The Best Games That Tackle Class Divide (Like That Movie Parasite)

The Oscar-winning Korean film Parasite was a mesmerizing film that took on the subject of class in a darkly comic manner. The games on this list – which is by no means exhaustive – approach the subject in different ways, and to varying degrees.
While they aren’t directly comparable to Parasite, some of these games did possess elements or depictions that reminded me of elements from that movie. And ultimately, each has something to say, or show, about class.
*In case you haven’t watched the movie, there are some mild Parasite spoilers here.
Spent (2011)

“Itâ€™s just stuff, until you donâ€™t have it”. Thatâ€™s the tagline that greets you before beginning Spent.
Spent is a browser game made back in 2011 by ad agency McKinney for non-profit organization Urban Ministries of Durham. Itâ€™s a game about poverty in America – you start off with no savings, no house, and only $1000. You have to find a job, and somehow make it through a month.

Before you begin your job, you have to choose your Affordable Care Act package. The Gold Plan costs $329 a month with $15 co-pay, while the cheapest option is to opt out with a $12 per month penalty. Given that you only have $1000, opting out seems like the sensible choice, doesnâ€™t it?

“When the penalty for not buying insurance is so low compared to the cost of coverage, itâ€™s no surprise that low-income workers like you are opting out altogether”, the game informs you when you opt out.
Next, you have to buy a house. Do you pick somewhere near your workplace, with higher rent but less transportation cost, or do the opposite?
Spent is a game about making the best possible choices, but donâ€™t think that itâ€™s easy. Things might be going relatively well until your mom needs $100 for vital medication. Or you might get car issues, with repairs costing $300.
You need a root canal, but you donâ€™t have dental insurance and it costs $400 to fix it. You have a son who might need money to go on a trip or buy a present for his friend. Your boss discovers the plates you broke but blames your co-worker; do you confess?
I didnâ€™t, but when the now-ex co-worker tells me that she has two children and no idea how to take care of them now, I regretted my choice.
According to the United States Census Bureau, the poverty rate in America in 2011 was 15%. This dropped to 11.8% in 2018, but that statistic still represented 38.1 million people. Spent is clearly still relevant.
NEXT: Frostpunk


Cyberpunk Adventure Game Eden Genesis Announced For Consoles & PC In 2024

Spain-based video game company, Aeternum Game Studios recently announced Eden Genesis, a cyberpunk-inspired adventure game during its official second gaming showcase featuring three major game announcements: updates of Summum Aeterna, Aeterna Noctis’ upcoming DLC and a brand new IP set far off from the Aeterna-verse, Eden Genesis.

The studio’s still-in-development, Summum Aeterna is a roguelite, side-scrolling platformer that combines fast-paced combat with dungeon crawler mechanics in a unique 2D art style. Players assumed the role of the King of Darkness, condemned to eternal life, exploring uncharted dungeons populated with treasures, traps, hordes of enemies, and powerful bosses. Interestingly, every weapon, seed, and gem has a rarity level that shows their scale of powerful. It has seven levels of rareness: Common, Infrequent, Strange, Epic, Legendary, and Mythic. The higher the rarity of an item, the more benefits. More levels mean increased dangers and challenges and a higher chance of finding epic loots.
You can download Early Access of Summum Aeterna now on PC via Steam. The complete version of the game is set to launch for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC by September 2023. However, if you wish to purchase, Summum Aeterna now costs half of its price to RM33.00 for PC. We recommend waiting until the full version is complete to proceed with purchase unless you wish to get your hands on it, try out its Early Access instead.
Aeterna Noctis’ upcoming DLC, “Aeterna Noctis Virtuoso” will be set to release in late 2023, based on the showcased. The DLC offers more extreme challenges, as requested by the Aeterna gaming community. The developers add punishing boss rush, tough boss fights, and more pain and suffering in the Aeterna universe. Priced at RM51.00, the base game is now available for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam.
Aeternum Game Studios’ brand new announced IP, Eden Genesis will be launched for PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch, and PC via Steam in 2024. No other details were given but are soon to be announced later this year.
In the meantime, check out Aeternum Game Studios Showcase 2023 June Edition.


