Torn Banner Studios Shows Off Mirage: Arcane Warfare Footage Ahead Of E3

PCGamer wrote a great article on Mirage: Arcane Warfare, in which some new footage was also show. I thought I would post it since coming up to E3, it's a solid read: 

"Physics are a vital part of the game as well, both for the way in which it gives melee combat “a sense of weight,” and also because it's funny. “When you hit someone, it's not like their body just limply falls down. You'll know the strength of that hit you just knocked them with, and their body will go flying across the room,” Senior Brand Manager Alex Hayter says in the video. And that, according to Torn Banner President Steve Piggott, “really adds a lot of humor to the game.”"

Go "Behind the Banner" in a new Mirage: Arcane Warfare behind-the-scenes video series from Torn Banner Studios. In this video, learn about how blood and gore in Mirage add to the satisfaction and creativity of the game's visceral combat encounters.

Mirage is looking great, and is scheduled for release on this year on PC. You can read the full article here and follow along on Twitter to stay up to date.

Blue Isle Entertainment Releases New Footage For Valley - Coming This Summer

Valley, the first person adventure game from Blue Isle Entertainment was announced last April, and some new footage has surfaced.  Garrett Marks took the PlayStation Blog to talk about the game, which is coming this Summer to PlayStation 4, and PC.

"As you’ll see in the video, intrepid players can do some truly incredible things as they seek to further uncover the mysteries of the valley: give life to dying trees and animals; leap the distance of an entire football field; swing through a Pathfinder training forest of ginormous trees; and even defend oneself against some mysterious enemies. These are just some of the many awesome things you’ll be able to do as you explore the ancient depths of the valley, all the while keeping both it and yourself alive."

Valley, in development from Blue Isle Studios, makers of the popular horror game Slender: The Arrival, promises a first-person adventure like none other. Players will pilot the L.E.A.F. exosuit, powering up their physical abilities to unheard of levels then exploring the massive world from above and below -- dashing over landscapes, leaping between structures, all while wielding control over both life and death.

Hopefully we'll see more of the game at E3, but until then make sure to follow the studio on Twitter.

Watch Dogs 2 Announced - Ubisoft Toronto Involved

With E3 right around the corner, developers are working on revealing their games in preparation for the big event. Ubisoft has announced Watch Dogs 2, the sequel to the open world game from two years ago and Ubisoft Toronto announced they're helping with the title.

We are so proud to join the @watchdogsgame development team and help build the beautiful game world of SF! https://t.co/Jk0x8e3GmP

— Ubisoft Toronto (@UbisoftToronto) June 8, 2016

Watch the first-ever look into the new Watch_Dogs 2. Set in the birthplace of the tech revolution, the San Francisco Bay Area, Watch_Dogs 2 explores a new reality where an interconnected city and network of personal devices are used to control and manipulate citizens on a unprecedented scale.

Watch Dogs 2 comes to PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC November 15th. You can check out the full Ubisoft Blog for all the details.

Cally's Trials Announced - Coming To Steam June 14th

The developer behind Cally's Caves 2, and 3 have announced a new game in the Cally's Cave's series, this time with rogue-like RPG Cally's Trials:

"It's time for Cally to do what she does best: rescuing her kidnapped parents! Set before the events of Cally's Caves 3, Cally's Trials is a roguelike action-platformer with a weapon-levelling system that lets you evolve weapons as you use them. Cally must save her parents from the maniacal Herbert, who has laid waste to the Caves and built a massive lair deep inside."

Music- "Gods" by Ryan Hemsworth & UV boi فوق بنفسجي Used with Permission. Get Cally's Trials here! http://store.steampowered.com/app/476510/ It's time for Cally to do what she does best: rescuing her kidnapped parents! Set before the events of Cally's Caves 3, Cally's Trials is a roguelike action-platformer with a weapon-levelling system that lets you evolve weapons as you use them.

You can check out the Steam page here, and make sure to get the game later in June. In the meantime you can always pick up Cally's Caves 3 on Steam.

