Twinworld Game Reviews

Posts Tagged ‘Microids’

Paris – October 21, 2019 – Over the past years, Microids has been using a singular editorial strategy allowing the company to become a major player in the video game industry. With 83% of its gross revenue coming from outside of France and a 50% gross increase per year, Microids is now pushing toward an acceleration of its growth strategy and international expansion. Renowned for its adventure games, the publisher started diversifying its portfolio around 4 pillars: adventure games, racing games, retro gaming and licensed products. This year, Microids showcased its strength with a line up stronger than ever with the release of Asterix & Obelix XXL3, Blacksad: Under the Skin, Tootuff Mega Party, Fort Boyard, Gear.Club Unlimited Porsche Edition and Garfield Kart.

Anuman Interactive becomes Microids and changes its company name

Founded in 1985 by Elliot Grassiano, Microids was acquired by Anuman Interactive in 2009 and became the company’s main video game label. Having developed Microids’ reputation among players and partners over the years in several regions, this change of name is a natural development for Anuman Interactive. This decision is part of an international expansion strategy which began last summer with a new graphic identity for Microids. Stéphane Longeard, founder and CEO of Anuman Interactive therefore becomes the CEO of Microids, which he will be managing jointly with Elliot Grassiano.

Microids opens an office in Japan

After three successful years in Japan, Microids is proud to announce the opening of a representative office in this region. Microids will be represented by Martial Meyssignac (present in Japan for 30 years) who will work closely with Yves Bléhaut, Senior VP Strategic Partnerships at Microids. This new office is part of a policy of expansion; its main roles will be the distribution of games from the company’s catalog and the establishment of agreements with iconic Japanese titles, in conjunction with its parent company in France.

“This new office is part of our policy to expand Microids’ international activities and to build on its reputation. Our teams are made up of people who are incredibly enthusiastic about video games and, in particular, about Japanese culture, in which this sector has such a special place, as we know. We’re thrilled by the group’s excellent progress!” says Yves Bléhaut, Senior VP Strategic Partnerships at Microids.

It’s worth mentioning that the game “Gear.Club Unlimited”, which the company published on Nintendo Switch 2017 and distributed by 3goo K.K, was the best-selling racing game in Japan all platforms combined in the year of its release! Microids intends to build on this success and expand its activities in the region.

A dedicated team to support the Microids Indie label

This international expansion strategy will also be supported by strengthening the editorial team through the creation of a dedicated squad in charge of the label Microids Indie. The main goal of this label will be to guide and help the independent developers on the journey towards releasing their game. Microids indie will be directed by industry veteran Vincent Dondaine, who’s been collecting successes especially in the independent games area, joining the company with the role of VP Microids Indie. “I am really happy to tackle this new challenge and build the Microids Indie strategy from the ground up. Indie developers will benefit from the expertise and know-how of Microids internal teams to give birth to their projects and optimize their exposure” says Vincent Dondaine.

Microids will share with indie developers and studios its know-how in terms of publishing (digital and retail), marketing, communication and sales to offer the best possible environment for their launch. They will also benefit from the international distribution network already giving Microids a strong worldwide presence, especially in Europe, North America as well as Japan. By leveraging the indie developers’ creativity, Microids wish to reach a new audience and offer innovative experiences to its community.

“We are really proud of what the company has achieved until now! We demonstrated our capability to adapt ourselves to an ever evolving market by bringing Microids to the center stage. Thanks to the trusty relationship we cultivate with the development studios and our internal team know-how, Microids continues its international expansion. Redefining our idendity, bringing back Microids Indie and increasing our presence in Japan are some key elements for our future endavours. The expertise and experience of Martial Meyssignac and Vincent Dondaine will allow Microids to grow and carry on more and more ambitious projects!” Says Stephane Longeard, Microids’ CEO.

Source: PR Email

Paris, October 1, 2019 – The remastered action/adventure game Roman Rumble in Las Vegum (Asterix & Obelix XXL2) is coming out today on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One. The remaster of this 2006 critically acclaimed cult classic brings improved graphics and new features to the timeless hit, see the details below!