City Simulation Game Cities Skylines 2 Launches This October

During Xbox Games Showcase, Paradox Interactive announced that Cities Skylines 2 will launch for the PS5, Xbox Series X/S and PC on 24 October 2023.
Cities Skylines 2 offers the most realistic city simulation ever created, in which players can build any kind of city they can imagine and follow its growth from a humble village to a bustling metropolis. From individual households to the city’s economy and transportation system, Cities: Skylines 2 offers a deep and immersive simulation that welcomes both new and veteran players.
Check out the trailer below:


Sega & Fate: GO Devs Announce Sakura Wars Spin-Off Mobile Game

If you’re hankering for more Imperial Combat Revue action and some fancy stage music, you may want to pay attention to Sakura Kakumei: Hanasaku Otome-tachi. Or “Sakura Revolution: Blooming Maidens” if you want a literal translation.Â
Publisher Sega and developer Delight works (of Fate GO fame) are teaming up to release a mobile “dramatic RPG” that uses the Sakura Wars/Sakura Taisen property while turning it upside its head with Sakura Kakumei. Instead of controlling girls who pilot mechas who happen to in theatre, you now control J-pop idol girls (and their hakata-wearing equivalent) who “wear” suits of steampunk armour who fight hard.

Here’s the official story description:

Taisho era year 100. Japan, which suffered devastating damage in the â€œCapital Catastropheâ€ that occurred 16 years ago, has been reconstructed thanks to a new type of energy based on spiritual power, â€œMirai.â€
However, with the activation of the â€œNew Capital Tower,â€ the cherry blossoms no longer bloomed and demons called Kouki started to increase in numbers, attacking people all over the country. During this time, the guardian of the people was a government organization called â€œGreat Imperial Combat Revue B.L.A.C.K.â€ These girls took the country by storm with their awesome live performances while protecting the lives of citizens.
With Mirai and B.L.A.C.K., the people thought that placing their trust in the government will bring continued peace. Although a few have realized that this prosperity was a lie. They call themselves â€œImperial Combat Revue.â€ Bring the governmentâ€™s real plan to light, and take back Japan!

The game itself will use a “command line battle system” where you command your army of mecha armour-suited-up girls to fight in turn-based form. Gameplay teases below; this will remind you of current mobile game RPGs right now.
https://youtu.be/NrtGeE8ZIFw
Sakura Kakumei will be out in Japan this 2020 for iOS and Android phones. You can preregister for the game now via App Store and Google Play.Â
In the meantime, here’s a teaser and a special animation. For the latter, the good stuff’s at 17:08.
https://youtu.be/XAx1V3Bpw0A

Looks promising, and it may be Japan’s latest in the long line of time-sink contributions that may be localized if Sega can find good partners who can help spread the love in late 2021. Hopefully, they’ve learned their lessons since Chain Chronicle.


Company Of Heroes 3 Multiplayer Pre-Alpha Kicks Off Tomorrow On Steam

The RTS PC gaming genre is coming back with a vengeance, as Relic Entertainment originally announced Company Of Heroes 3 back in July 2021. You can be one of the first to jump into the battlefield as the Company Of Heroes 3 Multiplayer Pre-Alpha begins tomorrow.
The Company Of Heroes 3 Multiplayer Pre-Alpha will allow players to jump online and get the first glimpse at some exciting new multiplayer combat. They can experience four Italian maps in a variety of game modes, including co-op vs AIÂ  opponents, competitive PvP and Skirmish vs AI while trying out familiar and brand-new features like Full TacticalÂ  Pause in skirmish mode, vehicle side armour, Verticality, Battlegroups, and Veterancy.
Two classic factions return; the US forces and The Wehrmacht, each bringing their unique and game-changing abilities to the battlefield. More factions will be revealed in the run-up to launch.Â
How To Get Access To Company Of Heroes 3 Multiplayer Pre-Alpha

