Cyberpunk 2077 Guide – The Best Skills & Perks To Equip & Level Up

This list is still in development.
Despite its hardcore sci-fi and first-person shooter/melee trappings, Cyberpunk 2077 is still an RPG first and foremost. Numbers, equipment, and skills can mean a difference between life and death. Whether you’re good with the gift of the gab, or just like to go up close and personal as a cyber-samurai with your sword and evasion skills, there is no one way of dealing with troublesome obstacles and encounters in CD Projekt’s latest.
Before we get to the skills & perks, let’s list down the best sidequests you should focus on that offer both great XP (for more skills & perks) and a good story tacked onto it. Don’t worry; no spoilers here. We’ll be vague.

The Delamain Rogue Taxi Quest (Episthrophy). After the prologue, you’ll be pinged to get your car. After an incident that happens, you’ll be tasked to search for a number of rogue cabs all across the map. It’s worth the effort.
River Ward NCPD sidequest line (The Hunt). There’s a pretty great detective mystery story in this sidequest line.
The cops in V’s megabuilding. There’s a bunch of them talking to an apartment neighbour named Barry. Go for it.
Sinnerman: We can’t spoil this, but just get in the car with the guy in the orange jumpsuit, his cop chaperone, and the lady with the handphone. You won’t regret it.
Every Breath You Take: Help a pop star sift out a stalker. It’s a bit tense than the description, if we’re being frank.
Meet with Meredith Stout. You’ll get a…unique melee weapon if you agree to meet her at a hotel a few hours after the main story mission involving her.

While you’re at it, how about you check out our other guides:

How to make a million eddies in an hour or so

The best cyberware to get early in the game

How to get the best Legendary pistol early in the game

Unlocking all the endings in Cyberpunk 2077 (major spoilers)

So what are the best skills to have? Let’s list out the ones we know so far.
Attributes

There are 5 attributes your character V can excel in: Body, Reflexes, Technical Ability, Intelligence, and Cool. Note that attributes can go up to level 20. Each attribute governs which perks you can unlock for their related skills and how high you can level them up.
Body affects your health and stamina. Skills: Athletics, Annihilation, Street Brawler
Reflexes affect your speed, agility, and reaction time. Skills: Rifles, Handguns, Blades
Technical Ability determines how much of a tech specialist you are. Skills: Crafting, Engineering
Intelligence measures your ability to solve complex problems. Skills: Breach Protocol, Quickhacking
Cool determines how well you hold up in crappy situations. Cool level also affects how quickly you gain experience for related skills. Skills: Stealth, Cold Blood.
Our only protip here is this: take your time distributing your skill points at the start of the game. There’s no rush. If you like guns, min-max Reflexes. If you want to punch or slice things to death, min-max Body. If you like to sneak around Adam Jensen style, put more points in Intelligence and Cool instead. Go nuts, depending on your playstyle.
Perks
Body – Athletic
Recommended: Regeneration, Epimorphosis, Like A Butterfly, Steel Shell, Wolverine.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
PACK MULE
Increases your carrying capacity from 200 to 260.
1

1
TRUE GRIT
Increases max stamina by 10%.
3

1
REGENERATION
Health slowly regenerates during combat.
1

1
INVINCIBLE
Increases max health by 10%.
3

7
EPIMORPHOSIS
Health regenerates up to 70% of max health outside of combat.
3

7
SOFT ON YOUR FEET
Reduces fall damage by 5%.
3

9
GLADIATOR
Reduces damage taken while blocking by 20%.
2

9
STEEL AND CHROME
Increases melee damage by 10%.
2

11
LIKE A BUTTERFLY
Dodging does not drain stamina.
1

11
MULTITASKER
Allows you to shoot while sprinting, sliding and vaulting.
1

11
DIVIDED ATTENTION
Allows you to reload weapons while sprinting, sliding and vaulting.
1

12
CARDIO CURE
Health regenerates faster when moving.
1

12
STRONGER TOGETHER
Increases damage you deal while carrying a body.
1

12
TRANSPORTER
Allows you to shoot and sprint while carrying a body.
1

14
MARATHONER
Sprinting does not drain stamina.
1

14
HUMAN SHIELD
Increases armor by 20% when grappling an enemy.
1

16
DOG OF WAR
Increases health regen in combat by 15%.
2

16
WOLVERINE
Health regen activates 50% faster during combat.
2

18
STEEL SHELL
Increases armor by 10%.
1

20
THE ROCK
Enemies cannot knock you down.
1

20
INDESTRUCTIBLE
Reduces all incoming damage by 10%.
1

20
HARD MOTHERFUCKER
When entering combat, armor and resistances increase by 10% for 10 seconds. +1% per Perk point.
1+

Body – Annihilation
Recommended: Dead Center, In Your Face, Pump It Louder!, Skeet Shooter, Poppin Off.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
PUMP IT, LOUDER!
Reduces recoil of shotguns and light machine guns by 10%.
2

1
HAIL OF BULLETS
Shotguns and light machine guns deal 3% more damage.
3

1
IN YOUR FACE
Reduces reload time of shotguns and light machine guns by 20%.
2

7
DEAD CENTER
Increases damage to torsos by 10%.
2

7
BLOODRUSH
Increases movement speed while carrying a shotgun or light machine gun by 5%.
2

9
MONGOOSE
Increases evasion by 25% while reloading.
1

9
BULLDOZER
Increases crit chance with shotguns and light machine guns by 10%.
1

11
MOMENTUM SHIFT
Defeating an enemy increases movement speed by 10% for 10 seconds.
3

11
MASSACRE
Increases crit damage with shotguns and light machine guns by 10%.
3

12
HEAVY LEAD
shotguns and light machine guns knock back enemies with more force.
1

12
SKEET SHOOTER
Deal 15% more damage to moving targets.
1

14
MANIC
When entering combat, your movement speed increases by 20% for 10 second(s).
1

14
UNSTOPPABLE
Dismembering an enemy increases fire rate (cycle time) by 10% for 8 seconds. Stacks up to 3 times.
1

16
SPEED DEMON
You deal more damage the faster you’re moving.
1

16
BURN BABY BURN
Doubles the duration of burn.
1

18
POPPIN’ OFF
Shotguns have a 25% higher chance of dismembering enemies.
2

18
HIT THE DECK
Increases damage to staggered and knocked-down enemies by 10%.
2

20
BIATHLETE
Weapon spread does not increase while moving.
1

20
BLOODBATH
Dismembering enemies reduces weapon recoil by 50% for 6 seconds. +1% per Perk point.
1+

Body – Street Brawler
Recommended: Crushing Blows, Dazed, Juggernaut, Rush, Unshakeable.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
CRUSHING BLOWS
Increases damage from strong attacks by 30%.
3

1
DAZED
Attacks have a 15% chance to apply stun.
2

1
FLURRY
Increases damage from combo attacks by 30%.
3

1
JUGGERNAUT
Increases armor while blocking by 50%.
2

6
RUSH
Successful attacks recover 2% health over 2 second(s).
6

6
EFFICIENT BLOWS
Reduces stamina cost for all attacks by 2%.
2

8
OPPORTUNE STRIKE
Increases damage against enemies affected by stun by 50%.
1

8
HUMAN FORTRESS
Reduces stamina cost of blocking attacks by 50%.
1

10
REINVIGORATE
Defeating an enemy with a strong attack restores 10% stamina.
3

10
PAYBACK
Increases damage by 1% for every 1% of missing health.
3

12
BREATHING SPACE
Increases stamina restored while blocking by 50%.
2

12
RELENTLESS
Successful attacks against enemies affected by stun restore 20% stamina.
2

15
TRASH
Strong attacks reduce the target’s armor by 30% for 10 second(s).
1

15
FRENZY
Defeating an enemy increases damage by 100% for 10 seconds.
1

18
UNSHAKEABLE
Successful attacks against enemies affected by stun restore 5% health and 5% stamina.
3

18
BIDING TIME
Blocking attacks restores 5% health.
3

20
GUERRILLA
Increases crit damage by 60% for 10 seconds after entering combat. +2% per Perk point.
1+

Reflexes – Rifles
Recommended: Covering Killshot, Riflejock, Executioner, Duck Hunter, Long Shot.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
EAGLE EYE
Quickens rifle aiming by 10%.
3

1
TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT
Quick melee attacks with rifles deal 50% more damage.
2

1
RIFLEJOCK
Increases damage with rifles by 3%.
3

5
COVERING KILLSHOT
Increases crit chance with rifles by 10% when firing from behind cover.
2

7
BULLSEYE
Increases rifle damage while aiming by 10%.
1

7
EXECUTIONER
Deal 25% more rifle damage to enemies whose health is above 50%.
1

9
DUCK HUNTER
Increases rifle damage to moving enemies by 10%.
2

9
SHOOT, RELOAD, REPEAT
Defeating an enemy with a rifle reduces reload time by 20% for 5 seconds.
2

11
FEEL THE FLOW
Reduces reload time for auto and semi-auto rifles by 10%.
2

11
NERVES OF STEEL
Increases headshot damage with sniper rifles and precision rifles by 20%.
2

12
TRENCH WARFARE
Increases rifle damage by 5% when firing from behind cover.
2

12
HUNTER’S HANDS
Reduces recoil with rifles by 20% when firing from behind cover.
2

14
NAMED BULLETS
Increases crit damage from rifles by 35%.
1

14
SKULL SKIPPER
Each headshot reduces recoil with rifles 5% for 10 seconds. Stacks up to 5 times.
1

16
RIFLE WRANGLER
Reduces recoil on rifles by 10%.
1

16
BUNKER
Increases armor and resistances by 15% when shooting with rifles from behind cover.
1

18
IN PERSPECTIVE
Increases crit damage on rifles with mounted scopes by 2%.
1

18
LONG SHOT
Rifle damage increases the farther you are located from enemies.
1

20
SAVAGE STOIC
Increases rifle damage by 35% when standing still.
1

20
PUNISHER
After defeating an enemy with a rifle, weapon sway is nullified and weapon spread does not increases for 10 sec. +0.2 sec per Perk level.
1+

Reflexes – Handguns
Recommended: High Noon, Desperado, Rio Bravo, Long Shot Drop Pop, A Fistful of Eurodollars.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
HIGH NOON
Increases crit chance with handguns by 4%.
3

1
DESPERADO
Increases damage from handguns by 3%.
3

1
GUNSLINGER
Reduces reload time for handguns by 10%.
3

1
RIO BRAVO
Increases headshot damage multiplier with handguns by 10%.
3

7
ON THE FLY
Reduces equipping and unequipping time for handguns by 25%.
2

7
LONG SHOT DROP POP
Increases damage to enemies 5+ meters away by 15%.
2

9
O.K. CORRAL
Deal 50% more damage with handguns to enemies whose health is below 25%.
1

9
STEADY HAND
Redcues recoil from handguns by 30%.
1

9
VANISHING POINT
Evasion increases by 25% for 7 seconds after performing a ddoge when holding a handgun.
1

11
FROM HEAD TO TOE
Increases damage to limbs with ranged weapons by 7%.
2

11
A FISTFUL OF EURODOLLARS
Increases crit damage from handguns by 10%.
2

12
ACROBAT
You can now dodge while aiming a handgun.
1

12
GRAND FINALE
The last round in a handgun magazine deals double damage
1

14
ATTRITIONAL FIRE
Firing consecutive shots with a handgun at the same target increases damage by 10%.
1

14
WILD WEST
Removes the damage penalty from handguns when shooting from a distance.
1

16
WESTWORLD
Increases crit chance by 10% for each mod installed on the handgun you’re using.
1

16
SNOWBALL EFFECT
After defeating an enemy, fire rate (cycle time) for handguns receives a 5% boost for 6 seconds. Stacks up to 5 times.
1

