The Top Anime Picks For Summer 2021 [Magic Rain]

Itâ€™s time for the favourite anime season for fans everywhere, Summer! This particular season has a history of releasing the best titles of the year, so Iâ€™m sure many are hyped for what the new season has to offer.
If youâ€™re indecisive on what to watch, not to fear â€” we have you covered! Without further ado, here are our picks for the best sequel and non-sequel anime to watch this Summer 2021.
Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid Season 2

Your favourite quirky Dragon Maid is making a come back on 8 July! It was a huge hit when it first aired back in 2017 and many fans were hoping to see a second season. This time,Â Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon MaidÂ will offer even more cute, comedic, and sometimes chaotic scenarios for you at home.
While enjoying their laid-back pace of life, a new mysterious threat will soon come to interrupt their peace. Letâ€™s hope this season will not disappoint!
My Next Life As A Villainess Season 2

The popular series,Â Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta (orÂ My Next Life as a Villainess for short) is back with Season 2! The story revolves around Katarina, a high school girl who was isekaiâ€™d into a video game, not as the heroine but as the main villain.
In the first season, she tried her best to avoid all the bad endings and to her surprise, she succeeded! She also befriended a close group of friends. This season, Katarina will officially start off her journey with no prior knowledge of whatâ€™s waiting for her ahead.
Will she be able to continue her legacy of success, or will it lead to a catastrophic bad end? Find out on 3 July, especially if you’re fans of visual novel games and their tropes/structure.
The Detective Is Already Dead

Recently, detective-themed animes have been on the rise. Tantei wa mou, ShindeiruÂ is one of the latter! The story starts with Kimihiko Kimizuka, a high school student who attracts trouble no matter the time and place.
With this unique talent, he fought alongside a young girl named Siesta in a secret war against an organisation of pseudo-humans, but sadly, she passed away at a young age. After the unfortunate incident, Kimizuka spends a peaceful year while maintaining a low profile. This is up until he meets someone strikingly similar to his ex-partner, who will soon bring trouble into his life again. Find out more on 4 July!
The Case Study of Vanitas

Vanitas no Carte/The Case Study of VanitasÂ is another fantasy series airing on 3 July. Based on the manga of the same title, the anime is focused on vampires who are on the brink of extinction and the â€˜Book of Vanitasâ€™, a book said to be capable of placing a curse on all vampires.
The story is set in France during the nineteenth century following NoÃ©, a young vampire who is travelling to Paris in search of the â€˜Book of Vanitasâ€™. During his travels, he will encounter a human doctor named Vanitas who is in possession of the very same book If youâ€™re interested in what happens next, be sure to check out this seriesï¼
Note: This anime will be split into 2-cour series, and will continue its second half in the Fall 2021 season.
Check out the full feature on The Magic Rain.


PlayStation Hari Raya Deals Offer Great Console Discounts

Sony Interactive Entertainment Hong Kong Limited Singapore Branch (SIES) has announced that the PlayStation Hari Raya Deals campaign is slated to begin this weekend from 18 May until 2 June 2019. There will be plenty of discounts on PS4 and PS VR console bundles.
These bundles will be available at all PlayStation Authorized Dealers, Sony Stores, and Sony Centres in Malaysia (check out the location of the nearest branch at this link).

PS4â„¢ STARTER PACK â€“ RM1,199 (normal price: RM1,449)

PS4â„¢Pro God of War Bundle Pack (1 TB) â€“ RM1,549 (normal price: RM1,799)

PS VR BEAT SABER All-in-One Pack â€“ RM1,229 (normal price: RM1,379)

PS4â„¢ DUALSHOCKÂ®4 Wireless Controller â€“ RM179 (normal price: RM239)

Get even more festive this Hari Raya by grabbing yourselves one of these sweet deals.


Here Are Seoul Dynasty’s OWL Matches in Stage 1 of the Inaugural Season

Supporting the boys from Seoul in the upcoming season of the Overwatch League? Then you’d want to bookmark these dates as the full match schedule for Stage 1 is out. Seoul Dynasty kicks-off their season against Dallas Fuel on January 11th 2018 and closes Stage 1 against San Francisco Shock on February 10th 2018.

* KST: Korea Standard Time is Kuala Lumpur/ Singapore/ Hong Kong +1hr e.g 2PM KST is 1PM Kuala LumpurÂ
The opening match against an S-tier team in Dallas Fuel is no small task but regardless of the result, Seoul Dynasty should have it relatively easy beyond that before meeting the heavyweights – NYXL, London Spitfire and Houston Outlaws – in back-to-back matches starting January 27th. Also worth noting thatÂ Dynasty will not be playing against Philadelphia Fusion in Stage 1; only meeting them during week 3 of the second stage, on March 9th.
For full schedule of the inaugural Overwatch League season, head over here.


FPS RTS Hybrid Disintegration Is Getting Its First Beta Later This Month

V1 Interactive has announced the official dates of the beta sessions for its upcoming FPS RTS hybrid title, Disintegration. The first beta will be a closed one that will run on both 28 and 29 January 2020, while the second beta will be an open one that takes place from 31 January to 1 February 2020.
Both of these closed beta sessions will be available on the Xbox One, PS4, and PC. Interested gamers can sign up for the beta sessions at the official website here. During the beta, two of the three multiplayer modes set to be featured in the game at launch will be playable.

Our closed beta will be hosted on Tuesday, January 28 from 8 am PT/11 am ET to 11:59 pm PT/2:59 am ET and Wednesday, January 29 from 8 am PT/11 am ET to 11:59 pm PT/2:59 am ET.
Our public beta will then follow from January 31 to February 1 on PS4, Xbox One, and PC!
â€” Disintegration Game (@dsntgrtn) January 15, 2020
The first mode is called Retrieval, where one team will work on delivering a payload while the opposing team tries to stop them. The second is called Control, pitting two teams against each other in a battle for various control points on the map.
The beta will also feature seven of the total teams that will be available to pick from in the final version, each with unique abilities. If you didn’t manage to sign up for the closed beta in time, the open beta will still be happening shortly thereafter so you won’t miss out.
Disintegration is currently slated to release sometime in 2020. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qOR6A6RMEjI&w=560&h=315]


Netflix December 2022: Our Picks & Highlights

I’m sure you won’t want to waste time sifting through Netflix’s extensive catalogue of shows and movies just to decide on what to watch. The streaming giant updates its site every day, week, and month with new content, so I’m here to save your precious time.
Here are my personal recommendations and highlights for Netflix Malaysia’s December 2022 lineup and how to fill up your free time with worthwhile content at home:
Warriors Of Future (2 December 2022)

When a meteor carrying a destructive plant strikes the world, a suicide squad is given hours to save their post-apocalyptic city from total collapse.

Guillermo Del Toro’s Pinocchio (9 December 2022)
Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio – (L-R) Pinocchio (voiced by Gregory Mann) and Count Volpe (voiced by Christoph Waltz). Cr: Netflix © 2022
People are sometimes afraid of what they don’t know… From the mind of Academy Award-winning filmmaker Guillermo del Toro and award-winning stop-motion legend Mark Gustafson, GUILLERMO DEL TORO’S PINOCCHIO is a story you think you may know… but you don’t.

Money Heist Korea Joint Economic Area Part 2 (9 December 2022)

The newly released teaser trailer shows the PROFESSOR (Yoo Ji-tae) and his gang of misfits struggling to safely escape with the money while committing to show the world who the real thief is. Numerous threats still lurk in front of them and the joint task force realises that there is an influential force aiding the heist team outside of the mint. When all seems bleak, a new character, SEOUL (Im Ji-yeon), that is unique to Money Heist Korea Joint Economic Area appears in front of the endangered heist team.

Dragon Age Absolution (9 December 2022)
Dragon Age: Absolution. Sumalee Montano as Hira in Dragon Age: Absolution. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2022
Dragon Age Absolution is a new series from BioWare and Red Dog Culture House set in the same franchise as the one that started with 2009’s Dragon Age Origins. The story will follow Kimberly Brooks’ Miriam, an eleven mercenary who was once a slave in Tevinter and who must now become the hero she was born to be.
The synopsis reads:
“When a heist against the most powerful man in Tevinter goes south, an elven mercenary named Miriam (Kimberly Brooks) is forced into a desperate fight for survival. Now, to save herself and her friends, Miriam will have to confront the tragic past she’s spent a lifetime trying to escape.”

Gudetama An Eggcellent Adventure (13 December 2022)

A lethargic, empathetic road trip series about finding one’s parents — for everyone who just wants to laze about!
Having resigned itself to the fact that it will just end up on someone’s plate, Gudetama just wants to be lazy all the time. But, swept up by the go-getting, overbearing chick Shakipiyo, it leaves the refrigerator and heads out into the world. Together, these polar opposites go on an adventure to find their mother!

Sonic Prime (15 December 2022)
Sonic Prime. Cr. COURTESY OF NETFLIX © 2022
The adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog go into overdrive when a run-in with Dr. Eggman results in a literal universe-shattering event. Sonic races through the Shatter-verse, discovering strange worlds and enlisting new friends in the epic adventure of a lifetime! Sonic Prime is dashing on to Netflix December 15!

Alice In Borderland Season 2 (22 December 2022)
(L to R) Tao Tsuchiya as Usagi, Kento Yamazaki as Arisu in Alice in Borderland Season 2
Arisu and Usagi must unravel the mysteries of the Borderland in order to return to their world.
Shifting from the shocking setting of an empty Shibuya in the first season, this season is set in a devastated Shibuya covered in plants. Don’t miss a second of this survival game packed with intense action and a thrilling story!

Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery (23 December 2022)
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022). (L-R) Kathryn Hahn as Claire, Madelyn Cline as Whiskey, Edward Norton as Myles, Leslie Odom Jr. as Lionel, and Kate Hudson as Birdie. Cr. John Wilson/Netflix © 2022.
In the follow-up to Rian Johnson’s KNIVES OUT, Detective Benoit Blanc travels to Greece to peel back the layers of a mystery involving a new cast of colourful suspects.

The Witcher Blood Origin (25 December 2022)
DSC00928.arw
Set in an elven world 1200 years before the time of Geralt, Yennefer, and Ciri, The Witcher: Blood Origin will tell a tale lost to history: the creation of the first prototype Witcher, and the events that led to the pivotal Conjunction of the Spheres, when the worlds of monsters, men, and elves merged to become one. This four-part prequel series premieres on Netflix on December 25.

