Sifu Guide: How To Master The Ways Of The Fist (& Feet)

Sifu is available right now; if you need some 3D action and hardcore challenges in your gaming lifestyle, this indie title from SloClap is for you.
Here are some tips to deal with the brutal and challenging bouts of Sifu. All inputs are on PC using an Xbox controller; X is light attack, Y is heavy.
Get Used To Parrying & Avoiding Stuff Coming Your Way

First learn stand, then learn fly. You cannot get far into Sifu by button mashing. You need to learn how to parry attacks and avoid them while still being close to an opponent.
To parry, just press the Left Bumper/L1 as soon as an opponent’s hit lands. If timed improperly, you block but get Structure damage on your character. If you time it right, you stun them, leaving you to do a nifty throw move (X+A) or follow up with your own attacks. Plus, you deal more Structure damage to opponents when they’re parried.
Also, holding the Left Bumper/L1 and pressing either up or down lets you do a quick evade. Up avoids sweep & low attacks, Down avoids high and mid attacks. This is essential as some moves like the fat enemy’s power throw can only be quick evaded.
Sure, you’ll eat more punches than parry them at the start, but with a lot of practice and deaths, you’ll be sure to walk through a stage unscathed and parry-savvy.
Enemy KOs & Takedowns = Health

To get back life, you need to knock down enemies. When you see the Y+B prompt, that’s when you finish them off in style with a fancy takedown and get back some health. Best of all, you cannot get interrupted when in this special animation, so abuse it when you can.
Get Used To Dying & Restarting

You will see this top screen a lot.
When you get KO’ed, you get a bump in age and 1 point in the Death Counter. Consecutive KOs mean you rack up the age & wrinkles while the Death Counter piles up. Defeating an elite enemy takes a number off the Death Counter.
A word on age: if you get older, you deal more damage but your life bar gets lower. When you’re in your 60s and 70s, your punches and kicks will hurt and deal more Structure damage, but you will get downed faster and stunned quicker with little to no surefire way to recover quick.
Shortcuts; Use Them

By playing levels and exploring them, you’ll unlock keys that give you access to effective shortcuts. Use these to get back to the boss fights quick without going through the rank and file.
When In Doubt, Just Hard Dodge Out Of The Way
When you’re cornered or in a tight spot, just Right Trigger your way out of trouble. Whether you run or do a dodge, get some breathing room.
Note that you cannot use this move as a substitute for the Left Bumper quick evades. The Right Trigger dodge has a bit of a cooldown, meaning that by the time you try to counterattack after this, your opponent(s) is in a ready state. For close-up attacks and counters, you have to parry and use quick evades instead.

Sifu Stage Walkthroughs

Intro Stage

Stage 1: The Squats

Stage 2: The Club

Stage 3: The Museum

Stage 4: The Tower

Stage 5: The Sanctuary

All Boss Fights Walkthrough

Tips On How To Get “Prodigal Child” Achievement/Trophy
The Prodigal Child achievement is perhaps the hardest achievement/trophy to get because of how difficult it is. You have to beat the game while being 25 years old or less. This means you need to die a lot less, or not at all, for ALL FIVE STAGES of the game.
Here are a few tips to get you closer to this from Stage 1 to the last. We’ll add more in the future:
-The most straightforward tip is: don’t die in the first four stages. Easier said than done, right? Well, if you unlock the shortcuts for all five stages, you’ll have less challenges to deal with at the cost of less Dragon Shrines to get upgrades. At the very least, you can get past Stage 1 without any deaths just fine especially if you have a lot of moves and skills permanently unlocked in previous playthroughs.
-Replay all the stages until you get your route and plan of attack down pat. The easiest replay is most likely Stage 3, because you can go straight to Lady Kuroki via the lift after dealing with the two weapon-carrying goons at the start.
-Permanently unlock half your skills. Replay the game for XP, then unlock them when prompted. Permanent skills and moves carry on regardless of whether you restart your playthroughs or continue onward at your current age.
-The toughest part of Stage 2 is the Endurance Test just before fighting Sean the boss. You’ll be fighting two of Sean’s disciples; the female disciple has a low red attack sweep you should watch out for. Generally, they’ll do a three-hit attack that ends with a red fist attack that you can dodge away from and counter.
-Even so, Sean’s second phase is pretty tough because you need to react to the animations of some of his damaging moves like his low sweep and the fact that he will break attack sequence when he’s low on health. Use your Focus attacks more during his second phase.
-In Stage 3, you can get a Dragon Statue upgrade at the top of the museum complex just before the waterfall door at the top, and a Dragon Statue after taking the lift to Lady Kuroki’s snow garden.
-In Stage 4, just take the second lift to the right at the lobby to go straight to the underground section. You’ll be fighting Sean’s disciples and the long leg fighters mostly, along with the usual starter goons.
-Do not take the shortcuts (ie: the one where you jump down from the high ledge you’re on) because they will KO you, adding 1 or more to the Death Counter.
-Jinfeng has a long-reaching rope dart with a low sweep at the end of her combo attacks, so get ready to dodge up when that happens. When you’re up close, she will try to retaliate with a one-punch attack. Anticipate and bait this move (via jabbing her once or twice while she’s blocking), dodge accordingly, then punish her.
-Jinfeng’s second phase adds extra attacks to her one punch up-close combo. Just avoid/parry three/four of them and you can counter. Also, her timings for her high/low rope dart sweeps have delays, so watch out for that and don’t spam dodge immediately. One of her rope dart attacks drags you in ala Mortal Kombat’s Scorpion; watch out for the telltale glint then time your dodge.
-In Stage 5, you can take the shortcut to the outside area to Yang’s place from the Sanctuary lobby. You’ll be fighting a fat guy, two regular goons with weapons, the long leg female fighter, a Sean disciple who has a surprise throw attack, and another Sean disciple with a bo staff who can low sweep you.
-You’ll most likely die a lot fighting the last boss Yang because he’s a tough nut to figure out, especially in his second phase. Plus you can’t use Focus attacks on him; you have to play it clean and parry most of his non-red attacks. This is the part where you will age up to 25 from 20 just from the second phase alone.

Tips On How To Get The True Ending
Sifu has a true ending. To get it, you just need to beat all 5 bosses once to get the first ending, then do it again. The first ending basically shames you for your killing spree, but there is a way to redeem yourself.
When you fight them a second time again (yes, you can use shortcuts and alternate routes you unlocked), just before you deliver the killing blow in their second phases, you’ll be given an extra prompt to spare them (via the Left D-pad). Press the Left D-pad when prompted and you’ll spare them. After sparing all 5 bosses, you’ll unlock the true ending. Enjoy!


Peacemaker Episode 7 Breakdown & Easter Eggs Explained

The seventh episode of Peacemaker Season 1 is now streaming on HBO GO and HBO Max. Iâ€™ll be discussing heavy spoilers so if you havenâ€™t seen it or want to avoid spoilers, nowâ€™s your chance to stop reading.
The series will explore the origins of the character that Cena first portrayed in James Gunnâ€™s 2021 film,Â The Suicide Squad, which is already currently available on HBO GO.Â PeacemakerÂ isÂ a compellingly vainglorious man who believes in peace at any cost, no matter how many people he has to kill to get it.
The series also stars Danielle Brooks as Adebayo, Freddie Stroma as Vigilante, Jennifer Holland as Harcourt, Steve Agee as Economos, Chukwudi Iwuji as Murn, and Robert Patrick as Auggie Smith.
In the meantime, you can check out my breakdown of the ending and easter eggs in The Suicide SquadÂ byÂ heading over here.
You can also check out my previous breakdowns ofÂ Peacemaker Episodes 1, 2 and 3 here, as well asÂ Episode 4,Â Episode 5Â and Episode 6 here.

Peacemaker Accidentally Killed His Brother When They Were Kids

Our suspicions were right. When they were kids, Chris (Peacemaker) accidentally killed his brother, Pete, with a punch while they were fighting in a pit for some reason.
Adebayo Was Told By Amanda Waller To Plant The Fake Diary

Yeah, she betrayed the team by planting the fake Peacemaker diary.
Peacemaker Vs White Dragon

It’s Peacemaker versus his father.
And Peacemaker kills his father by shooting him in the head.

The Goff Queen Kills Murn The Butterfly

The Butterflies kill Murn.
This Is The ‘Cow’ From Which The Butterflies Get Their Food

This giant alien creature is where the butterflies get their food from.
We only have one episode left, and that’s coming in next’s week Season 1 finale. Until then, excelsior!


LEGO Super Mario Is Reportedly Adding Luigi Soon

It looks like the LEGO Super Mario collection is going to add Luigi into the fold soon. Following a recent firmware update, LEGO Super Mario started calling out for Luigi with new lines. Some suspected that it might indicate the arrival of LEGO Luigi, and they might be right.
A listing appeared on Amazon China for Lego set 71387, Adventures with Luigi over the weekend. However, it was immediately taken down. According to BrickFanatics, the set includes Luigi, a pink Yoshi, Bone Goomba, and Boom Boom. Apparently, they will all come as part of a 280-piece set.
Amazon China listed the set at 420 Yuan, with a release date of 9 July 2021. That translates to roughly US$65, but Nintendo or LEGO has yet to confirm the leaks as of yet.
In the meantime, you can check out the leaked pictures below:


Three Key Takeaways From Overwatch League Pre-Season Day 1

Here are the three key take-aways from the first three pre-season games of the inaugural season of the Overwatch League which saw some sick Genji blades, ridiculous Pharah air-shots and tons of angry Gorillas;
No Sinatraa? No problem
San Francisco Shock filled in for the absent Philadelphia Fusion played twice on day-one and they made the most of it by convincingly defeating the Florida Mayhem before running out of gas and losing to Valiant in their second match of the day . The absence of ‘Mr 150k’ Sinatraa wasn’t felt as Danteh and BABYBAY led the line to defeat the out-of-sorts Mayhem 3-1 in the opening match of the day. All things considered, despite losing to Valiant in their second match, San Francisco Shock performed well in the nine maps they played in total and are surely one of teams leaving day one with their heads held high.
Agilities 2.0 Found
Valiant’s main DPS for the day, Silkthread who was coincidentally playing in his first ever LAN tournament performed waaaaaay above expectations as he pulled off several brilliant plays including a 4-elimination Dragon Blade which madeÂ Agilities’ absence hardly felt.Â  En route to Valiant’s win against the fatigued Shock, the rest of the team performed as expected and the team chemistry was apparent in one of the two Los Angeles ‘home teams’ at the inaugural Overwatch League season. However, the over-reliance on their DPS players to keep the fight going may be their downfall once they come to face with teams with a more solid Support roster.