18
LEAD SPONGE
Enables you to shoot with handguns while dodging.
1

20
BRAINPOWER
After a successful headshot with a handgun, crit chance increases by 25% for 5 seconds.
1

20
THE GOOD, THE BAD AND THE UGLY
After a successful crit hit with a handgun, damage and armor increases by 30% for 5 seconds. +1% per perk point.
1+

Reflexes – Blades
Recommended: Roaring Waters, Slow and Steady, Sting Like A Bee, Flight of the Sparrow, Deathbolt.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
ROARING WATERS
Strong attacks deal 30% more damage.
3

1
SLOW AND STEADY
Armor is increased by 50% while moving.
2

1
STING LIKE A BEE
Increases attack speed by 10%.
3

1
CRIMSON DANCE
Combo attacks have a 10% chance to apply bleeding.
2

6
FLIGHT OF THE SPARROW
Reduces the stamina cost of all attacks by 30%.
2

6
UNSTOPPABLE SLASH
Increases damage delivered while blocking by 200%.
2

8
SHIFTING SANDS
Dodging recovers 15% stamina.
3

8
STUCK PIG
Increases bleeding duration by 1 second(s).
3

10
UNBROKEN SPIRIT
A successful deflect recovers 25% health and stamina.
1

10
BLESSED BLADE
Increases crit chance by 20%.
1

12
BLOODLUST
Recovers 7% health when applying bleeding to an enemy or hitting an enemy with bleeding.
2

12
FLOAT LIKE A BUTTERFLY
Dodging increases damage dealt byx 50% for 10 seconds.
2

15
JUDGE, JURY AND EXECUTIONER
Damage is increased by 50% against targets with max health.
3

15
FIREY BLAST
Increases damage against a target by 1% for every 1% of health they are missing.
3

18
DEATHBOLT
Defeating an enemy recovers 40% health and increases movement speed by 30% for 5 seconds.
3

18
CRIMSON TIDE
Bleeding applied by blades deal 300% more damage.
1

20
DRAGON STRIKE
Increases crit damage with katana by 25%. +1% more damage per Perk point.
1+

Technical Ability – Crafting
Recommended: Workshop, Scrapper, True Craftsman.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
Mechanic
Gain more components when disassembling.
1

5
True Craftsman
Allows you to craft rare items.
1

5
Scrapper
Junk items are automatically disassembled.
1

7
Workshop
Disassembling items grant a 5% chance to gain a free component of the same quality as the disassembled item.
3

9
Innovation
Effects from crafted consumables last 25% longer.
2

9
Sapper
Crafted grenades deal 10% more damage.
2

11
200% Efficiency
Crafted clothes gain 2.5% more armor.
2

11
Field Technician
Crafted weapons deal 2.5% more damage.
2

12
Grease Monkey
Allows you to craft epic items.
1

12
Efficient Upgrades
Grants a 10% chance to upgrade an item for free.
1

12
Ex Nihilo
Grants a 20% chance to craft an item for free.
1

14
Let There Be Light!
Reduces component cost of upgrading items by 10%.
2

14
Cost Optimization
Reduces component costs of crafting items by 15%.
2

16
Waste Not Want Not
When disassembling an item, you get attached mods back.
1

16
Tune-Up
Allows you to upgrade lower quality components into higher quality ones.
1

18
Iconoclast
Allows you to craft legendary and iconic items.
1

20
Cutting Edge
Crafted legendary weapons automatically get one stat improved by 5%.
1

20
Crazy Science
Increases the sale price of crafted items by 10%. +1% per Perk point.
1+

Technical Ability – Engineering
Recommended: Mech Looter, Can’t Touch This, Bladerunner, Bigger Booms.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
Mech Looter
When looting robots, drones and mechs, there is a 25% chance of looting a weapon mod or attachment.
3

5
Grenadier
The explosion radius all grenades is visible.
1

5
Can’t Touch This
Grants immunity to all effects from your own grenades.
1

7
Shrapnel
All grenades types deal 20 damag ein addition to their normal effects.
1

9
Lock And Load
Increases Smart weapon reload speed by 5%.
2

9
Up To 11
Allows you to charge Teach weapons up to 75% capacity.
2

9
Bladerunner
Increases damage to mechanical enemies by 20%.
2

11
Bigger Booms
Grenades deal 5% more damage.
5

12
Lightning Bolt
Increases crit chance with Tech weapons by 3%.
3

12
Tesla
Increases the charge multiplier for tech weapons by 25%.
3

14
Gun Whisperer
Fully charged Tech weapons do not shoot automatically.
1

14
Insulation
Grants immunity to shock.
1

14
Ãœbercharge
Fully charged Tech weapons deal 50% more damage.
1

16
Play The Angles
Ricohcets deal an additional 50% damage.
1

16
Fuck All Walls
Tech weapons discharge 50% faster.
1

18
Lickety Split
Tech weapons reload time is reduced by 15%.
2

20
Superconductor
Tech weapons ignore armor.
1

20
Jackpot
Grenades can now randomly deal crit hits.
1

20
Revamp
Increases damage from Tech weapons by 25%. Charge damage is increased by 10%. Increases charge damage by 1% per Perk point.
1+

Intelligence – Breach Protocol
Recommended: Mass Vulnerability, Advanced Datamine, Almost In!, Total Recall.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
MASS VULNERABILITY
Unlocks the Mass Vulnerability daemon, which reduces the physical resistance for all enemies in the network by 30% for 3 minute(s).
2

1
BIG SLEEP
Unlocks the Big Sleep daemon which disables all cameras in the network for 3 minute(s).
2

5
ADVANCED DATAMINE
Upgrades the Datamine daemon, increasing the amount of eurodollars acquired from access points by 50%.
2

5
ALMOST IN!
Increases the breach time for Breach Protocol by 20%.
2

7
EXTENDED NETWORK INTERFACE
Automatically highlights nearby access points.
1

7
MASS VULNERABILITY: RESISTANCES
Upgrades the Mass Vulnerability daemon, reducing all resistances for all enemies in the network by 30%.

9
DATAMINE MASTERMIND
Upgrades the Datamine daemon, increasing the amount of components acquired from access points by 50%.
2

9
TURRET SHUTDOWN
Unlocks the Turret Shutdown daemon, which disables security turrets in the network for 3 minute(s).
2

11
TOTAL RECALL
The ICEpick daemon reduces all quickhack costs by an additional 1 RAM unit(s).
1

12
TURRET TAMER
Unlocks the Turret Tamer daemon, which sets the status of every turret in the network to friendly for 3 minute(s).
2

12
DATAMINE VIRTUOSO
Upgrades the Datamine daemon, increasing the chance to acquire a quickhack from access points by 50%.
2

14
CLOUD CAHCE
Completing Breach Protocol restores RAM unites equal to 1 times the number of daemons uploaded.
2

14
EFFICIENCY
Uploading 3 or more daemon in the same Breach Protocol increases cyberdeck RAM recovery rate by 25 unit(s) per 5 seconds. Lasts a few minutes.
2

16
MASS VULNERABILITY: QUICKHACKS
Upgrades the Mass Vulnerability daemon, causing enemies in the network to also take 30% more damage from quickhacks.
1

16
TOTALER RECALL
The ICEpick daemon reduces all quickhack costs by an additional 1 RAM unit(s).
1

18
HACKATON
Uploading 3 or more daemons in the same Breach Protocol shortens quickhack cooldowns by 25% for 5 minutes.
2

20
COMPRESSION
Reduces the lengths of the sequences required to upload daemons by 1. Cannot be reduced below 2.
1

20
BUFFER OPTIMITATION
Increases the duration of daemon effects by 100%.
1

20
TRANSMIGRATION
Increases the breach time of Breach Protocols by 25%. +2% per Perk point.
1+

Intelligence – Quickhacking
Recommended: Bloodware, Biosynergy, I Spk, Weak Link.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
BLOODWARE
Quickhacks deal 10% more damage.
3

1
BIOSYNERGY
Allows RAM to recover during combat. Recover 1 RAM unit(s) every 10 seconds.
3

5
HACKER’S MANUAL
Unlocks diagrams for crafting Uncommon quickhacks.
1

5
I SPY
Reveals an enemy netrunner when they’re attempting to hack you.
1

5
FORGET-ME-NOT
Eliminating a target affected by a quickhack instantly recovers 1 RAM unit(s).
1

7
WEAK LINK
Reduces the required cyberdeck RAM for quickhacks used on devices by 1 unit(s).
3

7
DAISY CHAIN
Eliminating a target that was a quickhacked reduces the cooldown for all other active quickhacks by 10%.
3

9
SIGNAL SUPPORT
Increases quickhack duration by 30%.
2

11
SUBLIMINAL MESSAGE
Quickhacks deal 50% more damage to unaware targets.
2

12
DIFFUSION
Quickhack spread distance is increased by 2 times.
1

12
MNEMONIC
Reducesthe cost of quickhacks used against an enemy already affected by a quickhack by 1 RAM units.
1

12
SCHOOL OF HARD HACKS
Unlocks diagrams for crafting advanced quickhacks.
1

14
PLAGUE
Quickhacks that spread can jump to 1 additional targets.
3

16
CRITICAL ERROR
Quickhacks can now deal crit hits based on your crit chance and crit damage stats.
1

16
HACKER OVERLORD
Unlocks diagrams for crafting specialized quickhacks.
1

18
ANAMESIS
Available cyberdeck RAM cannot drop below 1 unit(s).
1

20
OPTIMIZATION
Reduces the cost of quickhacks by 1 RAM unit(s).
1

20
BARTMOSS’ LEGACY
Unlocks diagrams for crafting superior quickhacks.
1

20
MASTER RAM LIBERATOR
Increases RAM recovery rate by 50%. +1% per Perk point.
1+

Cool – Stealth
Recommended: Hidden Dragon, Crouching Tiger, Assassin, Strike from the Shadows.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
CROUCHING TIGER
Increases movement speed while sneaking by 20%.
1

1
SILENT AND DEADLY
Increases damage dealt by silenced weapons by 25% while sneaking.
1

5
HIDDEN DRAGON
Allows you to perform a lethal or non-lethal aerial takedown on unaware targets.
1

5
DAGGER DEALER
Allows you to throw knives, hold L2 to aim and press R2 to throw.
1

7
ASSASSIN
Deal 15% more damage to human enemies.
1

7
STRIKE FROM THE SHADOWS
Increases your crit chance by 15% while sneaking.
1

7
LEG UP
Movement speed after a successful takedown is increased by 30% for 10 seconds.
1

9
SNIPER
Increases damage from headshots fire from outside combat by 30%.
2

9
CUTTHROAT
Thrown knives deal 30% more damage.
2

11
BLIND FURY
You cannot be blinded.
1

11
CLEAN WORK
You can pick up an enemy’s body immediately after performing a takedown by holding [KEYBIND].
1

11
STUNNING BLOW
Quick melee attacks with ranged weapons stagger enemies, giving you an opportunity to grapple them.
1

12
GHOST
Detection time is increased by 20%.
2

12
FROM THE SHADOWS
Upon entering combat, crit chance increases by 25% for 7 seconds.
2

14
COMMANDO
You cannot be detected under water.
1

14
VENOMOUS FANGS
All knives apply poison.
1

14
RATTLESNAKE
Enemies affected by poison are slowed.
1

16
SILENT FINISHER
Enemies with less than 25% Health are defeated instantly by thrown knives. Does not work on enemies with a lethal threat level.
1

16
HASTY RETREAT
Temporarily boosts movement speed by 50% for 5 seconds when detected by an enemy.
1

16
SILENT AND DEADLY 2
Increases damage dealt by silenced weapons by 25% while sneaking.
1

18
HASTEN THE INEVITABLE
Deal 20% more damage to enemies affected by poison.
1

18
CHEAT DEATH
When your health drops below 50% reduce all incoming damage by 50% for 10 seconds. Cannot occur more than once per minute.
1

18
NEUROTOXIN
Damage from poison is doubled.
1

20
NINJUTSU
Sneak attacks with melee weapons deal 100% more damage and guarantee a crit hit.
1

20
TOXICOLOGY
Increases the duration of poison applied to enemies by 5 seconds. +0.2 second per Perk point.
1

Cool – Cold Blood
Recommended: Cold Blood, Will to Survive, Critical Condition, Rapid Bloodflow, Defensive Clotting.

