All posts by GeeZusGG

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News

RoboCop: Rogue City sequel officially announced

The world of RoboCop is set to expand once again with the announcement of a sequel to the 2023 hit game, RoboCop: Rogue City. Titled RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business, this new installment promises to bring even more action, intrigue, and high-tech combat to fans of the franchise. Let’s dive into what this sequel means for both new players and those who already own the first game.

RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business is set to launch in the summer of 2025. Developed by Teyon and published by Nacon, the game will take place in OmniTower, a massive housing complex built by the morally questionable Omni Consumer Products. Players will once again step into the shoes of the iconic RoboCop, Alex Murphy, as they fight their way to the top of the tower against a group of highly trained mercenaries armed with cutting-edge weapons.

The sequel will introduce new weapons, including the freezing Cryo Cannon, and allow players to deliver devastating finishing moves. Additionally, players will experience intense flashback missions, stepping into the shoes of RoboCop’s former self, Alex Murphy, before his transformation. This standalone follow-up promises to be a thrilling addition to the RoboCop universe, offering both new and returning players a fresh and exciting experience.

What This Means for Owners of the First Game

For those who already own the first game, RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business brings several exciting prospects:

  1. Standalone Adventure: The sequel is described as a standalone follow-up, meaning that players do not need to own the original game to enjoy the new content. However, for those who do own the first game, this sequel will feel like a natural continuation of the story and gameplay mechanics they have come to love.
  2. Enhanced Gameplay: Owners of the first game will appreciate the enhancements and new features introduced in the sequel. The addition of new weapons, finishing moves, and the ability to play as Alex Murphy in flashback missions will provide a fresh and engaging experience.
  3. Expanded Universe: The sequel will further expand the RoboCop universe, building on the lore and setting established in the first game. Players who enjoyed the original storyline and setting will find even more to explore and uncover in Unfinished Business.
  4. Community and Updates: The success of the first game has built a strong community of fans. The sequel’s release will likely bring new updates, events, and community engagement opportunities, keeping the excitement alive for both new and returning players.

The announcement of RoboCop: Rogue City – Unfinished Business is an exciting development for fans of the franchise. With its standalone nature, enhanced gameplay features, and expanded universe, the sequel promises to deliver a thrilling experience for both new players and those who already own the first game. As we await its summer 2025 release, the anticipation and excitement continue to build, ensuring that RoboCop remains a beloved and iconic figure in the world of gaming.

Business, Gaming, News

Until Dawn Remake’s developer Ballistic Moon is closing down

In the ever-evolving world of video game development, few stories are as poignant as that of Ballistic Moon, the studio behind the highly anticipated Until Dawn Remake. This blog post delves into the backstory of Ballistic Moon, their journey in the gaming industry, and the unfortunate circumstances that led to their closure.

Ballistic Moon was a relatively new player in the gaming industry, founded by a group of passionate developers with a shared vision of creating immersive and engaging gaming experiences. The studio’s first major project was the remake of the critically acclaimed horror game, Until Dawn. This ambitious endeavor aimed to bring the chilling narrative and atmospheric tension of the original game to a new generation of gamers on the PlayStation 5 and PC.

The development of the Until Dawn Remake was a labor of love for the team at Ballistic Moon. They spent years meticulously rebuilding and enhancing the game, ensuring that it stayed true to the spirit of the original while incorporating modern graphics and gameplay improvements. The studio’s dedication to quality was evident in every aspect of the game, from the detailed character models to the hauntingly realistic environments.

However, the journey was not without its challenges. The gaming industry is notoriously volatile, and Ballistic Moon faced numerous obstacles along the way. Despite their best efforts, the studio struggled to secure consistent funding and publisher support. This financial instability would eventually prove to be their undoing.

According with Insider Gamer, in September 2024, Ballistic Moon announced significant layoffs, citing the need to scale down their team to secure the studio’s future. This decision affected many talented developers who had poured their hearts into the Until Dawn Remake. Despite these efforts, the studio continued to face financial difficulties, and by December 2024, they quietly laid off the remaining staff, effectively ceasing all operations3.

The closure of Ballistic Moon was a heartbreaking moment for the gaming community. The studio’s founders and a handful of remaining employees held on to the hope that they might secure new funding or a publisher to revive the studio. However, as of now, there are no employees left in public relations, marketing, or development, and the studio remains inactive.

