Gundala Is A Thunderous Start For The Bumilangit Cinematic Universe

Gundala is Indonesia (and Southeast Asia’s) first attempt at creating its own superhero film franchise akin to that of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. It is written and directed by Joko Anwar, whom many are dubbing the ‘Kevin Feige’ of this ambitious Bumilangit Cinematic Universe (BCU).
Unbeknownst to many (even amongst hardcore comic book fans), Indonesia has been publishing its own comics since the 50s/60s. Gundala is only first of eight (8) movies planned for the BCU, and one that is not only a great beginning for the new shared universe of Indonesian superheroes but also a relatively good superhero movie in of itself.
This Country Needs A Patriot

The subheading above is the translated tagline of the movie, and that already sort of tells you what kind of superhero Gundala is. However, in reality, Gundala is a myriad of various western superheroes rolled into one, including the vigilante elements of Batman, the social justice warrior aspect of Green Arrow, the patriotism of Captain America, the powers of Black Lightning or Shazam, and the martial arts skills of Shang-Chi.

Despite that, Gundala’s origin feels unique and refreshing instead of just being a simple amalgamation of all those aforementioned heroes combined.
This is partly due to the character being a Southeast Asian in a Southeast Asian country, making this a hero different from any of the western superheroes conquering the big screen.

The movie’s first act focuses on a young Sancaka (Muzakki Ramdhan), our protagonist, as we learn about his tragic past, losing both his parents and forced to survive on his own all the while being hounded by the very society that he lives in. After a time jump, we meet the older Sancaka (Abimana Aryasatya), now working as a security guard and disillusioned by the evils of society around him.
I skip quite a lot of details to avoid spoilers, but the story of Gundala is one of tragedy and rising to fight for the little people. Although the setting is Jakarta, this is a very gritty and exaggerated version of Indonesia’s capital city, one that is more similar to the crime-infested Gotham City of DC Comics than the real-world counterpart (at least I hope so).
The movie explores complex political issues and societal ills, as well as the meaning of the adage, evil triumphs when good men do nothing. It gets pretty dark at many points throughout the movie, so don’t expect something as light-hearted as any of the MCU movies, though Joko Anwar has not forgotten to include moments of levity and comedy as well.
Of Nolan’s Batman & The Raid

Watching Gundala reminded me a lot of Christopher Nolan’s Batman Begins, The Dark Knight, and The Dark Knight Rises.
Joko Anwar seems to have borrowed certain elements from Nolan’s iconic Batman trilogy in terms of tone, cinematography, and choice of music.
These Nolan-esque qualities are impressive, as Gundala has nowhere near the same budget or resources as a Warner Bros. film.

The characters all serve a purpose, even the supporting ones. It’s easy to root for Aryasatya’s Gundala, and not just because of his tragic past. He makes the burden of being a hero believable. Other highlights of the movie are Malaysian actor Bront Palarae as antagonist Pengkor and Lukman Sardi as politician Ridwan Bahri.
These are multi-faceted characters with their own motivations, instead of simply one-dimensional caricatures. We even get a brief origin story to flesh out Bront Palarae’s Pengkor, who is terrifying as a Kingpin-type mob boss villain with the power of influence and manipulation above all. He makes the movie better whenever he comes on-screen.
Joko Anwar probably wanted to emulate the popular Raid films for his action choreography, with the protagonist’s heavy reliance on martial arts instead of just his superhuman abilities. However, the results leave a lot to be desired, as the action looks far slower than the lightning-fast movements seen in the Raid films. It’s commendable all the same.
It’s unfortunate then that the third act of the movie feels so rushed, that the hero suddenly forgets his martial arts skills and relies on his powers to lazily defeat the villains. This is likely due to the hectic and tight schedule that Joko Anwar had to adhere to while shooting the movie, which means that they had no time for a better climax.
This Is Only The Beginning

Joko Anwar isn’t afraid to include a smorgasbord of hidden easter eggs and references, as well as set-ups and hints for upcoming movies in the Bumilangit Cinematic Universe. Although I had almost zero knowledge of these characters going into the movie, I still found these to be exciting, though it may be a bit annoying for some who dislike these blatant teases.
Gundala is by no means a perfect movie, as it comes with its own set of flaws. However, this first entry of the BCU is a commendable effort on the folks at Bumilangit Studios. It remains to be seen if the BCU will ultimately turn out to be a success, but it’s certainly worthy of attention right now.

As an avid comic book fan myself, I’ll be watching the BCU very closely from now on, and I definitely recommend that you should too.
Who knows what the BCU could be like five or ten years from now? Its version of an Avengers-style crossover film is already planned, so fingers crossed for that.

Final Score: 70/100
We received a preview screening courtesy of TGV Cinemas Malaysia. Gundala premieres in Malaysian cinemas on 26 December 2019.


Halo 2: Anniversary Is Finally Coming To PC Next Week

Developer 343 Industries has announced that Halo 2: Anniversary will be arriving for PC as part of the Halo: The Master Chief Collection next week on 12 May 2020. Originally launching in 2004, this latest version of the classic game is an HD remaster, optimized for PC with up to 4K and at 60 FPS support.
Halo 2: Anniversary will also come with other PC native settings, including customizable mouse and keyboard support, ultrawide support, FOV customization, and more. Players can also switch between the original graphics or the enhanced updated visuals.
In addition, players can look forward to seven remastered multiplayer maps from Halo 2: Anniversary and 25 multiplayer maps from the original Halo 2, featuring a completely updated progression system.
You can add Halo 2: Anniversary to your wishlist on SteamÂ or grab the entireÂ Halo: The Master Chief CollectionÂ for RM65. Itâ€™s also available on the Microsoft Store, and the Xbox Game Pass.
The next title slated for release as part of theÂ Halo The Master Chief CollectionÂ isÂ Halo 3: Anniversary, though the developer has yet to announce a release date or window. In the meantime, check out the trailer below, orÂ head on over hereÂ for our review ofÂ Halo ReachÂ on PC.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8fN6Kr5BKg&w=560&h=315]


Prison Architect Is Free To Play Until 11th October

Indie prison-building simulation Prison Architect is turning 5 this year. To celebrate, developer Introversion Software is making the game free to download and play from now until 11th October on Steam. That’s basically 5 days until it goes back to being a paid title.
Its publisher Paradox Interactive also shared some interesting tidbits about Prison Architect:

8,951,166 prisons built
806,190,699 inmates
5,744,636 shakedowns
2,783,852 tunnel searches
1,775,636 lockdowns

If you have no time to try it out from now until 11th October, you can buy the game at 80% off starting 12th October. It’ll cost RM10.20.
This indie title is a complex and challenging simulation that offers huge satisfaction for those wanting that power fantasy of building the perfect Alcatraz or Guantanamo Bay. The game has been updated a number of times with both free and paid DLC.


You Can Now Watch Deadpool On Netflix Malaysia

2016’s Deadpool was the first time that people took R-rated comic book movie adaptations seriously thanks to its massive box office earnings, with a grand total of US$783.1 million. This is despite the fact that 1998’s Blade (and its subsequent sequels) already proved that R-rated movies could be successes almost two decades before it.
Deadpool held on to the title of highest-grossing R-rated movie for two years, before its 2018 sequel, Deadpool 2, garnered US$785,046,920. This record was then broken just a year later by Todd Phillips’ Joker in 2019, which amassed a whopping $1.072 billion.
Ryan Reynolds lobbied for Deadpool for years in Hollywood, before eventually being picked up and produced by 20th Century Fox. His passion for the character and source material is apparent in the quality of the movie, which features smart self-aware meta comedy and cheeky violence.
Four years after its initial release, Deadpool is now streaming on Netflix Malaysia. If you’ve previously watched the movie in Malaysian cinemas, I recommend that you watch it again on Netflix. The theatrical version was probably butchered and cut to pieces by the censorship board back then.
Head on over to this link to start watching Deadpool on Netflix now.


Atomicrops Is What You Get When You Give Stardew Valley’s Farmers Guns

What happens when you mashup Stardew Valley and Hotline Miami together? You get a wacky, over-the-top shooter called Atomicrops.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bejbt8FHGFs]
It’s a lovely indie action roguelite farming simulator game with crazy gameplay.
According to an interview with PCGamesN, developer Danny Wynne said that he was playing a lot of Stardew Valley, and he enjoyed the relaxing farming offered by the game.

Eventually, he thought that ‘what if I could just farm and fight at the same time?’

So what you do in this game is you farm (as in “agricultural” farming, not “MMO exp” farming) to sustain your crops and improve your weaponry and kill enemies, all at the same time, while protecting your plot of crops from being eaten. Each enemy you kill will net you items such as fertilisers for your crops and material.
Managing your mutated crops sound more fun than vanilla crops.
Enemies spawn in moderation during the daytime, but at night, it’s no holds barred as waves and waves of mutant plants and animals come down laying your plot to waste if you didn’t bolster your defences.
Like Stardew Valley, you can woo and marry NPCs in the world. And get this, instead of your newly wedded wife becomes that standard old housewife, she joins you in the battle against evil vegetables. Talking about a sweet honeymoon.
Ahh I miss getting overwhelmed from multiple directions
But there’s more! You can also recruit an entourage of pig pals, chicken chums and cow colleagues to automate farming tasks. You’re definitely gonna need all the hands, or paws, or hooves or whatever, on deck to survive till the next morning.
I’ve been longing for a wacky farming life-simulator like this. It’s not every day you get to see and play a farming sim with guns and upgrades, as well as killing overwhelming enemies feeding my cathartic farming sessions. I’ll definitely be looking forward to Atomicrops.
Atomicrops will be released consoles and PC somewhere this year; no specific details have been revealed yet.


New Star Wars The Bad Batch Trailer Features Several Familiar Faces

Disney Plus has released a new full-length trailer for the upcoming Star Wars The Bad Batch. The new animated series is slated to premiere with a special 70-minute-long debut episode exclusively on Disney Plus on 4 May 2021, also known as the annual Star Wars Day for fans of the franchise.
Subsequent episodes will premiere every Friday starting from 7 May 2021.
Star Wars The Bad Batch follows the elite and experimental clones of the Bad Batch (first introduced in â€œThe Clone Warsâ€) as they find their way in a rapidly changing galaxy in the immediate aftermath of the Clone War. Members of Bad Batch; a unique squad of clones who vary genetically from their brothers in the Clone Army; each possess a singular exceptional skill that makes them extraordinarily effective soldiers and a formidable crew.
The newly-released trailer features several familiar and returning faces, including Admiral Tarkin (presumably before he became Grand Moff) and extremist rebel leader Saw Gerrera (who sadly sounds like he’s no longer voiced by Forest Whitaker).
The Bad Batch was originally introduced in the final season ofÂ Star Wars The Clone Wars, and they were the focus of the first major story arc in the aforementioned season.Â The Bad Batch is an elite clone commando squad consisting of four clone troopers designed with genetic mutations. These include:

â€œTech,â€ a clone with heightened mental capacity and intelligence.
Clone Sergeant â€œHunter,â€ a clone with improved sensory abilities.
â€œWrecker,â€ a clone with enhanced strength.
â€œCrosshair,â€ a clone with sharpshooter abilities.

