BonusXP bringing Stranger Things 3: The Game to Switch!
BonusXP have recently announced their follow up to the hugely successful Stranger Things: The Game with the next game in the series, Stranger Things 3: The Game. BonusXP are once again working with Netflix on this iconic and extremely popular TV series which is returning to screens this Summer. This next game in the series is set to land on a number of new platforms and a first for BonusXP, now includes Nintendo Switch!
Introducing C Prompt Games and Heretic Operative
As we close out 2018 we bring news that there is a new kid on the block of studios formed from ex Ensemble staff members. We can now introduce C Prompt Games, a small studio set up by Ian Fischer (Mother) and Rob Fermier (Xemu). Fans will no doubt recognise these names as long time standing members of Ensemble Studios and then more recently at Robot Entertainment. Their new studio C Prompt Games is setting out on an adventure to deliver all new original games.
Restructuring at Robot Entertainment
Announced earlier this week on the Robot Entertainment blog, there is unfortunate news to share about the studio. Following studio growth in the ramp up to launch Orcs Must Die! Unchained and the recent launch of Hero Academy 2, the studio has been hard at work on two new original IP games. Recently the decision has been made that the studio needs to focus its efforts on shipping just one game and as a result, regretfully the studio has had to let go numerous staff to suit the economies of scale to deliver one game rather than two.
Halo Wars web services to be decommissioned
It has been a long time since the release of Halo Wars back in 2009 and since then we have seen a new Definitive Edition re-make of Halo Wars on Xbox One and PC. The original Halo Wars on Xbox 360 has been going strong, available on backwards compatibility and still playable to this day. Microsoft have however released some news about some Halo Wars functionality which will be shortly decommissioned for the original release. Read more
BonusXP and Robot Entertainment join forces for Hero Academy 2
Hero Academy 2, the follow up to the 2011 hit original tactics game has gone live on Android, iOS and early access on PC and Mac. The sequel to the award winning 2011 original has been developed by BonusXP working with Robot Entertainment- a collaboration of two studios from an Ensemble Studios background! As one can no doubt imagine, the game looks great and is currently receiving great reviews on the Android and iOS stores. Read more
BonusXP launches ‘Stranger Things: The Game’
BonusXP have launched a brand new game earlier this week, and its a big one! We had hints from Bruce Shelley last month that BonusXP was working on a Zelda like game, but who knew it would turn out to be Stranger Things! That’s right, BonusXP has been working with Netflix to release a classic adventure game of the very popular TV series. The game feels and plays just like 1984 from the classic graphics, gameplay and best of all, no ads or microtransations – its 100% free! Read more
GameInformer interviews Bruce Shelley
Following on from the recent History of Age of Empires video, there is another video released this week which Age and Ensemble fans should check out and it is from GameInformer who have recently interviewed legendary designer Bruce Shelley. The informative video talks in some more detail about his early gaming years, the start of Ensemble Studios, Age of Empires (of course) and some detail about what lead to the closure of Ensemble. Certainly this is an interview no Age or Ensemble fan will want to miss.
Age of Empires IV announced, plus remasters of Age II and III
The legacy of Ensemble Studios continues as this week we learn that Microsoft has announced a brand new Age of Empires game – Age of Empires IV, a continuation of the main series unlike some of the other games released in recent times. Relic Entertainment are set to carry the torch as developers on this new game. The Sega owned studio is similar to Creative Assembly, another Sega studio who worked on Halo Wars 2. There is no release date set for Age 4 just yet, there is however, a very awesome new teaser trailer! Read more
Age of Empires 1 to get definitive edition re-release
Ah, now this is a blast from the past! Age of Empires 1, the very first Age of Empires game and first title shipped by Ensemble Studios is set to be re-released in HD (4K even) on PC later this year. This follows in similar HD re-releases of Age of Empires 2, Age of Mythology and Halo Wars. Essentially almost all of the Ensemble Studios catalog has recently been re-released. Certainly a testament to Ensemble’s outstanding legacy.
PeopleFun launch ‘Wordscapes’ on mobile
PeopleFun have launched a new mobile word game. Joining the ranks of the highly successful Word Chums and Spell Blitz, now comes “Wordscapes”. This new game brings together word-search and crosswords to mobile devices with some pleasant landscapes. So put down the old fashioned paper and relax with Wordscapes! As with all PeopleFun games, it is highly addictive so be prepared!