Rise Of Empires Ottoman Season 2 (29 December 2022)
Rise of Empires: Ottoman: S2 Cr. Courtesy of Netflix © 2022
Years after conquering Constantinople, Sultan Mehmed II consolidates power, but a merciless ruler in Wallachia threatens to bring down his empire

For the rest of what Netflix December 2022 has to offer, check out the roundup video below:


Biomutant Combines Lush Exploration With “Janky” Fighting For A Mostly Fun Time

Platform(s): Xbox One (version played), PC, PS4
Genre: Sci-fi action RPG with furries
I’ll be frank: THQ Nordic and developer Experiment 101’s big action role-playing game Biomutant took a few hours to click for me.
Initially, you start off as an ass-kicking animal wanderer (whom you can customize from fur colour to class type) and are spoon-fed the story from narrator David Shaw-Parker. Basically, you’re in a world ravaged by pollution and it’s now populated with mutated animal hybrids like your character. You’re tasked to set things right by fixing the Life Tree by uniting the different animal races and destroying the World Eaters residing in each corner of the world. At the same time, your character has an adversary in his/her past who you will confront eventually at the climax of the tale.
Or you can choose the dark path and conquer each and every one of them (or literally burn it all) with your elite skills. Either way, expect the narrative to be pun-filled and self-aware in its own sci-fi-slash-fantasy settings. David’s voice here shapes the narrative in a charming and invigorating way, with additional fun VO work from your Light and Dark conscience chastising you or encouraging you to make the right decisions.

Your critter avatar can also do this world’s version of martial arts called Wung Fu where you can fight either melee and ranged, as well as have mutant powers and psi-powers based on your Light and Dark alignment. You can choose to either be a goody-two shoe for Light points or be an anti-hero to garner Dark points. Also, you can mount demon goats, summon a mecha to cross hazardous environments called Dead Zones, and ride on a small boat called a Goopjet to cross dangerous waters.
All of this is a lot to take in, to the point that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. And half the time, the presentation and cutscenes of the game feel a tad subpar despite being cute and having that European all-ages cartoon feel ala the Fable series of games.
Having said that, I’m happy that Biomutant takes its time in letting you discover everything on your own and doesn’t hold your hand most of the time. I wasn’t impressed from the get-go after the mandatory 1-hour tutorial that pit you in a linear underground area that taught me the ropes of melee and ranged combat.
8 hours later, after figuring out how my character should play like, I already am a believer of what Experiment 101 is doing here with the action RPG open-world trappings it’s laid out. Simply put, it hooks you in after you’re patient with it.
While it isn’t perfect & can get rough around the edges -keep in mind that the game is made by 20 people within 4 years or so- I definitely enjoyed my 23-or-more hours with Biomutant.
Discovery Channel

I’ll address the mutant elephant in the room: if you go in thinking Biomutant is going to be a Devil May Cry-style action game, you are one-fourth right. I know I did, since I went into Biomutant thinking as such prior to getting my review copy.
Yes, there are elements of chaining and dodging in play here. There are special moves called Wung Fu moves you can use for big damage and deal with enemies in any applicable situation. You can chain these skills in alternate fashion to enter a “Devil Trigger”-like state for more powerful and faster moves (called Super Wung Fu here).
However, it’s all executed in a pretty janky way, with no oomph and pizzaz in every strike here and there. My Super Wung Fu multi-hit attack saved my bacon a number of times, but it doesn’t look impressive like a super move should with lacklustre sounds and impact. When I’m brandishing a two-handed sword, the attacks don’t connect as much because of how much forward movement you generate from your default swings.
Other weapons like the Crush type two-handed tools and dual weapon options feel more in-line with how it should be in an action game: one is slow and has AoE attacks while the other comes out lightning fast. Melee moves lack consistency here.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, the gunplay feels good here and has some weight & impact behind all the bullets you’ll be firing. I had a blast firing guns one-handed, dual-wielding pistols, and using an assault rifle with multiple fire rates. Not only do you have infinite ammo, but you also have gun-based and ranged Wung Fu moves to deal massive damage while also attempting chaining opportunities to go Super Wung Fu. However, reloading here is a bit weird as you’ll go in the same reload cooldown state regardless of the ammo count in your current magazine.
This is the bit where I realize that Biomutant’s main combat engine is basically a third-person shooter with the camera panned back, with a super sped-up bunch of controls and actions. It took me quite a while to acclimatize myself to the controls, as the game offers some “auto-aim” when it comes to your melee, but its auto-target can get finicky with multiple combatants all around. I never once died from these clustermuck of a violent monster mob since I went for the keepaway approach, but it can get frustrating when your Super Wung Fu attacks end up targeting a weaker opponent instead of the big giant blob of death coming after me.
If you have a chance to play Biomutant on mouse and keyboard, do so. It’s far from terrible on a controller setup, but I wager you’ll have fewer aiming issues with the PC input method of choice.
National Geography

To add context to Biomutant’s combat mechanics from my perspective, I started out the game as an all-rounder jack-of-all-trades Deadeye class, with more focus on gunplay stats and intellect so that my stamina/energy meter regenerates quicker. Your stat points allocation really matters here: min-maxing agility and energy regeneration skills mean your melee and toughness stats are going to fall behind.
As a result, your sword attacks aren’t going to be as effective or useful. Likewise, putting all your points on health and strength will make you easily open up more Wung Fu special combos at the cost of slower energy regeneration, less damage from your guns, and limited magic use. In other words, you must be careful how you spec your character from the get-go.
Thankfully, you’ll also be doing a number of non-fighting bits in Biomutant’s version of Earth: the game gives you more to do in its utopian wasteland, which is where the game’s magic draws you in and make you lose countless hours. Once you’re out of the tutorial and get your bearings after an hour or two, preferably choosing a tribe to ally with, you’re left to your own devices on how to tackle your main quests.
You can also put that on hold and just find old-world relics and loot from abandoned places to mod your weapons with. You’ll also solve a number of puzzles involving rotating bits and pieces of cogs (or other mechanical thingamajigs) to uncover secrets and open up new passageways to new territory and danger.

And more loot and mods, of course. Oh yes, Biomutant has a deep crafting system that’s easy to follow and only requires you to venture out and explore the world to get the best mods. Buying them with literal greens (the currency is leaves) will cost you a lot, and you’d rather spend money on health and energy packs.
This means going out of your way to finding spare parts and secrets to help upgrade your current tools is paramount to your success. Wandering around with no clear goal in mind feels great; that’s what Experiment 101 succeeds in doing. Giving you that sense of agency and freedom, as well as a beautiful yet dangerous world for you to faff about for hours on end. And also giving you the tools and opportunities to build your uber-avatar wanderer.
Best of all, even if you’re done with the main storyline, you can play New Game Plus mode with all your items, level, and equipment (no quest items though) to ally yourself with another tribe and start over. Maybe even discover the other path you can take and unlock different ending conditions; Biomutant’s world is indeed yours.
Mighty Mutanimals

I’m glad a game like Biomutant exists; everyone needs to at least experience its familiar-yet-refreshing experience in a lush utopia filled with forests, deserts, taigas, highlands, and irradiated zones caused by mankind’s folly & greed. You have 20 hours or so to go through the game’s story campaign and figure out if the world you’re in deserves saving or scorching. All of its themes, character moments, and gameplay are done with love that it bears a soul unlike other open-world games from giant-sized game companies.
While its combat can use a bit more touchup and some presentation bits need a bit more tweaking & smoothing, the overall action and open-world gaming package offered by Experiment 101 is not to be missed. I’m already on my second playthrough, and I also created another new Biomutant avatar from scratch, so you know the devs are doing something right here.
All in all, come for the furry critters & pro-environmental stance, stay for the grand adventure.
Pros

A beautiful world to explore with lots to do and uncover.
Character creation & class system is pretty detailed.
A plethora of combat options from melee to magic.
Challenging yet forgiving at the same time.

Cons

Controls feel tailored for third-person shooting than hack-and-slash…
…and takes some time getting used to, especially on a controller.
Technical & presentation glitches & jank here and there.

Final Score: 70/100
*Xbox One review copy provided. Played on an Xbox Series X.


Obsidian’s Grounded Looks Like A Honey I Shrunk The Kids Game

During the X019 London Inside Xbox live stream, Obsidian Entertainment announced their new Xbox exclusive IP, titled Grounded. Unlike their previous games like Fallout New Vegas and the recently-released The Outer Worlds, Grounded is a first-person single-player or co-op survival game with a premise that’s basically a Honey I Shrunk The Kids game.
In Grounded, players will have to gather resources and craft items in a setting that seems to be the yard behind a normal suburban home, while being smaller than insects, or essentially the size of Marvel’s Ant-Man.
Obsidian Entertainment Director of Communications Mikey Dowling said:

“Created by a small development team, one of many working on new projects in the studio, Grounded is a true passion project.
This title has given the team the creative outlet to bring their years of developing highly regarded games to bear on the survival genre.
RPGs like The Outer Worlds will always be in Obsidian’s DNA, but from time to time we want to stretch our creative muscles and try things that might be a little different.”

Grounded is slated to release for the Xbox One and PC (as well as on the Xbox Game Pass) sometime in Spring 2020 under the Xbox Game Preview program, with a full version release planned for an unspecified date.
In the meantime, check out the Grounded trailer below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Obxd078UvPQ&w=560&h=315]


Check Out These New Witcher 3 Statues Arriving Soon

It looks like everybody wants to ride the Witcher high that’s been created by the Netflix series. Renewed interest in Geralt of Rivia’s adventures have prompted many to play The Witcher 3. For those of you interested in collecting statues and figurines, there are good news too.

Collectibles enthusiast website Sideshow has announced that a lineup of The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt licensed collectibles will be released soon. The store catalogue currently lists a number of statues of characters such as Ciri, Geralt, and Yennefer that can be pre-ordered.
The statues are scheduled to be shipped out from early to mid 2020. Out of the eleven statues in the catalogue, six are manufactured by Dark Horse Comics, four by Prime 1 Studio, and one by CD Projekt RED.
You can pre-order the statues at the Sideshow website. Here are some images of the statues being sold:


New Gigantamax Forms Of Classic PokÃ©mon Unveiled [Update]

We’re only one month away from the release of PokÃ©mon Sword and Shield, so fans are expectedly eager for any and all details regarding those games. Thanks to the latest issue of Japanese magazine CoroCoro Ichiban (via ResetEra), several new Gigantamax forms of classic PokÃ©mon have been revealed.
These include the following fan-favourite PokÃ©mon:

Charizard
Meowth
Pikachu
Eevee

It’s not surprising that these PokÃ©mon would get Gigantamax forms, considering how popular they still are. Personally, the best-looking one for me would have to be Charizard’s, with its flaming shoulder pads and Godzilla-like stature.