DynastyÂ Dominate in Battle of the Double DsÂ
On paper, the Shanghai Dragons looked formidable enough to challenge the Korean dominance with top Chinese players in their lineup including Undead and Roshan. While they did give a good fight to the Korean favorites at the start, the Seoul Dynasty team showed everyone why they are still the team to beat at the Overwatch League. Even when Fleta was being out-played by Diya, the rest of the Dynasty crew stood their ground en route to a very convincing 4-0 overall win over the Dragons. DPS Wekeed pulled off some sick air-shots as Pharah and Kuki also performed very well filling in for the Tank role. The Dragons attempted several character swaps throughout the four maps but were still unable to out-smart the Koreans who pretty much steamrolled their way to win the final two maps comfortably.
Day-2 of the Overwatch League pre-season continues tomorrow as three more matches take place involving the remaining six teams that did not play today. To many, the pick of the lot is easily the Texas Derby as Dallas Fuel take on Houston Outlaws but for us, it’s the Los Angeles GLAdiators vs London Spitfire, as we finally get to see the hybrid team comprising of OGN APEX Season 3 Runners-Up and Season 4 winners take the floor for the first time.

The first match starts a bit earlier tomorrow, as the Gladiators square off against Spitfire at 6AM local time.Â Stay tuned to Kakuchopurei.com as we bring you all the coverage, analysis and news from the Overwatch League.


Ghost Recon Breakpoint Now Has Trial Version And Friend Pass

I previously wrote how Ubisoft seemed keen to promote Sam Fisher’s appearance in Ghost Recon Breakpoint with their recently-concluded free weekend for the game. Now, they’re providing further incentives to play the game itself with the new trial version and Friend Pass.
According to the post, the trial will let you play Ghost Recon Breakpoint for six hours, with the entirety of the game being accessible. You keep your progress when you buy the game or play through the Friend Pass – more on that later – but if you’d played during the free weekend, the time you spent during that period will be counted for the purposes of the trial.
The Friend Pass, on the other hand, requires one person to own the game. This player can invite other players, so long as they have the trial version of the game installed, to their co-op session. There’s no limit on how many players you can invite overall, but you can only have up to three in a session, and they’ll need to be playing on the same platform as the host.
The trial version is available on the Microsoft Store, PlayStation Store, Ubisoft Store, and Epic Games Store and will be around forever. Meanwhile, the Friend Pass is available on Xbox One, PS4, and PC until 16 June 2020 only.
Ghost Recon Breakpoint didn’t quite impress at launch, so maybe this is Ubisoft’s way of trying to convince players that the game’s updates and new content, like the Ghost experience, have improved things. At the very least, it doesn’t cost much to find out if that’s the case.


Apex Legends Season 7 Trailer Showcases Horizon In Action

WithÂ Apex LegendsÂ Season 7 – Ascension launching this week on 4 November 2020, players get a new look at new Legend Horizon in action.
Once thought lost into the abyss of space, Horizon has returned to become the Legend of Olympus — finding herself at home, but also lost in time as she fights to return to her son.
A master of gravitational fields, Horizonâ€™s abilities bring an entirely new dimension to the games.

Whether itâ€™s using her tactical Repulsion Star for a powerful gravity lift or maneuvering through mid-air in her advanced space suit, Horizonâ€™s abilities not only gives squads the advantageous high ground, but it also protects her upon landing — allowing for a seamless flight.
Perfected in the depths of space, her robotic companion and ally N.E.W.T. lets players create a micro black hole perfect for pulling squads out of cover and holding them for the kill.
For a deeper look into the depth of her abilities, check out the new Legend Vignette Trailer below:

Apex Legends Season 7 will also feature new map Utopia of Olympus and a new Trident hovercraft, as well as the introduction of Clubs, giving players the opportunity to drop into this city amongst the clouds with others who match their experience level, interests or playstyle, and build a community they can squad up with again and again.


Pink Lombax Name Revealed In New Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart Trailer

We’ve been waiting for the pink Lombax’s real name since her initial reveal in June 2020.
According to Insomniac Games, her name is Rivet and she is a Lombax resistance fighter from another dimension, where organic life is hunted by the evil Emperor Nefarious. The new trailer showcases brand-new locations like Nefarious City, and alternate-dimension twists on old favourites like Sargasso and Torren IV, along with a sneak-peak at some new weapons and gameplay mechanics.
The developer has also revealed the five exclusive armour suits included in the Digital Deluxe Edition of the game. They’re known as the Imperial, Scavenger, Android, Rebel, and Hacker suits.
Check them out below:

Ratchet & Clank Rift Apart is launching exclusively for the PS5 on 11 June 2021. In the meantime, check out the new trailer below:


We Talk To Tribute Games About Its New TMNT Game (Exclusive Interview)

We haven’t had much fun with a 6-player Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtlles arcade game since, well, forever. We’re glad that TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge scratches that proverbial itch, as well as being a multiplayer darling of a 2D action game with awesome controls and hectic-but-fun gameplay, complete with lovingly-crafted aesthetics.
But what goes behind the process of making a game like TMNT, and what hurdles does its developer Tribute Games had to face to get the game out with its vision unscathed? We’ve interviewed one of the key members of the game in an exclusive first-in-Asia interview from yours truly. Check out the full video below.

Timestamps:
0:00 – Intro
0:27 – Was it troublesome to work with Nickelodeon?
3:07 – How each playable character was designed
8:34 – How many easter eggs did the team cram in? 1
2:50 – How the bosses in TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge were picked
16:43 – Why some bosses look different
17:15 – Why the team didn’t want to use the TMNT Konami games’ music
19:09 – The comparisons with Streets of Rage 4
21:07 – DLC and new content when?
23:57 – The lessons they learned from old games they did, and how they brought it forward to TMNT: Shredder’s Revenge


Netflix June 2023: Our Picks & Highlights

I’m sure you won’t want to waste time sifting through Netflix’s extensive catalogue of shows and movies just to decide on what to watch. The streaming giant updates its site every day, week, and month with new content, so I’m here to save your precious time.
Here are my personal recommendations and highlights for Netflix Malaysia’s June 2023 lineup and how to fill up your free time with worthwhile content at home:
Manifest Season 4 Part 2 (2 June 2023)
MANIFEST SEASON 04. (L to R) Parveen Kaur as Saanvhi Bahl and Josh Dallas as Ben Stone in Manifest Season 04. Cr. Peter Kramer/Netflix © 2022
As the Death Date looms, the Flight 828 passengers and their loved ones race to fulfil their Callings and prevent the terrifying future that awaits.

Black Mirror Season 6 (June 2023)

You’ve been wondering. You’ve been waiting. You’ve been warned. The sixth season of Charlie Brooker’s Black Mirror is BACK. The most unpredictable, unclassifiable and unexpected season yet is arriving in June on NETFLIX.
However, there is no definite release date yet.

Extraction 2 (16 June 2023)
Extraction 2. (Pictured) Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake in Extraction 2. Cr. Jasin Boland/Netflix © 2021
Hemsworth reunites with director Sam Hargrave, with Joe and Anthony Russo’s AGBO producing and Joe Russo writing. Golshifteh Farahani reprises her role from the first film, with Daniel Bernhardt and Tinatin Dalakishvili also co-starring.
This is a sequel to the first film that was based on the graphic novel ‘Ciudad’ by Ande Parks, from a story by Ande Parks, Joe Russo & Anthony Russo, with illustrations by Fernando León González. EXTRACTION 2 is produced by Anthony Russo, Joe Russo, Mike Larocca, Chris Hemsworth, Patrick Newall and Sam Hargrave, with Angela Russo-Otstot, Jake Aust, Benjamin Grayson, Steven Scavelli, Christopher Markus and Stephen McFeely as executive producers.

Black Clover Sword Of The Wizard King (16 June 2023)

Asta, a boy born with no magic in a world where magic is everything, and his rival Yuno, a genius mage chosen by the legendary 4-leaf Grimoire, have together fought a number of powerful enemies to prove their power beyond adversity and aim for the top mage “Wizard King”.
Standing in front of Asta and Yuno, who dream of becoming the Wizard King, are the Wizard Kings from the past.
Conrad Leto, Julius Novachrono’s predecessor Wizard King, once respected by the people of Clover Kingdom but suddenly rebelled against the kingdom and was sealed away, has been resurrected. Now he aims to use the “Imperial Sword” to resurrect the 3 most feared Wizard Kings in the history, Edward Avalaché, Princia Funnybunny and Jester Garandaros, and take over the Clover Kingdom.

Skull Island (22 June 2023)
Skull Island. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2023
Shipwrecked in the South Pacific, a group of explorers encounter a menagerie of fearsome creatures — including the giant ape who rules the island: Kong.

The Witcher Season 3 Volume 1 (29 June 2023)

As monarchs, mages, and beasts of the Continent compete to capture her, Geralt takes Ciri of Cintra into hiding, determined to protect his newly-reunited family against those who threaten to destroy it. Entrusted with Ciri’s magical training, Yennefer leads them to the protected fortress of Aretuza, where she hopes to discover more about the girl’s untapped powers; instead, they discover they’ve landed in a battlefield of political corruption, dark magic, and treachery. They must fight back, put everything on the line — or risk losing each other forever.
Returning cast for Season 3 are Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan, Joey Batey, MyAnna Buring, Tom Canton, Jeremy Crawford, Eamon Farren, Mahesh Jadu, Terence Maynard, Lars Mikkelsen, Mimî M Khayisa, Royce Pierreson, Wilson Mbomio, Anna Shaffer, Therica Wilson-Read, Cassie Clare, Mecia Simson, Graham McTavish, Bart Edwards, Simon Callow, Liz Carr, Ed Birch and Kaine Zajaz.

In the meantime, check out the Netflix June 2023 highlight sizzle reel below:


Watch Us Defeat Chaos In This Stranger In Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin Demo

After a day of turmoil and memes, we finally get to see the first hour or so of the new Final Fantasy spin-off game from Team Ninja, best known for the Ninja Gaiden and Nioh franchises. It’s called Stranger Of Paradise Final Fantasy Origin, and it’s what you would expect of a Dark Souls/Nioh clone using the Square Enix JRPG brand.
Some additions and twists to the action RPG formula: your main character, the unoriginally-named Jack, gets to level up and switch Jobs that let you use different equipment and skills to help survive the castle of Chaos you’re thrown in. You can parry and dodge enemy attacks, as well as pull off a Break move that finishes enemies off with a crystal attack after you’re done wailing it from bits of its health.
If you’ve played Nioh 2, the core combat is incredibly similar, albeit with a lot more emphasis on the Parrying mechanic. You can also steal Instant Abilities from enemies by successfully performing a Parry, which gives you limited powerups that can turn the tide of battle.
However, you lose all of that if you die. And die you will! This demo is no slouch on Normal and Hard difficulty, as you can see in our detailed playthrough below. Also, Team Ninja needs to work on your companion’s AI and commands; they’re pretty much useless in this demo.

