Videogames
Bitwave Games Prepares a Finale Assault with the Release of the Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.4
Last Chapter in the Legendary Toaplan Sega Debuts on Steam® & COG Today!
Bitwave Games, a video game developer and publisher specialising in retro entertainment and part of Embracer Freemode, announced today the fourth and final volume of the definitive arcade shoot ‘em up collection, with the Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.4 available to purchase on Steam® and COG today!
Spanning an epic four volumes, the Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection comes to an epic conclusion with the release of Vol.4, providing shooter fans with a definitive library of the best in arcade shmup’ action!
Saving the best until last, Vol.4 delivers four superlative games, each with the signature imagination and challenging gameplay made so famous by Toaplan shooters, standing as master examples of the genre.
As fans as have come to expect from the Bitwave Games series of Toaplan shooters, Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.4 has once again brought each game to PC with the utmost care, concentrating on authenticity while bestowing each title with a raft of quality-of-life features, offering considered enhancements, and broadening the appeal to players with varying degrees of skill.
Proudly featuring on Vol.4, the following games close out the Toaplan collection:
- Grind Stormer – Grind Stormer, aka ‘V・V’, is a vertically scrolling shooter with gorgeous pixel art graphics and an upbeat FM soundtrack. Developed by an all-star team at Toaplan, the game is a superb early example of a manic shooter, a precursor to the ‘bullet hell’ shoot ‘em up genre so popular today. The Japanese version of the game, called V・V (pronounced V Five), features a selectable power-up system with gauges, providing a strategic gameplay element where the key to success is to use the appropriate weapon for each level and enemy encounter.
- Twin Hawk – Take on powerful tanks and battleships with in this military themed vertical arcade shoot ‘em up by Toaplan! Summon friendly fighter planes to avoid emergencies and increase firepower. A vertical scrolling shooter, gamers must defy the oncoming army and navy barrages, assisted by calling up a formation of six friendly fighters. In Twin Hawk, a strategic approach is the key to success, but the challenge ramps up when the last stage is cleared, entering Round Two of the conflict with the difficulty getting progressively harder with each loop of the game! Like the Japanese title of the game Daisenpu (Great Whirlwind) implies, the game will eventually come at you with full force, never letting go!
- Truxton II – The sequel to Toaplan’s shoot ‘em up masterpiece, Truxton II is a thrilling slice of space action with an unforgiving difficulty level. Enjoy the visually stunning pixel graphics and vibrant music as you dodge the high-speed bullet rain and take on tough bosses. Casual players who dare to play Truxton II can take solace in the added easy mode, and the modern features of rewind and quick save that gives players a fighting chance to advance through the quick bullet rain and tough bosses.
- Dogyuun – A science fiction-themed vertically scrolling shoot ’em up game known for its stunning detailed pixel art, gigantic bosses, and menacing difficulty. Quite possibly the most rock n’ roll shooting game of all time, Dogyuun is packed with a huge enemy variety, providing a tough challenge even for hardened shmup’ veterans. Dogyuun is a visual spectacle of amazing pixel art graphics and detailed animation under the artistic vision of Hayashi Miho and Koetsu Iwabuchi and marks the debut of manga artist Junya Inoue as one of the graphic artists.
Familiar for fans of the Toaplan Arcade Shoot Em’ Up Collection, the fourth and final volume once again delivers several quality-of-life improvements, enhancing the action for modern gamers, without altering the finely tuned balance made famous by the arcade originals. From minimal input lag and pixel perfect or full screen scaling, to quick save, practice mode and Steam Achievements, Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.4 is accessible for the novice and perfectly suited for the expert. Mirror Mode has once again been included for all the games included, allowing a new dimension of challenge for the shmup’ professionals! Additional features include:
Minimal Input Lag: Emulation, input processing, and rendering all complete on the same frame.
- Online leaderboards for Single Credit, No Assist, and Assisted plays.
- Rewind the game between 10-18 minutes, depending on the action.
- Experience the game in Mirror Mode.
- Assist Features such as auto-fire at multiple rates.
- Very Easy Mode: Lower the difficulty to breeze through the adventure.
- Rotate the gameplay in 90-degree increments.
- Choose between Raw Input on Windows or Steam Input.
