Xbox Announces Official Wireless Headset For Your Xbox Series Next-Gen/PC Gaming

If you’re hankering for a wireless headset to use for your new Xbox Series X|S console, Microsoft has got you covered.
Xbox announces its official Xbox Wireless Headset which delivers “best-in-class audio and chat performance, outstanding design and comfort, and unique experiences that are tailored for each gamer”.

Here’s the breakdown:

Supports Windows Sonic, Dolby Atmos, and DTS Headphone: X for “audio precision”.
Dual beamforming microphone elements that focus on speech audio vs. surrounding sound, as well as voice isolation.
Lightweight headphone design, ultra-soft large earcups made of polyurethane leather, meaning it’ll be comfortable to wear.
Supports Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, and Windows 10 PCs, as well as connects to mobile devices via Bluetooth.
Lets you customize audio settings and controls via the Xbox Accessories app on supported devices.
15-hour battery life; 30 minutes of charging will provide it 4 hours of battery life.

How much for this, you may ask? The Xbox Wireless Headset will cost you US$99.99 and will be available on 16th March. It looks great from these shots & the accompanying promo video, but the real test is how it feels and how it’ll hang onto our ears and head, and whether it’ll be super-comfortable for 8-hours of [insert favourite FPS multiplayer game].
Me? I’m always keeping an eye out for upcoming cans to hear gaming and music audio from; let’s hope these deliver when they arrive this March.


Dr. Mario World Is Coming To Mobile Devices Next Month

Nintendo has announced that Dr. Mario World will be launching for Android and iOS mobile devices next month on 10 July 2019. It is set to be a free-to-play game but will include in-app purchases like capsules to replenish the player’s stamina meter to continue playing without having to wait, and other in-game items.
Dr. Mario World is basically a mobile version of the original 1990 action puzzle game, where players have to match capsules with viruses in the form of falling blocks, similar to titles like Tetris.
According to the official website, there will be “hundreds of stages over many different worlds need saving, with new worlds coming on a regular basis”, but only five at launch. There will also be a versus mode, where players can face off against other players in 1v1 matches.
In the meantime, check out the trailer below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8b4DNKfs_tU&w=560&h=315]


[Report] Sony’s Answer To Xbox Game Pass Will Be Announced “As Early As Next Week”

A Bloomberg report has revealed that Sony’s game subscription service, codenamed Spartacus, will be revealed as early as next week.
Spartacus is supposed to be Sony Interactive Entertainment’s answer to Microsoft’s Xbox Game Pass, featuring a “splashy lineup of hit games from recent years”. Spartacus will be a combination of PlayStation Now and PlayStation Plus, allowing customers to choose from multiple tiers offering catalogs of modern games and classic titles from older PlayStation eras.
The highest tier will allow players to check out extended game demos and the ability to stream games online. The PlayStation service may not offer the same “all new titles on same day” feature like Xbox Game Pass though. Guess we’ll have to wait and see how the internet reacts to this next week, provided the report comes true. Still, it is nice that old PS1 and PS2 titles can see the light of day on new hardware like the PS4 and the ever-elusive PS5.


Avatar: The Last Airbender – Quest for Balance Coming To PC and Consoles This Fall

We’re returning to the Nickelodeon game adaptation well, as the Avatar series is getting a game after so many years.
Publisher GameMill Entertainment and developer Bamtang Games have announced Avatar: The Last Airbender – Quest for Balance for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Switch, and PC. The game will launch this Fall.
The game is an action-adventure game with both solo and two-player local or online cooperative play, with nine playable characters to choose from including your favourites such as Aang, Toph, Sokka and Katara.
If you’re a fan of the original series, then you can relive your favourite moments from the show throughout any of the 18 chapters, with themed puzzles scattered throughout that focus on the four elements of Earth, Wind, Fire and Water. Every side quest and the interaction between characters and all the upgrades are also based on the series and will fully immerse you in the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender.
You can take a step into the world of Avatar: The Last Airbender: Quest for Balance by watching the reveal trailer below!


A Special Netflix Global Event Will Let You Spend Time With Your Fave Stars Next Month

TUDUM on Netflix.
What’s that? You know it when you hear it – you just rarely see it spelt out. TUDUM is the first beat you hear when you watch a show or movie on Netflix. And it’s the inspiration behind the upcoming inaugural TUDUM A Netflix Global Fan Event.
On 25 September 2021, the biggest stars and creators from around the world – representing over 70 series, films and specials – will join the virtual stage for this exciting day full of exclusives and first-looks.
TUDUM A Netflix Global Fan Event: How To Watch

The TUDUM A Netflix Global Fan Event virtual live-stream event begins at 12am GMT+8 on 26 September 2021. The event will be broadcast across Netflixâ€™s YouTube channels worldwide, in addition to Twitter and Twitch.
There will be special pre-shows spotlighting Korean and Indian series and films along with exciting anime content that will kick off at 8 pm GMT+8 on 25 September 2021 on specific channels.
TUDUM A Netflix Global Fan Event: What To Expect

Over 70 films and series will be featured throughout the three-hour TUDUM event – including some of our most popular returning seasons like Stranger Things, Bridgerton and The Witcher, to La Casa De Papel and Cobra Kai, as well as blockbuster films like Red Notice, Donâ€™t Look Up, Extraction, The Harder They Fall, The Old Guard and more.
Fans will be the first to hear the breaking news and see first looks, new trailers and exclusive clips during interactive panels and conversations with the creators and stars from Netflix, including:

Aggretsuko/ ã‚¢ã‚°ãƒ¬ãƒƒã‚·ãƒ–çƒˆå
A Whisker Away / æ³£ããŸã„ç§ã¯çŒ«ã‚’ã‹ã¶ã‚‹
A TravÃ©s De Mi Ventana
Arcane
Army of Thieves
Black Crab
Big Mouth
Bridgerton
Bright: Samurai Soul / ãƒ–ãƒ©ã‚¤ãƒˆ: ã‚µãƒ ãƒ©ã‚¤ã‚½ã‚¦ãƒ«
Bruised
The Chestnut Man
Cobra Kai
Colin in Black and White
Cowboy Bebop
The Crown
De Volta Aos 15
Donâ€™t Look Up
Emily in Paris
ExtractionÂ
Finding Anamika
Floor is Lava
The Harder They Fall
Hellbound / ì§€ì˜¥
HeeramandiÂ
Human Resources
Interceptor
Inside Job
La Casa De PapelÂ
The Old Guard
Oscuro Deseo
Ozark
Maldivas
My Name / ë§ˆì´ ë„¤ìž„
New World / ì‹ ì„¸ê³„ë¡œë¶€í„°
Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon Eternal The Movie / åŠ‡å ´ç‰ˆç¾Žå°‘å¥³æˆ¦å£«ã‚»ãƒ¼ãƒ©ãƒ¼ãƒ ãƒ¼ãƒ³Eternal: å‰ç·¨ãƒ»å¾Œç·¨
Rebelde
Ritmo Salvaje
Red Notice
The Sandman
Sex Education
The Silent Sea / ê³ ìš”ì˜ ë°”ë‹¤
Soy Georgina
Stranger Things
Super Crooks / ã‚¹ãƒ¼ãƒ‘ãƒ¼ãƒ»ã‚¯ãƒ«ãƒƒã‚¯ã‚¹
ULTRAMAN
The Umbrella Academy
Vikings: Valhalla
The Witcher
The Witcher: Blood Origin
Young, Famous and African

TUDUM A Netflix Global Fan Event: How To Co-Stream

Fans are invited to co-stream and react to the TUDUM event in real-time on their Facebook, Twitch or YouTube channels. Check out this guide on how to co-stream on Twitch. You can sign up to co-stream on TUDUM.com.
You can also visit the official website TUDUM.com for the latest news and information.
In the meantime, check out the trailer below:


Lost Soul Aside Is A New Hack-And-Slash RPG From China

The PlayStation China Hero Project Twitter has revealed the first game under its wing: the action RPG Lost Soul Aside.
This new title, which made its debut back in 2016 by Chinese dev Yang Bing, is now part of Sony’s China Hero Project and is being made by a 30-people team called Ultizero Games. The game is in development for PS4, but the 18-minute gameplay below is shown running on PS5 specs.
And damn, it’s looking pretty sharp and action-packed. It’s basically an edgelord protagonist kicking alien butt in glorious Devil May Cry/Bayonetta fashion.

There’s no release date as of yet for Lost Soul Aside, but I’m looking forward to seeing more of this. Plus, the game’s music is by Resident Evil 2/Devil May Cry 5 composer Cody Matthew Johnson.

Thrilled to announce Im writing music for @Lost_Soul_Aside @UltiZeroGames the new gameplay reveal features a bunch of my music in the combat sequences! #LostSoulAside
The development team has been a dream to collaborate with & I cant wait to share more!https://t.co/LyTSGeWJ01
— Cody Matthew Johnson ? (@codymatthewj) April 27, 2021


[Rumour] Legacy of Kain Remaster To Be Announced This 2021

Before Marvel’s Avengers and Tomb Raider games, Crystal Dynamics is known for a classic action-adventure dark fantasy series: the Legacy of Kain titles. More specifically, the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver titles.
There’s a bit of rumour going about that a remaster of the first Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver game might be announced for 2021. According to Shpeshal Nick from Xbox Era podcast, this rumour is from the same source that talked about a reboot to id Software’s Quake franchise. Apart from that, nothing else.

(Rumor) Shpeshal Nick from XboxEra podcast say that there is a Legacy of  Kane: Soul Reaver Remaster is in the works. He's not 100% sure if it's a remake or remaster. It should be announced this year. ??
Source:https://t.co/QU9u3bm08d pic.twitter.com/91dFVoDBb6
— Idle Sloth?? (@IdleSloth84) June 26, 2021

Since this announcement will be made on a major games show, the Legacy of Kain: Soul Reaver remaster will either be revealed on Gamescom or The Game Awards. Fingers crossed, though take it with a grain of salt.
Back in 2016, a multiplayer vampire game called Nosgoth was announced and was based on the Legacy of Kain universe, though it was cancelled. There’s also some news about the cancelled Legacy of Kain: Dead Sun game from Climax Studios. Since then, nothing. So this bit of remastering news should be something long-time fans can hope for. But will there be a follow-up to Legacy of Kain: Defiance? Well, we’ll have to find out what Amy Hennig is up to, since she got her start with the first Soul Reaver game.


Overwatch 2 Leaks Gives Us Potential Look At The Long-Awaited Junker Queen

An Overwatch 2 leak might have revealed some potential details on a new hero, Junker Queen, a long-requested character since the addition of the map Junker Town.
Félix ‘Féfé’ Münch, former Overwatch League coach, showed some leaked images which could be what Junker Queen’s ability icons could look like. This was sent in by a viewer, but he claims this to be a reliable source so take it with a grain of salt. Jeff Kaplan, former Overwatch game director, already said they had big plans for the character in the past. Even after his departure from the studio it looks like the queen herself could still make her way into the game.

Although Sojourn is the only confirmed character for the closed beta later this month, this could be our first glimpse at a post-beta hero. The queen has been hinted at for a long time and according to the leak it seems she’s going to be a close-quarters focused character. The leak showed us what her ability icons could look like which were translated from French.
Her primary weapon is apparently a shotgun called the “Scattergun” along with a sword which she can deal bleeding damage while throwing it like a boomerang. Her three other abilities are called battle cry, carnage and the ultimate, rampage.