Each member of the Bad Batch could be identified by a skull icon on their clone trooper armour. Following the Battle of Anaxes (which happened in the first four episodes of Star Wars The Clone Wars Season 7), fan-favourite Clone Corporal â€œEchoâ€ also officially joined the squad.
Star Wars The Clone WarsÂ creator andÂ The MandalorianÂ executive producerÂ Dave FiloniÂ will return forÂ Star Wars The Bad BatchÂ as executive producer alongside Athena Portillo (Star Wars The Clone Wars,Â Star Wars Rebels), Brad Rau (Star Wars Rebels,Â Star Wars Resistance) and Jennifer Corbett (Star Wars Resistance,Â NCIS).
Meanwhile,Â Carrie BeckÂ (The Mandalorian,Â Star Wars Rebels) will act as head writer and co-executive producer, while Josh Rimes will be the producer (Star Wars Resistance).
In the meantime, check out the new trailer and poster below:


GTA 6 Is In Active Development, Rockstar Confirms

Rockstar Games has announced that the next entry in the Grand Theft Auto (GTA) franchise is currently in active development. That means we might not have too long to wait until the eventual arrival of GTA 6 or GTA VI or whatever it will be called.
The news broke via a post from the official Rockstar Games Twitter account today:
Many of you have been asking about a new entry in the Grand Theft Auto series.
With every new project, our goal is always to significantly move beyond what we’ve previously delivered. We’re pleased to confirm that active development for the next entry in the series is underway.
We look forward to sharing more as soon as we are ready, so please stay tuned to the Rockstar Newswire for official details.
On behalf of our entire team, we thank you all for your support and cannot wait to step into the future with you!

We look forward to sharing more as soon as we are ready, so please stay tuned to the Rockstar Newswire for official details.
On behalf of our entire team, we thank you all for your support and cannot wait to step into the future with you!
— Rockstar Games (@RockstarGames) February 4, 2022

After so many years of speculation, GTA 6 might finally be coming in the near future. Not a moment too soon, considering that GTA V originally came out almost a decade ago, back in 2013. Until then, stay tuned on Kakuchopurei for more updates.


Netflix May 2020: The Best Shows To Watch While In Lockdown

Since everyone is staying home because of the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic, Iâ€™m sure you wonâ€™t want to waste time sifting through Netflixâ€™s extensive catalogue of shows and movies just to decide on what to watch. The streaming giant updates its site every day, week, and month with new content, so Iâ€™m here to save your precious time.
Here are my personal recommendations and highlights for Netflix Malaysiaâ€™s May 2020 lineup and how to fill up your free time with worthwhile content at home:
Hollywood (1 May 2020)

Hollywood follows a group of aspiring actors and filmmakers in post-World War II Hollywood as they try to make it in Tinseltown, no matter the cost. Each character offers a unique glimpse behind the gilded curtain of Hollywood’s Golden Age, spotlighting the unfair systems and biases across race, gender and sexuality that continue to this day.
While Quentin Tarantino’s Once Upon A Time In Hollywood last year might have shown us a romanticised look at Hollywood’s supposed Golden Age, this Netflix exclusive series will depict the opposite of that; the reality of what it was really like back then, which is a very interesting premise.
It stars several prominent actors and actresses like Darren Criss (of Glee fame), Samara Weaving (of Ready Or Not fame), Jim Parsons (of Big Bang Theory fame) and more.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q3EASLgzOcM&w=560&h=315]
Into The Night (1 May 2020)

This Netflix exclusive Belgian sci-fi series is adapted from Jacek Dukajâ€™s best-selling novel The Old Axolotl. Into The Night sees humanity plunged into doom after a sudden and mysterious solar event turns the sun into a lethal orb, killing everyone in its path.
A group of people escapes this by boarding a plane and trying to outrun the sun. It seems like a ridiculous premise. What if they need to refuel? What if the food runs out? Well, the series will probably explore all this. Only a few science-fiction properties have ever tackled the sun as an actual plot device like this.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OIB8D4JLEhw&w=560&h=315]
She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power (15 May 2020)

Netflix debuted theÂ She-Ra And The Princesses of Power animated series only two years ago in 2018, and itâ€™s already about to receive its fifth and final season. It’s currently one of the best shows on Netflix, so itâ€™s a shame to see it ending so soon. It was diverse without being blatantly in-your-face about it and featured brilliant writing to boot.
The Lovebirds (22 May 2020)

In The Lovebirds, a couple (starring Issa Rae and Kumail Nanjiani) experiences a defining moment in their relationship when they are unintentionally embroiled in a murder mystery. As their journey to clear their names takes them from one extreme and hilarious circumstance to the next, they must figure out how they, and their relationship, can survive the night.
Here’s your chance to catch a more ripped and buff Kumail Nanjiani, as well as a taste of what to expect from him in the upcoming Marvel Studios’ The Eternals, which has been delayed to early 2021.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y-rRtM7sC5A&w=560&h=315]
Space Force (29 May 2020)

Space Force is an upcoming comedy series about the people tasked with creating Space Force, a new branch of the U.S. military. It stars Steve Carell, John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, Diana Silvers, and Tawny Newsome.
Consider it to be like a version of The Office, but this time it’s a governmental branch focusing on space exploration or the like.

Those are just several selected highlights from next monthâ€™s offerings of new TV series and movies on Netflix. Now you can plan your Netflix binge-fest for May 2020.


Untitled Goose Game Crosses Out “Sell A Million Copies” On To-do List

2019 has been a great year for video games and not just in the AAA sphere. A healthy number of indie developers finally had their break and made it big. House House is one those developers.

Founder of Panic Inc. Cabel Sasser tweeted that Untitled Goose Game has successfully sold more than one million copies as of last week. Panic Inc. is the game’s publisher and they also published Campo Santo’s Firewatch.

It seems impossible, but last week, three months after launch, Untitled Goose Game passed one million copies sold.
From the bottom of our hearts: thank you for playing our videogame.
— Cabel (@cabel) December 30, 2019

Untitled Goose Game was first released for PC and Switch on 20 September 2019. This means that the game hit the one million milestone just a bit after three months. On the Switch, it sold more than 100,000 copies within two weeks after its release.
The game was released for PS4 and Xbox One just a few weeks ago on 17 December 2019. Unfortunately, Steam users will have to wait for another year. It’s scheduled to be released on Steam sometime in late 2020.
If you haven’t gotten the chance to try the game, it’s being sold on the Epic Games Store for just US$9.99 (~RM41). It’s one of those games that will take just a few hours to finish but every minute is full of honking and waddling fun.


The B-Wing Is Flying Into Star Wars Squadrons This December

After adding The Mandalorian‘s Baby Yoda last month and a massive update earlier this month, EA Motive Studios have announced that Star Wars Squadrons will receive two more free content updates.
The first will arrive next week on 25 November 2020, adding a new Fostar Haven map to multiplayer, while the second will arrive sometime in the middle of December 2020, adding two new iconic starships; the B-Wing and the Tie Defender.
Star Wars Squadrons November Update
The first update will arrive on 25 November 2020 as part of Update 3.0. With it, there will be additional fixes, balancing changes, and tuning. Full details will be provided in its release notes, but the highlights are a new map and components, which are further detailed below.
New Fostar Haven Map

The Fostar Haven map is from the gameâ€™s first prologue mission, which will be added to Fleet Battles and the Dogfight mode.
Set in a remote, lawless area of space under the light of twin stars, this map has been updated from its story mode counterpart to provide a new experience that should fit well with the other six maps.
In the Prologue of Star Wars Squadrons, which is set at the height of the Galactic Civil War, Fostar Haven was an isolated trading station that welcomed smugglers and pirates. Helix Squadron was sent there to search the cargo docks for Alderaanian refugees.
Now, four years later, the denizens of Fostar Haven have made a few upgrades to their station, trusting neither the Empire nor the New Republic. You’ll have the chance to weave through the crowded dockyards or take the fight to open space.
New Components
With this first update will come four new components. For Fighters and Bombers, youâ€™ll be able to use the Boost Extension Kit, a component that, when used, gives your starfighter a full boost. Itâ€™ll then recharge over time and can be used again. This will help these starfighters be able to change the pace of the battle in a new way, such as by giving them the ability to change the tide of dogfights or to get out of engagements with flagships if used wisely.
Interceptors and Fighters are getting Ion Rockets, which will be great for hit-and-run attacks to strip enemy shields. These rockets move at half the speed of standard rockets, but they can be used at the same time as other components, including their non-ion counterparts. Time them well for the best results.
Bombers and Fighters (the latter with half the ammo count) will also be receiving the Prototype Piercing Torpedoes, providing these two ships with a new tactic for taking on capital ships. Though these torpedoes do less overall damage than others of their class, they have the ability to bypass capital ship and flagship shields, making them very well-suited for striking enemy flagship subsystems before shields have been taken down.
Meanwhile, the U-wing and TIE reaper e will get a new way to support their allies when taking on enemy capital ships and flagships with the Anti-Material Rocket Turret. Though this turret doesnâ€™t target enemy starfighters, itâ€™s very well poised to take on flagship subsystems, capital ships, and even turrets and other deployables from enemy support ships.
Star Wars Squadrons December Update
December will bring some of the most requested content to date via Update 4.0.
Two New Starfighters; B-Wing & Tie Defender

Two new starfighters will be added, one for the New Republic and another for the Galactic Empire each to round out your squadron.
A cosmetic variant of the B-wing as seen in Star Wars Episode VI Return Of The Jedi will also be available.
Designed as the â€œBlade Wingâ€ prototype by Mon Calamari engineer Quarrie and finely tuned under General Hera Syndullaâ€™s guidance, the A/SF-01 B-wing starfighter makes its way into the New Republicâ€™s fleet in this update.
Naturally, thereâ€™s a fitting counterpart for it going to the opposing faction, too. From the mind of the brilliant military tactician Grand Admiral Thrawn and Sienar Fleet Systems, the TIE/d â€œDefenderâ€ multi-role starfighter will join the Imperial Navy as well.
These two starfighters are as powerful as they are iconic, though understandably balanced out for the purposes of the game.
The B-wing will be categorized as a Bomber-class starfighter and the TIE defender will be a Fighter, each being able to use the components relevant to their faction and class, but theyâ€™ll also come with their own unique aspects in line with what youâ€™d expect from them, such as the B-wing with its gyro-cockpit and swivelling wings and the TIE defender with its shields.
These functions and a couple of unique components will help them differentiate themselves from the other starfighters in their classes and factions, but weâ€™ve also made sure they arenâ€™t outright better by default. Thereâ€™s still going to be good reasons to pick a Y-wing over a B-wing or a TIE fighter over a TIE defender and vice versa. Itâ€™ll depend on your playstyle and what the situation calls for.
Custom Matches
This update will also add Custom Matches, which will allow one to five players per side across two teams to play on any of the (now) seven maps in both Dogfight and Fleet Battles. There will also be some additional restrictions and modifiers that you can change.
These include things like hull/shield/damage modifiers, changing capital ship health, restricting certain starfighters, and other tools to help you change how you play.
With this, there will also be a custom matches server browser for you to search through private matches made by your friends as well as public ones made by strangers.
True Star Wars fans will understand what a big deal it is that the developers have added the B-Wing. It’s probably the most requested ship since even before the game was launched.
In the meantime, you can check out my review of Star Wars Squadrons here, or head on over here for a full in-depth guide on how to be the best pilot in the galaxy.