Whether you’re a diehard fan of the Gaulish tribe or have just discovered their adventures, the action and adventure game Roman Rumble in Las Vegum is accessible to all with three levels of difficulty. Young and old players will enjoy this thrilling adventure in Las Vegum – the amusement park created by Julius Caesar. As they make their way through the park’s various themed areas, such as Lutetia, Little Venetia, LuckSore and Pirate Island, they will explore richly detailed and colorful environments.

In Roman Rumble in Las Vegum, players set off on an adventure to Las Vegum thanks to the inseparable Asterix and Obelix, and not to forget their faithful companion Dogmatix, who also does his bit to help fight the armies of Roman legionaries! Players will be able to freely switch between the two Gauls to make the most of their characteristics: Asterix uses the magic potion to help him overcome Roman hordes and can make his way through the smallest spaces with ease, while Obelix uses his incredible strength to destroy seemingly impassable obstacles.

New features of the remastered version

Enhanced graphics:

• New textures and models for all characters and enemies.
• New textures and lighting for environments.

Improved gameplay:

• A new system of store that changes and adds upgrades compared with the original game. These stores are located in the six game environments and allow players to increase their skills thanks to new techniques, combos and Furies. This system is similar to a conventional skills tree.
• Cosmic Strike and Pantry: two new skills to help overcome enemies.
• Health bar upgrade: the health bar can be upgraded as the player progresses through the game in order to reach a higher maximum health level.
• Addition of three difficulty levels: easy, normal and hard.

A new addition to the remastered version: challenges!

• Challenges are bonus missions focused on fighting. The aim is to beat as many Romans as possible within a given time.
• There are two challenges in each of the six game environments, making 12 in total.
• The bronze rank is easily accessible and is a good way to earn money but reaching the Gold rank is a real challenge!

A new collectibles system:

• Postcards are now hidden in the levels, collecting all of them requires to fully explore the game.
• Figurines, now in 3D, can be unlocked in the shop.
• A new Fast Travel system: once you unlocked a level, you can easily go back thanks to fast travel and find the missing collectibles!

Source: PR Email

Paris, September 11, 2019 – The French publisher Microids and its partners, The Digital Lounge and Dotemu, are proud to bring together for the very first time two video game masterpieces. Today’s players will be able to enjoy on modern platforms the legendary Flashback, created by Paul Cuisset, and the pioneering Another World, developed by Eric Chahi! The twin pack will be released physically on November 21st 2019!

FLASHBACK

Often ranked in the top 100 games of all time, one of the world’s greatest action adventure game is back!

Story:

2142. After fleeing in a spaceship, the young scientist Conrad B. Hart wakes up with amnesia on Titan, a colonized satellite of Saturn. His enemies and kidnappers are hot on his heels and he must find his way back to Earth, all while defending himself from various dangers and preventing aliens from destroying the planet.

New content and features:

• For the first time, play the Director’s Cut version (2 exclusive cut scenes)
• White or pink? Choose one of the two historic colors of Conrad’s T-shirt
• Play any level you’ve completed during the adventure
• Replay the cut scenes you’ve watched during the adventure
• Jukebox: enjoy the game’s music on demand
• Street Art Gallery: earn points during the adventure to unlock artworks
• Graphics filter and Post-FX
• Remastered music and sound effects
• A brand new “Rewind” function which lasts for different lengths of time, depending on the difficulty level
• Tutorials

ANOTHER WORLD™ (OUT OF THIS WORLD)

Also known as “Out Of This World” in the United States and “Outer World” in Japan, Another World™ has developed a cult status among critics and gamers for its innovative gameplay and avant-garde cinematography.

Story:

Another World™ recounts the adventures of Lester Knight Chaykin, a young scientist who travels through time and space when a nuclear experiment goes wrong. He arrives on another planet, where he will have to fight for survival, surrounded by hostile creatures. He will befriend an alien and only by working together, they will regain their freedom. You’ll need to be logical and highly skilled to overcome this adventure’s obstacles.

Content of the 20th Anniversary edition:

• HD visuals, faithful to the original designs
• 3 levels of difficulty: Normal, Difficult (the original game’s level) and Hardcore
• A more immersive experience: choose between the remastered soundtrack and FX, the original sounds and the original CD soundtrack
• Upgrade from the original graphics to FULL HD

The Another World and Flashback compilation will be physically released on the 21st of November 2019 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and Nintendo Switch.