A sort of shotgun called the Scattergun (this may resemble the scout’s weapon in TF2).

A sword like melee weapon which has a bleeding effect on it every time it is used dealing damage over time and an ability where it acts like a boomerang, you throw it, and can call it back hitting any enemy that is on its way.

A “rallying call” or “battle cry” ability that buffs herself and allies. It gives her an additional 200 hp and her allies an additional 100 hp. It also gives a 30% speed buff but it is unclear whether this is applied only to herself or also to allies.

A “carnage” ability that deals damage to all enemies in front of her with a bleeding effect (so damage over time)
An “adrenaline shot” passive ability that cures any damage caused by bleeding (may also be expanded to fire (dynamite) or poison (venom mine) damage). This might potentially be a conversion from bleeding damage to hp, as the translation appears to be a bit muddled.

A “rampage” ultimate where she charges in front of her dealing anti-healing (like anti-nade it seems) to enemies all the while healing herself.

This hero could either be a tank or support which Münch thinks will be a tank. It’s also possible that her class and kit will change before she’s added to the game so it’s not clear what role Junker Queen will be.
Here’s hoping we get more info on the character moving forward after the Overwatch 2 beta goes live on April 26. In case you missed it, some concept art have revealed more details on the possible features for the sequel.


Indonesian Adventure A Space For The Unbound Will Be Out Next January

After quite a publisher-related kerfuffle, Mojiken Studios’ upcoming adventure game will finally come out next year.
A Space For The Unbound, the Indonesian-made adventure title, will be out on 19th January 2023 for PC, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. The game will be published by Chorus Worldwide Games and Toge Productions after the two have rescued Mojiken from the recent PQube publisher issues where the latter took grant money from the former.

The game takes place in rural 80s Indonesia and features young couples, retro life, mind-reading, and fantasy elements. Oh, and lovely pixel art for the eyes. This particular title has been sought after by a good number of indie gaming aficionados, so it’s good to finally see this coming to light in a few months.


Cars On The Road Has Unexpected Adult References & Is Fun For Everyone

Despite not being their most critically acclaimed franchise, Disney Pixar’s Cars is one of their most popular franchises in terms of the number of sequels and spinoffs (there are three feature films and two spinoff films, not to mention all the other spinoff series). Cars On The Road is the latest spinoff series, which takes place after the events of 2017’s Cars 3.
Lightning & Mater On A Road Trip
FRIGHTENING FOR LIGHTNING – Disney and Pixar’s all-new original series “Cars on the Road” follows best friends Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) on a cross-country road trip where every stop is its own adventure—including a stay at a creepy hotel where Lightning is haunted by four-wheeled frights and gear-shifting ghouls. All nine episodes of “Cars on the Road” begin streaming on Disney+ Day, Sept. 8, only on Disney+. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
The series follows Lightning McQueen and his best friend Mater on a cross-country road trip across the United States as they journey eastward to attend a wedding for Mater’s sister. The episodes will depict the characters in various scenarios, for example, them being chased by dinosaur-like cars. It will be set in new locations with a multitude of new characters, including their new friend Ivy, a monster truck who travels with them, as well as feature returns of the already established characters from the franchise.
However, you don’t need to have watched any of the movies or other spinoffs to enjoy Cars On The Road, though I’d still recommend at least having watched the 2006 Cars movie to understand how Lightning and Mater became friends in the first place. There are nine episodes in Cars On The Road Season 1 and each episode is short but sweet; only 6 to 10 minutes each. Yeah, you can pretty much finish the first season of Cars On The Road in one sitting if you want to.
Still, Cars On The Road is worth watching despite being so brief. There’s not much to spoil, but each episode is hilarious. I was genuinely surprised by how much I enjoyed Cars On The Road. In my interview with the Cars On The Road directors, they mentioned that they made the series with adults in mind as well, including stories that would appeal to older viewers just as much as younger ones. I definitely agree, and I loved how every episode has a theme or gimmick.
PREHISTORIC PURSUIT – Disney and Pixar’s all-new original series “Cars on the Road” follows best friends Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) on a cross-country road trip where every stop is its own adventure—including a pulse-pounding dino park visit. All nine episodes of “Cars on the Road” begin streaming on Disney+ Day, Sept. 8, only on Disney+. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
The possibilities are endless because Lightning and Mater could encounter anything on their road trip. One episode features a haunted house theme, while another has a mysterious monster in the woods. One episode is a musical while another has car dinosaurs (a notion so outrageous that you can’t help but laugh). The best episodes are those in which the writers go crazy with their ideas. I would never have expected to see The Shining, Mad Max and sci-fi B-movie references in a Cars spinoff series but that’s exactly what we’re getting with Cars On The Road, and the reason why adults will also enjoy the humour.
Also, look out for the little post-credit scenes. Not all episodes have them, but they can be hilarious. Last but not least, it’s great having Owen Wilson and Larry The Cable Guy reprising their roles as Lightning McQueen and Mater, respectively. Despite what you may think about the quality of the Cars movies, they’re the ones who have been carrying the franchise ever since the first movie, and almost two decades on, they’re still voicing their characters with pomp and enthusiasm.
A Fun Time
ZOM-BEEPS – In Disney and Pixar’s all-new original series “Cars on the Road,” best friends Lightning McQueen (voice of Owen Wilson) and Mater (voice of Larry the Cable Guy) head east on a cross-country road trip and stumble onto a movie set where they’re cast in a zombie sci-fi film. All nine episodes of “Cars on the Road” begin streaming on Disney+ Day, Sept. 8, only on Disney+. © 2022 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.
All nine episodes of Cars On The Road Season 1 translates to a runtime of only an hour plus, but it’s worth checking out for the fun, humour and references (The Shining, Mad Max, etc.). A second season couldn’t come any sooner.
FINAL SCORE: 80/100
We received an early screener of Cars On The Road courtesy of Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia. Cars On The Road is slated to premiere on 8 September 2022 on Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia.


Big Chungus Will Be Added In A Looney Tunes Video Game

The Looney Tunes turn-based RPG gacha mobile game, Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem, will be getting a hefty addition this April.
That’s right: the meme-tastic Big Chungus will be making his debut this April.

Your world may not be ready for him.But our World of Mayhem is. pic.twitter.com/0MxoCrYrun
— Looney Tunes World of Mayhem (@LooneyTunesWoM) March 29, 2021

Big Chungus is a Legendary minion and his associated event Chungabunga runs from 2nd to 6th April. During the event, you search for Big Chungus Eggs and coins to exchange them for pieces of legendary characters, much like any gacha game because it loves to put its player base in a grind.
Here’s the official update news:

This event is actually happening. Fasten your seat belts, folks, this is going to be a BIG one.
Type of event:Â New event + new toon
Main Toon: Big Chungus
Rarity: Legendary
Other featured Toons:Â Petunia Pig, Sam Sheepdog, Foghorn Leghorn, Granny, Egghead Jr, Porky Pig, Henery Hawk, The Mighty Angelo, Bugs Bunny, Miss Prissy, and Chef Porky.

If you’re wondering what Looney Tunes: World of Mayhem is, imagine your typical turn-based mobile RPG title based on an anime, but with Looney Tunes. Instead of spells, you use mallets and oversized ACME tools to defeat your foes. You can generally copy & paste any franchise or IP onto this template, but Warner Bros here owns Bugs Bunny and Big Chungus, so they have free reign to put them in their game.
Here are some Big Chungus memes to fill out the rest of this fluffy story.


Apple ID Users Can No Longer Sign Into Fortnite After Tomorrow

Last month, Epic GamesÂ announcedÂ that Apple is terminating Epic Games developer accounts and cutting Epic Games off from its Mac and iOS development tools starting from 28 August 2020, effecting renderingÂ FortniteÂ unplayable on iOS platforms.
Now, the war continues with yet another development.
Epic Games has announced that Fortnite players wonâ€™t be able to sign into their Epic Games accounts using their Apple ID after 11 September 2020.

Apple will no longer allow users to sign into Epic Games accounts using “Sign In with Apple” as soon as September 11, 2020. If you used “Sign In with Apple”, please make sure your email and password are up to date. https://t.co/4XZX5g0eaf— Epic Games Store (@EpicGames) September 9, 2020

To maintain access to their accounts, Epic is advising players who previously signed up with their Apple IDs to update their accounts with their current email and password.
However, even for those who donâ€™t make these changes before 11 September 2020, Epic has a means of recovering account access through email, according to the official support page.
The next scheduled court date for Apple vs Epic Games will be on 28 September 2020.


Remembering The PlayStation Vita

This mid-February was a milestone for PlayStation. It was the release of their follow up to the PlayStation Portable console, the PlayStation Vita.
Technically it was December 2011 since it came out in Japan first. I should know;Â I opened the damn thing for all to see. But I just did a quick wiki search and figured let’s just stick to the date where a shit ton of launch games came out.

Point is, the Vita should have succeeded. It should have learned what worked and what didn’t work with the PSP and its moderate success outside of Japan. The PSP did well in Asia but not so much outside of that region. So it should be a shoe-in considering that the PS Vita is powerful, sexier, and had comparable IPs that can work on the go, right?
Alas, it wasn’t meant to be. The Nintendo 3DS came out earlier during that year and kicked its ass. Of course, Sony’s hubris and misplaced confidence in its handheld was also its undoing.
From my personal experience, the PS Vita was a loveable dark horse that deserved better. Here’s what the PS Vita did right.
-It was just sleek and sexy. The PS Vita was the kind of gaming device that I can show off to people. Yes, there were mobile phones and mobile gaming at the time, but the PS Vita had an OLED super clear-as-hell touchscreen, great set of buttons, two analog sticks, and the potential to play good-looking games on the go. That design is so slim and pocket-sized, and yet its tiny buttons were good to the touch.
-It had a great library of games. Thanks to the Vita, we get gems like Soul Sacrifice, Tearaway, that pretty OK Uncharted game, Ys: Memories of Celceta, Persona 4 Golden, Lumines: Electronic Symphony, Guacamelee, a portable version of Dragon’s Crown and Spelunky, and my personal favourite, Gravity Rush/Daze. I fell in love when I saw it in an E3 a long time ago, and I still love the game series to death still.

Here’s where it flopped. Hard.
-It overestimated itself. Yes, the games here look a ton better than what the 3DS offered, but it’s not as comparable to a home console at all.
-It had a limited library of games.Â  Just because your platform had a quality library, it doesn’t mean that you’re all set. There weren’t enough variety of games for the PS Vita and even if it had heavy hitters like an Uncharted and Killzone game, it wasn’t noteworthy enough to make PS3 owners forsake their home console for the PS Vita.
The PS Vita TV add-on and the whole crossplay schtick with the PS3 made things easier, but it was too little too late.
-It did the whole Sony propriety thing.Â Sony decided to gouge customer bank accounts by forcing them to use proprietary memory cards, then jacking up the prices to obscene levels. (A 32GB Vita memory card retails for $100; standard 32GB SDHC memory cards cost $18). These costs add up to an exorbitant amount and made people see the ill side of Sony’s business strategy with the portable.

