Jo-Mei Games made an appearance during The Game Awards 2020 pre-show to confirm that Sea of Solitude would be coming to the Nintendo Switch. It’s set to release next year but that’s not all. The game has been fully reworked, to the extent that it’s being referred to as The Director’s Cut. Check out the reveal trailer below.

Sea of Solitude released last year for Xbox One, PS4 and PC, and told the story of Kay as her feelings of loneliness and anger turned her into a monster. She embarks on a journey to discover why she turned out this way, exploring a flooded city teeming with other monsters. It’s received some decent acclaim for its themes and overall story-telling.

Sea of Solitude – The Director’s Cut is seemingly only for Switch and features a new script, new voices and Photo Mode. There’s even support for gyroscopic controls. It’s out on March 4^th 2021 so stay tuned for more details.

Electronic Arts announced back in October 2019 that it would bring several of its title to Steam. Though it started slow with Respawn’s Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order, it’s since released a number of titles like Unravel Two, Dragon Age: Inquisition, Sea of Solitude, and much more. Furthermore, it’s touting that EA Access will be coming “soon” to the platform as well.

How soon is “soon” remains to be seen, but it could launch at next week’s EA Play Live 2020. The digital event will be streamed on June 11th and will feature the publisher’s line-up for the rest of the year, with FIFA 21, Madden NFL 21, and more expected to be showcased. Will we see these same titles coming to Steam at the same as Origin? That remains to be seen.

EA Access is currently available for Xbox One and PS4, with its Origin launcher having Origin Access. There are two tiers for the service on PC. Theree’s Origin Access Basic, which provides access to dozens of EA and third party titles, along with free trials of upcoming games, for $4.99. Then there’s the Premier tier for access to full games one week before the worldwide launch for $14.99.

In case you forgot about Origin Access among the Xbox Game Pass and PlayStation Plus offerings this month, Electronic Arts has some new offerings for its subscription service. Jo-Mei Games’ Sea of Solitude is now available in Origin Access Basic after initially being available only in the Premier tier. It’s part of the EA Originals label along with Unravel 1 and 2 and Fe.

There’s also Legrand Legacy: Tale of the Fatebounds, an RPG which is inspired by classics like Final Fantasy and Legend of Dragon, and Worms WMD, an excellent local multiplayer game. Origin Access Premier subscribers get Metroidvania title Mable and The Wood from Triplevision Games.

Origin Access Basic costs $4.99 while the Premier Tier costs $14.99. Along with the Vault which contains a number of older titles in the Dragon Age series, Mass Effect, FIFA and so on, the Premier tier also offers access to recent EA titles like Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order. Many titles, like last year’s Anthem and Need for Speed Heat, are available a week prior to their official launch as well. Stay tuned for more details on titles to join the Origin Access library.

While EA is still very much known for their sports franchises as well as having licenses from big IPs such as Star Wars, the company has actively been courting the indie crowd with several indie-styled titles under their banner. One such game was Sea of Solitude, a game about depression and anxiety personified in a literal sense. And it seems the game’s Creative Director is already hard at work on the next game.

On her official Twitter post, Cornelia Geppert says that she woke up and wrote the entire first draft of her next project after several days of relaxing at the end of 2019. That’s a pretty productive evening, to say the least.

Sea of Solitude was a solid, if flawed, title (you can read our review of it through here). It showed potential for Jo-Mei Games, though, so their next project will be worth keeping an eye on. Even with a full first draft done, it will still probably be a few years before we see anything.

https://twitter.com/CorneliaGeppert/status/1212403632857063424

Sea of Solitude casts players as Kay, a young girl who has seemingly isolated herself from others with her self-centered behavior, leading her to eventually realize she’s now forced to face her demons all alone. Jo-Mei Games uses this depression, anxiety, and fear to create a backdrop for both aesthetics and its gameplay. A vast and lonely city partially devoured by the sea acts as an on-the-nose allegory for solitude. Meanwhile, the game’s cast of characters are primarily huge, jet black monsters that take the form of animals, each of which Kay is actively attempting to return to their human forms so she can help them and redeem herself. It’s all equally wondrous and well-designed, and the focus on metaphors and allegories helps Sea of Solitude justify its existence as an interactive experience even when the actual gameplay doesn’t hold up.

