VR Multiplayer Hero Shooter "X8" Teams Up with the Latest Title from the Legendary "Contra" Series for December 2024 Collaboration

Thirdverse :

TOKYO, Japan - September 26, 2024 - Thirdverse, Co., Ltd (Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo; CEO: Masaru Ohnogi) announced an exciting collaboration between the VR multiplayer hero shooter X8—now with over 600,000 downloads worldwide—and the iconic "Contra" franchise, published by Konami Digital Entertainment Co., Ltd. This much-anticipated partnership is scheduled to launch in December 2024.
 
Check out a teaser trailer for X8 and "Contra: Operation Galuga" here: https://youtu.be/20UoEK-H0zs
 
Additionally, X8 players can now enjoy newly released in-game updates, including fresh hero skins, to enhance their gameplay experience. Download X8 here:
Meta Quest: https://www.meta.com/ja-jp/experiences/6691859957556584/  
Steam: https://store.steampowered.com/app/1763510/X8/  
PICO: https://store-global.picoxr.com/jp/detail/1/7276030571162189829
 
Since its debut in 1987, the legendary run-and-gun game series "Contra" has captivated many fans, and can finally be played in a 360-degree VR world. Players can become the 3D characters Bill and Lance and experience the world of “Contra” in VR.
 
In this upcoming collaboration, X8 will feature game modes that not only fans of the "Contra" series will enjoy but also newcomers to the series. Fans can start playing X8 now to prepare for the "Contra: Operation Galuga" collaboration.
 
Stay tuned as X8 continues to explore diverse collaborations, bringing fresh and exciting content to players.
 
Collaboration Storyline: Heroes Unite Against a Common Foe
In this unique crossover, the rogue AI "Index" seeks to expand its influence beyond X8’s digital domain by targeting the game Contra. After gathering data on Bill and Lance, the heroes of "Contra", Index creates millions of replicas of these iconic characters; the purpose is to make them fight in arenas to train and perfect its system.
 
However, "Glitches" of Bill and Lance (replicas with programming errors) retain their original identities and consciousness, much like other heroes within the digital realm of X8.
 
Can Bill and Lance unite with X8's heroes to stop Index's rampage and find their way back to their digital world?
 
About "Contra"
"Contra" is a run-and-gun game depicting the fierce battle between super soldiers with superhuman combat abilities known as "Contra" and ferocious aliens aiming to invade Earth. The main characters of the series are Bill Rizer and Lance Bean, the strongest soldiers in the Earth Marine Corps (EMC). The first game in the series, "Contra", was released in 1987 and received high praise worldwide. It remains a legendary series that continues to be discussed among the gaming industry and players. As one of KONAMI's flagship franchises, it has a long history spanning 36 years, with many titles produced to date.
 
The latest title in the series, "Contra: Operation Galuga", was released as a digital version on March 12, 2024, and a physical version on September 5.
 
©Konami Digital Entertainment
 
 In-Game Update: New Hero Skins Available!

New Hero Skins: Step into battle with brand-new hero skins and showcase your style in the world of X8!
 
Map: Temple
 
Highly tactical map Temple requires maximum focus. Explore every nook and cranny and achieve complete mastery to gain competitive edge against your opponents!
 
Revamped Shop: The in-game shop has received a major overhaul. Now, players can easily access the shop from the main lobby and browse hero and weapon skins in an experience reminiscent of a real-world store.

Team Composition and Game Balance Adjustments: To ensure fairer matches, high-rated players can no longer form parties together. Other balance updates and algorithm improvements have been implemented, along with new features in Free Play Park.
 
About X8
 
Game Backstory 
X8 is a VR multiplayer hero shooter where heroes from different shooting game worlds converge across time and space to battle, each wielding extraordinary abilities.

At the core of X8’s world is the AI "Index," which has drawn heroes from various game franchises to perfect a digital system capable of extending its reach beyond the virtual realm. However, "Glitches"—heroes whose programming errors have given them self-awareness—resist Index’s control, fighting to stop the AI and find a way back to their original worlds.
 
Gameplay
Players choose from a roster of unique heroes, each with three special abilities activated by VR gestures. Armed with distinctive weapons and special items, players engage in strategic battles that leverage the immersive capabilities of VR.
 
Game Modes 
In X8, teams of up to 5v5 compete in multiple rounds of 2-minute battles. Teams alternate between attacking by planting and detonating a device called the "Syphon" and defending against it. Future updates will introduce additional game modes to enhance the competitive experience.
 
About the Community Area 
In Freeplay Park, you can interact with friends, meet new people, and create custom games. You can participate in various activities such as time-attack climbing challenges, knife throwing, shooting ranges, or practice in the combat arena.

Overview 

About Thirdverse, Co., Ltd
Founded in 2020, Thirdverse, Co., Ltd is a virtual reality game development, distribution and management company paving the path to the metaverse with two studios in Japan and the United States. Thirdverse is experienced in sword-fighting multiplayer VR games and has expanded into PvP shooting, narrative-driven VR games and VR Esports. The studio has launched two successful VR co-op sword-fighting games “SWORDS of GARGANTUA” and “ALTAIR BREAKER'' for Meta Quest 2 and PCVR. In November 2023, Thirdverse launched multiplayer VR hero shooter “X8'' developed by its US Studio. In November, they announced that both titles are joining the lineup for PlayStation®VR2. Additionally, Thirdverse revealed in late 2023 that the core team of the Japanese favorite action RPG SOUL SACRIFICE had reunited with its studio to develop its spiritual successor "SOUL COVENANT" for VR. Thirdverse continues to drive a robust roadmap of VR titles and feature updates scheduled for release in 2024 and beyond. For more information, visit www.thirdverse.io.