Happy Lunar New Year 2023: The Famous Rabbits & Bunnies Of Video Games

We’re blessed to have not just one, but TWO new year celebrations thanks to being in Asia. With 2023’s New Year done, we now have the Lunar New Year calendar celebrations to prep for. Which means a new Chinese Zodiac animal to make an obligatory video game feature listicle with!
This year, we have the auspicious rabbit, which we heard symbolizes longevity, peace, and prosperity. To celebrate this year’s Lunar New Year calendar, let’s highlight our favourite rabbits of video games. We’re not sure if they represent any of the aforementioned characteristics, but these critters in gaming do occupy a space in our mind palace for their looks and personalities.
The Rabbids – Rayman Raving Rabbids & Mario+Rabbids Kingdom Battle

The Rabbids made their debut in 2006’s Rayman Raving Rabbids and have since been featured in other games over the years, such as Nintendo Switch exclusives Mario+Rabbids. They’re a bit like the iconic yellow Minions from Despicable Me because they also talk in their own gibberish-sounding language and they often get themselves in all kinds of crazy antics.

The last time they popped up was in the hit game Mario + Rabbids: Sparks of Hope where we have Rabbid versions of Mario, Princess Peach, Luigi, Rosalina, and an edgelord anime hero with a badass sword. Unlike previous Rabbids, this recent group are actually funny than grating.
Fran – Final Fantasy XII

She’s not actually a rabbit but her species, the Viera, looks like humanoids with rabbit-like features. She’s one of several party members from Final Fantasy XII and she’s been a fan favourite since her debut. She casts magic like a badass, works well with her human pal Balthier, and will whoop your butt if you look at her funny.
Peppy Hare – Starfox

If you’re once a hardcore gamer of the SNES console, you might hear the famous phrase “Do a barrel roll” one too many times! Peppy is a veteran of the original Star Fox team, thus his role offers players guidance and assistance throughout the Starfox series.
The lore of this character is interesting since he flew with Starfox’s dad and has always been there for Starfox during his life. While he was once the least favourable character in the franchise, Peppy still remained in the minds of many retro players.
Bonnie Bunny – Five Nights At Freddy’s

Bonnie is far from your average soft and sweet rabbit. He’s here to stalk you from the shadow, and when the time is right, he’ll definitely scare the pants out of you! Bonnie has many alternate versions throughout the FNAF franchise; Toy Bonnie, Bon Bon, Spring Bonnie, Withered Bonnie, and the scariest among all, Nightmare Bonnie.
The Nightmare Bonnie seems like it’s straight out of hell and minutes away to shred you into pieces. When it’s not busy stuffing humans in an animal suit, Bonnie plays the guitar. Give Five Nights At Freddy’s a go and you might just dream of Bonnie tonight.
Cream – Sonic Advance 2

Cream the rabbit made her first debut in 2002 Sonic Advance 2. Cream’s personality is sweet-natured and not afraid to stand up for herself and will always be there to help out her friends. Just as Tails is the sidekick of Sonic, Cream serves as such to Amy Rose and Blaze the Cat.
Cream has a companion, a bowtie-wearing Chao named Cheese, whom she travels and battles side-by-side with. We have yet to see any recent appearance of Cream in the Sonic Prime animation series, but one can hope for a Season 2 cameo or more.
Max – Sam & Max game series

The game that’s based on an 80s comic series from Steve “I do Cars now” Purcell is iconic for being a funny 1993 PC adventure title with clever puzzles and wisecracking humour. It also features a sociopathic bunny cop who is pals with dog buddy Sam. Max is psychotic and uses violence mostly to solve problems, but he’s loyal to a tee. Not much can split apart this true bond of friendship; not even a giant ball of twine.
Jazz Jackrabbit – Jazz Jackrabbit

During the 90s mascot platformer phase, and way before Epic Games did Fortnite, the company was under the Epic Megagames banner and was creating PC games that followed a particular fashion and trend then. Jazz Jackrabbit is clearly their version of Sonic The Hedgehog, led by Cliff Bleszinski of Gears of War fame, except the titular character has a gun.
That means loads of obstacles destroyed with loads of ranged weaponry but with the similar running and blazing-around level-exploring and platforming we know and love from mascot platformers. Also, Jazz’s games come with pretty boppin’ PC-grade soundtracks.
Scorbunny/Raboot/Cinderace – Pokemon series

There are a number of bunnies/bunny-like creatures in the Pokemon universe like the fluffy Buneary to Bunnelby. But in terms of sheer usefulness in protecting a Pokemon trainer, you cannot go wrong with arguably one of the best Fire starters in the series. Scorbunny/Raboot/Cinderace takes the top spot in the Pokemon universe for its high speed and attack rating, but most importantly, it’s pretty cute and a worthy longtime companion for your regional adventure and battling.
Mr. Rabbit – Bad Apple Wars

The first person the protagonist meets upon arriving at NEVAEH Academy in the otome visual novel video game Bad Apple Wars. He wears a rabbit head and a white suit. He is hyperactive and always seems to be in good spirits.
The Rabbit – The Last Of Us

“Oh, this won’t last very long…” – Ellie.
You’ll find this cute fellow starting off the Winter chapter of the hit 2013 game from Naughty Dog. Its nutrients & meat also kept Joel and Ellie alive long enough before, well, you know. Should have watched your left, little fella!
Honourable Mention: DVa (Overwatch)

This Korean professional gamer and mech pilot may not be an actual rabbit, but she sure loves the animal based on her emblem and the way her mecha’s bunny-hopping ways.


Goblin Slayer Season 2 To Premiere This Year

The second season of the anime adaptation of Kumo Kagyu’s dark fantasy series Goblin Slayer will be out in 2023.
The anime’s official website revealed a teaser below, stating that the animation studio LIDEN FILMS will be animating the new season.

Here are the returning cast members of the previous season:

Yuichiro Umehara as Goblin Slayer
Yui Ogura as Priestess
Nao T?yama as High Elf Archer
Yuka Iguchi as Cow Girl
Maaya Uchida as Guild Girl
Y?ichi Nakamura as Dwarf Shaman
Tomokazu Sugita as Lizard Priest
Y?ko Hikasa as Witch
Yoshitsugu Matsuoka as Spearman

Chief director Takaharu Ozaki will resume his duties in the second season, while Hideyuki Kurata is handling the series composition. Kenichiro Suehiro will be handling the show’s music.
The first season premiered in 2018. For those not in the know, the series is about, well, a Goblin Slayer who crosses path with an inexperienced priestess whose first adventuring party goes horribly wrong.


Watch Dogs Legion To Feature A Playable Modern Assassin’s Creed Character

Ubisoft has unveiled two new trailers for Watch Dogs Legion, one of which touches on the gameâ€™s story and the other on post-launch content plans, which includes online multiplayer as part of a free update on 3 December 2020.
Online Mode (Free)
The Online mode ofÂ Watch Dogs LegionÂ will include the following features as part of the free update on 3 December 2020:
Free-roam open-world co-op (up to four-player co-op) and explore the city of London and participate in side activities.New co-op missions for two-to-four players.Four-player co-op Tactical Ops missionsPlayer-vs-Player (PvP) mode in the Spiderbot Arena, where four-to-eight players control armed spider bots and compete in a high-intensity free-for-all deathmatch.

Post-Launch Single-Player Content (Free)
New free content for the singleplayer mode will be available in a future update sometime in 2021, and will include:
New characters with new abilities.New mission content.A New Game Plus mode.
Season Pass Content (Paid)
Players who acquire theÂ Watch Dogs LegionÂ Season Pass will get access toÂ Watch Dogs Legion â€“ Bloodline, a new storyline which features Aiden Pearce from the originalÂ Watch DogsÂ game and Wrench fromÂ Watch Dogs 2, both of which will be fully playable in the singleplayer campaign and online.
Two other newly-revealed playable characters include:
Darcy, a member of the Assassin Order, thanks to a cross-over withÂ Assassinâ€™s Creed.Mina, a subject of transhuman experiments, who possesses the ability to mind control individuals.
Modern Assassin named Darcy.
The Season Pass will also offer extra DedSec missions, the Watch Dogs Complete EditionÂ from 2014, and more. The Season PassÂ is available for purchase as part of the Gold, Ultimate, and Collector editions of the game.
Watch Dogs LegionÂ is slated to release for the PS4, Xbox One, PC via theÂ Epic Games Store,Â Ubisoft Store, and Uplay, and Stadia on 29 October 2020; Xbox Series on 10 November 2020; and PS5 on 12 November 2020. Meanwhile, the PS5 version will be available on 24 November 2020.


Bethesda Has A Message For PlayStation Fans Who Are Left Out

Xbox owns Bethesda, which means that future marquee titles like The Elder Scrolls and Starfield will most likely be exclusive titles on Xbox consoles. PlayStation fans who are used to playing Bethesda games on their consoles are obviously miffed at being left out.
What does Bethesda have to say to PlayStation fans and loyalists, apart from having titles like Deathloop and Ghostwire Tokyo being PlayStation console exclusives? Well, not much, according to Bethesda’s senior vice president of global marketing & communications Pete Hines:
“I have no idea how to state this in a way when … I don’t know. I don’t know the answer. It doesn’t exist. It’s not like I know it and I just don’t want to tell you. I don’t know.”
However, Hines did add that Bethesda fans on PlayStation consoles will not be shut out entirely from playing future titles from the studio.
“There are Xbox brands that exist on other platforms, first and foremost. I think that’s important to note. Minecraft didn’t just stop existing on anything once Mojang got bought by Xbox.
It’s a massively played game on all of these other platforms. It’s not a, ‘Sorry, you’re never going to get to play anything by Bethesda again.’ Certainly, there are going to be things that you’re not going to be able to play [on PlayStation].
Starfield, it was announced as a thing that’s an Xbox exclusive. I don’t know if I would go so far as to say you’re done ever playing stuff on PlayStation. But again, I don’t know the answer to that right now.”
You can hear more about Bethesda’s current plans on the recent Gamescom archived livestream.


Samsung Study Shows How Many Mobile Phone Users Are Gamers

Samsung Electronics has released findings from its Southeast Asia and Oceania (SEAO) Gaming Insight Study, which found that 7 in 10 online consumers in the region are gamers. Conducted in partnership with ONE Esports, over 6,800 consumers aged 18 to 49 across seven markets (Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam) were surveyed in the last quarter of 20221, showing a widespread love for gaming whether at home or on-the-go.
In Malaysia, playing to de-stress and relax was cited as the top reason for gaming (75%), with an average of 7 hours a week spent on gaming. Most gamers (94%) preferred to engage in gameplay from the comfort of their home, and over half of gamers (51%) were found to spend an average of USD $30 monthly on gaming-related purchases such as exclusive online content, esports tournament tickets, streamer subscription, skins, and merchandise collectibles.
The study identified four distinct gamer personalities among gaming fans in Malaysia – Hardcore Gamers, Gaming Enthusiasts, Casual Gamers & Spectators, as well as Casual Gamers, based on their total time spent playing games and watching gaming or esports content.?The study found that more than half of gamers surveyed (56%) indulge in this pastime at least a few times a week, consisting of Hardcore Gamers and Gaming Enthusiasts.
Gaming Enthusiasts and Hardcore Gamers are highly vested in their hobby, where their top gaming-related activities include watching gaming videos, discussing gaming with others, reading gaming updates and news, spending money on gaming-related items and lastly, following gaming personalities on social media.
Carl Nordenberg, Regional Head of Mobile Experience Business, Samsung Electronics Southeast Asia and Oceania, said,
“Gaming today is much more than a hobby – it is a pastime that brings people together. The Southeast Asia and Oceania region holds a huge community of gamers, and this study sheds new light on their distinct gaming needs and habits, both as players and as e-sports fans. With this understanding, we can continue empowering our Samsung users to enjoy their gaming passion to the fullest. Whether on our powerful Galaxy devices, QLED TVs or gaming monitors, Samsung provides the best gaming experience, for casual and hardcore gamers alike.”
Jane Guo, Vice President, Analytics & Insights, ONE Esports, said,
“We are thrilled to have partnered with Samsung on this study, powered by our in-house first-party consumer insights. The study uncovers a huge market of gaming enthusiasts and hardcore esports fans in the SEAO region, who look for high performance and a superior gaming and viewing experience when choosing devices and accessories such as smartphones, laptops, headphones and monitors. Samsung’s range of innovative gaming devices allows them to connect with these consumers compellingly.”


