<p>A free to play competitive action game currently on Early Access on Steam, Rogue Heist won't put criminals behind bars like their tagline would have you think. Instead, it goes for a more literal interpretation of the idiom. Pitting two teams of 6 against each other, players  go on all out battles over the high value packages of an ambushed convoy. The team with the most packages at the end of the game, wins. 
 </p> 
<p>Rogue Heist's shooting looks but that's not all it's got going for it. Teams are composed of a snipes who covers the rest of the assault crew from a high vantage point as they move into the battlefield to beg, borrow, and steal. As a co-op game, teams must coordinate their skills and roles to get the most out of each match.
 </p> 
<p>With each win, players will earn according to their performance-based Heist Ratings and use their currency to buy new gear, emotes, and cosmetics to personalize their characters. Other than their team brawls, Rogue Heist also offers other game modes like Deathmatch, with more soon to follow. 
 </p> 
<p>Currently in <a href="https://store.steampowered.com/app/891430/Rogue_Heist/">Early Access</a>, Rogue Heist is set to release offcially on Steam sometime this Summer.
</p>

Let's face it, in this world, crime rarely plays. Lifelike Studios' upcoming PvP shooter looks to change that, one way or another. 

6v6 PvP Shooter Rogue Heist Coming Soon to Steam this Summer

<p> A mixed bag of roguelike, metroidvania, and hack-and-slash, <a href="https://whatoplay.com/game/dead-cells/">Dead Cells</a> has been dominating our lists since its release on the PC, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch in 2018. In <a href="https://whatoplay.com/developers/motion-twin/">Motion Twin</a>'s recent press release, they announce they partnership with Playdigious to bring their award-winning title to iPhones and iPads this Summer.
 </p> 
<p>Now at the final stage of development, Dead Cells' mobile adaptation will include a revamped interface, MFi external controller support, and 11 different languages. The mobile will also offer two game modes, one of which is the original experience, which might be a little tricky on smaller screens; and the other, the easier auto-hit alternative. 
 </p> 
<p>Well known for its sprawling, ever-changing castle, it gets its highest PlayScore on the PC. Game Debate describes it as "fast-paced, slick, pitched just right in terms of difficulty. While GamesBeat called the "marriage and apotheosis of decades of Metroidvania design and the surging popularity of difficult Roguelike games."
 </p> 
<p>Dead Cells is set to release on the Android at a later date. Get the news first by signing up to their email alerts <a href="https://playdigious.com/dead-cells/">here</a>.</p>

Motion Twin Studios brings a mobile optimized version of their addictive roguevania hack and slash to the iOS this Summer

Dead Cells Gets iOS Release this Summer; Android to follow later

<p>With names unforgettable names like The Last of Us, Uncharted 4, and more recently, God of War and Spider-Man under their belt, Sony has definitely set the standard when it comes to their exclusive lineup. However, the release of their open-world survival game, <a href="https://whatoplay.com/ps4/days-gone/">Days Gone</a>, may have changed all that. 
</p>
<p>Pulling the scores on either side, it certainly isn't bad but there's a whole lot of talk if it has the longevity and charm that their previous games had. Here's what the critics had to say. 
</p>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://wegotthiscovered.com/gaming/days-gone-review/">We Got This Covered</a> 8.00/10</h3>
		<p>Days Gone overcomes loose controls, familiar mechanics and gameplay loops, and a well-worn setting to tell a very relatable story featuring one of my favorite characters in recent years.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://www.destructoid.com/review-days-gone-549944.phtml">Destructoid</a> 6.00/10</h3>
		<p>Days Gone ups the open world survival ante but doesn't have enough cash to pay for the rest of the rounds of betting, making it one of the weirdest AAA releases in recent memory. If enough people buy it, its stronger moments will likely be immortalized in YouTube videos for years to come. Yet, most people will probably remember it as the open world zombie game that didn't bring much mechanically to the table. With some tweaks to the pacing, it could have reconciled its warm, frank look at humanity and been something special.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://www.gamezone.com/reviews/days-gone/">Gamezone</a> 6.50/10</h3>
		<p>As it stands, Days Gone isn't some abomination but it's not up to par with what we expect from a Sony first party game. It has significant redeemable qualities to be found in its story but still fails to deliver a tight, focused narrative without loads of extra fat or a compelling enough gameplay experience.</p>
	</div>
</div>