Source: PR Email

Paris, August 29th, 2019 – With two opuses respectively released in 2017 and 2018, the Gear.Club Unlimited series has offered to Nintendo Switch players the first realistic racing game franchise. With hundreds of miles to race on, some of the most prestigious cars from leading brands and a garage which allow players to customize their vehicles from bodywork to engine, the license has revitalized the racing game genre on Nintendo Switch.

This year, Eden Games and Microids will take the players even further thanks to Gear.Club Unlimited 2 Porsche Edition! With its huge playing area including more than 250 races, players will be able to drive some of the most beautiful Porsche supercars in breathtaking environments.

New content:

• A new campaign mode: the « Porsche Series » and its seasonal Flow
• Mythical Porsche cars from the famous German manufacturer playable in all game modes
• All Gear.Club Unlimited 2’s previously released DLCs

DLCs content:

• Arrows Pack
  ▪ Ford Mustang Police
  ▪ Alfa Romeo 8C Competizione Ahoy
  ▪ Jaguar F-Type R Elite GTS
  ▪ Stickers Board “Arrows”
• Checker Pack
  ▪ BMW M4 Coupe Wave
  ▪ Dodge Challenger Menthol Green
  ▪ Lotus Exige S English Racing
  ▪ Stickers Board “Checker”
• Hazard Pack
  ▪ Challenger Sherif
  ▪ BMW Z4 Rodster Red Camo
  ▪ Mercedes-AMG C 63 S Coupé Paint Stroke
  ▪ Sticker Board “Hazard”
• Wings Pack
  ▪ BMW M4 Coupé Loyal 1
  ▪ McLaren 570S Humble Bee
  ▪ Ruf CTR 3 Model 03
  ▪ Sticker Board “Wings”
• Free Pack
  ▪ Dodge Challenger Shark Fin
  ▪ Ford Mustang GT 2015 GT 300

Game Features:

• Genre: Racing
• Players: 1-4 players splitscreen // 1-8 players local Lan // 1-8 players online
• Language: English, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Dutch, Russian, Korean, Portuguese, Japanese, Traditional Chinese
• Release date: November 14th, 2019
• Developed by: Eden Games
• Published by: Microids
• Support: Nintendo Switch
• Ratings: PEGI 3 – ESRB E for everyone – USK 0

Source: PR Email

Paris – Tuesday 30th of July 2019 – Today, Microïds and Paws, Inc. are announcing the upcoming release of the game Garfield Kart Furious Racing!The game will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and Steam on November 5 in the United States and on November 7 in Europe.

Fans of racing, cats and lasagna: get ready! Garfield, the world-famous cat, is back to take on Jon, Odie and their friends in this racing game where anything goes! Each of the available characters and karts (which can be customized with dozens of accessories) has its own characteristics and a unique driving style: make a strategic choice to match your playing style so that you can cross the finish line in first place! Get off to the best start and master tough skids to save time and win the race.

Crazy bonus items will spice up the race, including the pillow and the magic wand, to give you the edge over your competitors. Are you as lazy as Garfield? Take shortcuts and use the Spring to overtake everyone else!

Garfield Kart Furious Racing! is perfect for playing with friends or family and features 16 iconic tracks from the world of Garfield, including Palerock Lake and the Pastacosi Factory. Compete in online races with up to 8 players and split-screen races with up to 4 players. Nintendo Switch players can also take advantage of local, wireless connections to connect up to 8 consoles!

Three game modes will be available to please even the toughest of drivers: Grand Prix, Single Race and Time Trial.

Source: PR Email

Paris – July 22nd 2019 – Microids and Pendulo Studios unveil today the first part of Blacksad: Under the Skin making of, a video dedicated to the transition from comic book to video game.

This video series shot during the development of the game will introduce viewers to the team behind the video game but also both the writer and the artist behind the original Blacksad comic book: Juan Díaz Canales and Juanjo Guarnido.