Gearbox To Announce Publishing Catalogue & Future Of Borderlands This September

As you can tell, COVID-19 is making big-as-heck events online, like the Penny Arcade West Expo which usually happens around this time of year. Hence, PAX Online 2020 on 12th to 20th September.

One of its major partners, Gearbox Software, will be hosting a showcase event where it’ll share the next bit of Borderlands and from Gearbox Publishing. The last time they did that last year, it was to share news of Borderlands 3 and Risk of Rain 2, two pretty awesome games.
You can tune to the upcoming stream on 12th September either on YouTube or on Twitch. In the meantime, you can look forward to Gearbox’s next DLC in Borderlands 3 coming soon on 10th September.


EA’s FIFA Loses Another Club To Rivals Konami

Konami has announced Atalanta to become its’ next exclusive partner, joining other Serie A club Juventus, Napoli, Lazio and AS Roma. What this means is that Atalanta will not be in the next EA FIFA game.
Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. has signed a long-term, exclusive partnership agreement with Atalanta Bergamasca Calcio (â€œAtalantaâ€), the top-tier Italian football club that recently finished the season in third place.
As â€œOfficial Video Game Partnerâ€, KONAMI has secured exclusive rights to the use of the Atalanta license, including team name, crest and kits, within real-time football simulation games, starting with the 2021/22 football season.
Naoki Morita, President at Konami Digital Entertainment B.V. commented:
â€œAs we prepare to unveil the future of the eFootball PES series, I am delighted to announce this exclusive partnership with Atalanta B.C., a truly formidable club with an exciting future at the highest levels of European football.
Working side by side with our Partner Clubs is an important element of our strategy to deliver industry-leading video games to football fans all over the world.â€
Luca Percassi, Atalanta B.C. CEO said:
â€œWe are extremely delighted to announce the partnership with KONAMI.
KONAMI is an international brand that needs no introduction. It represents another important moment of growth for Atalantaâ€.
Based in Bergamo, Italy, Atalanta has competed in the top-tier Italian football league for 60 years and commands a passionate fanbase across Europe. The team has also proudly reached the quarter-finals and the last 16 in the most prestigious European club tournament for the past two seasons.
KONAMIâ€™s latest partnership announcement for theÂ eFootball PESÂ series follows previous Italian agreements including the Italian Football Federation, AS Roma, SS Lazio and SSC Napoli.


Forza Horizon 4 Guide:  Full Car List & Tips

This feature is still in development
Xbox’s flagship racing title is now out, and we enjoyed the heck out of it even if it’s a tad similar to the previous game. Nonetheless, you’ll get busy with Forza Horizon 4.
Here are some tips and tricks to get you started, as well as a full car list.
General Hints & Tips

Forza Horizon 4 takes place around the U.K., and the map can change between Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. The weather will change up the map and roads significantly.
There are two types of currency in the game: CR (credits), used to purchase new cars and parts, and Influence, used to gain access to new events and seasons.
You can earn both types of currency through participating in events around the Forza Horizon 4 map. The higher you place in events like races, the more CR and Influence youâ€™ll earn.
You start out in Spring, and you unlock Summer, Fall, and Winter for every 50,000 Influence you hit.
Every time you level up through earning enough CR, youâ€™ll unlock a “Wheelspin”.
From our own Mr Toffee: chain skills when you’re driving so you can earn Driver Skills and Influence even if you’re on the way to a specific race.

How To Earn Influence Quick
You need Influence to unlock future events and seasons. Here’s a quick breakdown on how to get them quick.

At the beginning of Forza Horizon 4, youâ€™ll start out earning Influence based solely on events and races.
Youâ€™ll not only earn Influence based on where you place at the end of a race, but youâ€™ll also earn Influence based on the tricks and stunts you perform during a race, such as your airtime, overtakes, and drift time.Â
The best way to earn Influence fast while exploring is to earn enough Skill Ability Points first, then head to the Car Mastery Menu
Unlock Weekend Toy which allows you to earn Influence while in the open world. If you love mucking about, this is perhaps the best way without grinding too much with the races.

How To Change Seasons
Generally, you have to go through a cycle every few days when you’re online: Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter, then back to Spring. So you can’t change it on the fly to your whims.
However, there is one way to bypass this. If you use the Blueprint feature to customize your own races, you can pick which season you want to race in. You can also share this Blueprint race with your online friends in case they get a hankering to race in the winter with snow tire-fitted trucks when it’s summer.
Full Car List
Check out the full list and car stats below.

Abarth

2017 Abarth 124 SpiderÂ
2016 Abarth 695 BipostoÂ
1980 Abarth Fiat 131Â
1968 Abarth 595Â

Acura

2017 Acura NSXÂ
2002 Acura RSX Type-SÂ
2001 Acura Integra Type-R

Alfa Romeo

2017 Alfa Romeo Giulia QuadrifoglioÂ
2014 Alfa Romeo 4CÂ
2007 Alfa Romeo 8C CompetizioneÂ
1968 Alfa Romeo 33 StradaleÂ
1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia Sprint GTA StradaleÂ
1965 Alfa Romeo Giulia TZ2Â
1934 Alfa Romeo P3

Alumi

2015 Alumi Craft Class 10 Race Car

AMC

1974 AMC Hornet X Hatchback (Best of Bond Car Pack)Â
1973 AMC Gremlin XÂ
1971 AMC Javelin AMX

AMG

2554 AMG Transport Dynamics M12S Warthog CST

Ariel

2016 Ariel NomadÂ
2013 Ariel Atom 500 V8

Ascari

2012 Ascari KZ1R

Aston Martin

2017 Aston Martin DB11Â
2016 Aston Martin VulcanÂ
2016 Aston Martin Vantage GT12Â
2015 Aston Martin DB10 (Best of Bond Car Pack)Â
2013 Aston Martin V12 Vantage SÂ
2012 Aston Martin VanquishÂ
2010 Aston Martin One-77Â
2008 Aston Martin DBS (Best of Bond Car Pack)Â
1986 Aston Martin V8 (Best of Bond Car Pack)Â
1969 Aston Martin DBS (Best of Bond Car Pack)Â
1964 Aston Martin DB5Â
1964 Aston Martin DB5 (Best of Bond Car Pack)Â
1960 Aston Martin DB4GT ZagatoÂ
1958 Aston Martin DBR1

Audi

2016 Audi R8 V10 plusÂ
2015 Audi S1Â
2015 Audi RS 6 AvantÂ
2015 Audi TTS CoupÃ©Â
2013 Audi RS 4 AvantÂ
2013 Audi RS 7 SportbackÂ
2013 Audi R8 CoupÃ© V10 plus 5.2 FSI quattroÂ
2011 Audi RS 3 SportbackÂ
2011 Audi RS 5 CoupÃ©Â
2010 Audi TT RS CoupÃ©Â
2009 Audi RS 6Â
2006 Audi RS 4Â
2003 Audi RS 6Â
2001 Audi RS 4 AvantÂ
1995 Audi RS 2 AvantÂ
1986 Audi #2 Audi Sport quattro S1Â
1983 Audi Sport quattro

Austin

1964 Austin FX4 TaxiÂ
1965 Austin-Healey 3000 MKIIIÂ
1958 Austin-Healey Sprite MkI

Auto Union

1939 Auto Union Type D

BAC

2014 BAC Mono

Bentley

2017 Bentley Continental SupersportsÂ
2016 Bentley BentaygaÂ
2013 Bentley Continental GT SpeedÂ
1931 Bentley 4-1/2 Litre SuperchargedÂ
1931 Bentley 8-Litre

BMW

2016 BMW M2 CoupÃ©Â
2016 BMW M4 GTSÂ
2015 BMW i8Â
2015 BMW X6 MÂ
2014 BMW M4 CoupeÂ
2013 BMW M6 CoupeÂ
2012 BMW M5Â
2011 BMW Z4 sDrive35isÂ
2011 BMW X5 MÂ
2011 BMW 1 Series M CoupeÂ
2009 BMW M5Â
2008 BMW M3Â
2008 BMW Z4 M CoupeÂ
2005 BMW M3Â
2003 BMW M5Â
2002 BMW Z3 M CoupeÂ
1999 BMW Z8 (Best of Bond Car Pack)Â
1997 BMW M3Â
1995 BMW M5Â
1991 BMW M3Â
1988 BMW M5Â
1981 BMW M1Â
1973 BMW 2002 TurboÂ
1957 BMW Isetta 300 Export

Bowler

2012 Bowler EXR S

Bugatti

2018 Bugatti ChironÂ
2011 Bugatti Veyron Super SportÂ
1992 Bugatti EB110 Super SportÂ
1926 Bugatti Type 35 C

Buick

1987 Buick Regal GNX

Cadillac

2016 Cadillac ATS-VÂ
2016 Cadillac CTS-V SedanÂ
2013 Cadillac XTS Limousine

Caterham

2013 Caterham Superlight R500

Chevrolet

2017 Chevrolet Camaro ZL1Â
2015 Chevrolet Corvette Z06Â
2015 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28Â
2009 Chevrolet Corvette ZR1Â
2002 Chevrolet Corvette Z06Â
1995 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1Â
1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo Super SportÂ
1979 Chevrolet Camaro Z28Â
1970 Chevrolet Chevelle Super Sport 454Â
1970 Chevrolet Corvette ZR-1Â
1970 Chevrolet El Camino Super Sport 454Â
1970 Chevrolet Camaro Z28Â
1969 Chevrolet Camaro Super Sport CoupeÂ
1969 Chevrolet Nova Super Sport 396Â
1967 Chevrolet Corvette Stingray 427Â
1966 Chevrolet Nova Super SportÂ
1964 Chevrolet Impala Super Sport 409Â
1960 Chevrolet CorvetteÂ
1957 Chevrolet Bel AirÂ
1955 Chevrolet 150 Utility SedanÂ
1953 Chevrolet Corvette