Here’s a closer look at the classic Pokemon’s Gigantamax forms.

It’s like Meowth was built for the internet.
For those unfamiliar with the new familiar, Gigantamax causes a PokÃ©mon to both grow in size and change their appearance, and gives them access to a special G-Max Move. Previously, only three species had confirmed Gigantamax forms, including Alcremie, Drednaw, and Corviknight.
PokÃ©mon Sword And Shield is slated to release exclusively for the Nintendo Switch on 15 November 2019. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2LcerbX5Qh8&w=560&h=315]


Xbox Bethesda Games Showcase 2022: All The Announcements

The Xbox Bethesda Games Showcase 2022 took place earlier today, and there were a whole bunch of game reveals.
Check out all the reveals and announcements below:

Redfall

Redfall is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PC and Xbox Game Pass sometime in 2023.
Redfall is an open-world, single-player and co-op FPS from Arkane Austin, the award-winning team behind Prey and Dishonored. Continuing Arkane’s legacy of carefully crafted worlds and immersive sims, Redfall brings the studio’s signature gameplay to this story-driven action shooter.

Hollow Knight Silksong

Hollow Knight Silksong is coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Xbox Game Pass.

High On Life

High On Life is coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Xbox Game Pass in October 2022.
From the mind of Justin Roiland (Rick and Morty, Solar Opposites) comes High On Life. Humanity is being threatened by an alien cartel who wants to use them as drugs. It’s up to you to rescue and partner with charismatic, talking guns, take down Garmantuous and his gang, and save the world!

Riot Games Titles On Xbox Game Pass

Riot Games titles are coming to Xbox Game Pass in Winter 2022.

A Plague Tale Requiem

A Plague Tale Requiem is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PC and Xbox Game Pass sometime in 2022.
Embark on a heartrending journey into a brutal, breathtaking world, and discover the cost of saving those you love in a desperate struggle for survival. Strike from the shadows or unleash hell with a variety of weapons, tools and unearthly powers.

Forza Motorsport

Forza Motorsport is coming to Xbox Series X/S, PC and Xbox Game Pass in Spring 2023.

Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Update

Microsoft Flight Simulator 40th Anniversary Update is coming to Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Xbox Game Pass in November 2022.

Also, in partnership with Halo and 343 Industries, an exclusive Halo Infinite Pelican is available today in Microsoft Flight Simulator. This free add-on is included with Xbox Game Pass.
For the 40th Anniversary Edition releasing this fall, the Microsoft Flight Simulator team is partnering with the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in a one-of-a-kind collaboration. Stay tuned in the coming months for more to come regarding this coveted partnership and enhanced Anniversary Edition.

Overwatch 2

Overwatch 2 Early Access is coming to PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on 4 October 2022.
It will be free-to-play.
We will learn more at the Reveal Event on 16 June 2022 at 10am PT (1am GMT+8 on 17 June 2022 for those in SEA), streaming on Overwatch’s official Twitch and Youtube channels.

Ara History Untold

Ara: History Untold delivers an evolution in turn-based historical grand strategy. Your choices will define the world you create, your experience, and your legacy.

The Elder Scrolls Online High Isle

Explore locations never-before-seen in an Elder Scrolls game—the secluded isles of the Systres Archipelago—and confront the sinister Ascendant Order. Are you ready to set sail for High Isle and protect the Legacy of the Bretons?
The Elder Scrolls Online: High Isle Chapter arrives for Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One on June 21.

Fallout 76

Travel beyond the borders of Appalachia to The Pitt in the next major content update for Fallout 76. Forge new alliances, undertake new challenges, and earn all-new rewards when Expeditions: The Pitt launches this September.
For the first time since Fallout 3, players are invited to journey back to post-war Pittsburg – now a grim industrial wasteland crippled by conflict and awash with radiation. Expeditions: The Pitt introduces a new storyline centered around two warring factions: the blue-collar freedom fighters of the Union, and the power-hungry raider faction of the Fanatics.
Fight for the Union to help reclaim their home. Meet its eccentric and mechanically skilled leaders, learn about the uneasy ties that bind them, and uncover how the toxic wasteland of The Pitt is driving its inhabitants to madness. Gain favor with the Union to earn powerful new weapons and armor crafted by Union mechanics. Conquer Expeditions to earn Stamps, a new currency exchangeable for powerful and rare Expedition-themed rewards.

Forza Horizon 5 Hot Wheels

Calling all daredevil drivers and creators! Blast off to the visually stunning, exhilarating new Horizon Hot Wheels Park in the clouds high above Mexico. Experience the fastest, most extreme tracks ever devised. Design, build, and share your own Hot Wheels adventure with 80 distinct, snappable track pieces. Race 10 amazing new cars including the lightning fast 2021 Hennessey Venom F5 and the iconic 2000 Hot Wheels Deora II.
Buy the Premium Add Ons bundle today and get immediate access when the Forza Horizon 5: Hot Wheels expansion launches July 19 2022.

Ark 2

Survive the past. Tame the future. Suddenly awakened on a primal world filled with dinosaurs and humans struggling for dominance, you must team-up with legendary heroes to confront powerful dark forces. Saddle up, and join the definitive next-gen survival experience with ARK 2!

Scorn

Explore a mesmerizing labyrinth this Halloween! Scorn will release on 21st October 2021. You awaken in the middle of a desolate and decayed hellscape; a once industrious civilization now lay in ruin. Surrounded by nightmarish, biomechanical contraptions, you must explore your environment to progress. Your nightmare is about to begin…Available to play on Xbox Series X|S and day one with Game Pass.

Flintlock The Siege Of Dawn

Get a first look at Flintlock: The Siege of Dawn’s gunpowder-packed and magic-fueled combat in the first gameplay reveal video. Take to Flintlock’s vast battlefields, combining and mastering an arsenal of tools and magical abilities.
Join Nor and her mysterious companion, Enki, in this open-world RPG adventure and embark on an epic journey of vengeance, gunpowder and magic in humanity’s last stand.
Your battle begins early 2023 on Xbox One and Xbox Series S|X! Available day one with Game Pass.

Minecraft Legends

Discover the mysteries of Minecraft Legends, our upcoming action strategy game. Explore a familiar yet mysterious land, full of diverse life, lush biomes, and rich resources. But this paradise is on the brink of destruction. The piglins have arrived – and they’re threatening to corrupt the Overworld. Inspire unexpected friends to form valuable alliances and lead them in strategic battles to protect their home. Take the fight to the piglins before their Nether corruption devours the Overworld!
Developed by Mojang Studios and Blackbird Interactive, Minecraft Legends is coming in 2023 on Xbox Game Pass, PC Game Pass, Windows, Steam, Xbox Series X|S and Xbox One.

Lightyear Frontier

Welcome to the Frontier! Begin your new life on a strange and beautiful planet as you build up your homestead. Arriving in Early Access, Spring 2023!
Combining the utility of a mech with the peaceful experience of starting a farm, the world of Lightyear Frontier is full of mystery and wonder. Seek out new plants to add to your harvest as you travel through the planet’s environments, uncovering ancient secrets and making new friends along the way. Establish your presence in harmony with nature, using the tech you research to create a sustainable and successful farm.

GunFire Reborn

Gunfire Reborn is coming to Xbox Game Pass in October 2022! Play the “irresistible” roguelite co-op sensation on Xbox Series X/S or Windows PC! Gunfire Reborn’ is a booming blend of ability-based hero shooter and roguelite, all rendered in a striking cel-shaded aesthetic. Play solo or cooperatively with up to three other players in a highly replayable romp through gorgeous environments. Mix and match 40+ weapons, 100+ scrolls, powerful inscriptions and Ascensions to craft builds from devastating Sharpshooters to magic-based Alchemists.

The Last Case Of Benedict Fox

Descend into a limbo of decaying memories as Benedict Fox, a self-proclaimed detective bound to his demon companion. Use that bond to explore the minds of the recently deceased in search for clues as you uncover the mysteries of an old mansion where a couple was murdered and their child has gone missing.
Treat yourself to a dark intrigue full of secret organizations, forbidden rituals, and cold-blooded crimes in a hand-crafted adventure brought to life through a fascinating Burton-esque art style.
Coming Spring 2023.

As Dusk Falls

Coming July 19, 2022, As Dusk Falls is an original interactive drama. Join friends or play alone, making choices that impact characters’ lives in this uncompromising story of betrayal, sacrifice, and resilience.

Naraka Bladepoint

Join 10 million players in the mythical action Battle Royale. NARAKA: BLADEPOINT is coming to Xbox Series X|S, Windows Store on June 23. Included with Game Pass at launch.

Pentiment

Set in 16th century Bavaria, ?Pentiment?will take players on a narrative journey through the eyes of Journeyman Artist Andreas Maler during a time of great social unrest. Led by game director Josh Sawyer, this game is brought to life by a talented team inspired by illuminated manuscripts, woodcut prints, and history itself.

Grounded

Grounded?is preparing to leave Game Preview this September as it launches its full release. Find out how the teens got into the yard and the mad scientist behind it in the fully playable campaign – all of which can be experienced alone or with a group of friends! New armor recipes, new weapon recipes, and the giant Mantis await players in this upcoming update.

Ereban Shadow Legacy

Indie developer Baby Robot Games, and publisher Raw Fury, are proud to reveal their debut game, Ereban: Shadow Legacy, a fast-paced stealth platformer game where you become Ayana, the last descendant of a forgotten race. Harness mystical shadow powers, high-tech gadgets and avoid or kill to uncover the truth about your past and the key to saving a dying, morally grey universe.

Diablo IV

The Necromancer rises.
Command the dead with the final playable class in Diablo IV.

Sea Of Thieves

Take a musical tour of what Sea of Thieves Season Seven will offer as Captaincy comes to the game on July 21, 2022. From purchasing, naming and customizing ships, to saving your loadouts and gaining access to quick cash-in points, it’s time to become a Captain of Adventure!

Ravenlok

Ravenlok is an action-packed fairytale reimagining of a troubled kingdom and a young girl’s destiny to fulfill a dangerous prophecy. By the creators of Echo Generation. Coming 2023.

Cocoon

COCOON is coming to Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, and Xbox One in 2023.
From Jeppe Carlsen, the lead gameplay designer of LIMBO and INSIDE — COCOON takes you on an adventure across worlds within worlds. Master world-leaping mechanics to unravel a cosmic mystery.