Shadow Heroes: Vengeance In Flames Out Now On Early Access

Last we heard of Allied Games they were going through their Steam Greenlight campaign to get Shadow Heroes on Steam.  They've passed that, and now the game is on Steam Early Access, you can check out the full site here for all the details, as well as the Steam Early Access trailer:

Shadow Heroes is an online game where players from around the world compete in epic battles with hundreds of units using weapons, magic and tactics. Hire new units and customize their load-outs with items you have collected. Combine items together to make them stronger and give yourself an edge in combat. Can you find the enemy's weak spot and exploit it? Are you able to react accordingly to counter your opponent's strategy?

Steam: http://store.steampowered.com/app/398670 Allied Games: http://www.alliedgames.co/ Shadow Heroes: http://www.shadowheroes.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AlliedGamesInc.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/alliedgames

Make sure to follow the game on Twitter, and pick up the game on Steam, which is currently enjoying a 10% discount.

Finish Line Games Announces Maize For Steam - Coming This Fall

Having just released Cel Damage HD on Xbox One, Toronto developer Finish Line Games have announced Maize, a new first person adventure coming to Steam this Fall.  "Two scientists misinterpret a memo from the U.S. Government and create sentient corn."

Explore an abandoned farm and a not-so-abandoned underground research facility as you solve increasingly absurd environmental puzzles and uncover the mysteries around Maize, possibly learning a bit about yourself along the way. Or maybe not. You’ll definitely learn about talking corn, probably.

Maize is a first-person adventure game about what happens when two scientists misinterpret a memo from the U.S. Government and create sentient corn. And that last sentence is pretty much the least ridiculous thing about the game. Maize will be released on PC via Steam in Fall 2016, just in time for harvest http://www.MaizeTheGame.com Maize © 2016 Finish Line Games Inc.

Make sure to check out the new website here, as well as follow Finish Line Games on Twitter and FaceBook. We'll have more on Maize as it becomes available.

Cally's Cave 2 Gets A Big Update On iOS And Android - Heading To Steam

London based developer VDO Games have announced a big free update has arrived to their mobile platform Cally's Cave 2.  The update brings the engine for Cally's Caves 3 to Cally's Caves 2 in addition to "a ton of improvements will come with it".  If you don't want to play the game on your Android, or iOS device, you're in luck - the indie developer also announced Cally's Cave 2 will be coming to Steam.

The developer is still busy away working on another title as well, which they've promised to have an update for us shortly.  Until then, follow the developer on Twitter!

Rhythm-Based Arcade Platformer Dashy Square Out Now On Steam

Toronto developer Kastriot Sulejmani had announced a Kickstarter for Dashy Square, and with the successful funding, the game is now out on Steam.

Dash, jump, fly and wave your way through epic levels with rhythm-based gameplay! Do you have what it takes? Follow the beat as you play levels or endless waves while staying in tune with the rhythm of each song. Join what could possibly be the impossible game to beat!

http://store.steampowered.com/app/461230/ The game is now on Steam omg omg omg!@#!@# XD Thank-you for everything guys - awesome feeling publishing on Steam. I am very grateful and will never take for granted how much this means to me. Thank-you for playing Dashy Square!

The game is only $3.29 on Steam, but can also be picked up on iOS, Android, and Windows Phone.  Make sure to also follow the developer on Twitter, and let him know what you think of the game.

Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime Gets 4-Player Update

Developer Asteroid Base took to Twitter for a surprise (well surprise to me, they have been tweeting about it for a while now) announcement today. Their 2-player couch coop adventure game is now a 4-player couch coop adventure game! The free update is available on Steam right now, and will be heading its way to Xbox One and PlayStation 4 "soon".

The FREE 4-player update for LOVERS is now available for PC, Mac, and Linux!

Coming soon for Xbox One and PS4. pic.twitter.com/gq5xwEWrX3

— Asteroid Base (@AsteroidBase) May 12, 2016

To celebrate the update, you can pick up Lovers In A Dangerous Spacetime on Steam for 50% off until May 14th.  I was a big fan of the game when it came to PS4 earlier this year, so if you're looking to pick up the game on the cheap, now is a better time than ever.

Fantasy Tales Online Hits Steam Early Access

Indie developer Cold Tea Studio, which is comprised of a team of three, one of whom is located in Toronto, have released their Free to Play MMORPG onto Steam Early Access.

"The player is an adventurer, who is thrown into a dangerous world, in which he only can survive, if he forms guilds, completes quests, collects gear, fights through dungeons, and most importantly - constructs a player town."