On that note, Nintendo should stop it with their current home/portable console and its overpricing of its first-party peripherals.
-Its message is all wrong. The PS Vita touted itself as “console-quality gaming” portable experience. And while the Uncharted and Resistance games were fine on the console, they were certainly not “console-quality” material. When you use such taglines, your expectations are multiplied tenfold. You better back your statements up lest you get knocked down quick like a house of cards crumbling all over Kevin Spacey’s career.
-It had mobile gaming to contend with. The biggest elephant in the room. When it wasn’t going head-to-head with the 3DS, it was fighting against Apple and Android devices.
They had free disposable time-wasters. Sony had a pricey handheld with pricey peripherals and pricey games. How else could it win this war without a proper marketing spiel and faith from its creators, while also changing the mindset of people expecting their mobile games to be free and easy?
I was probably one of the few who used the “near” app.
But what’s done is done. The PS Vita failed many and it’s more or less an afterthought at this point, but it touched many a gamer’s hearts and minds because it tried hard, dammit. Where else at the time could you play Spelunky or a gravity-flipping French comic-inspired adventure game while you’re on the MRT or LRT? Nowhere else but on the PS Vita. And despite not having first-party support, third-party companies like Atlus and Falcom are still making games for it. So hooray for that if you’re still holding on to it.
I would make a farewell toast to the PS Vita, except it hasn’t been discontinued yet. Instead, I’ll give it a toast for some semblance of good health. May it not be forgotten when it faces eventual oblivion. Even on Twitter.

Sorry I was going to tweet something earlier about the PS Vita’s 6th birthday, but I completely forgot about it. https://t.co/IiQy1JHX0D
— Ex-CEO Kaz Hirai (@KazHiraiCEO) February 15, 2018


Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege Adds The Emerald Plains Map

Ubisoft has announced that Emerald Plains, the first new map added to Rainbow Six Siege in three years, is now available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and  PC including on Xbox Game Pass.
Experience the rolling hills of Northern Ireland in the Emerald Plains country club and private ranch. In the idyllic setting, players can explore the grounds to develop the best approach for their matches, whether it be risking a rappel through the skylight, taking advantage of the three interior stairs, or seeking cover beside the fireplace atrium.
The two floors inside Emerald Plains are distinct, with a modern bottom floor contrasting against the classic style of the manor’s upper floor, to emphasize clear call outs and orientation landmarks. Partially inspired by Bartlett and Border, these spacious rooms provide a large playground in this medium-sized map. Players can jump into Emerald Plains as part of Year 7 Season 1 Demon Veil with new Operator Azami. The new Defender is equipped with the game-changing Kiba Barrier gadget that repairs holes in walls and floors, offering a more mobile and versatile defensive approach.
Year 7 will bring more new maps, cross-play and cross-progression, continued efforts to encourage positive player behavior with a Reputation System, new permanent game modes including Team Deathmatch, and many more updates.


Ubisoft E3 2019 Press Conference Date Confirmed

Another major games publisher has confirmed its attendance at the upcoming biggest event in all of gaming. Ubisoft has revealed the date for its E3 2019 press conference, which will be held on 10 June 2019.

The countdown to #E32019 is on!
Mark your calendars #UbiE3 kicks off on June 10th ðŸŽ‰ pic.twitter.com/ziQqbyFLY3
â€” Ubisoft (@Ubisoft) March 27, 2019
What can we expect from Ubisoft at this year’s event?
Well, we do know that there won’t a new Assassin’s Creed this year, so that’s one of the publisher’s main attractions already missing. Maybe we will learn more about some of their upcoming games, especially more details about the highly-anticipated Beyond Good & Evil 2.
As for brand new unexpected game reveals, perhaps Ubisoft will finally be announcing a new Splinter Cell or Watch Dogs game. The former has been requested by gamers for a long time. The most recent Splinter Cell content we’ve received was an easter egg in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, where Sam Fisher’s iconic goggles can be discovered.
E3 2019 looks like it’s going to be dominated by certain major publishers and developers, now that Sony and EA are skipping the event. Yesterday, we reported that Cyberpunk 2077 developer CD Projekt Red reassured its stockholders and fans alike that E3 2019 will be its “most important one ever”. Read the full story here.


Halo Veteran Joins Halo Infinite Team Despite Current Turmoil

HaloÂ series Joseph Staten has returned to the franchise and will work on the campaign for the upcomingÂ Halo Infinite. The news was originallyÂ reported by Bloomberg, and Staten himselfÂ confirmedÂ the move on his personal Twitter account.

I'm thrilled to join @Halo to help them ship Halo Infinite. As the project lead for the Infinite Campaign, I will be supporting the team's existing, great leaders and empowering them to do their best work. https://t.co/pQiNPQVBZs— Joseph Staten (@joestaten) August 27, 2020

Halo InfiniteÂ was initially planned to launch alongside the Xbox Series X in November 2020 but was recently announced to beÂ delayed into next year.

Statenâ€™s appointment heavily indicates that 343 Industries might be incorporating major changes toÂ Halo Infinite. When he was at Bungie, he wrote the scripts and directed the cutscenes for the first threeÂ HaloÂ games, as well as writing a novel based on the franchise. He then became the writer and creative director of the firstÂ DestinyÂ before ultimately leaving Bungie in 2013.
In short, Staten is the perfect person to steer the Halo Infinite ship back on track. The question right now is how long the game will now be delayed.
In the meantime, stay tuned on Kakuchopurei for all the latest news on the Xbox Series X, and check outÂ all the latest updates and developments on all things Xbox to date here.


E3 2019: Marvel’s Avengers Left Me With More Questions Than Answers

At the end of their E3 2019 press conference, Square Enix finally revealed the first ever full-length trailer for the long-awaited Marvel’s Avengers game co-developed by Crystal Dynamics and Eidos Montreal. It is slated to release for the PS4, Xbox One, PC and Google Stadia on 15 May 2020.
Here’s the official description for Marvel’s Avengers:
Marvelâ€™s Avengers begins at A-Day, where Captain America, Iron Man, the Hulk, Black Widow, and Thor are unveiling a hi-tech Avengers Headquarters in San Francisco â€” including the reveal of their own helicarrier powered by an experimental energy source.
The celebration turns deadly when a catastrophic accident results in massive devastation. Blamed for the tragedy, the Avengers disband.
Five years later, with all Super Heroes outlawed and the world in peril, the only hope is to reassemble Earthâ€™s Mightiest Heroes.
Marvel’s Avengers Is Needlessly Confusing And Unclear

What does that synopsis tell you about the gameplay in Marvel’s Avengers? Nothing.Â The Marvel’s Avengers trailer doesn’t actually reveal any clear actual gameplay footage but features cinematic scenes which purportedly uses its in-game engine.
Marvel’s Avengers is described as “an epic action-adventure game that combines cinematic storytelling with single-player & co-operative gameplay” with up to four heroes at a time. That’s fine and all but suddenly the developers reveal that the game also features online elements.
The upcoming game will feature “an ever-expanding universe” with “a growing roster of heroes”, who will all be added for free in the future. There will also be no loot boxes and microtransactions of any kind. All of this likely means that Marvel’s Avengers will be following a games-as-a-service model.

Gameplay details for Marvel’s Avengers are currently vague and unclear, which may mislead and confuse many gamers, including yours truly. How can we anticipate this game without even knowing what it is? Why not just dub it an action game without all these buzzwords?

Does Marvel’s Avengers Hint At A Shared Marvel Game Universe?
From the very beginning, those who are only familiar with the Marvel Cinematic Universe’s version of the characters will feel a bit jarring accepting these new designs, which I believe does look to be in line with those in Insomniac’s Marvel’s Spider-Man game.

Marvel has already established that Marvel’s Spider-Man for the PS4 was the first to be set within a shared and interconnected universe, which they officially dubbed the Marvel Gamerverse. The only content expanding this Marvel Gamerverse to date have included only comic book spinoffs and tie-ins of Marvel’s Spider-Man.

While Marvel has yet to explicitly confirm whetherÂ Marvel’s Avengers and Marvel’s Spider-Man are set in the same “Marvel Gamerverse”, there’s a massive hint that might prove the connection. In Marvel’s Spider-Man, there was a moment when Spidey mentioned the Avengers and that they were preoccupied in the west coast.
Surely it’s not merely a coincidence that Marvel’s Avengers begins with the heroes right in San Francisco, which is situated in the west coast of the United States. That seemingly arbitrary connection may turn out to be more, but we’ll have to wait for more details to come out before we can be sure that’s true.
Marvel’s Avengers Confirmed Roster
All we know so far is that these heroes will appear in the game:

Captain America
Thor
Black Widow
Iron Man
Hulk
Ant-Man (Hank Pym)

That said, I have no idea who the primary villains in Marvel’s Avengers will be, judging from the only trailer available now. However, only one is fully identifiable, and that’s the Hulk’s nemesis: The Abomination.
The Abomination
A beta of Marvel’s Avengers is set to arrive for those who pre-order the game (of which PS4 players will receive earlier). Let’s hope the team tells us more in the future for the audiences’ sake. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LDBojdBAjXU&w=560&h=315]


Don’t Worry, JRPG Fans: You’re Still Getting Tales of Arise In The Future

Thanks to the influx of Scarlet Nexus news popping up, JRPG fans are wondering if there will be any updates or development concerning the next Tales of game. Thankfully, it’s on track.
According to a recent Famitsu update (via Gematsu), Tales of Arise’s development is currently in its final stages. Here’s the breakdown of what’s up according to series producer Yusuke Tomizawa:

There will be Tales of Arise news coming in the near future, probably in early 2021.
The staff is currently at work to improve the current quality of the game.
Recovery from the chaos caused by the COVID-19 pandemic is also underway.
Although they are aiming for a level of quality that can be accepted worldwide, the game will not neglect its Japanese fans. They are aiming to create a JRPG that both Japan and the world can be proud of.

Tales of Arise will be out for Xbox Series, PC, and PS5 in the future.


Malaysia’s 5 Highest Earning MLBB Players So Far

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to make a living by playing your favourite mobile game? Well, in Malaysia, that dream has become a reality for some of the country’s top Mobile Legends players. That’s right, these gamers are earning big bucks by simply playing their hearts out and competing in tournaments.

Check out the schedule we did for MPL MY Season 11
We’re going to take a closer look at some of Malaysia’s highest-earning Mobile Legends players and find out what it takes to make it to the top of the mobile gaming world. We’re doing this by cross-referencing Esports Earnings with Liquipedia numbers. Expect to see a lot of TODAK members on this list.

5. Momo – US$30,000

Idreen bin Abdul Jamal, otherwise known as Momo, is the current EXP Laner for TODAK. Since he joined in 2021, Momo has gone on to place 2nd during MPL Seasons 7, 8 and 10 and helped TODAK hoist the trophy during Season 9. Along with appearing at M3 and M4, Momo has estimated earnings of US$30,000, making him the fifth-highest-earning player in Malaysia.

4. 4Meyz – US$40,000

One of the top players in Malaysia’s Mobile Legends scene is Wan “4Meyz” Usman, who joined TODAK back in 2020. Initially recruited as a jungler, 4Meyz later switched to become the team’s secondary EXP Laner and has since been an essential part of TODAK’s success. With estimated earnings of around US$40,000, 4Meyz has proven himself to be a valuable asset to the team, with his skills and expertise contributing greatly to their victories in various tournaments. His dedication and commitment to the game have undoubtedly paid off, making him one of the top Mobile Legends players in Malaysia.

