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)!
PQube will publish Discountry for PC
This week, PQube announced that it would publish wholesome store management sim game Discountry when it launches for PC. The game has players managing a supermarket by organizing/restocking shelves, checking customers out, making local trade deals, and befriending some quirky characters. But if you’re going to pursue unlimited profits and the expense of others, be warned: too much growth might upset the very townspeople you rely on.
Blomkest is a run-down harbour town with a dwindling population, and your aunt has called you there to put you in charge of the town’s only grocery store. Salvage the store and help get Blomkest back on the map. Every customer has a shopping list, and each should leave feeling satisfied. There are other tasks to balance, including stocking shelves, cleaning floors, and organising the store room. The more efficient you are, the more customers you can check out. Make the shop as eye-catching and efficient as possible by rearranging shelves and products. The townsfolk don’t take too well to strangers, but it is possible to gain the trust of the few remaining local producers and manufacturers.
Developed by Crinkle Cut Games and published by PQube, Discountry will be released for PC via Steam.
Loads of Disney Dreamlight Valley information has dropped
Gameloft held a Disney Dreamlight Valley Showcase stream last week that included details on its first paid expansion (A Rift in Time), its global launch, the 2024 roadmap, and an Apple Arcade version of the game. I’ll start with the expansion. A Rift in Time is a new story that takes place across three biomes and over three acts. At launch, players get the first act where they’ll meet characters like Gaston, Rapunzel, and EVE. New biomes include Ancient’s Landing, the Glittering Dunes, and the Wild Tangle. Discover the new time-manipulating Royal Hourglass tool, meet new animal companions, and unveil Ancient Machines that let you automate some of your daily tasks. There is also a new in-game board game called Scramblecoin.
The game is getting an Apple Arcade version, titled Disney Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition. It includes the base game as well as the A Rift in Time expansion and all game updates, but has no Star Path or Premium Shop. Looking further ahead, 2024 will include the arrival of Mike and Sulley from Monster’s Inc., Tiana from The Princess and the Frog, and other “surprise” villagers. There will be new Realms and new Star Path seasons, as well.
Disney Dreamlight Valley is currently available in Early Access for PC/Mac via Steam, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Nintendo Switch, Xbox Series, and Xbox One. It will officially launch on December 5 alongside Disney Dreamlight Valley Arcade Edition and a free content update that includes some Nightmare Before Christmas things, a multiplayer feature, and a new Star Path.
Mario Kart 8 Deluxe: Booster Course Pass Wave 6 launches today
The sixth and final wave of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe’s Booster Course Pass is nearly here, and honestly that makes me a bit sad. They were always something good to look forward to. This one includes eight new courses across two cups, 16 additional Mii Racing Suits (17 if you scan any Daisy amiibo), and a new Music Player feature.
The Acorn Cup includes Tour Rome Avanto, GCN DK Mountain, Wii Daisy Circuit, and Piranha Plant Cove. The Spiny Cup includes Tour Madrid Drive, 3DS Rosalina’s Ice World, SNES Bowser’s Castle 3, and Wii Rainbow Road.
Developed and published by Nintendo, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe is currently available for Nintendo Switch. Booster Course Pass Wave 6 will be released on November 6.
Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II coming West in February
I initially wasn’t sure if the day would actually come that it would be available in the West, but here we are: the latest instalment of the Spirit Hunter series is nearly here! The suspense-horror game is set at a prestigious academy where rumours circulate regarding supernatural occurrences, and the head of the Kujou Family – AKA the Spirit Doctor – must take on the case. At the school, notices announce people’s deaths and students aren’t what they seem. It seems as though as spirit known as The Departed is the mastermind behind the paranormal activity, and it wants something from you.
The game introduces a new side-scrolling function when traveling across different locations, combined with first-person perspective during investigations. The partnering system has been enhanced, and the success rate of your actions change depending on your partner of choice.
Developed by Experience and published in the West by Aksys Games, Spirit Hunter: Death Mark II will be released for PC via Steam, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch in February 15, 2024. It first launched for PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch in Japan during December 2022.