<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://www.gamesradar.com/uk/days-gone-review/">Gamesradar</a> 7.00/10</h3>
		<p>Days Gone is a keen and engaging open-world zombie adventure despite some issues.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://www.criticalhit.net/review/days-gone/">Critical Hit</a> 8.00/10</h3>
		<p>Days Gone has moments where it reveals its brilliance, but they’re buried under a litany of uninteresting and repetitive missions and numerous technical issues.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://www.gamerevolution.com/review/530447-days-gone-review">Game Revolution</a> 8.00/10</h3>
		<p>This is a game that doesn’t innovate or do anything new. Instead, it’s one of the titles you start seeing near the end of a console generation that polishes the ideas that other games have introduced. The story is a slow-burn, but once you start getting into it, you’ll want to finish the ride.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://sea.ign.com/days-gone/148559/review/days-gone-review">IGN</a> 6.50/10</h3>
		<p>There’s a good game in here somewhere, but it’s buried in a meandering storyline, repetitive missions, and just too much obligatory stuff to do without an eye on the smaller details that could have given it much more character. Some fine tuning and editing could have removed the tedium and celebrated what makes this game unique and interesting, but Days Gone rides strictly down the middle of the dusty road and never finds its rhythm.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://www.usgamer.net/articles/days-gone-review">USGamer</a> 7.00/10</h3>
		<p>The zombie apocalypse is well-trodden territory and the open-world spin of Days Gone can only differentiate it so much. There's a strong narrative focus, but Deacon St. John doesn't carry that weight as deftly as he could. There are highlights and fun tools available within, but the game doesn't push those forward initially, leaving the players to deal with some tedium first. Days Gone is a great foundation for something better though, so hopefully, Bend gets the chance to improve upon it.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://wccftech.com/review/days-gone-drifting-through-the-apocalypse/">Wccftech.com</a> 8.40/10</h3>
		<p>Days Gone puts Bend Studio once again on the map of all PlayStation gamers after many years of oblivion. While it doesn't deliver any meaningful innovations in terms of open world and gameplay mechanics, it's a fun game that sports gorgeous graphics and a surprisingly great story/cast of characters, easily paving the way for a sequel to the stories of Deacon 'the Drifter' St. John.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://cogconnected.com/review/days-gone-review/">COGconnected</a> 8.00/10</h3>
		<p>It has rough patches, but Days Gone is a good time. Ripping across the vast wilderness looking for hordes to wipe out is undoubtedly fun, and Deacon’s sort of comic book story is competent. Is it an excellent open world game? Not quite. Is it worth playing? Oh yeah. The gorgeous and well-built environment is a treat, and the mechanical twists on the Sony’s first party formula make Days Gone a nice spring surprise.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://cogconnected.com/review/days-gone-review/">GameSpot</a> 5.00/10</h3>
		<p>I did a lot of things in Days Gone. I burned every single Freaker nest; I cleared every ambush camp; I maxed out my bike; I took out a few optional hordes just because. Like Deacon with Sarah, I kept going because I hoped to find something, to follow a thread to a possibly fascinating or satisfying or impactful conclusion. But at the end of it all, I'd only gotten scraps.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://cogconnected.com/review/days-gone-review/">Attack of the Fanboy</a> 8.00/10</h3>
		<p>Days Gone is by no means perfect, but if you’re willing to put up with some shortcomings the reward is one of the best open-world zombie apocalypse games to date.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://www.escapistmagazine.com/v2/2019/04/25/review-days-gone/">The Escapist</a> 8.00/10</h3>
		<p>Glitches aside, Days Gone is a remarkable surprise. Open worlds and zombie games are a dime-a-loot box and have been for years, yet SIE Bend Studios rose to the occasion. In theory, Days Gone’s undead sandbox sounds dated and cliche. In practice, a hybrid of The Sons of Anarchy, The Last of Us, and Red Dead Redemption is a truly captivating experience thanks to Deacon’s sympathetic presence. After all, none of us could do better in Deacon’s situation as he attempts to maintain his humanity in the face of the living death, fighting for the future by remembering love, life, and the days gone.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://www.hardcoregamer.com/2019/04/25/review-days-gone/329643/">Hardcore Gamer</a> 8.00/10</h3>
		<p>The game does hit a few snags with its gunplay, bike maintenance, and performance issues, but overall it comes together well. There’s no denying that Days Gone borrows heavily, perhaps too much, from other games, but Bend Studios manages to weave all the components together into a compelling product. There are a few bumps in the road, but Days Gone is still worth the ride.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="http://www.pushsquare.com/reviews/ps4/days_gone">Push Square</a> 7.00/10</h3>
		<p>Days Gone’s survival horror underbelly gives it just enough personality to distance it from the dozens of other open worlders already available. A dense selection of overlapping gameplay mechanics makes for entertaining action, even if the title’s unremarkable mission design doesn’t always make the best of them. The story can drift, and the overall package isn’t quite as polished as its PS4 exclusive counterparts – but as far as gaming comfort food goes, you could feast on much worse snacks than this.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://www.gameinformer.com/review/days-gone/surviving-in-a-divided-world">Game Informer</a> 7.75/10</h3>
		<p>Days Gone has good gameplay foundations. The scarcity of supplies and the ever-present threat of zombies put me on edge as much as it gave me options to escape by the skin of my teeth. But the inability to fully deliver on either the story or open world fronts makes it a title of both possibilities and limitations.</p>
	</div>
</div>