Wolong Fallen Dynasty

Wo Long: Fallen Dynasty follows the dramatic, action-packed story of a nameless militia soldier fighting for survival in a dark fantasy version of the Later Han Dynasty where demons plague the Three Kingdoms.
Players fight off deadly creatures and enemy soldiers using swordplay based on the Chinese martial arts, attempting to overcome the odds by awakening the true power from within.

Persona 3 Portable, Persona 4 Golden, Persona 5 Royal

Persona 5 Royal, Persona 4 Golden, and Persona 3 Portable are coming to Xbox Game Pass, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows PC!
Persona 5 Royal releases October 21, 2021!

New Hideo Kojima Xbox Game

Hideo Kojima is working on a new Xbox game.
Starfield

Starfield is coming to Xbox consoles, PC and Xbox Game Pass sometime in 2023.


Made In Abyss Anime Gets Its Own 3D Action RPG

Spike Chunsoft just announced that it will be making a game based on the anime Made in Abyss.
The anime series is about a young female adventurer named Riko and her robot companion named Reg as they traverse the abyss and discover adventure and experience danger. The anime is going to have its second season airing this year.
The video game adaptation is called Made in Abyss: Binary Star Falling into Darkness and features a bit of depths-exploring 3D action RPG gameplay. The game’s plot will be supervised by the series author Akihito Tsukushi and the event scenes will be voiced by the anime’s cast.

The game will be out for PS4, Nintendo Switch, and Steam in 2022.


Here’s How To Get Football Manager 2019 At A Bargain

The next entry in the popular Football Manager simulation game franchise is slated to arrive sometime in November 2019. Football Manager 2020 will feature the following features:

50 of the biggest footballing countries worldwide
2,500 clubs from almost every level
More than 500,000 real players and staff
Create your tactical vision and bring it to life on the training pitch
Kick every ball with our most immersive and smartest match engine to date

There’s currently already an existing 10 percent discount for anyone who pre-orders or pre-purchases the game, but 2Game is offering an additional 10 percent off the full price of Football Manager 2020.

Want to pre-purchase #FM20 for Â£29.69?
Visit: https://t.co/Eoc1DaK9Iv and use code “FM-Base” for an extra 10% off!
Instant Key Deliveryâœ…
Includes BETA accessâœ…
Includes FM Touch for PCâœ…
Official SEGA Online retailerâœ… pic.twitter.com/CUj08CYulm
â€” FM Base (@fmbase) September 7, 2019
2Game is a digital retailer officially authorised by Football Manager 2020 developer Sega, so you don’t have to worry about this being a fishy deal. A 20 percent discount means that the game is available to pre-purchase for only Â£29.69, or roughly RM152+.
Those who pre-purchase will also gain early access to the Beta version of the game around two weeks prior to the release date. Single-player Beta careers will be transferable to the full game upon release in November 2019.
In the meantime, check out the Football Manager 2020 trailer below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jeZ13UiTdWA&w=560&h=315]


This Mobile Legends Christmas Charity Showmatch Will Assemble Singaporeans

Mobile Legends: Bang Bang will be holding MLBB 2020 Singapore Christmas Charity Showmatch on 19 December 2020.Â
A total of 20 celebrities will be joining this event, which includes the following:
Singaporeâ€™s top tier influencers Jianhao Tan and Aiman from Night Owl Cinematics.Players from champion teams RSG, EVOS and KINGSMEN.Facebook streamer, Sky Wee.
The most significant detail about the line-up is that the representatives of Singapore for M2, RSG and EVOS will team up with Jianhao Tan and Aiman respectively to fight for love together in this upcoming charity showmatch.

From 28 November to 8 December 2020, MLBB launched a player recruitment event for this charity showmatch on its Facebook official channel, for the MLBB players to win a chance to team up with their favourite influencers and pro players.
It was a huge success drawing more than 500 players to participate and two lucky winners were selected in the final.Â
As promised, after the first donation to Club Rainbow on 26 November 2020, MLBB will be donating to them for a second time after the Charity Showmatch.
This time the amount will be decided by the peak concurrent viewership (PCU) achievement donation challenge introduced by MLBB.
If the PCU of the charity showmatch is lower than 5000, MLBB will donate S$10, 000; if the PCU is higher than 5000, the donation will be twice the amount of PCU instead of just maximum of S$20, 000.

Apart from the viewership challenge, numerous exclusive in-game rewards will be given away to MLBB players on the showmatch day. Players just have to catch the livestream and will be given chances to win the giveaways.

Besides that, MLBB Winter Gala event is coming and the pre-order period will start from 19 to 25 December 2020. Each player that joins the Winter Gala event will get a special skin on 26 December 2020 by logging into the game.
Other than that, 2020 Lucky Star event is here for a chance to unlock all heroes with all skins as well as ten thousand diamonds. The second wave of the event will be available from 13 to 25 December 2020.
Players can login to MLBB daily to get a chance to draw, consistently login will increase playerâ€™s chance to win and one lucky winner will be revealed on 26 December 2020.Â Â
Six heroesâ€™ Epic Skin will be unlocked on 26 December 2020 for all of the MLBB players, which are Hanabi – V.E.N.O.M. Nephila, Harley – V.E.N.O.M, Ling – Night Shade, Rafaela – Flower Fairy, Saber -S.A.B.E.R. and Tigreal-Lightborn Defender.Â

Last but not least, the charity showmatch will be introducing the â€œProtect Captain Modeâ€ gameplay as well as the mysterious fun match gameplay to the audience.
You can catch the action of the 2020 Singapore Christmas Charity Showmatch at 4pm GMT+8 on 19 December 2020 at the links below:
FacebookYouTube


The Carol Corps Assembled At The Captain Marvel Fan Event In Singapore

Captain Marvel fans from all over Asia (let’s call them the Carol Corps) assembled at the recent Captain Marvel Fan Event at the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore, marking the movie’s cast and directors’ one and only stop in Asia on their global press tour.
These lucky members of the Carol Corps managed to meet not only Captain Marvel herself, Brie Larson but also Samuel L. Jackson, Gemma Chan, as well as the directors of the movie, Anna Boden and Ryan Fleck.

The hype and anticipation were so intense that many of them have even waited since earlier in the morning despite the fact that the Captain Marvel Fan Event only started opening its doors after 5pm.
Before the event officially began, a heartwarming tribute to the late Stan Lee appeared on screens, stating “Thank You Stan”, as well as “1922-2018” and the legend’s favorite catchphrase, “Excelsior!”. It was a bittersweet and heartfelt moment for everyone, as we remembered the man who essentially started it all.
Captain Marvel’s directing duo arrived first on the red carpet, followed by Gemma Chan, Samuel L. Jackson and last but not least, Brie Larson. While all of them looked stunning, Larson’s dress was especially out-of-this-world, adorned with a brooch in the shape of Captain Marvel’s iconic star emblem.

While the media was vying for the attention of the movie’s cast, they were mostly drawn to the fans at large, signing autographs and taking selfies. Some fans even brought along fan-made artwork, official movie merchandise and one superfan in particular even attended the event cosplaying as Captain Marvel.

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A post shared by Ranny Septiani (@ranny_septiani)

It was an explosive event and the fan furor got even louder when the movie’s cast and directors made their way onstage. Brie Larson gave us a firsthand glimpse into the mind of Carol Danvers when she said:

“A lot of times, the film is about getting to the thing, saving the thing. But what it’s really about is getting to herself. So we go along with her on this journey of finding herself. It starts with her being tough and strong. But it’s really the vulnerability that comes in play that brings her to herself.”

Captain Marvel is slated to release in cinemas on 6 March 2019. In the meantime,Â head on over hereÂ to learn more about the characterâ€™s history and origins, or check out all the things we learned from the recent Captain Marvel press conference which also took place in Singapore.
Take a look below for more official images from the Captain Marvel Fan Event straight from the red carpet:

				Brie Larson

				Gemma Chan

				Samuel L. Jackson

				Anna Boden

				Ryan Fleck


This Particular Sixth Scale Figure Will Put A Smile On Your Face

With Joker mania currently taking over the world and conquering the box office by storm (US$248,402,337 in its first weekend), the Clown Prince Of Crime is arguably more popular than he’s ever been in his near-80 years of existence.
We have good news for fans of Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck AKA the Joker. Toy manufacturer Toys Era has announced a Sixth Scale Collectible Figure of ‘The Comedian’ (who is Arthur Fleck/Joker in all but name due to lack of official licensing, and not the character of the same name from Alan Moore’s Watchmen).
Despite being unlicensed, Toys Era The Comedian Sixth Scale Collectible Figure does a phenomenal job in capturing the likeness of Joaquin Phoenix’s Arthur Fleck or Joker, with staggeringly life-like details. It comes with three different head sculpts, including one with a non-makeup calm expression, one frowning with smudged makeup, and another smiling with makeup.
The accompanying accessories also look incredible, which includes a cigarette, a revolver gun, a bouquet of flowers and best of all, a clown mob mask as seen in the movie.Â In addition, I would like to point out that the clothing for The Comedian looks well-made and movie-accurate, with Arthur Fleck’s now-iconic look consisting of his red jacket, orange vest, inside shirt, and red pants.
The Toys Era The Comedian Sixth Scale Collectible Figure is slated to arrive sometime in Q4 2019 (via Toys Era Facebook page), which means that you won’t have to wait long to get your hands on this (with less than three months remaining in 2019). Pricing has yet to be revealed at the time of writing.
Check out the Toys Era The Comedian Sixth Scale Collectible Figure, or unofficial Arthur Fleck Joker Sixth Scale Collectible Figure, below.

Check outÂ our review ofÂ JokerÂ here,Â our ranking of the five best versions of the Joker here,Â a primer on the Joker hereÂ if you havenâ€™t watched the movie, and all the easter eggs/references we found in Joker here.


Star Wars The Rise Of Skywalker Spoiler FAQ

Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise Of Skywalker can now boast of being the worst-reviewed movie in the entire franchise, second only to the Star Wars Episode I: The Phantom Menace. At least by critics.
While Star Wars Episode VIII: The Last Jedi divided the fandom like never before, The Rise Of Skywalker will go down in history as a movie that united critics, fans, and non-fans into one camp; that it is a steaming pile of hot garbage.
In this article, I will discuss almost every detail in Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker, so stop reading this now if you still haven’t watched the movie and want to avoid spoilers. However, if you have seen it, let’s dive into this deep dark void occupied by the Expanded Universe and Kelly Marie Tran’s Star Wars career.