Chrysler

1972 Chrysler VH Valiant Charger R/T E49

CitroÃ«n

1981 CitroÃ«n 2CV6 (Best of Bond Car Pack)

Datsun

1970 Datsun 510

Dodge

2018 Dodge Durango SRTÂ
2018 Dodge Challenger SRT DemonÂ
2016 Dodge Viper ACRÂ
2015 Dodge Challenger SRT HellcatÂ
2015 Dodge Charger SRT HellcatÂ
2008 Dodge Viper SRT10 ACRÂ
1999 Dodge Viper GTS ACRÂ
1970 Dodge Challenger R/TÂ
1969 Dodge Charger R/TÂ
1969 Dodge Charger Daytona HEMIÂ
1968 Dodge Dart HEMI Super Stock

Donkervoort

2013 Donkervoort D8 GTO

Eagle

2012 Eagle Speedster

Ferrari

2015 Ferrari 488 GTBÂ
2015 Ferrari F12tdfÂ
2014 Ferrari California TÂ
2014 Ferrari FXX KÂ
2013 Ferrari LaFerrariÂ
2013 Ferrari 458 SpecialeÂ
2012 Ferrari F12berlinettaÂ
2011 Ferrari FFÂ
2010 Ferrari 599XXÂ
2010 Ferrari 599 GTOÂ
2009 Ferrari 458 ItaliaÂ
2007 Ferrari 430 ScuderiaÂ
2003 Ferrari 360 Challenge StradaleÂ
2002 Ferrari 575M MaranelloÂ
2002 Ferrari Enzo FerrariÂ
1996 Ferrari F50 GTÂ
1995 Ferrari F50Â
1994 Ferrari F355 BerlinettaÂ
1992 Ferrari 512 TRÂ
1989 Ferrari F40 CompetizioneÂ
1987 Ferrari F40Â
1984 Ferrari 288 GTOÂ
1969 Ferrari Dino 246 GTÂ
1968 Ferrari 365 GTB/4Â
1967 Ferrari #24 Ferrari Spa 330 P4Â
1963 Ferrari 250LMÂ
1962 Ferrari 250 GTOÂ
1962 Ferrari 250 GT Berlinetta LussoÂ
1957 Ferrari 250 Testa RossaÂ
1957 Ferrari 250 CaliforniaÂ
1953 Ferrari 500 MondialÂ
1948 Ferrari 166MM Barchetta

FIAT

1980 FIAT 124 Sport Spider

Ford

2018 Ford Mustang GTÂ
2017 Ford Focus RSÂ
2017 Ford GTÂ
2017 Ford F-150 RaptorÂ
2017 Ford #14 Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing GRC FiestaÂ
2017 Ford M-Sport Fiesta RSÂ
2016 Ford Shelby GT350RÂ
2015 Ford Falcon GT F 351Â
2014 Ford Fiesta STÂ
2014 Ford Ranger T6 Rally RaidÂ
2014 Ford #11 Rockstar F-150 Trophy TruckÂ
2014 Ford FPV Limited Edition Pursuit UteÂ
2013 Ford Shelby GT500Â
2011 Ford Transit SuperSportVanÂ
2011 Ford F-150 SVT RaptorÂ
2010 Ford Crown Victoria Police InterceptorÂ
2009 Ford Focus RSÂ
2005 Ford GTÂ
2003 Ford Focus RSÂ
2000 Ford SVT Cobra RÂ
1993 Ford SVT Cobra RÂ
1992 Ford Escort RS CosworthÂ
1987 Ford Sierra Cosworth RS500Â
1986 Ford Escort RS TurboÂ
1985 Ford RS200 EvolutionÂ
1981 Ford Fiesta XR2Â
1977 Ford Escort RS1800Â
1975 Ford BroncoÂ
1973 Ford XB Falcon GTÂ
1973 Ford Capri RS3100Â
1973 Ford Escort RS1600Â
1972 Ford Falcon XA GT-HOÂ
1971 Ford Mustang Mach 1Â
1969 Ford Mustang Boss 302Â
1966 Ford Lotus CortinaÂ
1966 Ford #2 GT40 Mk II Le MansÂ
1965 Ford Mustang GT CoupeÂ
1964 Ford GT40 Mk IÂ
1959 Ford Anglia 105EÂ
1956 Ford F-100Â
1946 Ford Super Deluxe Station WagonÂ
1940 Ford De Luxe CoupeÂ
1932 Ford De Luxe Five-Window Coupe

GMC

1983 GMC Vandura G-1500

HDT

1985 HDT VK Commodore Group A

Hennessey

2012 Hennessey Venom GT

Holden

1977 Holden Torana A9XÂ
1974 Holden Sandman HQ panel vanÂ
1973 Holden HQ Monaro GTS 350

Honda

2016 Honda Civic Type RÂ
2015 Honda Ridgeline Baja Trophy TruckÂ
2009 Honda S2000 CRÂ
2007 Honda Civic Type-RÂ
2005 Honda NSX-RÂ
2004 Honda Civic Type-RÂ
1997 Honda Civic Type RÂ
1992 Honda NSX-RÂ
1991 Honda CR-X SiR

Hoonigan

2016 Hoonigan GYMKHANA 9 Ford Focus RS RXÂ
1992 Hoonigan Mazda RX-7 TwerkstallionÂ
1991 Hoonigan Rauh-Welt Begriff Porsche 911 TurboÂ
1978 Hoonigan Ford Escort RS1800Â
1972 Hoonigan Chevrolet Napalm NovaÂ
1965 Hoonigan Ford ‘Hoonicorn’ MustangÂ
1955 Hoonigan Chevrolet Bel Air

HSV

2014 HSV GEN-F GTSÂ
2014 HSV Limited Edition Gen-F GTS Maloo

HUMMER

2006 HUMMER H1 Alpha

Hyundai

2019 Hyundai Veloster N

Infiniti

2015 Infiniti Q60 ConceptÂ
2014 Infiniti Q50 Eau Rouge

International

1970 International Scout 800A

Jaguar

2017 Jaguar F-PACE SÂ
2016 Jaguar F-TYPE Project 7Â
2015 Jaguar F-TYPE R CoupÃ©Â
2015 Jaguar XFR-SÂ
2015 Jaguar XE-SÂ
2015 Jaguar XKR-S GTÂ
2012 Jaguar XKR-SÂ
2010 Jaguar C-X75 (Best of Bond Car Pack)Â
1993 Jaguar XJ220Â
1990 Jaguar XJ-SÂ
1964 Jaguar Lightweight E-TypeÂ
1961 Jaguar E-type S1Â
1959 Jaguar Mk II 3.8Â
1956 Jaguar D-TypeÂ
1954 Jaguar XK120 SE

Jeep

2018 Jeep Grand Cherokee TrackhawkÂ
2016 Jeep TrailcatÂ
2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRTÂ
2012 Jeep Wrangler RubiconÂ
1976 Jeep CJ5 Renegade

Kia

2018 Kia Stinger

Koenigsegg

2016 Koenigsegg RegeraÂ
2015 Koenigsegg One:1Â
2011 Koenigsegg Agera

KTM

2013 KTM X-Bow R

Lamborghini

2016 Lamborghini Centenario LP 770-4Â
2016 Lamborghini Aventador LP750-4 SVÂ
2014 Lamborghini Urus ConceptÂ
2014 Lamborghini HuracÃ¡n LP 610-4Â
2013 Lamborghini VenenoÂ
2012 Lamborghini Aventador LP700-4Â
2011 Lamborghini Gallardo LP 570-4 SuperleggeraÂ
2011 Lamborghini Sesto ElementoÂ
2010 Lamborghini MurciÃ©lago LP 670-4 SVÂ
2008 Lamborghini ReventÃ³nÂ
1997 Lamborghini Diablo SVÂ
1988 Lamborghini Countach LP5000 QVÂ
1986 Lamborghini LM 002Â
1967 Lamborghini Miura P400

Lancia

1992 Lancia Delta HF Integrale EVOÂ
1986 Lancia Delta S4Â
1982 Lancia 037 StradaleÂ
1974 Lancia Stratos HF StradaleÂ
1968 Lancia Fulvia CoupÃ© Rallye 1.6 HF

Land Rover

2015 Land Rover Range Rover Sport SVRÂ
1997 Land Rover Defender 90Â
1973 Land Rover Range RoverÂ
1972 Land Rover Series III

Local Motors

2014 Local Motors Rally Fighter

Lola

1969 Lola #6 Penske Sunoco T70 MkIIIB

Lotus

2016 Lotus 3-ElevenÂ
2012 Lotus Exige SÂ
2011 Lotus Evora SÂ
2009 Lotus 2-ElevenÂ
2005 Lotus Elise 111SÂ
2002 Lotus Esprit V8Â
2000 Lotus 340RÂ
1997 Lotus Elise GT1Â
1977 Lotus Esprit S1 (Best of Bond Car Pack)Â
1971 Lotus Elan SprintÂ
1956 Lotus Eleven

Maserati

2010 Maserati Gran Turismo SÂ
2004 Maserati MC12Â
1961 Maserati Tipo 61 BirdcageÂ
1957 Maserati 300 SÂ
1953 Maserati A6GCS/53 Pininfarina BerlinettaÂ
1939 Maserati 8CTF

Mazda

2016 Mazda MX-5Â
2013 Mazda MX-5Â
2011 Mazda RX-8 R3Â
2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed MX-5Â
1997 Mazda RX-7Â
1994 Mazda MX-5 MiataÂ
1990 Mazda Savanna RX-7

McLaren

2018 McLaren 720s CoupÃ©Â
2018 McLaren SennaÂ
2015 McLaren 650S CoupeÂ
2015 McLaren 570S CoupÃ©Â
2013 McLaren P1Â
1997 McLaren F1 GTÂ
1993 McLaren F1

Mercedes

2017 Mercedes-AMG GT RÂ
2016 Mercedes-AMG C 63 S CoupÃ©Â
2015 Mercedes-AMG GT SÂ
2015 Mercedes-Benz #24 Tankpool24 Racing TruckÂ
2014 Mercedes-Benz Unimog U5023Â
2013 Mercedes-Benz G 65 AMGÂ
2013 Mercedes-Benz A 45 AMGÂ
2013 Mercedes-Benz E 63 AMGÂ
2012 Mercedes-Benz C 63 AMG CoupÃ© Black SeriesÂ
2012 Mercedes-Benz SLK 55 AMGÂ
2011 Mercedes-Benz SLS AMGÂ
2009 Mercedes-Benz SL 65 AMG Black SeriesÂ
1998 Mercedes-Benz AMG CLK GTRÂ
1990 Mercedes-Benz 190E 2.5-16 Evolution IIÂ
1955 Mercedes-Benz 300 SLRÂ
1954 Mercedes-Benz 300 SL CoupÃ©Â
1939 Mercedes-Benz W154

Mercury

1949 Mercury Coupe

Meyers

1971 Meyers Manx

MG

1986 MG Metro 6R4Â
1966 MG MGB GTÂ
1958 MG MGA Twin-Cam

MINI

2013 MINI X-Raid All4 Racing CountrymanÂ
2012 MINI John Cooper Works GPÂ
2009 MINI John Cooper WorksÂ
1965 MINI Cooper S

Morgan

2014 Morgan 3 WheelerÂ
2010 Morgan Aero SuperSports

Morris

1958 Morris Minor 1000

Nissan

2017 Nissan GT-RÂ
2016 Nissan TITAN Warrior ConceptÂ
2012 Nissan GT-R Black EditionÂ
2010 Nissan 370ZÂ
2003 Nissan Fairlady ZÂ
2002 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-Spec IIÂ
2000 Nissan Silvia Spec-RÂ
1998 Nissan R390Â
1998 Nissan Silvia K’s AeroÂ
1997 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-SpecÂ
1995 Nissan NISMO GT-R LMÂ
1994 Nissan Silvia K’sÂ
1993 Nissan Skyline GT-R V-SpecÂ
1993 Nissan 240SX SEÂ
1992 Nissan Silvia CLUB K’sÂ
1987 Nissan Skyline GTS-R (R31)Â
1973 Nissan Skyline H/T 2000GT-RÂ
1971 Nissan Skyline 2000GT-RÂ
1969 Nissan Fairlady Z 432