3. Moon – US$49,000

Next on this list is TODAK’s very own Zikry “Moon” Shamsuddin, who has been with the team since its inception. As the team’s Mid Laner, Moon has shown incredible skill and strategy in the game, contributing to TODAK’s numerous victories. With estimated earnings of around US$49,000, Moon is tied for 2nd-3rd for highest-earning Mobile Legends players in Malaysia. His expertise in the game and unwavering dedication to the team has helped TODAK secure their position as one of the top esports organisations in the country. It’s no surprise that Moon is highly respected and regarded by fans and players alike, cementing his status as a legendary player in the Malaysian Mobile Legends scene.

2. CikuGais – US$49,000

Completing the quartet of veterans on TODAK’s Mobile Legends team is Danial “CikuGais” Fuad, who—along with Moon, has also been with TODAK since the org first stepped into MLBB. As the team’s Gold Laner, CikuGais has shown his versatility in the game, adapting to different play styles and strategies as needed. With estimated earnings of around US$49,000, CikuGais is tied for 2nd-3rd for highest-earning Mobile Legends players in Malaysia.

1. Sasa – US$57,000

Now, this may surprise you but Khai Bean “Sasa” Lu makes our number one spot. You see Sasa made a name for himself in MPL Indonesia playing for ONIC Esports since his debut in 2019. Despite being Malaysian, Sasa has always been associated with the Indonesian powerhouse team and has contributed significantly to their success. However, Sasa has since come back home to Malaysia having been signed by Team SMG as their Gold Laner back in 2021. But during his time with ONIC added to his time with Team SMG, it has been estimated that he has racked up US$57,000, making him the highest earning Malaysian player in terms of prize winnings.

MPL Philippines Season 11 – Teams, Schedule & Results
MPL Indonesia Season 11 – Teams, Schedule & Results
MPL Malaysia Season 11 – Teams, Schedule & Results
MPL Singapore Season 5 – Teams, Schedule & Results


Bethesda’s Newest IP Starfield & Arkane’s Redfall Delayed Until 2023

You read right: Bethesda’s next game Starfield has been delayed until 2023.
If you’re in the community then you may have heard through the grapevine that Bethesda was supposedly going to announce their beta for Starfield sometime next month.
But a couple of hours ago, Bethesda officially announced on Twitter that they’ll be delaying both the highly anticipated Starfield and the little known title that Bethesda’s sister studio Arkan Austin is also currently working on, Redfall.

An update on Redfall and Starfield. pic.twitter.com/pqDtx26Uu6
— Bethesda (@bethesda) May 12, 2022

Initially set to release in November 2022, Starfield is to be the next big franchise coming out of Bethesda to accompany the likes of The Elder Scrolls and Fallout. Now set to launch in the “first half of 2023” along with another ambitious project dubbed Redfall.
For those who aren’t completely head over heels for Bethesda IPs, Starfield is the next game in Bethesda’s development. Aiming to cement itself as one of the greats such as The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim and Fallout 4, Starfield is the brainchild of Bethesda’s very own Todd Howard set to be an intergalactic open-world RPG. Imagine No Man’s Sky but done by Bethesda.
Other than leaked screenshots, we don’t know much about Starfield. The last we had heard from Bethesda was when they unveiled 8 seconds of Starfield in their YouTube documentary series Into the Starfield.
So we’re in it for the long game, for now we can speculate that there is a possibility that Bethesda will unveil something at the Microsoft Showcase that will take place next month in June. But what about the other title announced for delay: Redfall? Well, not too much is known about the title other than it is a vampire-shooter from Arkane Austin.
So for now sit tight as if we’ve learned anything from Bethesda, the tend to match their ambitions. Mostly…


World Of Warcraft Dragonflight Season 2 Is Now Live

Blizzard has announced that World Of Warcraft Dragonflight Season 2 is now live as Aberrus, the secret laboratory of the fallen Earth-warder, Neltharion – hidden below the Dragon Isles – has been breached. The way is now open for the champions of Azeroth to face the hidden monstrosities within. Along with the new raid, a new PVP and Mythic+ season awaits to bring players new challenges and rewards.
Check out below for what’s now live:

NEW RAID: Aberrus, the Shadowed Crucible

Players will face nine bosses as they work to thwart the Incarnates as well as Scalecommander Sarkareth, whose forces seek to claim the legacy of the Dracthyr.
Just like in Season 1, Normal, Heroic, and Mythic difficulties will release simultaneously, in addition to the first wing of LFR!

NEW MYTHIC+ ROTATION:

The remaining Dragonflight dungeons will enter the fray:

Brackenhide Hollow
Halls of Infusion
Uldaman: Legacy of Tyr
Neltharus

Four dungeons returning from past expansions will provide new challenges to keep the M+ rotation fresh:

Freehold, Battle for Azeroth
The Underrot, Battle for Azeroth
Neltharion’s Lair, Legion
Vortex Pinnacle, Cataclysm

Major changes to the Mythic+ system include the removal of a seasonal affix, as well as a revamp of the base affixes and the keystone level at which they become active.

For more information on Embers of Neltharion, including full patch notes, check out the World of Warcraft website.
In the meantime, check out the trailer below:


Netflix’s Fear Street Trilogy Brings The Chills This July

If you grew up reading R.L. Stine’s spine-chilling stories, get ready to relive the screams and terror of Fear Street. In a first for Netflix and for the horror film genre, Netflix is announcing that the upcoming Fear Street Trilogy will be released as an epic summer movie event over three consecutive weeks this July:
FEAR STREET PART 1: 1994 releasing globally on Netflix on 2 July 2021.Â
FEAR STREET PART 2: 1978 releasing globally on Netflix on 9 July 2021.Â
FEAR STREET PART 3: 1666 releasing globally on Netflix on 16 July 2021.

CAST
FEAR STREET PART 1: 1994
KIANA MADEIRA as Deena
OLIVIA SCOTT WELCH as Sam Fraser
BENJAMIN FLORES JR. as Josh
JULIA REHWALD as Kate
FRED HECHINGER as Simon
ASHLEY ZUKERMAN as Sheriff Nick Goode
MAYA HAWKE as Heather
DARRELL BRITT-GIBSON as Martin
JORDANA SPIRO as Mrs. Lane
JORDYN DiNATALE as Ruby Lane
FEAR STREET PART 2: 1978
SADIE SINK as Christine â€œZiggyâ€ Berman
EMILY RUDD as Cindy Berman
RYAN SIMPKINS as Alice
McCABE SLYE as Tommy Slater
TED SUTHERLAND as Young Nick Goode
JORDANA SPIRO as Nurse Mary Lane
GILLIAN JACOBS as C. Berman/Adult Ziggy
KIANA MADEIRA as Deena
BENJAMIN FLORES JR. as Josh
ASHLEY ZUKERMAN as Sheriff Nick Goode
OLIVIA SCOTT WELCH as Sam Fraser
CHIARA AURELIA as Sheila
JORDYN DiNATALE as Ruby Lane
FEAR STREET PART 3: 1666
KIANA MADEIRA as Sarah Fier/Deena
ASHLEY ZUKERMAN as Solomon Goode/Sheriff Goode
GILLIAN JACOBS as Ziggy Berman
OLIVIA SCOTT WELCH as Hannah Miller/Sam
BENJAMIN FLORES JR. as Henry Fier/Josh
DARRELL BRITT-GIBSON as Martin
SADIE SINK as Constance
EMILY RUDD as Abigail
McCABE SLYE as Mad Thomas
JULIA REHWALD as Lizzie
FRED HECHINGER as Isaac
JORDANA SPIRO as The Widow
ELIZABETH SCOPEL as Sarah Fier
RANDY HAVENS as George Fier
The synopsis reads:

In 1994, a group of teenagers discovers that the terrifying events that have haunted their town for generations may all be connected â€” and that they may be the next targets.
Based on R.L. Stineâ€™s best-selling Fear Street horror series, the trilogy follows the nightmare through Shadysideâ€™s sinister history.

Fear Street trilogy director Leigh Janiak said:

“We filmed all three Fear Street movies over one crazy, bloody summer.
Itâ€™s a dream that audiences now get to experience the story in the same way – back to back to back, with only a week of waiting in between.
I canâ€™t wait to welcome everyone into the world of Fear Street in 1994, 1978 and 1666!”

R.L. Stine said:

“Fear Street fans are in for a treat–and some major surprises. Readers know that the book series is rated PG.
But the movies are rated R.
That means a lot more thrills– and a lot more terror!
I have seen Leigh Janiak’s epic trilogy releasing on Netflix in July and I can tell you the scares and the SCREAMS are more than I ever expected.
What fun to see the horrors of Shadyside come to life!”

In the meantime, check out the trailer below:


This 16-Bit JRPG Is Slated For The End Of 2022

Publisher Deck13 and developer Matthias Linda have announced an old-school type JRPG that’s sure to tingle retro gaming fans who yearn for the days of 90s role-playing console gaming.
The game is called Chained Echoes, and it’s billed as a 16-bit Super Nintendo Entertainment System-style RPG set in a fantasy world with a charming cast, fantastic locations, and vicious foes.
“Chained Echoes is a story-driven game where a group of heroes travel around the vast continent of Valandis to bring an end to the war between its three kingdoms. In the course of their journey, they will travel through a wide array of diverse landscapes spanning from wind-tanned plateaus and exotic archipelagos to sunken cities and forgotten dungeons.”
The gameplay trailer below showcases 16-bit pixel art, turn-based combat, transformation powers, and a rich story. If this sounds like your cup of tea, you may need to wait a while as Chained Echoes has a Q4 2022 release period. It’s coming out for PC, Nintendo Switch, Xbox One, and PS4.


Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers 2022 Movie: All The Cameos & Easter Eggs

The Chip & Dale Rescue Rangers movie in 2022 is what happens when Disney wants to show off its plethora of IPs it own and its copyright law negotiation skills. The show, which is a live action and animation combo film not unlike Who Framed Roger Rabbit? (but arguably less impressive visually), is about two pals Chip and Dale who have to solve a mystery in their Hollywood lives years after their hit show got cancelled.
Just like that Roger Rabbit film, there are a ton of cameos ranging from Disney shows to even cartoons from Fox and other properties the media conglomerate has integrated into its capitalism-savvy giant body. There’s a lot to point out (and we’re probably missing a couple), so let’s dive right in.
Note: we’ll be talking about the whole film from start to finish, which means this feature has spoilers. Here’s your warning.

Blaster from Transformers

Basically good guy Soundwave from the hit 80s cartoon The Transformers. He appears during a school talent contest which Chip and Dale headlined in.
MC Skat Cat and Paula Abdul

The Rescue Rangers show was in the late 80s, so this was one other obvious cameo to put in. The animated Skat Cat appeared in the Paula Abdul music video Opposites Attract

Three Little Pigs and Roger Rabbit

Chip & Dale are seen dancing with the Three Little Pigs short back in 1933 and with Roger Rabbit from the memorable live-action and animation movie hybrid Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
Lumiere from Beauty & The Beast

The animated candlestick has seen better days. He’s here in a comic convention with Dale, in a separate booth.
Baloo from the Jungle Book Reboot

Baloo makes an appearance in the movie singing Bare Necessities on-stage during a comic conference.
Ugly Sonic from The First Sonic The HedgeHog Movie Trailer

Yes, Ugly Sonic plays a pretty significant role in this film, and he’s voiced by Tim Robinson. He’s one of Dale’s pals from an opposite booth in the convention centre. There are a bunch of jokes involving his human teeth, and about him knowing the FBI which pays off later.