What is Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker?
It is the third and final movie in the Sequel Trilogy that started with 2015’s Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens, as well as the conclusion to the entire Skywalker Saga (which now spans nine movies, 42 years and countless spinoffs in other media).
It is directed by J.J. “Star Trek lens flare” Abrams, with a screenplay co-written by Â Abrams himself and Chris Terrio. Who is Chris Terrio, you might ask?
Chris Terrio, ladies and gentlemen.
Terrio is an award-winning screenwriter, whose credits include iconic and legendary works like 2016’s Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice and 2017’s Justice League. It’s no wonder that the good folks at Disney decided to hire such a prominent and accomplished man of his calibre.
How does the movie start?
Star Wars: The Rise Of Skywalker already begins on a bold but confusing note. The classic opening space crawl immediately announces that Emperor Palpatine is back, without any pomp or gravitas.
It’s just something we all have to accept, despite the fact none of what happened in the previous two movies foreshadowed his return.
Quite ridiculously, the opening crawl makes it sound like Palpatine suddenly announced his own return to the entire Galaxy via some sort of Force megaphone.

Why would someone who has apparently been hiding in secret for decades do such a blatantly idiotic thing? The Force works in mysterious ways…

The first scene of the movie starts with Kylo Ren (in an admittedly badass intro)who, after learning of Palpatine’s return, goes on a journey to track him down and kill him, perceiving him to be a threat to his new role of First Order Supreme Leader. He goes to an unknown planet and finds a Sith Wayfinder, the MacGuffin/plot device of this movie, which leads him to the Sith planet where Palpatine now resides.

Kylo Ren finds Palpatine in a zombified and physically-impaired state there attended by Sith acolytes of some sort. The former Emperor then reveals that he has somehow been behind everything that happened since The Force Awakens, including the rise of the First Order, Snoke, and even Kylo Ren’s turn to the Dark Side.
He also reveals that he has somehow amassed an entire fleet of new Star Destroyers after all this time and that he wants Kylo Ren to kill Rey if he wants to join him in building a new, wait for it, Final Order.
While that moniker is groan-inducing, let’s not forget that this is the same series that gave us stellar names such as General Grievous, Savage Opress, and Elan Sleazebaggano.
Wait, what? How is Palpatine still alive after his literal fall from grace in Star Wars Episode VI: Return Of The Jedi?
Also, how did he build those Star Destroyers without the resources of a Galatic Empire?
Great questions. Alas, the movie never answers them at all.
The answers are simple; Palpatine just ****ing is. All we know is that he didn’t die in Return Of The Jedi, and he somehow survived all these years on a Sith planet called Exegol without anyone realising.
Oh, and he somehow amassed an entire fleet of Star Destroyers, each of which is equipped with Death Star-level armaments, in the span of several decades without the resources of a Galactic Empire.

I had the same problem with the idea of the First Order in the first two movies. How did a guerilla faction that was formed in the far reaches of the Outer Rim have access to resources and military might comparable to that of a Galactic Empire?
It’s like the KKK or Al-Qaeda suddenly being on equal terms with the USA, China, or any world superpower. I know that this is a fictional universe and that real-world logistics need not apply. But even for a sci-fi fantasy series, this is incredibly hard to swallow.
Alright, so what happens next?
The movie then cuts to Poe and Finn on a mission to retrieve a message from a secret spy from the First Order, which conveniently confirms that Palpatine has returned. Meanwhile, on the new jungle planet where the Resistance base is now located, Rey is busy undergoing Jedi training with Leia.

Oh, yeah, the movie has revealed yet another retcon; that Leia actually trained as a Jedi with Luke when they were younger, but she stopped once she had visions of having a child (Ben Solo AKA Kylo Ren).

Just as Poe and Finn reach there with the new information, everyone nonchalantly receives the news of Palpatine’s threat like it’s nothing, and with all the enthusiasm of a blurb from today’s edition of the newspaper.
NEXT


Apex Legends Season 4 Introduces A New Legend And A Bolt-action Sniper Rifle

We’re very much nearing the first anniversary of Apex Legends, one of the most successful free-to-play battle royales to have debuted in 2019. And with that comes some form of an expansion.
The game’s Season 4 DLC is scheduled to drop exactly on the day of the anniversary: 4 February 2020.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zX0fzzXWIf4&w=560&h=315]
Subtitled “Assimilation“, Season 4 will introduce a new playable Legend and tons of other new features including a new weapon, an all-new battle pass, and Ranked Series 3. Players will also be receiving free one-year anniversary gifts.
The new Legend is named Forged and he’s being marketed as a brawler-type character. He’s a prominent MMA champion who has sponsors supporting him. That makes him the first Apex Legends character to actually have companies backing him in the blood sport.

Another interesting addition is the Sentinel, a bolt-action sniper rifle. Unlike most weapons in Apex, it isn’t a repurposed Titanfall gun. It has two firing modes, one regular fast and weak mode and another that allows to slowly charge your shots to do more damage.

In Ranked mode, a new tier will be introduced called Master Tier. It will be the top-ranked tier before players proceed into the Apex Predator tier. The Apex Predator tier stays as the top-ranked tier but the rules have been changed.
Players can get into Master Tier if you accrue more than 10,000 RP. Beginning from Season 4 Series 3, the Apex Predator tier will only be limited to the top 500 players on each platform (PC, PS4, XB1). If you get kicked out of Apex Predator, you get demoted to Master but you’ll never be kicked out of Master.

The new battle pass will have more than 100 items including skins, Apex packs, loading screens, music packs, and more. For now, we don’t know what these rewards are yet but we’ll find out very soon.
One big question every Apex players has is “Will there be a new map?” and the answer is yes and no. Kings Canyon is making a comeback in ranked mode splits and World’s Edge will be getting slight changes that are yet unannounced.
It’s definitely exciting to be an Apex fan. The game has been performing extremely well in its first year and there’s a good chance that momentum will continue. For more information, check out the official Apex Legends website.


After 50 Long Years, Sega Taps Out Of The Arcade Business

It’s been real, but Sega is finally closing down its arcade business.
After 5 decades of being the best in the arcade scene & leading the pioneer’s charge in the field, Sega Sammy announced that it intends to sell its remaining 14.9% shares within its arcade division to Genda Inc. That’s the same holding corporation that purchased the majority of Sega’s arcade shares in 2020. The Sega arcade sites will be ditching the “Sega” title and moniker, and will be replaced with GiGo Entertainment.
GiGo Entertainment will be rebranding Sega’s key Tokyo locations: Ikebukuro, Akihabara, and Shinjuku. Sega will still be making games for worldwide distribution, but it’s not going to put in coins and continuing as arcade center owners and hosts. No doubt COVID-19 had a lot to do with these major decisions; it’s been detrimental to offline spots and events.
This is sad news, as Sega’s many arcade centers in Japan, and some offshoots in Australia and UK back in the 90s, are the key reasons I still love video games and the short-but-sweet competitive side of things. So long, and thank you for all the memories.


Out On May 4th, These Slick Adidas Star Wars Yoda Sneakers Will Be

If you need more Star Wars apparel of the limited kind, you may want to get your wallet ready for Adidas’ latest.
These Adidas Stan Smith sneakers are Star Wars-themed and are based on the most powerful Jedi in the series: Yoda. These shoes will be on sale in Malaysia on 4th May and will cost you RM549.
The sneakers are mostly white but come with Yoda’s green mug and ears on its heel. The middle part of the shoe also contains the character’s Do or Do Not, There is No Try” line. Keep in mind that they’re also made out of recycled material as part of “Adidas’ commitment to help end plastic waste. A green future is our best future”.
Check out the kicks below.


Thor Love And Thunder Is Now On Disney+ Hotstar

Thor Love And Thunder is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar.
However, you need to be above 18 to watch it. We’re not kidding.
Thor Love And Thunder was banned from showing in Malaysian cinemas.
In the meantime, check out our spoiler-free review of the movie here.


NetEase Games’ Naraka Bladepoint Nominated For Annecy Awards

Leading Chinese developer, 24 Entertainment has announced that Naraka Bladepoint World Championship Official Trailer is up for nomination for an Annecy Award.
The festival is a competition between animated films of all types of various techniques, such as traditional, cut-outs, claymation and 3D CGI, each classified in various categories, such as:

Feature films
Short films
Films produced for television and advertising
Student films
Films made for the internet (since 2002)
Feature films contrechamp in competition (since 2007)

Among the nominations at the world’s largest event dedicated to animation, are shows and games such as Arcane (2021), and Apex Legends (2019), as well as many other highly popular sources of media. The Festival will take place in Annecy France, between the dates of 13 to 18 June 2022.
For more information on the Annecy International Animation Film Festival, please see the link attached here: Official website – Annecy International Animation Film Festival and Market.
Naraka Bladepoint is now available on PC via Steam.


The Best PS4 Exclusives That Everyone Should Try

It’s been officially announced that the PlayStation 5 will be launched near the end of 2020. It’s still a long way to go but when that happens, there will definitely be some price drops for both the PS4 and its games. Perfect timing for a recommendations list!
As to how the Switch has great titles like Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey, the PS4 has been the home of a healthy amount of exclusives that have made it the must-have console of this generation. It’s probably why as of June 2019, Sony has managed to sell almost 100 million units.
So if you’re planning to get a PS4 when that price drop comes around or if you’re just looking for the new PS4 games to add to your library, I dedicate this list to you.
Let’s Start With My Personal Favourite…


British Esports To Launch National Esports Performance Campus In Sunderland

The British Esports Association (BEA) has announced it will open an esports performance and education campus at Riverside Sunderland, which will nurture and support the next generation of talent, as interest and engagement in esports grows in the UK.
BEA has made a multi-million-pound commitment to the city of Sunderland, having acquired former retail premises adjacent to the Stadium of Light, where it will establish its National Esports Performance Campus (NEPC).
The NEPC will become a centre of excellence, providing access to state-of-the-art equipment, training and investment that will support Sunderland, the North East and the UK to become a globally-recognised esports hub capable of attracting and developing the worldâ€™s best esports talent.
The campus will offer educational and coaching courses for players and all other roles within the esports industry and feature dedicated esports classrooms, performance rooms, streaming booths for shout caster skills and arena space. It will also play host to regular esports events, community tournaments, summer camps and be used as a training base for the Great Britain esports team, which recently took part in the Global Esports Games in Singapore.
Chester King, chief executive officer at BEA, said:
â€œThe UK is Europeâ€™s second biggest video game market and ranked 6th globally â€“ this speaks to the potential of esports which will capitalise on gamingâ€™s popularity, with talented competitors emerging and a growing audience keen to spectate and enjoy esports as a leisure activity.
This is a market that we know will explode in the UK and we want to support its growth. Sunderland is a hugely ambitious and future-focused city and that aligns very much to BEA and esports, which has vast growth potential and ties into Sunderlandâ€™s strengths in gaming,digital and sport.
The campus will be an inspirational site, a place for players and coaches to work, learn and develop. This is a much-needed facility and through my teamâ€™s experiences we understand its importance.â€
Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland City Council, said:
â€œEsports has been a phenomenal global success, and it is a huge growth market in the UK, that will be realised over the coming years. BEAâ€™s move puts Sunderland at the beating heart of that, and we couldnâ€™t be more pleased.â€
Councillor Graeme Miller, leader of Sunderland City Council, said:
â€œThis is a truly game-changing development for Sunderland, and we could not be more excited about having BEA choose the city for its NEPC.â€
If you would like to know more or get involved with the National Esports Performance Campus, you can contact them at nepc@britishesports.org.