Noble

2010 Noble M600

Oldsmobile

1969 Oldsmobile Hurst/Olds 442

Opel

1984 Opel Manta 400

Pagani

2016 Pagani Huayra BCÂ
2012 Pagani HuayraÂ
2010 Pagani Zonda RÂ
2009 Pagani Zonda Cinque Roadster

Peel

1962 Peel P50

Penhall

2011 Penhall The Cholla

Peugeot

1984 Peugeot 205 Turbo 16

Plymouth

1971 Plymouth Cuda 426 HEMI

Polaris

2015 Polaris RZR XP 1000 EPS

Pontiac

1987 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am GTAÂ
1977 Pontiac Firebird Trans AmÂ
1973 Pontiac Firebird Trans Am SD-455Â
1969 Pontiac GTO Judge

Porsche

2018 Porsche Cayenne TurboÂ
2018 Porsche 911 GT2 RSÂ
2017 Porsche Panamera TurboÂ
2016 Porsche 911 GT3 RSÂ
2016 Porsche Cayman GT4Â
2015 Porsche Macan TurboÂ
2015 Porsche Cayman GTSÂ
2014 Porsche 911 Turbo SÂ
2014 Porsche 918 SpyderÂ
2012 Porsche 911 GT2 RSÂ
2012 Porsche Cayenne TurboÂ
2012 Porsche 911 GT3 RS 4.0Â
2004 Porsche 911 GT3Â
2003 Porsche Carrera GTÂ
1998 Porsche 911 GT1 StrassenversionÂ
1995 Porsche 911 GT2Â
1989 Porsche 944 TurboÂ
1987 Porsche 959Â
1982 Porsche 911 Turbo 3.3Â
1973 Porsche 911 Carrera RSÂ
1971 Porsche #23 917/20Â
1960 Porsche 718 RS 60Â
1957 Porsche 356A SpeedsterÂ
1955 Porsche 550A Spyder

Radical

2015 Radical RXC Turbo

Ram

2017 Ram 2500 Power Wagon

Reliant

1972 Reliant Supervan III

Renault

2013 Renault Clio R.S. 200 EDCÂ
2010 Renault Megane R.S. 250Â
2010 Renault Clio R.S.Â
1993 Renault Clio WilliamsÂ
1980 Renault 5 TurboÂ
1973 Renault Alpine A110 1600s

RJ Anderson

2016 RJ Anderson #37 Polaris RZR-Rockstar Energy Pro 2 Truck

SRT

2013 SRT Viper GTS

Saleen

2004 Saleen S7

Shelby

1965 Shelby Cobra 427 S/CÂ
1965 Shelby Cobra Daytona Coupe

Spania

2016 Spania GTA GTA Spano

SUBARU

2016 SUBARU #199 WRX STI VT15r Rally CarÂ
2015 SUBARU WRX STIÂ
2013 SUBARU BRZÂ
2011 SUBARU WRX STIÂ
2008 SUBARU Impreza WRX STIÂ
2005 SUBARU Impreza WRX STiÂ
2004 SUBARU Impreza WRX STiÂ
1998 SUBARU Impreza 22B STiÂ
1990 SUBARU Legacy RS

Sunbeam

1967 Sunbeam Tiger

Talbot

1979 Talbot Sunbeam Lotus

Tamo

2017 Tamo Racemo

Terradyne

2014 Terradyne Gurkha LAPV

Toyota

2016 Toyota Land Cruiser Arctic Trucks AT37Â
2007 Toyota Hilux Arctic Trucks AT38Â
1993 Toyota #1 T100 Baja Truck

Triumph

1962 Triumph Spitfire

TVR

2005 TVR SagarisÂ
1998 TVR Cerbera Speed 12

Ultima

2015 Ultima Evolution Coupe 1020

Vauxhall

2016 Vauxhall Corsa VXRÂ
2012 Vauxhall Astra VXRÂ
2005 Vauxhall Monaro VXRÂ
1990 Vauxhall Lotus Carlton

Volkswagen

2017 Volkswagen #34 Volkswagen Andretti Rallycross BeetleÂ
2014 Volkswagen Global RallyCross BeetleÂ
2014 Volkswagen Golf RÂ
2011 Volkswagen Scirocco RÂ
2010 Volkswagen Golf RÂ
2008 Volkswagen Touareg R50Â
2003 Volkswagen Golf R32Â
1998 Volkswagen GTI VR6 Mk3Â
1995 Volkswagen Corrado VR6Â
1992 Volkswagen Golf Gti 16v Mk2Â
1983 Volkswagen Golf GTIÂ
1981 Volkswagen Scirocco SÂ
1970 Volkswagen #1107 Desert Dingo Racing Stock BugÂ
1969 Volkswagen Class 5/1600 Baja BugÂ
1963 Volkswagen BeetleÂ
1963 Volkswagen Type 2 De Luxe

Volvo

2016 Volvo Iron KnightÂ
2015 Volvo V60 PolestarÂ
1997 Volvo 850 RÂ
1983 Volvo 242 Turbo Evolution

W Motors

2016 W Motors Lykan HyperSport

Willys

1945 Willys MB Jeep

Zenvo

2016 Zenvo ST1


No More Heroes 3 Delayed To 2021

More bad news on the gaming front, this time from Grasshopper Manufacture and its quirky director Goichi “Suda51” Suda.
His upcoming title No More Heroes 3, the sequel to his bats*** insane action series featuring a psychotic weaboo with lightsabers beam katanas and even weirder assassins he must kill, will be postponed to 2021. This is because COVID-19 has put a strain on the game’s development and schedule. The team is prioritizing quality and pushing back the release year.
On a plus side, they’ve managed to recruit Darick Robertson (artist for The Boys) to contribute illustrations for the game. Further news and artwork will be shared at a later date.

I have a very important announcement to share today. pic.twitter.com/i4qTdNpYeD
— SUDA51/???? (@suda_51) September 10, 2020

Better for them to iron out the game’s kinks than rush a release period; I’m glad the company is pushing the game back. In the meantime, chill out with this No More Heroes theme from the second game, full of funk & such.


[Rumor] Saints Row 5 Is In Development, Open World Gaming Fans!

The video game rumour mill is a-buzzing again, this time with details on the next Saints Row game from developer Volition (via ResetEra).
Here’s the breakdown on the sequel so far, which may make its debut at the PS5 Showcase this week. Do take this with a grain of salt though.

The game will take place after Saints Row 3’s plot. Saints Row 4 and the Gat Out of Hell follow-up are actually retconned as a TV show in part 5.
The game’s main premise is how the Saints become an evil corporate empire similar to Ultor. You play a new protagonist with a new cast to support you as you take on the old Saints for control over Stilwater.
The Saints’ boss (your protagonist in parts 1 to 4) will wear a mask that muffles their voice and wear tactical body armour so that their look is open to interpretation.
The game’s tone will be a split between 1, 2, and 3, which means it’ll be like a GTA title. The game will not feature superpowers and crazy skills like in part 4.
Gameplay-wise, it’s going to be a mish-mash of the first three games. Character customization will be like part 2, dick censorship will be a black bar that adheres to “swinging physics”, weapon customization is toned down a tad from part 4, and there will be 4-player co-op with difficulty scaling to the number of players present.
Multiplayer will be a 32-player free-roaming gang warfare with activities like Deathmatch activating dynamically in the world. You can drive around the map and then get a pop up from the game that invites you and the rest of the players to participate in Deathmatch.
The game’s graphics will be like a better version of Saints Row 3’s Remastered.
Saints Row 5’s will be out in late 2021, or even 2022. We can expect trailers for the game to pop up this year, probably at the PS5 showcase.

Again, take this with a grain of salt. But if it turns out to be true, it’ll be pretty interesting to fight your old Saints Row pals in a different light and with a new crew. A shame the superpowers will be gone though.


Does Echo Generation Succeed In Capturing The Earthbound Spirit?

Platform(s): Xbox Series (version played), Xbox One, PC
Genre: Voxel-Graphics adventure RPG set in suburbia 80s and sci-fi shenanigans
For all of its charm and bits of 80s love, Echo Generation feels pretty aimless. The adventure game and RPG, complete with turn-based combat and a Mario & Luigi style action prompt system, has its heart in the right place thanks to the work of Canadian devs Cococucumber.
Execution-wise, however, it feels a bit off.
Super 8

I’ll start with the good: Echo Generation oozes style. The voxel graphic aesthetics and landscapes, from your main character’s little slice of suburbia to the outskirts and beyond, are rendered gorgeously. The music too is charming and quirky, though the combat tunes sometimes loop and feel faded out in the worst of ways.
And then there’s the core plot: you and your little sister are basically wandering around town, investigating the going-ons of Maple Town. Without going into spoilers, Cococucumber are taking cues from 80s sci-fi films where kids and aliens are involved. When you put the pieces together after playing through the game for a couple of hours, it’s a kind of narrative where the devs are just mixing in 80s tropes & genre bits they like and just tying it up with a simple “figure out what’s going on” plot. I do feel that it’s missing quite a number of steps in leading the players along to get them invested. Particularly in hinting players where to go next when they’re exploring and giving them any sort of direction.
Echo Generation is a rare case where I had to ask the game’s developer for help with a particular section late in the title. And I’m the kind of guy who has little issues figuring out where to go in titles like Metroid Dread. True, the devs created the game like a 90s JRPG ala Earthbound in mind, but unless you spend your time looking through every nook and cranny in the game’s stage, you will feel lost as to figure out your next steps because of how oblique the game’s design and level structure are.
Explorers

Like I mentioned before, combat is turn-based. You have your regular attacks, your special skills that use Special Points in one shared pool ranging from status effect attacks to buffs, and the ability to guard from special attacks. To get the most out of them, you have to time your button presses; these can be simple “press it when the attack/defend icon is a certain size” to “press a combination of correct buttons to activate a special move”. Once you get the hang of the timing, you’ll be pulling off perfect critical hits or halving damage just fine and dandy.
The game’s combat can get challenging at times, especially with a couple of boss fights (who look really cool, by the by). Some of these heavies can take ages to kill due to its Mars Bars large health and with your team running out of the shared Special Points resource to pull off the stronger and effective attacks. You won’t be getting an SP-refilling item until past the midpoint, so these situations do get tiresome.
And said special attacks sometimes have too precise timings to activate. There’s a skill where you have to align two crosshairs three times for max damage; that requires one frame’s worth of an input, which is pretty tough to pull off especially when it’s in an indie title that looks like it’s catering for teens and above.
Even the tougher enemies require split-second timing to mitigate their seemingly-unfair all-targeting attacks. The feedback and indicators for these attack prompts are so minor, it’s way too easy to deal less damage and unnecessarily eat more, to the point where you need to restart the fights over and over. Echo Generation also pulls off this annoying stunt where if your party gets wiped out, the items you used previously do not reappear, meaning you’ll have to farm the money to repurchase them again.
For the record, there are some sections where enemies don’t seem to respawn when I want to grind them to get some of my party members up to snuff; hopefully, that’s a bug the developers can fix in a launch patch. Because this bug, combined with the aforementioned penalties, make for a pretty unbearable experience where you just want to play a more fine-tuned RPG instead.
Outland

Echo Generation has potential to be an indie darling. Perhaps if it eased up its combat prompts and set some clear goals in its storyline, then it wouldn’t be a pretty but aimless experience that it is now. Do give it a try at least if you want to see how a Stranger Things-inspired game would look like with a voxel look. Or an Earthbound-style RPG without much of the nuances & polish.
Final Score: 60/100
*Review copy provided by the PR representatives of Cococucumber.