Here’s When You Can Kick Butt As Goku in Dragon Ball Fighter Z

Heads up Dragon Ball fans! Details for the Dragon Ball Fighter Z open beta is now out so make sure to keep these dates free of any other activities apart from sitting in front of your TV mashing buttons on your controller:
Day 1: Open Beta begins Jan. 13 at 12am PST until 11:59pm (PST) for those with early access who digitally pre-ordered the game (X1/PS4).
*12am PST : 4PM the following day Malaysia/ Singapore/ Hong Kong: 4PM Jan 14th 2018
Day 2/3: All access begins on Jan. 14 at 12am PST and ends Jan.15 at 11:59pm PST.
*12am PST : 4PM the following day Malaysia/ Singapore/ Hong Kong: 4PM Jan 15th 2018

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sW5XU1zpQ1A&w=560&h=315]
That’s all we know at the moment and will update you with more info once we have them.


Disenchanted Trailer Teases Magical Sequel 15 Years Later

During the Studio Showcase Day 1 at D23, Disney unveiled the first magical teaser trailer for the all-new live-action musical comedy Disenchanted.
The eagerly-anticipated sequel to 2007’s Enchanted, which reunites original cast members Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Idina Menzel, and James Marsden and also stars Maya Rudolph, Gabriella Baldacchino, Yvette Nicole Brown, and Jayma Mays, is directed by Adam Shankman and features new songs from Alan Menken and Stephen Schwartz.
It has been 15 years since Giselle (Amy Adams) and Robert (Patrick Dempsey) wed, but Giselle has grown disillusioned with life in the city, so they move their growing family to the sleepy suburban community of Monroeville in search of a more fairy tale life. Unfortunately, it isn’t the quick fix she had hoped for. Suburbia has a whole new set of rules and a local queen bee, Malvina Monroe (Maya Rudolph), who makes Giselle feel more out of place than ever. Frustrated that her happily ever after hasn’t been so easy to find, she turns to the magic of Andalasia for help, accidentally transforming the entire town into a real-life fairy tale and placing her family’s future happiness in jeopardy. Now, Giselle is in a race against time to reverse the spell and determine what happily ever after truly means to her and her family.
Disenchanted stars Amy Adams, Patrick Dempsey, Maya Rudolph, Yvette Nicole Brown, Jayma Mays, Gabriella Baldacchino, with Idina Menzel and James Marsden. Directed by Adam Shankman from a screenplay by Brigitte Hales and a story by J. David Stem & David N. Weiss and Richard LaGravenese, “Disenchanted” is produced by Barry Josephson, Barry Sonnenfeld, and Amy Adams, with Jo Burn, Sunil Perkash, and Adam Shankman serving as executive producers. The movie features songs with music by 8-time Oscar®-winning composer Alan Menken and lyrics by three-time Oscar-winning lyricist Stephen Schwartz, whose work on “Enchanted” garnered three Academy Award® nominations and a score by Alan Menken.
Disney’s Disenchanted begins streaming on 24 November 2022, only on Disney+.


Sonic Prime Premieres On Netflix This December

Netflix has announced that the Sonic Prime animated series will premiere on Netflix on 15 December 2022.
The official synopsis reads:
“The action-packed adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog go into overdrive when a run-in with Dr. Eggman results in a literal universe-shattering event. Desperate to piece his prime reality back together and save his old friends, Sonic races through the Shatterverse, discovering strange worlds and enlisting new friends in an epic adventure of a lifetime!”
The Sonic Prime cast includes Deven Mack as Sonic, Brian Drummond as Eggman, Ashleigh Ball as Tails, Shannon Chan-Kent as Amy Rose, Adam Nurada as Knuckles, and Ian Hanlin as Shadow & Big the Cat.
Check out the trailer and new posters below:


Netflix April 2020: What To Watch When Staying At Home

Since everyone is staying home because of the Covid-19 Coronavirus pandemic, Iâ€™m sure you wonâ€™t want to waste time sifting through Netflixâ€™s extensive catalogue of shows and movies just to decide on what to watch. The streaming giant updates its site every day, week, and month with new content, so Iâ€™m here to save your precious time.
Here are my personal recommendations and highlights for Netflix Malaysiaâ€™s April 2020 lineup and how to fill up your free time with worthwhile content at home:
Community (1 April 2020)

FriendsÂ was arguably the most popular and definitive 90s sitcom, but what about the 2000s? Some would say itâ€™sÂ How I Met Your MotherÂ orÂ The Big Bang TheoryÂ while others would sayÂ The OfficeÂ orÂ Parks And Recreations. However, many others (including me) will say that itâ€™sÂ Community, which ran from 2009 to 2015 for six excellent seasons.
Why madeÂ CommunityÂ so great? Itâ€™s about a diverse ensemble cast of characters in a community college setting, but thatâ€™s not what makes it unique. The single best thing aboutÂ CommunityÂ was the concept episodes, where the series would divert from its basic sitcom trope setting for special episodes that focused on brilliant gimmicks and premises.
These include iconic paintball episodes, meta episodes, special Halloween and Christmas episodes, the darkest timeline concept, a satirical take on documentaries and a whole lot more. Youâ€™ll probably recognise the darkest timeline thing from this popular GIF.

The Wind Rises (1 April 2020)

Another bunch of great Studio Ghibli animated movies are coming to Netflix in April 2020, but the one that I personally recommend the most is 2013’s The Wind Rises (it’s my second favourite Ghibli film after Princess Mononoke).
Unlike other of the studio’s more beloved fare which tend to be more fantastical with fantasy elements, The Wind Rises is more modern and grounded.
The Wind Rises is a fictionalized and romanticized biopic of Jiro Horikoshi (1903â€“1982), designer of the Mitsubishi A5M fighter aircraft and its successor, the Mitsubishi A6M Zero, used by the Empire of Japan during World War 2.
It’s actually an inspiring and heartbreaking story as well, with romance and tragedy (though not as emotionally-devastating as Grave Of The Fireflies, so don’t worry). The Wind Rises was also Hayao Miyazaki’s final film until he announced in 2017 that he’ll be returning with a new movie titled How Do You Live?.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2QFBZgAZx7g&w=560&h=315]
The Main Event (10 April 2020)

If you’re a wrestling fan, this might be the movie for you, with cameo appearances from WWE stars like Kofi Kingston, Mike â€œThe Mizâ€ Mizanin, Sheamus, and Babatunde Aiyegbusi.
Directed by Jay Karas, The Main Event stars Seth Carr as 11-year-old Leo Thompson. When he discovers a magical wrestling mask that grants him super strength, he uses it to enter a WWE competition. With the support of his grandmother (Tichina Arnold), Leo will do whatever it takes to achieve his dream of becoming a WWE Superstar.
Sure, it all sounds like a typical wish fulfilment story, but at least it’ll be entertaining. Which kid (or adults, I’m not judging) hasn’t wanted to be a pro wrestler at least once in their lives? I know I did (when I was a kid, I mean).
Sergio (17 April 2020)

Sergio is a biographical drama film about the charismatic Sergio Vieira de Mello (Wagner Moura), who has spent the majority of his career as a top UN diplomat working in the worldâ€™s most unstable regions while navigating deals with presidents, revolutionaries, and war criminals for the sake of protecting the lives of ordinary people.
However, just as he readies himself for a simpler life with the woman he loves (Ana de Armas), Sergio takes one last assignment in Baghdad, newly plunged into chaos following the US invasion.
The assignment is meant to be brief, until a bomb blast causes the walls of the UN headquarters to come literally crashing down upon him, setting into motion a gripping life-or-death struggle.
Sergio Vieira de Mello was a real person, and this movie is inspired by true events. The biggest draw of this movie is obviously the beautiful and talented Ana De Armas, who took the world by storm through her roles in Blade Runner 2049 and Knives Out (for which she received an Oscar nomination).
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h03jLiWIXVI&w=560&h=315]
Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 (23 April 2020)

Ghost In The Shell is one of the most iconic sci-fi anime franchises in the world, even receiving its own bad Hollywood adaptation in 2017. The new Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045 CGI anime is a new instalment, acting as a sequel to the Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (SAC) series.
Director Kenji Kamiyamahe and the majority of the voice acting cast from SAC are returning for Ghost In The Shell: SAC_2045. In the year 2045, the Section 9 crew have been hired as a mercenary unit to face a new type of enemy called â€œPost-Humanâ€.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gVklNfuSdNg&w=560&h=315]
Extraction (24 April 2020)

Directed by Sam Hargrave, Extraction is an action thriller film starring Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), a fearless black market mercenary with nothing left to lose when his skills are solicited to rescue the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord.
However, in the murky underworld of weapons dealers and drug traffickers, an already deadly mission approaches the impossible will forever alter the lives of Rake and the young boy. In case you needed any more convincing, this movie was produced by Avengers Endgame directors Joe and Anthony Russo.

Those are just several selected highlights from next monthâ€™s offerings of new TV series and movies on Netflix. Now you can plan your Netflix binge-fest for April 2020.


Hwang Is Slashing His Way To Soulcalibur VI This Week

Bandai Namco has revealed that the next DLC fighter for SoulCalibur VI will be none other than Hwang. Hwang is a Korean swordsman who first made his debut in 1997’s Soul Edge, and was last seen as a playable fighter in 2005’s SoulCalibur III.
Hwang will join Soulcalibur VI as a Season Pass 2 downloadable content character on 2 December 2020.

The new character will launch alongside the update for the game, which will also include the new Motien Pass Ruins stage and Seong Mi-naâ€™s classic costume parts, as well as new Mitsurugi and Nightmare episodes.
Soulcalibur VI is available now for PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
In the meantime, check out the trailer below:


Atelier Ryza Franchise Sales Surpass Two Million

Koei Tecmo and Gust have announced that the Atelier Ryza franchise has shipped over two million units worldwide. The series includes Atelier Ryza Ever Darkness And The Secret Hideout, Atelier Ryza 2 Lost Legends And The Secret Fairy, and Atelier Ryza 3 Alchemist Of The End And The Secret Key.

The last reported series shipment was 1.6 million units in March 2023, which means that they have shipped 400,000 units since then, most of which must have been the latest instalment, Atelier Ryza 3 Alchemist Of The End And The Secret Key, which launched for the PS4, PS5, Nintendo Switch and PC in March 2023.
In other related news, an Atelier Ryza anime is also coming out sometime later in 2023.


SNK 40th Anniversary Collection Out For Switch This November

Retro-gaming fans who own a Nintendo Switch: the SNK 40th Anniversary Collection will be out on 13th November and will feature a ton of old 80s SNK classics.Â Check out the full list below:

Alpha Mission
Athena
Crystalis
Ikari Warriors
Victory Road
Ikari III: The Rescue
Guerilla War
P.O.W
Prehistoric Isle
Psycho Soldier
Street Smart
TNK III
Vanguard

If you’ve noticed, there aren’t any fighting games or any mid-90s titles featured here like your KOFs, your Metal Slugs, and your Samurai Shodowns. Those games will be out on the SNK Neo Geo Mini.Â Plus, they’ve been ported to high heaven on various consoles. Heck, if you have an Xbox Game Pass you can get your Garou: Mark of the Wolves fix on the Xbox One.
Regardless, there are still some titles SNK have withheld for announcement purposes for now. Which old-school SNK title do YOU want on this anniversary collection?