Tigra from Marvel Comics

One of the more obscure member of the Avengers pops up during the early scenes in the comic convention. This version’s from the not-so-good Avengers: United FOX animated cartoon series.
Flounder from The Little Mermaid

Ariel’s fish buddy from the 80s animated classic Disney film shows up as one of the victims in the film. He tried to sell off a fork (calling it a dinglehopper) before he gets kidnapped by CGI goons and alter his look so that he becomes victim to bootlegging.
Hollywood Walk Of Fame Names

If you look closely, the Hollywood Walk of Fame names are Squidward from Spongebob Squarepants, Yogi Bear from the Hanna-Barbera cartoons, and Samurai Jack.
Heck, famous Capcom female fighter Chun-Li is also immortalized on the Walk of Fame. They spelt her name wrong: she has a hyphen in her name.

Batman and E.T.

A quick little billboard joke featuring a rich billionaire who fights crime and a space alien. The quick gag is taken further when it’s the movie Chip watches at home. And yes, that’s Will Arnett’s voice as Batman.
Batman’s voiced by Jorma Taccone; our bad.

Wynnchel and Duncan from Wreck-It Ralph

The two doughnut cops from Wreck-It Ralph make it as actual cops in Hollywood, investigating Monterey Jack’s disappearance.


After Half-Life: Alyx, Will There Be A Half-Life 3? [Spoilers]

Half-Life: Alyx is out now, and if you can afford a Vive VR headset or an Index, you should check it out at the very least. It’s free on Index, FYI.
In case you don’t, well, this post is for you. There’s probably one question plaguing your mind: will the bottom Twitter account be irrelevant?

No. Yes? I'm fucking done
— Is HL3 Out Yet? (@IsHL3OutYet) March 23, 2020

What does that even mean? Will there be a Half-Life 3 after the game? Spoilers below, in case the headline wasn’t clear enough.

Here you go (via VG 24/7).

While Half-Life: Alyx is a prequel, this ending suggests that there will be some ramifications in Half-Life 3. Provided Valve is even doing a sequel.
You spend Alyx playing in the role of Alyx Vance as she makes her way towards what they assume is a secret combine weapon. The combine, an alien race that took over Earth in seven short hours, have suspended it above the city in a structure of some kind.
As you close in on it, it becomes clear that this is no weapon â€“ itâ€™s a prison. They assume for Gordon Freeman, the protagonist of the original games whoâ€™s been in stasis for 20 years. When you reach it, you realise itâ€™s for the G-Man, an interdimensional being who meddles in the lives of ordinary people to some mysterious end.
Half-Life 2: Episode 2 made it clear that G-Man had been involved so that Alyx survived her childhood, which then led to this moment. In Episode 2, she delivered a subliminal message to her father Eli, planted in her by G-Man: “Prepare for unforeseen consequences”.
When Alyx frees G-Man, he makes her an offer for something she didnâ€™t know she wanted. He shows her a vision of the future, where her father lies dead on the floor, and he gives her a chance to save him, changing the ending of Half-Life 2: Episode 2.

So what happens? Alyx gets taken by G-Man, using her as a new asset to complete his mysterious goal(s); basically a new Gordon Freeman at his disposal. Speaking of which, the post-credits scene reveals that after the events of Episode 2, Eli lives. And now you are in the perspective of Gordon Freeman. The both of them, along with Dog, are gearing up to find her, setting the stage for Half-Life 3.
Or not? Honestly, we don’t know. Talk about it here, or on our Facebook page!


Sony Announces New Dualshock 4 Colour

Sony’s PlayStation 4 controller, the Dualshock 4, is getting a new colour scheme to join an array of eye-catching colourful controllers. The new colour Sony graced us gamers with is the Alpine Green.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yhE3dQ-00cQ]
The Alpine Green Dualshock 4 features a contrasting emerald green and glacier white shell with gold accents around the d-pad. All the face buttons are white too, as well as the two sticks. I hope the sticks would not turn yellow after many months of gaming.

The current lineup of these pretty controllers is Magma Red, Wave Blue, Glacier White, Green Camouflage and Jet Black.

Sony announced that the Alpine Green controller will be available from 15 April, but we still haven’t heard anything yet for the Asian release.


Diablo 4 Will Not Implement Map Overlay At Launch; Why?

A vital quality-of-life addition to any action RPG is a simple map overlay that you can toggle on or off while you’re killing monsters and opening treasure chests/breaking barrels for loot. For reasons unknown, Blizzard will not be implementing this feature onto Diablo 4 at launch.
Blizzard has no plans to add this staple option in Diablo 4. In the beta and in the final game, your only option is to rely on the top-right corner minimap, or open up an opaque map that forces you to stand still. Given that the team is making a ton of changes for launch, this exclusion seems odd.

No plans at the moment.
— Rod Fergusson (@RodFergusson) April 14, 2023

Diablo 4 will be out on 6th June for PC and consoles. There will be a livestream of the game on 21st April at 2am GMT+8.


Billy Kametz, Voice Actor For Fire Emblem & 13 Sentinels, Has Died

Billy Kametz, a voice actor known in the video game and anime circle, has passed away. He was 35 years old.
Kametz sadly passed away after losing his fight with colon cancer. His memorial service will take place on 15 June 2022, according to a GoFundMe page that was set up under his name.
Kametz’s known roles include voicing Ferdinand Von Aegir in Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Jerrom Laesmi in Triangle Strategy, and Ogata in 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim. He is also renowned for voicing Josuke in JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable, Naofumi in Rising of the Shield Hero, and Rui in Demon Slayer.
Kametz’s family stated that they would appreciate contributions to the Colon Cancer Coalition in his honour.


We Are Totally Getting a Battle Royale Mode on Modern Warfare According to Leaks

Coming in hot after yesterday’s launch of Season 2 for Call of Duty: Modern Warfare, a whole bunch of leaks started popping up on Reddit which all but confirms the imminent arrival of a battle royale mode into the game, called ‘Warzone’.
Following the humongous update which chomped up over 50GB of space on my PS4, a peculiar, inaccessible tab labeled ‘Classified’ appeared on the main menu. Many theories popped up, as CoD YouTuber Inkslasher pointed out, including the potential of a new ‘Infected Groundwar’ mode which was teased a while back as well as access to Modern Warfare 2 remastered.
However, these theories do not hold much water considering that ‘Infected Groundwar’ should not require a specific tab in the landing page while Modern Warfare 2 would siphon the focus from the core experience, impacting the player pool.
Which leads to the most likely scenario – the dawn of the highly demanded battle royale mode.
The launch trailer for Season 2 left tons of clues to the popular mode including squads of four jumping off an airplane while firefights can be clearly seen happening on the ground.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SczPkU9_aHs&w=560&h=315]
Dedicated redditors and data miners have also uncovered several leaked images which all but confirm Warzone being just around the corner. We’d gladly share those images here but seems that Activision have been on the warpath in taking down those images on Twitter and other online platforms.
Since we don’t want to risk in receiving a DMCA email, you can view it here.
So what do we get out from all of this? For one, by calling on a DMCA strike for those images posted, Activision pretty much confirms the legitimacy of the images. If they were fan-made, why would they be so hot and bothered, right?
Dear Activision,
In the wise words of DJ Khaled:

In our review, we detailed extensively why we loved Modern Warfare. You can read the full review here. Meanwhile, we’ll keep on grinding and leveling up in Season 2 up as we wait patiently for the battle royale mode.


Halo Infinite May Not Be Looking Good…

That chance for Xbox to recapture the glory days is sure looking faded, isn’t it? It’s only a year away from release, but Halo Infinite is already causing drama via its developer 343 Industries.
Two months after creative director Tim Longo left, lead producer Mary Olson moved on. The change was spotted on Linkedin (via Windows Central), stating that she moved to Midwinter Entertainment, a group that’s working on survival game Scavengers.
Right now, the game is now without two leading developers, which is enough to stir discord among the community. 343 Industries community manager John Junyszek said on Reddit that “there is no creative dilemma inside the studio, and there’s no writing on the walls.”
“Iâ€™d like to reassure everyone that the entire Halo Infinite team is rallying behind the game and is working hard to make sure we can execute on its vision”.
Halo Infinite will be out Holiday 2020 alongside the new Xbox.


Brian K. Vaughan’s Excellent Saga Is Taking A Year-Long Break

All good things must come to a short pause or sabbatical before they make a grand comeback. In this case, it’s Brian K. Vaughan and Fiona Staples’ epic sci-fi fantasy comic book series Saga.
Both co-creators announced that the comic book will take a 1-year break after releasing issue #54 this week worldwide. The team will resume with issue #55 in the far future. According to a Newsarama report, Brian did not give a concrete reason for the intermission but he did mention that this decision was for the best to make sure that the series is at its peak performance.
In other news, Brian’s other lauded series, Y: The Last Man, will have its own TV series adaptation.

After fifty-four issues and over 1,200 consecutive pages of sequential storytelling together, Fiona and I have decided to take an extended break before we eventually reunite with Saga #55. And unlike our usual three months of â€˜Vacationanzaâ€™ between arcs, we plan to pause publication of this series for at least the next year.
This obviously wasnâ€™t a decision we took lightly, but Fiona and I feel a responsibility to keep making the very best comic we can, and we both agreed that he only way to eventually finish the epic saga we set out to tell was with this one significant… letâ€™s call it… Intermission!

We’re sad to see it take a year-long break, but it’s not like it’s going anywhere. Other great series like the One Piece manga did take a long break so that creator Eiichiro Oda can recoup and rejuvenate his sanity. This means that other comic book fans and story folks can catch up with the Saga series; it’s pretty darn good!
We won’t be seeing crazy panels like this for a long while…


Marvel Studios & DC Films Are Skipping Comic-Con 2021

Last year in 2020, San Diego Comic-Con opted for a digital version of their event due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. It was officially called Comic-Con At Home and this year, theyâ€™re going to continue with the same format for 2021.
The Comic-Con At Home 2021 online event will take place from 23 July to 25 July 2021.
However, Disney’s Marvel Studios nor Warner Bros.’ DC Films will NOT be attending this year’s Comic-Con@Home, just like last year’s. As such, we shouldn’t be expecting any major news from now during the event later this month (via Deadline).
However, Comic-Con@Home will still feature movies like G.I. Joe Snake Eyes and more, so we will be seeing other stuff from other companies. Warner Bros. will have their hands busy with DC FanDome later this year, while Marvel arguably doesn’t need an event to generate hype for the MCU machine.
This is the second year in a row that Comic-Con will be an all-digital event. Comic At Home 2020 was less exciting than past Comic-Cons (check out our highlights fromÂ Day OneÂ andÂ Day TwoÂ from last year), but perhaps this year the organizers will find a way to make the event more interesting again. The biggest reason for that was the absence of major companies like Marvel and DC Comics.

The countdown is on! #ComicConAtHome returns this month, July 23-25 to a screen near you. Subscribe to our YouTube channel https://t.co/WFezqmjgjK and turn notifications on so you’re set to watch panels as soon as they drop! Plus, check out our website for more content to come. pic.twitter.com/hKsguMfwgw
— San Diego Comic-Con (@Comic_Con) July 1, 2021


You Can Contribute To Science By Playing Borderlands 3’s New Minigame

Who knew that you can help science out by playing a minigame in Pandora?
In this bizarre collaboration, Gearbox Software, McGill University, Massively Multiplayer Online Science, and the Microsetta Initiative at UC San Diego School of Medicine are teaming up to introduce Borderlands Science. This minigame in the main title lets you solve coloured block puzzles based on DNA strands in order to help scientists compare and map microbes. Winning the minigame will net you in-game currency you can use for skins, heads, and boosters.
You can access the minigame via the infirmary on Sanctuary 3. You know, when you’re done farming Captain Traunt and Freddie the Traitor for the umpteenth time.Â Here’s a quote from McGill University’s professor JÃ©rÃ´me WaldispÃ¼hl on how and why this happened:

“It was a simple choice to join Gearbox and its partners in making Borderlands Science a reality. Working to help align the gaming community with the biomedical field allows these two passionate groups to work together toward a result that we might not realize without the collaborative effort.”