Transformers War For Cybertron Earthrise Drops In December

In July 2020, Netflix released the first part of the new CG animated series Transformers War For Cybertron with the six-episode Chapter 1: Siege. The second chapter, Earthrise, now has a release date.
Netflix has announced that Transformers War For Cybertron Earthrise will premiere on 30 December 2020.

All seems lost, but the war rages on. Transformers: War For Cybertron Earthrise debuts December 30 #TransformersWFC pic.twitter.com/Cey7bGe3f4— Netflix Geeked @ SDCC #NetflixSDCC (@NetflixGeeked) November 23, 2020

The synopsis reads:
With the Allspark gone, Megatron is forced to confront the harsh reality that his Decepticons are trapped on a dying Cybertron.Meanwhile, lost in the darkest reaches of space, Optimus Prime and his team embark on a desperate mission, unexpectedly running into â€¦ the spacefaring Mercenaries.
In the meantime, check out the previously-revealed epic trailer for Transformers War For Cybertron Earthrise below:


Dragon Quest Builders 2 Comes To The PC Today

Square Enix have announced that Dragon Quest Builders 2 is now available for the PC via Steam. At the price of RM249, players will receive all DLC that has been released on console versions, including new recipes, hairstyles, clothing and areas to explore.
This also includes the Hotto Stuff Pack, Aquarium Pack and the Modernist packs. Those who purchase Dragon Quest Builders 2 on Steam before 6 January 2020 will also receive in-game bonus content that will allow them to customize their gameplay experience.
If you’re on the fence about the game, you can download the free JUMBO DEMO containing the first three areas of the game (the tutorial area, the deserted Isle of Awakening, along with a large portion of the Furrowfield Island) on Steam.
In the meantime, check out our review of the game here.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S8cbR4l7Cs4&w=560&h=315]


Thereâ€™s Going To Be Two Cowboy Bebop Cafes This May. In Japan

Do the names Spike Spiegel, Faye Valentine, Jet Black, and Ed make you tingle all over? Are you one of the few who think the Swordfish is a kickass space ship? Are you heading down to Tokyo and/or Osaka this May and/or June? If you happen to say yes to all three questions, boy do we have news for you!
There will be not one, but TWO Cowboy Bebop themed cafes in Japan to celebrate the anime’s 20th anniversary. It will open from 15th May to 10th June.
Check out the nice poster art and location details below:

Animate Cafe Akihabara
Address: Tokyo-to, Chiyoda-ku, Soto Kanda 1-7-6, Akiba Culture Zone 5th floor
Animate Cafe Osaka Nihonbashi
Address: Osaka-fr, Osaka-shi, Naniwa-ku, Nihonbashi 4-15-17, 2nd floor
There are no pictures of the themed food or drinks, but there will be exclusive merchandise sold at the cafe. At the very least, the joints will play good music.
Question is, will Japan be seeing you soon, space cowboys (or girls)?


Dragon Ball Z Kakarot Card Warriors Update Is Now Live

Bandai Namco Entertainment Asia has announced that the latest free update for Dragon Ball Z Kakarot in now live and it includes a full-fledged card battle game titled Dragon Ball Card Warriors.
Starting today, players can experience Dragon Ball Card Warriors; a full-fledged card battle game. They can either star playing straight from the title screen or in the game’s card game console, and it can also be played online against other players.
However, they will require an internet connection to play the card. The PS4 version requires a subscription to PlayStation Plus, while the Xbox One version requires a subscription to Xbox Live Gold.
Players will use a deck of 30 cards in the match, consisting of 25 normal cards and 5 powerful SP cards. They can activate each card’s “effect,” such as a powerful special move or summoning another card by fulfilling the given requirements.
In addition, players can obtain new cards by exchanging coins and card tickets that can be earned by completing Card Battle missions and collecting Carddass from Z Encyclopedia.
In the meantime, check out the trailer below, or head on over here for my full review of the game.


New Japanese Samurai Hero Joins For Honor Next Week

Ubisoft has announced that For Honor Year 5 Season 2 Title Update 2.0 will release on 22 July 2021, adding a new playable Hero to the game: the Kyoshin.
The Kyoshin are mystical Samurai wielding a concealed blade, whose elegance and prowess will leave everyone in awe on the battlefield. Joining the Samurai faction, the Kyoshin are legendary warriors who have a deep connection to the spiritual realms.Â Their special training led them to master the art of fighting with the Shikomizue, a concealed single-handed blade and a scabbard.Â As they flow through battle, their heavenly powers can be used against enemies while their special Kaze Stance blocks incoming attacks, allowing them to retaliate quickly.

Starting from 22 July 2021, players will be able to purchase a package from first-party stores that include the new Kyoshin Hero, one exclusive Ornament, one Elite Outfit, seven days of Champion Status and three scavengers crates. Starting from 5 August 2021, players can also unlock the Kyoshin Hero for 15,000 Steel in-game.
Starting from today until 19 July 2021, For Honor will be free to play on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S. Free Weekend players will have full access to the Standard Edition of For Honor, which includes the story mode, all multiplayer game modes, 12 playable Heroes, and 30 maps.
Players who want to keep battling after the weekend ends can carry on their progression and heroes to the full version of For Honor, which will be available to purchase for up to 85 percent off on PC. For more details and information on the For Honor Free Weekend, head over here.

With over 25 million players, For Honor is available on PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and PC. In the meantime, check out the trailer below:


Overwatch League’s Chengdu Hunters Might Be Losing Some Players

It looks like things aren’t looking so good for Overwatch League team Chengdu Hunters. According to multiple sources (via Dexerto), the esports organization and team might lose a number of key players ahead of the new season as they attempt to balance its books and making budget cuts.
Examples of this include the recent departure of assistant coach Jeong-Min ‘JFeel’ Kim and the disbandment of Team Chaser, Chengdu Hunters’ academy team. Sources say that others might be following suit soon, including Yan ‘Creed’ Xiao, another assistant coach, and even star player and 2021 Overwatch League regular season MVP Xin ‘Leave’ Huang, as well as supports XianYao ‘Yveltal’ Li, Tan ‘Nisha’ Li, Cao ‘Faraway1987’ Jiale, and Zhou ‘Mmonk’ Xiang.
It reminds unknown why Chinese livestreaming platform HUYA (who owns Chengdu Hunters) are cutting back on costs. However, this will be a blow to the Chengdu Hunters as they enter the upcoming Overwatch League season. They are currently slated to go up against Guangzhou Charge in their opening match of the new season on 6 May 2022.


Demonschool Conjures An Electrifying New Boss

The school-life tactics RPG, Demonschool which has hints of Persona, Shin Megai Tensei, and Italian horror cinema from developer Necrosoft Games and publisher Ysbryd Games have unveiled a new boss battle earlier today at the Guerilla Collective Showcase.

You play as college freshman Faye, the last legendary family line of demon hunters. Forge friendships and relationships with classmates, build out a schedule to balance skill-building study sessions with investigations, and slay demons in a fast-paced tactical combat inspired by genre classics like Into the Breach.

Grab the remote for Demonschool’s latest boss – a towering pile of CRT televisions! Tune in and watch out for retro static attacks and falling TVs descending on Faye and her classmates. Combat them with new special attacks and battle strategies.
Today’s new trailer showcases never-before-seen allies including the professional powerlifter Ti and Kestrel, Faye’s sassy, poised rival. Watch out for nefarious entities crossing Faye’s path. Create monster-killing combos with Ti’s multi-directional knockback and Kestrel’s graceful pressure point strike. Boost the group’s bond by planning out team attacks

Explore a colorful, dimension-drifting island inspired by ‘60s and ‘70s Italian horror films and manga aesthetics before it’s overtaken by a 3D demonic hellscape. Vanquish hellspawn in intuitive, context-based tactical combat. Plan attacks, then execute them all at once in a showy display of skills. Set up powerful combos for devastating elemental attacks, and rewinding actions as needed to form the perfect plan.

Demonschool prepares for a spooky semester on PlayStation 5|4, Xbox Series X|S, Nintendo Switch, PC, Mac, and Steam Deck in 2023.


PlayStation Lunar New Year Kicks Off

It’s that time of the year again, as the Chinese New Year arrives with renewed wealth and prosperity. To celebrate the Lunar New Year 2019, Sony Interactive Entertainment Hong Kong Limited Singapore Branch (SIES) has announced that special offerings and discounts to commemorate the beginning of the Year of the Pig.
For starters, the PlayStation Store Lunar New Year Sale will offer up to 80% discount on selected PS4 titles from 31 January to 13 February 2019. This includes games like God of War 3 Remastered, Assassin’s Creed The Ezio Collection, and more. An exclusive PS Plus 12-Month Membership + 3-Month bonus will also be available during the same timeframe.

Besides that, a PS Plus Lunar New Year Contest will be launched on the PlayStation Asia official Facebook page starting today at 12pm. Campaign posts will detail what participants are required to do in order to win over 160 prizes, including PS4s, PS VRs, Wireless Headset-3D Surround Audio, and PSN money vouchers. Keep in mind that this contest is reserved for PS Plus members only, and every participant will receive a PS4 Toro Lunar New Year Theme for free.
Additionally, there will also be discounts worth RM250 on PlayStation hardware from 1 February to 10 February 2019.Â Check out the list of PlayStation Authorized Dealers, Sony Stores, and Sony Centres in Malaysia over at this link to locate the nearest branch. Take a look at the offerings below:

PlayStation 4 Party Bundle â€“ RM1,199 (normal price: RM1,449), includes
additional free DUALSHOCKÂ®4 Wireless Controller
PlayStation 4 HITS Bundle â€“ RM1,099 (normal price: RM1,349)
PlayStation 4 Pro God of War Bundle (1 TB) â€“ RM1,549 (normal price: RM1,799)
PlayStation VR with PlayStation Camera â€“ RM1,129 (normal price: RM1,379)

While we’re on the same subject, PlayStation Asia has also taken the occasion to announce the PS Plus Asia February 2019 free games lineup. Here’s what you’ll be getting next month:

For Honor (PS4)
Hitman – The Complete First Season (PS4)
Hand of Fate (PS4)
Toro PS4 February Theme
Kingdom Hearts 3 Avatars


Here’s Your PS Plus Asia January 2019 Free Games Lineup

Earlier this month PlayStation gave us two great games with Gravity Rush 2 and God Eater 2: Rage Burst. Next month, Asian gamers will be starting their new year with more great games courtesy of theÂ PS Plus January 2019 lineup.
Starting from January 10, 2019, PS Plus Asia subscribers will be able to download two Ubisoft games for free: Tom Clancy’s The Division and Steep. In comparison, PS Plus subscribers in the US will also be receiving Steep, as well as Portal Knights in place of The Division.
Additionally, there will also be a new PS Plus exclusive Toro Winter dynamic theme for players to look forward to. Check out the trailer below in the original tweet by the folks at PlayStation Asia.

