XIII Remake Drops On Nintendo Switch This September

Microids has announced that a major update for the game XIII Remake as well as the Nintendo Switch version of the game will be released on 13 September 2022. The game is the remake of the iconic cel-shaded FPS from 2003, and is the adaptation of the five first volumes of the Belgian graphic novel of the same name by artist William Vance and writer Jean Van Hamme.
To achieve the quality standards and offer an optimal gaming experience, Microids decided to entrust the development of XIII Remake to the French studio Tower Five (Lornsword: Winter Chronicle). Hard at work for more than a year on a major update for the PS4, Xbox One and PC versions, the studio has also worked on the multiplayer content as well as the Nintendo Switch port of the game. This update, the multiplayer content and the Switch version will simultaneously be released on 13 September 2022.
On that date, owners of the PS4, Xbox One and PC versions will receive a free update and enjoy the game as intended. The development studio reworked the entire game from the Art Direction to the AI and added numerous technical improvements. Finally, Tower Five implemented the highly awaited online multiplayer mode for up to 13 players.
Stéphane Longeard, CEO de Microids, said:
“We are fully aware and terribly sorry that the initial launch of XIII Remake on PlayStation 4, Xbox One and PC did not reach players’ expected quality standards. A bit more than a year ago we took the decision to hire the studio Tower Five to finish the development of the game. Tower Five worked with us in the past, notably on the great port of Agatha Christie: The ABC Murders on Nintendo Switch.
We really wanted to take the time to fix the game and offer owners of XIII Remake a free update paying the best possible tribute to the original game we all love. The Nintendo Switch version of the game will of course benefit from all the work done to improve the game as well as the multiplayer mode, which will mark the end of the game’s development.
We can’t wait for players to put their hands on this improved version of the game and (re)discover the classic adventures of Agent XIII, as soon as it’s released after the Summer.”
XIII Remake will launch on 13 September 2022 on Nintendo Switch. The free major update will be available the same day for the PS4, Xbox One and PC versions.


The Top 25 Skyrim Mods You Must Own Right Now

I still recall playing Elder Scrolls: Skyrim for the first time. I felt accomplished as I knocked out quests, explored dungeons, picked flowers while stealing anything and everything in sight to sate my endless hunger for wealthâ€¦ yeah.
Countless hours later, I found that I had nothing left to do, combat felt stale as I started one-shotting anything that would dare challenge me, every criminal organisation feared me, Jarls hailed me as a hero, all the wenches swooned over me but I felt empty. Then I learned about Nexus Mods and Skyrim Mods, I was a changed man.
Any fan of the 8-year old Elder Scrolls: Skyrim will proudly proclaim to fellow Skyrim fans that theyâ€™ve spent painstaking hours modding the game to death, reviving it and modding to death once more. Even with all the Bethesda shenanigans with Fallout 76, fans can still find sanctuary in Skyrim and a modding community thatâ€™s still going strong!
Today, Iâ€™ll be pulling out my personal list of Skyrim mods Iâ€™ll admit spending way too much compiling. Do bear in mind that this is not a top mods list.

This is a list of mods -in no particular order- I personally found changed my gameplay experience in major and minor ways. Meaningful changes, so that means no joke mods here.

This also isnâ€™t a comprehensive list; my actual mod list consisted of 50 somewhat mods. Yeah, I was addicted. Without further ado, letâ€™s get on with it.
#1. SkyUI

The quintessential user interface (UI) mod, SkyUI! It would be blasphemy to not install this mod! SkyUI completely overhauls the clunky vanilla Skyrim UI and introduces a clean, organized, easy to use UI for your inventory and spells. Youâ€™d be a damn milk drinker if you actually liked the vanilla UI!
#2. The Notice Board

This lovely but simple mod adds a quaint looking Notice Board if every major town. These Notice Boards house random side quests the player can embark in to earn some extra coin, rescue quests, fetch quests, kill quests and many more. Itâ€™s a nice neat little way for the player to grab some smaller quests if you donâ€™t feel like going on a big adventure.
#3. Apachii SkyHair

This mod doesnâ€™t change your gameplay one single bit, not at all but it does add a wide variety of high-quality hairstyles for you to customize your character with. Purely eye pleasing and aesthetic as hell. Whatâ€™s that? You donâ€™t play in third-person, so you never see your character? Fret not, with console commands, the NPCs too can rock these hairstyles.
#4. Helmet Toggle

Well, if youâ€™re like me and actually want to see your characters face/hair but still enjoy the benefits of your headgear, Helmet Toggle is the mod for you! As the name suggests, this simple mod give you the option to toggle the appearance of your helmet so you can bask in the glory of your characters beauty or ugliness if you swing that way.
#5.Alternate Start

Sick of sitting through the long intro cutscene, and tired of running away from Alduin for the 100th time? We gotcha, fam!
With this mod, you quite literally have an Alternate Start. You can choose to start the game as a prisoner or a bandit, maybe even a warlockâ€™s thrall. Whatever you choose, you need not endure the cart ride anymore.
#6. Calientes Beautiful Bodies Edition (CBBE)

Hey, we all like a lady with a nice bod, I think we can all agree on that. I would consider CBBE to be the gateway drug to Skyrim adult modding, but we can talk about that another day.
CBBE introduces a much more alluring body model for female characters, which may or may not cause them to be fully nude if they arenâ€™t wearing any gear. Try it at your own risk!
Some trivia, CBBE used to stand for Calientes Big Booty Edition.
#7. Ordinator/Perkus Maximus

Breathe some life into your character skill builds with these two mods. Ordinator and Perkus Maximus are the two premier skill overhaul mods out there. Obviously, you gotta choose one or the other, but Iâ€™m just giving you options.
Both mods really force players to invent all-new playstyles and make every skill point invested feel impactful.
#8. Archery Gameplay Overhaul (AGO) and Scoped Bows

I was once an adventurer like you…so letâ€™s talk archery.
The combo of the two mods are aimed at making archery feel fresh again, it definitely did for me. AGO add features like arrow bleed, arm stamina, enchanted bows and enhanced character animations, for that added immersion. Scoped Bows literally adds scoped bows.
Why? Why not.
NEXT


SYNTHETIK 2 Blasts Its Way Onto Steam

2018’s Synthetik: Legion Rising was a great roguelike game with robots. Now the sequel is coming from Flow Fire Games in the form of SYNTHETIK 2.
Just like its predecessor, SYNTHETIK 2 is a punishing tactical rogue-lite shooter where you must experiment and adapt to defeat the Machine Legion. The initial Early Access release already features seven environment types, and three classes (each with three specializations that can significantly change how the class plays).
It’s a fun game with robots. What more could you want?
Flow Fire Games Co-founder Alexander Luck said:
â€œThis isnâ€™t the first game weâ€™ve built alongside community feedback. Weâ€™re eager to see what players think of the SYNTHETIK 2 Early Access release, which already contains a serious chunk of content and new tech! Getting feedback is one of our top priorities.Itâ€™s going to be great to see what SYNTHETIK fans will create with the new Universe Editor.
It was a huge task but it is something we have never seen before and opens the doors for endless possibilities. We canâ€™t wait to get our first feedback from fans once they see the game in action, and discover what theyâ€™re going to create with the Universe Editor!â€
SYNTHETIK 2 is currently in Steam Early Access for the promotional price of RM35.10. In the meantime, you can check out our preview of the game here.
[videopress 1PkSeNwl]


Hearthstone Is Removed From Hangzhou Asian Games

The upcoming 2022 Asian Games’ esports division will be short of one prominent game this year: Hearthstone.
In a recent post on the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF) website, the Asian Games 2022 which is (finally) taking place in Hangzhou, China this year will be removing Hearthstone from the esports programme. This is due to the recent negotiations fallout between Activision Blizzard and Netease, which resulted in the game’s operating rights and partnership ending without any conclusion.
This results in servers hosting Hearthstone in China being shut down, with the team managing the game being disbanded. Efforts were made to resolve the issue with AESF, but no solution has been found.
Full details are below:
“In November 2022, negotiations between Blizzard Entertainment and NetEase regarding the extension of operating rights and their partnership agreement ended without reaching a conclusion. As a result, all servers hosting Hearthstone on the Chinese Mainland have been shut down and the team managing the game has been disbanded. This has left the game in a state where it is unable to be included as one of the competition events at the Hangzhou Asian Games.
Efforts were made to resolve the issue with the Asian Electronic Sports Federation (AESF). However, there was no significant progress in finding a solution. After extensive discussions with the Hangzhou Asian Games Organizing Committee (HAGOC), it was proposed that Hearthstone be removed from the competition program.
On the 16th of March, the Olympic Council of Asia (OCA) confirmed the decision proposed by HAGOC and the AESF for the removal of Heartstone during the fifth Coordination Committee meeting. “
Following the removal of Hearthstone, the esports programme at the 2022 Asian Games will still feature the following titles as medal events: Arena of Valor, Dota 2, FIFA, League of Legends, PUBG Mobile, Dream of the Three Kingdoms 2, and Street Fighter 5. The Hangzhou 2022 Asian Games will be hosted from 23 September 2023 to 8 October 2023.
No news on whether we will be getting a replacement esports title to fill the Hearthstone-sized gap, but we will definitely report on it once we have anything on it.


Sega’s Sin Chronicle Will Be Out This March In Japan

Sega’s upcoming mobile RPG hit will launch in Japan in a few weeks.
Sin Chronicle, the mobile RPG that’s the sequel to the Japan-hit title Chain Chronicle, will be out on 23 March for iOS and Android devices. The game features speedy turn-based combat, loads of heroes and heroines to gacha, and a story will different choices you can’t go back to once picked; a first for mobile RPGs that usually play it safe.

The game’s composers include Kevin Penkin alongside guest composers like:

Kenji Ito
Masashi Hamauzu
Yoko Shimomura
Masato Koda
Yasunori Mitsuda
Yuzo Koshiro

Its prequel, Chain Chronicle, did gangbusters in Japan since its 2013 launch and has gone through multiple story arcs and collaborations with other RPGs like Secret of Mana and Legend of Heroes. The game was localized to English back in 2014 by Gumi Asia but had its service ended in 2016. Hopefully, Sega can localize the sequel to a new audience in 2022 and 2023; they’ve done a good job with the English Hatsune Miku Colorful Stage.