Stranger Of Paradise: Final Fantasy Origin will be out for PS5 and PC in 2022.


Why The Samsung Z Flip4 Battery Is Perfect

In our last review of the Samsung Galaxy Z Flip4, we called it the smartphone equivalent of the Mazda MX-5. What it lacks in power as many perceive, the Flip4 more than makes up for its shortcomings with style, ingenuity, and novelty.
Yes, flip phones aren’t exactly ‘new’ following their resurgence these past few years. But like the plucky roadster from Mazda, it stands out from the rest, wherever you take them. Not only do they easily stand out, but they are also compact and look cool to boot. So what is really holding them back from being really adopted by the mainstream market?

Most of the complaints about Samsung’s more recent Flip models were the relatively small batteries these phones come with. In the Flip3, it was the power-users *cough* reviewers who tend to gripe about the ‘mere’ 3,300mAh battery the device came equipped with. Fully aware of this and directly addressing the issue, Samsung released the Flip4 with 3,700mAh batteries which to be honest, would be more than sufficient for casual users.
I consider myself a semi-power user and shifting over from the S22 Ultra to the Flip4, on paper, the difference between these phones is apparent. How can they not be, right? The S22 Ultra has a 5000mAh battery capacity while the Z Flip4 comes with ‘just’ 3,700mAh. However, considering I usually end my day with about 35% of battery left on the Ultra, I essentially require about 3,250mAh to get me through the day.
But wait! That’s well within the realms of even the Z Flip3. Once you consider that the S22 Ultra has a better, bigger and brighter screen, a casual user who rarely plays games or runs heavy-duty apps on their devices would be much better off with the Z Flip4. It’s like a person whose daily commute involves driving between their house to the nearest MRT station won’t need a souped-up supercar. A cute, zippy roadster would have done the same job but twice the fun. It just makes sense.
Now I am not dismissing the power of the S22 Ultra. By far it sits at the top of the pile as Samsung’s best offering of 2022. But put it next to other makes in the market and while it does stand out due to its size, it does not wow as much as the Flip4.
Power users tend to seek the best in the market. Flagship-tier processor, most advanced camera, largest sensor and as many bells and whistles crammed into a model. It sucks that this package isn’t yet available in flip form but here’s to hoping for one in the near future.
For reference’s sake, I made my wife use the Z Flip4 for a full week to simulate a more casual user experience. Unlike me, she isn’t a heavy user of her mobile device, only looking at the phone to reply to texts, for calls and the occasional Instagram scrolling. Surprise surprise – at the rate she’s using it, the Flip 4 would comfortably last more than a day. Your mileage may vary but this should be a good indicator of how the phone would perform for you.

It goes to show that it isn’t all about what’s written on the spec sheet, but how one utilizes the device. Power users who still want to stand out with their own Z Flip4 would have to cough out a little extra for an external power bank – but in this day and age – I’m pretty sure you have a few of them lying about.
In conclusion, the Z Flip4 and this ‘battery conundrum’ wasn’t really an issue to begin with, unless you are a power user whose screen time exceeds the 5 to 6-hour average. True, the more the merrier and perhaps Samsung could also improve on the subsequent model’s charging rate but for a device made for the casual yet wanting to stand out crowd, we see little to complain about. Battery usage performance in the Flip4 is actually quite respectable save for the most demanding situations.
Review unit provided by Samsung Malaysia.


The New Guilty Gear Finally Has An Official Title & Is Still Lookin’ Sharp

We can now finally stop calling Arc System Works’ latest project Guilty Gear 2020. Guess what the official title for the game is?

Also, here’s a new trailer for the game,Â  featuring a ton of lovely graphics, that rockin’ soundtrack, and some solid-looking gameplay that is making long-time GG fans complain like how SFIV did with SFV. Oh, and also confirmation thatÂ  Faust will be next in the new game’s roster.

For those who aren’t familiar with Faust, he’s a doctor renowned in kooky finishers and specials like so…


Peter Molyneux’s NFT Game Has Already Earned Millions

Remember Peter Molyneux? He’s best known for creating the Fable franchise and overhyping his games, but now his latest endeavour is an NFT game of all things. His latest game is titled Legacy, and it’s described as a blockchain business simulator. It’s developed by Molyneux under his new company, 22cans.
The developer describes the gameplay as thus:
Owning a Land NFT allows you to start your own in-game blockchain business association in Legacy. You will be able to play Legacy, while earning and owning your gameplay.
Crucially, as a business association owner, you will have access to Legacy Keys. These items can be lent to other people who want to start an in-game business in Legacy, making them your in-game Business Partners. As part of your association, they will share a portion of their earned LegacyCoin with you.
What’s even more bonkers about this NFT game is that the game isn’t even slated to release until sometime in 2022, but it has already sold NFTs worth a whopping Ethereum. Oh, wait, you don’t know what that is? Well, in real money, that translates to a crazy Â£40.5 million (via Eurogamer).
Unfortunately, developer 22cans doesn’t have a reliable track record. Their previous major game, Godus, remains in early access on Steam since first launching in 2014. It hasn’t received an update in over five years, so take that as you will. Peter Molyneux isn’t even the first in the games industry to adopt NFTs. Ubisoft, EA and others have already started dabbling in NFTs and blockchain technology.


PokÃ©mon Scarlet & Violet Announced, Coming In Late 2022

During a PokÃ©mon Presents live stream earlier today, the PokÃ©mon Company has officially announced the ninth generation of the franchise. The new titles are PokÃ©mon Scarlet and PokÃ©mon Violet, which is slated to arrive sometime in late 2022 for the Nintendo Switch.

According to the official website, these are the English names for the new starters:
Sprigatito.
Fuecoco.
Quaxly.

Both games are described as open-world games, which means that they will likely be similar to Pokemon Legends Arceus.
The developer also gave us our first look at the main characters of both games.

In the meantime, check out the teaser below:


Godzilla VS Kong Will Be Out In Malaysian Cinemas This March

Originally, we were told that the upcoming Legendary movie Godzilla VS Kong will be out in May 2021. Turns out Malaysia will be getting their kaiju battle fix a few months earlier.
GSC Malaysia recently tweeted that Godzilla VS Kong will be moved up 2 months; the film will be released in GSC cinemas in 25th March 2021. That’s the same date the movie will be on HBO Max for the duration of a month.

#GodzillavsKong release date has been moved up 2 months, and will now release in GSC 25 March 2021! (originally slated for May 2021)
Can't wait! ?? pic.twitter.com/MhPDfITbLX
— GSC x Mat Kilau ?? (@GSCinemas) January 16, 2021

There is still no official trailer in sight; just the top image still. The film is directed by Adam Wingard, and is starring Alexander Skarsgard, Millie Bobby Brown, Rebecca Hall, King Kong, and Fat Godzilla.


LINE FRIENDS Invades Maple World in Limited Time Event

From 27th February to 26th March, iconic LINE FRIENDS characters such as Brown & friends will be entering MapleStory SEA.
This limited-time event is open to all MapleStory SEA players with level 61 characters and will reward players with special rewards such as LINE FRIENDS stickers through participation.

LINE FRIENDS gift boxes are also available throughout the event. These boxes randomly drop for players by defeating monsters within their level range. The gift boxes have a chance to drop one of the following:

LINE FRIENDS in-game items
MapleStorySEA in-game items and consumables

LINE FRIENDS coins can also be acquired as loot dropped by level-range monsters and could be used to exchange for unique items from the event shops such asÂ the Rattling LINE FRIENDS truck mount or the Moon Scooter mount.
PlayPark Managing Director, Apol Dingolay said:Â “We are very excited about this event. Itâ€™s important to continually inject fresh ideas to keep our community engaged so we hope our players will have fun. 2019 will be a big year for MapleStorySEA. This co-promotion with LINE FRIENDS is just the beginning.”


The Best Spring 2019 Anime You Should Watch

Spring 2019 has just begun and with it a ton of new anime to watch. Sure, ongoing shows are always around, but there’s no harm in taking a break from Sword Art Online to check out something new.
For spring, you can expect big productions from renowned studios as always, but we’ve also picked out several from under the radar that may end up surprising you. With that in mind, here is a list of the top anime of Spring 2019 that you should watch.
One Punch Man Season 2

Studio:Â J.C. Staff
Genre:Â Action, Comedy, Superhero
The invincible Saitama finally makes his return after a four-year long hiatus – quite the wait for fans of the excellent first season. Heâ€™s still the same B-class superhero who struggles with boredom on a day-to-day basis, all because he trained and got too strong for his own good.
While the usual monsters show up to ruin the day, this season is spicing things up with the appearance of a self-styled Hero Hunter named Garou. This is someone who has gone undefeated against even well-established heroes, which begs the question: will Saitama finally find a match to get even a little bit of his blood pumping?
The second season is being helmed by J.C. Staff, an entirely different animation studio from what was originally Madhouse’s work, so itâ€™s no wonder that fans are apprehensive about how the biggest shounen hit of 2015 will fare this time. Only one way to find out, right?
Isekai Quartet

Studio:Â Studio PuYUKAI
Genre:Â Comedy, Parody, Fantasy
The “isekai of isekais” is one way to describe this show. Characters from popular isekai anime shows such as Overlord, Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufufu wo!, and RE: Zero are returning in a light-hearted crossover of comedic proportions.
The story sees them getting transported (yet again) to a world where they all meet and interact with one another. If youâ€™re a fan of these shows, you might have fun seeing the clash in personalities between evil, cute, and dorky people alike. With cute chibi-like artwork to top it all off, this showâ€™s bound to give you a good time.
Fruits Basket

Studio:Â TMS Entertainment
Genre:Â Slice of Life, Comedy, Drama, Romance
If you were around to watch the original shoujo hit, Fruits Basket, donâ€™t be alarmed when you find out that the show first aired roughly 20 years ago. In any case, Fruits Basket is now back and set to be a newly updated adaptation of the story for the modern audience.
It begins with the tragic death of Tohru Hondaâ€™s mother in a car accident. Being left all alone, a popular classmate of hers picks her up to stay at his home of the Soma clan. It doesnâ€™t take long before she learns that whenever the twelve members of the Soma family come into contact with a person of the opposite sex, they turn into animals from the Chinese Zodiac.
Expect plenty of laughter in the episodes to come, but also heart-warming moments as Tohru eventually sets out to break the clanâ€™s curse and discover love in the process.
Kenja no Mago