The story of Ballistic Moon serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by independent game developers. Despite their passion and dedication, external factors such as funding and publisher support play a crucial role in a studio’s survival. The Until Dawn Remake stands as a testament to the talent and hard work of the Ballistic Moon team, and their contributions to the gaming industry will not be forgotten.

As we reflect on the rise and fall of Ballistic Moon, we are reminded of the resilience and creativity that drive the gaming industry forward. While the studio may have closed its doors, the impact of their work will continue to inspire future generations of game developers.

Breaking, Featured, Games, Gaming, News

Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 overcame the obstacle and is releasing on 2025!

The skateboarding world is buzzing with excitement as Activision officially announced the release of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4. Set to launch on July 11, 2025, this remaster promises to bring back the nostalgia of the early 2000s while introducing new features and enhancements that cater to both old fans and new players.

However, the journey to this announcement was anything but smooth, and the game almost didn’t see the light of day.

The official reveal of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 was a momentous occasion for fans of the franchise. The game will be available on multiple platforms, including PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, and PC2. The remaster will feature updated graphics, new skaters, new parks, and an expanded soundtrack that includes both classic and new tracks.

Players can look forward to cross-platform multiplayer, enhanced creation tools, and a New Game+ mode1.

The announcement also revealed various editions of the game, including a standard edition, a deluxe edition, and a collector’s edition5. The deluxe and collector’s editions will offer early access, exclusive in-game items, and additional content based on Bethesda’s DOOM franchise.

The Near Miss

The development of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 was fraught with challenges. Following the successful remake of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 1+2 by Vicarious Visions in 2020, Activision initially planned to continue with remakes of the third and fourth installments.

However, in April 2022, Vicarious Visions was fully merged into Blizzard Entertainment and shifted its focus exclusively to Blizzard’s projects7. This left the future of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 in jeopardy.

Activision had to find a new developer to take on the project, and the responsibility eventually fell to Iron Galaxy8. The transition was not without its difficulties, as Iron Galaxy had to pick up where Vicarious Visions left off and ensure that the remaster lived up to the high expectations set by its predecessor.

Despite these challenges, Iron Galaxy managed to deliver a product that not only honors the legacy of the original games but also brings fresh content and improvements to the table8. The development team worked tirelessly to incorporate fan feedback, enhance the game’s visuals, and introduce new features that would appeal to both long-time fans and newcomers.

Returning Skaters:

  • Tony Hawk
  • Bucky Lasek
  • Steve Caballero
  • Kareem Campbell
  • Geoff Rowley
  • Andrew Reynolds
  • Elissa Steamer
  • Chad Muska
  • Eric Koston
  • Rodney Mullen
  • Jamie Thomas
  • Rune Glifberg
  • Bob Burnquist

New Skaters:

  • Rayssa Leal
  • Chloe Covell
  • Jamie Foy
  • Zion Wright
  • Yuto Horigome

And if you were noticing, yes, there are a few notable absences in the roster for Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4. One of the most significant is Bam Margera, who was a popular skater in the original games and a friend of Tony Hawk, especially during his days with Jackass and CKY.

His absence is likely to be a topic of discussion among fans, especially regarding the reasons for his exclusion. Unfortunately, due to his struggles with alcohol and mental health, it is well-documented that Margera has burned bridges with former friends and castmates of both Jackass and CKY.

Other notable absences include Mike Vallely and Daewon Song.

The announcement of Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3+4 is a testament to the dedication and perseverance of the development team at Iron Galaxy and the unwavering support of the franchise’s fans. While the journey to this point was filled with obstacles, the end result is a game that promises to reignite the passion for skateboarding and bring the Tony Hawk series back to its former glory.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Playstation user will have future opportunities on testing more than firmwares in the future

Sony has recently announced an exciting new beta program for Playstation users, aimed to let gamers to have a “more consolidated way” to test new features across “a wide range of PlayStation experiences.”. This initiative allows selected participants to experience and provide feedback on new games testing on both PS5 and Playstation games for PC.

The Beta Program at PlayStation will create an easy, centralized place for you to register your interest in a range of future PlayStation betas. A single registration for Beta Program at PlayStation will allow you to express interest in gaining beta access to test participating games for the PS5 console and PC, new PS5 console features, PlayStation App features, and even user experience features on PlayStation.com. You only need to sign up once to express interest in these various betas, and if you receive an invitation to a specific beta, it’s up to you to decide whether you’d like to participate or not.