BioWare Details Mass Effect Legendary Edition Upgrades & Improvements

Mass Effect Legendary Edition was finally confirmed in February 2021 for a 14 May 2021 release date. Now, EA and BioWare have unveiled the full details and information about all the upgrades and improvements incorporated into the remaster of the iconic trilogy (via a new blog post).
Mass Effect Legendary Edition Combat Improvements

In the first Mass Effect, accuracy (including reticle bloom and weapon sway) has been tuned across all weapons to allow players to maintain more consistent firepower while still managing their shots/overheat meter.
The aiming down sights (ADS) camera view has improved so that it’s more accurate (like the second and third games), and the aim assist has been improved to provide better precision. Abilities have also been rebalancedÂ in the first game.
The following overview lists gameplay changes we madeÂ specifically to the firstÂ Mass Effect, with the goal of bringing it a bit more in line with the rest of the trilogy:

Shepard can nowÂ sprint out of combat.
Melee attacks are now mapped to a buttonÂ press rather than automatically occurring based on proximity to an enemy.
Weapon accuracy and handling have been significantly improved.

Reticle bloom is more controlled.
Weapon sway removed from sniper rifles.
Aiming down sights/â€tight aimâ€ camera view has been improved.
Improved aim assist for target acquisition.

AllÂ relevant enemies now take headshot damage in the first game.

Previously some did not, including humanoid enemies.

Ammo mods (Anti-Organic, Anti-Synthetic, etc.) can now drop throughout the whole game.

Previously, these stopped dropping at higher player levels.
They are now also available to purchase from merchants.

AllÂ weapons can be used by any class without penalty.

Specializations (the ability to train/upgrade certain weapons) are still class-specific.

Weapons cool down much faster.
Medi-gel usage has been improved.

Base cooldown reduced.
Levelling benefits increased.
Increased Liaraâ€™s bonus to cooldowns.

Inventory management improvements.

Items can now be flagged as â€œJunkâ€.
All Junk items can be converted into Omni-gel or sold to merchants at once.
Inventory and stores now have sorting functionality.

Some abilities have been rebalanced.
Weapon powers (i.e., those that are unlocked on each weapon typeâ€™s skill tree) have been improved:

Effectiveness/strength is increased (duration reduced in some cases).
Heat now resets on power activation.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Gameplay Improvements

The first game has been brought in line with the second and third games, including the following updates:

Squadmates can now be commanded independently of each otherÂ in the firstÂ Mass Effect, the same way you can command them individually inÂ Mass Effect 2Â andÂ 3.
SomeÂ boss fights and enemiesÂ in the first game have beenÂ tweaked to be fairer for players but still challenging.
Cover has been improved across the trilogy.

Additional cover added to some encounters.
Entering and exiting cover is now more reliable.

XP has been rebalanced in the first game (details below).
Ammo drops have been rebalanced inÂ Mass Effect 2 (details below).

XP gained during the first game has been rebalanced for better consistency, especially towards the gameâ€™s end. Additionally, there is no longer a level cap on a first playthrough.
The ammunition in Mass Effect 2 has also been tweaked to increase the drop rate for ammo, particularly when using a sniper rifle since that had a reduced ammo drop rate in the original release.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition Mako Improvements

If you’ve played the Mass Effect trilogy, you’ll know that the Mako is quite possibly the most frustrating part of the first game, making it hard to go back to. Due to that, it has been â€œcalibratedâ€ to perform better than ever.
Its function has also been improved with faster shield rechargingÂ andÂ new thrusters added to the rear, allowing for a speed boost when youâ€™re inevitably trying to scale up the side of a near-vertical cliff.
These are the calibrations you can expect to experience when driving the Mako:

Improved handling.

Physics tuning improved to feel â€œweightierâ€ and slide around less.

Improved camera controls.

Resolved issues preventing the Mako from accurately aiming at lower angles.

Shields recharge faster.
New thrusters added for a speed boost.

Its cooldown is separate from the jump jetsâ€™.

The XP penalty while in the Mako has been removed.
Touching lava no longer results in an instant Mission Failure and instead deals damage over time.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Shepard Improvements

As for Commander Shepard, BioWare has unified Shepardâ€™s customization options in the character creator and even added some new options, like additional skin tones and hairstyles. You can use the same character creator code (seen bottom-left in the image below) across all three games, meaning your Shepard can now have a consistent appearance across the trilogy, or you can choose to change their appearance at the start of each title. Customization options and character appearances have also been improved with updated textures and hair models.
They have also added theÂ Mass Effect: GenesisÂ comics by Dark HorseÂ into the base experience beforeÂ Mass Effect 2Â andÂ 3Â as an optional experience so players can make choices from previous games no matter where they choose to start.
Other upgrades include:

New unified launcher for all three games.

Includes trilogy-wide settings for subtitles and languages.
Saves are still unique to each game and can be managed independently of each other.

Updated character creatorÂ options, as mentioned above.

FemShep fromÂ Mass Effect 3 is the new default female option in all three games (the original FemShep design is still available as a preset option).

Achievements across the trilogy have been updated.

New achievements have been added to the trilogy.
Progress for some achievements now carries over across all three games (e.g. Kill 250 enemies across all games).

Achievements that were streamlined into one and made redundant were removed.

A number of achievements have had their objectives/descriptions and/or names updated.

Integrated weapons and armorÂ DLC packs.

Weapons and armor DLC packs are now integrated naturally into the game; theyâ€™re obtainable via research or by purchasing them from merchants as you progress through the game, rather than being immediately unlocked from the start. This ensures overall balance and progression across ME2 and ME3.
Recon Hood (ME2) and Cerberus Ajax Armor (ME3) are available at the start of each game.

Additional gameplay & Quality of life improvements.

Audio is remixed and enhanced across all games.
Hundreds of legacy bugs from the original releases are fixed.
Native controller and 21:9 display support on PC, with DirectX 11 compatibility.

Mass Effect Legendary Edition Galaxy At War Improvements

Last but not least,Â Mass Effect 3 features the Galaxy at War mechanic which puts you in the heart of the Reaper War from the Normandyâ€™s Combat Information Center. It has been rebalanced in the Legendary Edition. For example, Galactic Readiness is no longer impacted by external factorsÂ that arenâ€™t part of the collection,Â like multiplayer or the old companion app for ME3.
TheÂ more content you completeÂ across the entire trilogy, theÂ more likely youâ€™ll be preparedÂ for the final fights in its conclusion. If you only playÂ Mass Effect 3, youâ€™ll have to do just about every option available in the game to be eligible for an ending that doesnâ€™t result in massive galactic losses. Playing the first two games and carrying over your progress is the most reliable way to get good results in the final hours of the Reaper War.
For comparison, if you previously played ME3 with the Extended Cut (which included Galactic Readiness rebalancing),Â fully preparing for the final fight will be more difficult to achieve in the Legendary Edition. And on that note: the Extended Cut ending is now the gameâ€™s default finale.
However, readying your intergalactic armies will be made a bit easier by a number of critical bug fixes and backendÂ improvements madeÂ to the Paragon-Renegade system in ME2. They have resolved some legacy issues that inhibited accurate reputation stats from being displayed and outright prevented certain dialogue options from being selectable when they should have been. Because of this, key moments that have been notoriously difficult to achieve in ME2 (and impacted ME3) can now be completed more reliably, leading to better results in the storyâ€™s final act.
Mass Effect Legendary Edition is slated to release for the PS4, PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC onÂ 14 May 2021.


[Report] Activision Blizzard To Lay Off Hundreds Of Employees

Something wicked this way comes to the house that created Call of Duty and all them Blizzard games.
Activision Blizzard is planning to lay off hundreds of workers as the company outlines to reform and centralise its operations. According to Bloomberg, the layoff will come from various parts of the company, including Blizzard itself, due to the disappointing number of sales. Activision employed 9,800 people at the end of 2017.
The layoffs, which could affect hundreds, are part of the company’s plan to restructure aimed at centralising and bolstering profits, said one of the people who asked not to be identified as the changes haven’t been announced.

So What Happened?
A lot, actually. Let’s break it down:

Activision Blizzard lost several high-profile executives: long-time Activision Publishing CEOÂ Eric Hirshberg, Blizzard co-founder and presidentÂ Mike Morhaime, Activision Blizzard CFO Spencer Neumann, and Blizzard CFOÂ Amirta Ahuja.
During a conference call in November, Activision Blizzard revealed that some key titles such as Overwatch and HearthstoneÂ were plateauing or declining in numbers of sales and players.
Activision Blizzard parted ways with Bungie after the appaling sales of Destiny 2: Forsaken, a move that could reduce annual revenues by as much as $400 million USD (RM1.6 billion).

Bloomberg also reports that Activision Blizzard is not the only publisher facing declines in stock -its stock dropped nearly 2.5 percent as of this writing. EA is facing a share price decline of 13 percent earlier this week following bad salesÂ and Take-Two Interactive also tumbled after forecasting sales for the quarter that were below analyst forecasts.
Activision Blizzard’s official announcement is expected to come on Tuesday.


CoD Gets Boots On The Ground With Mobile Version This October

Activision and Tencent have announced the official release date for Call Of Duty Mobile on Android and iOS. The mobile version of the popular first-person-shooter franchise will launch simultaneously worldwide in all countries where the Google Play Store and Apple App Store are supported, with the exception of mainland China, Vietnam, and Belgium.
Call Of Duty Mobile will feature Battle Royale and many fan-favourite multiplayer modes such as Team Deathmatch, Search and Destroy, and Free-For-All, along with classic maps like Nuketown, Crash, and Hijacked, as well as familiar faces like Soap MacTavish and Alex Mason.

October 1st. #CODMobile pic.twitter.com/XQipdgWWDh
â€” Call of Duty: Mobile (@PlayCODMobile) September 18, 2019
Activision VP Chris Plummer said:

“We are delivering the definitive, first-person action experience on mobile with signature Call of Duty gameplay in the palms of your hands.
We are bringing together some of the best the franchise has to offer, including Modern Warfare maps like Crash and Crossfire, Black Ops maps like Nuketown and Hijacked, and many more, into one epic title.”

Call Of Duty Mobile is slated to release for Android and iOS devices on 1 October 2019. You can still pre-register for the upcoming launch, find out the rewards and how to do so by heading here.


Super Mario Bros. Movie Rakes In US$500 Million Globally

*cue Mario victory theme when you touch the flagpole
We previously brought up huge opening sales numbers of the Super Mario Bros. film when it aired on 6th April onward. Now we can confirm that those numbers are beyond the millions worldwide, to nobody’s surprise.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie passes US$500 million on a global scale, becoming this year’s biggest video game adaptation ever (via Variety). The film earned US$248.4 million outside of the USA; with its combined total, it tops the grosses of Warcraft and Detective Pikachu.
If we’re counting animated hits, Super Mario Bros. Movie is now the second biggest animated film since 2019, coming in ahead Demon Slayer: Mugen Train (US$494 million) and behind Minions: The Rise of Gru (US$942.5 million). Again, it’s not much of a shock when you remember Mario being a big pop culture name alongside Mickey Mouse and Goku.
The Super Mario Bros. Movie will be out in Malaysia on 20th April. You can watch it for free if you participate in our TGV collab contest! Don’t be left out on the Rainbow Road.