The Company Of Heroes 3 Multiplayer Pre-Alpha is available for pre-load on Steam right now, and playable starting from 1am GMT+8 on 1 December 2021 to 12pm GMT+8 on 7 December 2021.
Anyone that already has a COH-Development account, and has played the first Pre-Alpha, can simply head over to their Steam library, preload the Multiplayer Pre-Alpha and play the slice from its launch.
However, new players can sign up to COH-Development for free at https://community.companyofheroes.com/ and link their Steam account to get access to the game tomorrow.
Company Of Heroes 3 is slated to release for PC sometime in 2022.


Scarlet Nexus Gets June Release Date & An Anime In The Works

Bandai Namco has finally announced the release date for their upcoming JRPG Scarlet Nexus. It is slated to release for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on 25 June 2021. The release date was revealed in a new Scarlet Nexus Kasane Story Trailer.
Featuring a dual story, begin your adventure with either Yuito Sumeragi, an energetic recruit from a prestigious political family or Kasane Randall, the mysterious scout whose power and skill has gained great notoriety among the OSF. As their different experiences interweave with each other, it is only then that you will reveal the full story and unlock all the mysteries of a Brain Punk future caught between technology and psychic abilities in Scarlet Nexus.
Bandai Namco also revealed that a Scarlet Nexus anime is in the works from Sunrise (the same studio behind Gundam and Code Geass), which is slated to premiere sometime in summer 2021. The synopsis for the anime reads:
Link your minds, unlock the future.
In 2020 of the solar calendar, grotesque organisms called Others have begun eating people. To take down this new enemy, the Other Suppression Force is formed. Saved by this elite team as a child, psychokinetic Yuito enlists, bravely withstanding the training. On the other hand, prodigy Kasane was scouted for her abilities. But Kasaneâ€™s dreams tell her strange things, dragging the two into an unavoidable fate.
The game will be available in a standard physical and digital edition, as well as a Digital Deluxe Edition. The latter will include:

The full game.
Battle attire set â€œRedâ€.
Digital soundtrack.
Digital artbook.
Additional attachment â€œThe Othersâ€.

Pre-orders are available now and include the following in-game cosmetics as a bonus:

Special battle attire set â€œAudioâ€.
Additional attachment â€œFace Vision: Sealâ€.
Additional attachment â€œDream Catcherâ€.
Additional attachment set â€œShoulder Baki (11)â€.

Check out the trailers below:


THQ Nordic Announces New SpongeBob SquarePants Game

The latest in a long line of games, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake was announced at the THQ Nordic Digital Showcase 2022 followed with a trailer
The game was originally announced last year, but we finally get to see a trailer with this year’s rendition of THQ Nordic’s Digital Showcase. The game is joint venture between THQ Nordic developer Purple Lamp Studio where you will be able to travel to a multitude of Wishworlds, each with its own setting and rules.
The synopsis goes as:
SpongeBob and Patrick meet the mysterious fortune teller Kassandra who gives them a vial full of Mermaid’s Tears. Legend claims they grant the wishes of those who are pure of heart…
Naturally, the two best buddies get overexcited and their flurry of wishes tears open the very fabric of space and time. All while releasing Cosmic Jelly onto Bikini Bottom and opening portals to strange Wishworlds in the process.
Now it’s up to our heroes to rescue their friends who got lost in the Wishworlds and bring back Bikini Bottom’s most iconic buildings.
But Kassandra has her own devious plan…

KEY FEATURES

Unlock classic and new platforming skills like the Fishhook Swing and Karate Kick.
Don more than 30 F.U.N.tastic costumes like SnailBob and SpongeGar.
Travel to seven distinct Wishworlds like Wild West Jellyfish Fields and Halloween Rock Bottom.
Experience all the buddy movie banter with SpongeBob’s permanent companion Balloon-Patrick.
Meet all your favourite Bikini Bottomites from the series, voiced by their original actors.
Enjoy the in-game soundtrack featuring 101 songs from the series, including Sweet Victory.