Let us welcome 2019 with January’s FREE game for all PS Plus members!
Experience adrenaline pumping action with Tom Clancy’s The Division and Steep as these 2 Ubisoft titles will be FREE to download from 10 Jan 2019! pic.twitter.com/1PlvdZafVr
â€” PlayStation Asia (@PlayStationAsia) December 27, 2018


Major Cyberpunk 2077 Patch Delayed Due To Cyber-Attack

Sad news for fans who are looking forward to the major fixes for CD Projekt’s sci-fi RPG.
Cyberpunk 2077’s major 1.2 patch is delayed due to the recent cyber attack from hackers that made CD Projekt’s many game source codes and sensitive documents public.
“The recent cyber attack on the studioâ€™s IT infrastructure and extensive scope of the update mean this, unfortunately, will not happen â€” weâ€™ll need some additional time.”

It’s not the news we enjoy sharing, but we want to make sure we launch this update properly. Stay tuned for more information as the time draws closer. Thank you for your continued patience and support. 3/3
— Cyberpunk 2077 (@CyberpunkGame) February 24, 2021

This major patch aims to repair a lot of the game’s faults at launch. For a recap of CD Projekt’s pretty rough week, head here.


Amazon Suspends Lord Of The Rings Production To Reduce Covid-19 Spread

Even Middle-Earth isn’t safe from Covid-19, it seems.
According to the New Zealand Herald, the production of Amazon’s Lord of the Rings series has been suspended for two weeks due to the coronavirus. Production had been “well into shooting”, a crew member had told the website.
The website obtained a watermarked copy of a memorandum sent to the production’s cast and crew. It read, “In an abundance of caution, UAP [Untitled Amazon Project] has suspended production for the next two (2) weeks commencing Monday, March 16. This is done in an environment where travel restrictions directed at the control of Covid-19 are issued daily by New Zealand and most other countries.”
It seems that the move was an act of prevention rather than one of reaction, however (not that it’s a bad thing). The New Zealand Herald cites the memorandum as saying, “We are doing this to minimise stress on the resources and infrastructures around us by doing our part to reduce population density in our communities and daily activities, in efforts to help reduce the spread of the virus.”
Disney also halted productions on their Disney Plus Marvel shows recently, so Amazon’s move isn’t too surprising. The shutdown period is indefinite in Disney’s case though, and I wonder if Amazon will eventually prolong their own production’s suspension.
There’s a lot about the new Lord of the Rings show that we still don’t know about, but we do know that the first season will have twenty episodes and will cover the Second Age of Middle Earth’s timeline. It’s already been renewed for a second season too.


Xbox PC Game Pass Is Now Officially In Malaysia & SEA

Microsoft has announced that the Xbox PC Game Pass is now officially available in Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam. This comes less than a month after the trial preview version was initially revealed back at the end of March 2022.
New subscribers will only have to pay RM5 for their first three months on the service. That’s great bang for your buck. However, for those who joined the preview version and only paid RM0.50 for their first month, they will still be required to pay RM15 for each subsequent month starting from May 2022.
Xbox PC Game Pass includes Minecraft, Forza Horizon 5, Age of Empires IV, Sea of Thieves and Microsoft Flight Simulator, among others. This includes new Xbox Game Studios titles on day one like Halo Infinite, as well as franchises like Fallout and The Elder Scrolls from Bethesda Softworks, independent games and blockbusters. EA Play is also included with the service, featuring franchises like FIFA, Battlefield, The Sims and Mass Effect.
You can start your Xbox PC Game Pass journey by heading over here. In the meantime, if you don’t want to waste time or energy sifting through the Xbox Game Pass catalogue of games, we have a list of recommended and suggested games to play right here.


Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 Unveils First Look At Co-Op Gameplay

During Summer Game Fest 2023, publisher Focus Entertainment and developer Saber Interactive have released a new gameplay trailer showcasing the co-op campaign gameplay for the upcoming Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2.
As showcased in the Co-op Campaign Reveal Trailer, Warhammer 40,000: Space Marine 2 features a gripping narrative that follows fan-favorite Captain Titus—powerfully portrayed by actor Clive Standen. After you get reinstituted as a Space Marine, embody the superhuman skill and brutality of the greatest of the Emperor’s warriors. Unleash deadly abilities and an arsenal of devastating weaponry to obliterate the relentless Tyranid hordes. Thanks to the 3-player co-op mode, play the full campaign with friends or AI, and take on battles over and over, ever renewing the galactic warfare experience.
Warhammer 40K Space Marine 2 is slated to launch for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC sometime in winter 2023. However, there is still no release date or release window.
Check out the new gameplay trailer below:


Obi-Wan Kenobi Series Adds Game Of Thrones Alum

We already know that both Ewan McGregor and Hayden Christensen will return for Disney Plus’ upcoming Star Wars Obi-Wan Kenobi series, but now another actor/actress has joined their ranks.
According to Deadline, Indira Varma is joining the cast of Obi-Wan Kenobi. She is probably best known for playing Ellaria Sand in Game Of Thrones, who (interestingly enough) was the lover of Oberyn Martell (who was played by The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal). What a small world.
However, Varmaâ€™s character details are under wraps, as well as plot details for Obi-Wan Kenobi. The only thing we know so far is that Obi-Wan Kenobi will take place 10 years after the events of Star Wars Episode III Revenge Of The Sith, which means that it will cross over with the events of the Star Wars Rebels animated series.
Fans are speculating that she might be playing Mandalorian Duchess Satine Kryze, who was also the lover of Obi-Wan Kenobi. There are two problems with this. One, Indira Varma doesn’t look like Satine Kryze. Secondly, the character died in Star Wars The Clone Wars, which means that she could only really appear in flashbacks in Obi-Wan Kenobi.

As a Star Wars fan myself, I think it’s more probable that she could be playing Governor Arihnda Pryce, a high-ranking Imperial officer who was in Star Wars Rebels. The timeline fits better (as she only died in the final season of the animated series), and Indira Varma looks closer to her in terms of appearance. Not only that, maybe they could even tie her with a live-action Grand Admiral Thrawn for good measure.


The Mandalorian Season 3 Premiere Kicks Off A New Quest Arc For Din Djarin & Grogu

The Star Wars hit series The Mandalorian finally returns after almost three years since the end of Season 2. Yes, it’s really been that long, but we’ve had several other Star Wars shows to fill in the blanks since then, such as The Book Of Boba Fett, Obi-Wan Kenobi, Andor and Star Wars The Bad Batch. How is the return of arguably the best Star Wars live-action series? Well, read on to find out in this spoiler-free review. Courtesy of Disney+ Hotstar, we were given access to the first two episodes of The Mandalorian Season 3.
Redemption Quest
The Mandalorian (Pedro Pascal, third from left) in Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN, season three, exclusively on Disney+. ©2022 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
The beginning of The Mandalorian Season 3 might be confusing for those who haven’t been keeping up with other Star Wars shows, specifically The Book Of Boba Fett. There were two episodes in The Book Of Boba Fett that featured both Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu (Baby Yoda), showing us what happened after the end of Season 2. However, don’t worry, since this season is essentially the beginning of a new quest arc for the both of them, as they are now looking to redeem Din Djarin’s identity as a Mandalorian. To do that, they’re going to the planet Mandalore, the former home planet of the Mandalorians.
All of that is great news for Star Wars fans, as we will finally fully receive proper canon Mandalorian lore. Previous seasons have only scratched the surface of Mandalorian lore since the focus of those seasons was on Grogu and the remainder of the Imperial forces. Now, the series can focus entirely on what many fans have been clamouring for a long time, and that’s what we get even in the first two episodes of the third season.
(L-R): Din Djarin (Pedro Pascal) and Grogu in Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN, season three, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
The first two episodes of The Mandalorian Season 3 have good pacing; not too slow and not too fast. We revisit old friends and places in the first episode in order for viewers to re-acclimatize to the series but the second episode already sees Din Djarin striving to fulfil his new objective without dallying around doing odd jobs on random planets. So, in that way, viewers can rest assured that there’s no filler content in these first two episodes, which I hope will continue for the rest of the season’s remaining six episodes.
I won’t spoil what’s in the first two episodes, but there are easter eggs in there that will make fans of the franchise giddy with excitement (check out my breakdown of the first episode here if you’ve watched it). However, another highlight is that Katee Sackhoff returns as Bo-Katan Kryze and has a lot more to do this time around. She’s more than just a cameo and for good reason. Like I previously mentioned, this season will go hard on expanding the franchise’s Mandalorian lore and who better to do that than another prominent Mandalorian character with ties to previous eras of Star Wars (she first appeared in Star W
Bo-Katan Kryze (Katee Sackhoff) in Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN, season three, exclusively on Disney+. ©2023 Lucasfilm Ltd. & TM. All Rights Reserved.
ars The Clone Wars animated series, which means that she has survived through not only the Prequel Trilogy but also the whole Original Trilogy).
A Good Sign Of What’s To Come

With these two episodes, we can probably expect more great content in the coming weeks. With other series like Obi-Wan Kenobi and The Book Of Boba Fett proving to be more divisive than satisfying, The Mandalorian Season 3 needs to prove that the new Star Wars TV content isn’t a one-trick pony and that Lucasfilm is capable of producing quality Star Wars content for fans. This is even more crucial now, considering that we still don’t have news of any new Star Wars movies in the near future.
The Mandalorian is basically carrying the entire franchise right now (and Andor too, don’t sleep on that).
FINAL SCORE: 80/100
We received screeners of the first two episodes of The Mandalorian Season 3 courtesy of Disney+ Hotstar. The first episode of The Mandalorian Season 3 is now streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, with new episodes every Wednesday at 4pm GMT+8.