The game features a wide range of customization options for the players character, randomly generating dungeons, players towns and more. You can check out the trailer and screenshots below:

Our steam trailer for our Early Access launch on 5/5/16! Play Now: www.fantasytalesonline.com Follow Development: www.twitter.com/ftostaff

You can download the game for free right here on their Steam page. While also following the developer on Twitter, and joining their player forum.

Salvadora Studios Announces Kickstarter For "The Floor Is Made Of Lava"

Following suit like Axon Interactive, and OSnap Games, indie developer Salvadora Studios has taken to Kickstarter to help fund their Metroidvania platformer The Floor Is Made of Lava.

In The Floor Is Made of Lava, Jimmy must use his imagination against itself in order to save his brother, or else lose him to the darkness. As Jimmy ventures through the worlds of his mind's creation, he'll need to solve puzzles, battle enemies, and challenge bosses, each one guarding a valuable piece of equipment to make Jimmy more powerful.

Gaining this equipment will also open up alternate paths and secrets to explore in previous levels (which may yield their own rewards). With imagination as both an enemy and an ally, it's up to you to figure out the best ways to use yours.

As of this writing, they've raised just over $1500 over their $8000 goal, so make sure you check out their Kickstarter and help fund the game. You can also play an alpha demo of the game on the studios official website. Make sure to follow the studio on Twitter, and on Steam. Best of luck Salvadora Studios!

Pitfall Planet Out Now On Steam

Bonfire Games, the winner of the 2015 Level Up competition, have released their co-op platformer Pitfall Planet.  You play as two recently stranded astrobots who must traverse an unknown planet to get back to their ship.

Emma reached out to me on email and let me know a little bit about the history of Pitfall Planet:

It began as a collaboration between a small group of students from the University of Toronto and OCADU. After our success at Level Up Student Showcase we decided to turn it into a complete game and went on to receive an IGF nomination for Best Student Game. 

Inspired by games like Toad Treasure Tracker, Little Big Planet, and Portal 2, Pitfall Planet combines co-operative puzzle solving with action and mischief. Two little astronauts set out on an adventure that brings them deep into the caverns of the planet, solving puzzles and collecting ore using their trusty grappling hooks.

The announcement trailer for Pitfall Planet. Visit http://www.pitfallplanet.com for more information! Follow us on... Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/PitfallPlanet Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Pitfall-Planet/1073290146030768

Congrats to the team at Pitfall Planet on the release, and make sure to follow the gang over on Twitter, and pick up the game on Steam. If you're keeping up with past Level Up winners, reminder that OddBird Studios won this years.

Press Release: Canadian Indie Musicians Contribute to Auto Age: Standoff Mixtape

Friend of the site Jim Squires reached out to me to let me know about the soundtrack and music behind Phantom Compass. The soundtrack will feature Jim Guthrie, TWRP, Skull Fist and more. I've copied the press release below, but make sure to follow them on Twitter and check them out at PAX East if you're there.

Canadian Indie Musicians Contribute to Auto Age: Standoff Mixtape

Phantom Compass Reveals the Masterful Music Acts Behind the Tunes of Auto Age

Toronto, Canada – 22 April 2016 – When the pedal is to the metal, few things matter quite as much as the soundtrack driving your four-wheeled engine of destruction. Phantom Compass, developers of the upcoming car combat game Auto Age: Standoff, have assembled some of Canada’s deadliest indie artists for a mixtape maximized for motorized mayhem.

“Auto Age embodies a retro future where the 1980s never died,” said game director Tony Walsh. “Before the days of iTunes playlists and streaming music services, kids had just one outlet for customizing their listening sessions: a handcrafted mixtape. We’re recreating that vibe with some of Canada’s coolest retro-inspired indie musicians.”

Each killer vehicle is equipped with a customizable in-game mixtape starring  synth-funk electronic stylings of TWRP, the retro-tinged synthwave sound of 20SIX Hundred, the heavy-rocking metal of Skull Fist, and the tech-noir outrun melodies of Stilz.

"As fellow Canadians who dig rad tunes and bad ass video games, it is a great feeling to be a part of Auto Age,” said Skull Fist guitarist Zach Slaughter. “The graphics rule, the premise rules, the game rules, and even the soundtrack rules!"