<div class="news-critic-quote">
	<div class="critic">
		<h3><a href="https://metro.co.uk/2019/04/25/days-gone-review-the-motorcycling-dead-9317567/">Metro.co.uk</a> 6.00/10</h3>
		<p>A peculiarly constructed open world zombie game that sidelines its most unique features in favor of generic action and unengaging storytelling.</p>
	</div>
</div>








Sony’s home-run streak for their PS4 exclusives seem to be at an end with their latest survival horror action adventure

Critics divided over latest Sony PlayStation Exclusive, Days Gone

<p>The spiritual successor to Koji Igarashi's vision of Castlevania, <strong>Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night</strong> will be releasing on the <a href="https://whatoplay.com/pc/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/">PC</a>, <a href="https://whatoplay.com/ps4/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/">PlayStation 4</a>, and <a href="https://whatoplay.com/xbox-one/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/">Xbox One</a> on June 18.  A <a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/bloodstained-ritual-of-the-night/">Nintendo Switch</a> version has also been confirmed which will be released a little bit later on June 25. 
</p>
<div class="direct-quote">
<p>Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night is set in 18th century England – a paranormal force has summoned a demon-infested castle, revealing crystal shards infused with tremendous magical power. Players take on the role of Miriam, an orphan scarred by an alchemist curse which slowly crystallizes her body. To save humanity and herself, Miriam must fight through the castle while collecting, crafting and unlocking a vast array of weapons, equipment and loot to defeat the summoner Gebel and the countless minions and bosses of hell that await.
</p>
</div>
<p>In an attempt to bring back the excitement of gothic side-scrolling action RPGs, Koji "Iga" Igarashi, a former series producer of the Castlevania series, took to Kickstarter in 2015. The campaign raised more than $5.5 million dollars in donations but was ultimately mired in delays and development issues. 
</p>
<p>In their release date announcement trailer, the people behind Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night shows off their sense of humor as they address the issues from their Kickstarter days. The trailer shows off the progress and technological advancements they achieved in the last year of development, adding in the feedback they received and juxtaposing their old footage with the new and improved versions. 
</p>

505 Games teams up with ArtPlay to resurrect Koji Igarashi’s vision and bring it to the PC and consoles

Bloodstained: Ritual of the Night comes to PC and Consoles on June 18

<p>Recreating the nuclear standoff between the United States and the Soviet Union, <a href="https://whatoplay.com/developers/lrdgames-inc/">Little Red Dog Games</a>' third title challenges us to roll the dice on global diplomacy. <a href="https://whatoplay.com/pc/precipice/">Precipice</a> spans the forty years of hostilities between the two nations and in it, players get to choose which side they want to play as, each represented by their respective national animal in an (adorable) clean suit. Based off of the continually high tensions of the Cold War, the main gameplay lies in deciding when and where to push the buttons of your opponent with agents and invasions, and when to back off. Failing at this important task will mean the start of the nuclear meltdown, the end of the world, and the game along with it. 
</p>
<div class="video-responsive">
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</div>

<p>Precipice will offer both singleplayer and 2-player online matchmaking. In singleplayer, players will test their strategic skills against an advanced AI that "observes player behavior and makes assumptions and judgements about their rival’s personality and character, their intended strategy, and develops a plan of its own to counter." 
</p>
<p>Ushered in by what might be the most idiosyncratic trailer for a strategy game yet, it does get the gist across, with bear and bald eagle squaring off to strong rap music before one them reaches for the big red button. You can see it for yourself below:
</p>
<div class="video-responsive">
	<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ri0Pc5xvJkM?controls=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>