The trailer is narrated by actress/scientist Mayim Bialik, whom you may remember from Blossom and kusoge show Big Bang Theory.

If you want to see how the actual project works, head to dnapuzzles.org.


ASUS Releases The Most Hardcore Gaming Phone To Date

Remember the first ASUS ROG Phone? It came out late last year and everyone pretty much decided it was overkill but then again, most specifications-focused gaming products are overkill. It’s always better to have a lot more than concede to having even just a bit less.
ASUS has announced the ASUS ROG Phone 2 and it definitely continues that spirit of overkill. It will be the first phone to use the Snapdragon 855+ processor coupled with the Adrena 640 GPU. Clocked at 2.96GHz, the processor is touted as the world’s fastest SDM to date.
The ASUS ROG Phone 2.
Nowadays we’re no longer alien to the idea of phones with 4GB or even 6GB of RAM so ASUS definitely needs to go overkill on that if they want to impress us and holy crap, they really did. The ROG Phone 2 will have up to 12GB of LPDDR4x RAM. This tells me that there’s probably going to be at least two variants of the phone, one offering less RAM for a lower price. Probably 8GB because 6GB would reduce it to the level of “normie” phones.
The variants will probably also change the amount of internal storage you get in the phone. The highest tier or “most hardcore” model will have 512GB of UFS3.0 storage. The cheaper variant will probably pack 256GB or at least 128GB. That’s just me guessing of course, ASUS has not revealed any details yet on different variants.
There’s no point in calling yourself a gaming phone if you can’t satiate a gamer’s need for hours and hours of escapism. Well, ASUS knows that and has decided to fill up the ROG Phone 2 with a whooping 6,000 mAh battery which also supports QuickCharge 4 that the company says will charge 66% in under an hour if you use the included charger. Like its predecessor, the phone will use a USB-C port.
The first ROG Phone, in case you wanted to compare looks. The RGB is customisable in the new one too, by the way.
Speaking of Hz, ASUS probably looked at their first phone’s rival, the Razer Phone 2, and felt really insecure seeing that 120Hz screen refresh rate. I’m happy to report that the ROG Phone 2 will also be sporting a 120Hz refresh rate and adding on top of that, ASUS claims the phone boasts a touch latency of 49ms, the lowest of any phone. So if you buy the phone and still don’t get those chicken dinners, you can’t blame the phone.
Let’s talk a bit more about that screen. I’m going to be honest and admit that I’m a little disappointed they didn’t put a 4K display on this phone like Sony is doing for some of their phones. However, the phone will sport a 6.59-inch 1080p AMOLED display that also supports 10-bit HDR. So it’s not all too bad. Did I also mention that the ROG Phone 2 is also integrating a fingerprint scanner under its display?
In terms of audio, the phone will have dual front-facing speakers that also support DTS:X Ultra surround sound. For those of you reading this and thinking “If I’m playing a game, especially PUBG, I’d rather wear earphones”, then I’m happy to tell you that the phone will have a 3.5mm headphone jack! Thank god ASUS didn’t go with the trend of removing headphone jacks.
Aside from the crazy specs, ASUS will also be supporting the phone with a lineup of gamer-focused accessories such as the TwinView Dock II which adds a second 6.59-inch FHD+ AMOLED screen to the phone when docked. It also comes with its own cooling system and a 5,000mAh battery. Aside from some games being able to use the second screen for gameplay features, it’ll also make live-streaming and audience interaction a lot easier for mobile gamers.
For now, that’s pretty much what ASUS has revealed about the phone. There’s still no official release date and price range for the phone so stay tuned because we’ll definitely be reporting it when those details are revealed.


Legion TV Creator In Talks With Marvel For Doctor Doom Movie

Noah Hawley is best known for creating, directing and writing critically-acclaimed TV series like Fargo and Legion, the latter of which features Professor X’s son David Haller as its main protagonist. Back during Comic-Con 2017, Hawley announced that he was writing a Doctor Doom movie script for 20th Century Fox.
What happened to that Doctor Doom movie? According to Hawley, it’s still very much in the works. In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he mentioned that he recently sat down with Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige to discuss the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

“I did sit down with [Marvel Studios’ president] Kevin Feige recently and I said that I look at myself as sort of the Marvel R&D department.
I know the genre can do all of these amazing things that [the Marvel Cinematic Universe] is doing, but my feeling is, what else can we do with it?
Can we make it surreal?
Can we make it musical?
Not as a gimmick, but all of these techniques are about putting you into the subjective experience of these characters.”

Hawley has unconventional ideas about what to do with future MCU movies, but looking at his past work (Fargo and Legion), he definitely thrives with experimentation, bringing a unique quality to all of his work. Despite Disney’s acquisition of Fox, he confirmed that Marvel is still considering a Doctor Doom movie.

“I wrote a script about Doctor Doom, an antihero story I really like, and we’re still talking about making it.”

With the current season of Legion (Season 3) set to be its last, Hawley will likely be able to focus more on the Doctor DoomÂ movie script, that is, if Marvel Studios decides to go ahead with introducing the Fantastic Four into the MCU in the near future.
At this point, we still don’t know much about Marvel Studios’ concrete plans for the MCU in Phase Four, since the upcoming Spider-Man Far From Home will be the one to officially close the chapter on Phase Three.
In the meantime, here’s everything we know about the future of the MCU so far, or head on over here to find out who Marvel Comics writer Dan Slott thinks should be cast as Doctor Doom and Mr. Fantastic.


Mihoyo To Host Hoyo Fest In Southeast Asia This November; Features Genshin Impact Celebration

Mihoyo just announced that it will be hosting a HoYo FEST grand opening in Southeast Asia this November in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Philippines, and Indonesia. Vietnam’s celebration will be at a later date.
The annual event is a celebration of all things Mihoyo games-related, highlighting its mobile action game Honkai Impact 3rd, visual novel Tears of Themis, and its super-popular online RPG Genshin Impact.
Here’s the schedule and collaboration cafes involved with the celebration:

Dates
Honkai Impact 3rd: 5th to 16th November
Tears of Themis: 19th to 30th November
Genshin Impact: 3rd to 14th December
Collaboration Cafes
Singapore: Aniplus Cafe
Malaysia: my Burger Lab
Thailand: NANA Coffee Roasters Ari
The Philippines: Moon Rabbit CafÃ© + Restaurant
Indonesia: Warung Koffie Batavia
Vietnam: To Be Announced
So far, there will be exclusive items and merchandise to buy and also special menu items in each cafe and eating place associated with the festival. For example, here’s the Honkai Menu 3rd menu in Malaysia’s my Burger Lab collaboration on November.

…and here’s the one in Singapore…

…and finally the one in The Philippines.

Each region will be selling the same merchandise for their respective game series, with the highlight right now being the Anniversary Ball Seele scale figure from Honkai Impact 3rd, complete with a nice plastic flower prop to keep things classy.
More details about the event -especially the Genshin Impact celebration which I’m sure many gaming and anime fans are waiting for- will be revealed on the official site here, most likely on a date closer to the event.


Dead Cells Sales Surpass 3 Million; 19th Update Out Now

Dead Cells, 2018’s 2D action roguelike with Metroidvania moments, is a really good game. We dubbed it one of our favourite titles back then, and we’re not surprised it’s still getting a following. Especially after its Bad Seed DLC bundle that makes it more welcoming towards newcomers.
Developer Motion Twin mentioned that the game has surpassed its three million sales milestone. To celebrate, they have released an update called the Update of Plenty. Changes in this patch include tweaks to the economy and difficulty curve, weapon revamps for crossbows (now two-handed and classified under Survival), and the removal of scrolls from ++ and S weapons.
Sounds pretty nifty, and can put a lot of legs onto a two-year-old game since you won’t trip on your own feet so often in subsequent runs. Check out the full patch notes on this link.


Square Enix Replace Yosuke Matsuda With Takashi Kiryu As President

Square Enix has announced some big changes at the top of their company. Yosuke Matsuda, who’s been the big boss since 2013, is stepping down as president and representative director. In his place, Takashi Kiryu will take over as the new head honcho pending approval from the shareholders’ meeting and board of directors meeting in June.
So why the big shake-up? Well, the entertainment industry is changing fast and Square Enix wants to make sure they’re keeping up with the times. They’re hoping to bring in new and ever-evolving technology to create even better entertainment for their customers all over the world.

It’s been a good run for Matsuda, who’s been president of Square Enix Corporation and Holdings for almost a decade. But now it’s time for him to step aside and let someone else take the reins. As a fun fact, Matsuda even appeared as a boss fight in NieR: Automata, alongside PlatinumGames’ former president Kenichi Sato.


Penang Is Getting An Intel Manufacturing Facility Worth US$7 Billion

The Malaysian Investment Development Authority has announced that Intel will be building a new US$7.1 billion manufacturing facility in the island renowned for its awesome food and literal grub hub: Penang (via Reuters).
This is made a thing because of the ongoing global semiconductor shortage that’s affecting all bouts of technology: GPUs, motherboards, what-have-yous. While the facility is years away from production, the additional capacity will help alleviate the shortages and hopefully reduce the chance of a worldwide economic fallout.
Speculation points to Intel investing in Malaysia in order to counter Chinese influence, with the US government aiming to shore up domestic production and protect itself from supply side shocks in regions beyond its control.