Studio:Â Silver Link.
Genre:Â Action, Comedy, Magic, Fantasy
A poor fellow gets himself killed in a traffic accident in modern day Japan and finds himself transported to another world. You know the story at this point, but what you may find interesting is that he gets reincarnated as a baby!
Named Shin, the young boy grows up in a fantasy world and is taught to wield magic by his grandfather. After fifteen years, he then enrols in magical academy so that he can learn more about the new world heâ€™s found himself in.
This is your run-of-the-mill isekai story and probably nothing to fuss over, but if thereâ€™s one aspect that shows promise, itâ€™s in the animation department.
Carole & Tuesday

Studio:Â Bones
Genre:Â Music, Sci-Fi, Drama, Romance
Are you a fan of good music? Because Studio Bones has something special prepped for you to celebrate their 20th anniversary.
From the talented creator behind Cowboy Bebop, Shinichiro Watanabe, Carole & Tuesday is a story about two girls that come from different worlds.
Carole makes do with what she gets from her part-time job, while Tuesday experiences the privilege but consequent loneliness of her wealthy heritage. If thereâ€™s one thing that these girls have in common, though, itâ€™s their dream of becoming musicians. And itâ€™s when they both meet that the wheels get set into motion.
Set in a futuristic city on the planet Mars, Carole & Tuesday is also a sci-fi anime, but one that simply sets out to be an evocative tale about finding oneâ€™s place in the world, even when that world is ruled by technologies such as artificial intelligence.
And if youâ€™re wondering about the music, a number of talented and diverse composers have already been announced for the show, including the likes of Flying Lotus, Thundercat, and more. If nothing else, this show is definitely going all out on the songs.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Studio:Â ufotable
Genre:Â Action, Supernatural, Historical
Following the death of his parents, Tanjirou works hard to support his family through difficult times. Though the folk live humble and honest lives, Tanjirou soon finds his entire family slaughtered by demons.
Amidst this tragedy is one survivor, his sister, who has been turned into a flesh-craving demon. This story follows his ensuing struggles as he battles demons in an attempt to find a cure to her ailment.
Itâ€™s a gripping premise thatâ€™s only further enhanced by the high production values of Studio ufotable. Expect beautiful and high-octane action scenes in the episodes to come. Itâ€™ll certainly be a treat for the eyes.
Kono Oto Tomare!

Studio:Â Platinum Vision
Genre:Â Music, Drama, School, Slice of Life
The koto (Japanese string instrument) music club of Tokise high school faces certain abolishment. As the new school term rolls by, the clubâ€™s president, Takezou, seeks out new members to keep the club alive.
However, he ends up finding them in a delinquent young boy and a girl who is exceptionally talented at the koto. Though the three may argue and disagree, they share a common desire to play at the Koto Nationals competition.
If youâ€™re looking for a high school drama, this is certainly one to look out for. It helps that this story is focused on music, which isnâ€™t too common in anime.
Fairy Gone

Studio:Â P.A. Works
Genre:Â Action, Supernatural, Magic, Fantasy
Get ready for fantasy warfare with Fairy Gone, a story about humans with the ability to summon fairies in battle. Itâ€™s an ability made possible by transplanting the organs of animals possessed by fairies into humans and provides the user with access to various supernatural abilities.
The story follows Mariya, a member of a fairy-related police force called Dorothea. Set nine years after the Great War, criminals bearing lingering pains from that time begin to commit acts of terrorism.
This is an original show by P.A. Works that explores the traumas of a post-war world. The twist, however, is that many of these characters are also using living weapons to do some serious damage in battle. Itâ€™s an interesting moral setup thatâ€™s further accentuated by a distinct art style.


Rising Hell Guide: Tips For Making It To The Top With Ease

Rising Hell is a lovely-looking 2D pixel action game with some welcome roguelike elements and gameplay. It can also be a bit tough if you’re aiming for the top.
Here are tips & tricks to get a-climbing.
Figure Out What A Hellbreak Is
To perform a Hellbreak, just do a double jump when you’re below an enemy. Your demon character will perform an awesome spinning move that grants you invincibility and also give you air time. Even if you don’t know how to do it at first, it’s a bonus attack you perform when you double jump.
In a game that’s vertically built to test you, this move is useful and gives you an awesome feeling when you perform it. Also, different artifacts you get from random artifact demons will grant you different Hellbreak moves & effects.
You Can Airdash An Infinite Amount Of Times

This is useful in getting loads of airtime, as well as giving you the ability to dodge incoming air attacks since you’re invincible during a dash. You can combo this with a Hellbreak onto nearby enemies to stay in the air indefinitely.
When Getting Rewards, Prioritize Survivability & On-Damage Triggers

Killing enemies give you red souls. You can use red souls to buy powerups to aid in your current run. At the end of a stage, you get to buy one out of 3 powerups offered to you.
What are the best powerups? It’s really depending on your playstyle. If you rather just focus on killing enemies quick, save up and buy buffs that amplify your damage when your health is high, or when you perform a character-specific animation. Or a buff that buffs your damage if you either get hit or if you hoard a ton of red souls.
Our own 2D action game connoisseur Mr Toffee prioritizes survivability above all else. The damage each demon does is decent and is amplified with artifacts, so focus on buffs that give you Green Souls (for health), raises your defense, lessens the health of all bosses, and buffs that make artifact-dropping demons pop up more often.
Always Visit The Vaults In Every Run
Unless you’re going for the fastest time, you should visit all the vaults you find in your rise to the top. Avarice Vaults reward you with a ton of Red Souls. Trickster Vaults sells you powerups, but unlike the end-of-stage rewards, you can buy all of them if you have enough Red Souls. Also, you can buy health refills in exchange for a decent sum of Red Souls.
One risk-reward tactic is to blaze through the game, avoid early end-of-stage powerups, and hope you come across a Trickster Vault so that you can blow all your Red Souls for the powerups and life you need. Throughout a number of our runs, we have come across at least one Trickster Vault and they usually pop up after the first level boss Dagon (the eye boss).
The Toughest Part About Rising Hell? Trying Not To Hellbreak
Some of Rising Hell’s achievements require you to finish an Act without performing a Hellbreak. You need to resist the urge to spam the jump button and just navigate your way to the top like a regular one-jumping action character. This is tougher than it sounds because 2D games like Rising Hell -and past 2D action games with platforming elements- have already conditioned you to double jump instinctively.
The only tip here is you can turn off auto-Hellbreak by pausing the game and pressing Right Trigger to disable it. Beyond that, you’re on your own here.

Power-Up List

Chaosgrip (Souls, 126 Red Souls) – Enemies killed by Hellbreak drop 30% more Red Souls.
Chaosbomb (Ability, 275 Red Souls) – Killed enemy minions explode, dealing damage to nearby enemies.
Combustion (Ability, 205 Red Souls) – Whenever you take damage, unleash an explosion to damage nearby enemies.
Corruptcore (Arsenals, 110 Red Souls) – Improves the duration of artifacts by 5 seconds.
Darkblood (Vigor, 250 Red Souls) – Increases max life by 25.
Darkstalker (Ability, 132 Red Souls) – No slipping on the wall and allows you to execute Hellbreak on enemies inside radius by pressing the attack button.
Demonhide (Durability, 88 Red Souls) – Reduces all damage taken by 20%.
Deathcrisis (Vigor, 286 Red Souls) – Increases Green Souls drop rate when you have 50% of your max life or less.
Deathshock (Ability, 275 Red Souls) – Killed enemy minions unleashes lightning bolts to damage nearby enemies.
Enfeeble (Ability, 240 Red Souls) – Archdemons and hell lieutenants have 15% less max life.
Felblade (Assault, 210 Red Souls) – Increases your attack power by 1% for each 25 red souls you possess. Great if you’re a hoarder.
Felforge (Assault, 100 Red Souls) – Increase attack by 20%.
Fortunemaker (Arsenals, 140 Red Souls) – Increases artifact monster spawn rate. Killed enemies have a small chance to drop greater Red Souls.
Grimhand (Assault, 220 Red Souls) – Every time you collect 100 souls, temporarily increase your attack damage by 50% for 20 seconds.
Hellknight (Vigor, 300 Red Souls) – Increases max life by 20 and decreases all damage taken by 10%.
Lifegreed (Vigor, 100 Red Souls) – Increase green soul drop rate by 25%.

Necroanthropops (Ability, 300 Red Souls) – Resurrects once upon death.
Necropyre (Vigor, 240 Red Souls) – Your attacks have 7% chance to restore life based on damage dealt.
Powersurge (Assault, 297 Red Souls) – Increases your attack damage by 25% when you have 50% life or more. Worth buying if you’re using Zelos or Sydna who have mid-ranged attacks.
Ragingsoul (Assault, 242 Red Souls) – Whenever you take damage, increases your attack power by 50% for 10 seconds.
Reapkill (Vigor, 300 Red Souls) – Killing 4 enemies within 7 seconds restores 4% life.
Shockwrath (Ability, 200 Red Souls) – Whenever you take damage, unleash lightning bolts to damage nearby enemies.
Soultrade (Souls, 100 Red Souls) – Increases Red Souls gained from the trickster’s treasury by 175%. Great for those who like to raid Avarice Vaults.
Soulstrike (Souls, 132 Red Souls) – Every 3rd enemy killed drops 50% more Red Souls.
Soulcatcher (Souls, 70 Red Souls) – Increases the attraction radius of red and green souls.
Vilehand (Arsenals, 240 Red Souls) – Killing an enemy has 50% chance to restore your artifact weapon energy.
Wraithlord (Durability, 90 Red Souls) – Increases invincibility duration by 1 second after taking damage.