- Hone your skills in the ultra-customizable practice mode.
As a further celebration to mark the final release in the collection, Bitwave Games is also releasing the Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Ultimate Collection. Ideal for shooter fans who have yet to dive in to the Toaplan world of shooters, the Ultimate Collection brings together all 16 games featured across the four volumes for one incredible price of €69.99/$69.99, and is available to download today:
Niklas Istenes, CEO of Bitwave Games said, “We’re proud to bringing such an epic collection of shooting game classics to an end with this, our fourth and final volume in the Toaplan collection. Whether a seasoned veteran or new to the genre, each game featuring on Vol.4 could rightly be considered a masterpiece and richly deserves a place in any self-respecting shmup’ fan’s collection. We believe we have saved the best to last and look forward to fans getting the opportunity to complete their collection.”
The Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.4 is available via Steam and GOG today.
For more information visit Bitwave Games,
Follow Bitwave Games on social media: X, Instagram, Facebook.
The post Bitwave Games Prepares a Finale Assault with the Release of the Toaplan Arcade Shoot ‘Em Up Collection Vol.4 appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Videogames
CS2 Thunderpick World Championship 2024 Supercomputer: Virtus.pro beat HEROIC in final

- Virtus.pro are the heavy favourites to win the CS2 Thunderpick World Championship 2024 with a 42.2% chance of victory in Berlin, Germany
- With s1mple in their ranks, Team Falcons have a 28.9% chance of making the LAN finals which would be his first LAN appearance in CS2
- If he takes Team Falcons all the way, s1mple would have a good shot at winning the MVP title, taking him to 22 all-time MVPs, two clear of his closest contender Zyw0o
- HEROIC are second favourites at 23.1% coming into the tournament on a great run of form after getting to the semi-finals of IEM RIO
Virtus.pro have been forecast to come out as winners of the Thunderpick World Championship 2024 in Berlin, Germany by the CSDB.gg CS2 Tournament Supercomputer.
The Russian team are expected to clear up with a mighty 42.2% chance of going all the way to win the tournament according to the Supercomputer’s predictions.
However, with the one and only s1mple set to play in his first official match since March there is a chance that the GOAT leads Team Falcons to a shock result.
CS2 Thunderpick World Championship 2024 predicted by the CSDB.gg CS2 Tournament Supercomputer
Final: Virtus.pro (42.2%) to beat HEROIC (23.1%)
Third place play-off: The MongolZ (15.0%) to beat M80 (6.8%)
Semifinal 1: Virtus.pro (59.8%%) to beat The MongolZ (29.3%)
Semifinal 2: HEROIC (41.0%) to beat M80 (10.8%)
Quarterfinal 1: G2 Esports (39.8%) to beat FaZe Clan (32.8%)
Quarterfinal 2: MOUZ (35.9%) to beat Eternal Fire (24.7%)
Group stage:
- Virtus.pro – 42.2% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 77.1% to make LAN Finals
- HEROIC – 23.1% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 66.9% to make LAN Finals
- The MongolZ – 13.3% to finish 1st at LAN Finals: 49.2% to make LAN Finals
- M80 – 4.0% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 26.7% to make LAN Finals
- BIG – 2.9% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 25.1% to make LAN Finals
- Team Falcons – 2.4% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 28.9% to make LAN Finals
- Imperial Esports – 2.1% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 26.0% to make LAN Finals
- 9z – 3.0% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 20.1% to make LAN Finals
- 3DMAX – 2.2% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 19.6% to make LAN Finals
- Fnatic – 1.0% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 11.2% to make LAN Finals
- Ninjas in Pyjamas – 0.9% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 11.1% to make LAN Finals
- Aurora – 0.7% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 9.4% to make LAN Finals
- BESTIA – 0.5% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 7.6% to make LAN Finals
- Legacy – 0.8% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 7.6% to make LAN Finals
- Cloud9 – 0.4% to finish 1st at LAN Finals; 7.9% to make LAN Finals
- Bleed Esports – 0.5% to finish 13-16th; 5.6% to make playoffs
If Team Falcons can make the LAN finals in Berlin, it would be s1mple’s first LAN appearance on CS2 — the team have a 28.9% chance to do just that but are outsiders to win the competition at just 2.4%. With s1mple in their ranks though, who knows what can happen.