KKP x TGV MARIO FAN EVENT GIVEAWAY?
To Enter:1. Follow @Kakuchopurei & @TGVCinemas 2. Tell us your all-time fav Mario game & why.3. Tag 4 friends4. ?? & Share this post.
Winners will receive tickets to watch the #SuperMarioMovie and an invitation ?
Good luck! pic.twitter.com/1V5IDXARwc
— Kakuchopurei (@Kakuchopurei) April 13, 2023


Saints Row 2022 Update Will Fix Major Bugs

Despite the disappointment faced by the Saints Row reboot during its launch in August, developer Volition isn’t giving up on the title. In fact, it’s going to keep on trucking and make do what’s right.
The next major Saints Row update will fix the whole game this November, according to Volition’s blog post. These include quality-of-life changes, ongoing improvements like changing repetitive mission structures up, and also free costume packs this year with no extra charges.

“We’re especially aware of issues some players have been having with co-op and we’re sorry these fixes have taken longer than expected while we apply and test them thoroughly. Separately, we know that the game doesn’t always clearly explain how and when co-op is possible, so we are working on this too.”

We reviewed the Saints Row reboot; we had some fun with the game despite a number of kerfuffles and kinks. Let’s hope these fixes can turn things around for Volition and its owners Embracer Group.


Our Diablo 4 Characters & Build During The Open Beta Weekends

Diablo 4’s open beta has come and gone, and boy, did we have some fun with the majority of it.
While we’re busy processing our thoughts about the action RPG in an upcoming feature, we figured we should share our custom characters and builds during the beta. After all, Diablo 4 is the first time players can go wild with how their create-an-avatar looks and dress up. It’s always a plus to be fashionable in a dreary hellhole that is Sanctuary, so why not take that advantage and loot the world in style?
Check out our ensemble of characters below, starting with…

Alisha “alishxruss” Alix

Stealth and agility have always been my get-to class when it comes to open-world action RPG games and nothing beats the Rogue class when it comes to these two skills. The Rogue in Diablo 4 can wield both a melee and ranged weapon in addition to specializing in shadow damage.
My Rogue or as I named her “Oktavia” focused on two Basic Skills: Blade Shift and Forceful Arrow. As for the Core Skills, I tend to use Barrage for ranged attacks, Penetrating Shot that pierces all enemies in a line, and Twisting Blades which uses a dual-wield weapon. A versatile, highly mobile Rogue is capable of tackling both group and solo challenges.

Kenn Leandre
I only managed to jump into the Diablo IV Open Beta via Xbox last weekend and for my class, I went with what some may call, either the ‘boring’ option or the self-hating route. Anyways, I went with Rogue.
Built around the idea of picking off enemies from a distance, whittling them down with a crowd control kit and finishing off the stragglers with melee attacks, it comes as no surprise that my character, ‘Erd’ looks like your Shopee version of Kamen Rider.

He fires his bow like an assault rifle. He rains arrows from above. He ducks at the first sight of danger. I solo-ed the open beta the whole weekend, but I am pretty sure Erd would serve well in a party, taking the role of cleaning up stragglers from the comforts and safety of whoever happened to be in front of him.

Xandolls

Magic is my heart’s true passion, the spark that ignites my soul, which is why in any game that I play, I tend to vibe with any class that has magical abilities. The Sorceress, well, she’s a walking, talking inferno, well mine is. I had a ton of fun playing around with her outfits (RIP all the items I salvaged).
Originally, I went with a chain lightning build. The zap zap, and watching the lightning chain through multiple enemies was so satisfying. It did extremely well for crowd control, but for boss fights… well, it was useless. I struggled a lot in doing damage when I went up against Ashava the World Boss. Lightning build solo is a complete nono. Maybe I haven’t found an optimum build, yet. Soon after, I went for a crit pyro build, which involved using an Enhanced Fireball build with the Hydras.

It did a pretty good amount of damage against bosses, and my hydras could burn the hell out of the ads. As for the ultimate, using Inferno was VERY fun. Too much fun honestly. I ran my Inferno with upgrades that would suck enemies in, so seeing them all get pulled in was kinda exhilarating!

Lewis “73wis” Larcombe

Being new to Diablo, I opted for the Barbarian build because whenever it’s come to other RPGs like The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim, I always opt for the warrior class. I named him “Lucian” because I wasn’t exactly sure what was lore-friendly and the name Lucian gets thrown around in RPGs quite a bit so I wanted to go for a safe route.
Me being braindead, I put all my points into maxing out the auto-attack for the double weapons slot, quickly did I find out, it was far from optimal. After looking up some guides I went for Thorns build where I primarily used my two-handed slashing weapon along with Iron Skin and a couple of shouts to taunt enemies and increase movement speed. Playing this build in a party is really good as the taunt allows you to take aggro and tank the damage while your party members who are probably ranged characters deal the main DPS.
But after playing alone, I did realise that playing Barbarian solo just isn’t worth it. The fact that you’re a melee character is already a massive detriment which I found out the hard way.

Jonathan “Mr Toffee” Leo

I see a class that lets me command a bunch of undead, I play it. My Necromancer is named and styled after a 90s has-been rock star who recently received domestic abuse charges.
In terms of builds, I’ve charted it on a previous guide. My Necromancer is focused on Bone skills: Bone Spear, Bone Spirit, regular Bone(r) attacks, and “Bone Hurricane”, with my Skeleton Minions, Mages, and Golems doing all the heavy lifting.
True, I did play all the classes available up to max level throughout the weekends. But the Necromancer holds a special place in my heart because of how macabre and cool-looking his transmogs can get. I can’t wait to deck my launch Necromancer out like a cross between Sauron from The Lord of the Rings Peter Jackson movies and Thor’s The Destroyer.
For more build ideas, check out our Diablo 4 level up guide.


Masters Of The Universe Revelation Part 2 Drops Next Month

Netflix has announced a release date for the conclusion of its two-part series, Masters Of The Universe Revelation. Part 2 will consist of five episodes that run for 30 minutes each.
The series will release its final five episodes on 23 November 2021.
Netflix released the following synopsis for Part 2 ofÂ Revelation:
The war for Eternia continues in the second part of â€œMasters of the Universe: Revelation,â€ an innovative and action-packed animated series that picks up where the iconic characters left off. With Skeletor now wielding the Sword of Power, the weary heroes of Eternia must band together to fight back against the forces of evil in a thrilling and epic conclusion to the two-part series.
The voice cast includes Mark Hamill as Skeletor, Lena Headey as Evil-Lyn, Chris Wood as Prince Adam/He-Man, Sarah Michelle Gellar as Teela, Liam Cunningham as Man-At-Arms, Stephen Root as Cringer, Diedrich Bader as King Randor/Trap Jaw, Griffin Newman as Orko, Tiffany Smith as Andra, Henry Rollins as Tri-Klop, original Skeletor Alan Oppenheimer as Moss Man, Susan Eisenberg as Sorceress, Alicia Silverstone as Queen Marlena, Justin Long as Roboto, Jason Mewes as Stinkor, Phil LaMarr as He-Ro, Tony Todd as Scare Glow, Cree Summer as Priestess, Kevin Michael Richardson as Beast Man and Kevin Conroy as Mer-Man.
Susan Corbin is the producer; executive producers are Frederic Soulie, Adam Bonnett, Christopher Keenan, and Rob David.
Part 1 premiered on 23 July 2021 on Netflix. You can check out our review of that here.


Rainbow Six: Extraction Operator Guide: The Best Ones To Main As

This guide is still under development; we may add in more Operators as we play Rainbow Six: Extraction further post-launch.
After many hours playing Ubisoft’s latest co-op shooter, we have come to the conclusion that there’s a modicum of fun in this by-the-numbers game. Part of the fun is seeing the many Operators and their abilities in play.
In Rainbow Six: Extraction, you’ll need to level up most of them in your group so you have a steady pool of them in case one of them goes MIA from a botched run; this tends to happen if you’re playing solo on a higher difficulty. And just like other online shooters, some Operators are better equipped than others.
But first, here’s a tip on how to level up fast.

When on a mission, you should attempt to take down enemies from a distance and in a stealthy fashion. This means extra points for doing so, meaning more XP when you cash out via extraction.
Fortifying passageways, healing yourself/allies, tagging and pinging enemies, and reviving downed teammates also contributes to your XP.

The easiest mission types to farm are: Triangulation, Nest Tracking, Biopsy (pictured above), and Specimen. They just require you to either run to three specific locations in a generous time limit, sneak up and tag eggs, sneak-kill a giant monster, or lure monsters via loud noises to the nearby extraction point.
You can also “farm” in the Aberrant Nests mission. When the green eggs in this mission type are spawning enemies, you can spend the time killing what comes out.
Do Studies. No, not read up on Rainbow Six: Extraction lore; we mean do minor tasks and tallies in specific areas for extra XP.

With that said, here are the best Operators to start the game off with and to get to Level 10.
Ela

You start Rainbow Six: Extraction with a handful of Operators, with more of them unlocked as you gain Milestone ranks. Ela is one of the starter characters and is equipped with some good starting gear and equipment.
Ela’s rechargeable GRZMOT stun mines are useful as defensive tools to stun swarms of Parasite. Offensively, you can stun them so that it’s easier for you and your team to hit their weak points. Her default Scorpion EVO assault rifle hits mid-ranged, has different rates of fire, and deals decent damage. Her character upgrades mean more mines that stun for a longer period and has wider range of explosion.
Finka

Rainbow Six: Extraction has a good amount of healer Operators, but Finka is the best one. Her Adrenal Surge revives teammates instantly and does not require her to be next to her downed ally. If Adrenal Surge is used when everyone is up and about, everyone gets a temporary health boost, which is great if there aren’t any health kits lying around and you’re being mobbed by higher-tier Parasites.
If you level her up enough, she can self-revive by getting kills. All in all, she’s a great Operator to use in the long game if you fancy being a healer.
Lion

If you like playing the recon class, Lion is the best Operator for that. His special ability is to summon an EE-One-D Drone that scans all moving Parasites and Archaeans in an area.
Upgrading the character means buffing up the drone to have a wider scan range and reduced cooldown, and the ability to ping an enemy so that they stay visible even if the drone expires. Information is key in games like Rainbow Six: Extraction, and Lion is a good pick if you need to know where the enemies are at 24/7.
Vigil

Vigil is just as stealthy as Lion thanks to his kit. His ERC-8 Disruptor makes him invisible temporarily, meaning easier stealth kills and extra XP. His skill tree and upgrades make him faster, have a shorter Disruptor cooldown, and have the ability to make his allies go invisible.