You Can Get Free Assassin’s Creed Valhalla With Your Shiny New AMD Ryzen

AMD has launched the new AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT, Ryzen 7 3800XT, and Ryzen 5 3600XT processors. These new desktop processors feature increased frequencies purpose-built for enthusiasts and gamers who want the best possible performance.
Check out the price for each below:

AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT â€“ RM2,299.00

CPU Cores: 12
Threads: 24
Max Boost Clock: Up to 4.7GHz
Base Clock: 3.8GHz
Default TDP / TDP: 105W

AMD Ryzen 7 3800XT â€“ RM1,899.00

CPU Cores: 8
Threads: 16
Max Boost Clock: Up to 4.7GHz
Base Clock: 3.9GHz
Default TDP / TDP: 105W

AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT â€“ RM1,199.00

CPU Cores: 6
Threads: 12
Max Boost Clock: Up to 4.5GHz
Base Clock: 3.8GHz
Default TDP / TDP: 95W

The best part of it all is that when purchasing an eligible AMD Ryzen desktop processor between 7 July 2020 and 3 October 2020, gamers can claim a complimentary copy of the highly-anticipated Assassinâ€™s Creed Valhalla, which is slated to launch sometime in late 2020.
Gamers can redeem their copy of Assassinâ€™s Creed Valhalla at the AMD Equipped to Win website through to 7 November 2020. To clarify, only the following AMD Ryzen processors are eligible:

In addition to laptops with the following processors:

AMD Ryzen 9 4900H
AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS

In the meantime, check out the latest Assassin’s Creed Valhalla trailer below, or head on over here for everything we know about the game so far:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qloV1QSgi7g&w=560&h=315]


Gundam: The Witch From Mercury Is Back To Being A Warcrime-Filled Mecha Show

Gundam: The Witch from Mercury is the latest Gundam mecha series from Sunrise animation and Bandai, and it’s a mix of political intrigue and school-life drama, along with the usual mecha fights via the show’s duels. It’s focused on outsider Suletta, the titular Witch from Mercury, and her new bride Miorine whose father runs the Asticassia School of Technology which means tons of family tension and power struggles.
Fans who were afraid of Gundam: The Witch From Mercury turning into a high-school-type shonen tale but with mechas and space need not worry anymore. The show’s final episode that wrapped up the first season took a dark turn with its themes and storyline, as well as a return to warcrimes form the series is renowned for.

To recap, on a space trip, the Spacians and Earth House were separated and assaulted by a terrorist group known as the Dawn of Fold. And the latter terrorist group has Earth Gundams on their side, so the odds are stacked in their favour. The group and Suletta are in a race to see who can reach Gundam Aerial first.
Earth engineer Nika manages to signal her Earth House comrades in time to not blow up the area she’s in, but she got caught by House member Martin. Meanwhile in the ensuing ruckus, Miorine manages to meet up with her father Delling but he ends up being wounded, protecting Miorine from oncoming shrapnel. Miorine gets angry when her dad tells her to leave him and survive. After all, that’s what happened when he and his wife (Miorine’s mom) were stuck in a past situation, told by her to save himself and his daughter.
Our main heroine Suletta is searching high and low for her Gundam, but gets waylaid by Dawn of Fold terrorists. She was then saved by her mom Elnora in time, as the latter just killed every armed terrorist in the vicinity. Suletta is shocked, but then given some advice from her mom Elnora to take steps forward, protecting her bride Miorine at any cost, or else she and her loved ones will dies. Some of us would call this a form of brainwashing given Elnora’s mannerisms and way when coaxing her daughter, but hey, I’m sure nothing could go wrong, right?

Meanwhile, Guel/Bob (the prominent male jerk of the series) escapes his captors and steals a Dawn of Fold mobile suit, only to be attacked by his own dad in his own Dilanza. Guel had to defend himself, and ended up killing him as he didn’t know it was his dad in the mecha suit the whole fight. Trust me; the mental scarring for our heroes isn’t stopping there.

Suletta, after getting that “pep talk” from her mom about extreme measures, manages to recover her Aerial suit and deal with the other two Gundam pilots -Sophie and Norea, with the former being a Witch of Earth- rather easily I might add. Suletta ends the fight with a giant laser shot from her Aerial Gundam, basically scaring off the terrorist group with some intimidation help from the Witch Hunters who came to the scene on time.

Of course, Miorine and her dad are still out there, so Suletta vows to search for them. Credits roll, but there’s a post-credits scene that’s sure to get the Gundam and anime community talking.
Miorine is carting her dad out on a space stretcher, but then she’s accosted by a Dawn of Fold terrorist who happens to be wandering in the area. With his gun cocked, he was ready to kill both of them, but Suletta crashes into the place with her Aerial Gundam to the rescue.
But rather than doing the sensible thing and using the mecha’s imposing figure to scare off the terrorist, she just flats-out squashes him. To be fair, the terrorist was going to kill both Miorine and her father even when the bot showed up.

What follows is a harrowing scene where Suletta just pops out of her cockpit, slips on the blood spill she caused and laughs it off, much to the shock and horror of her bride Miorine. She proclaimed Suletta to be a murderer; cue Season 1 ending cliffhanger.

It’ll be interesting to see how this unfolds and check out how this Gundam series take its dark turn further. No doubt Suletta and Nika will be facing repercussions for their actions in this episode, while Miorine and Bob deal with their recent trauma. April 2023 is quite a wait for the show’s second season, but one that many will anticipate and return to.


Cowboy Bebop Production To Be Delayed Due To Major Set Injury

It looks like we’ll be getting the Netflix Cowboy Bebop live-action series seven to nine months late due to an on-set mishap (via Variety).
John Cho, who plays Spike Spiegel, received a serious knee injury while filming a scene in New Zealand. Since Netflix is unwilling to recast the role, the show’s production has been halted for his recovery, which could take about nine months or less.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by John Cho (@johnthecho)

At the very least, Cho seems to be in good spirits as far as his latest Instagram post in concerned. And it’s rather sporting of Netflix to keep Cho as Spike in the show.


Black Panther Review

I walked into the Marvel’s Black Panther media preview with tempered expectations, having consciously avoided all the trailers and teasers released to date. My exposure to the Marvel marketing machine were limited to the first trailer and its second TV spot; I even avoided reading any reviews published online just so that I have a clear, unbiased perception of the movie. I wanted it to surprise me. I wanted to like it because I enjoyed it. I wanted to avoid ideologies and forced perspectives which may cloud my judgement. Now that I’ve seen it….
Bloody hell man. Black Panther was a darn good movie.
In Black Panther we are served with a Marvel comic book movie unlike any we have seen before yet remain familiar in the grand scheme of things. Just like how the gleamingly, regal Asgard was beautifully rendered in Thor: Ragnarok, so was Wakanda in Black Panther in its own unique, contemporary, realistic way. Never before on the silver screen have we seen technology seamlessly merge with traditional elements as seen in this movie. Functionality meets bleeding edge technology left, right and center while tribal and cultural elements blend in with out-of-this-world gadgets that puts Tony Stark’s workshop look like a child’s playpen.
The movie picks off almost immediately after Captain America: Civil War, as the newly crowned King T’Challa of the Wakanda kingdom ascend to the throne as the rightful ruler of his country following his father, King T’Chaka’s death as seen in Civil War. With great writing and pacing all around, the filmmakers touched some really interesting subjects, most notably the country’s stand in regards to international policies, and discusses about morality and how varying levels of interference affect the world around us.Â The movie advocates responsibility when wielding power ala Spider-man, but somewhat of an amplified version of “With great power comes great responsibility” – whence the ‘responsibility’ in question involves a far, technologically superior country which is capable of shaping the world as we know it.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjDjIWPwcPU&w=560&h=315]
The world (nation) building of Wakanda was executed flawlessly as viewers are served with an exposition early on, followed by the issues faced by the kingdom, which eerily reflects ongoing, real-life happenings. It’s obvious from the beginning that the filmmakers were trying to convey a message, but they did it in such subtle manner that it didn’t feel preachy at all.
Opposing views were equally presented, each concisely without waste of screen time, allowing viewers to form their own opinion on what T’Challa has to do next. The most politically-daring MCU movie to date, it toes the grey line in showing how naive and archaic yet justified certain ideologies are and how they may be misinterpreted in the modern world. This all weaves into the movie plot, which while predictable, was impeccably delivered, making a great example of how the folks in charge of the MCU know how to make a good story great.
The writing in Black Panther is one of MCU’s best to date that you could set the movie in South America or Asia for that matter (with appropriate changes to the cast’s ethnicity and relevant cultural details, of course) and it will still work. It just so happen that T’Challa is of African descent, and Wakanda is in Central Africa – that’s Black Panther’s country of origin anyway. All this talk about the movie being a representation of rising above oppression is baseless, self-serving and come from folks who have not seen the movie. Marvel’s Black Panther in essence explores more about how people in power, blinded by the security and comfort from sitting in their ivory towers refuse to adapt to change.
Black Panther also presented Marvel Cinematic Universe’s best villain to date in the form of Erik Killmonger, portrayed by the excellent Michael B. Jordan. His performance here pretty much absolves his forgettable depiction as Johnny Storm in 2015’s dud of a movie, Fantastic Four. Through Jordan, Killmonger’s background, ideologies and motivation were perfectly fleshed out and the audience will instantly be able to see the world from his eyes, why and how he intends to mould the world. A mirror opposite to T’Challa, you will learn to symphatize with his character, and even root for him as the movie carries on. I know I did.
With superb action scenes aplenty, our only gripe on the movie oddly resides here as well, as the shaky-cam and fight scenes were blindingly fast that we missed half of them. With so many things happening all over at the same time, a single viewing isn’t enough to capture all of the splendour presented on screen. And let’s not forget the soundtrack. Easily one of the more memorable compared to what we got in other MCU offerings, Black Panther is pleasing to the ears as it is to the eyes.
If Captain America: Winter Soldier was MCU’s take on a spy thriller while Spider-man: Homecoming a coming-of-age teenage movie, then Black Panther is a political family drama that has kick-ass action peppered throughout. While it doesn’t serve much in bridging and building a lead up between Captain America: Civil War and the upcoming Infinity War movie, there are tons of Easter Eggs all over, one even possibly relating to Iron Man’s next suit.
We know from trailers that T’Challa will be involved in a huge battle set in African plains in Infinity WarÂ so perhaps this movie is also laying down the foundations that lead to that epic showdown.Â So keep your eyes peeled. And in case you are wondering, there are two post-movie scenes; one mid-credit and another at the very end so make sure to stick around til the lights go up as well.
TL; DR
PositivesÂ
â€“ Brilliant Wakanda tech showcase.
â€“ MCU’s daring move in tackling weightier issues hardly addressed in their previous movies
â€“ A great shift of view in the MCU world; away from the familiarity of New York & core Avengers characters
â€“ Michael B Jordan’s Erik Killmonger is possibly MCU’s best bad guy to date (sorry Hela)
Negatives
â€“ Predictable plot
Marvel’s Black Panther serves as a great insight into the character and addresses bold issues never previously attempted in the MCU. It shows that no matter how obscure a hero is (Black Panther is a C-list at best), good writing will make him relevant and work on screen. A thoroughly enjoyable film, Black Panther may very well occupy many comic book movie fans’ top-5 list.
SCOREÂ :Â 90 /100

Marvel’s Black Panther opens in Malaysian cinemas 14th February 2018. We caught the movie on iMAX via press screening courtesy ofÂ The Walt Disney Company (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd


Here’s How To Get Your Favourite Shows & Movies On Netflix

While the Netflix library is already pretty extensive, it is by no means comprehensive. Everyone has a TV show or movie they would want to see on the streaming service, whether it’s a favourite, all-time classics or even content they’ve never seen before (but interested in watching).
We have good news for you because you actually have an existing avenue to request specific TV shows or movies from Netflix. The whole process is simple, just follow the steps below:

Head on over to this link to open the request page.
Suggest up to three (3) different TV shows or movies by typing their titles into the boxes.
Click on ‘Submit Suggestion’.