[Updated] VCT 2023: Ascension Pacific – Teams, Schedule, & Results

If you’re a fan of Valorant esports, then get ready for some thrilling action coming your way in the VCT Ascension Pacific tournament. This event is all about giving one lucky team the golden opportunity to join the prestigious premier league of Valorant.
Now, let me break it down for you. The competition sees the top 10 teams who have emerged victorious in the regional Challengers tournaments battling it out for a coveted spot in the VCT Pacific League next year. It’s a fierce showdown, with representatives from the Philippines, South Asia, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Singapore, Korea, Japan, Thailand (yup, twice!), Indonesia, and Oceania all vying for glory.
If you’re wondering about all the important details, fret not! I’ve got you covered. You’ll find everything you need to know about VCT Ascension Pacific right here. We dive into the schedule, results, standings, format, the teams in contention, and even where you can catch all the action and cheer on your favourites.
NOTE: All Times & Dates will be in (UTC+8)

Details

				Pullman Grande Sukhumvit Hotel

				Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre

Date: 28 June – 9 July (UTC+8)
Venues:

[Group Stage] Pullman Grande Sukhumvit Hotel, 30, 21 Sukhumvit Road, Watthana, Bangkok, Thailand
[Playoffs] Queen Sirikit National Convention Centre, 60 New Rachadapisek Road, Khlong Toei, Bangkok, Thailand

Format

Group Stage: 28 June – 4 July

10 teams, Two Group of 5 teams
Single Round Robin
All matches are Best of 3
Top 3 teams from each group advance to Playoffs

Winner from each group advance to Semifinals
2nd & 3rd placed teams from each group advance to Quarterfinals

Playoffs: 7–9 July

Single Elimination Bracket
All matches (excl. Grand Final) are Best of 3
Grand Final is Best of 5

Final Results

Place
$ USD
Qualifies To
Participant

1st

$20,000

2024 Pacific League

Bleed eSports

2025 Pacific League

2nd
$15,000
–
SCARZ

3rd-4th

$10,000

–

NAOS Esports

BOOM Esports

5th-6th

$8,500

–

Fancy United Esports

Bonkers

7th-8th

$7,500

–

XERXIA

Dplus

9th-10th

$6,500

–

ONE Team

Orangutan

Teams

Orangutan – South Asia
XERXIA – Thailand
Fancy United Esports – Vietnam
Bleed eSports – Malaysia and Singapore
Dplus – South Korea
SCARZ – Japan
ONE Team – Hong Kong and Taiwan
NAOS Esports – Philippines
BOOM Esports – Indonesia
Bonkers – Oceania

GROUP STAGE RESULTS

Group Alpha

1
NAOS Esports
3-1
7-4
129-113
+16

2
BOOM Esports
2-2
6-5
119-110
+9

3
Fancy United
2-2
5-4
94-91
+3

4
XERXIA
2-2
5-6
110-125
-15

5
ONE Team
1-3
3-7
104-117
-13

Group Omega

1
Bleed eSports
3-1
6-4
124-108
+16

2
SCARZ
3-1
7-2
109-80
+29

3
Bonkers
2-2
4-4
85-88
-3

4
Dplus
2-2
4-5
98-97
+1

5
Orangutan
0-4
2-8
82-125
-43

Matches
Group Stage
28 June

2:00 PM (UTC+8) – XERXIA [2] vs [1] ONE Team (Group Alpha)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – NAOS Esports [2] vs [1] Fancy United (Group Alpha)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – SCARZ [2] vs [0] Bonkers (Group Omega)
29 June

2:00 PM (UTC+8) – Bleed eSports [2] vs [1] Orangutan (Group Omega)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – ONE Team [2] vs [1] BOOM Esports (Group Alpha)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – Fancy United [2] vs [0] XERXIA (Group Alpha)
30 June

2:00 PM (UTC+8) – Bonkers [2] vs [0] Dplus (Group Omega)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – Orangutan [0] vs [2] SCARZ (Group Omega)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – BOOM Esports [2] vs [0] Fancy United (Group Alpha)
1 July

2:00 PM (UTC+8) – XERXIA [2] vs [1] NAOS Esports (Group Alpha)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – SCARZ [1] vs [2] Bleed eSports (Group Omega)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – Dplus [2] vs [1] Orangutan (Group Omega)
2 July

2:00 PM (UTC+8) – Fancy United [2] vs [0] ONE Team (Group Alpha)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – NAOS Esports [2] vs [1] BOOM Esports (Group Alpha)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – Dplus [2] vs [0] Bleed eSports (Group Omega)
3 July

2:00 PM (UTC+8) – ONE Team [0] vs [2] NAOS Esports (Group Alpha)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – Orangutan [0] vs [2] Bonkers (Group Omega)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – BOOM Esports [2] vs [1] XERXIA (Group Alpha)
4 July

2:00 PM (UTC+8) – Bonkers [0] vs [2] Bleed eSports (Group Omega)
5:00 PM (UTC+8) – Dplus [0] vs [2] SCARZ (Group Omega)
Playoffs
7 July

7:00 PM (UTC+8) – SCARZ [2] vs [0] Fancy United (Quarterfinal)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – BOOM Esports [2] vs [0] Bonkers (Quarterfinal)
8 July

7:00 PM (UTC+8) – NAOS Esports [1] vs [2] SCARZ (Semifinal)
8:00 PM (UTC+8) – Bleed eSports [2] vs [1] BOOM Esports (Semifinal)
9 July

5:00 PM (UTC+8) – SCARZ [0] vs [3] Bleed eSports (Grand Final)

Where to Watch?
Twitch / YouTube / Facebook / AfreecaTV


Doraemon Co-Creator Fujiko A. Fujio Dies At 88

Manga creator Fujiko A. Fujio, whose real name is Motoo Abiko, has passed away on Thursday morning at his home in Kawasaki, Tokyo, at the age of 88.
According to the news report on TBS News, the Japanese police responded to a call that reported someone had collapsed at about 8.40 am, but Fujiko had already passed away by the time that they arrived at the scene. The cause of death has yet to be determined.
Fujiko A. Fujio is best known for co-creating Doraemon with Fujiko F. Fujio, whose real name is Hiroshi Fujimoto, under the combined singular pseudonym of Fujiko Fujio. They worked on the manga from 1970 to 1996 before parting ways in 1987, with Abiko taking the Fujiko A. Fujio, and Fujimoto taking Fujiko F. Fujio. Fujimoto later passed away in 1996.
Besides Doraemon, Fujiko A. Fujio also worked on manga such as Ninja Hattori-kun, Kaibutsu-kun, Pro Golfer Saru, and Warau Salesman. RIP to the late legend and condolences to his family.


Here’s Why You Should Or Should Not Buy The PS5 At Launch (Update)

Updated on 18 September 2020.
During the recent PS5 Showcase, Sony finally announced the official release date and price for the PlayStation 5.
The PS5 will launch on 12 November 2020 in selected countries, including the United States, Japan, Canada, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand and South Korea.
Meanwhile, the PS5 will launch for the rest of the world on 19 November 2020, with the exception of China (which will be announced at a later date).

The standard edition of the PS5 will be priced at US$499 (or roughly RM2060+), while the Digital Edition (without the physical disc drive) will be priced at US$399 (or roughly RM1640+).
Also, here is how big the machine is (via @geronimo_73).

https://twitter.com/geronimo_73/status/1307229365000974344

With less than two months to go before the PS5 launches, the question on every gamer’s mind is this: Should I pre-order or buy the PS5 at launch?
Let me break it down for you with 3 reasons why you should buy the PS5 and 4 reasons why should not buy the PS5 at launch:
Why You Should Buy The PS5 At Launch
1. Being An Early Adopter Is Exciting

Being an early adopter of any new piece of tech is exhilarating and brings with it certain bragging rights.
Nothing beats the feeling of bringing home that brand new gaming console and booting it up for the first time, watching in awe as you play your first game on the machine that marks the next technological leap forward in gaming.
It’s the same reason why people are begging to line up for an unreasonably long period of time just to buy the new iPhone, and a new iPhone launches every year. Meanwhile, a new console only releases every 6 to 7 years, which means you’ll taking part of history in the making.
2. Great Future Exclusives

The greatest thing about the PS4 is its library of amazing exclusives. Console-sellers, if you will; games that people would buy a console for. The PS4 had Persona 5, Bloodborne, Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End, The Last Of Us Part 2, and the list goes on.
The PS5 will be no different, as Sony has confirmed several exclusives coming to the console. These include Marvelâ€™s Spider-Man Miles Morales, Gran Turismo 7, Ratchet And Clank Rift Apart, the Demonâ€™s Souls remake, Horizon Forbidden West, the sequel to 2018’s God Of War, and potentially more.
All of these aforementioned games are only releasing on PlayStation consoles, and the PS5 is going to be the best platform to play them on, considering how much more powerful it is compared to the PS4. That said, some of these aren’t exactly full PS5 exclusives (more on this below).
3. Getting A Headstart On Next-Gen Gaming

Purchasing the PS5 at launch means that you’ll be experiencing next-gen gaming from the very start. If you’re a hardcore gamer, that’s probably reason enough for you to buy a PS5 at launch, regardless of any drawbacks.
Getting the most out of your console purchase, and being one of the first to delve into next-gen gaming, are huge motivations for being early adopters.
By the time everyone else buys their own PS5, you’ll already be acquainted and getting used to what the new generation of gaming has to offer, allowing you to better appreciate any improvements and upgrades down the line after the fact.
4K gaming and ray-tracing? The PS5 has got that covered, and then some.
Why You Should Not Buy The PS5 At Launch
1. Being An Early Adopter Has Its Drawbacks

Being the first to purchase a brand new console at launch essentially means that you’re a beta tester of sorts. For example, the original PS4 launch model had its share of hardware and software problems. Software problems can be solved via updates, but hardware issues can only be permanently fixed with new upgraded models.
This is why the PS4 had revisions and upgraded models with better specs in its mid-life cycle, with the PS4 Slim and PS4 Pro (both of which improved on the original PS4). Gone are the overly-sensitive touch ejector button, air vents so big that bugs can enter, and overheating problems.
Buying the PS5 at launch will presumably offer the same risk of potential hardware and software issues/bugs, which will eventually be fixed through future updates and new models of the console.
If you wait and delay your purchase, you could have a much smoother and less problematic experience. A new PS5 model down the line would be free of the kinks and issues a launch model would potentially suffer from.
2. Some PS5 “Exclusives” Are Also Coming Out On PS4

Amidst all the excitement from the PS5 Showcase, several new details came to light that brought dismay to gamers. It seems like Sony lied to us all, as it turns out that several purportedly PS5 exclusives would also be releasing for the PS4, which means that they’re cross-gen games and not true next-gen ones.
These include Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales, Horizon Forbidden West, and Sackboy A Big Adventure. If these so-called PS5 exclusives are coming to the PS4, that lessens the incentive and purpose of buying a PS5 in the first place, especially when gamers could save a lot of money and just play these games on their existing PS5.
Sony’s broken promises also opens up more cans of worms. Which PS5 exclusives are even true exclusives? The status of several games remain unclear. For instance, Final Fantasy XVI was teased as a timed exclusive during the PS5 Showcase, but then Square Enix wouldn’t confirm if the game is also coming to the PS5.
In addition, what’s stopping Sony from announcing that other PS5 exclusives like Ratchet And Clank Rift Apart and the sequel to 2018’s God Of War are getting PS4 versions as well? We know that Insomniac Games previously mentioned that Ratchet And Clank Rift Apart could only be possible on the PS5’s specs, but it was thought to be the same case for Marvel’s Spider-Man Miles Morales as well, and look what ultimately happened.
3. Lackluster Launch Lineup

With all the brilliant PS4 exclusives available right now, many gamers mustâ€™ve forgotten what it was like back at launch all those years ago. Let me remind you. The PS4 launch lineup consisted of multiplatform games like Assassinâ€™s Creed IV: Black Flag, Battlefield 4, and FIFA 14. The only true brand new exclusives we had at launch were Knack, Killzone: Shadowfall, and Resogun.
Those arenâ€™t exactly console-sellers like later PS4 exclusives would be. In fact, the first year of the PS4 was pretty much lacking in great PS4 exclusives, with the notable exception of Infamous: Second Son, The Last Of Us Remastered, and DriveClub.
It looks like Sony will be repeating the mistake again with the PS5. The launch lineup for the PS5 (at the time of writing) is lackluster and uninspiring. Here are the launch titles currently confirmed for 12/19 November 2020:
Assassin’s Creed ValhallaAstro’s PlayroomDemon’s SoulsDestruction All StarsDevil May Cry 5: Special Edition (Digital)FortniteGodfallMarvel’s Spider-Man Miles MoralesSackboy A Big AdventureCall Of Duty Black Ops Cold War (13 November 2020)
Demon’s Souls and Destruction All Stars are the only true PS5 exclusives in that list. You could play the rest of the games either on the PS4, PC, or Xbox Series X/S.
Whatâ€™s the point of a shiny new and more powerful PS5 if you could just play those new games on your trusty old PS4 (or other platforms)?
4. Messy Pre-Order System

Sony broke yet another promise as chaos ensued after the PS5 Showcase when retailers opened pre-orders for the PS5 earlier than expected. How early? Well, only a day earlier, because Sony only gave a frustrating one day notice; announcing that pre-orders would become available at “select retailers” the day after the PS5 Showcase.
Not only is that vague as heck, but it resulted in a messy scramble to pre-order the PS5, especially in the US. That, in turn, resulted in failed pre-orders and many gamers unable to do anything about it. That’s not even mentioning the uncertainty of when PS5 pre-orders will start becoming available in other countries.
If Microsoft could announce a clean and clear date for when pre-orders would open for the Xbox Series X/S (which will be on 22 September worldwide, yes, WORLDWIDE), why can’t Sony? The PS5 hasn’t even launched yet and it’s already looking like a cluster**** of epic of proportions.
To Buy Or Not To Buy? That Is The Question…

At Kakuchopurei, we advocate for smart consumerism and while the nature of our jobs compels us to get the PS5 on day one (for reviews and other work-related stuff), the smart consumer move would be to hold off just a little longer before committing their hard-earned cash to it.
So the question is: when should you get the PS5? As a close, here are some variables that should also play a part in your decision making.
Your current gaming habit vs gaming habit post-PS5-purchase.Do you really need the PS5 if your PS4 can play most of the same games?How likely are you to return to your PS4 once you purchase the PS5?