The New Xbox Is Called Xbox Series X

The next-gen Xbox console is revealed during the Game Awards 2019. It’s called the Xbox Series X.
As if the name isn’t unique enough, it has a pretty odd vertical rectangle shape, the same exact Xbox One controller, lots of backwards compatibility options, and a 2020 holiday release date to go alongside the new Halo Infinite.Â
Full debut trailer below:

Here are some extra bits about the new Xbox:

The rectangular box can sit both vertically and horizontally.
Even if it looks exactly the same, the Xbox Series X controller is technically new. Here’s a quote from Microsoft:

“Its size and shape have been refined to accommodate an even wider range of people, and it also features a new Share button to make capturing screenshots and game clips simple and an advanced d-pad derived from the Xbox Elite Series 2 Wireless Controller.
The new Xbox Wireless Controller will be compatible with Xbox One and Windows 10 PCs, and will be included with every Xbox Series X.”

The console will support 60fps at 4K, with a possibility of supporting up to 120 FPS and 8K visuals.
The Xbox Series X features a “next-generation SSD that will virtually eliminate load times.”
Best of all, it will play ALL previous Xbox titles from your original Xbox games to your Xbox One titles.

“Thanks to backward compatibility, you can expect your gaming legacy, thousands of your favorite games across four generations of gaming, all your Xbox One gaming accessories, and industry-leading services like Xbox Game Pass to be available when you power on your Xbox Series X in Holiday 2020.”

That’s all well and good, and personally, I’m a fan of this PC desktop-esque monolith look. But the big question is: what are we shortening its title as? Xbox SX? XSX? Xbox SeX? Help us out here, fam!


Captain Marvel Goes Binary In 1/6th Scale For Hot Toys

Nothing’s stopping Carol Danvers AKA Captain Marvel from going binary even in her Hot Toys form, as the 1/6th scale action figure of the Earth’s mightiest hero arrives ahead of the upcoming movie.
Take a look at the marvelous toy below:

Hot Toys are known for their incredible attention to detail and real-life likeness. Captain Marvel’s is no exception, It comes with a swappable head wearing her full helmet and mohawk for when she goes binary, along with a couple of swappable hands and two choices of glowing energy hand discharges: available in both blue and yellow.
If you’re willing to splurge even more for the deluxe version of the Captain Marvel Hot Toys, you’ll get Goose (Carol Danvers’ cute orange cat, who might or might not be an alien), a cool air force leather jacket, and more choices of glowing energy hand discharges.

Captain Marvel is slated to release on 7 March 2019. In the meantime, head on over here to learn more about the character’s history and origins, or check out my breakdown and analysis of the most recent Captain Marvel trailer here.


P.T.-Like Horror Game Luto Demo Is Out Now On Steam

During Future Games Show 2023, Broken Bird Games announced that a demo for Luto is now available on PC via Steam.
Luto is a first-person psychological horror narrative experience where you play the role of an individual unable to leave his own home. Searching for a way to escape will lead you down a series of paths that will test your senses.
It reminds us a lot of P.T., the infamous unreleased horror game by Hideo Kojima and Konami.
Though there’s no release date, Luto will launch for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.
Check out the trailer below:


Star Wars Jedi Survivor Gameplay Confirms You Can Cut Off Limbs

EA’s Respawn Entertainment has unveiled new gameplay footage of Star Wars Jedi Survivor via IGN Fan Fest last weekend. What’s interesting about the new gameplay footage is that it shows Cal Kestis actually cutting off the hands and legs of stormtroopers when he slashes with his lightsaber.
Why is that significant? It’s been a while since lightsabers have been allowed to actually cut off limbs in any Star Wars IP since Disney purchased Lucasfilm. For instance, the Sequel Trilogy doesn’t feature anyone losing their limbs, despite it being an iconic part of the Original and Prequel trilogies. One example is both Luke and Anakin Skywalker getting their hands cut off, and another example is Jango Fett getting his head cut off by Mace Windu in Star Wars Episode II Attack Of The Clones.
It’s great to see Disney finally allowing limbs to be cut off by lightsabers again. A big reason why they’re so badass is that they should be able to cut through anything, which is part of the franchise lore, so limbs are a given.
Star Wars Jedi Survivor will now launch for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on 28 April 2023.
Picking up five years after the events of Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order, Star Wars Jedi Survivor is a third-person, narrative-driven action-adventure game from Respawn Entertainment, developed in collaboration with Lucasfilm Games. No longer a Padawan, Cal has come into his own and grown into a powerful Jedi Knight. Carrying the memories and expectations of the Jedi Order with him, his crusade against the Empire has only become more perilous. The Dark Times is closing in – with enemies new and familiar surrounding him, Cal will need to decide how far he’s willing to go to save those closest to him.
Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order is available now for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC. Check out our full review of Star Wars Jedi Fallen Order here to find out why we named it one of the best games of 2019.
Check out the gameplay footage below:


Nippon Ichi Software President Resigns

The company behind the Disgaea games and plethora of cute-but-insanely-deep JRPG titles will be changing management effective immediately from 19th August JST.

According to the company’s official announcement, Sohei Niikawa has resigned from his position as Nippon Ichi Software’s president due to personal reasons. Taking over his position is chairman of the board Koichi Kitazumi.
Kitazumi has joined the company back in 1993 as representative director. He became executive director in mid-2009 and chairman of the board in mid-2016.
What will happen to NIS America, its Western subsidiary? Well, the company will form a consulting contract with Niikawa until all of his ex-duties are fully transferred to Kitazumi and his new management over in the Japan branch.


Reminder: The PlayStation 2 Is Still The Best-Selling Console Of All Time

The seasons & consoles have changed, but some things are constant. In this case, the PlayStation 2’s sales numbers.
According to Statista’s recent infographic, the PlayStation’s second console which came out on 4th March 2000 is still regarded as the best-selling console of all time. The company sold 155 million PS2 units since its launch.

While many can debate about the sources (with one of them being VGChartz), it still doesn’t change the fact that the PS2 was largely influential during its time in the 2000s. Call it perfect timing, call it the right place at the right time moment; it came out to huge fanfare and dominated Nintendo and Sega. But you cannot deny its stellar library and that sleek, sleek-looking black box.
Stick around tomorrow as we’ll talk about said library. Or at least parts of it.


Overwatch League: Team Seoul Is Now Seoul Dynasty

It’s official, guys.
After weeks of rumors regarding their official Overwatch League name, Team Seoul will henceforth be known as Seoul Dynasty following the official reveal earlier today. Comprising of players from Two-Time APEX Champions Lunatic-Hai, the heavy favorites will adorn the colors of Black and Gold as seen on their choice of hero for the reveal, Korea’s very own esports mascot D.Va.

Our early season favorites to win the first season of the Overwatch League, you cannot get a more stacked lineup than Seoul Dynasty. Following a shock exit in the hands of eventual APEX Season 4 Champions GC Busan, Lunatic-HaiÂ  Seoul Dynasty recently strengthened their lineup with the inclusion of Fleta, Munchkin and xepheR.Â Â Â Fielding three players making their debut at theÂ OGN Supermatch, the team showed the world that they are back at their best as they defeated China’s Miraculous Youngsters and losing finalist of APEX Season 3 and fellow Overwatch League participants, Cloud9 KongDoo.

As we head closer to the registration deadline for the Overwatch League which falls on 30th October, we now have six teams who have either revealed their full roster, official name or both. Here’s a quick recap:

				Seoul Dynasty

				Boston Uprising

				Los Angeles Valiant (Immortals)

				San Francisco Shock (NRG)

				Dallas Fuel (EnVyUs)

				Shanghai Dragons

Which one is your favorite, and which team has the coolest color scheme? Comments section is right down below. We will indeed be covering the Overwatch League extensively so for all stuff on competitive Overwatch, keep it locked on to Kakuchopurei.com.

You can also stay up to date with our stories by following us onÂ TwitterÂ andÂ Facebook


New Dune Part Two Trailer Shows First Look At The Emperor & A War Brewing

Warner Bros. Discovery has released a new trailer for Dune Part Two, the sequel to 2021’s Dune Part One.
We get our first look at Christopher Walken as Emperor Shaddam Corino IV and also Josh Brolin returning as Gurney Halleck from the first movie.
Timothee Chalamet and Rebecca Ferguson are joined in the cast by fellow returning Dune Part One cast members Zendaya, Javier Bardem, Stellan Skarsgård, Dave Bautista, Charlotte Rampling, and Stephen McKinley Henderson, as well as new additions Austin Butler, Tim Blake Nelson, Florence Pugh, Souheila Yacoub, and Léa Seydoux.
Directed by Denis Villeneuve, Dune Part Two will explore “the mythic journey of Paul Atreides as he unites with Chani and the Fremen while on a warpath of revenge against the conspirators who destroyed his family. Facing a choice between the love of his life and the fate of the known universe, he endeavours to prevent a terrible future only he can foresee.”
In the meantime, check out my review of Dune Part One by heading over here. Dune is currently available to watch on the streaming platform HBO GO. There was also a recent early access launch of a pretty fun Dune game.
Dune Part Two will premiere on 3 November 2023.
Check out the trailer below:


Top Swedish Games Publisher Embroiled In Alleged Workplace Discrimination

Paradox Interactive joins the likes of Blizzard as a new report has revealed that the company is fostering a toxic workplace environment with gender discrimination and bullying.
Swedish publicationÂ BreakitÂ (viaÂ GamesIndustry.biz) reported on a union-led employee survey conducted in August 2021. Shockingly, they discovered that almost half of the 133 staff who participated have previously experienced “mistreatment” while working at Paradox.
According to the report, the survey results reveal that the problems include “bullying and gender discrimination”, and that it’s “worst for women”. Over 69 percent of women and 33 percent of men at the company confirmed that they had experienced abuse and harassment.
The same report also reveals a “culture of silence” at the company. Currently, Paradox Interactive employs approximately 400 people.
The report’s conclusion reads:
“Offensive treatment is a systematic and far too common problem at Paradox.”
In response to the report, Paradox is “now in the process of bringing in an external, neutral company to conduct a thorough review of our process and a comprehensive employee survey.”
Paradox Interactive is best known for developing strategy games franchises like Crusader Kings, Europa Universalis, Victoria and more. It remains to be seen how this will affect the company, and those who work there, moving forward.