Leaked Horizon Multiplayer Game Footage Out In The Wild

It’s really hard to keep secrets in the gaming industry, especially when you’re a high-profile IP like PlayStation’s Horizon series.
More than 10 minutes of footage claiming to show early development gameplay of an upcoming Horizon multiplayer game has appeared online (via Reddit). The supposed alpha footage shows off stylized characters from the Horizon universe exploring and fighting the series’ trademark machines.
The anonymous poster said that this is a “very old alpha” build from mid-2020; it’s obviously not indicative of the final product.
 [Very Early in-dev] Horizon Forbidden West Leaked Alpha’s Multiplayer from      horizon

Concept art and development footage of the Horizon multiplayer game from 2020 has surfaced.https://t.co/z5OJHhxSQA pic.twitter.com/9Lw3TZfleD
— Okami Games (@Okami13_) January 28, 2023

Personally, I’m getting a lot of Monster Hunter vibes from all this. After all, Horizon creators Guerilla did say back in December that it planned to expand the world with an “online co-op project” featuring a new cast of characters and a unique look. These leaks definitely fit that mould until PlayStation makes an official statement.
In related news, Guerilla will be making more Horizon single-player mothership games starring series protagonist Aloy. As well as a Horizon MMORPG alongside NCSoft, and a Netflix TV adaptation. Horizon Forbidden West’s first expansion Burning Shore will be out in April.


Share Your My GT Story To Win A Gran Turismo 7 Deluxe Gift Set

In conjunction with the launch of Gran Turismo 7 (PS4 / PS5) and the 25th Anniversary of the Gran Turismo franchise, Sony Interactive Entertainment Singapore (SIES) is holding a social campaign â€œMyGTStoryâ€ and would like to invite gamers in Asia to share their story and memory with Gran Turismo.
 The best 10 submissions from Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines, and Vietnam) can get a chance to win a Gran Turismo 7 Deluxe Gift Set which includes Mr. Kazunori Yamauchiâ€™s autographed Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Edition.
You can head on over to the campaign website here.
MyGTStory Campaign Details
Campaign Period: 24th January to 13th February 2022
How to Enter:

Post photos/videos on Facebook and/or Instagram on what Gran Turismo means to the entrants with a maximum of 100 words in the caption to introduce your â€œGran Turismo Storyâ€.
Gran Turismo-related material(s) must be included in the social post (e.g.: game copies, official merchandise, photos/videos at Gran Turismo events, screenshots of games, etc.).
Add the campaignâ€™s official hashtags in the social copy: #MyGTStory and #GT7.
Tag local official PlayStation social handle: @PlayStationAsia (for Facebook) and @PlayStationAsia (for Instagram).
The entries/posts must be set to public.
Multiple submissions are allowed but each entrant only has one chance to be selected as winner.

Winning Criteria:
Best pictures/videos will be judged by SIES based on creativity and relevancy.
Prizes
10 Winners from Southeast Asia (Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam) with the most creative picture/video and best caption will be rewarded with one Gran Turismo 7 Deluxe Gift Set which consists of:Â Â

1 x Gran Turismo 7 25th Anniversary Edition (PS4/PS5, physical copy autographed by Kazunori Yamauchi, President of Polyphony Digital, creator of Gran Turismo series).
1 x Gran Turismo 7 Keychain.
1 x Gran Turismo 7 Racetrack Coasters.
1 x Gran Turismo 7 Lanyard.
1 x Gran Turismo 7 Decal Set.

Share your #MyGTStory and stand a chance to win. Gran Turismo 7 is slated to release for the PS4 and PS5 on 4 March 2022.
In the meantime, check out the video below:


Here’s How You Can Change Your PlayStation ID

PlayStation owners can rejoice as they can finally change their PSN display names. There will no longer be that angsty teenager display name from 2009.
You’ll be able to change your online IDs on both through the PlayStation 4 and web browser.
There’s one thing worth pointing out, all PS4 games originally published on or after 1 April, 2018 have been developed to support the online ID change feature despite the initial announcement. However, since there’s no time to test out individual games, Sony does not guarantee that it would work with all games.
Just to be sure, here’s the list of tested game you can refer to before making the change. In short, all actively played PS4 games support the feature.
So, here’s how to change you PlayStation online ID;
You can either change your online ID on your PS4 or web browser.
PlayStation 4:

Step 1: From your PS4 go to [Settings].
Step 2: Select [Account Management] > [Account Information] > [Profile] > [Online ID].
Step 3: Enter an Online ID of your choice or choose from one of the suggestions.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the change.

Web browser:

Step 1: Sign in to yourÂ PlayStation Network accountÂ and select PSN Profile in the menu.
Step 2: Select the Edit button thatâ€™s next to your Online ID.
Step 3: Enter an Online ID of your choice or choose from one of the suggestions.
Step 4: Follow the on-screen prompts to complete the change.

Keep in mind that multiple changes will cost you cash. The first change is free, the second change is RM41 and subsequent changes are RM21.
Sony has also included a helpful FAQ in case anyone has questions regarding the topic.
So, there you have it, ladies and gents. What will you be changing you online ID to, and why? Personally, I’m going for a more updated online ID, and not from my Naruto fanboy days anymore. Mine is also hard to pronounce.
Disclaimer: At the time of writing and publishing, the feature has not gone live yet. We’ll keep an eye out for any updates on the topic.
As of 11 April, the feature is now live! Go change your ID now! I just did.


Cyberbang 2069 Is A Free Fan-Made Cyberpunk 2077 Dating Sim

If you’re still disappointed by the train wreck that was Cyberpunk 2077, perhaps Cyberbang 2069 is for you. We’re not kidding, there’s a fan-made Cyberpunk 2077 dating sim visual novel out there that’s free and playable right now.
What’s even more unbelievable is that the developers of this fan-made game were given permission by CD Projekt Red themselves.
The game’s description reads:
Dive into an interactive role-playing visual novel to try and win the heart of Arasaka’s deadliest cyberninja, Sandayu Oda. Available to download December 18, 2021.
The developers have plans to add more romance options in summer 2022, including the likes of Goro Takemura, Johnny Silverhand, and Victor Vektor. You can download the game by heading over here, and again, it’s completely free.


Supercrooks Is An Upcoming Netflix Anime Series Based On Mark Millar’s Series

Mark “Hollywood-tailored” Millar, a comic book writer known for Wanted and Jupiter’s Legacy, is getting his old-school supervillain comic book series Supercrooks adapted into anime form.
The series is about supervillains doing one last super-powered heist against a super-rich supervillain. Penned by Millar and drawn by Leinil Yu, the anime adaptation of Supercrooks will be Netflix exclusive, since the first look at the series is on Netflix’s global Tudum fan event.
The anime is directed by Motonobu Hori, who did the hit anime Carole & Tuesday, and the series will feature a “pop” vibe in its art and visuals.

Tsuda Kenjiro will be voicing main character/thief Johnny. Maaya Sakamoto will be voicing Kasey, Johnny’s partner-in-crime. The show will be out later in 2021.


Samsung & Microsoft Teams Up For A New Cloud-Based Streaming Service

Samsung recently launched its new Galaxy S20 and Galaxy Z Flip smartphones. However, they also took the opportunity to announce their new collaboration with Microsoft, where they will be officially working together on developing new cloud-based game streaming technology.
Samsung US Marketing Head David S. Park said (via The Verge):

â€œThis is just the beginning of our gaming partnership with Xbox.
Both Samsung and Xbox share a vision for bringing great gaming experiences to mobile players around the world.
With our 5G-enabled portfolios and Microsoftâ€™s rich history in gaming, we are working closely together to create a premium cloud-based game streaming experience.
Youâ€™ll hear more about it later this year.â€

Meanwhile, Microsoft Project xCloud chief Kareem Choudhry said:

“Having partners join us on our journey to delivering high-quality game streaming to players is of the utmost importance.
Weâ€™ve seen positive feedback from Project xCloud preview participants testing a range of Galaxy devices, and it will only get better as we continue to work closely with Samsung on refining the experience.
Itâ€™s an exciting time to be working on Project xCloud, and we canâ€™t wait to share more about our work with Samsung later this year.â€

It’s unclear what this means for now, but rest assured that Microsoft’s Project xCloud will probably be appearing for more Samsung devices in the near future. Perhaps even bundled together with these phones straight out of the box.
This isn’t the first time that Microsoft will be working with another major company to further develop cloud-based tech. Last year, they even announced a new special partnership with rivals Sony to do exactly that, granting the latter access to their massive Azure cloud infrastructure.
Project xCloud has yet to fully launch, though Microsoft previously confirmed that they will be expanding the beta to more than 50 games and to more countries in 2020, including Canada, India, Japan, and Western Europe.
Microsoft’s effort may yet succeed where Google Stadia and GeForce Now have failed.


Chinese Billionaire Games Dev CEO Dies At 39

Chinese billionaire Lin Qi has died on Christmas Day 2020 at the age of 39. According to Shanghai police (via BBC), Qi’s cause of death was determined to be poison.
Lin Qi was the chairman and CEO of games developer Yoozoo, best known for the Game Of Thrones Winter Is Coming strategy mobile game and the League Of Angels MMORPG franchise.
According to the Hurun China Rich List, he was believed to have a net worth of around 6.8 billion yuan (equivalent to roughly US$1 billion or RM4.2 billion).
Yoozoo Games is also known for holding the rights to the Chinese sci-fi novel Three-Body Problem, which is part of the Remembrance of Earth’s Past trilogy by Chinese writer Liu Cixin. Netflix is currently working on a live-action adaptation.
One of Qi’s colleagues, a Mr. Xu , has been identified as the main suspect of the case.
Game Of Thrones Winter Is Coming is now available on Android (Google Play Store) and iOS (Apple App Store).


