-1 and Naboo N-1 starfighter, a larger focus on team-play and heroes from all eras including Boba Fett, Darth Maul, Rey and Han Solo.

Star Wars Battlefront II is being developed by three powerhouse studios – Motive Studios, DICE and Criterion Games – each with a rich background of creating award-winning games, to bring the most robust Star Wars game to date. Star Wars Battlefront II will allow players to experience the untold story of Iden Versio, an Imperial elite special forces soldier, in an all-new single player campaign. The game will also allow players to experience epic multiplayer battles where they can pilot a First Order TIE fighter through intense dogfights in space, and play as ground troopers or iconic heroes and villains, such as Yoda and Kylo Ren, across all three Star Wars eras.

This Spring, players will be able to jump into a galaxy far, far away with the Star Wars Battlefront II multiplayer BETA on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Origin for PC. All fans who pre-order any edition of the game will get into the BETA early. In addition, anyone who pre-orders will get instant access to an upgraded Epic Lightsaber Mastery Star Card for Yoda, available while supplies last,

Star Wars Battlefront II will be available worldwide on November the 17th, 2017 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and on Origin for PC.

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