MAGFest 2020 Is Truly The Ultimate Gaming Event; Here’s Why

Gaming expos and conventions these days are usually esports-centric and driven. Some of them feature the latest upcoming games and a bunch of queues that entail said play session. All I’m saying is that the more things change, the more they remain the same.
If you’ve been to more than one of these, you’ll probably know what to expect. That isn’t a bad thing, mind you, but if you want something beyond the norm and expectations, those events are pretty hard to find within the region.
MAGFest takes a different approach. Taking place at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Centre, Maryland, this non-profit community event packs in more depth than most of them. I had to take a flight down to the U.S. just to see and experience it for myself. It’s been too long since I took a non-Southeast Asian holiday, anyway.
Suffice to say, it pretty much is. And then some. This truly is the Arcadia of video game events.
In fact, the only bad thing I can say about MAGFest 2020 is that it’s overflowing with activities, which when you think about it is high praise. True, it had since 2003 to improve and go big, but MAGFest is something you have to experience for yourself and subsequently get overloaded with until you realize you only have four days to work with.
Yeah, this was supposed to be a holiday treat for me. But I can’t pass up a chance to write about what could be the apex of video game conventions and expos. I mean, it’s not like anyone else is going to write about it at this point in time, so what the hell…
What the heck is a MAGFest?
Here’s the official description from the website.
Short for “Music And Gaming Festival,” MAGFest is a four day-long event dedicated to the appreciation of video game music, gaming of all types, and the gaming community. The event runs 24 hours a day, and offers consoles, arcades, tabletop, LAN, live video game cover bands, chiptunes, vendors, guest speakers, and much much more.
Here’s my description: it’s a glorious 4-day video game Nirvana, or Hajj in this context. There’s a great blend of Western and Eastern gaming activities spanning in the giant-as-heck convention centre. And it goes on all night long.
Why is this event a big deal?
Because it is unlike any other gaming expo I’ve seen. I’ve been to a lot of Asian video game conventions and expos. I’ve been to E3s and Tokyo Game Shows. While a majority of them are great, MAGFest is a completely different beast that resides in its own high tier of awesomeness.
I’ll break it down.
The Many, MANY Music Acts

The “M” in MAGFest stands for “music”, and there’s a lot of that performed live and in a very spacious and acoustic-savvy ballroom. Even if you don’t know half of these new bands and cover artists -I certainly didn’t – you’re bound to find a group or five you can gel with.
From rock to EDM to chiptune, there’s no shortage of genres; just space for the more-requested acts like insaneintherain, Protomen, and legendary video game music composer David Wise and his ensemble. Heck, there’s even a violin chiptune performer, a mariachi ensemble, and a few rappers who freestyle about Puzzle Bobble clones on their phones.

One of the many reasons to tune into MAGFest: Urizen the band.
Best of all, you can rewatch these awesome moments on MAGFest’s YouTube channel where they archive all of their music acts and highlights.
Plethora Of Stages & Clinics For The Musically-Inclined
The main hall isn’t the only place to listen and jam to video game arrangements and covers. There is the Chiptune stage where amateurs can plug in their setup and just jam for an hour. There’s also a small stage next to the MAGFast arena where rock bands perform covers of Sonic The Hedgehog 2’s Chemical Plant Zone.
The hotel’s Belvedere Lobby Bar also plays host to a ton of other major acts. As you can tell below, the bar filled up pretty quickly. But just to be within the front and listening to folks like Super Guitar Bros. playing Chrono Trigger themes and Woodwind Wakers pulling off the Octopath Traveler main theme; that’s an experience you need to be there for that you can’t find anywhere else.

There are even rooms dedicated to budding composers and musicians to do jam sessions with random video game music sheets. That’s pretty progressive since it will help make better musicians out of future bands.
It’s A 24/7 Video Game Playground-Slash-Museum

When the organizers say “much, much more” on their website, they were not kidding. Merch booths featuring brands like Angry Video Game Nerd, limited edition goods & props, and a host of doujin artworks? Check. A lovely waterfall and faux rainforest backdrop for cosplay photoshoots? Check.
A giant arcade centre with pinball machines (about a 100+ tables or so), Japanese arcade cabinets, and classic arcade games galore? Check. A retro gaming museum that touches upon PCs, consoles, special limited stuff, vintage arcade cabinets, and LAN/multiplayer setups? Check.
D&D and tabletop sessions for you analog gaming nerds complete with kickass setups? Check. With the majority of the aforementioned events running 24/7 from Thursday to Sunday early evening? Hell “check” yeah.
But what about safety hazards? The MAGFest folks got it covered with some simple and logical rules. These special areas & rooms have some simple guidelines: no booze, food, or drinks allowed so that accidents are kept to a minimum. There are also repair clinics for machines in case some of them do not work.
Even during the performances, I had the staff telling me not to leave my bag on the floor numerous times on different occasions because it could be a trip hazard. That’s vigilance & dedication right there.
Of course, MAGFest can also be a bit relaxed when needed. You can have a drink outside of the hallways and in the hotel lobby. There are roundtables and chairs along the hallways and empty spaces so you can chill out, play a quick tabletop game, or have a quick Mario Party session with a bunch of Nintendo Switches (complete with a power strip around the area.
And if you choose to, you can set up your own turntable and EDM-churning kit to get a dance party starting. Throughout the four days, there was a huge influx of cosplayers, furries, and video game geeks dancing non-stop to a combination of Haddaway, Corona, SiIvaGunner remixes, and “Megalovania” covers with high BPMs.
It was actually tougher to find a quiet spot within the MAGFest hallways. Every nook and cranny is brimming with geek stuff aplenty.
If you don’t want to buy hotel-priced food from the convention centre, you can always head out for cheaper & more substantial food within the vicinity (more on that later).Â Everything here is all done and set up in a very efficient and tidy manner.
There were a few odd cases like long elevator waiting times when going up and down, and some clown smearing peanut butter onto hotel door handles as a harmless prank. But all in all, it’s a controlled environment built for video gaming and partying fun.
It’s A Major Community Effort
It’s no surprise that expos and events usually hire volunteers for little to no pay to help out and police the premises. The MAGFest team has been doing this in full force since they locked down the Gaylord hotel and convention spot, and it shows.

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Every staff tirelessly help out within the 4 days to make the event an awesome and safe experience. All the machines and gear for the 24/7 arcade, retro, and console sections are all loaned out for the 4-day event.
Everyone from different hobbyists who own a ton of Japanese arcade boards and machines to role-playing groups are setting up their own freeplay areas and sections to get everyone invested and enjoying their respective hobbies.
It’s a Bring-Your-Own-Machine kind of event, and everyone is doing this by the motherload. The crazy part? Aside from administration costs, no one is getting paid to help out. Every enforcer and staff you see here in MAGFest is helping out of their own free will.
No Shilling
The most surprising discovery during my time in MAGFest is that I’m in a pretty packed and big-sized video game party event that has no sponsorship or obnoxious corporate ads whatsoever.
This is a first for me in eons; I am dead serious. No Boost, no Razer, no PlayStation, no Garena, no Yoodoo. Nothing.
I’m not knocking on expos having sponsorship -there are humongous bills to pay and branding exercises to be done for the long term. But it is refreshing to see a major game event that is completely not reliant on it. The closest an organization has done to get close to this is Penny Arcade, and even then it comes with its own sponsorship baggage ever since it split it up to three brands (PAX West, East, and AU).
It’s also refreshing not to hear the word “esports” thrown around frantically and forcefully in a video game expo for the first time since forever. It’s been too long since we had an event hosted by gamers, for gamers. Real ones.
MAGFest is as real as it gets to celebrating video game culture without corporate and company meddling. This proves that such an untainted gaming event exists; just not in our corner of the world.
Sounds like a blast; I want in. How do I do this?
Well, you need a couple of things.

A ticket to attend MAGFest; that will run you a minimum of US$100 or so. You can actually score limited-edition MAGFest merchandise if you pay more for the higher-tier tickets. Trust me when I say this stuff is super-limited.
A plane ticket to Washington DC and accommodation within the Maryland/Virginia area. The cheapest return flight with multiple stops will cost you US$1,000. A night in a decent hotel within the Gaylord convention area will cost you US$110 or less.
If you’re not Singaporean and live in Southeast Asia, chances are you need a US Visa to take a holiday in the US. This costs US$160.

Just to put things in perspective, a week’s stay will definitely put a huge dent to your wallet; about RM8,000 worth. And that’s not counting the MANY merch you’ll be buying on this trip.

Yikes, that’s very expensive. But is it worth it?
Yes. It’s a lot of money for just a four-day event, but it’s a glorious and magnificent four-day video game music-slash-24-7-gaming event that you need to experience just once or twice in your life. Trust me on this.
NEXT: Protips, & can MAGFest work outside of the USA?


You Cannot Beat This Latest Sekiro Mod…

The sky is blue, pigs don’t fly, and Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice is a tough game. It’s a game that will make hardcore patient gamers out of you, from its gotcha Guardian Ape to its rite of passage boss Genichiro Ashina.
But what if every enemy in the game is the final boss Isshin Ashina? Welp, there’s a mod created that answers that sadistically-laced question courtesy of Redditor Kahei_X. Yes, even a room filled with poisonous lizards and giant feudal alarm bell roosters is now filled with Isshin Ashinas.
This mode was created using the Sekiro Enemy and Item Randomizer on Nexus Mods.
Go check out the absurdity in action below:

If you want something less insane, may I suggest this Boss Rush mod? This will let you fight the game’s bosses in any order you want; perfect for honing your skills and whatnot.


Everything That Will Be Available During Modern Warfare II’s Launch

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II’s official release is less than 24 hours away now, and with that Activision Blizzard has come out with a blog post entailing everything that will be available at launch.
Full Game Pre-Load Begins
Depending on the platform, pre-load the rest of Modern Warfare II before or during Campaign Early Access to ensure Multiplayer and Special Ops are ready to play at launch.

27 October – PC
Modern Warfare II Officially Launches.
In addition to the Campaign, dive into an immersive, world-class Multiplayer and an evolved Special Ops co-op experience. Also, RICOCHET Anti-Cheat fully activates around the world with new and updated security measures.
28 October to 15 November
Modern Warfare II Pre-Season.
Level up through the Military Ranks to unlock all base Loadout items, complete each Weapon Platform’s progression tree to unlock all weapons and attachments, and progress through each Special Ops Kit’s tier system ahead of Season 01. Once the game launches, Vault Edition owners gain access to the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault** and Red Team 141 Operator Pack, and for those who unlocked rewards during Campaign Early Access and the Beta, rewards will become available once the full game is live.
16 November
Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, DMZ and Battle Royale modes Launch Alongside Modern Warfare II Season 01.
In addition to a host of other content, a returning fan-favourite Multiplayer map and additional Special Ops missions arrive to Modern Warfare II. All players can drop into the all-new Al Mazrah map as part of Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0, survive a brand-new experience in DMZ and enjoy a new Battle Pass system and two free functional weapons. Vault Edition owners can activate their free seasonal Battle Pass unlock and 50 Tier Skips***.
14 December
Season 01 Reloaded Introduces Raids.
Special Ops receives the very first episode of Raids for Operators to master. Plus, another legendary Multiplayer map comes to Modern Warfare II, while Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0 has its first post-launch update.
Campaign
The Modern Warfare II Campaign offers completion rewards for use in Multiplayer, Special Ops, and Warzone 2.0.

