Come on in, get yourself a nice cup of coffee or tea and pull up a chair.
I’m still happily plugging away in Harvest Moon: The Winds of Anthos. Though I had a slow start, I’m now some 50 hours in and still eager to play. This is a big thing for me, as gaming time is at a premium!
Anyway, here’s this week’s news.
Spells & Secrets Release Date
On November 9th, Spells & Secrets is coming to consoles: the Switch, PS5, Xbox series X|S van PC through Steam. And for the PS5 and Switch, there will be a physical version as well that you can pre-order here. Mina did an impression of the earlier preview version and felt it needed more time cooking in the oven. Let’s hope when the spells start flying, it’s a great package!
Land of the Vikings version 1.0 is Available
Norse survival colony sim Land of the Vikings launched its 1.0 version on Steam last week and has left Early Access. Paula did a preview for the EA version and was positive. Now, in honour of the release, publisher Iceberg Interactive has chosen to keep the price steady at $19.99 for an additional week following the release date, along with extending a 25% discount during this timeframe. After this limited-time discount window, the price will be raised to $24.99.
During Early Access the latest game updates brought a variety of improvements aimed at enhancing user experience, gameplay mechanics, and content availability. From defence and automation to narrative and environmental elements, the game is now more dynamic and comprehensive than ever.
The current version introduces a brand new immersive mode that will guide players through a Viking-themed narrative with 25+ exclusive objectives. The developers are also bringing 20+ new events, a new Volcano map and a new disaster to protect your villagers against in this 1.0 version, which packs a punch.
But in the land of the North, winter is always coming. The developer Laps Games also announced that they are planning to release more content in the near future with an additional map, thrall system and general UI improvements.
Stardew Valley Festival of Seasons
Are you a big fan of Stardew Valley? Then this should be very exciting: SOHO Live, the Tokyo-based live music company specializing in creating and presenting live concerts of the most memorable video game and anime music, has announced Stardew Valley: Festival Seasons, an intimate and immersive concert produced in partnership with the game’s creator and composer, Eric Barone aka ConcernedApe.
Music that fans know and love from the game will be performed by a chamber orchestra featuring top local talent. Many of the game’s most popular songs, such as Stardew Valley Overture, (Spring) The Valley Comes Alive, and Dance of the Moonlight Jellies will be performed. Each section of the show represents one of the four seasons with accompanying music from the game, plus other memorable songs from the game’s locations, festivals, and villagers, carefully curated by Eric and with arrangements led by Thanapol Setabrahmana, one of Thailand’s leading young conductors.
The tour will cross North America, with stops in Europe, Asia, and Australia next year. Tickets for most tour dates will go on sale Friday, October 13 at 10:00 AM local time and will be available to purchase from the official Stardew Valley: Festival Seasons website.
Are You a SteamWorld Fan?
In the leadup to the launch of SteamWorld Build on PC, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch on December 1st, Thunderful has launched a new website that will serve as a one-stop shop for their beloved flagship series.
On the website, fans, media and content creators can find detailed information on SteamWorld Build, as well as get access to high-quality assets via a new Content Creator Kit that includes stream overlays, backgrounds and emotes, as well as a press kit featuring press releases, screenshots, key art and the latest trailers. On the new site, you can sign up for a newsletter to ensure you are the first to know whenever a new piece of SteamWorld news drops.
While the website is currently focused on SteamWorld Build, it will be updated to encompass the past, present and future of the beloved series.
Clues for Botany Manor
Are you looking forward to Botany Manor, which will release on PC, Switch and Xbox at a yet to be announced date? I looked at the demo this Summer, and I am looking forward to entering the stunning historic manor and its grounds. Looking for clues, determine the correct set of circumstances to help the flora flourish and unlock new seeds.
Be sure to keep these clues in mind once you enter the home of retired botanist Arabella Green!
Tomodachi Life Trademark Renewed
Do you remember the quirky 3DS title Tomodachi Life? As it happens, I checked it out again this week after I’ve been away from the game for years. The game is mentioned in my next YvoCaro Plays, and I wanted to see how my residents are doing. It’s so funny to see that even when I haven’t been there, their lives just go on! Like a little time capsule. Now I read that on September 29, Nintendo renewed its trademark registration in Japan. Maybe it means the company isn’t done yet with their Mii-based title; who knows?
That’s it for this week; thanks for reading!