WB Discovery Promises House Of The Dragon, The Sandman, DC Comics & More At SDCC 2022

Warner Bros. Discovery takes flight at San Diego Comic-Con 2022 AKA SDCC 2022, as the combined divisions of the company are joining forces to mark the first in-person presence in three years at the world’s premier comic book and popular arts convention.
They will be back with a vengeance to present a series of can’t-miss panels, behind-the-scenes conversations, activations, and more to celebrate new and fan-favorite live-action and animated television series, movies, comics, and games from Thursday, July 21, through Sunday, July 24.
Fans can expect to see a panel for the HBO Original Series House of the Dragon, the prequel to Game of Thrones. Warner Bros. Television returns to Hall H with a panel for the highly anticipated new drama The Sandman, based on Neil Gaiman’s legendary DC comic, as well as the last-ever panel for the hit drama series Riverdale.
DC activities include a must-see panel with Jim Lee and friends, deep dives into Dark Crisis and comics set in Gotham City and across the DC Multiverse, and a conversation between Tom Taylor & Tom King. Warner Bros. Games will take fans inside the Gotham Knights and MultiVersus video games. And that’s NOT all, folks! Warner Bros. Animation will unveil a first look at three series from the Looney Tunes Loon-iverse and answer burning questions about Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai.
Fans can also test exactly how much they know about their favorite kids and family series on Cartoon Network and HBO Max. Don’t forget a panel with Sesame Workshop’s featured and furry friends behind Cartoonito’s newest preschool series Sesame Street Mecha Builders and other favorite Muppets in the Sesameverse.
Plus, Adult Swim will present panels for SMILING FRIENDS, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, Rick and Morty digital spinoff series The Vindicators, and Tuca & Bertie, and the TNets will give fans a ringside view of the AEW (All Elite Wrestling) franchise.
HBO Max will also present a special advance screening of the first two episodes of the new season of acclaimed adult animated comedy Harley Quinn, and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment will host the world premiere of the original movie Green Lantern: Beware My Power.
And stay tuned for additional panels from Warner Bros. Pictures to be announced.
For the 11th year, Warner Bros. will once again serve as the sponsor of the official Comic-Con 2022 bag. Jim Lee, Publisher and Chief Creative Officer of DC, has created two designs for this year’s must-have collectible swag holder, featuring more than 50 characters from across the DC Multiverse. Each bag will also feature two QR codes which will unlock special surprises for fans beginning Thursday, July 21. More than 160,000 bags have been produced for Comic-Con, and fans can claim theirs when checking in at the convention, while supplies last. I.D. Me Promotions handled physical production of the bags for the Studio.

Warner Bros. Discovery’s Comic-Con 2022 highlights include:
·       HBO will unveil the highly anticipated original series House of the Dragon, set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones, with a panel in Hall H.
·       Warner Bros. Television returns to Hall H with panels for The Sandman and Riverdale. Stars and producers of The Sandman will treat fans to a special presentation followed by a Q&A. The cast and producers of Riverdale make their final Comic-Con appearance to discuss the mysteries of season six and what is to come in the seventh and final season.
·       DC fans will learn more about the Super Heroes, Anti-Heroes and Super-Villains of Gotham City, take a deep dive into all things DC with Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee, experience a Dark Crisis event 30 years in the making, join writers Tom Taylor & Tom King for a conversation, and get insider info from top creators behind the DC Multiverse.
·       Warner Bros. Games gives fans a behind-the-scenes look at the Gotham Knights and MultiVersus video games with the cast and creators.
·       Cartoon Network and HBO Max will treat attendees to fun, interactive experiences during a kids and family multi-show panel. Learn more about Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai from the cast and executive producers, go inside the making of Cartoonito’s Sesame Street Mecha Builders, get the latest from the Looney Tunes Loon-iverse, including Looney Tunes Cartoons, new series Bugs Bunny Builders, and the upcoming Tiny Toons Looniversity.
·       Adult Swim presents panels for SMILING FRIENDS, Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal, Rick and Morty digital spinoff series The Vindicators, and Tuca & Bertie.
·       The TNets bring you a conversation with some of the biggest stars of TBS’ AEW: Dynamite and TNT’s AEW: Rampage — the wildly popular wrestling promotion.
·       HBO Max will present a special advance screening of the acclaimed DC adult animated comedy Harley Quinn. Fans will learn what’s in store for Harlivy with an early look at the first two episodes of the third season.
·       And Warner Bros. Home Entertainment presents the world premiere of the DC Universe original movie Green Lantern: Beware My Power, followed by a conversation with the cast and filmmakers.
HELLO, HALL H!
HBO will present a panel for House of the Dragon. Based on George R.R. Martin’s Fire & Blood, the HBO Original series is set 200 years before the events of Game of Thrones and tells the story of House Targaryen. Created by George R.R. Martin and Ryan Condal, with Condal and Miguel Sapochnik serving as showrunners, House of the Dragon debuts August 21 on HBO and HBO Max / August 22 on HBO GO. Panel specifics are forthcoming.
Warner Bros. Television panels include:
The Sandman Special Video Presentation and Q&A: Prepare to enter the Dreaming as the live-action adaptation of Neil’s Gaiman’s beloved DC comic series arrives in Hall H of San Diego Comic-Con. There is another world that awaits us when we close our eyes and sleep — a place called the Dreaming, where The Sandman, Master of Dreams (Tom Sturridge), gives shape to our deepest fears and fantasies. But when Dream is unexpectedly captured and held prisoner for a century, his absence sets off a series of events that will change both the dreaming and waking worlds forever. The Sandman is a rich, character-driven blend of myth and dark fantasy woven together over the course of 10 epic chapters following Dream’s many adventures. Be among the first to find out what’s in store for the groundbreaking series, as well as some Comic-Con exclusives and surprises. Join us for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. From Warner Bros. Television and based on the DC comic, season one of The Sandman debuts August 5 on Netflix. For more information, follow the show at TheSandman.com.
Riverdale Special Video Presentation and Q&A –– In a season full of super abilities, mind control and Percival Pickens, the citizens of Riverdale are facing their toughest conflict yet — the apocalypse. Riverdale returns to San Diego for its fifth and final appearance at Comic-Con, once again in Hall H, to discuss the new mysteries of season six and what fans can look forward to in the epic season six finale showdown between the characters everyone loves and the town’s most dangerous villain yet. Based on the characters from Archie Comics and produced by Berlanti Productions (The Flash, Superman & Lois) in association with Warner Bros. Television, this one-hour drama is a bold, subversive take on the surreality of small-town life. Join us for a special video presentation followed by a Q&A with series stars and producers. Season six of Riverdale airs on Sundays at 8/7c on The CW. Follow the show on Twitter at @CW_Riverdale and on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CWRiverdale.
LIGHTS, CAMERA, COMICS!
DC will present the following five panels:
Jim Lee and Friends — Join world-renowned comic book artist and DC Publisher and Chief Creative Officer Jim Lee in this can’t-miss panel featuring some of his comic book colleagues to talk with them about some of the top-secret comic books coming from DC! Special guests and surprises galore!
Gotham — In a town like Gotham City, it takes the bravest Super Heroes to keep the city safe from some of the worst villains in crime. Don’t miss this panel that dives deep into some of the heroes, anti-heroes and super-villains that make Gotham the wildest city in all of comics! DC Executive Editor Ben Abernathy will moderate a discussion with Ram V (Detective Comics), Sean Gordon Murphy (Batman: Beyond the White Knight), Tini Howard (Catwoman), Jock (Batman: One Dark Knight) and more.
Dark Crisis — The epic event 30 years in the making is here! Don’t miss out on hearing from the key members of talent behind Dark Crisis, Dark Crisis: Young Justice, The Flash, and Worlds Without a Justice League, including Joshua Williamson, Daniel Sampere, Meghan Fitzmartin, Tom King and Jeremy Adams for exclusive details on what’s to come!
Tom Taylor & Tom King in Conversation — 2022 Eisner Award Nominees Tom King & Tom Taylor are kicking off San Diego Comic-Con together by discussing writing Nightwing, The Human Target, Supergirl: World of Tomorrow and Superman: Son of Kal-El, and what’s in store for the future. A few surprise guests will be stopping by.
Comics Are Fun for Everyone — No matter if you are a casual fan, a YA fan, completely new to comics or a weekly warrior, comics are meant to be fun and for everyone! We’ll be highlighting comics and graphic novels from across the DC Multiverse, as well as animation and more in this fun-filled panel. DC Senior Editor Katie Kubert will be joined by Daniel Warren Johnson & Juan Gedeon (Jurassic League), Kami Garcia (Constantine: Distorted Illusions), Becky Cloonan & Michael Conrad (Batgirls) and more!
For the latest information on DC, visit the DC website at www.dccomics.com and follow @DCComics and @thedcnation on social media.
GAME TIME
Warner Bros. Games will present:
A Look Inside the Making of the Gotham Knights Game — Step into the Knight with the Gotham Knights videogame team as they discuss the upcoming open-world action RPG. With an original story set in DC’s Batman Universe, Gotham Knights showcases Batgirl, Nightwing, Red Hood and Robin, a new guard of trained DC Super Heroes who must rise up as the protectors of Gotham City in the wake of Batman’s death. Get a deep dive into the game with panelists Patrick Redding (Creative Director, Warner Bros. Games Montréal), Ann Lemay (Narrative Director, Warner Bros. Games Montréal), Wilson Mui (Cinematic Director, Warner Bros. Games Montréal), along with actors America Young (Barbie) as Batgirl and Christopher Sean (You, Star Wars Resistance) as Nightwing. Gotham Knights is scheduled to release worldwide on Oct. 25, 2022, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S and PC. To learn more about Gotham Knights, visit GothamKnightsGame.com or connect with us online via Twitter (@GothamKnights), YouTube (GothamKnights), Instagram (@GothamKnights), Facebook (GothamKnights) and Discord (GothamKnights).
Making a Mash-Up: MultiVersus — Get a behind-the-scenes look at MultiVersus, the all-new free-to-play platform fighter videogame featuring an ever-expanding cast of beloved heroes and personalities, from Batman, Superman, Wonder Woman and Harley Quinn (DC) to Shaggy (Scooby-Doo), Bugs Bunny (Looney Tunes), Arya Stark (Game of Thrones) and many others. MultiVersus introduces a team-based 2 vs. 2 format with fun-filled multiplayer bouts set against the backdrop of various reimagined environments from the characters’ legendary worlds, including Batman’s Batcave (DC), Jake and Finn’s Tree Fort (Adventure Time), Scooby’s Haunted Mansion (Scooby-Doo) and much more. See and hear new details about the game from panelists Tony Huynh, the Co-Founder of Player First Games and Game Director for MultiVersus, and Sheloman Byrd, Executive Producer, Warner Bros. Games, along with MultiVersus actors Matthew Lillard (Scooby-Doo), voice of Shaggy, and Tara Strong (My Little Pony, Teen Titans Go!), voice of Harley Quinn. The MultiVersus Open Beta will be available July 2022 on PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 consoles, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One consoles and PC with full cross-play support. For additional information about MultiVersus, visit MultiVersus.com or join the community conversation on Twitter (@MultiVersus), YouTube (MultiVersus), Instagram (MultiVersusGame), Facebook (MultiVersus) and Discord (MultiVersus).
TOON IN FOR THE WHOLE FAMILY
Cartoon Network and HBO Max kids and family highlights include:
That’s NOT All, Folks! Looney Tunes for Everyone! — Don’t forget that left turn at Albuquerque on your way to the Looniest panel at San Diego Comic-Con! Take a look at all the latest from the Looney Tunes Loon-iverse, including the new season of Looney Tunes Cartoons, new series Bugs Bunny Builders, the upcoming Tiny Toons Looniversity and bonus surprises! Join Eric Bauza (voice of Bugs Bunny, Tweety, Daffy Duck and more) as he moderates an all-star panel with Alex Kirwan (Supervising Producer, Looney Tunes Cartoons), Abe Audish (Supervising Producer, Bugs Bunny Builders), Nate Cash and Erin Gibson (Co-Executive Producers of Tiny Toons Looniversity), and more surprise guests! Stick around for sneak peeks, giveaways, and looney games! Looney Tunes Cartoons and Bugs Bunny Builders are produced by Warner Bros. Animation. Tiny Toons Looniversity is produced by Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation.
Cartoon Network: Winner Takes All — Cartoon Network fans come on down! Be the first in line to test your knowledge on all things Cartoon Network! This multi-show panel will determine which panelists (and audience members!) are the most discerning fans as they are quizzed on their favorite series for a chance to unlock first looks, sneak peeks, and more inside scoop! Play along with the casts and crew of Craig of the Creek (Philip Solomon, voice of Craig; Najja Porter, supervising director; Dashawn Mahone, supervising director), Teen Titans Go! (Pete Michail, executive producer; Tara Strong, voice of Raven; Khary Payton, voice of Cyborg), and We Baby Bears (Calvin Wong, showrunner; Connor Andrade, voice of Grizz; Amari McCoy, voice of Panda; Max Mitchell, voice of Ice Bear). Why settle for second? Come get your first look at everything Cartoon Network! Craig of the Creek and We Baby Bears are produced by Cartoon Network Studios. Teen Titans Go! is produced by Warner Bros. Animation.
The Origin Story You’ve Been Waiting For…Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai — Magic, mystery, mayhem, and Mogwai! Join the talented cast and crew of Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai as they answer your burning questions about the upcoming HBO Max animated prequel series. Executive producers Tze Chun and Brendan Hay join Tara Rueping (Art Director), Izaac Wang (voice of Sam), AJ LoCascio (voice of Gizmo), Gabrielle Neveah Green (voice of Elle), and more surprise guests to unveil the first clues to unlocking the secrets of the Mogwai that will leave you hungry for adventure (just don’t eat after midnight!). Gremlins: Secrets of the Mogwai is produced by Amblin Television in association with Warner Bros. Animation.
Sesame Street Mecha Builders — From feathered and furry friends to robo super-heroes-in-training, find out how the iconic Sesame Street Muppets got supersized into CGI animated characters for the newest series Sesame Street Mecha Builders. Join Olexa Hewryk, Frank Falcone, David Rudman, Ryan Dillon, and Leslie Carrara-Rudolph as they discuss how Cookie Monster, Elmo and Abby Cadabby were re-imagined to expand the Sesameverse. The panel will be moderated by Alan Muraoka from Sesame Street.
LET’S GET ANIMATED
Adult Swim Highlights Include:
SMILING FRIENDS Discussion and Q&A — Join Michael Cusak and Zach Hadel, the creators behind the new Adult Swim Series SMILING FRIENDS, to find out what’s in store for Pim, Charlie and the rest of the company dedicated to bringing happiness to their bizarre yet colorful world.
Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal Season Two Discussion and Q&A — After winning five Emmy® Awards including Outstanding Animated Program, the second season of Genndy Tartakovksy’s Primal returns to Adult Swim. Join animation legend Genndy Tartakovsky (Dexter’s Laboratory, Samurai Jack, Star Wars: Clone Wars) and Art Director Scott Wills (The Ren & Stimpy Show, Samurai Jack) for a deep dive into the second season of the acclaimed animation adventure. Genndy Tartakovsky’s Primal is produced by Cartoon Network Studios.
Rick and Morty: The Vindicators Screening and Q&A — Calling all Rick and Morty fans! Join Executive Producer Sarah Carbiener alongside Rick and Morty Producer Nick Rutherford for a first look at the Adult Swim digital series The Vindicators, based on breakout characters from Rick and Morty. Be the first to watch Supernova, Vance Maximus, Alan Rails, Crocubot and Noob Noob fight crime, avert genocides, and yuk it up without Rick and Morty.
Tuca & Bertie Season Three Discussion and Q&A — This summer is sure to sizzle with the highly anticipated return of Tuca & Bertie on Adult Swim! Creator and Executive Producer Lisa Hanawalt will join the series cast to dive into the upcoming third season of the Adult Swim animated comedy about colorful bird girl besties who navigate the ups and downs of adulting in life, love, and everything in between.
DYN-O-MITE
AEW: Heroes & Villains — Join some of the biggest stars of TBS’ AEW: Dynamite and TNT’s AEW: Rampage as they take the San Diego Comic-Con stage for the first time to give a ringside view of the wildly popular wrestling promotion. The Q&A will feature a conversation with AEW stars CM Punk, Jade Cargill, Darby Allin, Orange Cassidy and Bryan Danielson, and will be moderated by AEW commentator Excalibur. This discussion will dig into the heroes, villains, and championship quests through the eyes of the biggest names in wrestling. AEW: Dynamite airs every Wednesday from 8-10 p.m. ET on TNT and attracts the youngest wrestling audience on television; the fight-forward show AEW: Rampage airs every Friday from 10-11 p.m. ET. Follow the fandom on Twitter and Instagram at @AEW and @AEWonTV.
KILLIN’ IT
Harley Quinn Season 3 Advance Screening (Episode 1 & 2) — The Eat. Bang! Kill Tour is rolling through San Diego for an early look at what’s in store for Harlivy. Join us for a special advance screening of the first two episodes of season three of Harley Quinn at San Diego Comic-Con before its summer premiere on HBO Max. Seats will be limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Harley Quinn is produced by Delicious Non-Sequitur Productions and Yes, Norman Productions in association with Warner Bros. Animation. To follow and learn more about Harley Quinn, follow the show on Instagram and Twitter at @dcharleyquinn and Facebook at www.facebook.com/dcharleyquinn.
GOING GREEN
Warner Bros. Home Entertainment presents:
Green Lantern: Beware My Power World Premiere and Panel — Warner Bros. Home Entertainment continues its annual Comic-Con tradition of hosting debuts of original DC Universe Movies with the world premiere of Green Lantern: Beware My Power. The all-new intergalactic thriller features John Stewart’s first adventure as a member of the Green Lantern corps. In the film, the initially reluctant Stewart (voiced by Aldis Hodge) — aided by Green Arrow (Jimmi Simpson), Adam Strange (Brian Bloom) and Hawkgirl (Jamie Gray Hyder) — must contend with a horde of interplanetary killers bent on eliminating every Green Lantern in the universe, while also journeying into the heart of a raging Rann/Thanagar war to somehow succeed where all other Green Lanterns have failed. After the screening, cast members and filmmakers will host an in-depth, entertaining panel discussion. Produced by Warner Bros. Animation, DC and Warner Bros. Home Entertainment, Green Lantern: Beware My Power arrives on 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray Combo Pack, Blu-ray, and Digital on July 26, 2022.
Stay tuned on Kakuchopurei for our coverage of SDCC 2022!