Hope the list above helps in your decision making. If we missed out on anything, feel free to drop your thoughts in the comments section below.

Thatâ€™s all the confirmed details about the PS5 that we know so far. In the meantime, head on over here to check out all our other PS5-related news and feature articles.


Please Square Enix, No Final Fantasy X-3 Please…

Final Fantasy X was almost a masterpiece of a game; despite its really linear nature, it had a pretty dark storyline featuring a decent cast, lovely turn-based combat, and a heckaton of diversions and stupid minigames. Final Fantasy X-2 turned that frown upside-down and gave us…something alright.
If you’re one of those Tidus/Yuna fans clamouring for another sequel in the Final Fantasy X universe, you may be in luck. Or not. During a Dissidia Final Fantasy NT livestream, producer Yoshinori Kitase revealed this piece of Final Fantasy X art depicting an older Tidus and Yuna.
Kitase revealed during the stream that the Final Fantasy X HD remaster team were excited about making an X-3 when they included the voice drama detailing the latest chapter of Spira’s tale. They haven’t gotten to it because the team is currently busy with other Square Enix projects.
Also, Dissidia Final Fantasy director Takeo Kujiraoka stated that he’s received requests to make a “later years” costume for Tidus and Yuna, though Square Enix producer/director/artist of belts Tetsuya Nomura said he wanted X-3 out first.
Why This Might Go South
As exciting as this all sounds, I’ll have to dish out a reality check here: this can definitely end badly. Final Fantasy X originally had a great if kinda depressing ending. The sequel’s climax kinda made what you fought for in the first game mean jack; a cop-out if you will. Final Fantasy X-3 might end up even more fan service-y than FFX-2, and that can dilute FFX as a whole.
Take the case of FFIV: The After Years. People asked for a sequel to FFIV, they got it and it’s a terrible rehash and retread. Do you want that s*** in your precious Final Fantasy X? DO YOU?!?!


Joystick Beragam is a New Malaysian-Based Facebook Gaming Group For All

We’re in an age where diversity in groups is always welcome & needed, no matter the pastime or country. We came across a newly-formed Facebook group called Joystick Beragam which focuses primarily on promoting inclusivity, diversity of ideas, gender, sexuality, race, identity, and faith.
What makes it special is that was founded by a pair of Malaysians activists whose main aim was to create a “safe space” for folks of differing faiths and lifestyle to congregate online and discuss about their favorite pastime activity, gaming. According to the group’s founder, Shahrir Shazni, his past experience being in several local gaming groups on Facebook compelled him to open his own.Â
“As far as my observation goes,” he said via email, “the attitudes are not that friendly, discriminating and hostile towards people of minority.”

“To me it is quite puzzling because generally the gaming world has been moving towards inclusivity; be it in gender, religion or ethnicity. But then, as reality struck, I have to accept that here in Malaysia is far from that. The mindset and mentality are still not there yet.”

The less-than-savory response to his post in a local video games Facebook group related to Naughty Dog’s The Last of Us Part II set things in motion for Shahir. “Recently, I posted some of my thoughts and a brief review about the Last of Us 2 in this particular PS4 group,” he said. “I am well aware of the controversy that related to the game but I shared nonetheless. Soon after that, people started commenting.”

“They called me names, and claimed that I wanted to spread some agenda; specifically, the ‘LGBT agenda’. Funny thing was, I never mentioned any LGBT stuff in the post. I just said that the game, to me, is quite a masterpiece and thatâ€™s it. But they donâ€™t see that.
They donâ€™t see this regular Joe just wanted to share the joy of playing this particular game. All they want is spewing hate and vitriolic comments.”

Coined by a friend of Shahir, Numan Afifi, the name of the group, “Joystick Beragam” means “diverse joystick”‘ in Malay and aims is to serve a space where differing views are embraced and constructive discussions are practiced.Â “My current aim is to gather like-minded people and ensure that the discourse in the gaming world does not have to be toxic and hostile towards any group of people.
“Gaming is to unite us all,” Shahir concluded. “I just hope that in the coming future Joystick Beragam will inspire other groups to be more inclusive and celebrate all kinds of gamers.”
You can check out and join Joystick Beragam here.


36 Teams To Compete At The 2023 Overwatch World Cup Qualifiers

Back in December, Blizzard announced the return and fifth instalment of the Overwatch World Cup will be taking place for the first time since 2019.
The United States, as the current champion, and South Korea, with three previous wins, aim to defend their title in the competition, but the release of Overwatch 2 introduces new teams to the field. Is there a possibility of a new champion being crowned this year?
The 2023 Overwatch World Cup will consist of three conferences, each with two groups of six participating countries and regions. These teams were chosen based on Overwatch 2 player population data. The competition committee applications will open in February, and each country and region will host World Cup Trials over three weekends in the same month. The competition committees will then organize additional team tryouts in March, and finalize a team of seven players in April.
Additionally, there will be a wild card challenge that will award four additional spots for teams to compete, with details to be published in February. The teams will then compete in their groups in June, to earn one of 16 spots at the LAN finals, scheduled to take place in the fall of 2023.
A team from China will receive a direct invitation to the Group Stage, as they have always performed well in the past, including two second-place finishes in the last two Overwatch World Cups. However, there will be no World Cup Trials in China, and the team will not compete in the Online Qualifiers, the tryouts process in China will differ from that of other countries/regions. More information on the process will be shared directly with players in the China region.
Below you will find a breakdown of the 36 teams and six groups for the online qualifiers:

Teams
Americas Conference (AMER)

AMER A

Canada
Costa Rica
Guatemala
Mexico
Puerto Rico
United States

AMER B

Argentina
Brazil
Chile
Colombia
Ecuador
Peru

Europe and Middle East Conference (EMEC)

EMEC A

Belgium
France
Great Britain
Italy
Netherlands
Spain

EMEC B

Germany
Norway
Poland
Saudi Arabia
Sweden
Turkey

Asia-Pacific Conference (APAC)

APAC A

Chinese Taipei
Hong Kong
Indonesia
Japan
Philippines
South Korea

APAC B

Australia
India
Malaysia
New Zealand
Singapore
Thailand

Given that a team from China will already have a secured spot in the group stage, the remaining 15 spots will be competed for by teams during the online qualifiers.

AMER A
EMEC A
APAC A
AMER B
EMEC B
APAC B

3
3
3
2
2
2

Competition Committees
Each team will be represented by a competition committee that consists of the following three roles:

General Manager: responsible for team operations and communications with Blizzard
Coach: responsible for leading tryouts, player selection, and all competitive aspects of the team
Social Lead: responsible for the team’s social media, content, and engagement initiatives

Think you got what it takes to lead your homeland’s competition committee? Here’s how you can get involved:
STEP 1

Create a video that describes who you are, why you want to be a competition committee member, and what unique advantages you can bring to the space

STEP 2

Fill out a web form (name, email, Discord, Battle.net, etc.)
Written statements for Step 1 will be accepted here in-lieu of a video

STEP 3

If selected, Blizzard will reach out via email or Discord with next steps

For more information and FAQs, feel free to go ahead and check out Blizzard’s official blog post regarding the qualifiers.


Kotobukiya Announces New Trigun Stampede Vash Figure

Kotobukiya has announced a new 1/8th scale figure of Vash The Stampede from Trigun Stampede. It will be a part of the ARTFX J line and will be released 29 March.
It was revealed via a tweet from the official account, which shows off the unfinished model for the first time. According to the tweet, Vash is made to look like he is in the middle of a fight against enemies, wielding his gun.

Check out the first reveal for the sculpt of Vash the Stampede from the currently airing anime TRIGUN STAMPEDE! The pose captures Vash as he faces off against his enemies!https://t.co/6CzjVmfEDa#TRIGUN #KotobukiyaCollection #Kotobukiya pic.twitter.com/Y679Mwl6Zu
— Kotobukiya Official (@Kotobukiya_EN) February 4, 2023

Trigun is a popular Japanese gun-action manga series created by Yasuhiro Nightow. It follows the fated journey of Vash the Stampede, a legendary gunman and a pacifist with a bounty on his head.
In the meantime, check out our review of Episode 1 and Episode 2.


Overwatch Will Get Its Own Young Adult Novel Featuring Orisa

If you’re a big fan of science fiction, then you’ve probably heard of Nicky Drayden or at least her award-winning novel The Prey of Gods, a story that takes place in futuristic South Africa.
The upcoming Overwatch novel titled The Hero of Numbani is written by Drayden and it also takes place in a futuristic African setting. The story will focus on the heroic rise of Efi Oladele whom you’ll probably remember from Orisa‘s Origin Story video. She’s the girl who built Orisa from the remains of OR15 defence robots that were destroyed by Doomfist.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lvm0of3iDUU&w=560&h=315]
Aside from Efi, Orisa, and Doomfist, Lucio is also slated to appear in the novel. What’s a Brazilian hard-light skating musician doing in Numbani, you ask? Well, we’ll have to read the novel to find out but I’m pretty sure he’s initially there for a concert.
Here’s the description of the novel on its Amazon listing page:

In the technologically advanced African city of Numbani, in the not-so-distant future, humans live in harmony with humanoid robots known as omnics. But when a terrorist tries to shatter that unity, a hero named Efi Oladele rises!
Efi has been making robots since she was little-machines to better her community and improve people’s lives. But after she witnesses Doomfist’s catastrophic attack on the city’s OR15 security bots, Efi feels the call to build something greater: a true guardian of Numbani.
While Doomfist sows discord between humans and omnics, Efi engineers an intelligent and compassionate robot, Orisa, named after the powerful spirits who guide her people. Orisa has a lot to learn before she’s ready to defeat Doomfist, but Efi has some learning to do, too, especially when it comes to building-and being-a hero. With Doomfist rallying his forces, and the military powerless to stop him, can Efi mold Orisa into the hero of Numbani before it’s too late?

The Hero of Numbani is scheduled to be published on 5 May 2020 by Scholastic. Check out the novel’s Amazon listing here.