Free Fire Is Now The Sponsor Of The Brazilian Football Team

Free FireÂ is an immersive battle royale game created specifically for mobile gamers. Developed and published globally by Garena,Â Free Fire achieved a record high of over 100 million peak daily active users in 2020.
According to Prime Time Zone, Free Fire is the newest sponsor of the Brazilian national football team. The partnership was announced by Free Fire developer Garena and the Brazilian Football Confederation (CBF). The sponsorship will last for two years.
What this means is that not only will we see Free Fire on the jerseys of the Brazil national football team, but the deal will also allow for the Brazilian teamâ€™s jerseys to be featured in the game as skins. Free Fire will also appear on advertising boards at training camps and in interviews.
Garena Brasil Operations Director Fernando Mazza said:
â€œLike the SeleÃ§Ã£o, Free Fire is a success in the country and accessible to all Brazilians.
This partnership is one of CBFâ€™s most strategic recently, as it will bring us even closer to an extremely relevant audience for our market, which is the gamer.”
Free Fire is extremely popular in Brazil, boasting over 80 million active users a day and was the most downloaded mobile game in the country in 2020. Even the official Free Fire Brasil YouTube account has over 9 million subscribers.
You can downloadÂ Free FireÂ for free on theÂ Apple iOS AppÂ orÂ Google Play store.


Battle Arena Malaysia To Host Christmas Charity Stream Series This January

Christmas may be over, but that doesn’t mean its charitable spirit is lost.
Such is the case of Battle Arena Malaysia, who will be hosting a Christmas Charity Stream series featuring a number of esports streamers. Basically, you watch them play your favourite game(s), and then you donate to the provided link on each of these charity streams that will be hosted on each streamer’s respective Facebook page including Battle Arena’s.
The charity drive will start today on 30th January at 2pm (a few hours from now!) and end on Sunday 2nd February. All proceeds will go to the National Autism Society of Malaysia (NASOM).
Here are the streamers and their respective schedules.
30th January

LokiesMyTV: 2pm to 6pm
OfficialBadman: 2pm to 6pm
Neferhor: 2pm to 6pm
TheSaviorElite: 2pm to 6pm
MzeroBoyz: 2pm to 6pm
ReignPUBG: 2pm to 6pm
CompanyMan: 2pm to 6pm
AiniiiGaming: 8pm to 11pm
3VE from Sphynx.MY: 8pm to 11pm

31st January

Rara Vixxen: 8pm to 1am
Alaska from Sphynx.MY: 7pm to 11pm
BattleArenaMY: 7pm to 11pm

1st February

Argent from Sphynx.MY: 7pm to 11pm
HeyItsFlare: 8pm to 11pm
KambingGolek: 9pm to 1am

2nd February

Jasminism from Sphynx.MY: 6pm to 10pm
Daddyhood/NRDDYNRSL: 7pm to 11pm

I’d be lying if I said I knew any of these names because I’m old and stuff. But it’s for a great cause, so go support this endeavour if you’re into esports games and young-as-heck streamer personalities.


Hidden Deep Plays Like a Fleshed Out Flash Game and Nothing More

Platform(s): PC (version reviewed), Xbox One, Nintendo Switch
Genre: 2D side-scrolling survival horror shooter in caves
Hidden Deep has all the pretty bells and whistles that wouldâ€™ve blown my mind if it was a flash game that came out 10 years ago, when flash games were my only access to games at the time. Despite that, a lack of depth in its content and its unnecessary need to constantly punish the player makes for a frustrating experience and a game as hollow as the caves youâ€™ll explore.
The 2D side-scrolling survival horror shooter puts you in the boots of a faceless army grunt tasked with finding survivors in an underground facility and fixing what needs to be fixed along the way as you descend into deeper levels.
Knees of Glass
Playing the game feels like a really fleshed out flash game from my youth. The player movement feels very weighty, playing very similarly to the OG classic Prince of Persia, you press down to drop down ledges safely, you need to run to start a jump, which feels very deliberate as your character is literally the most fragile thing in the world. Fall damage leads to an instant death and what makes it worse is that fall damage can be very inconsistent. I died to falls I usually survived before, which led to me playing really timidly, as youâ€™re only given a set amount of lives and if you run out, thatâ€™s a whole restart.
Honestly, most of my deaths were due to falls or the environment in some way so be prepared to die, constantly. The game feels difficult but not in a smart way, as if it tries to be hard for the sake of being hard.

Grappling Hook!
This brings us to how the game wants you to traverse its caverns, with a freaking grappling hook! Let me tell you something, grappling hooks in any medium will always rock and this one is no different. I spent a big chunk of my playtime just fiddling around with it and it feels great to use. Itâ€™s also surprisingly versatile by allowing you to swing, shoot across to use as a zipline, and you can even use it to lure enemies with the sound.
It doesnâ€™t leave you vulnerable either as you can pull out your gun at any time using it. Just donâ€™t expect it to fix the previous issues, as swinging too hard against a surface is a sure (but entertaining!) death.
Zipping down into a cavern just feels right.
Hidden, But Not Deep
Starting the game, it has this atmosphere that just hooks you in, right from the menu screen. Itâ€™s ominous and the derelict tunnels will definitely make you hesitate to take another step. However, the novelty dies off pretty fast when you realize the enemies are underwhelming. Enemy variety or lack thereof in this game consists of zombie flies, crawling worms and some red spiders that appear after three levels. Thereâ€™s also a ceiling worm that grabs you from above all Tremors style, which is often a cheap death that makes you â€œlearnâ€ and be warier to move forward, but hey itâ€™s still cheap.
I wouldnâ€™t describe this as a Metroidvania as although exploration is an option, the multiple paths you can opt to take donâ€™t really have anything at the end of them making sidetracking rather pointless. The game is segmented into different missions, with each one having a distinct gimmick such as using bombs to go deeper in Spelunky fashion or having to control a whole team and operate a giant crane, which made for a cool change of pace.
Friendly fire is a thing, I checked so you don’t have to.
Since the game is currently still in early access, Iâ€™ll refrain from giving it a score but as it is, even a great grappling hook is not enough for the shallow experience Hidden Deep has to offer. A lack of enemy variety and reasons to explore set the game up for a mind-numbing time, as well as the hard but unfair philosophy just adds more wood to the bland fire.
Pros

Atmosphere pulls you inâ€¦ for a while.
Fun and versatile grappling hook.

Cons

Punishing and unfair most of the time.
Lack of enemy variety.
Exploring is pointless.

Hidden Deep is currently in Early Access right now.


For Honor Year 4 Season 3 Resistance Is Now Live

Today, Ubisoft announced that For Honor Year 4 Season 3 Resistance is now available for all players on PS4, Xbox One, and PC.

After a season of Tyranny that has left scars on the foundation of each faction, Year 4 Season 3 Resistance tells the story of the rebellious warriors who take a stand to defeat a common enemy: The Warmongers and their regime of terror.

Coinciding with the start of the new season, For Honor will kick-off with the first part of a new limited-time event: Tales of the Rebellion. Beginning today until 8 October 2020, players will experience the story of warriors who took a stand against the Warmongers and their order through a weekly different co-op PvE activity. The event will come with a Free Event Pass with plenty of rewards for the player to earn.
Resistance will bring new seasonal customization content themed around the events, including an outfit, a Cinnabar material, weapons, executions, and armours. Additionally, the season will introduce a Team Identification Update for players. With no more distinctions between Attacker, Defender or Neutral colours, players can now wear any colour palette despite their team affiliation.

Starting today, players can purchase the Year 4 Season 3 Sylvan-themed Battle Pass to gain access to 100 tiers of premium rewards including weapons, outfits, and more. Players who want a head start unlocking this content can purchase the Year 4 Season 3 Battle Bundle, which instantly unlocks the first 25 tiers.
Additionally, Year 4 Season 3 will introduce a new Wu Lin map, â€œBelvedere.” With buildings designed in the Wu Lin tradition, it features a scenic arena surrounded by beautiful gardens and ancient pavilions.


The Gunk Walkthrough: How To Clean Up The Entire Planet

The Gunk is the latest game from SteamWorld developers Image & Form, and it’s a lovely adventure if you’re into 3D platforming and puzzle-solving.
Some of the game’s puzzles and alien ruin layout can be challenging and daunting. Luckily, we have some solutions in video form for you, past Chapter 3 and beyond. We’ve divided up the game’s segments into chapters for your convenience.

Chapter 4: Gunk Tower

Chapter 5: Alien Quarry

Chapter 6: The Gardener’s Studio & Garden Trail

Chapter 7: Wasteland

Chapter 8: Back To The Garden

Chapter 8: Final Boss


The Sims 4 Finally Has Simplified Chinese Language Support

The Lunar New Year (or Chinese New Year) for 2020 is almost here, and EA’s The Sims 4 is celebrating this year’s occasion with several updates. One of these includes the addition of Simplified Chinese as a language choice in the game.
Simplified Chinese as a language option is now available for The Sims 4 base game (including the expansion and content packs, as well as for both the PC and Mac versions.
Players can also look forward to The Sims 4 Tiny Living Stuff Pack, where they can downsize their Sims dwellings and customize their lifestyle with stylish new content. This expansion is already available for PC and Mac, but will only release for the PS4 and Xbox One on 4 February 2020.
If you still don’t own The Sims 4, it’s currently going for a Chinese New Year discount at a whopping 75 percent off the base game and 50 percent off the expansions packs on the Origin store. This deal will be available until 6 February 2020.
Last but not least, the Year Of The Rat means that users can get the first month of Origin Access Basic PC game subscription for only SGD$1.58 to play any of the 150+ games in the library, as well as an extra 10 percent discount on all purchases.
In the meantime, check out the trailer for The Sims 4 Tiny Living Stuff Pack below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LcB8QyWRk7g&w=560&h=315]


The Essentials of Competitive Beyblade

While Beyblade is a household name and was a childhood favourite for many, a lot of people aren’t really sure what it really is!
Beyblade is a competitive battling top game created by Takara in 1999 and began with the “Bakuten Shoot Beyblade!” generation of tops and has since had multiple generations released, with Beyblade Burst being the currently active generation and Beyblade X being announced just weeks ago.
Beyblades are designed to be customizable, with many different parts being interchangeable to allow for each player to have a unique setup and strategy to use in battle.

The idea originated from Beigoma, a traditional Japanese top game where players will spin their tops and battle in a cloth arena until only one top is left spinning or in the arena. The name “Beyblade” is a combination of Beigoma and Blade, giving the image of a more modernized and aggressive version of the traditional Beigoma.
Beyblades are spun with a launcher that holds onto the Beyblade and are launched into a plastic dish with walls, known as the Stadium. Beyblade Stadiums have many shapes and sizes, but the standard design always revolves around a round dish in the centre, with three walls and exit points around the perimeter.