Guess Which Malaysian Game Studio Is Helping Out With The Command & Conquer Remasters?

Good news for you Command & Conquer fans out there: EA revealed that the C&C and C&C: Red Alert remasters (expansions included) will be in development by Petroglyph, a studio created by former Westwood employees. You remember Westwood, right? The one company killed off by EA after it produced a few C&C games for them.

Petroglyph guys Mike Legg, Ted Morris, and even C&C composer Frank Klepacki will be on board to make this remaster right. But what’s even more surprising is that Malaysian game asset-making studio Lemon Sky Studios will be involved in the remastering process.
They will help bring these games to 4K glory; that essentially means make HD assets of 2D sprites from the original. What else has Lemon Sky Studios done? Well, they’ve done CG & 3D characters and creatures for:

Marvel’s Spider-Man
Uncharted: The Lost Legacy
StarCraft Remastered (hence why they’re picked by EA)
Final Fantasy XIV Stormblood
Gears of War 4
Dark Souls III

..and many more of course. Malaysia boleh?Â
That’s Not All…
The Petroglyph guys will be changing a number of things like game balance. Producer Jim Vessella said that development starts now, which also means that there’s no set release date yet.

“The exciting part is that we havenâ€™t started development yet. The community is literally getting in on the ground floor of this project and have every opportunity to help influence how we build this remastered experience. Please continue to engage on Reddit and community channels and help us create the best possible remasters of C&C and Red Alert!”

So if you’re a fan who wants to be heard, make yourself heard on Reddit. And don’t worry: there wouldn’t be microtransactions in this game. I know that doesn’t need to be said, but you never know what can happen when you have bigwigs like EA looking over Petroglyph’s shoulders.


Bounty Star Lets You Play As A Mecha Bounty Hunter

Annapurna Interactive and DINOGOD have announced the over-the-shoulder 3D action game Bounty Star The Morose Tale Of Graveyard Clem for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC (Steam). It will also be available via Xbox Game Pass. It is slated to launch in 2023.
Bounty Star is an over-the-shoulder 3D action game that marries mech combat and customization with farming and base building. The player takes on the role of a broken but powerful ex-soldier named Clem, a war veteran, talented fighter and expert mech pilot. Clem attempts to shed the guilt and shame of her past and become a legitimate force for good in the Red Expanse, a post-post-apocalyptic version of the American Southwest.
You pilot the Desert Raptor MKII, a Mech of extraordinary power. It is a highly-customizable battle vehicle that can be equipped with a variety of offensive systems: heavy, high-powered melee weapons, steam-powered hydraulic siege weapons, explosive firearms, and more. It can also be equipped with a variety of defensive systems; high-speed thrusters, boosters for dashing, and riot shields, among others.
In the game, Clem comes into an isolated and run-down garage that serves as a suitable base of operations and home. Players can build out water and power supply lines, grow and cook food, produce ammunition and fuel for combat, and raise animals.
Check out the trailer below:


Diablo IV Is Still Being Developed Despite COVID-19

Working from home for Activision Blizzard’s Diablo team has been quite an ordeal. At least according to producer Rod Fergusson, whom you may remember as the guy who worked at Epic Games and The Coalition on Gears of War titles.
Despite all this, the work on upcoming action RPG Diablo IV is “going very well” with “little productivity being lost”.
Blizzard has taken steps to minimize the disruption by enabling employees to take their equipment and PCs home, providing “allowances” to cover things like internet expenses, ensuring sufficient downtime and breaks, and even sending out “snack boxes” to employees.