Dive head first in the Blacksad 50’s film noir universe to learn how Pendulo Studios managed to give birth to this comic book masterpiece and how this original adventure came to fruition.

Discover unreleased documents, exclusive interviews and meet the international crew working on the project.

We hope that fans and newcomers alike will enjoy this sneak peak behind the curtain bringing them at the center of Blacksad: Under the Skin’s creative process!

The second episode will be released in a few weeks so stay tuned!

John Blacksad’s investigation is now set to start on the 5th of November 2019. The team will use this extra time to polish the game with only one goal in mind: deliver the best possible experience to our players!

Blacksad: Under the Skin will be released on the 5th of November on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac.

Source: PR Email

Paris, July 11^th 2019 – The remastered action/adventure game Roman Rumble in Las Vegum (Asterix & Obelix XXL2) is set for a physical release in North America on Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One on October 1st 2019. The remaster of this 2006 critically acclaimed cult classic brings improved graphics and new features to the timeless hit, see the details below!

In Roman Rumble in Las Vegum, players set off on an adventure to Las Vegum thanks to the inseparable Asterix and Obelix, and not to forget their faithful companion Dogmatix, who also does his bit to help fight the armies of Roman legionaries! Players will be able to freely switch between the two Gauls to make the most of their characteristics: Asterix uses the magic potion to help him overcome Roman hordes and can make his way through the smallest spaces with ease, while Obelix uses his incredible strength to destroy seemingly impassable obstacles.

New features of the remastered version

Enhanced graphics:

• New textures and models for all characters and enemies.
• New textures and lighting for environments.

Improved gameplay:

• A new system of store that changes and adds upgrades compared with the original game. These stores are located in the six game environments and allow players to increase their skills thanks to new techniques, combos and Furies. This system is similar to a conventional skills tree.
• Cosmic Strike and Pantry: two new skills to help overcome enemies.
• Health bar upgrade: the health bar can be upgraded as the player progresses through the game in order to reach a higher maximum health level.
• Addition of three difficulty levels: easy, normal and hard.

A new addition to the remastered version: challenges!

• Challenges are bonus missions focused on fighting. The aim is to beat as many Romans as possible within a given time.
• There are two challenges in each of the six game environments, making 12 in total.
• The bronze rank is easily accessible and is a good way to earn money but reaching the Gold rank is a real challenge!

A new collectibles system:

• Postcards are now hidden in the levels, collecting all of them requires to fully explore the game.
• Figurines, now in 3D, can be unlocked in the shop.
• A new Fast Travel system: once you unlocked a level, you can easily go back thanks to fast travel and find the missing collectibles!

Source: PR Email

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l6lKwaZPrcg

Paris, April 25th, 2019 – Blacksad: Under the Skin, the narrative-adventure video game developed by Pendulo Studios and YS Interactive unveils itself in a story trailer. Discover more information about this thrilling investigation, encounter some of the astonishing characters and, for the first time, listen to the official voice of John Blacksad!

The 50s, New York City: Joe Dunn, owner of a boxing club, is found dead. Meanwhile, rising star Bobby Yale, due to take to the ring for the most important fight of his career, has mysteriously disappeared. Sonia Dunn, Joe’s daughter, takes over the gym and must deal with its financial woes. She hires private detective John Blacksad to investigate Yale’s disappearance.

With its anthropomorphic characters and its incredible 1950s feel, Blacksad: Under the Skin delivers all the eerily dark adventure of a detective novel, just like the eponymous comic book series. While embodying detective John Blacksad, players will have to conduct this adventure in their own way. Depending on their decisions, players will influence the relationships between Blacksad and the other characters as well as the very end of the investigation.

Alongside this story trailer, Microids disclose the details of Blacksad: Under the Skin’s collector edition which includes a Blacksad resin statue, a portfolio and of course, the game!

Blacksad: Under the Skin will be available on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac on September 26th, 2019. The game will be fully dubbed in English, French and Spanish. Blacksad: Under the Skin will also includes subtitles in English, French, Italian, German, Spanish and Dutch.