Anatomy of a Burst Beyblade

For this guide, I will use the currently active Beyblade system, Beyblade Burst, as my example throughout. As Beyblades are designed to be customised, they are comprised of interchangeable parts that can be swapped around. This means every combination you make is unique and behaves differently! At the most basic level, a Burst Beyblade is comprised of three parts, which are the Layer, Disc and Driver as shown above.
The Layer is what determines the main contact points of the Beyblade while the Disc acts as the main weight of the Beyblade and determines the weight distribution of the Bey. Finally, the Driver is the main contact point between the Beyblade and the stadium, which controls the behaviour, friction and height of the Beyblade. Burst Beyblades are named after the main gimmick, where the Driver clicks into the Layer and, when hit hard enough, will eject the parts and explode.

Types of Beyblades
As I mentioned before, each part of a Beyblade serves a different purpose on the Beyblade. Beyblade combinations are classified by four main types, which are: Stamina, Attack, Defense and Balance. These types describe the main characteristics or intent behind the combination and each one counters one type while being countered by another. This can be seen in a simple type triangle graphic below, made by Takara Tomy themselves.

Originally called “Survivor/Endurance Type”, Stamina types are designed to out-spin the opponent by using low friction tips, taller height or smooth wheels with good weight distribution. The main characteristic of Stamina Beyblades is the high endurance that the designs give them, as they are designed to beat Defense types. However, due to the low friction, they have to the Stadium, they are very vulnerable to attack types, though they can out-spin them if they can avoid being knocked out!
If flashy and aggressive plays are your style, Attack types are for you! Utilising high friction tips and aggressively designed contact points to move quickly and use brute force to knock out their opponent. Attack types are designed to counter Stamina types, as they can act aggressively at the cost of Stamina and this gives Attack types a disadvantage against Defense types, as they are prone to being out-spun if they can’t knock the opponent out.
Defense types are the perfect safe counter-to-attack types, with wide and stable tips that give strong stability, decent levels of friction and heavyweight in order to tank attacks thrown their way, similar to how Tank builds work in some video games. While this allows them to negate attacks thrown their way, this comes at the cost of spin time, which leaves them weak to Stamina types. Generally, Defense types are a safe bet to have in your deck to help handle any attack types you might face.
As for mixing it all up, Balance types take the term “jack of all trades, master of none” to heart, with parts taking elements from different types. This creates a unique Beyblade that attempts to cover multiple matchups while not exceeding in any. While Balance types seem weak on paper, with the right parts you can make a unique Beyblade that can handle multiple matchups at once! Balance types can create a unique counter to a specific matchup or make things a little more complex than just black and white.

Basic Tournament Match Rules

At the start of the match, the judge will inspect both players’ Beyblade decks in order to check that they are legitimate. To start a round, both players must attach their Beyblades to the launcher of their choice and hold it over the stadium. Both players launch with a verbal count of “3, 2, 1, Go Shoot!” and release their Beyblades at the end of the chant.
There are 3 ways to gain points during a Beyblade match. A Spin Finish is where you out-spin your opponent, an Over Finish is where you knock your opponent out of the stadium and a Burst Finish is where the opponent’s Beyblade Bursts. A Spin Finish is worth 1 point while getting an Over Finish or Burst Finish is worth 2 points and the first to either 3 or 5 points wins, depending on the format!

For official WBBA tournaments, tournaments are usually held in a single elimination bracket format. You will be given a player number for your session, and you will be randomly assigned a match to begin with. If you win your match, you will progress onwards through the bracket and on to the next match! The top 4 of the tournament will have a Grand Final and a 3rd Place Match, depending on who wins and who loses.

The most common type of Beyblade match in these tournaments is a Deck Format match, where each Blader creates a deck of 3 Beyblades (or 5 Beys in 5G Deck Format) with no repeating parts throughout the combinations. Both players will determine the order in which they want to play their deck in secret and they will reveal one by one each round in the order you set them in. If a winner is not determined after the third Beyblade is used, the Bladers will reshuffle their decks, changing the order in that they play them. Keep playing until one Blader wins!

A basic deck-building strategy is to try and cover all your weaknesses with each Beyblade. The ideal deck will have three Beyblades that serve different purposes and can help to cover any weaknesses between each other. For example, if my first Beyblade is an attack type, then I should also have a Stamina type to counter any defensive Beyblades that my opponent might have. Now that I have Attack and Stamina covered, I should have something to deal with my opponent’s attack Beyblade. This is a pretty balanced deck example, although there are more niche matchups than this, that cover the basic theory of deck building!

Go Forth & Spin!
Now that you’ve covered all the basics, you should be ready to start getting into Beyblade! There is so much more to learn than just the basics though and if you love competitive games, Beyblade has tonnes more to learn and offer to Bladers, both new and experienced, so go out there and have fun blading! If you want to learn more about official Beyblade events in Malaysia, keep an eye on the Beyblade Malaysia Facebook Page and check out the World Beyblade Organisation to learn more about combinations, techniques and more!


Kakuchopurei’s Best Of 2019: Samurai Shodown

There’s always something sublime about having a fighting game return to form while also injecting something new in a competitive scene. The 2019 version of Samurai Shodown does just that with a ton of swordplay and with raw power.
What it lacks in esports tailoring and flair -like with Street Fighter V and Tekken 7 these days- it makes up for it by separating the wheat from the chaff. Samurai Shodown is 2D fighting in its most honest form: take a wrong guess or whiff a move, and you’ll be punished.
Hard.
On the flipside, if you guess right with your parries, you’ll make your opponent think twice before he or she starts mashing out the heavier attacks or special moves. Risks and rewards are taken and delivered in huge ways when it comes to this SNK game’s weapons-based combat. Everything you use is mostly unsafe, so pick your battles and openings wisely.

It’s incredibly barebones feature-wise; Mortal Kombat 11 takes top honours here. But looking back, its fighting mechanics, its eclectic cast various weapon fighting styles, and its aesthetics are what makes this one a cut above the rest.
Here’s to more sword shenanigans from SNK. And keep the character DLC a-coming.


Anno Mutationem Gets Major Update; Fixes Ending

Anno Mutationem is a pretty awesome 2D action game with gorgeous visuals, a lovely soundtrack, and a pretty roundabout anime plot. That last part was made all the more obtuse with how the game ended originally.
Thankfully, developer Lightning Games has fixed that and added a few more things with its latest major update. Anno Mutationem’s 1.04 update features the following.
1. Added new costumes (Alienware, Office Girl)
2. Added Easy Mode
3. Added new ending
The update also fixes a couple of bugs and tweak the game’s balance. Here’s a list:
Bug Fixes
1. Optimized the checkpoint of Immortal Lizard
2. Fixed the problem of some text out of the box
3. Fixed the problem of missing avatars in some dialogues
4. Fixed the bug of the position of fighting robots in the training ground
5. Fixed the problem of inaccurate guidance.
6. Fixed the problem of misplaced points in the protection of enemy soldiers.
Balance Adjustments
1. Adjusted the speed of synthesizing items
2. Adjusted the behavior logic of some flying machines
3. Adjusted the attack point of some enemy soldiers
4. Adjusted the display of enemy HP
Good stuff all around, especially for a game that deserves its praise for its action and visuals. Oh, and if you’re curious as to how the game ends this time around, go past the spoiler warnings below to check out the spoiler-heavy video. I will say this: it’s a huge improvement and it gives a ton of closure.


Outrun The Competition In This Real-Life Battle Royale

The battle royale genre in games seems to be the new trend these days, so it’s no surprise that it’s invading real life in a non-traditional way.
The Battle Royale Virtual Run (BRVR) is a running movement that promotes a healthy lifestyle while still being fairly competitive at your own pace.
Organised by The Polar Events, this virtual run works exactly like any other. In BRVR however, you compete with other participants on a leaderboard. All one has to do is to complete a 10KM run within the given dates.
This means you can run at your own terms, be it your own track or treadmill, your own pace and your own turf. There are also weekly challenges to keep runners (players?) motivated, with weekly prizes to be won.
How Does a Virtual Run Work?
It’s simple, but you still have to physically run, though.

Sign up for the run.
Start running, anywhere, anytime, and with anyone.
Upload the screenshot proof that you have completed the race.
Once your result has been reviewed, wait for the courier to hand in your custom designed medal and shirt. The e-bib and e-cert will be sent via email.

What Do I Get?
Aside from a healthy lifestyle, you’d also get a PUBG-inspired medal or a medal and a t-shirt depending on your choice, provided you complete a run of 10KM and have uploaded your results.

So, let’s outrun the competition to a chicken dinner, it’s a protein-packed meal! You can check out more and register here.
But hey, don’t go taking anybody out. Registration is open until 11 March, while the Running Period begins from 12 March to 12 April.


Armored Core VI Producer Reveals Online Multiplayer & How It Connects To Previous Games

Bandai Namco has released a new 18-minute interview with Armored Core VI Fires Of Rubicon producer Yasunori Ogura from developer FromSoftware at Taipei Game Show 2023.
The first interesting this is that he mentions how the game’s story connects to 2012’s Armored Core V and the answer is actually not at all.
He said:
“In terms of actual storyline, there is no direct connection between V and this latest title, which means there is no need to have played previous titles in the series. However, the fundamental concept at the heart of the Armored Core series, involving the free assembly and customization of parts to create your own mech, remains very much a part of this title.
We have prioritized this aspect of the series throughout the development process, and combined this system with the know-how and experience our teams have acquired in the development of FromSoftware’s other acclaimed titles to produce a brand-new Armored Core action game that we believe will satisfy our users.”
Ogura also reveals the meaning behind the subtitle of Armored Cored VI and a bit about the game’s setting as well.
He added:
“The subtitle Fires of Rubicon is derived form the world developed specifically for this new game. The game is set on a planet known as Rubicon 3, and the story begins with the discovery of a mysterious new material there.
The overarching backbone of the game’s story features the struggle for control of this material between various corporations and organizations. The player character is an independent mercenary working amid these fires of conflict, and it is the task of the player to carry out a series of missions amid that backdrop.”
When asked what multiplayer elements the game will have, he answered:
“As focus has been pleased on producing the most dynamic action possible, we have restricted story mode gameplay to single-player only, but as an online element, we are also planning the implementation of battles in an online arena. We plan to release more details concerning this in the coming days.”
Apparently, there will be some sort of online battle arenas in Armored Core VI Fires Of Rubicon. However, no other details were given.
Armored Core VI Fires of Rubicon will launch for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC sometime in 2023. It was originally announced during The Game Awards 2022.
Check out the full interview below:


Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 May Be The Last We’ll See Of MCU Drax

The next Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel Cinematic Universe feature film might spell the last of Drax the Destroyer, a numbskull of an alien warrior played spectacularly by Dave “WWE” Bautista.
According to Digital Spy, Bautista has been quiet on plot details though that’s because the latest script isn’t done yet. He is unlikely to appear as Drax in any other form beyond that, and that includes a possible spin-off movie.
“I don’t know what the script of the third film is, to be honest with you. There was a script years ago that obviously is going to have to change because the whole direction of the Marvel universe has changed.
There were talks for a while about a Drax and Mantis film. It was really because it was James Gunn’s idea. He really wanted to do a Drax and Mantis film. He laid it out to me.
I thought it was such a brilliant idea, but I haven’t heard any follow-up from the studio. I don’t think they’re very interested, or it doesn’t fit into the way they have things mapped out. But other than that, no. I mean, as far as my obligations, I’ve got Guardians 3, and that’s probably going to be the end of Drax.”
He clarified this news further by stating that he’ll “be 54 years old, for God’s sake! I’m expecting everything to start sagging any second now”.