Level
Perk
Effect
Perk Levels

1
COLD BLOOD
After defeating an enemy, gain Cold Blood for 10 seconds and increase movement speed by 2%. Stacks up to 1 times.
3

5
WILL TO SURVIVE
Increases all resistances by 2.5% per stack of Cold Blood.
2

5
ICY VEINS
Reduces weapon recoil by 2.5% per stack of Cold Blood.
2

7
CRITICAL CONDITION
Increases duration of Cold Blood by 5 seconds.
2

7
FROSTY SYNAPSES
Reduces quickhack cooldowns by 3% per stack of Cold Blood.
2

9
RAPID BLOODFLOW
Increase health regen inside and outside combat by 0.5% per stack of Cold Blood.
2

9
DEFENSIVE CLOTTING
Increases armor by 1% per stack of Cold Blood.
2

11
COLDEST BLOOD
Increases max stack amount for Cold Blood by 1.
1

11
FROZEN PRECISION
Increases headshot damage by 50%.
1

12
BLOOD BRAWL
When Cold Blood is active, increases damage with melee weapons by 5%.
2

12
PREDATOR
Increases attack speed by 1% per stack of Cold Blood.
2

12
QUICK TRANSFER
Reduces quickhack upload time by 1% per stack of Cold Blood.
2

14
COLD AND CALCULATING
Landing a crit hit has 25% chance of applying a stack of Cold Blood.
1

14
BLOODSWELL
When your health reaches 45%, a max stack of Cold Blood is automatically activated.
1

16
UNBREAKABLE
Increases max stack amount for Cold Blood by 1.
1

16
COOLAGULANT
Stacks of Cold Blood are removed one by one, not all at once.
1

18
PAIN IS AN ILLUSION
When Cold Blood is active, reduces damage taken by 5%.
1

20
IMMUNITY
When Cold Blood is active, you are immune to bleeding, poison, burn and shock.
1

20
MERCILESS
When Cold Blood is active, increases crit chance by 10% and crit damage by 25%. +1% Crit chance and +3% crit damage for each Perk point.
1+


Ubisoft Singapore Is Looking For Playtesters Who Work From Home

Ubisoft Singapore has announced that they’re currently looking for more playtesters. The good news is that they’ve started to conduct remote playtests. What this means is that those who apply can now do so from the comfort of their own home and not having to travel to Singapore.
To those unfamiliar with what the job entails, being a playtester is playing games and giving valuable feedback to the developer. This is essential to improving the game, as playtesters can help to find bugs and other issues. A playtester will be able to play the game earlier than anyone else, including prototypes and early builds of unreleased games.
Playtesters will be rewarded with gifts, vouchers or even games, depending on the length of the playtest. Everyone is eligible to become a playtester, it doesn’t matter if you’re hardcore or casual. All you need to become a playtester is a stable internet connection with at least 10Mbps download / 2Mbps upload speeds (check your internet speed here), as well as a game controller (Xbox or PlayStation) and a microphone to communicate with the developer.

To apply, just head on over here and fill out the form. The Ubisoft Singapore User Research Team will shortlist candidates based on gamer characteristics and the specific requirements of each test. Those who are selected will receive an invitation email. Once you receive an invitation, you’ll need to accept it and check your inbox for a confirmation email to verify your attendance and receive a virtual package with instructions for pre-test preparations.
WeÂ previously reportedÂ that Ubisoft Singapore is responsible for developing a quarter of the open-world inÂ Assassinâ€™s Creed Valhalla, including the entire North American Vinland map. They have also recently revealed that theyâ€™ve inserted a few easter eggs as well, including a lake in the shape of the map of Singapore.
In the meantime, check outÂ our full review ofÂ Assassinâ€™s Creed ValhallaÂ here, orÂ head on over here for our guideÂ on how to be the best Viking in the game.


Halo Infinite’s Campaign Co-Op & Forge Mode Will Be Done Months After Launch

Some of Halo Infinite’s features will not be available right on Day One. In a big development update from 343 Industries, the devs talk about feedback from its recent multiplayer tech test.
Long story short: Campaign Co-Op and Forge Mode will not be available on launch day. The former is planned for Halo Infinite’s Season 2, with each of the game’s multiplayer seasons lasting about 3 months. Both modes haven’t reached the high bar of quality when it ships, hence the delay. Here’s an official quote from creative director Joseph Staten.
“Unfortunately, as we focused the team for a quality experience for launch, we made the really tough decision to delay shipping campaign co-op for launch, and we made the tough decision for delaying Forge past launch as well.”

Halo Infinite will be out on Holiday 2021; there’s no set release date but it’s coming soon according to 343 Industries.


Anthem Has Improved Its Loot Drops

Great news for Freelancers today! Due to the game’s vocal community,Â AnthemÂ is getting a small yet needed upgrade to their loot system.
The loot drop rate in specific situations has been tweaked and will take immediate effect as it is a server-side update, meaning you don’t need to download anything.

These changes include:

Masterwork & Legendary drop rates have been increased for Grandmaster 2 and Grandmaster 3 difficulty levels.
Masterwork & Legendary drop rates have been increased for harder enemies at all difficulty levels, such as the:

Legendary Ancient Ash Titan
Elite Ancient Ash Titan
Legendary Fury
Legendary Ursix
Legendary Luminary

Chad Robertson, the Head of Live Service in BioWare, has said:

We appreciate all the feedback from the community on the game. We love the passion and share it. Weâ€™re not yet fully happy with the gameâ€™s loot behavior either.

The team also state that they are planning to make significant changes to the loot system over the coming months, but will start with incremental changes like this one so they can gauge the changes better.


[Updated] M4 World Championship – Teams, Schedule, & Results

The M4 World Championship is set to begin on 1 January 2023 and will showcase the best 16 teams from across the globe vying for the title of world champion and the majority of the US$800,000 prize pool. Who will be able to claim the crown? Will a new region rise up? We’ll have to wait and see.

With the fourth instalment of the annual Mobile Legends: Bang Bang World Championship just on the horizon, it can be confusing for many to know which teams have qualified from where and who they will be facing. In this piece, I’ll be providing the schedule alongside match updates so stay tuned for more.

DATE & VENUE

				Bali United Studio

				Tennis Indoor Stadium Senayan

Date: 1–15 January
Prize Pool: US$800,000
SCHEDULE

GROUP STAGE

Date: 1 – 4 January
Start Time: 3:00 PM (GMT+8)
Venue: Bali United Studio, 11, Jl. Duri Utama Raya No.43, RW.7, Duri Kepa, Kec. Kb. Jeruk, Kota Jakarta Barat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 11510, Indonesia

PLAYOFFS

Date: 7 – 15 January
Start Time: 3:00 PM (GMT+8)
Venue: Tennis Indoor Stadium Senayan, Gelora Bung Karno Sports Complex, Jl. Pintu Satu Senayan No.B, RT.1/RW.3, Gelora, Kecamatan Tanah Abang, Kota Jakarta Pusat, Daerah Khusus Ibukota Jakarta 10270, Indonesia

RESULTS

PLACE
PRIZE
TEAM

1st
$300,000
ECHO

2nd
$120,000
Blacklist International

3rd
$80,000
RRQ Hoshi

4th
$55,000
ONIC Esports

5th-6th

$40,000

Falcon Esports

The Valley

7th-8th

$30,000

Incendio Supremacy

RRQ Akira

9th-12th

$15,000

S11 Gaming

Team HAQ

TODAK

Occupy Thrones

13th-16th

$10,000

RSG Singapore

MDH Esports

Burn x Team Flash

Malvinas Gaming

TEAMS

ONIC Esports – Indonesia
RRQ Hoshi – Indonesia
Blacklist International – Philippines
ECHO – Philippines
Team HAQ – Malaysia
TODAK – Malaysia
S11 Gaming– South America (Argentina)
Malvinas Gaming – South America (Peru)
RSG Singapore – Singapore
Burn x Team Flash – Cambodia
RRQ Akira – Brazil
Occupy Thrones – Middle East and North Africa
Incendio Supremacy – Turkey
The Valley – North America
Falcon Esports – Myanmar
MDH Esports – Vietnam

GROUPS

Group A

1
Falcon Esports
2-1

2
Blacklist International
2-1

3
Incendio Supremacy
2-1

4
Burn x Team Flash
0-3

Tiebreakers

1
Falcon Esports
2-0

2
Blacklist International
1-1

3
Incendio Supremacy
0-2

Group B

1
TODAK
3-0

2
ONIC Esports
2-1

3
 Malvinas Gaming
1-2

4
MDH Esports
0-3

Group C

1
ECHO
3-0

2
RRQ Hoshi
2-1

3
RSG Singapore
1-2

4
Occupy Thrones
0-3

Group D

1
RRQ Akira
2-1

2
Team HAQ
2-1

3
The Valley
1-2

4
S11 Gaming
1-2

MATCHES
GROUP STAGE
Day 1 – 1 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – Blacklist International [1] vs [0] Incendio Supremacy (Group A)
4:00 PM (UTC+8) – Malvinas Gaming [1] vs [0] MDH Esports (Group B)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – Incendio Supremacy [1] vs [0] Falcon Esports (Group A)
6:00 PM (UTC+8) – TODAK [1] vs [0] Malvinas Gaming (Group B)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – Falcon Esports [1] vs [0] Burn x Team Flash (Group A)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – ONIC Esports [0] vs [1] TODAK (Group B)
Day 2 – 2 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – RSG Singapore [1] vs [0] Occupy Thrones (Group C)
4:00 PM (UTC+8) – The Valley [1] vs [0] S11 Gaming (Group D)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – RRQ Hoshi [1] vs [0] Occupy Thrones (Group C)
6:00 PM (UTC+8) – RRQ Akira [1] vs [0] The Valley (Group D)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – ECHO [1] vs [0] RRQ Hoshi (Group C)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – Team HAQ [0] vs [1] RRQ Akira (Group D)
Day 3 – 3 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – Malvinas Gaming [1] vs [0] ONIC Esports (Group B)
4:00 PM (UTC+8) – Incendio Supremacy [1] vs [0] Burn x Team Flash (Group A)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – MDH Esports [0] vs [1] ONIC Esports (Group B)
6:00 PM (UTC+8) – Burn x Team Flash [0] vs [1] Blacklist International (Group A)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – TODAK [1] vs [0] MDH Esports (Group B)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – Falcon Esports [1] vs [0] Blacklist International (Group A)
10:00 PM (UTC+8) – Falcon Esports [1] vs [0] Incendio Supremacy (Group A Tiebreaker)
10:30 PM (UTC+8) – Blacklist International [0] vs [1] Falcon Esports (Group A Tiebreaker)
11:00 PM (UTC+8) – Blacklist International [1] vs [0] Incendio Supremacy (Group A Tiebreaker)
Day 4 – 4 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – RRQ Akira [0] vs [1] S11 Gaming (Group D)
4:00 PM (UTC+8) – Occupy Thrones [0] vs [1] ECHO (Group C)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – S11 Gaming [0] vs [1] Team HAQ (Group D)
6:00 PM (UTC+8) – ECHO [1] vs [0] RSG Singapore (Group C)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – The Valley [0] vs [1] Team HAQ (Group D)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – RRQ Hoshi [1] vs [0] RSG Singapore (Group C)
PLAYOFFS
Day 1 – 7 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – Falcon Esports [0] vs [3] ONIC Esports (Upper Bracket Quaterfinal)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – ECHO [3] vs [2] Team HAQ (Upper Bracket Quaterfinal)
Day 2 – 8 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – TODAK [0] vs [3] RRQ Hoshi (Upper Bracket Quaterfinal)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – RRQ Akira [1] vs [3] Blacklist International (Upper Bracket Quaterfinal)
Day 3 – 9 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – RSG Singapore [0] vs [2] S11 Gaming (Lower Bracket Round 1)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – Incendio Supremacy [2] vs [0] MDH Esports (Lower Bracket Round 1)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – The Valley [2] vs [0] Burn x Team Flash (Lower Bracket Round 1)
9:00 PM (UTC+8) – Malvinas Gaming [0] vs [2] Occupy Thrones (Lower Bracket Round 1)
Day 4 – 10 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – Falcon Esports [2] vs [0] S11 Gaming (Lower Bracket Round 2)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – Team HAQ [1] vs [2] Incendio Supremacy (Lower Bracket Round 2)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – TODAK [0] vs [2] The Valley (Lower Bracket Round 2)
9:00 PM (UTC+8) – RRQ Akira [2] vs [0] Occupy Thrones (Lower Bracket Round 2)
Day 5 – 11 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – Falcon Esports [3] vs [2] Incendio Supremacy (Lower Bracket Round 3)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – RRQ Hoshi [2] vs [3] Blacklist International (Upper Bracket Semifinal)
Day 6 – 12 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – The Valley [3] vs [1] RRQ Akira (Lower Bracket Round 3)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – ONIC Esports [1] vs [3] ECHO (Upper Bracket Semifinal)
Day 7 – 13 January