“I had a full eight days in office. I started on a Tuesday and then the following Thursday, everybody was on work from home. “
“It’s been really hard actually, for me, because I think people who know me and have worked with me know that part of what I thrive on and do well in is [being] in the room with people, and talking, and trying to motivate and understand, and collaborating and those sorts of things. The push, kind of taking one of my sort of quote-unquote ‘superpowers’ and putting it behind a video screen, I found really hard.”

All that is paying off. “he fact that you see Hearthstone has shipped two expansions, and WoW is about to ship an expansion. And we on Diablo continue toâ€”it’s been challenging, but the team is just moving forward. So I’ve been really gratefulâ€”if I was going to do it, to be able to do it with Blizzard.”
Guess we’ll have to wait until digital BlizzCon 2021 to hear more news about the game. This still isn’t letting Activision-Blizzard off for the wage discrepancy issue though.


Why You Should Check Out Malaysia’s Biggest Fighting Game Tournament This Month

Fighting game fans from all over Southeast Asia: do you want to fight the best of the best in games like Street Fighter V and Tekken 7? Then you should register and pop by for the FV Cup x SEA Major 2019 Malaysia tournament for your fighting game jollies.
The event will take place at 23 and 24 March at Lightbox. Here are a few reasons why you should sign up (link here) or at least attend the event:
The Capcom Pro Tour Asia Ranking 2019

If you’re interested in trying your luck at this year’s Capcom Pro Tour, the Asia Ranking tournament is the best place to start.Â You can register here.
The Best Fighting Game Players From Asia Will Be Attending

Remember those Asian and Japanese players I interviewed a while back? They’re making an appearance in this Malaysian tournament. You’ll be seeing pro players like Tokido, Oilking, Itabashi Zangief, Bonchan, Xian, and Sako getting their seeding points in the Capcom Pro Tour.
To the ones watching; you’ll learn a lot. To the ones participating; good luck because you’ll need it.
The Other Games You Can Compete & Fight In

It’s not just a Street Fighter V party, you know. You can play and compete in Ultra Street Fighter IV, Tekken 7, SoulCalibur VI, Dragon Ball FighterZ, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, The King of Fighters XIV, and The King of Fighters ’98.
The Neo Geo World Tour 2 – Malaysia Tournament

Speaking of which, the Neo Geo World Tour continues with its second season. KOF XIV and KOF ’98 will be the main highlights of this yearly circuit.
There is also the usual Metal Slug challenge for you retro gaming fans out there; alas there’s no Twinkle Star Sprites tournament just like in the US early January.Â You can sign up here.
The Sweet, Sweet Prizes
This bit’s pretty important if you’re thinking of winning. Here’s what you get for placing within the top 3 in Street Fighter V:
Street Fighter V Arcade Edition

1st Place: Acer ED323QUR A Monitor, Armaggeddon Headset, Victrix Stick, Ray Ban Sunglasses, special trophy
2nd Place: Armaggeddon Headset, Anda Seat Gaming, Ray Ban Sunglasses, special medal
3rd Place: Armaggeddon mechanical keyboard, Armaggeddon mouse, Armaggeddon headset, special medal

I do wonder if getting third place in the Street Fighter V tournament (and for the other fighting game tournaments) is considered winning or not. At least the SNK prizes are worth chasing for; even if it’s leftover stock from the SNK store in Japan, it’s leagues better. And there’s a cash prize to boot!
KOF XIV

1st Place: US$500, SNK merchandise, Global Finals ticket
2nd Place: SNK merchandise
3rd Place: SNK merchandise

KOF ’98

1st Place: US$500, SNK merchandise, Global Finals ticket
2nd Place: SNK merchandise
3rd Place: SNK merchandise

As a bonus, there will be a lucky draw prize-giving session that will involve you taking selfies and snaps with the aforementioned tournament players.
You’re Helping Out Your Fellow FGC Men/Women
Image credit: Battle Arena Malaysia FB Page
Nothing in life is free, and the FV Cup x SEA Major 2019 is no exception. If you’re just in it to meet up with the friendly and vocal fighting game community, or just want to learn setups and tactics by just watching it live, it’s US$20 for the entry fee. Why not just add in US$10 to try your luck at the super-stacked Street Fighter V tournament while you’re at it?
The Neo Geo World Tour entry fee is RM40; it’s more or less US$10 and you get to participate in all three games from SNK. Of course, if you’re Malaysian, you can participate in the NGWT for free if you paid for the earlier entry fee.
Are you thinking of checking it out next week? Because you should! Fighting game tournaments of this magnitude don’t come that often in Southeast Asia, even if it may cost you quite a bit if you’re Malaysian.


Major Movements Just Happened In the Overwatch League

As we head closer to Stage 2 of this season’s Overwatch League, some major changes just took place as teams scramble to fill in gaps, revamp their lineup and aim for better results. There were management-level shuffling as well, including the departure of a much-loved player-turned-coach and tweaks amongst mid-tier teams.
First up, and easily the biggest move so far sees former San Francisco Shock DPS, Andrej “babybay” Francisty leaving for the Atlanta Reign.

Every kingdom needs a king and today marks the beginning of a new reign, welcome @KING_BABYBAY to your Atlanta Reign – ESKETITTT! #LetItReign pic.twitter.com/1rAgFWCRtJ
â€” Atlanta Reign (@ATLReign) April 2, 2019

Clearly a move to fill the gap left by Dafran who retired from playing a few weeks back, Babybay’s addition may indicate Reign’s intentions in the upcoming meta. This may signal the welcomed end to the GOATs meta, as Babybay is best known for his hitscan heroes.
Another big move involves Dallas Fuel and Boston Uprising who traded flex tanks; trading Richard â€œrCkâ€ Kanerva for Uprising’s Lucas â€œNotEâ€ Meissner. This trade leaves only Kristian â€œKellexâ€ Keller and Min-seok â€œAimGodâ€ Kwon as the remaining two members from last season’s squad which went unbeaten in Stage 3.

Please welcome our new Flex Tank – NotE!
He joins us from the @BostonUprising in a trade for @rCk_ow. Both players will be eligible to in Stage 2.
Be sure to give @NotEvenBleu a follow, and good luck to rCk on Boston! pic.twitter.com/FvFtuRsyYB
â€” Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) April 2, 2019

As for coaches movements, here’s a quick rundown:

Paris Eternal Head Coach, Julien â€œdaemoNâ€ Ducros has stepped down from his position.
Washington Justice part ways with coach, Mark â€œObasillâ€ Regush.
Toronto Defiant part ways with strategic coach Dong-wook â€œDonâ€ Kim

However, the biggest story is the departure of former EnVyUs and Dallas Fuel main tank-turned coach, Christian “cocco” Jonsson from his coaching position. No mention of his next project at the time of writing.

Thank you @cocco. For everything.
Youâ€™ll always be a welcome member of our family and we know youâ€™ll be great in whatever you pursue next.#BurnBlue pic.twitter.com/ii8iehwSUu
â€” Dallas Fuel (@DallasFuel) April 2, 2019

While some of these moves are essential as teams sought to turn their fortunes around as the season progresses, some are more situational, as to anticipate the post-GOATs meta. You’d also notice that all these moves involve mid to lower-tiered teams who have struggled the most in Stage 1. The better ones? We are confident that the likes of the NYXL, Titans and SF Shock have more in their arsenal; don’t forget – we are yet to witness the greatness of players such as Pine, Flow3r, Saebyeolbe and Stich in Season 2 of the Overwatch League.
Stage 2 of this season’s Overwatch League kicks off this Friday with a banger as the Philly Fusion takes on the NYXL.


PlayStation VR 2 Will Launch With More Than 20 Games

Sony Interactive Entertainment president and CEO Jim Ryan has shared new details and information on PlayStation‘s strategy in the future during the Game & Network Services Segment of Sony Corporation’s Business Segment Briefings 2022. According to the presentation, the PlayStation VR 2 (or PSVR 2) will launch with more than 20 major first-party and third-party titles.
Horizon Call Of The Mountain is one of these games, which is a VR game set in the world of Horizon Zero Dawn and Horizon Forbidden West. What this means is that Sony is probably taking VR more seriously this time around, with more major games for gamers to sink into when the PlayStation VR 2 eventually comes out (whenever that may be).

During the same briefing, Ryan also shared that PlayStation wants to expand their PC and mobile output. By the fiscal year of 2025, they expect 50 percent of output on the PS5, 30 percent on the PC, and 20 percent on mobile. For mobile, they’re planning to partner with “respected, established, and successful” mobile game developers on certain IP to extend their franchises to more players.


Ubisoft’s Singapore-Made Skull & Bones Delayed & Won’t Be At E3 2019

Bad news for you pirate gaming fans out there: Ubisoft Singapore’s Skull & Bones will be delayed according to the company’s recent fiscal year 2019 earnings report.Â And it won’t be at E3 2019. The game’s new release date has yet to be announced.
On the upside, Ubisoft will have three more unannounced triple-A titles for its next fiscal year. Gee, I wonder if one of them has anything to do with hacking and a trip down to London?
Also, these stats paint a pretty picture for the French game-making company:

The Division 2 gets outstanding reception, 10 times more UPlay sales, and the highest record for engagement per player and season pass.
Rainbow Six: Siege has more than 1 billion Euros worth of cumulated revenue and 45 million players at this point in time.
Far Cry 5 is Ubisoft’s best-selling game on current gen.
Ubisoft is making bank with its mobile game fares like Hungry Shark World and Assassin’s Creed Rebellion. They’re making 153 million euros and are contributing 8 percent of the company’s total revenue.

Should Ubisoft sea-faring players be worried? No, they shouldn’t: delays mean that the games in question need a tad more polishing and a bit more QA work, as well as a better release window as to not be cannibalized by possible Ubisoft juggernauts like oh say a Watch Dogs 3.
Plus, no one wants to be saddled up with a broken game, right? Or at least one with huge Day One patches to fix last-minute stuff like a certain EA game featuring Iron Man armour.Â


PS+ Subscribers Are Getting 4 Games To Start 2020

With the implementation of the digital tax in Malaysia beginning this month, subscription plans like PS+ become a lot more attractive. The January 2020 PS+ free games lineup shows why you should get on board if you haven’t.

Instead of the usual two free games, we’re getting four free games this month! PS+ users can start downloading Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection and Goat Simulator starting from 7 January 2020.
The Nathan Drake Collection contains remastered versions of Uncharted: Drake’s Fortune, Uncharted 2: Among Thieves, and Uncharted 3: Drake’s Deception. The multiplayer component for each game isn’t included.

Goat Simulator is… Well, it’s all in the title. You play as a goat and you’re free to cause chaos or just do whatever you want in a sandbox map full of interesting things to do. The best part about the game is finding all the secret objectives you can complete.
For those of you who never had the chance to play the PS3 releases of the Uncharted series, this a great time to get into them. You can then top off your adventures by continuing with the last entry, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End.