According to the official blog, the requirements are:

  • Players must have a valid account for PlayStation Network in good standing with a current email address. Accounts with restrictions or violations may not be eligible for participation.
  • Players must live in the region where Beta Program at PlayStation is available.
  • Players must meet the legal age requirement for their region.

It is important to notice (and as expected on the nature of testing and BETAs), gamers needs to have their expectations clear in terms that there will be moments where a test phase could have its space will be limited and signing up won’t guarantee acceptance for specific opportunities.

Breaking, Business, Gaming, News

Acclaim is back to help indies developers and hopefully learned from its former self’s mistakes

In the ever-evolving world of video games, few names evoke as much nostalgia as Acclaim Entertainment. Founded in 1987, Acclaim was a powerhouse in the gaming industry, responsible for bringing some of the most beloved franchises to life. From the adrenaline-pumping action of “Mortal Kombat” to the prehistoric adventures of “Turok,” Acclaim’s logo was a familiar sight for gamers of the ’80s and ’90s. However, the company’s journey was not without its ups and downs, culminating in its bankruptcy in 2004. Now, over two decades later, Acclaim is making a triumphant return, and its story is one worth telling.

The Rise and Fall of Acclaim

Acclaim Entertainment was founded with a clear vision: to become a dominant force in the gaming industry. The company’s name was strategically chosen to appear before competitors like Activision and Accolade in alphabetical listings. This clever marketing move was just the beginning of Acclaim’s innovative approach to the industry.

Throughout the late ’80s and ’90s, Acclaim published a plethora of iconic games. Titles like “NBA Jam,” “Burnout,” and “Mary-Kate and Ashley: Sweet 16 – License to Drive” became household names. The company’s success was not limited to a single genre; it spanned sports, action, and even licensed games based on popular TV shows and movies.

However, as the new millennium approached, Acclaim faced increasing financial difficulties. The company’s aggressive marketing strategies, such as reimbursing UK drivers with speeding tickets to promote “Burnout 2” and urging parents to name their baby “Turok” for a contest, were not enough to stave off bankruptcy. In September 2004, Acclaim filed for bankruptcy, leaving behind a legacy of both triumphs and controversies.

The Resurrection of Acclaim

Fast forward to 2025, and Acclaim is back, but with a new mission and a fresh approach. The company has re-entered the market with a focus on supporting independent developers and revitalizing its classic franchises. Under the leadership of new CEO Alex Josef, Acclaim aims to provide funding, marketing, and PR support to indie studios looking to break into the industry.

Josef, a veteran of the gaming industry with over two decades of experience, is passionate about bringing Acclaim back to the forefront. “It’s an absolute honor and pleasure to be leading the charge in bringing Acclaim back to the forefront of the games industry,” Josef said. The company has already signed several indie titles, which will be revealed soon.

To achieve its goals, Acclaim has assembled an advisory board comprising industry veterans like Russell Binder at Striker Entertainment, Mark Caplan at Ridge Partners, and WWE legend Jeff Jarrett at Global Force Entertainment. This diverse team brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, ensuring that Acclaim’s revival is both strategic and impactful.

A New Era for Acclaim

The return of Acclaim is not just about nostalgia; it’s about innovation and adaptation. The company recognizes the importance of indie developers in today’s gaming landscape and is committed to providing them with the resources they need to succeed. By supporting indie studios and breathing new life into its classic IPs, Acclaim aims to make a significant impact on the industry once again.

As gamers eagerly await the announcement of the new titles and the revival of beloved franchises, one thing is clear: Acclaim’s return is a testament to the enduring power of great games and the passion of those who create them. The company’s journey from its rise in the ’80s to its fall in 2004, and now its resurrection in 2025, is a story of resilience, innovation, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.

In the words of Jeff Jarrett, “Resurrecting Acclaim is an opportunity to impart the same degree of passion and love to a new generation, and I’m excited to be involved”. With a talented team, a clear vision, and a commitment to supporting the next generation of game developers, Acclaim is poised to make its mark on the gaming world once again.

Business, Featured, Gaming, News

Rockstar Games bought one of its bigger gaming developer partner

Rockstar Games has recently made headlines with its acquisition of Video Games Deluxe, a Sydney-based game development studio. This move marks a significant expansion for Rockstar, as it establishes a new development hub in Australia, aptly named Rockstar Australia.

