Nintendo Switch Owners Get Free Preview of Splatoon 2 During Global Testfire

A Squid Research Lab special report: The data is in and we can announce our confirmed findings. People who buy the Nintendo Switch system will not only get access to a remarkable new video game system, but they’ll also be able to participate in a special Splatoon 2 preview... Owners with internet access can download a demo version of the Splatoon 2 game that will allow them to battle against opponents around the world in the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event. It’s a way for everyone to investigate the latest in cephalopod warfare months before the game launches!

In addition to the Testfire event, Nintendo squid expert and Splatoon 2 producer Hisashi Nogami also confirmed a new way for players to follow the action when the game launches later in the year – a mode that will give players a unique insight into squid behaviors and strategy called Private Battle Spectator View. This breakthrough in squid-observation technology will allow up to two non-players to participate in a Private Battle as camera operators to observe all the action from multiple angles*. Incredible! In addition to this, a new feature called LAN Play will be added to Splatoon 2, allowing up to 10 docked systems – eight players and two spectators – to connect via wired LAN. This feature allows players to create local Private Battle tournaments without the need for an internet connection. Local wireless play is perfect for your regular gaming get-togethers, but LAN Play is where it’s at when you want to organize a serious tournament event with your fellow players.

“Two years have passed in this universe since the original Splatoon, and since then, the weapons, maps and characters have evolved. Through the Splatoon 2 Global Testfire event this March, players will be able to get a taste of that. There will be more new features to experience in Splatoon 2, so please look forward to more reveals in the future,” noted Mr. Nogami.

The Splatoon 2 Global Testfire will give Nintendo Switch owners six chances to play with other owners worldwide during the three-day event. The timing of the event is as follows:

March 24
12-12:59 p.m. PT / 3-3:59 p.m. ET
8-8:59 p.m. PT / 11-11:59 p.m. ET

March 25
4-4:59 a.m. PT / 7-7:59 a.m. ET
12-12:59 p.m. PT / 3-3:59 p.m. ET
8-8:59 p.m. PT / 11-11:59 p.m. ET

March 26
4-4:59 a.m. PT / 7-7:59 a.m. ET

All indications are that the content for the Global Testfire will allow players to test four different main weapons, including the new Splat Dualies, as well as remixed versions of the iconic Splat Roller and Splat Charger. Extraordinary!

We look forward to sharing additional findings soon, such as when the demo will be available for download in Nintendo eShop.

We’re also happy to report that Splatoon 2 will be compatible with Splatoon series amiibo figures and, for the first time in the series, with an upcoming Nintendo Switch app for smart devices that enhances online play. This app will connect to the game and allow players to set play appointments with friends and teammates who have been added to their Nintendo Switch friend list or via their social media accounts. It also allows players to match up with those friends directly in the game or voice chat with them via their smart device. For example, during a Private Battle, players can voice chat with all of their connected friends when they divide into teams, but once teams are set, voice chat is switched to communication only between teammates on the same team.

In order to use this app, players need to link their Nintendo Account to their Nintendo Switch system and have a smart device capable of in-game voice chat. Online features will require a paid subscription. Data fees may apply. More details will be announced at a later date.

Nintendo Switch launches March 3 at a suggested retail price of $299.99. For more information about Nintendo Switch, visit http://www.nintendo.com/switch. Splatoon 2 is scheduled to launch this summer. For more information about the game, visit http://splatoon2.nintendo.com/.

*Additional consoles are required. Sold separately.

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THE OLD GUARD MARCHES INTO STORES THIS FEBRUARY

New action-packed series from Rucka and Fernandez

Eisner-winning writer Greg Rucka (LAZARUS, BLACK MAGICK, Wonder Woman) and critically acclaimed artist Leandro Fernandez (THE DISCIPLINE, Deadpool, Punisher: MAX) join forces for the all-new, action-packed, era-spanning series THE OLD GUARD, set to launch this February 2017.