12:00 PM (UTC+8) – RRQ Hoshi [3] vs [2] Falcon Esports (Lower Bracket Quarterfinal)
4:00 PM (UTC+8) – ONIC Esports [3] vs [1] The Valley (Lower Bracket Quarterfinal)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – ECHO [2] vs [3] Blacklist International (Upper Bracket Final)
Day 8 – 14 January

3:00 PM (UTC+8) – RRQ Hoshi [3] vs [0] ONIC Esports (Lower Bracket Semifinal)
7:00 PM (UTC+8) – ECHO [3] vs [1] RRQ Hoshi (Lower Bracket Final)
Day 9 – 15 January

6:30 PM (UTC+8) – Blacklist International [0] vs [4] ECHO (Grand Final)

Where To Watch?
Mobile Legends: Bang Bang YouTube / MLBB Esports YouTube / Twitch / Facebook


XCOM-Like Mafia Game Empire Of Sin Has Been Delayed

Empire Of Sin was originally announced during E3 2019, a turn-based game in the style of XCOM, but with a distinctive setting; Prohibition-era Chicago where players engage in the seedy underworld of mobsters, bootleggers and mafia.
It was supposed to be released for the PS4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch and PC sometime in Spring 2020, but has now been delayed.
The delay was announced by developer Romero Games via the game’s official Twitter account. Empire Of Sin is now slated to release sometime in Fall 2020, which will be between September and December.

Extra! Extra! Read all about it! We have an update regarding the release of Empire of Sin: pic.twitter.com/5EMq7QZYCU
â€” Empire of Sin (@EmpireOfSinGame) February 18, 2020
Romero Games is headed by industry legends husband-and-wife duo John and Brenda Romero, who has worked on games like Wizardry, Doom, Jagged Alliance, and Quake. After the multiple XCOM titles and Phoenix Point, it will be great to see a more grounded tactical strategy game that doesn’t involve aliens or monsters.


Capcom Giving Away Free Item Pack To Celebrate Monster Hunter World Sales Milestone

Capcom has announced yet another sales milestone reached by Monster Hunter World, as the game officially hits 13 million units shipped worldwide. That’s an incredible achievement, considering how niche the franchise was prior to the game’s release in early 2018.
To celebrate this momentous occasion, Capcom is giving out a free special item pack as a reward to all Monster Hunter World players on all platforms. Players can obtain the gift by just claiming it as a Daily Login Bonus at any time between 25 July and 29 August 2019.
The free item pack includes the following in-game items:

One (1) Attack Jewel
Thirteen (13) Appreciation Tickets
Thirteen (13) Silver Eggs
Three (3) Gold Wyverian Prints
Three (3) Heavy Armor Spheres

What’s most surprising about the item pack is that it includes an Attack Jewel, which is arguably and likely the rarest item in Monster Hunter World. Classified as a Decoration-type item, it provides an attack boost to the weapon it’s equipped on.
Monster Hunter World is now available for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC. The highly-anticipated Iceborne expansion is slated to arrive on 6 September 2019 for console players, while PC players will receive it later sometime in winter 2019.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zz14LkEg1kQ&w=560&h=315]


Anno 1800 Empire Of The Skies DLC Is Now Available

Starting today, Anno 1800 players can elevate their aerial mastery with new airships that enable them to transfer workforce and conquer opponent’s islands, in Empire of the Skies, the second DLC of Anno 1800’s fourth season. In the New World session, players are now able to use new construction materials. Players can discover new anti-air technologies, a new scenario, and the introduction of a mail system.
Players can use new construction materials such as aluminium and helium and create five new advanced airships that can be used for both civilian and military purposes. They also can benefit from the opportunity to transfer the workforce with airships and allow their residents all around the world to stay in contact with each other through an innovative mail system. Finally, players can take advantage of military airships to attack enemy vehicles and harbours and use anti-aircraft defences to protect their islands from enemy attacks. Building and organizing the airships will also need the airship’s hangar which has multiple building phases and the landing platform which comes with three new modules to attach to.
The all-new scenario mission “Clash of Couriers” will have players establish an independent mail delivery service in the New World and tell them the story of Paloma Valente, the inventor of the airship. One of the challenges players must overcome in the scenario is that there will be no regular ships available, and they must use airships.
Accompanying the release of Empire of the Skies, Anno 1800 is publishing a free Game Update which offers players quality of life improvements such as updates when interacting with neutral traders and changes to the military system.
Anno 1800 is available on the Ubisoft Store and the Epic Games Store. Empire of the Skies can be purchased as additional content, or as part of the Season 4 Pass.
Check out the trailer below:


PlayStation Starts Off Play At Home Initiative With A Lot Of Uncharted…

One of the few good things to come out of the COVID-19 pandemic is a lot of time to catch up with some digital interactive entertainment. Sony PlayStation is capitalizing on that with its Play At Home initiative, where they’re providing free games to keep the PlayStation community entertained while practising social distancing, as well as establish a fund to help smaller independent game studios facing financial difficulties. The latter is earmarked for US$10 million, with more info on it coming soon.
To kick things off, PlayStation is offering Uncharted: The Nathan Drake Collection and indie game Journey for free through digital downloads from 15th April to 5th May. Once you redeem the titles, they are yours to keep.
Just to recap, the Uncharted collection features remasters of part 1, 2, and 3. Journey pits you as a lone wanderer who can sand-surf and discover the meaning of time and life. Don’t question it; just enjoy the ride.


A Day With Malaysia’s First Esports Gold Medalist – A Picture Essay

At the recent SEA Games 2019, history was made as esports was included as a medal sport for the first time ever. Six games were selected and eight countries participated. Malaysia’s Hearthstone player Dr. Yew Weng Kean brought home the country’s first esports gold medal.
Dr. Yew “wkyew” Weng Kean showing off his SEA Games 2019 gold medal. Yew said he never expected to be Malaysia’s first esports gold medalist but once he made it into the national team, he was determined to win the tournament.
The event celebrating Dr. Yew’s victory was held at the M8Hexa Esports Hub located in Kota Warisan, Sepang. Aside from having facilities for console, mobile, and PC gaming. There’s also a pool table for customers to enjoy.
Malaysia’s Hearthstone team coach Muhammad Izzat “EzXarT” Mohamed Isa also attended to share his journey in guiding the team to victory. Hearthstone team member Hee “lalasong” Zi Song couldn’t attend due to having work in Singapore.
Dr. Yew explained that one of the most helpful decisions made during training was to hire a sport psychologist. The Youth & Sports Ministry did hire sport psychologists for the Malaysian teams but it was difficult for esports to get a hold of these personnel. So they hired former national badminton player Daphne Ng as the team’s sport psychologist.
Just like any other game played competitively, understanding the meta was crucial in bagging the Hearthstone gold medal. In preparation for the tournament, the coach and players spent hundreds of hours studying their opponents’ playstyles.
This is just the beginning of greater things to come. Dr. Yew hopes that esports players and fans in the country continue to do their best so that more gold medals will be brought home by future Malaysian esports athletes.
The Malaysian esports teams didn’t achieve their target of bringing home two golds, two silvers, and two bronzes. However, it’s more important to celebrate what we won and keep working towards our future goals.
Esports at SEA Games 2019 will forever be remembered as a historical event for the entirety of the Southeast Asian esports community. It’s the first time an event of this scale and importance occurred not only in the region but in the entire world.
For a recap of all the winners at the SEA Games 2019 Esports event, read up our full roundup here.


NYXL Denies Uprising Perfection As They Win Stage Finals Second Time in A Row

The Boston Uprising had all the momentum and intention to stamp their mark as the new big boys in the Overwatch League but the boys of New York Excelsior had other ideas. While the Uprising came into the final stage playoff on a 15-match unbeaten streak following their win over the Gladiators earlier in the day, the NYXL have been relatively quiet in Stage 3 having being outshone by the Uprising form-wise. In their most recent meet, in Stage 3 against the Uprising, the NYXL were shocked 3-2 after leading 2-1.
But in the end, the true superpower in the league remains in NYXL’s hands as they handsomely handed the Uprising their first loss in sixteen games via a 3-0 win. With that win, they have now won two stage finals back-to-back, having featured in all three of the stage finals so far. Their only loss came at the hands of the London Spitfire in Stage 1.
The MVP was surely Saebyeolbe whose precise one-clips, timely blinks and clutch recalls ensured the NYXL walked home again with $100,000 in the bag.Â  NYXL’s flexibility in rotating their starting DPS players in SBB, Libero and Pine ensured that this team remain perfect in their approaches with each player carrying off their duties flawlessly. Protected by the ever reliable Meko and Mano on tanks and supported by the league’s best support duo in Ark and Jjonak, it was hard to not root for this team to roll over the Uprising, regardless of their current form.
With the stage 3 title matches out of the way, we head into a ten-day break before the final stage kicks off on the 17th of May 2018. Here’s the current league standings:

With ten games remaining, the chance for playoff spots are closing in for several teams, mostly those middle of the pack.
The highest placed Atlantic and Pacific division teams qualify for the seasonal playoff stage. The remaining top four regardless of division will qualify as well. As it stands, NYXL and Seoul are in the playoff stage by virtue of being the highest placed team in their respective divisions. The Uprising, Spitfire, Valiant and Fusion make up the remaining four.


New Super Mario Bros. Movie Video Showcases Why Jack Black Is The Show’s MVP

Illumination has released a clip of the Super Mario Bros Movie that highlights Jack Black at his finest: voicing an evil turtle named Bowser with a groovy singing voice.
In this clip, he sings about how his character Bowser loves Princess Peach. If you know Jack Black’s Tenacious D style of singing, you know what you’re getting here: high-pitched comedic singing voice, comical lyrics, and a fun old-time for your ears. Who knew that the leader of the Koopa Kingdom could play piano so well with those giant hands and fingers?
Keep in mind that the first half of the song at 1:03 is a scene from the movie; the other half of the song consists of montages from the film.  Check out the clip below to see how Illumination preserves this part of Mario lore; the one where a giant evil turtle wants to get it on with a human princess.