Video Games Deluxe has a long history of collaboration with Rockstar Games. The studio was founded by Brendan McNamara, who previously led Team Bondi, the creators of the critically acclaimed game LA Noire. After Team Bondi’s dissolution in 2011, McNamara and several key staff members moved to Video Games Deluxe, which has since worked exclusively on Rockstar projects.

The partnership between Rockstar and Video Games Deluxe has yielded several successful projects. These include the 2017 re-release of LA Noire, LA Noire: The VR Case Files, and the much-anticipated Grand Theft Auto: The Trilogy – The Definitive Edition. Video Games Deluxe played a crucial role in bringing these titles to life, showcasing their expertise and dedication to quality2.

The Acquisition

The acquisition of Video Games Deluxe by Rockstar Games was announced with much enthusiasm from both parties. Jennifer Kolbe, head of publishing at Rockstar, expressed excitement about the new addition to the Rockstar family.

After working together closely over many years, we are excited to have Video Games Deluxe join the team as Rockstar Australia.

Brendan McNamara echoed this sentiment, saying:

It’s been an honor to work closely with Rockstar Games this past decade. We are thrilled to be a part of Rockstar Games and to continue our efforts to make the best games possible.

With the establishment of Rockstar Australia, the company now boasts a total of ten subsidiary studios, in addition to its headquarters in New York City. This expansion is expected to bolster Rockstar’s development capabilities and contribute to the creation of even more high-quality games in the future.

Grand Theft Auto 6

One of the most anticipated projects on Rockstar’s horizon is Grand Theft Auto 6. While the acquisition of Video Games Deluxe does not directly relate to GTA 6, it is speculated that Rockstar Australia may play a role in its development. GTA 6 is set for release later this year and is projected to sell 40 million copies, generating over $3 billion in revenue during its first year.

The acquisition of Video Games Deluxe by Rockstar Games is a strategic move that strengthens Rockstar’s global presence and development capabilities. With a proven track record of successful collaborations, Rockstar Australia is poised to contribute significantly to the company’s future projects. As the gaming community eagerly awaits the release of Grand Theft Auto 6, the addition of Rockstar Australia promises to bring even more exciting developments to the world of gaming.

Business, Gaming, News

Visions Of Mana co-director returns after its studios demise at the hands of NetEase

Ouka Studios was a subsidiary of NetEase Games, known for developing the RPG Visions of Mana, which was published by Square Enix. The studio was founded with the goal of creating high-quality games that would resonate with players worldwide. However, the journey of Ouka Studios was short-lived, as it was shut down by NetEase shortly after the release of Visions of Mana.

The founding of Ouka Studios was marked by the collaboration of talented developers, including Kenji Ozawa, who co-directed Visions of Mana. The studio aimed to bring fresh and innovative ideas to the gaming industry, leveraging the expertise of its team members. Despite the initial excitement and potential, the studio faced challenges that ultimately led to its closure.

NetEase’s decision to shut down Ouka Studios was part of a broader strategy to scale back its investment in Japanese studios. This move was driven by cost-cutting efforts and a shift in focus towards other priorities.

The closure of Ouka Studios was a significant blow to the developers who had poured their passion and creativity into their projects.

In the wake of Ouka Studios’ closure, Kenji Ozawa decided to take matters into his own hands. Motivated by the desire to protect creators and ensure that management takes responsibility for its decisions, Ozawa founded a new studio called Studio Sasanqua. This new venture aims to integrate management and development, providing a supportive environment for creators to thrive.

Studio Sasanqua’s mission is to create smaller projects using Unreal Engine, with the long-term goal of developing larger-scale games for PC and consoles. Ozawa’s vision for the studio is to foster a sense of security for developers and to take full responsibility for any management-related mistakes.

This approach is a direct response to the challenges faced by Ouka Studios and reflects Ozawa’s commitment to creating a better future for game developers.

The story of Ouka Studios serves as a reminder of the importance of protecting and supporting creators in the gaming industry. While the studio’s journey was cut short, its legacy lives on through the efforts of its former team members and the new ventures they embark on.

Games, Gaming, News, Playstation

Twisted Metal was planned for a reboot, but never came to fruition

In the world of gaming, few franchises have managed to carve out a niche as unique and enduring as Twisted Metal. Known for its chaotic vehicular combat and memorable characters, the series has been a staple of PlayStation’s lineup since its debut in 1995.