Trapped in an immortality without explanation, THE OLD GUARD follows Andromache of Scythia—“Andy”—and her comrades as they ply their trade for those who can find—and afford—their services. Set in the 21st century where immortality is a hard secret to keep, this action-packed new series explores what happens when you live just long enough to learn that there are many fates worse than death.

“I’ve loved working with Leo since our Queen & Country days, and being able to tell this story with him at Image is pretty much all the cake, and the icing, and the presents,” said Rucka. “Leo’s storytelling is perfect for this, a wonderful blend of realism that marries some terrific over-the-top action. We’re hoping people will have as much fun reading this as we’re having making it!”

Fernandez added: “A story from Greg? The chance to develop it with him from the scratch? Cool characters? Cool scenarios? Cool situations? Cool action? I get to draw different eras in history and have the freedom to produce some of my best work? ...I've been waiting for this too long as to screw it up!”

THE OLD GUARD #1 hits stores on Wednesday, February 22nd.

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DOUG WAGNER, DANIEL HILLYARD & LAURA MARTIN TEAM UP FOR THE CREEPY, UNSETTLING PLASTIC

Writer Doug Wagner teams up with artists Daniel Hillyard and Laura Martin for a chilling new crime series—PLASTIC.

Retired serial killer Edwyn Stoffgruppen is in love with Virginia, a girl he “met online.” Her affection quiets his vile urges. Together, they tour the back roads of America in their LTD, eating doughnuts and enjoying their healthy appetites for each other. Life is good… until a Louisiana billionaire kidnaps Virginia, forcing Edwyn to kill again in exchange for her freedom. The twist? Virginia is a sex doll.

"This book is wrong… in every way,” said Wagner in an interview with Image+ Magazine. “It’s bloody, sexual, disgusting, and troubling. Some people are going to HATE it. But, for those who embrace the strange as beautiful, you’re in for one hell of a disturbingly glorious ride.”

PLASTIC is an unsettling serial killer story that readers won’t be able to look away from.

PLASTIC #1 Cover A by Andrew Robinson and Cover B by Hillyard hits stores on April 19th. 

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THE DEUS EX UNIVERSE CONTINUES ITS EXPANSION

Deus Ex: Breach and Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – VR Experience for PC Now Free on Steam -

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – A Criminal Past, available on February, 23 2017 -

Square Enix® and Eidos®-Montréal announced that Deus Ex: Breach™ and the Deus Ex: Mankind Divided® – VR Experience are now available on Steam for free. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – A Criminal Past, the next DLC story mission, will be available on February 23, 2017.

Deus Ex: Breach allows new players to experience Deus Ex’s gameplay style, providing them with a glimpse of the vast realm of choices and possibilities that the Deus Ex Universe® has to offer. Originally released as a Deus Ex: Mankind Divided game mode, Deus Ex: Breach is an innovative game that offers an arcade approach on the gameplay of the Deus Ex series, providing players with a unique connected puzzle shooter experience. As a Ripper in the year 2029, your objective is to obtain and sell classified corporate data by hacking into some of the world’s most secure servers, using the funds you acquire to upgrade both your skills and arsenal. By obtaining this data, you will be able to unveil and expose the deepest, darkest secrets of the corporations in the Deus Ex Universe, with your efforts potentially unmasking some of the most dangerous individuals in the world. Extract the data. Expose the truth.

In addition, the Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – VR Experience for PC is now available for free on Steam for all HTC Vive® and Oculus® owners. Players will discover four iconic environments from Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, for the first time in virtual reality. Powered by the Dawn Engine®, take in the stunning level of detail and renowned art direction of locations such as Dubai and Golem City, while also taking a stroll in Adam Jensen’s apartment and Talos Rucker’s office. The Deus Ex VR Experience also provides you with an up-close and personal look at some of the 3D models for the main characters and NPCs from the game.