If that isn’t enough, how about hearing that song in three other languages: Italian, Spanish, and French?

The Super Mario Bros Movie is out right now in the US and parts of Asia. Malaysia will be screening the movie on 20th April. We’re blessed to be one of the first Malaysian gaming publications to review the movie ahead of time; check out our review here.


Encanto Isn’t Disney’s Strongest Animated Feature, But It Is A Fun Ride

When’s the last time a Disney film has touched upon the importance of family? Since forever, of course, as the House of Mouse has touched upon the topic various times from the oddballs like Lilo & Stitch to even cult hits like A Goofy Movie. So is it any wonder why the 3D animated feature Encanto feels oddly familiar and standard despite its fantastical magic-slash-telenovela aesthetic?
The Loud House

Stop me if you’ve heard this one: Youngest girl in the Madrigal family is an outcast when compared to the rest of her sisters, mother, father, cousins, and extended family, and wishes to seek approval from the family matriarch. In this case, the Madrigal family are powered by magic gifts from a candle (and a magic door that acts as a trigger and gives them their own giant room within infinite space) and use that gift to help their homestead and village in Columbio. They can cure people with food (Julieta the mum voiced by Angie Cepeda), lift heavy objects and buildings (Luisa voiced by Jessica Darrow), grow flowers and is the seemingly perfect child (Isabella voiced by Diane Guerrero), and more.
Our outcast is the powerless Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) who finds out that the enchanted house and community they’ve built is in danger of eroding, and wishes to get to the bottom of it, while her family seems to turn against her because of this revelation. In the middle of this is the pariah uncle Bruno (John Leguizamo) who has the power to see the future, which also comes with its own baggage.
The film starts out loud and strong, with musical acts and lyrics waxed by current musical poster child Lin-Manuel “I did motherf***ing Hamilton” Miranda that feel in-touch with today’s young audience. So of course, only half the songs resonated with me in beat and tone, with my personal highlights including the one about Bruno and Isabella. The reprise of the opening tune at the climax is also a nice touch, but this is a Disney trope that’s been perfected like a tale as old as time. Everything else, from the family investigation via Mirabel and the eventual implosion all goes by like clockwork, and while it’s still a hoot to watch, it isn’t as impactful as it should be.
Bruno is a delight to watch and feel for, given his future-sight gift and curse, while the rift between Mirabel and her powered-up family does show the conflict our main protagonist is dealing with. Too bad the rest of the family only has a few moments of character development apart from having their powers define them. I think this film could benefit a bit more from a few extra minutes of development time between Mirabel and her siblings and cousin; these moments feel like drive-bys even for hour-and-a-half Disney segments.
A Proud Family

I’ll say this though: parts of the middle act and how the rift ends up being resolved in the climax is definitely noteworthy, though the latter bit gives out a mixed message when the status quo reverts Disney-style. It’s clear as day that Encanto is going for spectacle and style rather than a meaty story about family, complete with pretty obvious symbolism: Isabella and flowers, the aunty’s moody temperament matching the weather she inadvertently summons, and the shapeshifting nephew who hasn’t found himself(?) yet. Oh, and the obligatory little child addition who has the power to talk to animals for the “aww” moments and slapstick humour factor.
Jared Bush, Charise Castro Smith, and Byron Howard may not have directed a hard-hitting animated film like Zootopia (within the PG-rated spectrum), or even anything better than past 2D works. However, Encanto’s music (some of it anyway), lavish colours, and La Familia style of presentation will delight audiences of all ages, even for a few days. Just don’t expect a higher level of Disney work than usual; I suspect over time, this film isn’t going to end up as legacy-inducing as your Frozens and the aforementioned furry cop movie.
Final Score: 70/100


Monster Hunter Stories 2 Guide: Best Monsties So Far

Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin is out now and is a pretty awesome entry to the series, especially if you love turn-based RPGs with monster-collecting mechanics. While Capcom’s RPG spin-off of its money-making franchise might remind you of Pokemon, it goes further than just the collecting and monster-battling aspect once you passed the 10-hour threshold.
Here’s a quick guide on early game Monsties and how to find those eggs to hatch to get the best ones.
How To Find Monstie Eggs
You have to find Monster Dens in an area. They’re easy to spot, with grey dens being regular versions and gold being rare dens. These are randomly generated, so occasionally they’ll be very short and you immediately have the chance to grab an egg from a nest, or you’ll have to explore a little and fight off the monsters that run the den (parents or otherwise).
Finding & Hatching The Best Monsties
When you approach a nest, you’ll get up to 3 safe attempts at picking an egg. Your pal Navirou will give you a summary of the egg – light eggs are common while gold, heavy, & smelly eggs feature rare Monsties. The rainbow eggs will usually be the best of the lot.
You want to get the latter, but you only have a few chances. When you have the egg you want, you then run out of the den. And that’s it: the egg is yours.
To hatch the egg, you have to head back to your hub town/village of your choice through the course of the story. Head to the stable and talk to the felyne to hatch your spoils. Keep in mind that you’ll need to progress further in the story if you want the heavier and smellier eggs.
How To Get Rare Eggs From Dens
One way to boost your chances of getting a better quality egg is by using a Gathering Charm at the village pot and offering a Finding Prayer. Gathering Charms increase your chance of finding rare items, and the Finding Prayer raises an eggâ€™s chance of having rare genes.
Here’s a list of Monsties you’ll get.
Velocidrome

How To Get: Kayna gives you one at the start of the game.
Area Found: Hakolo Island
Field Skill: Jump
Type: Speed
Velocidromes are awesome because they give you the best field ability you’ll be using the most – jumping. It’s also pretty speedy and deals good damage; perfect to complement your basic fighting style at the start of the game.
Zamtrios

How To Get: Eggs with thin, vertical, staggered lines. They are everywhere and quite common.
Area Found: Loloska
Field Skill(s): Swim and Monster Search
Type: Technical
Having a monster with two key field skills is nice, and can also help you find monster dens for better replacements.
Nargacuga

How To Get:Â Youâ€™ll have a chance to get an egg for one immediately after a story mission. Its eggs have a pink striped tiger pattern on them. Theyâ€™re rare.
Area Found:Â Alcala
Field Skill(s):Â Stealth
Type:Â Speed
If you want to get through the game with as little conflicts as possible, use this Monstie. It has stealth, which is helpful if you want to get eggs from dens without fights.
Royal Ludroth
How To Get: Monster dens in Alcala
Area Found: Alcala
Field Skill(s): Swim
Type: Power
Need a heavy hitter who can swim and has water abilities? You should try to get this Monstie while you’re in the Alcala region.
Kecha Wacha
How To Get:Â Eggs, in particular the ones with sort of a spiked clump pattern on them.
Area Found:Â Loloska
Field Skill(s):Â Bug Search and Ivy Climb
Type:Â Technical
You need a Monstie who can climb ivy patches; this beast can do that. Kecha Wacha can also mark bugs which you’ll need for future use.
Basarios
How To Get: Youâ€™ll want a beige egg with brown tiger stripes. Iâ€™ve also only found them in Rare Dens.
Area Found:Â Alcala
Field Skill(s):Â Ground Dive and Ore & Bone Search
Type:Â Technical
Not only does Basarios has great defense, it also has the Ground Dive field skill to help you gather resources at Ground Dive spots.
Lagombi

How To Get:Â Youâ€™ll only find them in eggs. Theyâ€™ll be white with pointed splotches on them.
Area Found:Â Loloska
Field Skill(s):Â Dash and Rock Breaker
Type:Â Speed
This Monstie has decent stats for fighting as well as two key Field Skills. Dash around the map and break rocks while you’re at it to clear your paths quicker!
Monoblos

How To Get: Fight it first to obtain the egg. You can find it lying around in the west section of Alcalas.
Area Found: Alcalas
Field Skill(s): Roar
Type: Power
This is one of the few Royal Monsties you can find early in the game. Be sure you have Electric skills before tackling this beast.
So what’s next after you finish Monster Hunter Stories 2: Wings of Ruin? Here’s an endgame guide to sort you out.


We’re Getting A Left 4 Dead 3 In VR This Year [Update: Probably Not]

Update (19/1/20): Turns out the slides are just speculation on Alvin Wang Graylin’s side. Also, Valve provided an official statement that they’re “absolutely not working on anything L4D related now, and haven’t for years”. You know what they say: if it sounds too good to be true…
Original story below.
Virtual reality seems to be the in-thing for Valve, what with the announcement of Half-Life Alyx, or Half-Life 3 if you’re really clinging on for a sequel. So much so that another Valve IP will be getting the same immersive experience treatment.
According to a tweet from HTC China president Alvin Wang Graylin during a Golden V Awards ceremony in China, Left 4 Dead 3 is confirmed and will be a VR title. He stated that both Half-Life: Alyx and the new Left 4 Dead will drive consumer and triple-A studio interest when it comes to this year’s VR trends.

A few slides from my talk tonight… pic.twitter.com/bHegijjZW1
— Alvin Wang Graylin (???) (@AGraylin) January 17, 2020

So there you have it: Valve can count to “three”, if these speculations are correct. Whether these games will stick to their 2020 release windows remains to be seen. In fact, isn’t it high time we get an L4D3 trailer in a couple of weeks just for the sake of hype-building?


God Of War Director Reveals Major Plot Removed From Final Release

The narrative director behind the recent God of War reboots, Matt Sophos revealed in a podcast that Kratos was going to have a different fate in God of War Ragnarök.

Check out our God of War Ragnarök review

In a recent interview with MinnMax, the narrative director of God of War Ragnarök, Matt Sophos, discussed the fate of the main character, Kratos. In the previous instalment of the game, Kratos sees a mural of his own death, implying that it could happen in the upcoming game.
However, in Ragnarök, Kratos does not die, and Sophos was asked if the team had ever planned to actually kill him off.
Sophos revealed that there was an early version of the game’s outline in which Kratos died in the Thor fight at the beginning of the game. However, this death was not meant to be permanent, as he would have been pulled out of Hell by Atreus after a time jump of 20 years.
Sophos explained that the team eventually decided against this storyline because Kratos had already died and come back too many times in the previous games, which would make his death less emotionally impactful for players.

The current ending of the game, in which Kratos is still alive, was chosen to send a message to players that their fates are not predetermined. The game’s story is about letting go and making changes in life, which is contrary to Norse mythology’s themes of fate and prophecy.
Sophos said that they wanted to challenge the idea that everything is predetermined, and players can change their destiny if they are willing to make changes in their lives.
Kratos’ survival was also critical for the game’s message. If Kratos had died in Ragnarök, the story would have implied that he couldn’t change, which was not what the team wanted to convey. Therefore, Kratos’ survival was necessary to show that anyone can change their fate if they are willing to do so.
The narrative director of God of War Ragnarök discussed the game’s early drafts and how they decided against killing off Kratos permanently. The game’s story is about letting go and making changes, which is why Kratos’ survival was critical to the game’s message.


Ubisoft Delays Rainbow Six Extraction And Riders Republic

The second half of 2021 will be a lot less crowded, as Ubisoft has made the right decision to take its time with its games.
Rainbow Six Extraction, a Tom Clancy game featuring team-based co-op shooting and aliens, will be out in January 2022. Riders Republic, an extreme sports game featuring dirt biking and jet-powered wingsuit gliding, will instead be out on 28th October instead of 2nd September.
Here’s what Ubisoft said regarding the Rainbow Six Extraction delay:
“Our ambition with Rainbow Six Extraction is to deliver a full-fledged AAA experience that changes the way you play and think about cooperative games.
We are embracing the opportunity to take additional time to bring this vision to life in the way it deserves in January 2022. We are confident this will ensure Rainbow Six Extraction is the immersive, cooperative, and thrilling experience we set out to create, and the one you aspire to play.”
The delay may have a lot to do with the recent reception the game received from YouTubers and press.