Drax isn’t going anywhere. He just won’t be played by this dude! ?????by the time G3 comes out I’ll be 54 yrs old for gods sake! ? im expecting everything to start sagging any second now. ? https://t.co/eRJR6ZPtE2
— Vaxxed AF! #TeamPfizer Poor Kid Chasing Dreams. (@DaveBautista) May 8, 2021

Guardians of the Galaxy Vol.3 will be out in the near future alongside its MCU film brethren. Head here to find out the recent MCU phase 4 schedule.


Alan Wake 2 Voice Actor Leaks Game’s Potential Release Month

It seems like Alan Wake 2 will be launching sometime in October 2023, according to one of the voice actors from the game. This came directly from voice actor Matthew Porretta, who voices the main protagonist, Alan Wake.
He accidentally spilled the beans in the latest episode of the Monsters, Madness, and Magic podcast (via Gematsu):
The interviewer asked:
“One of my all-time favorite games is Alan Wake. So when it comes to your voice acting work, is that something that happened naturally through working, or is it something you made an effort to pursue?”
Matthew Porretta replied:
“I’ve been working on it—that’s supposed to come out in October. We’re in the middle of working on it now. In fact I was just in Finland last week. That’s where the company’s from—Remedy—amazing people.”
Alan Wake 2 was originally announced at The Game Awards in December 2021 and was previously confirmed by the developer that it will release sometime in 2023.
As for now, we should take this with a grain of salt, since it may be a mistake on Matthew Porretta’s part.
Alan Wake 2 is slated to release for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC.


PlayStation VR2 User Experience First Look Unveiled

Sony Interactive Entertainment has unveiled the first look at some of the user experience features you’ll discover on the PlayStation VR2.
According to PlayStation Blog, with the PS VR2, you can see your surroundings while wearing the headset with our new see-through feature. It comes in handy when you want to easily check where the PS VR2 Sense controllers are in your room without taking the headset off. Thanks to PS VR2’s embedded front cameras, users can press the function button on the headset, or use the Card in the Control Center, to switch between viewing your surroundings, or viewing the content on PS VR2. The Card in the Control Center also gives quick access to other PS VR2 settings, such as adjusting your play area.

The see-through view is just for viewing only, so there’s no recording option.

A new broadcast feature for PS VR2 will allow you to film yourself while playing, by connecting a PS5 HD Camera to the console. It’s a great way to show your movements and reactions during a boss battle and share your reactions with your fellow gamers as it happens.
The play area for PS VR2 can be customized by using the PS VR2 Sense controllers and the embedded cameras. The cameras will allow you to scan the room, while the PS VR2 Sense controllers allow you to expand and further customize the play area to fit your play style and room environment.
While playing, if you get close to the boundary you have set up, you will receive a warning that you are closely approaching the play area boundary. You can modify your settings at any time while PS VR2 is connected. Once you set up your play area, the settings will be saved unless you move into a different play area.

In VR Mode, players can enjoy VR game content in a 360 view in a virtual environment. Content will be displayed in 4000 x 2040 HDR video format (2000 x 2040 per eye) with 90Hz/120Hz frame rate.
In Cinematic Mode, players can view the PS5 system and UI and all non-VR game and media content on a virtual cinema screen. Content in Cinematic Mode will be displayed in 1920×1080 HDR video format with 24/60Hz and also 120Hz frame rate.
SIE promises more information soon, including the launch date and additional games coming to the platform. However, there is no release window. Stay tuned on Kakuchopurei!


PlayStation Asia Has Given Refunds To FFVII Remake Blunder Victims [Update]

Update (14 April 2020):
Only several days after announcing that they will be issuing refunds to everyone that was affected by the Final Fantasy VII Remake language version issue, PlayStation Asia has confirmed that they have given out the refunds.
I can personally confirm that this is true, as they have notified me via the PS4 System Notifications, and I have checked my PSN Wallet, which is now filled with the same amount of money I paid for the Chinese/Korean version of the Final Fantasy VII Remake Digital Deluxe version.

If you faced language issues for Final Fantasy VII Remake and did not receive a refund back to your PSN Wallet, or are still facing language issues, please reach out to our customer service (Via our Call Hotline or our Facebook Inbox) (2/3)
â€” PlayStation Asia (@PlayStationAsia) April 14, 2020
That said, if you still haven’t received your refund, or you’re one of the ones who don’t automatically qualify for a refund, you shouldÂ call PlayStation Asia Contact Support (from your respective countries listed below).

Hong KongÂ https://asia.playstation.com/cht-hk/support/
TaiwanÂ https://asia.playstation.com/cht-tw/support/
SingaporeÂ https://asia.playstation.com/en-sg/support/
MalaysiaÂ https://asia.playstation.com/en-my/support/
Thailand https://asia.playstation.com/en-th/support/
IndonesiaÂ https://asia.playstation.com/en-id/support/
KoreaÂ https://asia.playstation.com/ko-kr/support/

Kudos to PlayStation Asia for taking swift action, though I did still have to initially purchase the same game twice and play a day later than everyone else.

Update (11 April 2020):
Only one day after publicly acknowledging the problem, PlayStation Asia has announced that they have already identified that were affected by the Final Fantasy VII Remake language version issue, and they will be issuing refunds to all the victims.

We will be updating the affected customers for the arrangement via our owned channels (Social, Website), as well as via PS4 System Notifications.
We apologize once again for the frustration caused.
FAQhttps://t.co/mT1Nsy1xEG (2/2)
â€” PlayStation Asia (@PlayStationAsia) April 11, 2020
I can personally confirm that this is true, as they have contacted and notified the victims of this issue individually (I just received a notification from PlayStation Asia myself). They have also published a FAQ on the matter, clarifying that no further action is required on the victim’s part (you don’t need to call Contact Support anymore) and that victims will be updated of their refunds via PS4 System Notifications.
However, this automatic refund policy will only apply to those who pre-ordered the Chinese/Korean version of the Final Fantasy VII Remake before 3pm JST on 8 April 2020 (or 2pm GMT+8 for the affected countries) on the Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia and Thailand PlayStation Stores.
For example, I pre-ordered the game on 7 April 2020, so I automatically qualify for the refund. As for those who ‘accidentally’ purchased the Chinese/Korean version of the Final Fantasy VII Remake after that time and date, you will need to call PlayStation Asia Contact Support (from your respective countries listed below).

Hong KongÂ https://asia.playstation.com/cht-hk/support/
TaiwanÂ https://asia.playstation.com/cht-tw/support/
SingaporeÂ https://asia.playstation.com/en-sg/support/
MalaysiaÂ https://asia.playstation.com/en-my/support/
Thailand https://asia.playstation.com/en-th/support/
IndonesiaÂ https://asia.playstation.com/en-id/support/
KoreaÂ https://asia.playstation.com/ko-kr/support/

If you want to play the Final Fantasy VII Remake as soon as possible, don’t worry. You can purchase the correct English version now, and still be refunded for the Chinese/Korean version.
I did the same thing, though it’s unclear when exactly PlayStation Asia will be giving out the refunds (at the time of writing), so you will have to spend an additional RM243 or RM354 right now for the standard or digital deluxe version, respectively.

Original story:
There I was, eagerly waiting for the clock to strike midnight on 9 April 2020 and anticipating the release of the Final Fantasy VII Remake. As I booted up the game, what popped up onscreen (to my absolute horror) was the main menu completely in Chinese, instead of English. I immediately went to the PlayStation Store to confirm my worst fears; I had somehow pre-ordered the Chinese/Korean version of the game, which I have never even “accidentally” done in my life.
Now, it’s clear that I wasn’t the only one afflicted by this issue, nor was it simply a mistake on my part. Many gamers have complained about the same problem online. How is this problem affecting so many people?
It turns out that other gamers (including me) pre-ordered Final Fantasy VII Remake from the What’s Front/Featured tab of the PlayStation Store. There was no clear indication or explicit mention that this was, in fact, the Chinese/Korean version of the game. In all my previous experiences of pre-ordering games on PSN, the default version that’s usually featured is the English version.
Most of us only discovered that we have the Chinese/Korean version when we started playing it at launch (which was already too late), or when we checked the email receipt for the game.
PlayStation Asia finally responded to the issue earlier today, posting that they’re actively looking to solve the issue of the Final Fantasy VII Remake language version error.

We are actively looking into finding the best solution and we aim to give one as soon as we can. (2/2)
â€” PlayStation Asia (@PlayStationAsia) April 10, 2020
Gamers are requesting for refunds or at least a language patch of some kind to allow changing to English. They also reportedly called the PlayStation Asia Contact Support number to no avail, as no one could seemingly be reached.

Can i ask for refund please?
â€” Joseph Gunawan (@Josephgunawan_) April 10, 2020

No, the issue is they trick you into it by putting it on the Whats Hot/Front of the Store WITH NO INDICATION THAT IT IS CHINESE/KOREAN. This is false adverstising and horrible business practice. its. a trick
I have been trying to contact through the phone with no luck at all.
â€” OBM (@obm88) April 10, 2020

The pre order page on the ps store never mention about the language of the game we purchase
â€” Joseph Gunawan (@Josephgunawan_) April 10, 2020

What a disgraceful blunder. Thousands of fans were waiting for this moment to be spoiled by your ineptitude. You punished the loyal fans who pre-ordered as soon as it became available and did not bother to rectify before launch. Shame on you!
â€” Shim Jan Ting (@sjanting) April 10, 2020
It’s unclear at this point what action the folks at PlayStation Asia will take to solve the issue, either by offering full refunds or somehow swapping the games with the English version. I don’t think an English language patch would be a feasible fix considering how the PSN system works, but it’s still potentially possible.
It was extremely disappointing to find out that I couldn’t play the game last night, especially after waiting so long and spending quite a sum of money on it. The standard version of Final Fantasy VII Remake costs RM243, while the Digital Deluxe version costs an even more expensive RM354.
Final Fantasy VII Remake is out now for PS4. Check out our review of the game here to tide you over while you’re waiting for a fix from PlayStation Asia to this issue.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lhMfztIJHwc&w=560&h=315]


You Can Get Your Own Royal Ornithopter Statue From Dune

One of the most memorable and iconic vehicles from the Dune universe is the Royal Ornithopter, those dragonfly-looking helicopter vehicles that they use to travel safely over the arid deserts of Arrakis. Dark Horse Direct is partnering with Legendary Entertainment to bring an official replica of the Royal Ornithopter from Dune.
Made from polyresin and materialized by Gentle Giant Studios, this Royal Ornithopter collectible stands at 4.27 inches tall, 8.42 inches wide, and 14.57 inches long. Highly limited to just 500 units, it even comes complete with a hand-numbered certificate of authenticity.
With only 500 units available for purchase, the Dune Royal Ornithopter statue is extremely limited edition. If you’re interested, you should pre-order one as soon as possible on the official website here.
The Dune Royal Ornithopter statue is priced at US$229.99 and is expected to ship between September to November 2022. In the meantime, check out my review of Dune by heading over here. Dune is currently available to watch on the streaming platform HBO GO.