On February 23rd, Adam Jensen, along with both old acquaintances and new characters, will be back in Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – A Criminal Past. The second Story DLC will provide players with more insights into the lore of the Deus Ex Universe. They will get to Experience Adam Jensen’s first mission for TF29, set before the events of Deus Ex: Mankind Divided, where he poses as a convicted criminal. In Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – A Criminal Past, Jensen is transferred deep into a hostile, high-security prison for augmented felons. His mission: track down and retrieve sensitive information from a fellow undercover agent who has gone dark. Success will help the fight against terror around the world, but Jensen will need to confront a darker side to his role before the day is done.

Deus Ex: Breach and the Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – VR Experience are now available for free on Steam. Deus Ex: Mankind Divided – A Criminal Past will be available on the 23rd of February on Xbox Live, the PlayStation®Network, Steam, and online stores. It will also be made available in the Deus Ex: Mankind Divided - Season Pass, which is composed of Narrative DLCs and in-game items. More details on the contents of the Season Pass can be found here.

Deus Ex: Mankind Divided is available for PlayStation®4, PlayStation®4 Pro, the Xbox One all-in-one games and entertainment system from Microsoft, Windows PC, Linux.

Related Links
Official Portal: deusex.com
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Follow @DeusEx on Twitter: twitter.com/DeusEx
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CELEBRATED HORROR WRITER BUNN & ARTIST LUCKERT LAUNCH NIGHTMARISH NEW SERIES REGRESSION

“Bunn, Luckert and Enger have created a real page-turner, frightening, engrossing and clever. A must-read for horror fans.” —Steve Niles, 30 Days of Night

Bram Stoker and Eisner Award-nominated writer Cullen Bunn (Harrow County, The Sixth Gun, The Empty Man) returns with debut artist Danny Luckert (Haunted) and colorist/letterer Marie Enger (Pistolwhip, 2 Sisters) for a chilling new series in REGRESSION. The new series is set to launch this May.

REGRESSION follows Adrian, a man tormented by ghastly waking nightmares. Pushed to a point of desperation, Adrian reluctantly turns to past life regression hypnotherapy as a means of understanding and treating the unwanted visions. When his consciousness is cast back through time, Adrian witnesses a scene of horrific debauchery and diabolism before waking up. But Adrian’s more unsettled than before and something dark and unnatural has followed him back… Now Adrian finds himself descending into a world of occult conspiracy, mystery, reincarnation, and insanity—from which there is no escape.

"I think most readers know how much of a horror fiend I am," said Bunn. "What many people don't know is that my father was a professional hypnotist for many years. While it wasn't part of his on-stage act, he often conducted past life regressions. During these sessions I saw people describing other time periods with pinpoint accuracy and even saw someone speaking a language they did not know. I also witnessed some really extremely creepy regressions that planted the seeds for this story of supernatural horror conspiracy."

Perfect for fans of Bunn’s critically acclaimed HARROW COUNTY and OUTCAST BY KIRKMAN & AZACETA, REGRESSION is a frightening exploration of the wickedest corners of the untapped psyche.

REGRESSION #1 hits stores on Wednesday, May 10th.

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ARRIVAL’s Eric Heisserer Leads Valiant’s SECRET WEAPONS #1 with Visionary Artist Raul Allen – Coming in June!

Valiant is proud to announce that Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Eric Heisserer, writer of the internationally acclaimed, smash-hit motion picture ARRIVAL, as well as the upcoming HARBINGER and BLOODSHOT feature films from Sony Pictures, will join Harvey Award-nominated artist Raul Allen (Wrath of the Eternal Warrior) with Patricia Martin (Bloodshot Reborn) for SECRET WEAPONS #1 (of 4) – an all-new, Valiant Prestige format limited series starring the much-demanded, super-charged hero Livewire, in June!

