Video Games
Microsoft: ‘Gears of War’ Offshoot ‘Gears Tactics’ Still in Development
With all of the cool stuff at this year’s E3, there were also a couple of no-shows. Aside from the obvious one of Dead Island 2 (which according to THQ Nordic is still in development), Microsoft’s spin-off game to the Gears of War franchise, Gears Tactics, was absent, despite being shown last year.
When asked by Kotaku about the game not being shown, series producer Rod Fergusson stated that “Last year we wanted to really talk about all three games [Gears 5, the upcoming Gears Pop, and Tactics] and show that Microsoft is tripling down on the Gears of War franchise, but now that we’ve had that we’re really trying to make sure it’s not always this three-pack… We’ll talk about Gears Tactics later.”
In a separate interview with Venturebeat, Head of Microsoft Studios Matt Booty stated that with the 90 minutes Microsoft was allotted for the presentation, therer simply wasn’t enough time. That being said, Booty did state that Tactics would be making an appearance at this year’s Gamescom. “For Gears Tactics, it’s going to be a PC-focused game. Gamescom is a great place to show that.”
Gears of War 5 has its September 10 release date (and a heady trailer to go along with it), while Gears Pop will come to iOS and Android in “late summer” of this year.
Video Games
Bloober Returns to ‘Star Trek’ With Psychological Thriller ‘Star Trek: Shadow Frontier’ [Trailer]
Bloober Team weren’t done dropping news this week. After surprising everyone with SAW: Genesis at Summer Game Fest yesterday, they’ve now announced a new horror-slanted Star Trek title with Paramount Games Studio in Star Trek: Shadow Frontier. This is the second Star Trek title Bloober has developed, having released the VR body horror title Star Trek: Infection earlier this year.
“We’ve long admired the way Bloober Team crafts deeply immersive, atmospheric experiences that keep players on the edge of their seats,” said Paramount Games Studio senior vice president and head of creative and production Shawn Kittelsen. “For Star Trek: Shadow Frontier, it was essential to partner with a studio that could both honor that legacy and push it forward. We have full confidence in Bloober’s ability to deliver a game that does justice to the ‘Star Trek’ name while bringing something bold and new to the beloved franchise.”
Launching for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, the Nintendo Switch 2, and PC via Steam in 2027, Star Trek: Shadow Frontier is a story-driven action-adventure that sees players step into the role of former Lieutenant Ro Laren (voiced by Michelle Forbes). After crashing onto a distant planet overtaken by a strange consciousness, Ro Laren must survive in an environment that is as breathtaking as it is lethal. Ro’s mission is driven by duty and purpose. But here, discovery comes at a terrible cost. The more she uncovers, the deeper she is pulled into a corrupted labyrinth where her memories twist and the planet threatens to sever her connection to reality.
The hostile ecosystem of the planet poses a constant threat to Ro’s existence. It seeks to absorb Ro’s consciousness, burrowing deep into her mind and plaguing her with haunting visions. Environmental hazards and obstacles lurk around every corner. Exploration is both your only path to salvation and your potential undoing. Players will be able to use their Tricorder to scan and analyze items, and of course rely on their Phaser to solve puzzles and fend off enemies.