This is everything you can unlock in order:

Calling Card: “Soap’s Determination”
Emblem: “What’s Done is Done”
30-Minute Double XP Token
30-Minute Double Weapon XP Token
Calling Card: “Chainlinked”
Base Operator: Chuy
30-Minute Double XP Token
30-Minute Double Weapon XP Token
Calling Card: “Gaz”
Base Operator: Nova
1 Hour Double XP Token
1 Hour Double Weapon XP Token
Calling Card: Shadow Company Ops
Base Operator: Reyes
1 Hour Double XP Token
1 Hour Double Weapon XP Token
Base Operator: Hutch

This Assault Rifle variant is Captain Price’s signature weapon that comes with four pre-equipped attachments: the Aim OP-V4 Reflex Optic, the SZ 1MW PEQ Laser, the FSS Covert V Silencer on the Muzzle, and the Lockgrip Pricision-40 Underbarrel Vertical Grip.
These attachments make this Weapon Blueprint an all-around great Primary Weapon; it is an excellent starting point for players of all skill levels across all game modes. Compared to the base weapon, this Weapon Blueprint offers more stability when aiming, reduced vertical and horizontal recoil, and a clear sight picture among other benefits like sound suppression.
Plus, you can use the Early Access period to knock out most of the platform-specific accolades, which are equal parts points of pride and practice for other modes.
One of these challenges involves completing the Campaign on either of the hardest difficulty settings: Veteran and Realism. The latter turns off all HUD and lowers health for a true test of ability. Complete it, and you will be well prepared to face the AI combatants in Special Ops, Multiplayer, and Warzone 2.0.
The accolades and items can be unlocked at any time in Modern Warfare II. However, with a full week of Early Access, this is your opportunity to earn everything in Campaign before the full Modern Warfare II game launches.
Multiplayer

Modern Warfare II Multiplayer defines “emergent gameplay” with a focus on variety; those who played the Beta already got a glimpse of the game’s assortment of modes, locales, and Loadout items.
On day one, there will be 12 unique modes: 10 traditional modes on Core Maps and two Ground War modes on Battle Maps.
These maps are grouped into one of three regional categories:

Al Mazrah
This metropolitan area and its outskirts within the Republic of Adal serve as the main region for Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0.
Several Core and Battle Maps will be based in this region, making Multiplayer a phenomenal place to learn some of its points of interest in detail.

Las Almas
A major place of interest within the Modern Warfare II Campaign, Las Almas is a Central American region with a similar footprint to Al Mazrah.
In Multiplayer, the region will host a similar split of Core and Battle Maps.

Rest of the World
The last group of Multiplayer locales is an assortment of Core Maps with no specific region. A mixture of places within the Campaign and completely outside of the entire main storyline, these maps round out the Modern Warfare II universe with glimpses of what is happening outside of Al Mazrah and Las Almas.
Prior to the full game release, expect this blog to bring you a full breakdown of all Multiplayer-specific features, including maps, modes, and launch Playlists; tips on creating a Loadout; and more.
Special Ops

An evolution of the Special Ops mode from Modern Warfare (2019), this co-op experience will initially feature three missions at launch, all taking place in Al Mazrah:

Low Profile
Infiltrate a town in the dead of night to uncover intel and evidence left behind by Al Qatala before exfiltrating. Stealth is key to survival.

Denied Area
Multiple SAM turrets are preventing reinforcements from entering Al Mazrah. With the help of a vehicle, navigate through the winding streets of a suburb to destroy them; then speed over to the exfil plane to escape.

Defender: Mt Zaya
A love letter to fans of survival modes — defend the observatory from increasingly difficult waves of enemies attempting to detonate bombs. Between each wave, Operators can spend cash to get items, such as Killstreaks, Self-Revive kits, and armour plates.

In Special Ops, Operators will have access to a Backpack to store equipment and one of three Kits that are similar to a set of Perks, Field Upgrades, and Killstreaks in Multiplayer:
Assault: Kit focused on increased armour with an Armor Box Field Upgrade — later levels include the Assault Suit munition (think mini-Juggernaut), increased armour capacity, and free Stims included in the Backpack.
Medic: Kit focused on quicker revives with a Revive Pistol Field Upgrade for ranged instant revives — later levels include a free Bomb Drone, similar benefits to the Double Time Perk, and free Claymores and anti-tank mines included in the Backpack.
Recon: Kit focused on better equipment usage with a Snapshot Pulse Field Upgrade to see nearby enemies — later levels include the ability to automatically restock Lethals and Tacticals over time, the ability to carry extra equipment, and a free Heartbeat Sensor and Spotter Scope included in the Backpack.

Kits are levelled up by earning Stars through missions and mission-related challenges, which gives all three of these launch missions plenty of replayability.
We highly recommend completing all three Special Ops missions with three stars and having at least one Kit levelled up to Tier 5 before Raids, a direct continuation of the Campaign, are introduced to Special Ops later in Season 01.
Progression

At launch, there is more to Modern Warfare II than the traditional Military Ranks.
Prior to Season 01, which will feature a new Battle Pass system and Seasonal Prestige, players will have access to the following Progression systems:

Military Ranks: From Levels 1–55, unlock all Weapon Platforms, Multiplayer Loadout Items, and Special Ops Kits.
Weapon Platforms: Each Weapon Platform will feature Camo and Mastery challenges. Most will include Progression trees with the ability to unlock platform-specific and universal attachments, with some also allowing you to unlock Receivers, which serve as additional functional weapons within the platform.
Special Ops Kits: Each Special Ops Kit can be levelled up — to a maximum of Rank 10 — by replaying missions or completing challenges to earn Stars.
Base Operator Unlock Challenges: Earn 18 Operators through challenges related to Campaign, Multiplayer, and Special Ops.
Daily Challenges: In Multiplayer and Special Ops, complete three challenges every day for XP rewards and unlock a bonus challenge, which offers triple the XP of a regular daily challenge.
Additional Challenges: Career Milestone challenges, such as winning matches on specific game modes, will also be available for XP and cosmetic rewards.

Expect a breakdown of all these Progression systems in a dedicated blog within the game’s release window.
WARZONE 2.0 DROPS 16 NOVEMBER

Through Modern Warfare II Multiplayer and Special Ops, familiarize yourself with the core of Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0:
Operators — 25 Available at Launch. Eighteen can be unlocked during the Modern Warfare II pre-season. Plus, get two Mil-Sim Operators with four unique outfits unlocked by default, four unlocked via the Vault Edition.
Weapons — Over 30 Weapon Platforms at Launch for Over 50 Unique Weapons. Get anywhere from one to six unique weapons per platform. Vault Edition owners gain access to the FJX Cinder Weapon Vault, which contains all Receivers and attachments for one of the Weapon Platforms available at launch. Beta participants will have access to both their Weapon Blueprints, if unlocked during the Beta period.
Gameplay Mechanics. Movement, firing, and other fundamental features are shared between all games within the Modern Warfare II universe.
RICOCHET Anti-Cheat™. The system will be actively monitoring and taking action against cheaters in Modern Warfare II, learning how they operate to mitigate unfair play across both games.
Weapons & Gunsmith

At launch, there will be 33 unique Weapon Platforms available to unlock through the Military Ranks. Each Weapon Platform can contain up to six weapons, which can be obtained by levelling up specific weapons within a Weapon Platform.
By unlocking all these Weapon Platforms and completing all applicable Weapon Platform progression thresholds, you will have 51 Primary and Secondary Weapons to choose from for a loadout:
Expect ten Assault Rifles, four Battle Rifles, seven Submachine Guns, six Light Machine Guns, four Shotguns, six Marksman Rifles, three Sniper Rifles, one Riot Shield, five Sidearms, four Launchers, and one Melee secondary weapon.
One Shared Engine

Along with weapons and Operators, Modern Warfare II shares its core features with Warzone 2.0.
From movement — boots on the ground, swimming, and vehicles — to firing and even locations, playing Modern Warfare II allows you to get comfortable with most of what you will find in the forthcoming free-to-play Battle Royale experience.
RICOCHET Anti-Cheat on Day One

Modern Warfare II will launch with a new unified security platform that features new and returning mitigations to promote fair play.
Read the update from the RIOCHET Anti-Cheat team here for more information.
ADDITIONAL LAUNCH INTEL

Outside of Modern Warfare II, get exclusive in-game rewards by watching any Twitch.tv stream of the game during launch week, and celebrate the launch with new Task Force 141-themed gear at the Call of Duty Shop.
Incoming Twitch Drops — 28 Oct. to 5 Nov.

Earn Modern Warfare II content for free, simply by watching your favorite streamer play Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II Livestream on Twitch! We’ve prepared an impressive collection of Modern Warfare II special item drops that are unlocked between October 28 and November 5. Viewership rewards are shared across platform and will also be available in Call of Duty: Warzone 2.0.
Once you’ve linked your Call of Duty/Activision account to your Twitch Prime account, you can expect the following seven item unlocks as you continue to watch streamers who have these rewards activated:
Medallion 141 Weapon Charm: Unlocks at 15 minutes.
Death’s Angel Calling Card and Emblem: Unlocks at 30 minutes.
Something In My Teeth Weapon Sticker: Unlocks at 45 minutes.
Watchdog 141 Weapon Blueprint: Unlocks at 60 minutes.
Ready to earn these special drops? Then follow these three easy steps:
Twitch: Call of Duty: Next Viewership Rewards — How to Earn
1. Sign up: Create your Call of Duty/Activision account HERE. Note that if you already have an Activision account or a Call of Duty account, you’re all set.
2. Link: Connect your Twitch Prime account with your Call of Duty/Activision account HERE.
3. Earn Rewards: Watch any of your favourite Call of Duty streamers playing Modern Warfare II that have Drops enabled. Be sure you’re signed in with a linked account to earn rewards.
COD Shop

The Call of Duty Shop is reloaded with Task Force 141 gear, including an anime-inspired hoodie and dozens of other outfits for the whole squad.
Head to the Shop now and ready up for launch.
Pre-purchase Now for Early Access, Rewards

As this exciting year of Modern Warfare II kicks off with Campaign Early Access on October 20, do not be left behind with this transition to the new era of Call of Duty.
Players who pre-purchase Call of Duty: Modern Warfare II will receive up to one week early access to the full Modern Warfare II Campaign. Players who pre-purchase the Vault Edition of Modern Warfare II will receive this benefit plus the Red Team 141 Operator Pack, FJX Cinder Weapon Vault**, Season 01 Battle Pass, and 50 Tier Skips***.


Monster Hunter Rise Gets Support Armor, Weapon Set & Talisman Next Week

Monster Hunter Rise will release support content on 24 February 2022. Players can use these functional items to complete Village Quests and early Hub Quests, hone their hunting skills, deepen understanding of monstersâ€™ ecology and behaviour, forge and upgrade equipment using monster materials, and make good use of skill combinations.Â
In preparation for the massive expansion Monster Hunter Rise Sunbreak, which will release in summer 2022, Capcom is releasing a set of “Defender” weapons (for all 14 weapon types), the “Black Belt” armour set, and the “Veteran’s Talisman” on 24 February 2022 to help out players who have just started playing or will be playing Monster Hunter Rise in the future. The “Black Belt” armour set is also available as layered armour.Â
The Nintendo Switch version and the Steam version of Monster Hunter Rise will receive an update (Ver.3.9.0) on 24 February 2022. After updating to Ver.3.9.0, you’ll be able to claim the “Defender” weapons, the “Black Belt” armour set, and the “Veteran’s Talisman” from Senri the Mailman. In order to use DLC and play online, you need to update Monster Hunter Rise to the latest version.Â
Defender Weapon Set (includes all 14 types)

These weapons will support you during early quests with their fearsome attack power. You’ll even be able to upgrade them as you progress in the game.
Black Belt Armour set

Introducing the powerful new “Black Belt” armour set. This set is sure to help you out in the early game with its tough defence. This armour set has several skills, some of which increase your attack power, while others increase your health recovery, and reduce the effect of monster roars. You will also be able to obtain this set as layered armour.
Total defence when wearing all parts:150 (180 when upgraded to max).
Veteran’s Talisman

Make use of this talisman’s skills to gain the upper hand over monsters. Apart from the “Black Belt” armour set releasing on 24 February, Capcom is also currently offering the “Guild Cross” armour set, which improves your harvesting skills.