Disney’s Mulan 2020 Goes Straight To Disney+, Which Will Make SEA Debut In Indonesia

After so many delays, Disney will be releasing its live-action rendition of Mulan on its Disney+ movie streaming service on 4th September.
The movie will be a “premiere access” title that will cost an additional US$29.99 to stream, in addition to the monthly fee you’ll be paying. This applies if you’ve been using a VPN for your House of Mouse film and cartoon fix. This will be a one-off thing according to Disney, but may change if people start paying extra for this.
In related news, Indonesia will be the first Southeast Asian country to receive Disney+ according to a Hotstar ID Twitter post (via Coconuts.co). Congrats, neighbours!

Apakah kalian sudah siap, Indonesia? Mulai streaming 5 September. pic.twitter.com/AJPXF9jx6t
— Disney+ Hotstar ID (@DisneyPlusID) August 4, 2020

There is no local pricing just yet, but we suspect the service will arrive in other Southeast Asian markets soon like in Singapore and Malaysia. At least before 2020 ends, give or take. It’ll be interesting to see how the US$29.99 business model fare, as the company might apply it on other bigger and more anticipated films like the upcoming Marvel’s Black Widow movie.


Riot Announces Official Valorant Esports League For Your High-Level Shooter Needs

Good news: we may be seeing some high-level Valorant play sooner than you think.
Riot Games, the folks behind Valorant, has unveiled its big esports plans for the multiplayer team-based shooter. Starting next week, the company’s first-ever Ignition Series will happen in the upcoming G2 Esports Valorant Invitational and Rage Valorant Japan Invitational. Both of them are held on 19th June 2020.
The Ignition Series is basically the Overwatch League but for Valorant; official events happening all over the world featuring the best teams in the region. We’ll break down the events:
G2 Esports Valorant Invitational

For this G2 Invitational, eight teams from Europe, Middle East, and Africa will be competing for a US$16,883 prize.
These teams will be split by region, and the respective captains will only know who will be playing in the tournament a day before the tournament.Â The tournament will last until 21st June.
You can tune into the tournament later on 19th June via this Twitch link.
Rage Invitational

16 teams will be playing for a US$4,644 prize pool. These include folks like DetonatioN Gaming and Jupiter, whom you may remember from past Overwatch and CS:GO tournaments in Asia.
This tournament will also last from 19th to 21st June. There’s no link to the stream yet, but we’ll be sure to update it when it pops up later on the 18th.
With these tourneys being the first for the game, it’ll be interesting to see which team(s) will draw first blood in the esports hall of fame. We do hope that with this happening, we’ll eventually see the Southeast Asian equivalent of this, especially since there’s a Riot Games branch or two in the region.


There Are No InFamous Or Sly Cooper Games In Development, Says Sucker Punch

So much for keeping the legacy going. Sucker Punch Productions, the makers of Ghost of Tsushima, said that there are no InFamous or Sly Cooper games in development.
The company said recently on a blog post that there are no studios working on projects related to the aforementioned franchises that put them on the map.
“As our games continue to grow in scale and complexity, they require the full attention of our studio. With our focus on our current project, we have no plans to revisit inFAMOUS or Sly Cooper right now, and no other studio is currently working on projects related to those franchises either. These characters are very special and near and dear to our hearts, so while we’d never say never to re-opening those doors down the road, for now there are no inFAMOUS or Sly Cooper games in development.”
In addition, Sucker Punch will be performing maintenance on InFamous 2’s user-generated content servers, moving them to a new home to keep them up and running a bit longer. These servers will need to sunset eventually, but will be kept active as long as there are active players. The company will also release the InFamous: Second Son DLC “Cole’s Legacy” on PlayStation Stores. Previously, the DLC was only available as part of the game’s Collector’s Edition.
It’s a shame about the news really; many fans like myself are looking forward to a next-gen version of InFamous or even a Sly Cooper title.


Spider-Man: No Way Home Is TGV Cinema’s Biggest Pre-Sales Launch In Malaysia

Spider-Mania is rising high this December in Malaysia.
The massive hype for the upcoming third MCU Spider-Man film, Spider-Man: No Way Home, has led to the huge surge of ticket sales on TGV Cinemas’ Malaysian website and mobile app, slowing both down to a web crawl. Spider-Man: No Way Home is the highest-grossing release in terms of pre-sales this year in the country, which is still recovering from COVID-19, so clearly cinema outings are affected by this.
Here’s a quote about it from TGV General Manager Sales & Marketing Mohit Bhargava:
“Sales in just 48 hours have already doubled the lifetime pre-sales of any other blockbusters records post-MCO. This is definitely a record-breaking feat, considering the fact that we are operating with limited seating capacities and sessions due to prolonged cleaning and sanitisation in-halls.”
Why the hype for Spider-Man: No Way Home? Simple: it’s the Tom Holland version of Spider-Man fighting the Sony Spider-Man villains like Alfred Molina’s Doctor Octopus and many more. Plus, there’s a chance that certain Spider-Men might make an appearance in the MCU’s version of the Multiverse.
Spider-Man: No Way Home will be web-swinging its way to cinemas this 16th December.


Diablo 4’s Major Patch Buffs Classes & Nightmare Dungeon XP Rate

Diablo 4’s toughest XP grind just got significantly easier. And its classes are getting buffs.
The game is getting a 1.0.3 patch, which is a big one that not only buffs the core and basic skills of each class but also changes up the leveling experience for the better. Patch 1.0.3 significantly increases the XP you get for completing a Nightmare dungeon and the XP from killing enemies in said dungeon. Nightmare Sigils will also teleport you straight to the specific place instead of you trekking there via World Map.
“We want [Nightmare dungeons] to be a great place to farm, including if you want to farm dungeons over and over, if you want to loop dungeons.”
In addition, the classes in the game will get improvements in their core and basic skills. For instance, Barbarians start with four skills to choose from, with all of them dealing increased damage and generating more Fury. You’ll be hearing less of “I’m out of energy!” quotes from your characters, hopefully. Meanwhile, the endgame hasn’t been touched at all which means the hardcore Diablo 4 community aren’t really that thrilled about this patch. Still, for those who haven’t reached Tier 4 or level 100 yet, this could be the patch to jumpstart their interests once more.
Check out the full patch notes below.

Diablo 4 1.0.3 Patch Notes
Bug Fixes
Dungeons, Events, and other Activities

Fixed an issue where players couldn’t engage with the Dead Man’s Dredge dungeon boss.
Fixed an issue where certain Whispers couldn’t be completed.
Fixed an issue where the Those Who Call the Storm event wouldn’t register as completed.
Fixed an issue where the Those Who Call the Storm event would place a permanent de-buff on the player that would gradually drain health.
Fixed an issue where enemies could spawn behind the Sealed door in the Cultist Refuge dungeon, blocking dungeon progression.
Fixed an issue where characters could be damaged and killed during the Stronghold completion cutscene. (Not the valiant triumph we planned)
Fixed an issue where the level 100 Pinnacle Boss would appear again with no health bar if killed during a specific phase.
Fixed an issue where progression could be blocked in the Fallen Temple Capstone Dungeon.
Fixed an issue that resulted in a crash or freeze if players entered the Untamed Thicket dungeon during the Fangs of Corruption quest.

Gameplay Fixes

Fixed an issue where the Insatiable Fury and Mad Wolf’s Glee items prevented Druids from transforming into the Werebear or Werewolf Forms.
Fixed an issue where Spider Host enemies would remain upright after exploding and dying.
Fixed an issue where equipment with socketed Gems couldn’t be mass-salvaged.
Fixed an issue where players were unable to teleport to Cerrigar while in the Cerrigar and Cerrigar Outskirts subregions.
Fixed an issue where Corpse Tendrils would cause the corpse visual to disappear.
Fixed an issue where the camera would not zoom out when joining a World Boss encounter.
Fixed an issue where Barbarian players would get stuck between Bone Walls after using Charge.
Fixed an issue where Rogue players would remain invisible to other players after using the Concealment Skill in Fields of Hatred.
Fixed an issue where Airidah’s tornados would cause the player to be stuck in a knockback state if hit by multiple tornados at once.
Fixed an issue where pressing any button on controller while Dazed would halt all player input.
Fixed an issue where Caches with World Tier conditions could be brought into higher World Tiers and provide rewards for that world tier.
Fixed an issue where the Skeleton Warrior upgrade for increasing Thorns damage was not properly applying.
Fixed an issue where the Burning Instinct power on the Sorcerer Paragon board did not account for Base Critical Damage in its damage calculation.
Fixed an issue where the player could move in-game during the Leave Game countdown.

Local Co-Op

Fixed an issue where the second player that closes the Region Progress menu would be locked in the World Map during Local Co-Op play.
Fixed an issue where some quests would not properly progress for all players in Local Co-Op play.
Fixed an issue where the preview slot for item upgrades would only display for Player 1 during Local Co-Op play.
Fixed an issue where buttons in the store would become un-interactable for player 2 during Local Co-Op play.
Fixed an issue where targeting the same enemy would show different health bars for each player during Local Co-Op Play.
Fixed an issue where the Spirit Boons menu couldn’t be closed by player 2 if player 1 had it open during Local Co-Op play.
Fixed an issue where the remaining player would not be able to move on their mount if the other player exited the game during Local Co-Op play.

Quests

Fixed an issue where the NPC Lacthan could duplicate during multiple quests.
Fixed an issue where progression of the Malign Devotion quest could become blocked if the player left the cellar as Lakren started to stand up.
Fixed an issue where players would have their progression in the Apex of Misery quest blocked if they teleported away and back during the Destroy the Risen Remains objective.
Fixed an issue where the player character would get blocked if they sat on a chair to talk to a NPC during the Demon Ledger quest.
Fixed an issue where Brol and Mother’s chosen would move oddly during the eavesdropping cutscene if the player was near the broken wall.
Players may now re-enter the boss area after the Follower has joined them during the Storming the Gates quest.
Fixed an issue where the Illusion Woods Statue could become un-interactable during the Wayward quest.
Fixed an issue where the True Potential Rogue Class Quest sometimes couldn’t properly be completed.

UI

Fixed an issue where Chat could be expanded even when the Chat is not visible.
Fixed an issue where a party member’s HP bar would appear to be 0 if they left the vicinity of their party while not at full health.
Fixed an issue where the “GPU not Supported” message would display broken text.
Fixed an issue where the particles for Druid’s Spirit Boons would persist after closing the associated menu.
Fixed an issue on Xbox Consoles where the cross-network play notification would display in-game even if cross-network play was disabled.
Fixed an issue that displayed an empty notification to new players when world bosses appeared.
Fixed an issue where the Potion Upgrade icon would be missing when playing with a controller.
Fixed an issue where the Town Portal progress bar would be visible while in menus.
Fixed an issue on PC where the Tab key would not open the Map if the Materials panel was open.
Fixed an issue where the Spur ability for mounts would display as “Not yet learned.”
Fixed an issue where the Linked Item menu would persist on screen when switching between Keyboard & Mouse input and Controller input.
Fixed an issue where players would receive improper messaging when undoing the deletion of a Hardcore character.
Fixed an issue where the Interact wheel prompt would appear over vases near the Fate’s Retreat Waypoint.
Fixed an issue where the Socket button would persist if the player swapped tabs.
Fixed multiple instances where Pins on the map from either a quest or the player would not function properly.
Fixed multiple instances across a variety of menus where text wouldn’t display properly.
Fixed multiple issues with health bars not displaying accurately during PvP activities.
Various other improvements to the UI experience.
Various localization fixes.
Fixed an issue where the Purveyor of Curiosities’ menu would erroneously display item quality on some items (this didn’t affect what item quality was available to gamble for).

