Critical Path

Table Manners

This VR title from Curve Digital is a physics-based dating simulator. Think Surgeon Simulator except with Tinder instead of distressing medical malpractice. The goal is to have a romantic first date, but with the ability to set your unfortunate date on fire, that’s almost certainly never going to happen.

FEBRUARY 11th

Here are the key upcoming events and releases to mark in your calendar...

Dreams

Another Valentine’s day release for the lonely souls out there (or just the bad romantic partners, we’re not judging) – Media Molecule’s creation game Dreams is finally launching, having been first announced in 2013. The game has been in early access since early 2019, a slow rollout that has allowed Media Molecule to iterate on Dreams’ huge promise before its official release.

14th

Yakuza Remastered Collection

Sega’s mission to fill the PS4 library with Yakuza titles comes to a grand finale with the simultaneous release of Yakuza 5 remastered alongside this physical collection which includes Yakuza 3, 4 and 5. With the exception of spin-off titles such as Yakuza: Dead Souls, the entire Kazuma Kiryu saga is now available on one platform for the first time.

Street Fighter V: Champion Edition

Okay, the games industry has definitely decided that we’re all going to have a lot of free time on our hands for Valentine’s day. If you’re looking to romantically fire hadoukens at your loved one this month, the Champion Edition collects all the DLC for Street Fighter V, as well as adding returning characters to the roster, such as Street Fighter IV’s villain, Seth. Which is perhaps the most villainous name known to man.

18th 25th

Bayonetta & Vanquish 10th Anniversary Bundle

To celebrate a decade of PlatinumGames, Sega is releasing a bundle containing remasters of two of its most popular titles: the original Bayonetta and sci-fi shooter Vanquish. The double pack marks something of a second chance for Vanquish, which was critically acclaimed at launch but did not perform to match those expectations.

MCV/DEVELOP Awards The Brewery, London

Voting is open right now for our revamped and rebranded awards – See page 10 for the shortlist – featuring a range of deserving nominees from across the industry. Then head over to mcvdevelopawards.com with your five-digit subscriber number (you can find that above your address on your magazine’s cover sheet) to select your industry-voted winners. You can also secure tickets and book tables via the same website, so ensure you’re on the list for the best night of the year. If we do say so ourselves.

MARCH 5th

Two Point Hospital

After a slight delay last year, Two Point Studio’s hospital simulation game is making its way to consoles. Coming to PS4, Switch and Xbox One (as well as Game Pass on day one), these ports include the Bigfoot and Pebberly Island expansions, featuring new environments, challenges and illnesses.

CONTENT

Editor: Seth Barton seth.barton@biz-media.co.uk +44 (0)203 143 8785

Staf f Writer: Chris Wallace chris.wallace@biz-media.co.uk +44 (0)203 143 8786

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We’re

Luigi’s Mansion 3 has proven to be a pure delight to play with a squealing child as co-op companion Gooigi. Nintendo continues to rule my living room. Elsewhere we held the bi-annual Board Games Weekender in Whitstable, where I won at Warhammer 40K strategy epic Forbidden Stars... twice :)

Seth Barton, Editor

Playing...

I picked up Dragon Ball Z: Kakarot recently and it’s fantastic. It’s the perfect, condensed Dragon Ball Z experience. Fewer hours of power-up shouting, fewer family shouting matches over who gets the TV, fewer disapproving stares from my mum as the pink alien on the TV rapidly expands (while shouting).

Chris W allace, Staff Writer

Recently I’ve been stomping around Journey to the Savage Planet. Stuffed with colour, charm and oodles of good humour, it’s proof that not all games need to be 80+ hour epics to be enjoyable. I know the object of the game is to repair the ship and make my escape but, to be honest, I don’t want to leave!

Vikki Blake, News Writer

Paws the game

The best furry friends the industry has to offer. Send yours to chris.wallace@biz-media.co.uk

Pet: Chester Owner: Nick Turner Owner’s job: Global marketing manager at 2K

Here’s Chester, the nine-month old Boxer. He likes tennis balls, snoring, farting and making sure that he keeps up to date with the latest news. Pet: Baxter Owner: Lauren Carter Owner’s job: Head of communications at Modern Wolf Pet: Rolo Owner: Gary Burns Owner’s job: Senior publicity consultant at Little Big PR

Baxter is a four-month old Cairn Terrier. His favourite thing is Steve, his toy fox. He knows the toy by name and will bring it to you if you ask ‘Where’s Steve?!’ Rolo loves walks, with the ability to pull any human anywhere. He’s currently working through an expensive dog toy habit and enjoys peeing in Pets At Home.

GOOD LUCK TO ALL THE FINALISTS AT THE MCV/DEVELOP AWARDS AND THANKS TO THE GRAND JURY FOR SHORTLISTING RENAISSANCE IN THE BEST PR AGENCY CATEGORY

Our Values: We believe in ethical communications, working with the client to ensure their creativity is experienced by the right people at the right time.

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