Your PCs are about to get hot with rising tensions  with the release of Little Red Dog's strategy simulation

Cold War Simulation Game ‘Precipice’ Launches on Steam for Windows PC

<p>First released on the <a href="https://whatoplay.com/pc/wonder-boy-the-dragons-trap/">PC</a>, <a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/wonder-boy-the-dragons-trap/">Switch</a>, <a href="https://whatoplay.com/xbox-one/wonder-boy-the-dragons-trap/">Xbox One</a>, and <a href="https://whatoplay.com/ps4/wonder-boy-the-dragons-trap/">PS4</a> last 2017, the remake to the much beloved <a href="https://whatoplay.com/developers/sega/">SEGA</a> platformer is hitting the Android and the iOS on May 30th. In a recent announcement, the masters of the retro remake DotEmu said they were working together with PlayDigious to make the mobile adaptation possible. 
</p>
<p>The original console version, which was developed by Lizardcube, has been widely praised not only for bringing a Master System title to the modern consoles but also for faithfully recreating the world into a beautiful hand-drawn art style. In their upcoming mobile release, they're aiming to preserve both the animations and the other features in a portable package. 
</p>
<p>Other than the switch to touchscreen controls, the game will remain mostly the same. Not only will it still feature the option to switch between classic and remastered visuals and sounds, it also keeps the retro passwords from the 1989 release. This means that all your progress passwords from the original Master System will continue to work on the mobile version.
</p>
<p>Although it will be available on the App Store, players who pre-register using the Google PlayStore will earn a 30% discount off the launch price. 
</p>

DotEmu hopes to mirror PC and console success on iOS and Android

Wonder Boy: The Dragon's Trap comes to mobile on May 30th

<p>In a world where horror comes in cheap, jump-scare filled packages, this survival horror game from Acid Wizard Studio ventures away from the beaten path and into the the eerily terrifying atmosphere of their survival game, <a href="https://whatoplay.com/pc/darkwood/">Darkwood</a>. Proudly announcing their decision to veer away from the usual jump scares, Darkwood attempts to deliver quality, spine-chilling entertainment in a survival, top-down shooter package set in "a dark vision of mid 80s Poland". 
</p>
<div class="direct-quote">
	<p>Craft weapons, prepare traps, fortify hideouts - you will explore and scavenge the eerie forests of the Soviet Bloc by day, then hunker down in your hideout at night. With nightmarish forces corrupting the woods, wait and pray for the sun to come up the next morning.
	</p>
</div>
<div class="video-responsive">
	<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/1UhNUxsLGmA?controls=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>


<p>Darkwood will have a procedurally generated world, which will most likely mean a more unpredictable experience for players to scavenge and survive. Starting out as a newbie attempt at a tower-defense game by three college buddies, Acid Wizard Studios' five year labor of love has come a long way since.
</p>

<p>Already released on the PC in 2017, Darkwood is coming soon to the PlayStation on May 14th, Nintendo Switch on May 16th, amd Xbox One on May 17th.
</p>

Acid Wizard Studios finally brings their survival horror game to the PS4, Switch, and Xbox One

Darkwood, A Survival Horror Game With No Jumpscares, Hits the Consoles this May

<p>Right when the Avengers is at an all-time high, Netmarble couldn't have chosen a better time to celebrate the 4th anniversary for their superhero mobile game, Marvel Future Fight. Here are all the in-game events that Netmarble has planned as part of the celebrations:
</p>

<ul>
	<li>8 Weeks Login Event – When Agents login to MARVEL Future Fight, they will receive rewards such as 6★ Mega Rank Up Ticket where you can get 6★ heroes such as Black Widow, Hulk, and Iron Man.</li>
	<li>Fourth Anniversary Comics Card – Players will receive this special card when they log on from now until May 13.</li>
	<li>Other events include a voting event for their 4th Anniversary Characters and an Avengers Special Event quest where players can receive up to a Tier-2 Mega Advancement Ticket.</li>
</ul>
</p>
<p>In just four years, Marvel Future Fight has reached a total of 100 million players. This is detailed in their <a href="https://www.webcargo.net/view-file/index/link-id/1032342/link-key/1E1CbXcjsS/file-id/19596974/?">stylish infographic</a> that highlights all of the other achievements through the years, such as adding 187 Marvel Superheroes,  a total playtime of 40,000 years, and beating Thanos over 100 million times.
    </p>    
<p>Marvel Future Fight is currently available on <a href="https://whatoplay.com/android/marvel-future-fight/">Android</a> and <a href="https://whatoplay.com/ios/marvel-future-fight/">iOS</a>.
</p>