That’s all you have to do. According to Netflix, they supposedly “keep track of all requests”, so there’s no need for you to spam them with the same requests multiple times. Netflix also claims they “will keep you posted” though I’m not sure how reliable that is.
However, submitting a request isn’t exactly a confirmed guarantee that the TV shows or movies you want will be added to the streaming service.Â Still, it’s great that you can officially request your favourite TV shows or movies, regardless of whether they’re ultimately added or not.
For example, I personally find it bizarre that Netflix doesn’t have the Cowboy Bebop anime when they’re currently producing the live-action adaptation. Perhaps it’s time for me to submit my own request too. Fingers crossed.


WWE 2K22 Brings The Smackdown In March 2022

2K Games and Visual Concepts has announced that WWE 2K22 will launch sometime in March 2022, according to a brand new teaser trailer. However, no new details were revealed about the upcoming game.
Players can expect “new controls” and a “redesigned engine”, according to the official Twitter account for WWE 2K22. More details and information will arrive in January 2022, which is still four months away at this point.

Get ready ?? #WWE2K22 debuts March 2022! #ItHitsDifferent
? New Controls ? Stunning Graphics ? Redesigned Engine
More to come this January! pic.twitter.com/A4wlDAYVML
— #WWE2K22 (@WWEgames) August 22, 2021

What this means is that there won’t be a new WWE 2K game in two whole years (2020 and 2021), and this is essentially a delay. WWE 2K22 was originally announced during Wrestlemania 37 earlier this year. This marks the second year in a row that a game in the WWE 2KÂ franchise (previously known asÂ WWF/WWE SmackDown! when it was under THQ) will not receive an annual entry since it originally began with 2000â€™s WWF SmackDown!.
2019â€™sÂ WWE 2K20Â was universally derided by gamers and reviewers alike, as the game is broken and littered with glitches and bugs to the point of near-unplayability. This was possibly due to the last-minute split between publisher 2K and long-time WWE 2K developer Yukeâ€™s.
WWE 2K22 will release in March 2022 for unspecified platforms.


How Pro And Amateur FPS Players See Differently In Shooters

Ever wonder why you’re good or terrible at first-person shooters? One main factor is what you see while playing a shooter like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare or Overwatch.
A study from Nikkei posted a few clips tracking an FPS vision during a game of Call of Duty: Modern Warfare. Both the pro player (Libalent Vertex’s Leisia, who hails from one of the most successful Japanese CoD teams)Â and the amateur player wore glasses with infrared sensors and cameras.

???????????????????????????????????????????????????????????e???????????????????????e???? ?????????#?????https://t.co/44Ogro9vsA pic.twitter.com/7dmt4qece7
— ?????? ?????????? (@nikkei) November 26, 2019

The difference is basically night and day. Basically on the test, if the middle red dot on-screen gets bigger, it means your focus of sight is fixed.
Leisia’s focus of sight is completely fixed, meaning the red dot got big for a sec before switching around. It was basically stable throughout the map, with him being aware of the sounds and sights, focusing only on whatever was necessary.
[wpvideo 4kQ1KGWW]
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When Leisia is on the move, he keeps his vision in the centre of the screen, while referencing the map more often to pinpoint where his victim is while on the move. Basically, he tries to predict where enemies will appear.
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Meanwhile, the amateur player’s eyes darts around quickly, not focusing on what’s needed until he’s killed. His focus is even more frantic when he’s moving.
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Long story short: if you want to “git gud” at shooters, change up how you focus on targets and objects instead of spraying and praying.


New PS4 Hits and Party Bundles Start Selling This Month

If you don’t own a PS4 yet, these new PS4 bundles are for you.Â Sony Interactive Entertainment Hong Kong Limited Singapore Branch (SIES) has announced two new PlayStation 4 bundles; the PS4 HITS Bundle and the PS4 Party Bundle.
First up is the newly-updated PS4 HITS Bundle. There have actually been several PS4 HITS bundles in the past, each with their own respective ‘hit’ games. These included games like 2016’s Ratchet and Clank, God of War 3 Remastered, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End and Horizon Zero Dawn.
The new PS4 HITS Bundle offers a Jet Black PS4 system (500 GB) with three games, including Sony Santa Monica’s God of War, Detroit Become Human, and The Last of Us Remastered. It will arrive on November 19, 2018, with a price of RM1349.
PS4 HITS Bundle
God of War and Detroit Become Human are relatively new titles, having been released earlier in 2018. Both are excellent games that deserve to be included in the bundle. They not only showcase what the PS4 is capable of in terms of sheer graphical prowess but also feature captivating stories and great gameplay.
Meanwhile, the PS4 Party Bundle offersÂ a Jet Black PS4 system (500 GB) with two games, including FIFA 19 and Overcooked 2. It will arrive on November 15, 2018, with a price of RM1449.
PS4 Party Bundle
The new PS4 Party Bundle should cater to gamers who prefer multiplayer games to play with friends and family. Overcooked 2, in particular, is one of the best co-op games around. However, be warned that just like Monopoly, it may tear your relationships apart (just kidding) or bring them closer.
Additionally, SIES will be offering a limited PSN Multi-Purpose Wrapping Cloth with every purchase of a PS Plus 12-month subscription card. Selected titles have also been given price drops, including PS4 exclusives like Bloodborne: The Old Hunters Edition and Uncharted The Lost Legacy. Look for all these at PlayStation Authorized Dealers starting from November 15, 2018.
PSN Multi-Purpose Wrapping Cloth


Moon Knight Was Going To Feature Eternals Cameos Before It Was Scrapped

The Marvel series Moon Knight is already done with its current season run on Disney+, and it was quite a showing. But did you know that there was supposed to be a cameo from another Marvel film?
That’s right: we were almost going to get The Eternals showing up here and there in the TV superhero series starring Oscar Isaac as two personas fighting over the same god-laced body. Head writer Jeremy Slater has revealed that Kingo from the Eternals, played by Kumail Nanjiani, was going to be in a flashback set in Ancient Egypt. It was cut due to the sequence being very expensive (via The Direct).
“I tried very hard to get the Eternals into the show, just because I’m buddies with Kumail Nanjiani… I want[ed] some Kingo. At one point, there was a flashback on the page that sort of showed one of Khonshu’s Avatars back in ancient Egypt, sort of dealing with Ammit being locked away, and Alexander the Great, and all of that stuff. You sort of saw this Avatar team-up with the Eternals. It was a really fun scene, but again, it was so massively expensive to recreate Ancient Egypt, to sort of bring in 3 or 4 of the Eternals to have this big action sequence.”
The aforementioned Eternals sequence would have been the “cold open to one of the episodes”. Slater said scrapping that scene was “the right thing to do for the show” since they had to sort out the VFX-heavy finale of the show.
“It was one of those things where it was a very fun scene, and it would have been a great cold open to one of the episodes, but it also would have had to come out of our budget somewhere else, and probably would have hurt our finale along the way. So, that was the cameo I had to cut. It hurt, but it was also the right thing to do for the show, and I think everyone sort of collectively agreed. There’s plenty of time in the future to team this guy up with other characters in the MCU and start building these connections; let’s not force something just because the other shows have all had it.”
It would be a nice memorable sight seeing Khonshu side-by-side with four Eternals taking on Ammit the crocodile god in kaiju-sized form. But yeah, priorities and budget are real things to factor in. Thankfully the whole Moon Knight TV show was all the better without it. For more on Moon Knight’s finale, check out our recap.


Microtransactions Are An Unfortunate Reality Of Gaming – 2K Games

Talk about a comment that will rub a LOT of people the wrong way. NBA 2K19 senior producer Rob Jones believes that microtransactions, at least the VC points in the upcoming NBA 2K19 basketball game, are “an unfortunate reality of modern gaming,” according to an interview on Trusted Reviews.

“[…]every game, at some point, in some way has currency and theyÃ¢â‚¬â„¢re trying to get additional revenue from each player that plays the game. You know, the question has to be Ã¢â‚¬Ëœwhen does it feel like itÃ¢â‚¬â„¢s a straight money grab versus when does it feel like it’s value added,Ã¢â‚¬â„¢ right?
[Most people]Ã‚Â donÃ¢â‚¬â„¢t have the patience to work their way to the top. They just wanna be there right away.”

On an interesting note, 2K Games is encouraging Belgian players to contact their government to reinstate lootboxes in NBA 2K19. The game will launch in the country without card packs in place since they violate the country’s gambling laws. 2K Games disagrees because it’s their goddamn coffers that are getting emptier from sanctioned laws like this.
If you feel like supporting the lootbox cause for a basketball game that gets annual updates, NBA 2K19 comes out 11th September.


John Wick Hex Game Gets Release Date For PC

John Wick Hex finally gets a release date for the PC and Mac version, which will launch exclusively on the Epic Games Store on 8 October 2019 for the price of US$19.99. It was announced by publisher Good Shepherd Entertainment and developer Bithell Games earlier today.
Although there are console versions planned for John Wick Hex, the release date for those have yet to be revealed. It willÂ feature an original story and unique graphic noir art design, as well as some of the voice cast from the movies, including Ian McShane (Winston) and Lance Reddick (Charon).
The gameplay is very similar to the likes of XCOM and other tactical strategy titles, described by Bithell as â€œfight-choreographed chessâ€. Progressing in the main story will unlock new weapons, suit options and locations. Each weapon will require different tactics, especially since ammo is limited and reload time will need to be taken into account.
Check out the new John Wick Hex trailer below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Qffi2DiBlY&w=560&h=315]


Reserve Your Valorant ID Before The Game Releases

Can’t wait for Riot’s upcoming free-to-play shooter Valorant and got a cool username in mind already? Well, just reserve your user ID before the game releases.
Riot’s games allow you to reserve your ID in advance. You’ll first have to create a Riot account (this username is separate from your game ID) on the League of Legends website.