"Sea of Solitude casts players as Kay, a young girl who has seemingly isolated herself from others with her self-centered behavior, leading her to eventually realize she’s now forced to face her demons all alone. Jo-Mei Games uses this depression, anxiety, and fear to create a backdrop for both aesthetics and its gameplay."

Interaction with the game’s world is relatively simple, and the extent of your enjoyment will depend entirely on whether you enjoy games that value narrative over gameplay depth. Sea of Solitude gives you a stunningly gorgeous environment to explore, but said exploration is never fleshed out in any meaningful ways. You’ll walk, run, swim, and drive a small boat around as you move from point to point, occasionally reaching areas that require you to evade enemies or lead them into light sources to destroy them. These “combat” encounters (if you can call them that) are never challenging, and they’re repeated until they’re groan-inducing to endure. But death luckily results in little more than a quick respawn nearby, eliminating at least some of the frustration that can arise from any accidents.

Beyond these encounters, you’ll find a few collectibles to round up. The first is messages in bottles that are scattered around the game’s environments. But unlike many games that offer interesting insight into their characters through expositional collectibles, Sea of Solitude’s messages are short quips that feel inconsequential to both the area found and the story as a whole. They’re perhaps not as inconsequential as the game’s other form of collectibles, however, which take the form of seagulls Kay must shoo away. There’s no reward for finding them and shooing them off, and doing so has absolutely no sense of in-game purpose besides making Kay look like a jerk who hates seagulls.

And it’s a real bummer that the game’s 3-4 hour playtime is dragged down so much by its uneven delivery of story and gameplay considering its premise is so captivating. Each chapter of the story is focused on one of the aforementioned monster animals with whom Kay wants to repair a relationship. The first chapter manages to resonate the most, focusing on a young boy named Sunny who suffers from repeated bullying and feels as though he shouldn’t exist. As you uncover his story and how it relates to Kay, you eventually encounter his animal form, a giant sight to behold that leads to some truly enrapturing cinematic moments. It’s in these moments that Sea of Solitude shows the potential of what it could’ve been if it had been a more focused adventure.

"Making matters worse, the game’s dialogue and acting is astonishingly corny throughout."

However, despite the game’s opening chapter setting promising a fascinating journey, much of Sea of Solitude’s story is simply doled out through awkward background audio. As you walk and swim around the areas in the game, Kay will remember memories of conversations she’s had with someone in the past, yet it rarely relates to what you’re doing on the screen, creating a strange dissonance between gameplay and narrative. A perfect example came in the opening chapter of the game. I found myself forced to evade a cruel monster with razor-sharp teeth that swam in a designated path through the water. I had to feel out the perfect time to swim across to floating objects and buildings or risk being eaten alive. But Kay’s memories of casual conversation were rambling about in the background through some of it, completely removing the anxiety I would’ve otherwise felt when trying to escape a gruesome death. This became a recurring problem as I continued through the game, and despite finding hints of intriguing plot scattered throughout, it all felt too disconnected from my gameplay experience to ever resonate with me the way I wanted it to.

Making matters worse, the game’s dialogue and acting is astonishingly corny throughout. Most of the cast is the kind of slightly amateurish but inoffensive voice acting we’ve all come to expect from narrative-driven independent games. As someone who is fairly forgiving of voice acting in gaming, however, it’s important to me that anyone less forgiving of shortcomings understands: The lead voice actress is among the worst I’ve ever heard. It’s a shame that this unfortunate casting decision plays the biggest part in destroying the necessary sense of weight the story so desperately needs to be effective.

"Maybe with a bit more time and polish, we’ll see a follow-up game from the studio that manages to blossom into something truly exceptional."

Still, despite its below-average voice acting and unexciting gameplay, there was a sense of wonder to  that kept me invested. There’s an underlying message Jo-Mei Games could’ve nailed with more focused execution and a better cast, but as it stands, it’s an uneven experience that still begs to be witnessed for its flashes of narrative brilliance and awe-inspiring moments. Maybe with a bit more time and polish, we’ll see a follow-up game from the studio that manages to blossom into something truly exceptional.