Netmarble rewards fans with awesome in-game prizes

Marvel Future Fight celebrates 4th Anniversary with exciting in-game events

<p><a href="https://whatoplay.com/developers/pm-studios/">PM Studios</a> and developer acttil have confirmed that physical copies of the OPUS Collection for the Switch are coming to the Switch on May 28. The OPUS Collection consists of their two emotional puzzle adventures The Day We Found Earth and Rocket of whispers, which have only been released as digital copies. According to PM Studios, the two-in-one package will come with a free voucher for the game's soundtrack with a total 36 tracks. 
</p>

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	<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/ACVgcjJVgAU?controls=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>

<h2 class="mdc-typography--headline6"><a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/opus-the-day-we-found-earth/">OPUS: The Day We Found Earth</a></h2> 

<p>Millions of years in the future, mankind has left its home planet of Earth far behind. But now Emeth, an adorable robot who has made a solemn promise to his creator, must rediscover his lost homeland in order to save all of humanity. But as he tries to fulfill that promise, he begins to realize that he may hold an even greater purpose... This atmospheric, bittersweet tale is the perfect introduction to the world of OPUS.
</p>

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	<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/5QxvKXaJ7SA?controls=0" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen></iframe>
</div>

<h2 class="mdc-typography--headline6"><a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/opus-rocket-of-whispers/">OPUS: Rocket of Whispers</a></h2>
<p>Witness the story of two lonely survivors of an apocalyptic plague, who are given the seemingly impossible task of building an interstellar rocket. Their goal is to revive the ancient tradition of space burial and return the lost souls of the world to their cosmic homeland. Written by IMGA-nominated author of OPUS: The Day We Found Earth, this tale of loss and rebirth will leave you breathless.
</p>
<p><a href="https://whatoplay.com/pc/opus-the-day-we-found-earth/">OPUS: The Day We Found Earth</a> is also available on the PC, while OPUS: Rocket of Whispers can be found on the <a href="https://whatoplay.com/ios/opus-rocket-of-whispers/">iOS</a>, <a href="https://whatoplay.com/android/opus-rocket-of-whispers/">Android</a>, and the Switch
</p>

Physical copies of PM Studios heartwarming puzzle collection for the Switch is coming to North America

OPUS Collection arrives on the Switch on May 28

<p>Make some space on your <a href="https://whatoplay.com/switch/open-world/" title="list of all open world Switch games">Switch open world list</a> as <a href="https://whatoplay.com/developers/vblank-entertainment/">VBlank Entertainment</a> announces a May 7th release date for their 16-bit RPG, Shakedown Hawaii. Initially projected to release way back in 2017, the wait has been long but fruitful for this follow-up to the action Retro City Rampage. This announcement was accompanied by a brand new trailer. Fast forwarding to 30 years into the future of Retro City Rampage, it’s a huge upgrade from the original, most notably in its substantially larger tropical Hawaii setting. 
</p>
<p>Their trailer playfully parodies the era with chiptune music and a characteristically earnest voiceover. Running on the saying "Business in the front and bodies in the back," gameplay will be a mix of business meetings and crafty competition, with of course a serving shootouts, explosions, and overall criminal mayhem. For what looks like the old-school Grand Theft Auto, Shakedown Hawaii boasts an impressive level freedom in its top-down perspective with an open world of destructible environments and fully customizable characters and cars. 
</p>
<p>Shakedown Hawaii is also set to release on the <a href="https://whatoplay.com/pc/shakedown-hawaii/" title="Shakedown Hawaii PC">PC</a>, <a href="https://whatoplay.com/ps4/shakedown-hawaii/" title="Shakedown Hawaii on PlayStation 4">PS4</a>, and <a href="https://whatoplay.com/vita/shakedown-hawaii/" title="Shakedown Hawaii on PS Vita">PS Vita</a> on the same date. A version for both the new and original 3DS versions will arrive shortly after. </p>

After some years in development hell, the 16-bit open world finally gets its Switch release date

Pia Aguilos

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Articles by Pia Aguilos