Welcome to Digitally Downloaded’s weekly catch-up news feature, the catch-up coffee. With each issue I will bring you the best news that you may have missed. Grab the biggest mug you’ve got, fill it with your favourite brew, and catch up with us (and our favourite news anchor, Dee Dee)!
Astral Ascent leaves Early Access next month
Astral Ascent was first released in Early Access for PC via Steam in April 2022; a year and a half later, the side-scrolling roguelite platformer is set for a full 1.0 launch for PC, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. New additions for the 1.0 release includes the Master final boss fight, three new Zodiacs, 17 unique endings, a reworked tutorial, a new cinematic introduction, mid-run saves at the start of each room, two new Star Guardians, new music, bug fixes, and more.
The game is set in a modern fantasy world. Play as one of four heroes, each with very different personalities, while trying to escape as astral prison guarded by 12 powerful bosses – the Zodiacs. Players will get stronger with every match, unlocking dozens of unique spells. The 12 Zodiacs are dispatched over four worlds. Each has their own reasons to be fighting, and brings unique attacks, abilities, patterns, and backstories to the battlefield.
Developed by Hibernian Workshop and published by Maple Whispering, Astral Ascent will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, and Nintendo Switch on November 14.
Coral Island also leaves Early Access next month
Coral Island was first released in Early Access for PC via Steam/Microsoft about a year ago and, like Astral Ascent, it will be getting a full launch mid-November. In the game, players leave big city life behind to start a new chapter on Coral Island. Create an idyllic farm where you’ll tend crops, nurture animals, and build a bond with the natural world. Revitalise the nearby town and its surrounding coral reefs while also forging relationships with a community of over 70 people. The future of Coral Island is what you make of it.
The story changes with each passing season, but life keeps going. Spend time exploring, or find that special someone. Save the seas, brave caverns, and perfect your farm. There are 25 singles to choose from. Take part in community projects to liven up the town, expand the local museum, and restore heritage sites. You’re able to customise your character, choosing from a wide variety of outfits, accessories, and physiques.
Developed by Stairway Games and published by Humble Games, Coral Island will be released for PC via Steam/Microsoft, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series on November 14.
There’s a new Japanese trailer for WarioWare: Move It!
I’m super excited for the next game in the WarioWare series, WarioWare: Move It! It includes a multitude of motion-based microgames, so players will (gently) shake, punch, dance, wiggle, curtsey, chop bamboo, break out of jail, and more in over 200 lightning-fast microgames. Last week, Nintendo released a new Japanese overview trailer for the game.
Believe it or not, the game has a story mode that has players trying to escape the Woods Watchers. In party mode, up to four players each take over one Joy-Con controller in mini-games, like a board game with Wario-style rules. Some specific microgames are described on Nintendo’s website: in locomotion, make like a train and chug on down the track; in biggest fan, wave a fan to blow fleece of a furry friend; in take the plunger… well, that one’s obvious.
Developed and published by Nintendo, WarioWare: Move It! will be released for Nintendo Switch on November 3.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe launches physically, digitally for consoles soon
I’m one of those people that will never get tired of RollerCoaster Tycoon and similar games, so the fact that they just keep getting regurgitated doesn’t really bother me. RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe is a casual version of the popular amusement park builder, optimised for controller support. It adds 80 rides and attractions, including seasonal attractions, making the total 200. There are three in-depth game modes: Adventure, Scenarios, and Sandbox. Deep customisation features provide countless hours of gameplay.
Build coasters that twist, turn, swoop, and swirl. Customise terrain with four separate environments: Alpine Mountains, Desert Canyons, Jungle Tropics, and Lunar Moonscape. There are detailed landscaping options to design paths and flowerbeds, and to add bushes, trees, foliage, and water features. There is a robust colour wheel to paint rides, coasters, shops, and restaurants.
Developed by Graphite Lab and Nvizzio Creations, and published by Atari, RollerCoaster Tycoon Adventures Deluxe will be released digitally for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, and Nintendo Switch on November 1. It will launch physically on November 3.