This game was reviewed on the PlayStation 4.

Electronic Arts’ July lineup for Origin Access is looking pretty good, especially for Basic subscribers. The titles this month include They Are Billions (previously available via Origin Access Premier), Frostpunk, Moonlighter, and FIFA 19. Of course, Premier members can also get their hands on new games like Sea of Solitude, A Plague Tale: Innocence, and later in the month, Madden NFL 20.

However, not all games will be available right now. Sea of Solitude, Moonlighter, A Plague Tale: Innocence, and Frostpunk can be currently played in their respective subscription tiers. They Are Billions will be added on June 18th, and might be worth trying out if you’re wary about the new campaign.

FIFA 19 and Madden NFL 20 will round out the month. The former arrives on July 24th. Madden NFL 20 follows EA’s practice of releasing full-price games a week early on Origin Access Premier. It’s great for trying out all the new changes, like the X-Factor abilities and Face of the Franchise: QB1 mode.

Sea of Solitude is one interesting looking game. With a unique style, it features a young girl by the name of Kay waking in a strange place. The game is releasing today and with it publisher EA has released a moody launch trailer alongside it.

The trailer highlights the game’s unique art style and look. Kay is in a dark place, both literally and figuratively. She must face various large scale monsters, several of which you see in the video. The game is an action adventure game which has combat and platforming. Kay must light up the map as she goes through her adventure, opening new ways to progress. The CEO of the game’s development company said it was a story centered on loneliness and the continued struggle with it. Check it out below.

Sea of Solitude is the latest game from EA Originals, and it releases today on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.

Fire Emblem: Three Houses

Intelligent Systems is teaming up with Koei Tecmo for Fire Emblem: Three Houses, releasing on July 26^th for the Switch. While the series’ tactical combat is still present, the story takes an intriguing turn, casting the player as a teacher. You’ll be guiding the students of the Black Eagles, Blue Lions and Golden Deer, each house representing a nation formerly at war and having a key character associated with them. That’s just the pre-time skip though – what happens after five years when the nations are at war once again? You’ll need to play the game to find out.

Stranger Things 3: The Game

So Telltale Games’ Stranger Things went bust. The good news is that Bonus XP and Netflix are delivering Stranger Things 3: The Game, a companion title to the upcoming third season. And it’s an…overhead beat ’em up style game with local co-op? We can dig it. Players will take on different quests, solve puzzles, battle enemies and choose from 12 characters, each with their own abilities. Stranger Things 3: The Game is out on July 4^th for Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, PS4 and PC.

Final Fantasy 14: Shadowbringers

Square Enix’s next massive expansion for Final Fantasy 14: A Realm Reborn is nearly upon us. Shadowbringers provides players with a darker task than before – they must venture to the First Star dimension and become the Warrior of Darkness to stop the Light’s overwhelming influence. Along with an increased level cap, new zones, new jobs like the Dancer and Gunbreaker and new races, Shadowbringers will also have a series of new raids. This includes one based on NieR: Automata which director Yoko Taro is overseeing. Final Fantasy 14: Shadowbringers is out on July 2^nd for PS4 and PC.

Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order

Set in a new universe and retaining the signature Marvel Comics look, Marvel Ultimate Alliance 3: The Black Order is developed by Team Ninja and published by Nintendo for the Switch. It sees our heroes battling against Thanos and his Black Order for the Infinity Stones. The signature beat ’em up action is still intact along with a large cast of characters, from Captain America and Deadpool to Magneto and Wolverine. We’ll see how well it captures the spirit of Marvel when it releases on July 19^th.