17 Gaming Lifts The PUBG Global Series 2023 Phase 1 Trophy

The PUBG Global Series 2023 Phase 1 Grand Finals wrapped up yesterday in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia with some intense competition. The team that came out on top was noneother than China’s 17 Gaming who maintained excellent form throughout the tournament.
17 Gaming’s consisted of Shengjun “LilGhost” Luo, Zhanya “Xbei” Tu, Lin “SuJiu” Yu, and Bo “xwudd” Wu, the former three having been together as the core of the team since March 2021.

They ended up finishing first with a score of 157 points, which earned them the title. Acend, a team from Germany, came in second with 124 points, followed by Tianba in third and Danawa e-sports in fourth.
Despite the ups and downs, 17 Gaming emerged as the winners of the PUBG Global Series 2023 Phase 1, earning a prize of US$80,000.


Shadow of the Tomb Raider Guide To Help You With Graverobbing

This feature is currently in development…
Update (19/9/2018): Added Challenge Tombs
The third instalment in the second Tomb Raider reboot is out in the wild. So far, it’s quite a hoot if you fancy action games with a ton of spelunking, jumping, and puzzle solving. And if you’re a fan of tombs; this game has a lot of them.
There’s also some narrative about Lara worrying about her actions and the collateral damage she causes, but we’re not here to talk about ethics in graverobbing; see Mr Toffee’s upcoming review for that.
Instead, we’re here to dish out tips on how to graverob and fight well in this Tomb Raider entry.
Play It Almost Like The Past Tomb Raider Reboots
Shadow of the Tomb Raider may be a decent action romp, but it sure isn’t original and new. Which isn’t a bad thing; it just means that the skills you have from Tomb Raider (2011) and Rise of the Tomb Raider can be used again here. You can stealth kill as per usual, but now you can cover yourself in mud for better hiding and even use hangman-style kills. You still need scavenging and crafting skills from the past game so you don’t come out empty-handed.
Upgrade The Bow
Be sure to upgrade your most important weapon as well, the bow and arrow. Bow and arrow killsÂ are not only quieter than guns, they also allow you to retrieve your bow after you shoot it, meaning youâ€™ll almost never run out of ammo. This will save you a considerable amount of currency as well since you wonâ€™t have to keep restocking each different gun with their respective bullets. Once you have enough money, materials, and points, be sure to upgrade to the Recurve Bow.
Turn Off Hints & Keep The Game To Native Dialogue

You should play the game without any distractions and instead take your time exploring. At the same time, you should be immersed in the game’s Peruvian setting so that it feels like you’re in a whole other game-tailored world.
Keep Doing Sidequests When You Can
Shadow of the Tomb Raider introduces towns and hubs for you to buy stuff, converse with the natives, and most importantly partake in sidequests for loot and skill points. Yes, they can be a bit rote with the “kill X guards” or “talk to X amount of people” kind of tasks, but they do get varied later on.
For example, completing the very first sidequest for the first village you come across will net you the River Hawk handgun which packs a helluva punch at the start of the game. If you like free stuff that gives you a boost, sidequests are the way to go.

Choose The Best Skills For Your Playstyle
Early on, you get access to a campfire and have three types of skill trees: Seeker, Scavenger, and Warrior. If you want to go guns ablazing or be combat-ready, the Warrior tree is the way to go. Seeker helps you with gathering craft materials and boosts to her Survival Instincts. Scavenger boost your stealth kill techniques and swim speed. All three of them are equally useful given Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s focus on ruins with underwater segments and its abundance of paramilitary adversaries.
But really, since crafting and upgrading your weapons and kit is pretty important and you’re stuck in the jungle pretty much all of the time, you may want to focus more on the Seeker & Scavenger tree so that you don’t come out empty-handed without health potions and other buffs. Since the game lets you conserve more items when taking the stealth approach, the boons in the Scavenger tree can be beneficial.
Speaking of which…

Shadow of the Tomb Raider’s Skill Trees
Before we list down ALL of the skills, here are our suggestions for which skills you should get first early in the game. We feel that these work together in tandem with one another.

Eagleâ€™s Sight (Seeker) â€“Â Reveal Artifacts, Monoliths, Treasure Chests, Archivist Maps, and Explorer Backpacks while using Survival Instincts. You can find stuff easily when you press the right analog stick.
Owlâ€™s Vision (Seeker) â€“Â Survival Instincts last for a longer period after Lara starts to move. Highlights enemies, resources, and objects in “One With the Jungle” difficulty. Lara’s version of Batman’s Detective Vision stays on longer.
Serpentâ€™s Strike (Scavenger) â€“Â Perform a Stealth Kill Takedown without alerting nearby enemies.
Serpentâ€™s Fury (Scavenger) â€“Â Kill a second enemy during a Stealth Takedown to perform a Chained Takedown. Like in the last FarCry game, chain stealth kills = less enemies to deal with.
Pumaâ€™s Brace (Warrior) â€“Â Resist damage from enemies for a short period of time after healing wounds in combat. This and Jaguar’s Fury will help you out even if you trigger the alarm by accident.
Jaguarâ€™s Fury (Warrior) â€“Â Resist damage from enemies for a short period after performing a Stealth Takedown.
Kinich Ahauâ€™s Boon (Warrior) â€“Â Health is instantly restored once when near death in battle. Refreshes between encounters. Second wind during a fight is always a welcome ability.

Note: you can’t jump to a 3-point skill that’s away from the center of the skill tree. You need to buy adjacent skills before purchasing a specific skill. For example, you can’t buy Viper’s Lure unless you bought Boa’s Coil because they’re adjacent to each other.
Seeker
Eagle’s Sight (1 Skill Point) -Â Reveal Artifacts, Monoliths, Treasure Chests, Archivist Maps, and Explorer Backpacks while using Survival Instincts.
Eagles Grasp (2 Skill Points) – Increase the chances of finding rare animals.
Eagle’s Wing (2 Skill Points) – Increase chances of recovering arrows when looting enemies and animals killed with a bow.
Owl’s Vision (2 Skill Points) – Survival Instincts last for a longer period after Lara starts to move. Highlights enemies, resources, and objects in “One With the Jungle” difficulty.
Owl’s Meal (1 Skill Point) – Gain the ability to harvest Dart Poison and Venom from Spiders and Beetles. Harvesting requires Makeshift Knife.
Illipa’s Sight (1 Skill Point) – Locate the heart of a large animal while using Survival Instincts. Heart shots inflict massive damage.
Owls Wisdom (2 Skill Points) – Reveal Challenge objects while using Survival Instincts.
Hoatzin’s Step (1 Skill Point) – Reduce noise from jumps, landings, and falls.
Crow’s Cunning (2 Skill Points) – Reveal Traps while using Survival Instincts.
Crow’s Charm (3 Skill Points) – Negotiate better prices from Merchants.
Crow’s Hoard (3 Skill Points) – Large capacity ammunition and resource satchels now available to purchase from merchants.
Viper’s Nest (2 Skill Points) – Increase the amount of man-made crafting resources gathered from each source.
Eye of the Eagle (acquired through story) -Â Perception Plants allow the sensing of animals and natural resources throughout the environment.
Eye of the Eagle II (3 Skill Points) -Â Boost the potency of Perception Plants, adding the ability to sense human enemies.
Eye of the Eagle III (3 Skill Points) -Â Perception Plant effects last longer.
Scavenger
Serpent’s Strike (1 Skill Point) – Perform a Stealth Kill Takedown without alerting nearby enemies.
Serpent’s Fury (2 Skill Points) – Kill a second enemy during a Stealth Takedown to perform a Chained Takedown.
Serpent’s Glint (2 Skill Points) – Adds a Flare Round attachment to all pistols. Flare Rounds ignite unarmoured enemies and blind surrounding enemies for a few seconds.
Serpent’s Fang (3 Skill Points) – Flare Rounds and Concussive Shells stun enemies for longer periods of time.
Boa’s Coil (1 Skill Point) – Automatically loot enemies killed by a Stealth Takedown.
Boa’s Blow (3 Skill Points) – Craft Concussive Shells that temporarily stun enemies. Useful for returning to concealment.
Viper’s Lure (2 Skill Points) – Craft Lure Arrows that attract and kill nearby enemies with a poison cloud when triggered. Obscure lines of sight.
Viper’s Snare (2 Skill Points) – Craft Lure Traps on enemy corpses. Attract and kill nearby enemies with a shrapnel explosion when triggered.
Viper’s Venom (3 Skill Points) – Craft Poison Grenades. Kill nearby enemies and obscure lines of sight.
Caiman’s Speed (1 Skill Point) – Increase speed when swimming.
Caiman’s Breath (2 Skill Points) – Increase breath capacity when swimming underwater. Stacks with Caiman’s Breath.
Anole’s Needle (2 Skill Points) – Vestige outfits require fewer resources to restore to glory.
Warrior
Puma’s Rest (1 Skill Point) – Increase precision by holding Charged Shots for a longer time.
Pumaâ€™s Brace (2 Skill Point) â€“Â Resist damage from enemies for a short period of time after healing wounds in combat.
Puma’s Feint (2 Skill Points) – Incapacitate unarmoured enemies with a counter-attack after dodging.
Puma’s Charge (2 Skill Points) – Reach full draw weight more quickly. Reduce time between Charged Shots.
Jaguarâ€™s Fury (2 Skill Point) â€“Â Resist damage from enemies for a short period after performing a Stealth Takedown.
Kinich Ahauâ€™s Boon (2 Skill Points) â€“Â Health is instantly restored once when near death in battle. Refreshes between encounters. Second wind during a fight is always a welcome ability.
Howler’s Speed (1 Skill Point) – Never slip when grabbing ledges. More reaction time for traps and grappling enemies.
Howler’s Troop (3 Skill Points) – Loose arrows simultaneously at two locked targets.
Howler’s Troop II (3 Skill Points) – Loose arrows simultaneously at three locked targets.
Raposa’s Threat (1 Skill Point) – Visual assistance when aiming at an enemy’s head.
Raposa’s Drop (1 Skill Point) – Reduce damage when falling from heights. Tap Circle/B on impact to roll and take no damage at all.
Raposa’s Wit (2 Skill Points) – Unlocks next weapon upgrade level.
Miscellaneous

Pressing in the right analog stick will let you scan around the nearby environment, letting you see the outlines of enemies, but also collectables and animals if you unlock the corresponding perks.
Speaking of perks, you can use your accumulated Skill Points at base camps to upgrade Lara, unlocking new combat and environmental abilities for her.
You’ll bag a Skill Point for roughly every 100 XP you gain, and Lara earns XP through killing enemies, completing puzzles and tombs, as well as scavenging plants, animals, and collectable items.
Healing is different in Shadow of the Tomb Raider. Hold down L1/Left Bumper, and you can press either Triangle/Y to enhance your perception ability, or X/A to heal Lara.
There’s no breath meter for Lara while she’s underwater, so pay attention to the vibration of your controller. The faster it vibrates, the closer Lara comes to drowning.
Whenever you spot a patch of mud on the ground, press X/A to have Lara cover herself in mud, letting her blend into nearby walls covered in vines.
For crafting arrows, hold down the right trigger to craft normal arrows, and the right bumper to craft fire arrows.