Source: PR Email

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I0N0tZFx4KU

Paris – April 18^th, 2019 – Microïds and PlayMagic Ltd unveil today a teaser for the remake of the cult classic XIII, the cel-shading FPS initially released in 2003. Players will be delighted to learn that XIII’s remake will be available the 13^th of November 2019 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac!

Based on the first five volumes of the eponymous comic book series, XIII conquered the gamers’ hearts with its unparalleled mix between a story-driven adventure, a solid gameplay and a unique artistic direction.

“We aim to craft the finest adventure for players and XIII is definitely in line with our publishing strategy. Revisiting this game came naturally as we felt this unique kind of story driven FPS experience was missing in today’s gaming landscape. Our goal is to bring XIII’s compelling story to a new generation of players with the best possible graphics and animations.” Declares François Coulon – Head of Production at Microïds

“The PlayMagic team is very excited for the opportunity to remake a true classic; modernizing the graphics, sound and animations while remaining faithful to the original XIII’s incredible look and feel. XIII’s gameplay mechanics are being reworked in an effort to modernize the experience in a way that encompasses the original spirit of the game. We are sure that the fans of the original game will love rediscovering one of their all time favorites while new players discover a truly iconic masterpiece in a new light.” Declares Giuseppe Crugliano, CEO & Creative Director at PlayMagic Ltd.

The story:

Play as «Thirteen», a talented soldier who lost his memory and has been accused of killing the President of the United States. You wake up injured and amnesic on Brighton Beach with the only clue being a small key and a mysterious tattoo « XIII » next to your clavicle. It’s now your job to search for answers in the 34 levels of the solo campaign. Don’t worry, you will find the appropriate weapon arsenal along the way.

More information about this remake will be revealed soon… Stay tuned!

XIII’s remake will be available the 13^th of November 2019, both in physical and in digital editions on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac. The rating is still pending.

Source: PR Email

Paris, March 28th, 2019 – Microïds is pleased to to unveil new screenshots of Blacksad: Under the Skin, new releases for Toki and gives more details for Asterix & Obelix XXL3. By focusing on adventure gaming, retrogaming and well-known licenses, Microïds strengthens its acclaimed editorial strategy.

“2018 was a record year for Microïds with the successes of Asterix & Obelix XXL2, Gear.Club Unlimited 2, Toki and Flashback 25th anniversary. These successes reaffirm our long term strategy and commitment to develop games with increasingly higher budgets. This year, we are glad to bring new adventures and experiences to our community.” Declares Elliot Grassiano, Vice-President of Microïds.

BLACKSAD: UNDER THE SKIN
Available on September 2019
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac
Developed by Pendulo Studios and YS Interactive

Blacksad: Under the Skin, the narrative adventure game developed by Pendulo Studios and YS Interactive, will be available September 2019 on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac! Microïds unveils new visuals for players to discover some of the characters from this exclusive story, a few streets in New York where the action take place and, of course, new sketches of John Blacksad!

TOKI
Available Q2 2019
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Mac
Developed by Microïds

After its big Nintendo Switch comeback, cult arcade remake TOKI is out this year on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, PC and Mac! While gameplay stays true to the original, these versions will get a speedrun mode, a quick save system and 5 extra graphic filters to enjoy TOKI another way!
Toki will be available in digital format on PlayStation Store, Xbox Marketplace, PC and Mac.

ASTERIX & OBELIX XXL3: THE CRYSTAL MENHIR
Available on Q4 2019
PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PC and Mac
Developed by OSome Studio

An odyssey to share made of humor, slaps and friendship!

Our two famous Gauls are back, fitter than ever and are ready to crystallize your attention in Asterix & Obelix XXL3: The Crystal Menhir! On the menu? Wild boars, laughs and slaps left and right. Faithful to its predecessor, the game will feature cinematographic references. For the first time, players will have the chance to discover this fantastic adventure alone or in co-op as Asterix or Obelix!

Main story: Asterix, Obelix and Dogmatix must put back together the mysterious Crystal Menhir! They will have to venture into the four corners of the Roman Empire and beyond, to stop a terrible threat!

NEW GAME ANNOUNCEMENT LATE APRIL!

By the end of April 2019, Microïds will reveal its reboot of a title that shook the 2000s. Stay tuned!

Source: PR Email