Sea of Solitude

Jo-Mei Games’ Sea of Solitude is a emotional adventure game set in a submerged city. Protagonist Kay has become a monster and is on a mission to regain her humanity. Along the way, she’ll encounter other bizarre creatures and learn to cope with her psychological issues. Though a relatively low-key release, Sea of Solitude has an intriguing aesthetic and premise. It’s out on July 5^th for Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Wolfenstein: Youngblood

Taking place two decades after The New Colossus, Wolfenstein: Youngblood takes the series in some interesting new directions. B. J. Blazkowicz’s twin daughters travel to Nazi-occupied Paris to find their father and aid the resistance as well because why not? With co-op support, missions that can be attempted in any order and level design that takes cues from Arkane Studios’ Dishonored, Wolfenstein: Youngblood looks to be a worthy follow-up. It’s out on July 26^th for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Dragon Quest Builders 2

The sequel to the hit action RPG sandbox title, Dragon Quest Builders 2 features an epic new story and massive world to explore. As an alternate version of Dragon Quest 2’s story, Dragon Quest Builders 2 is about fighting the Children of Hargon who want to wipe out all builders. To accomplish this, you’ll take on various tasks, constructing buildings and improving your building skills. New features include underwater exploration, flying, online and offline multiplayer with up to four players and much more. It’s out on July 12^th for Nintendo Switch and PS4 in the West.

Just Cause 4: Los Demonios

Available early for Season Pass holders, Just Cause 4’s second expansion Los Demonios is out for everyone else on July 3^rd. It sees a parasitic alien species attacking Solis, bringing new terrifying enemies for Rico to deal with. Fortunately, he’ll have some new weapons including alien tech to hold his own. In terms of missions and scale, the jury’s still out on whether Los Demonios is worth checking out when it arrives on Xbox One, PS4 and PC.

Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle

Yes, the craze for Attack on Titan isn’t what it used to be but that doesn’t mean Koei Tecmo is slowing down on content for its game series. Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle is an upgrade which sports new original episodes for Story Mode, new characters like Zeke and Kenny Ackerman, and scenarios from Season 3 of the anime. There are also two new modes, the first focused on squad battles against Titans for territories and the second more focused on aerial combat. Attack on Titan 2: Final Battle is out on July 5^th in the West for Xbox One, PS4, PC and Nintendo Switch.

Beyond: Two Souls (PC)

Quantic Dreams’ hit cinematic adventure titles have finally come to PC…via the Epic Games Store. Regardless, PC players can finally experience Beyond: Two Souls in their preferred resolution and frame rate (we hope). The story stars Hollywood actor Ellen Page as Jodie, a woman with immense psychic powers thanks to her connection with an entity named Aiden. Along the way, she’ll battle against the CIA including her surrogate father-figure portrayed by Willem Dafoe. Beyond: Two Souls is out on July 22^nd for PC.

Last year we got a look at Jo-Mei Games’ Sea of Solitude, an adventure game about loneliness set in a flooded city. Though it was slated to release in early 2019, a solid release date has finally been provided. You can play of Sea of Solitude on July 5th for Xbox One, PS4, and PC. It will retail for $19.99.

As part of EA Originals, Sea of Solitude sees a young girl named Kay dealing with her own loneliness, which has turned her into a “monster”. The flooded city represents her state of mind, its water levels changing to reflect the same. Throughout the story, players will meet different creatures and monsters.

Jo-Mei Games CEO Cornelia Geppert stated, “Sea of Solitude centers on the essence of loneliness and tugs on the heartstrings of its players by mirroring their own reality. It’s by far the most artistic and personal project I’ve ever created, written during a very emotional time in my life.

“Designing characters based on emotions was a deeply personal achievement for our team and we’re so excited for players to soon experience Kay’s powerful story of self-discovery and healing.”

Announced last year at EA Play, Sea of Solitude stood out for its intriguing narrative premise and atmosphere. We’ll see how it ultimately pans out on release, however. EA Play 2019 will be taking place on June 8th with a number of different livestreams scheduled. Perhaps we’ll see some more EA Originals titles then. Stay tuned for more details.

Control

Remedy Entertainment’s newest project immediately caught our attention with its surreal premise, reality-bending levels and supernatural powers. Playing as Jesse, director of the Bureau of Control, the goal is to stop an enemy called Hiss from tearing apart HQ aka the Oldest House. Along with incorporating a more sandbox style world, Control will also incorporate Metroidvania aspects of exploration. Finding abilities will open up new paths along with more ways to maul enemies.