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Assassin’s Creed Odyssey’s Final DLC Dropping In Two Weeks

Ubisoft has announced the release date for the highly-anticipated Assassin’s Creed Odyssey‘s final DLC, Judgment Of Atlantis. It is set to close the chapter not only for The Fate Of Atlantis storyline but conclude the entire saga of the Eagle-Bearer, be it Kassandra or Alexios.
After exploring the Fields Of Elysium in the first DLC and the Underworld in Torments Of Hades, players will finally be able to visit the legendary location teased in the main story; the lost city of Atlantis.
In Judgment Of Atlantis, the player will likely meet the Sea God Poseidon himself, who we’ve already seen appearing in several scenes in the previous DLC episode settling bets with Hades. We also want to know what happens to modern-day Layla Hassan after that shocking death (no spoilers).
Perhaps it will even tease what’s next for the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Nothing else has been revealed about Assassin’s Creed Odyssey Judgment Of Atlantis.Â It is slated to launch for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC on 16 July 2019. In the meantime, check out our first look at Atlantis below.

We’re excited to reveal that the final DLC episode, Judgment of Atlantis, will be available on July 16! Get a first glimpse of Poseidon’s realm with this exclusive screenshot! ðŸ”± #AssassinsCreedOdyssey pic.twitter.com/9FKBhIV6WR
â€” Assassin’s Creed (@assassinscreed) July 3, 2019


World’s First Hasbro Water Theme Park Opening In Malaysia

M101 Holdings Sdn Bhd has signed a licensing agreement with US-based toy and board game company Hasbro Inc and will be working together with Meridian Bhd to open the worldâ€™s first Hasbro-themed water park in Melaka, Malaysia by 2022.
According to M101 Holdings Sdn Bhd CEO and Meridian Bhd executive director Datuk Seth Yap (via EdgeProp), the Hasbro water theme park will be “20 acres in size, offering a wide range of branded new rides that are not available in other parks of the world.”
He added:

“We will try to keep the theme park within a budget of less than U$20 million instead of a few hundred million.
But it will be a very unique theme park that offers an enjoyable Hasbro brand experience to the visitors.”

Besides the Hasbro water theme park, M101 Holdings will also be building Monopoly Mansion, a Monopoly-themed hotel at the M101 Skywheel in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by M101 Official (@m101_group)

Hasbro owns many popular entertainment brands, including Power Rangers, My Little Pony, Nerf, GI Joe, Battleship, Play-Doh, Mr. Potato Head, and more. These will be presumably be featured in the Hasbro water theme park when it opens sometime in 2022.
Let’s hope that all of this goes through and doesn’t end up like the Genting 20th Century Fox theme park fiasco.
(Image Credit: Tabletop Wire)


Honkai Star Rail Breaks 10 Million Pre-Registrations Two Weeks Before Its Release

To no one’s shock, Hoyoverse’s upcoming turn-based anime RPG just hit a major milestone.
Honkai Star Rail, which is basically Genshin Impact but turn-based, a bit linear, and set in space, has hit past 10 million in pre-registrations, and it’s not even out yet. For comparison, Genshin Impact achieved this milestone at its time of launch.
Players can pre-register for the game now to unlock rewards like 20 Star Rail Passes (for gacha), and 4-Star character Serval. If players retweet the Twitter post below before the 25th of April, you and 20 others can stand a chance to win a US$100 gift card.

10,000,000 Pre-registrations Reached! Pre-register now to unlock rewards such as Star Rail Pass ×20 and the 4-star character Serval (Erudition: Lightning) ×1!
Retweet this post before 2023/04/25, and 20 Trailblazers will stand a chance to win a gift card worth about $100. pic.twitter.com/T4Q5chmBcr
— Honkai: Star Rail (@honkaistarrail) April 15, 2023

Honkai Star Rail will be out on 26 April for PC and mobile devices (iOS, Android). We’ve tried out the closed beta of the game and it’s a promising turn-based RPG with a colourful cast, a nice sci-fi world, and a linear experience that goes by lightning fast.


Make Way: DIY Racer Zooms To PC and Consoles Later This Year

Developer Ice Beam just unveiled their new chaotic multiplayer racing combat game, Make Way, aiming for a release on PC and consoles later this year. The game’s development is led by Tom Goodchild, a veteran game designer with experience in working on racing games such as GRID Legends and Toybox Turbos. Hopefully, this experience will give Make Way a solid foundation for its racing gameplay.

Make Way launches up to four players into a chaotic world of vehicle combat where players create a track together using random pieces such as train crossings, seesaws and loop-de-loops. The game then throws them across racetracks to act as battlefields for the players to race across and see who ends up on top. Featuring crossplay on all consoles, the game focuses on chaotic gameplay with friends combined with the random elements of surprise to make each race different from the last.
Make Way will launch on PS4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam later this year.
In the meantime, check out the trailer below:


Nier Replicant Ver 1.22 Combat Tips & Boss Walkthroughs

Nier Replicant ver 1.22 is out now and features a lot of changes from the 2010 original. Most notably, combat is way, way better thanks to the remaking & remastering efforts of Square Enix and Toylogic (who were previously from Cavia, the OG folks who made the 2010 Nier).
Essentially, combat in Nier Replicant is similar to Nier Automata in most aspects and is all the better for it. This change also means you’ll need to readjust to the new game. Here are some tips & tricks for beginners and intermediate players. All inputs are for PS4 controllers for this guide unless stated otherwise.
You Only Get The Extra Weapons When You’re Older
When you reach the part in the story with the 5-year timeskip (about 5-6 hours in-game time, tops), you start the game off with an older Nier (not Papa Nier).
He has access to a two-handed sword and a spear, which you can switch around by pressing and holding the corresponding d-pad input. Left d-pad is two-handed sword, while right d-pad is spear. Down d-pad is one-handed sword.
Here’s the general rule for weapons: one-handed sword works well against single enemies and bosses with independent weak spots. Two-handed swords are best against armoured enemies. Spears are great against mobs thanks to the spinning attack from the heavy inputs of the weapon.
When You Knock Down An Enemy, Press Circle (or B if you’re on Xbox)
When you perform a heavy attack on a mid-sized shade, chances are you’ll knock it down. When it’s down on the ground, press Circle to do a finisher move.

This kills them instantly and helps with thinning out the mob when you’re in a bind.
Use Heavy Attacks Often, Regardless Of Your Weapon Type
When you hold the heavy attack button, you’ll do a slightly slower but damaging attack that knocks enemies down. You also can cover more ground and AoE depending on the weapon you’re holding.

Like we hinted before, Spears let you do a twirling attack that moves you forward, while two-handed sword attacks cover a good area. One-handed swords are just fast.
Add Words To Your Weapons, Spells, And Skills/Martial Arts
As you kill more and more shades, you’ll get equippable words that help add buffs and useful passives to your attacks and skills. Generally, you should go for the following:

Weapon Attacks: Attack power buffs, armour break
Dark Spells: MP regen rate, Spell power
Martial Arts: Physical and Magical Defense boosts

Should You Guard or Evade More?
Guarding lets you do a parry attack if you block an enemy’s attack at the precise last few frames of the attack. Evade lets you, well, roll out of danger and has good invincibility frames. All your attacks can be cancelled straight to either one of these defensive options.
Generally, evades are better than guards because of the flexible cancel properties of our main character. But don’t count guarding out: you can get in some sweet damage from a boss’ parried attack.
And now, for some walkthroughs and stuff that are considered spoilers. You’ve been warned.

Here’s An Easy Way To Get That 100-Hit Combo Trophy/Achievement
Later in the game, near the end, there is a Shade boss named Goose who regenerates health due to story purposes. However, he can be knocked down and “killed” during this bit. If you are at level 32 or above (when you’re on Path C/D), getting Goose’s life down to 0 takes little to no effort if you attack and dodge right. Keep wailing at him and dodge according to get your combo counter to a 100 and beyond.
The Best Weapons In The Game Are The Phoenix Spear and Labyrinth’s Song
They’re easily upgradable and can make your life easier in the endgame.
You can get the Phoenix Spear from Facade’s Blacksmith for 32,400 gold.Â You can get the two-handed sword Labyrinth’s Song from finishing the side quest “Disturbing the Sleep of Kings”, which is only available in the second half of the game after completing certain story milestones.

Boss & Battles Walkthrough
15 Nightmares Dungeon Walkthrough

Jack the Giant Shade

Number 6

Gretel & Shades

P-33

Wendy The Giant Aerie Shade

Louise/Mermaid Episode Boss

Roc/Giant Wolf Shade

Betrayers

Final Boss

True Boss Fight (Path C & D)

Path E Walkthrough & Boss Fights


Willow Season 1 Finale Teases At Least Two More Potential Seasons

Earlier today, the Willow Season 1 finale premiered on Disney+ Hotstar. We won’t spoil what happens in the episode but there’s something that happens in a post-credits scene, which teases at least two more potential new seasons of Willow.
After the initial credits of the Willow Season 1 finale, a post-credits scene reveals that the entire first season of Willow was only the first volume of three books. That tease means that there are at least two more potential seasons of Willow.
That is; if the series gets renewed by Disney+, but there hasn’t been any confirmation of that at the time of writing.

In the meantime, check out our spoiler-free review of the series by heading over here.
Courtesy of Disney+ Hotstar, we also received the opportunity to interview Dempsey Bryk (Airk) & Ruby Cruz (Kit). This interview has been edited for clarity.