Should he flip the odds in their favour, he would surely be the player to seize the MVP award for the tournament, a feat that would take him up to an all-time record of 22 MVP titles, and two clear of his closest rival, Zyw0o.
HEROIC go into the tournament in great form having reached the semi-finals at IEM Rio, which came as a surprise to many. They have been given a 66.9% chance of making the LAN finals and a 23.1% chance of taking the trophy.
Yet it is Virtus.pro who are the most favoured outfit by the SuperComputer mode. Despite struggling through a rocky time after signing Major-winner electroNic for a reported seven-figure fee they have been backed to make a big impact on the competition.
Once seen as the gatekeepers to tier 1 Counter-Strike, Virtus.pro are a yardstick for other teams to measure themselves against to prove they have the quality to mix it in the higher levels of the sport.
Given that this is scheduled to be the last event before the Perfect World Shanghai Major RMRs for many teams, a good result could give them the momentum to fly into the Major season or even qualify for the last Major of 2024.
How was the CSDB.gg CS2 Tournament SuperComputer created?
The CSDB.gg CS2 Tournament SuperComputer is a predictive model created using world ranking points, team quality ratings and performance trends. An element of randomness is also included in the model to avoid the best teams and players always winning, to reflect the fact that upsets can happen.
Every tournament is simulated 1,000 times with the results aggregated into a percentage rating of the chances teams or players have to achieve the predicted result.
CSDB.gg CS2 Tournament SuperComputer results in full
The post CS2 Thunderpick World Championship 2024 Supercomputer: Virtus.pro beat HEROIC in final appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Press Releases
Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado 2024 Crowns its Victors!

- After an intense battle, champions have emerged victorious at Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado 2024, held at the majestic Castillo de Almodóvar del Río in Spain!
- Claiming victory over the weekend, Hamzah “Hera” El-Baher, Alexis “MarineLorD” Eusebio, Themistoklis “TheMista” Bonidis and Nguyễn “Chim Sẻ Đi Nắng” Đức Bình were crowned
- The tournament featured some of the best global talent, with Riley Knight and Salome “Soe” Gschwind-Repp taking up the mantle as tournament hosts
- As the official partners of 2024, AGON by AOC, AMD and Backforce delivered the ultimate gaming experience for players
After a tournament of breathtaking battles and fierce strategy, champions have emerged victorious at Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado 2024, claiming titles across four legendary Age of Empires games in front of a roaring crowd at the iconic Castillo de Almodóvar del Río. In one of the most epic Age of Empires showdowns in recent history, these skilled strategists conquered a star-studded field of global competitors to etch their names into the annals of Wololo history.
The champions of Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado 2024 are:
- Age of Empires I: Nguyễn “Chim Sẻ Đi Nắng” Đức Bình
- Age of Empires II: Hamzah “Hera” El-Baher
- Age of Empires IV: Alexis “MarineLorD” Eusebio
- Age of Mythology: Retold: Themistoklis “TheMista” Bonidis
Following edge-of-your-seat matches, these four players reigned supreme across AoE I, AoE II, AoE IV, and Age of Mythology: Retold. Their triumphant journeys through the castle’s medieval courtyard, a setting befitting the Age of Empires saga, culminated in stunning grand finales that captivated fans both live and online.
The seventh edition of Red Bull Wololo saw Age of Empire II champion, Hamzah “Hera” El-Baher, battle against a fiercely competitive roster to claim a well-deserved victory. Facing down 2021 champion Ørjan “TheViper” Larsen in a thrilling grand final, the pair’s display of brilliant strategic play, showmanship and impressive skill saw that the fight for the crown remained intense until the final moment.
Age of Mythology: Retold also made its competitive debut at Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado 2024, adding a mythical twist to the tournament. Themistoklis “TheMista” Bonidis claimed the title of inaugural champion, demonstrating exceptional skill and bringing glory to their chosen god. In Age of Empires I, Nguyễn “Chim Sẻ Đi Nắng” Đức Bình emerged victorious after a fearsome showdown against Đỗ “Xuân Thứ” Thứ, while the Age of Empires IV grand final saw Alexis “MarineLorD” Eusebio crowned.