The government has dispatched Amanda McKee – the technopath codenamed Livewire – to investigate the ruins of a secret facility formerly run by Toyo Harada, the most powerful telepath on Earth and her former mentor. In his quest for world betterment at any cost, Harada sought out and activated many potential psiots like himself. Those who survived, but whose powers he deemed to have no value to his cause, were hidden away at this installation. But Livewire, having studied Harada’s greatest strengths and learned his deepest weaknesses, senses opportunity where he once saw failure. A young girl who can talk to birds… A boy who can make inanimate objects gently glow… To others, these are expensive failures. But, to Livewire, they are secret weapons…in need of a leader. Now, as a mechanized killer called Rexo seeks to draw them out, Livewire and her new team of cadets will be forced to put their powers into action…in ways they never could have imagined…

“Much like Faith before her, Livewire is a comics icon in the making. She is beloved by fans and adored by creators,” said Valiant CEO & Chief Creative Officer Dinesh Shamdasani. “Finding the right stage for her to shine has been a top priority at Valiant for some time now and, with SECRET WEAPONS, Eric and Raul have crafted something truly special. Not only is this a story quite unlike any Valiant has told to date, but Eric and Raul have created a host of new characters unlike any others in comics. This series is the first step in a long-term plan that will be more than worth the wait, and will have major ramifications for all quarters of the Valiant Universe as we build toward HARBINGER WARS 2 in 2018.

“Without a doubt, Raul is one of the most talented artists in the industry, and every page he sends in leaves jaws on the floor,” he added. “Eric – one of the great storytellers anywhere in entertainment today and one of the sweetest people possible – is able to effortlessly jump between mediums with a passion and intensity that is virtually unrivaled. Together they make an amazing team, and we can’t wait to share their work with the world.”

In addition to his 2017 Academy Award nomination for Best Adapted Screenplay for ARRIVAL, Heisserer has received a host of high-profile awards and nominations for some of the most prominent institutions in entertainment, including the BAFTA Awards, the Writers Guild Awards, the Humanitas Prize, the Critics' Choice Awards, the Broadcast Film Critics Association, the Chicago Film Critics Association, the Austin Film Critics Association, and more. His next projects will include a key role in shaping Valiant’s five-film slate of major motion pictures at Sony Pictures as the writer of the upcoming HARBINGER and BLOODSHOT feature films – currently scheduled for release in late 2018.

“My path to Secret Weapons is a bit wonky,” said Heisserer. “I started writing for characters like Pete, Faith, Livewire, and Bloodshot in the film adaptations of their stories. When I am given the opportunity to translate a property to screen, it's like adopting someone else's child for a while. I put in my time, try to respect all the hard work of the original authors, and sooner or later I'm on my way.

“The Valiant characters were different, especially Livewire. I kept thinking about her, long after my official writing services were complete. I wanted back into that world. I had crazy ideas for her powers, and the hard choices ahead of her. So, I asked to build a new book for Valiant, with a new group of faces, all led by Amanda. To my relief, Dinesh and Warren said yes.

“Of all the writing I've done in the last year, my heart is most in SECRET WEAPONS and its collection of freaks, misfits, and outcasts. And I think a story of a woman who's shouldered such great burdens, now trying to rescue some lost souls and form a surrogate family, may be one of the most emotional stories I've put to paper.

“And where this story goes? Oh man, buckle up.”

On June 28th, 2017 Oscar® nominee Eric Heisserer and visionary artist Raul Allen follow in the footsteps of HARBINGER and FAITH to forge a new vision of 21st century superheroes as Livewire steps to the fore with an all-new team of heroes in the waiting, only in SECRET WEAPONS #1 (of 4) – coming soon to a comic shop near you!

For more information, visit Valiant on Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Instagram, and ValiantUniverse.com.

For Valiant merchandise and more, visit ValiantStore.com

SECRET WEAPONS #1 (of 4)
Written by ERIC HEISSERER
Art & Cover by RAUL ALLEN
$3.99 | 32 pgs. | T+ | VALIANT PRESTIGE | COMING IN JUNE!

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