However, fans of the franchise were recently hit with a wave of nostalgia and disappointment as details emerged about a cancelled Twisted Metal game that was in development for the PlayStation 5.

The cancelled Twisted Metal game, internally known as “Project Copper,” was being developed by Firesprite, the studio behind Horizon: Call of the Mountain. While PlayStation never officially confirmed the existence of this project, reports of Firesprite’s involvement began circulating online in 2022.

The game was reportedly cancelled last year, but new details have surfaced thanks to Hugo Silva, a lead UI programmer who was working on the project.

According to Silva, Project Copper was envisioned as a “3rd person vehicular action combat game” based on a classic IP owned by PlayStation. The game was set to introduce a significant shift in gameplay mechanics, incorporating third-person shooter elements alongside the traditional vehicular combat. The objective was to be the last one standing, effectively turning Twisted Metal into a battle royale game.

The Battle Royale Concept

The battle royale genre has seen immense popularity in recent years, with games like Fortnite and Apex Legends dominating the market. Firesprite and PlayStation aimed to capitalize on this trend by reimagining Twisted Metal as a battle royale game. Early images from Silva’s website, though labeled “under NDA,” highlight the battle royale concept, featuring generic characters engaged in third-person shooter combat. These placeholder designs would have likely been replaced by classic characters from the series or custom-designed protagonists.

The last new Twisted Metal game was released on the PlayStation 3 back in 2012, making it over a decade since fans have had a new entry in the series. The cancellation of Project Copper is undoubtedly frustrating for fans, especially considering the success of the Twisted Metal streaming series on Peacock. The absence of a new game to accompany the show’s popularity seems like a missed opportunity for PlayStation.

However, it’s possible that the decision to cancel the game was for the best. From the details revealed so far, Project Copper might not have delivered what fans have come to expect from the series. If the game had been released and failed, it could have potentially doomed the franchise for another decade or more.

The Future of Twisted Metal

Despite the cancellation of Project Copper, there is still hope for the future of Twisted Metal. PlayStation co-CEO Herman Hurst hinted back in December that the company is looking for ways to leverage its past IPs, offering a glimmer of hope that dormant franchises like Twisted Metal could make a return. Fans will have to wait and see if a new game finally materializes, but for now, the cancellation of Project Copper remains a tantalizing “what if” in the history of Twisted Metal.

In conclusion, the revelation of the cancelled Twisted Metal game has left fans with mixed emotions. While the concept of a battle royale Twisted Metal game is intriguing, it’s uncertain whether it would have lived up to the legacy of the franchise. As we look to the future, we can only hope that PlayStation finds a way to bring Twisted Metal back to its former glory.

Breaking, Games, Gaming, News, Nintendo

Nintendo Switch Online will delist a game for the 1st time

Nintendo has announced that it will be removing a retro game from its Switch Online service for the first time. The game in question is Super Soccer, which will be delisted from the service on March 28, 2025. This marks the first time a game has been removed from the Switch Online retro library, raising concerns about the permanence of the service’s classic games catalog.

The removal of Super Soccer from the Switch Online service has sparked discussions among gamers about the future of the service and the potential for other games to be removed in the future.

Some players have expressed concerns about the possibility of losing access to their favorite retro games, while others have called for the return of the Virtual Console service, which allowed players to purchase and download individual games.

The decision to remove Super Soccer from the Switch Online service is believed to be due to licensing issues. The game was originally developed by Human Entertainment and published by Nintendo, and it is possible that the licensing agreement for the game has expired.

Nintendo has not provided any further details about the removal of Super Soccer or whether other games will be removed from the service in the future.

However, the company has assured players that it will continue to add new games to the Switch Online service, and that it remains committed to providing a diverse and extensive library of classic games.

The move was given the proper attention and one of the immediate reaction came from Hideki Kamiya and this is what PlatinumGames co-founder said:

Hey hey hey, I guess subscriptions are no good after all.

Seriously, bring back the Virtual Console… don’t be so mean.

Gaming, GeeZus, Video

Pokémon Presents 2025 Recap: What We Got & What We Didn’t Get!

Welcome back, Pokémon Trainers! In this video, we dive into the highly anticipated Pokémon Presents 2025 with our Pokémon Presents 2025 Recap, everything that was revealed, and also explore the exciting announcements we expected but didn’t get. From new game features to surprise reveals, we’ve got you covered. Don’t miss out on this comprehensive recap and analysis of Pokémon Presents 2025!