The tournament, hosted from October 3rd-6th, welcomed a blend of seasoned professionals and rising stars, all seeking to prove their dominance across the Age of Empires universe. As the newest champions of the esteemed Red Bull Wololo series, these players lay claim not only to prestigious titles but also global recognition among Age of Empires dedicated community.
This year’s edition, Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado, took place in the breathtaking surroundings of the Castillo de Almodóvar del Río in Cordoba, Spain, an immersive location that added an extra layer of grandeur to the competition. The incredible event saw players face off in LAN battles within the castle walls, with a live audience of fans witnessing thrilling culminations of in-game ranked ladder champions, online qualifiers, and invited elite players. The final stage of the competition saw intense matchups that had the audience on the edge of their seats.
The Red Bull Wololo series has long been the gold standard for Age of Empires esports. Now, with its seventh edition complete, the tournament continues to elevate the competitive scene. Supported by industry-leading partners, including AGON by AOC, AMD and Backforce delivering the ultimate gaming experience for players, Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado was an unforgettable spectacle.
The post Red Bull Wololo: El Reinado 2024 Crowns its Victors! appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
Press Releases
LVL Presents the Thunderpick World Championship Finals Live

LVL Presents The Thunderpick World Championship, CS2 Finals, Live! Tickets Available for Purchase on Oct. 1
LVL, in collaboration with GRID, proudly announced today that it will host the 2024 Thunderpick World Championship 2024 Finals. The global professional CS2 tournament with a record-setting $1 million (USD) prize pool, along with LVL, one of the premier venues for gaming and esports in Berlin, promises a electrifying LAN event for all Counter-Strike fans!
Official teaser video on youtube: LVL presents Thunderpick World Championship 2024
Tickets to the event, which is shaping to be one of the most exciting events this year with some of the biggest names in esports, will go on sale tomorrow, Oct. 1.
The Thunderpick World Champions 2024 Finals will feature an online GSL Group Stage which will take place from Oct. 21 to 25.
The 16 teams – including:
- BLEED,
- Cloud9,
- Legacy,
- M80,
- Imperial,
- BESTIA,
- BIG,
- HEROIC,
- fnatic,
- Falcons,
- Virtus.
- Pro
and more — will be split into four groups, each with four teams. They will compete within their group for a berth in the single-elimination Playoffs, with the top two teams per group advancing and the remaining two being disqualified.
The eight winning teams will then compete head-to-head in best-of-three matchups on Oct. 26 in the Quarterfinals. The four winning teams proceed to the Semifinals on Nov. 2, played live at LVL in Berlin.
On Nov. 3,, the two losing teams will compete for third place, followed by the best-of-five Grand Final, where the two winning teams will then compete for the title and $500,000 first prize.
“With the stakes higher than ever thanks to a $1M prize pool, crazy talented teams, and an awesome production team, the Thunderpick World Championship is shaping up to be an event fans will not want to miss, and now with LVL, fans can experience all the action in-person,” said Kelly Sanders, Head of Strategy for Thunderpick. “Due to the size of the venue, we expect tickets to sell out fast, so we encourage fans to secure their seats now for this epic event!”
The broadcast will be lead by a star-studded lineup of talent:
- Desk Host: Tres “stunna” Saranthus
- Analyst: Janko “YNk” Paunović
- Analyst: Sudhen “Bleh” Wahengbam
- Caster: Hugo “Hugo” Byron
- Caster: Adam “Dinko” Hawthorne
- Interviewer: Edona “Dona Spock” Musliu
This is the second year of the Thunderpick World Championship. In 2023, the total prize pool was $600,000 and FaZe Clan won the Grand Final. For this year’s event, competing teams participated in six qualifier rounds across three global regions – Europe, North America and South America – which started in April.
Tickets to the event, which are limited, can be purchased on lvl.global.
GRID is the official esports services provider and data partner of the Thunderpick World Championship. GRID’s comprehensive suite, featuring cutting-edge tournament tools, data visualization, and robust infrastructure, will be pivotal in enhancing the integrity, security, and commercial potential of the Thunderpick World Championship 2024.
The post LVL Presents the Thunderpick World Championship Finals Live appeared first on European Gaming Industry News.
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