Lupin III X Cat’s Eye CG Crossover Anime Announced For 2023

TMS Entertainment has announced its newest project which is a new cel-shaded CG crossover anime between Lupin III and Cat’s Eye aptly named “Lupin III vs. Cat’s Eye”. The anime will debut worldwide exclusively on Amazon Prime globally in 2023.
As of now, there has been no word on how long the anime will be.

The crossover is in commemoration of both the 50th anniversary of the Lupin III anime and the 40th anniversary of Tsukasa Hojo’s Cat’s Eye manga. The anime will be set in Cat’s Eye’s original 1980s time period. The Cat’s Eye sisters are again aiming to steal three paintings that once belonged to their father, but this time, Lupin is after the same catch. But the paintings will also reveal a long-buried mystery.
Kanichi Kurita and Keiko Toda both reprise their roles as Lupin III and Hitomi Kisugi, respectively.
Kobun Shizuno and Hiroyuki Seshita, who co-directed the Knights of Sidonia anime and Godzilla anime movie trilogy, will direct the crossover, with Keisuke Ide joining from the anime series Levius as assistant director and Shuji Kuzuhara most known for Pazudora penning the script.
The new anime will see both composers of the Lupin III and Cat’s Eye series Yuji Ohno and Kazuo Otani come together in this project. Leading the character design will be Levius’ original creator Haruhisa Nakata and Junko Yamanaka from Kono Oto Tomare: Sounds of Life. Naoya Tanaka and Ferdinando Patulli are credited for production design. To round up the notable members of the production team are Mitsunori Kataama as the art director, Aya Hida as the editor and Youji Shimizu as the sound director.
This will be the latest instalment to the Lupin III franchise following Lupin III Part 6 which premiered on the NTV channel in Japan in October 2021.
Tsukasa Hojo’s Cat’s Eye manga centres around three sisters who run a cafe by day, and are notorious art thieves by night. The manga ran from 1981 to 1985 and inspired two anime seasons by Tokyo Movie Shinsha. The first 36-episode season aired between 1983-1984, and the second 37-episode season aired from 1984-1985.


Guilty Gear Strive Update 1.24 Brings Crossplay & Balance Changes To The Mix

Guilty Gear Strive’s latest update for 2022 comes with a plethora of additions on 15th December for PC and PlayStation 5/PlayStation 4.
The game’s 1.24 patch brings crossplay into the fold and a slew of balance changes. That means PlayStation folks can finally fight against PC players in crossplay glory.
The rest of the patch notes are below.

General / Game Modes
Added support for cross-platform features between PlayStation 4 and PlayStation 5 versions with the Steam version.
Online matches are now possible across platforms, and you can view the rankings, replays, and creations for Combo Maker and Digital Figure of players on other platforms.
“Cross-platform features” as mentioned in this text refers to online play between PlayStation consoles and Steam.
Added an option to turn cross-platform play On or Off in Settings under System Settings. This option is set to On by default.
While set to On:
• Online Match – You will enter Rank Tower and Open Park with support for cross-platform play
• Player Match – You will be able to enter rooms with players on other platforms when the Platform is set to All during Create Room/Search Room.
While set to Off:
• Online Match – You will enter Rank Tower and Open Park exclusive to each platform
• Player Match – You will be unable to change the Platform setting from Same Platform during Create Room/Search Room
Added a Platform Icon next to Player Names.
• An icon for each platform will be displayed for any players on the same platform (including between PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 players), with another icon denoting players on a different platform.
Added a search/display filter for cross-platform to Ranking, Replay, Combo Maker, and Digital Figure.
You are able to choose between players on the same platform as you, or all players including those on other platforms.
A confirmation message will now pop up when selecting Tutorial from the main menu.
The Arcade Mode boss theme “Crawl” can now be selected as BGM.
Fixed a bug where the BGM “High Voltage” would not loop correctly.
Fixed errors with certain missions where the actual conditions required to complete the mission varied from what was displayed.
Network Mode
Added a function to Report other players. This option can be selected from the player’s R-Code.
Reported players will be evaluated from various standpoints. If they are determined to be malicious, measures such as suspending them from online play may be taken.
Do not overuse or misuse the Report function.
Please note that we cannot respond to inquiries about the contents or results of player evaluations.
Added a Mute function, which hides the Player Name and any text sent by a specific player from your screen.
The Mute function can be selected from the R-Code of the player you would like to mute. The player will not know they have been muted.
Muting a player will make the following changes to your screen display regarding the muted player:
Player Name
• If the player is on the same platform as you, it will display their ID.
• If they are on a different platform, it will display them as “GG Player.”
Text sent
• Text from the muted player will not be shown in chat bubbles or the chat log, etc.
Digital Figure and other user-created content
• You will be unable to view content from the muted player.
Match replays
• You will be unable to view replays uploaded by the muted player.
Any muted players will be automatically un-muted after shutting down the game.
Changes have been made to the in-game Block function for blocking specific players.
In addition to making matches with the blocked player impossible, it now also places restrictions on the Player Name and text sent from them, as with the Mute function.
Blocked players will remain blocked even after shutting down the game.
The names of blocked players are now displayed in red in the online lobby, member list, etc.
The names of players you follow are now displayed in blue in the member list in addition to the online lobby.
Fixed an error where an incorrect message would be displayed after surpassing the Follow limit.
Fixed an error where an incorrect message would be displayed after surpassing the Block limit.
Opponents can now be Blocked from the Results screen after a match by holding the “Block the Opponent” button.
R-Code
Reduced loading time for the R-Code top page by reading the data for each page individually when viewing another player’s R-Code.
Changed conditions for the character shown on the R-Code top page from “most wins” to “highest level.”
You can now see how many players are in the same room as you during Training Mode Matchmaking in Rank Tower or Open Park.
When entering a match, an icon now shows the connection strength with the opponent on the confirmation screen before the match.
Player Match
Fixed a bug where the spectator icon would not be displayed within the “Wait Order/Spectating” list in Player Match.
Fixed a bug where room members would not be displayed correctly when players entered a room over the player capacity simultaneously in Player Match.
Fixed a bug in Player Match where, after beginning Training Mode Matchmaking at a specific timing, the player would not enter Training Mode and could not begin matchmaking.
Rank Tower
To make it easier to match with players of the same skill level, the rule preventing players from falling below a certain floor even after repeated losses based on certain input techniques and floors previously reached has been eased.
There have been no changes to the rules for rising floors.
Added the option to skip the Rating Update sequence. This option can be turned On or Off in Settings under “Skip Rating Update sequence.”
Players can now continue to rematch up to three matches, even if their Assigned Floor changes during a set.
As before, the players will return to the room if either player selects “Quit.”
You can now select the room you would like to enter from the Floor Select screen.
You can select from rooms with other players already in them, or select a new room.
Replay Theater
Added an option to view player information from the Saved Replay screen.
Avatar
Fixed a bug where the “Figure” options’ order would sometimes change under Edit Avatar.
Battle Related
Fixed a bug where the processing load would increase when a Counter Hit occurred on high screen resolution settings in the Steam version.
The battle version has been updated from Ver. 2.03 to Ver. 2.04.
You can check the battle version in the Replay Theater, etc. Some missions in Mission Mode have been changed to reflect this.

Universal Mechanics
• Increased the amount of Tension gained when blocking attacks
• The amount gained now increases more depending on your character’s R.I.S.C. Level.
• The amount of Tension gained does not increase for the attacking character when an opponent with max R.I.S.C. Level blocks their attacks
R.I.S.C. Level
• Increased rate of R.I.S.C. Level depletion over time
• Now resets R.I.S.C. Level depletion over time
Roman Cancel
• Input timing window is now the same when performed with attack buttons (pressed simultaneously) and with the Roman Cancel button
• There is now an input buffer window when performed with the Roman Cancel button
• Fixed a bug where the Tension gauge would not deplete correctly when a Roman Cancel activated simultaneously with the super flash of certain moves
6P
• The height of the hurtbox as the attack comes out is now the same for all characters
Base Damage Scaling
• With the exception of certain moves such as Close Standing Slash, added base damage scaling for attacks that did not have it previously
• When a move with base damage scaling is the initial hit in a combo, the combo deals less damage
• This has no effect on combo damage when the move is used in the middle of a combo
Attack Level
• Attack level is an indicator for an attack’s strength. With some exceptions, P and K attacks have a low attack level, whereas HS attacks and special moves tend to have high attack levels.
• There are several benefits to a high attack level. Partial list:
— Extended knockback duration on hit
— Increased blockstun on block
— Increased Tension gauge gain on hit or block
Proximity Requirement for Attack to Connect (See Picture Below)
• When a proximity requirement is added to an attack, this means it will no longer connect unless within a defined range of the opponent’s character position
• The range of the proximity requirement depends on the attack

Tension Balance
• Tension Balance is an internal parameter that affects the amount of Tension gauge gained. The amount gained increases when your Tension Balance is high and decreases when low
• Tension balance increases when you move forward or an attack connects with the opponent and decreases when you create distance between yourself and the opponent, such as by back dashing
Negative Value
• Negative Value is an internal parameter increased by actions such as back dash or retreating movement.
• When it passes a set value, you enter the Danger state and your Tension depletes. If this state continues, you trigger a Negative Penalty