Miscellaneous

Fixed an issue where users couldn’t create a Clan when their language was set to Russian or Spanish.
Fixed an issue where the Shop would not properly load if the player dies while in Checkout.
Fixed an issue where multiple cutscenes would not play if the player engaged with them when in a party of 3 or more players on Xbox Series S, Xbox One, and PlayStation 4.
Fixed an issue where the Randomize Look and Swap Body Type actions in the Shop didn’t function when viewing Cosmetic Armor.
Fixed an issue where the PlayStation 5 screen reader wouldn’t function properly.
Fixed an issue where emotes from the Shop would not always function when used with a controller.
Fixed an issue where the Player character’s eye would display improperly during the Lorath’s cabin cutscene in the Prologue.
Various stability, performance, and visual improvements across all platforms.
Fixed an issue where players using laptops with certain dedicated Graphics Cards would not be able to play the game.

Gameplay Adjustments
Experience Rewards

Significantly increased the experience awarded for completing Nightmare Dungeons.
Significantly increased the experience gained from killing monsters in Nightmare Dungeons.
Helltide chests now provide substantially more bonus experience when opened.
Significantly increased rewarded experience from completing individual Whispers across the board.
Fixed an issue where no experience was awarded for completing the hold out style event that can occur after finishing dungeon objectives.

General

The Helltide Roaming bosses will now more consistently drop higher quality loot.
Players can now teleport to their Nightmare Dungeon directly through the map.
Weekly bonus caches from world bosses no longer have a level requirement for opening.

Balance Changes
Barbarian
Skills
Lunging Strike

Base damage increased from 30% to 33%.
Fury generated increased from 9 to 10.

Bash

Fury generated increased from 10 to 11.
Enhanced Bash’s Fortify increased from 10% to 20%.

Frenzy

Base damage increased from 20% to 22%.

Flay

Bleeding base damage increased from 36% to 40%.
Fury generated increased from 9 to 10.
Enhanced Flay’s Vulnerable chance increased from 10% to 15%.

Double Swing

Base damage increased from 36% to 40%.

Kick

Cooldown reduced from 17 to 13 seconds.
Base damage dealt to enemies Knocked Back into terrain increased from 54% to 70%.

Charge

Enhanced Charge’s base damage dealt to enemies Knocked Back into terrain increased from 15% to 30%.

Leap

Mighty Leap Slow increased from 50% to 70%.

Iron Skin

Enhanced Iron Skin’s Barrier increased from 10% to 20% of Maximum Life.

Call of the Ancients

Prime Call of the Ancients Bonus Attack Speed increased from 10% to 20%.

Iron Maelstrom

Cooldown reduced from 60 to 45 seconds.
Prime Iron Maelstrom Bonus Critical Strike Chance increased from 10% to 30%.
Prime Iron Maelstrom Bonus Critical Strike Damage increased from 20% to 40%.

Bounding Slam

Base damage increased from 75% to 112%.

Legendary Aspects
Bul-Kathos

Earthquake flat damage increased from .39-.76 to .6-.83.

Earthquake

Earthquake flat damage increased from .39-.76 to .6-.83.

Dust Devil’s

Dust Devil flat damage increased from .16-.25 to .22-.32.

Windlasher

Dust Devil flat damage increased from .16-.25 to .22-.32.

Devilish

Dust Devil flat damage increased from .20-.36 to .24-.38.

Iron Warrior

Damage Reduction increased from 10-20% to 15-25%.

Items
Overkill

Damage increased from 16%-30% to 24-38%.

Hellhammer

Flat damage increased from .3-.5 to .6-.8.

Druid
Skills
Earthspike

Base damage increased from 16% to 17%.
Spirit generated increased from 10 to 11.
Fierce Earthspike Fortify increased from 4% to 8%.

Wind Shear

Base damage increased from 17% to 18%.
Spirit generated increased from 12 to 13.

Claw

Base damage increased from 20% to 22%.
Spirit generated increased from 10 to 11.
Wild Claw Double Attack Chance increased from 10% to 15%.
Fierce Claw base damage increased from 10% to 15%.

Maul

Base damage increased from 20% to 22%.
Spirit generated increased from 14 to 15.
Enhanced Maul Fortify increased from 2% to 3%.

Lightning Storm

Enhanced Lightning Storm duration increased from 4 to 6 seconds.
Primal Lightning Storm’s chance to Immobilize increased from 8% to 12%.

Shred

Third Attack base damage increased from 60% to 70%.
Enhanced Shred Healing increased from 1% to 2% of Maximum Life.
Raging Shred’s base damage increased from 51% to 70%.
Primal Shred’s Bonus Critical Strike Damage increased from 20% to 30%.

Wolves

Cooldown reduced from 14 to 11 seconds.
Ferocious Wolfpack Lucky Hit chance increased from 10% to 40%.

Hurricane

Base damage increased from 97.5% to 134%.

Rabies

Base Poisoning damage increased from 53% to 76%.

Cataclysm

Base damage increased from 52% to 64%.

Lacerate

Base damage increased from 400% to 460%.

Petrify

Critical Strike Damage Bonus increased from 25% to 30%.

Pummel

Base damage increased from 140% to 180%.

Passives
Bestial Rampage

Attack Speed Bonus increased from 20% to 25%.
Damage Bonus increased from 20% to 30%.

Nature’s Fury

Chance to cast a free spell increased from 20% to 30%.

Lupine Ferocity

Damage Bonus increased from 60% to 70%.

Legendary Aspects
Runeworker’s Conduit

Flat damage increased from 1 to 1.4.

Mangled

Chance increased from 20-30% to 30-40%.

Seismic-Shift

Cooldown decreased from 2.5-1.5 to 2-1 seconds.

Blurred Beast

Damage increased from 60-90% to 70-100%.

Necromancer
Skills
Reap

Base damage increased from 12% to 13%.
Acolyte Reap’s Cooldown between Corpses reduced from 5 to 4 seconds.

Decompose

Base damage increased from 30% to 33%.
Base Essence generated per second increased from 7 to 8.
Corpses formed frequency increased from 2.5 to 2 seconds.

Hemorrhage

Base damage increased from 25% to 27%.
Essence generated increased from 8 to 9.

Bone Splinters

Base damage increased from 8% to 9%.
Essence generated increased from 6 to 7.

Sever

Initial base damage increased from 63% to 66%.
Enhanced Sever’s return base damage increased from 25% to 40%.

Blood Lance

Supernatural Blood Lance Overpower requirement reduced from 8 to 6 casts.

Bone Prison

Cooldown reduced from 20 to 18 seconds.
Dreadful Bone Prison’s Fortify increased from 5% to 8%.

Iron Maiden

Base damage increased from 10% to 20%.
Horrid Iron Maiden damage bonus increased from 15% to 20%.

Corpse Tendrils

Blight Corpse Tendrils chance to spawn a Blood Orb increased from 30% to 35%.

Bone Spikes

Base damage increased from 80% to 120%.

Raise Skeleton and Golem

Minions will now always engage targets with a cast Curse.

Passives
Kalan’s Edict

Damage taken duration requirement reduced from 3 to 2 seconds.

Rathma’s Vigor

Healthy duration requirement reduced from 15 to 12 seconds.

Spiked Armor

Thorns increased from .08/.16/.24 to .1/.2/.3.

Legendary Aspects
Bursting Bone

Flat damage increased from .022-.03 to .045-.06.

Flesh-Rending

Essence gained increased from 10-20 to 20-40.

Fastblood

Ultimate Cooldown Reduction increased from .5-1 to 1-1.5 seconds.

Rogue
Skills
Invigorating Strike

Base damage increased from 23% to 25%.

Blade Shift

Base damage increased from 15% to 16%.

Heartseeker

Base damage increased from 22% to 24%.
Primary Heartseeker damage increased from 30% to 75%.

Forceful Arrow

Base damage increased from 20% to 22%.

Barrage

Base damage increased from 20% to 22%.

Caltrops

Methodical Caltrop’s Chill increased from 20% to 25%.

Smoke Grenade

Cooldown reduced from 15 to 13 seconds.

Rain of Arrows

Cooldown reduced from 60 to 55 seconds.
Prime Rain of Arrows imbuement potency increased from 20% to 30%.

Volley

Base damage increased from 70% to 105%.

Passives
Close Quarters Combat

Damage bonus increased from 20% to 30%.

Legendary Aspects
Escape Artist

Cooldown decreased from 100 to 45 seconds.

Umbrous

Lucky Hit Chance to gain a Dark Shroud increased from 30-50% to 40-60%.

Items
Eyes in the Dark

Increased Death Trap Cooldown reduced from 30-15% to 20-15%.

Sorcerer
Skills
Spark

Base damage increased from 8% to 10%.
Enhanced Spark damage increased from 5.6% to 7%.
Flickering Spark chance increased from 3% to 4%.

Frostbolt

Base damage increased from 35% to 38%.

Firebolt

Burning damage increased from 40% to 44%.

Charged Bolt

Base damage increased from 28% to 30%.

Incinerate

Base damage increased from 49% to 54%.
Enhanced Incinerate damage increased from 15% to 25%.
Greater Incinerate Immobilize requirement reduced from 4 to 3 seconds.

Fireball

Mana cost decreased from 40 to 35.

Frozen Orb

Initial base damage increased from 32% to 36%.
Explosion base damage increased from 29% to 34%.
Greater Frozen Orb chance to apply Vulnerable increased from 25% to 30%.

Blizzard

Base damage increased from 120% to 130%.

Ice Blades

Chance to apply Vulnerable increased from 30% to 40%.

Lightning Spear

Summoned Lightning Spear’s maximum Damage Bonus increased from 100% to 160%.

Crackling Energy

Base damage increased from 15% to 20%.

Freezing Wake

Base damage increased from 60% to 110%.

Legendary Aspects
Abundant Energy

Chance to chain to an additional enemy increased from 20-30% to 30-40%.

Singed Extremities

Slow amount increased from 25-35% to 40-60%.

Incendiary

Chance to restore Mana increased from 5-10% to 12-17%.

Snowguard’s

Damage Reduction increased from 10-15% to 20-25%.

Concentration

Mana Regeneration increased from 10-20% to 20-30%.

Items
Flamescar

Flat damage increased from .1-.2 to .2-.3.

Staff of Lam Esen

Damage Reduction reduced from 40-30% to 35-25%.


These Are The Best PlayStation One Soundtracks Of Its Era

Again, happy 25th anniversary, ye ol’ PlayStation console.
Now a retro device, the PlayStation One is a fan favourite among Southeast Asian gamers because of its plethora of games be it your Final Fantasy JRPGs or your obscure puzzle gaming nonsense.
But we’re not here to talk about the best games; we already have a feature for that. We’re here to talk about the best gaming soundtracks of the late 90s when the console was the cream of the crop.
Here’s a special SoundScape video detailing just that.

Let us know if we’re missing a couple of soundtracks or two; we’d love to hear your feedback either on here or on Facebook.