Then, head over to the Riot accounts pageÂ to login and pick your Riot ID. VoilÃ .

For more on Valorant, check out our article here. Thanks for the heads up, Dot Esports.


Returnal Is Coming To PC In 2023

During The Game Awards 2022, it was announced that PS5 exclusive Returnal will be launching for the PC sometime in 2023.
However, no other details were revealed.
Previous details that allegedly leaked (from a video that has already been taken down by Sony) include:

Resolution scaling – Rendering the game at lower than native res for increased performance.
Dynamic resolution – Letting the game automatically lower resolution during demanding scenes.
DLSS – Nvidia’s popular AI-based upscaling technique is included. Nice. It has Performance, Balanced, Quality, Ultra Performance, and Ultra Quality options.
AMD FSR – AMD’s upscaling technique is here too, with the same options as DLSS.
NIS – Another Nvidia upscaling technique that doesn’t require an RTX graphics card.

The rest of the graphics settings also reveal unlocked framerate support and ray tracing for both shadows and reflections.
In the meantime, you can check out my review of Returnal here, or head on over here for a guide to surviving the game.


Holy Sh*t We’re Getting A Deadly Premonition Sequel

While driving in the rain, an FBI agent talks about Tom & Jerry and how their relationship is actually a manifestation of BDSM thanks to their inter-dependence of each other in giving and taking pain. Oh yeah, he was also pretending to talk to someone on the phone but he was just talking to himself.
That’s how Deadly Premonition starts. It’s one of those games.
The game had horrible combat, an almost incomprehensible story, laughably bad voice acting, and it was beloved by almost everyone who played it thanks to its so-bad-it’s-good vibe.
Almost 10 years after its release, a sequel has been confirmed and it’s coming to the Nintendo Switch. Deadly Premonition 2: A Blessing In Disguise will take place in two timelines, focusing on FBI agent Aaliyah Davis in 2019 and our beloved protagonist from the first game Francis York Morgan in 2015.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GHJaGBK1JW8&w=560&h=315]
I want to try summing up what might be the story this time but I honestly have no idea what’s even going on in the reveal trailer. It just shows cutscene after cutscene and then a sudden jetski gameplay. That’s Deadly Premonition alright.
Also coming to Switch is a remaster of the first game, this time titled Deadly Premonition Origins which is purchasable on the Nintendo eShop right now. For those of you who want to play it on PC, the Director’s Cut is sold on Steam.


Untitled Goose Game Is Coming To Steam, PS4, And Xbox One

If you’ve been seeing videos and images of a goose harassing people, then you can thank Untitled Goose Game for bringing about the best late-2019 gaming phenomenon.
Initially released for the PC (on Epic Games Store) and Nintendo Switch on 20 September 2019, developer House House has stated that they hope to release the game on PlayStation and Xbox platforms before moving on to making a new game. This comes from their interview with ABC News.
This is probably due to Untitled Goose Game‘s unexpected success which has made it one of the best-selling Switch games in the United States since September 2019. House House founder Nico Disseldorp said that the game has exceeded 100,000 downloads.

I canâ€™t believe weâ€™ve done this.
As of today, Goose is #1 the in USA. pic.twitter.com/SNjsncW0Hs
â€” Cabel (@cabel) October 1, 2019
There might also be Android and iOS versions of the game coming in the future. Responding to a tweet, one of the game’s publishers, Cabel Sasser, said that they’re still “chewing on” the idea of the game being playable on smartphones and tablets. In another tweet, Sasser also implied that the game will be coming to Steam in 2020.
PC users and Switch owners can get the game on the Epic Games Store and the Nintendo eShop respectively. In case you don’t know why everyone’s honking about this game, just check out the memes it has inspired:

I made this solely to make my bf laugh and it worked. please enjoy. #untitledgoosegame pic.twitter.com/zluowdqwqU
â€” pda: public display of atrocity (@wystereas) October 2, 2019

Grand Theft Avian#untitledgoosegame pic.twitter.com/a5AIhaArv8
â€” Scifer (@Sciferthebox) September 30, 2019

“I am…inevitabl- what the fuck” #untitledgoosegame pic.twitter.com/zENW9kNZIu
â€” Switch~ (@SwitchTilde) October 2, 2019


Aussie Cops Arrest Six People For CS:GO Match Fixing

Crime doesn’t pay. That’s what these six people are learning the hard way after recently getting caught by Australian police â€œconduct that corrupts or would corrupt a betting outcome of event or event contingency, or use of corrupt conduct information for betting purposes.â€ What does that mean?
Well, these six men between the ages of 19 to 22 were involved in allegedly arranging to throw matches and subsequently placing bets on those matches in a Counter-Strike: Global Offensive (CS:GO) esports tournament. At least five matches were impacted, with over 20 bets put on the matches by Australian punters.
These offences potentially carry a sentence of up to ten years in prison, though the six arrested men have since been released pending further enquiries as the investigation remains ongoing at the time of writing.
According to the official statement, Victoria Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Paterson said:

â€œEsports is really an emerging sporting industry and with that will come the demand for betting availability on the outcomes of tournaments and matches.
Itâ€™s important that police and other agencies within the law enforcement, gaming and betting industries continue to work together to target any suspicious activity.
These warrants also highlight that police will take any reports of suspicious or criminal activity within esports seriously, and we encourage anyone with information to come forward.â€

Match-fixing has been a major thorn in esports tournaments over the years, tarnishing the credibility and reputation of the entire industry. However, most of the times, those who engaged in these disgusting acts were simply banned from participation. This is the first time that the law enforcement authorities have taken action.


Battle Shapers Is A Roguelite First-Person Shooter Slated For Q3 2023

Another month, another new roguelite game announcement. The next in line is developer Metric Empire’s Battle Shapers, and it’s looking pretty colourful.
Battle Shapers is in first-person, plays like an arena shooter, and has a roguelite structure. And it’ll be in Early Access on Q3 2023 for PC (Steam). The Early Access version will feature 50 unlockable weapons, abilities, and upgrades, as well as 12+ enemy types, 3 bosses, and three biomes to explore (out of five).
Trailer and key features are below. I’ll say this: if Blizzard doesn’t deliver on its Overwatch 2 PvE campaign, people might flock to titles like Battle Shapers since it’s generating that same energy and vibe. I really do miss the good old days of Unreal and Quake; Battle Shapers should hopefully fill in that niche later this year.
Feature List

Fight Laser with Laser

Gun down hordes of cunning enemy machines with relentless risk-taking, and bot-busting close-range warfare in which every kill fuels your combat capabilities.
Learn to adapt to the Overlords’ dangerous attacks and retaliations that are thrown at you every step of the way.

Combat is Only Half the Battle

Use Shaper Hacks to manipulate rewards, counter the Overlord challenges and deploy your own traps, power-ups and effects in their towers.
Explore vibrant towers that promise hidden Upgrades and Weapons to strengthen your build from run-to-run.
As your Powers grow and change, be careful—with every defeated Overlord, your path becomes more difficult.

Build Your “Core” System

Unlock new Weapons, Abilities and Talents to permanently increase your survivability and combat potential with every run.
Obtain the Cores of fallen Overlords to transform your combat abilities and appearance, offering new combat playstyles.
Stack up on Core Enhancers to augment your equipped core capacities and unleash their full potential.

Fearless Shredding

Defy the Overlords to the sound of blazing, adrenaline-pumping rock music that will have you dive head-on and fist-first into the action.


The Mandalorian Season 3 Episode 1 Breakdown & Easter Eggs

The first episode of The Mandalorian Season 3 is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia. I’ll be discussing heavy spoilers so if you haven’t seen it or want to avoid spoilers, now’s your chance to stop reading.
The journeys of the Mandalorian through the Star Wars galaxy continue. Once a lone bounty hunter, Din Djarin has reunited with Grogu. Meanwhile, the New Republic struggles to lead the galaxy away from its dark history. The Mandalorian will cross paths with old allies and make new enemies as he and Grogu continue their journey together.
The series stars Pedro Pascal, Katee Sackhoff, Carl Weathers, Amy Sedaris, Emily Swallow and Giancarlo Esposito. The directors of the eight-episode Season 3 include Rick Famuyiwa, Rachel Morrison, Lee Isaac Chung, Carl Weathers, Peter Ramsey and Bryce Dallas Howard.
Check out my breakdown of the first three episodes of Andor, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 8, Episode 9, Episode 10, Episode 11 and Episode 12 here.
Check out my breakdown of Obi-Wan Kenobi Episode 1 and 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5 and Episode 6 here.
You can check out my previous breakdowns of The Book Of Boba Fett Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6 and Episode 7 here.
Last year, we were given the opportunity to interview none other than the former Jedi Knight Anakin Skywalker and current Dark Lord Of The Sith Darth Vader; Hayden Christensen himself.

The Ceremony For Swearing In A New Mandalorian

The episode begins with what seems to be a religious ceremony to swear in a new Mandalorian. It’s interesting to see this new addition to Star Wars lore, especially to see how a foundling becomes a Mandalorian.
In case you don’t remember, these Mandalorians belong to the orthodox extremist group called The Children Of The Watch. Din Djarin is one of them as well.
The Name Of The Episode ‘The Apostate’ Refers To Din Djarin

The Armorer says that Din Djarin is no longer a Mandalorian because he broke one of the Creed. It’s been a while so in case you don’t remember, Din Djarin removed his helmet several times before, originally in Season 1 Episode 8 and later in Season 2 Episode 7.
Behind Those Silhouettes Are The Purrgil

How can there be living creatures in hyperspace? Well, those are actually creatures known as the Purrgil, who look like space whales. They first appeared in the Star Wars Rebels animated series.

Statue Of IG-11

IG-11 was the droid who sacrificed itself to save the planet of Nevarro from the Imperials in The Mandalorian Season 1 Episode 8.
They Explain Cara Dune’s Absence

In the episode, Greef Karga tells Din Djarin that the reason for Cara Dune’s absence is that she was recruited by Special Forces after apprehending Moff Gideon at the end of The Mandalorian Season 2.
The real-life reason for her absence is because Disney fired Gina Carano (who plays Cara Dune) from all of Star Wars after she posted a controversial social media post on Instagram comparing Republicans with the Jews during the Holocaust in 2021.
The Same Race As Babu Frik

It’s unclear if any of these aliens is Babu Frik from Star Wars Episode IX The Rise Of Skywalker, but they’re definitely the same race as him. They’re Anzellans.
Kalevala Is An Important Planet

Why? Because Kalevala was the homeworld of House Kryze. It was the birthplace of Duchess Satine Kryze, leader of the New Mandalorians and the Council of Neutral Systems during the Clone Wars, who is best known as a former lover of Obi-Wan Kenobi. She died at the hands of Darth Maul.
Which is why it makes sense that Bo-Katan Kryze is currently here. Satine was her sister.
Kalevala was first mentioned in Star Wars The Clone Wars animated series.
Until next week, excelsior!