Characters
Sol Badguy
Balance Intentions
The extended range of Standing HS makes his offense using Far Standing S even more potent.
While it is now more challenging for him to get huge rewards from mid-range, the changes to Gun Flame make him better at poking from mid-range.
Standing HS
• Expanded frontal hitbox
6S
• Decreased attack level
• No longer launches opponent on grounded Counter Hit
Gun Flame
• Decreased attack startup
• Decreased active frames
• Increased movement speed of the projectile
Ky Kiske
Balance Intentions
The addition of the Guard Crush effect to Sacred Edge during Shock State and Dragon Install allows him to maintain his offense regardless of range.
Foudre Arc now creates less distance with the opponent on grounded hit, making it easier for Ky to continue his offense.
Standing HS
• Expanded frontal hitbox
Foudre Arc
• Decreased knockback on hit
Sacred Edge (During Shock State)
• Added Guard Crush effect to the final hit
May
Balance Intentions
Mr. Dolphin (Horizontal) has less recovery now when it connects with the opponent. This makes the S version less risky and the HS version more plus, making both more viable than before.
The extra distance for her forward jump also makers her aerial approaches more potent.
Forward Jump
• Increased movement distance
3K
• Increased active frames
• Reduced recovery
Jumping 2HS
• Now triggers Counter effect
Mr. Dolphin (horizontal, all versions)
• Reduced recovery on hit or block
Arisugawa Sparkle (all versions)
• Hitbox now remains after the projectile hits the ground
Axl Low
Balance Intentions
The ability to cancel standing P, crouching P and other pokes during their recovery on hit or block makes his strengths more prominent at his preferred range.
Rainwater now draws the opponent in, both increasing the reward on hit and making it possible for Axl to maintain his offense on block.
Standing P
• Can now be special canceled on hit or block until the recovery ends
Crouching P
• Can now be special canceled on hit or block until the recovery ends
Standing HS
• The opponent will now be in a crouching state on grounded Counter Hit
Jumping P
• Can now be special canceled on hit or block until the recovery ends
Jumping K
• Decreased horizontal blowback distance
Jumping D
• Now launches opponent higher, with decreased horizontal blowback
Winter Mantis
• Adjusted blowback when used as part of a combo
• Now launches opponent higher, with decreased horizontal blowback
• Added tumble effect
Snail
• Increased knockback
Rainwater
• Now draws opponent in on hit or block
• Now decreases Tension Balance
• Now increases Negative value
Chipp Zanuff
Balance Intentions
Alpha Blade (Horizontal) now sends the opponent flying towards Chipp, making it easier to land more hits.
The reduced startup for Senshuu means that it can combo from Rokusai on crouching hit, making it more rewarding depending on the situation.
6HS
• The opponent will now be in a crouching state on grounded hit
Alpha Blade (Horizontal)
• Now launches opponent higher, with increased horizontal blowback
Aerial Alpha Blade (Horizontal)
• Increased horizontal blowback distance
Senshuu
• Reduced attack startup
Potemkin
Balance Intentions
The additional range for his pokes such as Far STanding S and Standing HS improve his mid-range game. Hammer Fall also allows for more aggressive approaches as the timing Potemkin can withstand attacks is now faster.
At close range, the faster startup for F.D.B. makes it harder for the opponent to escape by jumping, meaning his core throw mix-up is more potent.
Far Standing S
• Expanded frontal hitbox
Standing HS
• Expanded frontal hitbox
Sweep
• Reduced recovery
Heat Knuckle
• Now draws the opponent in on Guard Crush
Mega Fist (Backward)
• Now decreases Tension Balance
• Now increases Negative value
Hammer Fall
• Sped up the timing when Potemkin can withstand attacks
• Expanded lower hitbox
F.D.B.
• Reduced attack startup
Faust
Balance Intentions
The increased knockback on Standing HS, Sweep, etc., allows Faust to create distance from the opponent, meaning he can use What Could This Be? more.
The reduced startup for Mix Mix Mix makes it easier to use in combos, while also making it harder for the opponent to interrupt when used in block strings.
Air Dash
• Sped up timing of the input buffer window
Crouching P
• Reduced upper hurtbox
6P
• Increased knockback
Standing HS
• Increased knockback
Sweep
• Increased knockback
Mix Mix Mix (All Versions)
• Decreased attack startup
Scarecrow (P and K Versions)
• Reduced lower hurtbox
Millia Rage
Balance Intentions
The increased attack level of Tandem Top makes it less risky for Millia to use in strings and during neutral.
She now has access to powerful mix-up in more situations, as she can cross-up the opponent using Turbo Fall even in the corner.
6K
• Reduced recovery
Standing HS
• Now bounces opponent higher, with decreased horizontal blowback
6HS
• Decreased attack startup
Sweep
• Reduced recovery
Ground Throw
• Frame Advantage and distance after a successful throw is now the same against all characters
Turbo Fall
• Millia can now move to the other side of the opponent even when they are in the corner
• Reduced hurtbox behind Millia
Tandem Top (All Versions)
• Increased attack level
Zato-1
Balance Intentions
The ability to move only Zato or only Eddie during Break the Law opens up new possibilities for strings.
The reduced hurtbox on activation of Sun Void makes it more difficult for the opponent to interrupt it when used in block strings.
6K
• Reduced recovery
• Decreased knockback
Jumping D
• Sped up the timing when Zato pauses before the attack is active
Break the Law
• Only Eddie will move now when 1 or 3 is input
• Eddie will no longer move when 7 or 9 is input
• Increased forward movement speed
• Tension Balance now decreases and Negative value increases only when moving away from opponent
Sun Void
• Reduced frontal hurtbox
Ramlethal Valentine
Balance Intentions
The additional range for Crouching HS makes it easier to go into highly damaging combos, making her more threatening at close range.
Jumping D now works better as a jump-in due to the addition of a hitbox behind Ramlethal.
As Erarlumo was a potent offensive tool from any situation, the damage and situation on hit have been reworked.
Crouching HS
• Expanded frontal hitbox
Jumping D
• Expanded hitbox and hurtbox behind Ramlethal
Erarlumo (All Versions)
• Decreased damage
Erarlumo (3rd Hit)
• The opponent can now recover after landing
Leo Whitefang
Balance Intentions
The adjustments to knockback and blowback for 6K and the increased range for Erstes Kaltes Gestober make them more viable in combos and forming strong block strings.
Sweep launching the opponent higher on hit gives Leo more of an advantage, making it easier for him to go into okizeme.
Certain Hurtboxes
• Expanded hurtbox
6K
• Decreased knockback
• Decreased horizontal knockback distance
Sweep
• Now launches the opponent higher
Erstes Kaltes Gestober
• Expanded frontal hitbox and hurtbox
Nagoriyuki
Balance Intentions
Nagoriyuki’s defense now varies with the current amount of Blood Gauge.
The damage and attack properties of his normal moves still increase the higher his Blood Gauge gets, but he now also takes heavier damage from the opponent, meaning he needs to consider any risks he takes in neutral.
His Crouching S has increased recovery as it was an exceptionally powerful poke.
Blood Gauge
• Nagoriyuki’s defense now varies with the amount of Blood Gauge
Crouching S
• Increased recovery
Far Standing S (Final Follow-up Hit)
• Reduced recovery
Standing HS
• Reduced lower hitbox
Fukyo
• Now reduces Tension Balance
• Now increases Negative value
Giovanna
Balance Intentions
Crouching HS now draws the opponent in, creating major changes in her combos. Using it with Sol Poente can lead to higher reward than before.
She has access to more powerful combos in the corner due to the new wall bounce effect for Standing HS.
Standing HS
• Now bounces the opponent higher, with decreased horizontal blowback
• Added wall bounce effect
Crouching HS
• Now draws the opponent on hit or block
Ground Throw
• Frame advantage and distance after a successful throw is now the same against all characters.
Sol Poente (All Versions)
• Reduced lower hurtbox
• Now less likely to end up behind the opponent when the first hit hits an opponent near the corner
Sol Poente (Ground)
• The first hit now launches the opponent higher, with decreased horizontal blowback
• The first hit now launches the opponent less than before when used multiple times in one combo
Anji Mito
Balance Intentions
Standing HS now launches the opponent on grounded hit, making it possible to combo from Fujin to Rin, and then go into okizeme off of Issokutobi, meaning he not only has access to more combo routes, but they also lead to better situations for him.
Nagiha gives Anji more of an advantage now due to the blowback adjustment, making it easier for him to maintain his offense.
6P
• Expanded frontal hitbox
Standing HS
• Now launches opponent on grounded hit
• Decreased horizontal blowback distance
Fuujin
• Decreased horizontal blowback distance
Nagiha after S Fuujin
• Now launches the opponent higher, with decreased horizontal blowback
I-No
Balance Intentions
She can now jump cancel the beginning of her hover-dash.
This allows her to move a greater distance forward than with a standard jump.
Combined with the reduction to Sultry Performance’s landing recover, she now ha a greater arsenal of approach options from mid-air.
Dash
• Startup can now be jump canceled
• Sped up timing when I-No can block. The timing is now the same as when canceling the startup of a faultless defense
• Fixed a bug where it was possible to Psych Burst after a dash cancel
• The motion will now be interrupted if a backwards direction has been input
Air Dash
• The motion will now be interrupted if a backwards direction has been input
Antidepressant Scale (All Versions)
• Added proximity requirement for the attack to connect
• Expanded attack hitbox on hit or block
Stroke the Big Tree
• Reduced hurtbox before movement begins
• The upper hurtbox of this attack steadily decreases as the move comes out, as before
• This change reduces the hurtbox for a set timing when it was extended too high
Sultry Performance (K and S Versions)
• Reduced landing recovery
Goldlewis Dickinson
Balance Intentions
Expanding the hitbox of Jumping HS behind Goldlewis makes it easier to connect after jumping over the opponent. This makes his pressure from close range even more potent.
Thunderbird now disappears when Goldlewis takes damage, making it more challenging to launch an aggressive approach.
Standing K
• Added stagger effect on Counter Hit
Jumping HS
• Expanded hitbox and hurtbox behind Goldlewis
Thunderbird (All Versions)
• The attack hitbox now disappears when Goldlewis takes damage
• This hit effect of the final hit now varies depending on the Security Level
Burn It Down
• Increased Number of Hits
Jack-O
Balance Intentions
Servants now fly higher and farther when hit with Crouching S. This makes it viable not only as a startng point for her offense, but also in powerful strings making use of the time difference before the attack hits.
The changes to Countdown’s launch on hit makes it easier for Jack-O to go into a combo after blocking the explosion.
Crouching S
• Changed the Servants’ trajectory when hitting them with this attack
• They will now move higher and farther
Dust Attack
• Reduced frontal hurtbox after the attack active frames end
Servants
• Fixed a bug causing unintended Servant behavior when a Servant’s hitbox touches another Servant under certain conditions
Throw Servant (All Versions)
• Added wall bounce effect
Release Servant (All Versions)
• Will now register input when the button is held down as well
Countdown (All Versions)
• Adjusted launch, increasing time when follow-up attacks are possible
Happy Chaos
Balance Intentions
Jumping D now draws the opponent in, making it easier to lead into a advantageous situation for Chaos at close range.
As 6K could be easily included in combos from any situation and was extremely powerful in maintaining offense on block, the attack startup has been increased.
It no longer hits consecutively from Crouching K, etc., meaning different moves will be needed for different situations.
6K
• Increased attack startup
• Now launches the opponent higher
6S
• Now launches the opponent higher
Jumping D
• Now draws the opponent in on hit or block
At the Ready
• Reduced recovery when activated with no Concentration
Cancel Aim
• Can now be activated with 1 or 3 inputs
Scapegoat
• Now reduces Tension Balance
• Now increases Negative value
Curse
• Now reduces Tension Balance
• Now increases Negative value
Baiken
Balance Intentions
Baiken is more of a threat at close range now, as she can more easily follow up on cross-up Youzansen mix-ups.
By expanding the hitbox explosion part of Kenjyu, it now functions better as a poke and in combos.
Tatami Gaeshi (All Versions)
• Removed usage restriction
Youzansen
• Decreased horizontal blowback distance of the later half of the active frames
Kenjyu (All Versions)
• Expanded hitbox of the explosion
Testament
Balance Intentions
Grave Reaper can now be used back-to-back, greatly improving Testament’s control over neutral.
Crouching HS now draws the opponent in, opening up new uses in combos and block strings.
Crouching HS
• Now draws the opponent in on hit or block
• Reduced launch
Grave Reaper (All Versions)
• Removed usage restriction
Grave Reaper (HS Version)
• Reduced knockback of the strike part
Nostrovia
• Increased active frames of the first and second hits
Bridget
Balance Intentions
Bridget has more opportunities to launch her opponent from neutral due to the increased projectile speed and reduced recover for Stop and Dash.
She has more potent options available after Rolling Movement connects, as the changes to the knockback and trajectory create less distance with the opponent and leave Bridget at more of an advantage.
Crouching P
• Expanded lower hitbox and hurtbox
6P
• Now causes blowback on hit when the opponent is standing
• The blowback is the same as when hitting a crouching opponent
Command Normal 4
• Expanded lower hitbox and hurtbox
Command Normal 5
• Expanded lower hitbox and hurtbox
Stop and Dash (All Versions)
• Increased damage
• Increased movement speed of projectile
• Expanded proximity requirement for the attack to connect
Stop and Dash (Grounded Versions)
• Reduced recovery
Rolling Movement (All Versions)
• Decreased knockback
• Increased descent speed on hit or block
• When activated as the yo-yo returns to Bridget, she now moves towards where the yo-yo was placed
• Fixed a bug where double jump, air dash, and air back dash could not be used under certain conditions
• Counter Hit state now ends at the same time as active frames
Starship
• Fixed a bug where the opponent would sometimes enter a blocking pose after the active frames end
Kick Start My Heart
• Expanded proximity requirement for the attack to connect
Brake
• Expanded upper hitbox
• Reduced launch, with decreased horizontal blowback
• Added tumble effect
Return of the Killing Machine (All Versions)
• Increased number of hits
Sin Kiske

Balance Intentions
There are no character specific changes for Sin, as he was released quite recently. Only the universal changes to the Tension Gauge, R.I.S.C. Level, base damage scaling, etc. apply.