In addition to its in-game mixtape, Auto Age: Standoff includes original soundtrack music from Toronto’s own Jim Guthrie. Previous to his work on Auto Age, Guthrie has lent his considerable talents to notable Canadian indie games like Sound Shapes, Below, and Superbrothers: Sword and Sworcery. Guthrie is also the artist responsible for the soundtrack to Indie Game: The Movie.

“Jim is an absolute legend in the indie games music scene, not to mention the Canadian music scene at large,” said Ericka Evans, Head of Production at Phantom Compass. “We’re honoured to be working not only with Jim but with the great Canadian mixtape musicians.. What better project to meet at the crossroads of Canadian indie music and Canadian indie games than one that literally puts you behind the wheel?”

Auto Age: Standoff is a game of car combat and multiplayer strategy that is coming to Steam later this year. You can add Auto Age: Standoff to your Steam Wishlist starting today. For more information, please visit phantomcompass.com/autoagestandoff, as well as the game's Steam page at http://store.steampowered.com/app/458680.

ABOUT THE MUSICIANS

• Jim Guthrie is a Toronto-based singer-songwriter. In addition to creating original compositions for video games, film, and television, Jim has released several solo albums including 2003’s Juno-nominated ‘Now, More Than Ever’ and 2013’s critically-acclaimed ‘Takes Time’.  To learn more and listen, please visit jimguthrie.org.

• TWRP are an elite squad of rockstars from the future, the 1980s, and currently Toronto. The band has gained an international following after the release of their animated music video 'The Hit' which has surpassed 1 million views. To listen, visit twrplive.com.

• Skull Fist are a heavy metal group formed in 2006 by Toronto-based guitarist Zach Slaughter. Following a 2006 demo and 2010 EP, the band has released two full albums: 2011’s ‘Head of the Pack’ and and 2014’s Juno-nominated ‘Chasing the Dream’. To listen, please visit youtube.com/user/SkullFistOfficial.

• 20SIX Hundred has been producing music for a number of years, composing horror scores for micro budget thrillers and most recently venturing into the realm of retro-tinged synthwave. Originally from Southern Ontario, 20SIX Hundred now calls Vancouver home. To listen, please visit 20sixhundred.bandcamp.com.

• Stilz has produced for hip hop artists throughout Western Canada for many years. Starting out as a DJ in the late 90's, these days he has become known for his solo instrumental releases. For listening samples, please visit stilz.bandcamp.com.

ABOUT PHANTOM COMPASS

Based in St. Catharines, Ontario, Phantom Compass is best known for its 2014 pinball-meets-RPG title ‘Rollers of the Realm’ for PC, PlayStation 4 and PS Vita. The studio’s latest title, ‘Auto Age: Standoff,’ has been in development for over a year and will be released on Steam this fall. For more information, visit phantomcompass.com.

Auto Age: Standoff was produced with the financial assistance of the Canada Media Fund and the Ontario Media Development Corporation.

We acknowledge the financial support of FACTOR, the Government of Canada and of Canada’s private radio broadcasters. Nous reconnaissons l’appui financier de FACTOR, du gouvernement du Canada, et des radiodiffuseurs privés du Canada.

Is Clapfoot Games Working On An Updated For Fortified?

Happy Saturday! Clapfoot Games released Fortified earlier this year, but since then we haven't heard much from them.  Based on a recent tweet, it might be safe to say they are working on some DLC for the third person tower defence shooter.

Here's a preview something new coming to Fortified soon. #screenshotsaturday pic.twitter.com/6QNJRAzply

— Clapfoot (@clapfoot) April 23, 2016

We'll be sure to share more about Fortified as Clapfoot Games updates us, but until then make sure to check out the game on Xbox One or Steam.

Vote For Shoot Shoot Mega Pack On Steam Greenlight

The party 2D shooter Shoot Shoot Mega Pack (SSMP) from Jon Remedios now has a Steam Greenlight page, which you can vote for to be Greenlight right here.  The game is described as "a party game about rules, friendship, and shooting". Check out the trailer and screenshots below!

Make sure to vote for the game on Steam Greenlight, and follow all the people involved with the project on Twitter:

• @DualRyan
• @Artbygavin
• @Gabdar
• @JonRemedios