Total War Warhammer 3’s First Hotfix Deploys Later This Week

Creative Assembly has laid out its plans for future updates and hotfixes for Total War Warhammer 3. For starters, they’re targeting smaller patches and hotfixes targeting specific problems, the first hotfix of which will arrive sometime later this week (though this remains subject to change, so it might get delayed).
According to the community post on Steam, the developer also said that the first hotfix will address some of the multiplayer lobby issues, the DirectX problems from players running DX12, and possible framerate improvements for players using modern Intel CPUâ€™s.
The developer’s top priority for many of these hotfixes will be to solve the optimization and performance issues of Total War Warhammer 3. That’s good news to me and every other player out there. In my review of the game, I pointed out that the game ran poorly with stability issues, which brought down the game compared to other recent Total War titles like A Total War Saga Troy.


Here’s When Android 12 Is Coming To Your ASUS & ROG Phone Devices

ASUS has announced that the latest Android 12 upgrade will be available for the Zenfone 8 series commencing in December 2021. This will be followed by upgrades for the ROG Phone 5 and 5s series in the first quarter of 2022. The upgrades for the Zenfone 7 series and ROG Phone 3 series are expected during the first half of 2022. Models affected include Zenfone 8, Zenfone 8 Flip, Zenfone 7, Zenfone 7 Pro, ROG Phone 5, ROG Phone 5 Ultimate, ROG Phone 5s, ROG Phone 5s Pro, ROG Phone 3 and ROG Phone 3 Strix Edition.

This update inherits the major functional changes introduced in the official version of Android 12, as well as continuing the popular ASUS battery- and performance-management features. For Zenfone models, it also includes ZenUI-specific changes that allow easier navigation, streamlined control panels, increased visibility for better control and more customization options.Â

ASUS has already recruited Zenfone 8 users for the Android 12 beta testing program. The beta program will help identify and fix bugs based on real user experiences before the final software is rolled out in December.Â
In the meantime, you can check out our in-depth review of the ROG Phone 5 byÂ heading over here.


EVOS Phoenix Reclaim Their Throne As They Win Free Fire World Series 2022 Bangkok

With a prize pool of US$2,000,000 on the line, EVOS Phoenix reclaims their crown as the Kings of Free Fire as they top the standings in Free Fire World Series 2022 Bangkok. The two-time World Series champions bagged themselves US$500,000 and the championship trophy, after racking 54 kills and 2 Booyahs, which landed them 117 points.
The exhilarating Finals had everyone on the edge of their seats in anticipation. We saw EVOS Phoenix battle it out with Keyd Stars from Brazil who came in second place with 114 points, and Nigma Galaxy from Thailand coming in third with 97 points.

EVOS Phoenix’s victory marks the third consecutive World Series victory for Thailand, after wins by the country at the past two World Series tournaments held in Singapore. Once again, the seasoned team proved their mettle, making a strong comeback after finishing in second place last FFWS. This also makes EVOS Phoenix the first team to have won the World Series twice, having previously been crowned champions at the FFWS 2021 Singapore.
“The last game was really challenging [for us] due to the huge point difference,” commented EVOS Phoenix on their win. “But as you can see, Phoenix never dies.” The newly-minted champions also expressed their excitement that the World Series was held in their home ground this time. “All teams really performed their best — including the teams we met in the Play-ins. They made it difficult for us to enter the Finals.”
This World Series, the teams from Thailand and Brazil consistently dominated the matches. As of the penultimate battle in the Finals, EVOS Phoenix ranked third while Vivo Keyd topped the table. The final match proved to be an absolute game-changer as EVOS Phoenix battled hard to clinch another 30 points, beating Vivo Keyd by more than 20 points in the eighth match. As a result of locking in an impressive elimination score of 18 in the last match, EVOS Phoenix eventually overtook Vivo Keyd by 3 points in total, leading EVOS Phoenix to be crowned the ultimate victors of FFWS 2022 Bangkok.

Moshi of EVOS Phoenix also proved his worth and showcased his exceptional skills by being named the Most Valuable Player (MVP) of FFWS 2022 Bangkok with an outstanding performance of 17 kills and 4 assists.


Top Gun Maverick Lands In Microsoft Flight Simulator

Take your skills to stratospheric heights with the free Top Gun Maverick expansion, which is now available as free expansion update in Microsoft Flight Simulator.
Develop the skills required and navigate complexities encountered by actual Top Gun pilots in authentic locations, including a carrier deck landing challenge, one of the most demanding operations in the world of military aviation. The Top Gun Maverick expansion also contains a Maverick Edition livery for the F/A-18E Super Hornet, Super Hornet training missions that will introduce you to radical flight maneuvers, five high-speed, low-level challenges through mountains and canyons, a never-before-unveiled hypersonic aircraft, and a mission to roar into the stratosphere.
Microsoft Flight Simulator is available on Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One and PC with Xbox Game Pass and PC Game Pass.
In the meantime, you can check out our review of Top Gun Maverick here.


TGS 2018: That Wild Arms Action RPG Mobile Game Will Be Out 26 September…

You know what the world needs? A Wild Arms revival on the PS4. Too bad we’re only getting half of that wish coming true: Wild Arms: Million Memories will be out for iOS and Android phones in Japan later on 26th September.
What’s the game about? It’s an action RPG that is set in a Wild Arms multiverse type scenario, featuring the leads from all the Wild Arms games you loved back in the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 era. So we have Rudy, Jude, Dean, and bunch of others who may or may not be gacha-able because that’s how these F2P JRPGs work.
Still, the action looks decent and I see myself picking it up in the near future. Check out the video below:

Thanks to pre-registrations reaching 200,000 people who are probably enamoured via rose-tinted nostalgia glasses, players will receive the following bonuses upon playing the game:

50,000 pre-registrations â€“ Gimel Coin x10
100,000 pre-registrations â€“ Gems x100
200,000 pre-registrations â€“ â€œThe One Who Inherited Tearsâ€ ARM

Two more pre-registration goals have also been added:

250,000 pre-registrations â€“ Gems x400
300,000 pre-registrations â€“ â€œBrotherâ€™s Intentions Carried Outâ€


You Can Play Riders Republic For Free Starting Tomorrow

Players can check out the world of Riders Republic on PC Play Day, available from 12 October 2021 at 3pm (GMT+8) to 13 October 2021 at 3pm (GMT+8). During this time, players can freely access the game exclusively on Ubisoft Connect PC. Preload will be available from today on 11 October 2021 at 3pm (GMT+8).
The Riders Republic PC Play Day will give players access to all 5 career progressions, playable either in solo or PvP. Players will also be able to compete in all multiplayer modes:

Mass Race:Â The crazier the better in these epic, multisport races with more than 50 players*. New races appear randomly on the map every 30 minutes, so players will need to get ready to watch their blind spots, protect their position and remain agile with their skills as they fight their way to the finish line. PC Play Day will feature up to 3 different Mass Races.
Versus Mode:Â Players can join up with 5 friends in any career event and see whoâ€™s the very best.
Tricks Battle:Â Players will compete in 6v6 matchups and try to land as many tricks as possible on the various modules to capture them and earn points. The team with the highest score wins.
Free for All:Â In this mode, players can challenge up to 11 opponents and show them how itâ€™s done through a select playlist of events.

To allow players to jump right into Riders Republicâ€™s iconic U.S. landmarks, the onboarding tutorial of the game will be disabled during PC Play Day only. For more information about the Riders Republic PC Play Day, you can visit: ridersrepublic.com
Developed by Ubisoft Annecy, Riders Republic invites players to jump into a lively social playground where they can experience the thrill of outdoor sports in an open and densely populated world. Players will roam freely with their friends in a huge and vibrant open world where they can compete and nail crazy moves through an exciting range of sports such as biking, skiing, snowboarding, wing-suiting and rocket wing-suiting across some of the most iconic American national parks.


Free Fire To Add Famous DJ As Playable Character

Garena Free FireÂ has announced that their latest character addition will be music producer and DJ Niles Hollowell-Dhar, better known by his stage name KSHMR.

Signed to Warner Music Groupâ€™s iconic Dance label Spinninâ€™ Records, KSHMR is renowned for his innovative and pioneering approach to producing. Players will not only see KSHMR feature in Free Fire as an all-new playable character called K, with the nickname Captain Booyah, there will also be a specially produced song and music video.
The song plays heavily on KSHMRâ€™s signature vocal-driven production style and delivers the same energy as users get from playing Free Fire. More details on the song will be revealed on official Free Fire channels in the near future.
KSHMR said:
â€œThe song I wrote for this collaboration is meant to inspire people all over the world; to keep fighting regardless of the challenges theyâ€™re facing.Free Fire delivers this same energy and inspiration, and Iâ€™m excited to be working on this with them.â€
In addition, players can expect more KSHMR x Free Fire content, including the song, music video, and in-game playable character, to drop sometime in October 2020. Stay tuned for all the latest on the partnership on their officialÂ Facebook page.
Previously, Bollywood star Hrithik Roshan also joined the game.
Garena Free Fire is free to download and play on both theÂ Apple iOS AppÂ andÂ Google Play store.


Yakuza Gets A Streets Of Rage Parody Game This October

It’s only a matter of time until someone made a combination of the Yakuza games with the 2D Streets of Rage/Bare Knuckle titles. Who knew that it would be Sega of all people to do this?
To celebrate Sega’s 60th anniversary, Sega is making a free Streets of Rage 2D parody game featuring the Yakuza brand called Streets of Kamurocho. You control either Kazuma Kiryu or Goro Majima, two of the most famous characters in the game, and clean up Kamurocho with your own brand of street justice. If the game’s lifebars and some of its 2D assets and animations look familiar, that’s because some of it is lifted from Streets of Rage 2.

It’s developed by Empty Clip Studios with Sega’s huge blessing. It’ll be available for download from 17th-19th October, so grab it then before it’s gone forever.
In related news, Sega is also releasing a bunch of free new games with retro callbacks like:

A retro-inspired multiplayer tank game & riff on Call of Heroes called Armor of Heroes, available 15th-19th October,
A mish-mash of Fantasy Zone and The Endless series called Endless Zone, available 16th-19th October,
A free copy of Sonic The Hedgehog 2,
A build of a never-before-seen canned beat-em-up project called Golden Axed.Â