Rocket League Is Now Free To Play On PC

Rejoice, Asian gamers and cheapskates thrifty purveyors of multiplayer games. Psyonix’s incredibly popular esports football car-based title Rocket League is going free-to-play soon.Â
If you played it on Steam and bought it previously, don’t fret: you can still keep playing the game in its free-to-play form and get 200+ free items out of it. These include:

All Rocket League-branded DLC released before free to play
“Est. 20XX” title that displays the year when the player first started playing Rocket League
200+ Common items upgraded to “Legacy” quality
Golden Cosmos Boost
Dieci-Oro Wheels
Huntress Player Banner

If you’re new to the game, you’ll need to pick up your copy from Epic Games Store. So far, the F2P deal has been the biggest change for the game since Psyonix was bought by Epic. It’s been 5 years on the PC market, so a competitive game like Rocket League going free-to-play makes sense in prolonging its longevity (ala Team Fortress 2). The Epic Games exclusivity may make it kind of a black sheep among PC gamers, but hopefully that backlash will subside.


Check Out These Sweet Ghost of Tsushima Stats From Its First 10 Days

It’s been a couple of weeks since the last PS4 exclusive that mattered dropped onto store shelves. So far, Ghost of Tsushima has been well-received and judging by these recent stats from PlayStation, it’s warranted.
For the first 10 days since the game’s release, the numbers are as follows:

57.5 million duels,
156.4 million standoffs initiated,
139.4 million enemies collapsed in fear (god bless the Ghost armour),
810.3 years worth of time on horseback,
16.2 million onsen visited,
14.2 million haikus written (even though they weren’t invented at that time period, but whatever),
28.1 million flute songs played,
8.8 million foxes petted,
17.1 million bamboo strikes completed,
37.5 million inari shrines honoured,
15.5 million photos taken.

Impressive! That’s pretty much all we can say.

In case you missed it, Ghost of Tsushima is the third game so far on Kakuchopurei that received the coveted 100/100 score. Read our full review to see why it’s such a big deal.


The Biggest-Ever Malaysian PUBG Tournament Is Happening This Weekend

The South East Asia Majors 2018 isn’t the only monumental esports event happening this weekend. Not to be outdone by Singapore, organizers Geek Events will be hosting a Malaysian-based PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds -or PUBG to the rest of the planet- mass tournament at Battle Arena Malaysia this weekend.
Hope you love to watch pro players take cover and shoot lots of survivalists wielding frying pans and inane dress sense.Â Details for this official event are below:
Date: 13th and 14th October
Venue: Battle Arena Malaysia, Jaya Shopping Centre (Lot 5-08, Jaya Shopping Centre, 26A, Jalan 14/17, Seksyen 14, 46100 Petaling Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia)
Livestream Link:Â https://www.twitch.tv/geekevents
Prize Pool: RM30,000
Teams: Geek Fam, Stadium Fighter Yolo, S2 Warrior, Hornet Gaming, Stryve Gaming, Bad, Lapar Esports, O.N.E, Quacker, Best Made Warriors, MuchMore Gaming, Cxon, Genius Team, Infinity Gaming, Resurgence, MBP MinumKopiJap, FFG Elite, SilverWolves, Gaventure, Extense Gaming.

That is a heckaton of teams fighting for battle royale supremacy. Geek Events were not kidding about the tourney’s size. Apart from winning the prize pool, the top 3 winning teams of the finals will be sent to Bangkok, Thailand to represent their countries in another official PUBG Corp tournament with a US$100,000 prize pool.
If you still have a heart out for PUBG, do check it out this weekend!


Watch The Incredibly Anime Opening Of Scarlet Nexus

Bandai Namco just revealed the opening animation of its upcoming anime action RPG Scarlet Nexus, and it’s as anime as it can possibly be.
Character teasers during the OP song’s verses? Check. Action bits in the chorus? Check. Both the game’s heroes Yuito and Kasane fighting each other for a few seconds? Check.

The animation is done by Sunrise while the song is “Dream in Drive” by Japanese rock band The Oral Cigarettes. Whether the game will stick to anime tropes or not, we’ll have to find out when Scarlet Nexus comes out 25th June for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.


This New Nippon Ichi JRPG Lets You Stack Up Your Party Like Reverse Jenga

If you recall the Disgaea series, that crazy turn-based strategy RPG from developer Nippon Ichi, you can stack your teammates atop each other to form a devastating killing machine. Feeling like they can top that idea, the devs announced a new 2D action JRPG that makes this mechanic its sole focus.
The new game is called Lapis Labyrinth (or Lapis Re Abyss in Japan), and it’s due for the PS4 and Nintendo Switch later this year on 29 November in Japan. The gist is this: you pick up to four party members of different classes, you assign one of them as the leader, have the remaining three get stacked atop your head, and use them as assists when you’re out dungeoneering in 2D glory.
Apparently, in the game’s lore, the stacking technique is called DANGO and it’s a long-lost technique buried in time.

This style of fighting, in which party members become heads stacked on top of the leader, is a secret battle technique formulated during the Great War of the Old World. In this world, it is called “DANGO”.
Sure.
If certain parameters are met, you can even simultaneously use all of your stacked heroes for maximum damage and support. Build up the game’s equivalent of a Super meter, and you can enter Fever mode which nets you extra jewels that is tradable for loot and temporary power-ups.
Sounds pretty fun, if a tad shallow and simplistic. But no matter: the game’s cute 2D artwork and aesthetics are sure to draw in the anime-loving crowd. Check out the madness below, both in video and screenshot form, along with the game’s official description.
A small village in a small kingdom has been hit with some tough financial times, thankfully they are sitting on a whole trove of treasure! Dive into the Labyrinth atop a forest that shimmers like gold in search of beaucoup bucks with your customized crew of adventurers! Using the creative stacking mechanic you can flip between up to 4 adventurers on the fly and deploy their individual attacks while keeping them all on top of your head!


World Of Warships Runs Campaign To Restore World War 2 Submarine

Wargaming‘s popular naval warfare MMO World Of Warships is raising funds in a campaign to save and restore a real-life submarine from World War 2, the USS Batfish. The legendary relic played a vital role in the conflict, sinking a total of 15 Japanese ships and 3 Japanese submarines in just 76 hours.
Why does this submarine need to be saved? According to MMOGames, it currently resides at the Muskogee War Memorial Park in Oklahoma, where horrible floods have recently been happening, nearly sweeping the entire submarine away at one point.
The USS Batfish after the floods hit.
The Friends of the Muskogee War Memorial Park are looking to raise US$150,000 in order to relocate the submarine to a safer home and restore it so that tours and overnight experiences can be conducted in it.
World Of Warships is participating in the campaign by selling an in-game package, where players can donate US$10 to support the USS Batfish’s restoration and receive a token of appreciation, which includes eight Dragon Flags and a combat patch inspired by the patch worn by those who served on the USS Batfish.
100 percent of the sales will go to the Muskogee War Memorial Park. In addition, World Of Warships will host a charity stream on Twitch on 22 November 2019, where viewers can learn more about the historic submarine.
The USS Batfish isn’t the first historical war machine Wargaming has worked to save. That distinction goes to the ship USS Texas, for which the publisher/developer managed to raise a total of US$300,000.
Even if you don’t play World Of Warships, you can still donate to save the USS Batfish by heading to this website.


Oscars Fan Favourite Poll Has Cinderella Leading Above Spider-Man No Way Home

In the past few years, the Academy Awards (or Oscars) have been suffering from their lowest ratings in a while, so what do they do to remedy that? Team up with Twitter and introduce a new unofficial category for the ceremony: the Oscars Fan Favourite award.
Basically, fans can now vote on Twitter for their favourite film of the year and the movie with the most votes will be announced at this yearâ€™s ceremony. Some may assume that either Spider-Man No Way Home or Justice League Snyder Cut would be a no-brainer for this award. However, a report from Deadline indicates that that might not be the case.
In a weird twist, Cinderella is seemingly leading the Twitter polls. I’m honestly not surprised, with the absurd number of trolls out there on social media. Why do I say that? The movie, which is streaming on Amazon Prime and stars singer Camilla Cabello in the starring role, currently has a 43 percent critics rating and 60 percent audience rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Take that as you will.
The 94th Academy Awards or Oscars will take place at 8 am GMT+8 on 28 March 2022.


Square Enix To Release Xenogears Maria & Chu-Chu Figures

Continuing the tradition of creating action figures and toys of long-dead 90s JRPG properties, Square Enix is still milking the Xenogears train in that regard.
The latest offering is Maria Balthasar and Chu-Chu, who are part of the Bring Arts line of figures. Both characters are included in one set, with the price tag being roughly US$123. Check out the pictures below, featuring Maria’s lovely locks and Chu-Chu’s pink-and-white coating.

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— ??????????? e-STORE (@SQEX_eSTORE) February 13, 2023

You can preorder the 2-in-1 set here. They’ll be out on 23 December, 2023. For more Xenogears merch, you can get the Xenogears OST remix chill and EDM albums here (among other JRPG remixes).


Here’s Your First Look At Netflix’s Samurai Rabbit The Usagi Chronicles

At Comic-Con At Home 2021, Netflix and Gaumont Animation have given us our first look at Samurai Rabbit The Usagi Chronicles, which is the official name for the new animated series based on Stan Sakai’s Usagi Yojimbo comics. It was originally announced back in 2020.
The comic book series is set primarily at the beginning of the Edo period of Japanese history and features anthropomorphic animals replacing humans. The main character is a rabbit rÅnin, Miyamoto Usagi, whom Sakai based partially on the famous swordsman Miyamoto Musashi. He wanders the land on a musha shugyÅ (warriorâ€™s pilgrimage), occasionally selling his services as a bodyguard.
Netflix’s Samurai Rabbit The Usagi Chronicles will be a follow-up of sorts to the Usagi Yojimbo comics. It will feature the teenage Rabbit Samurai Yuichi Usagi, a descendent of the great warrior Miyamoto Usagi, in a futuristic 26th-century Japan. In his quest to free Neo Edo from the dangerous Yoki, he will be joined by his trusted Tokage named Spot, the brash rhino bounty hunter Gen, the fun-loving fox thief Kitsune, and the serious cat ninja Chizo.
Fans will appreciate that all of the others characters are also descendants of the classic heroes of Usagi Yojimbo.

The official synopsis reads:
“[Samurai Rabbit: The Usagi Chronicles] follows the teenage Rabbit Samurai Yuichi, descendent of the great warrior Miyamoto Usagi, on his epic quest to become a true samurai.
But he isnâ€™t alone!
He leads a ragtag team of misfit heroes â€“ including a roguish bounty hunter, a cunning ninja, an acrobatic pickpocket and a faithful pet lizard â€“ as he battles depth-charging moles, metal-tipped winged bats, and monsters from another dimension, all in the pursuit to become the best samurai Usagi!”
James Wan is serving as executive producer for the animated series, and Sakai himself is involved with the development of the show, providingÂ input and approval for everything in the finished product from design to voice actors.
According to showrunners Doug and Candie Langdale, Samurai Rabbit The Usagi Chronicles will be a character-driven story similar to that of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles back in the â€™80s and â€™90s, as well as inspired by the Hong Kong action comedies of Jackie Chan and Stephen Chow.
For those not fond of the series’ 3D CGI visuals, the showrunners have confirmed that flashbacks will be animated in traditional 2D. There is no release date yet for the upcoming animated series.