Sakura Wars Returns with New Series Entry; Set in the Taisho Era

Popular adventure role-playing and dating simulator Sakura Wars is making a come back. Details of the new game are scarce but Sega properly confirms that it will be a brand-new entry for the long-running Sega exclusive.

Sega dropped the teaser during Sega Fes 2018 with a few choice words and one backdrop visual, complete with sakura petals billowing about, as the reveal.
All it can share at the live-stage event is how the new game will be set in the imperial city of Tokyo; specifically, during the Taisho Era or circa 1929.

The finalÂ Sakura Wars game to hit stores in Japan is 2005, featuring the last title in the main seriesÂ â€“Â Sakura Wars: So Long, My Love. It had been an exclusive for the Sony PlayStation 2 console. TheÂ Nintendo WiiÂ received a port later on.

An official press release is out too (in Japanese) that puts out additional details like setting and a reiteration of the big announcement from the Sega Fes 2018. It also confirms that the new game will be out in Japan and for all Asia regions at the same time.
More details are likely to be out byÂ E3 2018.
(Source: Gematsu, Famitsu)


[Rumour] The King Of Fighters XV Will Be A Huge Overhaul From Part XIV

A lot of fighting game folks and SNK aficionados are waiting on for official King of Fighters XV news later this year. You don’t have to wait any longer; if these rumours are true, fans are in for a huge revamp.
According to this Reddit thread, the game’s characters will be remade and remodelled from scratch. Nothing from KOF XIV will be reused. Due to the remodelling, the game will only feature 40 characters maximum. Given KOF’s large roster in past games, this might come off as “a tad small”.
Gameplay-wise, part XV will be closer to The King of Fighters 2002 Unlimited Match and may be out of development in August 2021. The title will need to hit the 1 million copies sold benchmark to be considered a success; KOF XIV numbers were 700,000 copies sold on PS4 and PC (via Steam).
Until SNK makes an official announcement, treat this with a grain of salt.


Disney Will Revive Lucasfilm Games Back From The Dead

Desperate times call for desperate measures, especially when it comes to Star Wars games by EA. Within 5 years, the company has released two Battlefront games to middling/negative fanfare, one expansion to the Old Republic MMO, and one mobile game that hasn’t made any waves in that particular sector.
That is probably more than enough to anger Disney, so the House of Mouse decides to revive Lucasfilm Games. At least, that’s what it looks like when the company posted job descriptions for numerous roles in Lucasfilm Games. These include producers, marketing coordinators, art directors, and even a Linux Systems Admin role in Singapore’s Industrial Light & Magic space.
The postings state that Lucasfilm Games will be working on “interactive products” based on Star Wars and other Lucasfilm IP for “all digital platforms” like PC, mobile platforms, and current-gen consoles. This pretty much confirms that Disney has had it with EA mishandling the license. If you need something done right, sometimes you have to do it yourself.
Keep in mind that Lucasfilm Games back in the 80s morphed into LucasArts, so there’s a slim chance that Disney might want to create games, or re-release games, from the Lucasfilm brand. These also include Indiana Jones and Loom. Yes, THATÂ Loom.


Here’s Another “Best Super Smash Bros. Ultimate Characters To Play” List

Super Smash Bros. Ultimate is a game title that speaks for itself. It’s the ‘Ultimate’ version of the series because, well, it’s got pretty much everything. It’s packed with over 800 songs and more than 100 stages. And the number of playable characters? A dizzying 74 fighters, all with their own specialized movesets.
With so many characters to choose from, and across a colourful range of video game franchises, it’s hard to jump onto that character select screen and not find yourself at a loss for words. If you’re new to the franchise and feel this way, don’t sweat the details. It can be daunting to dive into a game so vast, especially when you hardly even know how to play the game yet!
Whether you want an easy character to learn, someone with fun moves, or just a fighter with a personality that speaks to you, we’ve prepared a list of characters that you should definitely play if you’re just starting out. Kakuchopurei already has a large guide ready, so think of this list as a complementary piece.
#7. Ryu

Before Super Smash Bros. existed, a single game came out and rose to instant fame. It revolutionized the landscape of fighting games forever and spawned a generation of classic fighting game series. With the release of Street Fighter II in 1991, fighting games became the hip thing to play, and soon everyone grew acquainted with the stoic but plain Ryu.
Clad in his signature white gi, Ryu is often considered the world’s most famous fighter. He excels in a balanced moveset based off the Ansatsuken martial arts, and has become the base for many fighting game gameplay designs. As such, Ryu has also become the resident beginner character to help newcomers learn more about fighting games.
Speaking of games he’s been in, Ryu has taken down giant monsters, fought androids and demons, and is even on good terms with the Avengers. If there’s anyone who would feel right at home in a crossover game as immense as Smash Ultimate, look no further.
#6. Villager

Not all people enjoy diving into the thick of action. Sometimes it’s more fun to sit back, assess your situation, and come up with a well-planned strategy. That’s the Villager in a nutshell.
Hailing from the Animal Crossing series, Villager represents the games’ in-game player avatar. In these games, your main goal is to enjoy a peaceful village life with your animal neighbours. Smash isn’t like that, of course, but the Villager still does his best to keep away from direct confrontation. His moveset consists entirely of everyday activities such as growing trees, setting off fireworks, and even building a house for the raccoon Tom Nook.
Don’t be fooled, though – these can be very frustrating for your opponent, especially when they have to chase down such a small and timid character. Villager also has excellent recovery, and can easily avoid falling from the stage with the help of his Balloon Trip (it’s a quirky helmet with balloons strapped on to it, so that should say a lot).
#5. Lucina

In many games, there isn’t a character more suited for beginners than a generic swordsman. All you have to do is move around and swing your sword really hard, right? Well, not really, but you get the idea. If fancy swordplay is your style, Lucina might be the character that’ll help you get the job done.
A main character from 2013’s Fire Emblem Awakening, she’s often referred to as the female version of Marth. Marth himself debuted in the first ever Fire Emblem game in 1990. These two share the same hair colour, the same personalities, and in Smash – even the same movesets!Â The one main difference between them is that you’ll have to constantly hit your opponent with the tip of Marth’s sword for the best damage. Lucina’s damage is more well-rounded for players who don’t have their movement and spacing down just yet, which is why she’s the more beginner-friendly one.
Either way, both characters have the highest walk speed in the game (we’re surprised it isn’t Sonic), and can cover a wide space around them. Perfect traits for old-fashioned duels.
#4. Inkling

Is it a kid, or is it a squid? The release of Smash Ultimate comes with several great newcomers, and one of the most notable ones arrives from Nintendo’s newest IP, Splatoon. Inkling uses ink-based attacks to cover grounds and walls in ink, and can even transform into a squid to swim through it.
Naturally, in a game like Smash, getting ink on your opponents damages them, which in turn makes them easier to Smash off-stage. While that’s nice and all, Inkling’s greatest boon lies in a single move – the Splat Roller. Inkling can run the Splat Roller along the ground to ink it up and bury any opponents in its path. Buried enemies can’t move, which makes getting a Smash Attack as easy as a quick stroll through the park.
That’s right. If you’re good at dealing damage but have trouble finishing off your opponent, this your one-way ticket to victory. Just remember to keep your ink tank filled up.
#3. Zelda

The titular princess of the Legend of Zelda games may rely on Link to save Hyrule, but she can definitely still hold her own in combat. There have been many incarnations of Princess Zelda throughout the series. This time, Ultimate has decided to go with her design from The Legend of Zelda: A Link Between Worlds. Her cutest incarnation in Smash yet, to say the least.
Zelda’s special moves come from the goddesses who created Hyrule and are uniquely designed for zoning and defence. Nayru’s Love summons a magical barrier that’s invincible, hits nearby enemies, and reflects projectiles. Din’s Fire allows her to direct and control a flame at your enemy, while Farore’s Wind lets her warp in any direction to throw the enemy for a loop. She can also summon a Phantom to really give her opponent a difficult time.
#2. Bowser

This here is a character that’s become really popular as of late for all the wrong (or right) reasons. Whichever way you see it, Mario’s archenemy Bowser is probably the ‘heaviest’ fighter, meaning that he hits like a truck and is also the hardest to launch.
The one and only King of the Koopas is the very definition of a powerhouse. He may be slow, but he’s unflinching to attacks and is uncompromising when he finally lands a good hit in. If Bowser grabs an opponent with his side special, he carries them into the air and slams them down with destructive force. Similarly, he can simply leap into the air on his own to bomb enemies below with a dropkick.
The best part is that there’s always collateral damage. Bowser will hit everything and everyone around him when doing most of his moves, making him a solid pick if you want to strut your stuff against a group of friends.
#1. Kirby

Be honest. If you’re reading this right now, chances are you’ve already seen the World of Light cinematic. Super Smash Bros. Ultimate’s story literally starts off with a Thanos (or Master Hand) snap that renders the game’s characters into nothing but ash. All except one, that is.
Kirby is the only character in the game to survive the game’s initial catastrophe, which means he’s the only reason our heroes even stand a chance. This cute little ball sports a simple and easy-to-learn moveset, but he also packs a mean side. One of the things that he’s most famous for is his ability to suck opponents in and gobble them up in his mouth. After spitting them out, he copies whatever powers these opponents have. Now Kirby can breathe fire, shoot laser cannons, and so much more. There are all sorts of wacky possibilities for a Kirby player when faced against the game’s giant roster.
More importantly, there’s no better way to learn the game than finding out what other characters can do, and that’s exactly what Kirby’s here for.