SpongeBob SquarePants: The Cosmic Shake will be available on PS4, Xbox One, Switch and PC via Steam. A release date has yet to be announced.


The Godzilla & King Kong Films You Need To Watch

With Godzilla vs. Kong coming this March to theatres and HBO Max, monster movie fans are in for a treat. Legendary Pictures has done a bang-up job creating and fleshing out its “MonsterVerse” with the King of Monsters and the Eighth Wonder of the World films.
However, if you crave more of these monster films outside of the Legendary series, here are our recommendations. Whether you want to amp yourself up for the film this week, or need more monster versus films in your veins, we’ve got you sorted.
Let’s Start With The Big Lizard First…
There are 20+ films in the Godzilla movie canon, and most of them are connected with one another. To make things easier, we’ll just pick the following films to get you started so that you get the concept and idea of Godzilla. Since you should get to the source, these picks will be the Japanese versions.
All our picks hit the following:

Must obviously involve Godzilla & destruction, along with some level of social commentary on the environment.
Must have strong narratives following the humans all stuck in the monster mash predicament.

Godzilla (1954)

Arguably the only serious film on the list, the original 50s film is the one that depicts Godzilla as the true antagonist to humanity: the result of the atomic bomb that created a giant that is just doing major clean-up duty.
The effects are obviously meant for its time, but this film (both the JP and English version with Raymond Burr) is an important milestone that truly showcases the monster for what it truly is: a force of nature. With remarkable special effects and filming techniques for its time, the original Godzilla is basically a worldwide film treasure that all film buffs & fledging Godzilla fans should watch if they haven’t.
Mothra vs Godzilla (1964)

If you want to find out what the big deal is with Mothra and why people are so hyped up about Godzilla doing crossovers with other monsters, just jump straight to this Godzilla film of the Showa era.
It’s got a good mix of 60s monster battle action coupled with its human protagonists getting mixed up with Mothra’s eggs due to corporate greed. Classic monster movie stuff you can get behind, and it’s not completely campy as it still portrays Godzilla as a force of nature than an ally.
Godzilla vs King Ghidorah (1991)

The Heisei era for Godzilla is when things went crazy for Godzilla stories. It also birthed a fleshed-out version of Godzilla’s nemesis, King Ghidorah.
If you want a pretty good versus monster film with a ton of focus, along with a string of sci-fi time-travelling nonsense, Godzilla vs King Ghidorah is the best one to sate those jollies. You also get to witness the debut of Mecha Ghidorah, who may appear in the MonsterVerse one day.
Plus, the film boasts the greatest Godzilla poster ever made for human eyes. It’s just f***king beautiful. C’mon, just look at it…

Godzilla Against Mechagodzilla, Godzilla Tokyo S.O.S (2002-2003)

This pair of Millenium Godzilla films combines monster action with the bizarre sci-fi nonsense it’s associated with, as well as that much-needed human element to balance all the carnage out. It’s also a fleshed-out version of the series’ iconic man-made weapon Mechagodzilla, with pilots and scientists you care about. Mothra also pops up in the monster battle royale too.
However, this is a two-parter film so you need to watch both to get the whole story since they share continuity with each other. At the very least, it’s a bit more straightforward than the 1991 King Ghidorah film and easier on the eyes due to the well-done and updated special and practical effects.
Godzilla Final Wars (2004)

If you have to pick one monster mash film with a bit of cheese and a lot more insanity, go for this film.Â There’s a plot somewhere involving a worldwide monster attack and superpowered human soldiers, but you don’t need that much Godzilla knowledge and lore to enjoy this man vs monsterfest of a film.
Also, if you hated the 1998 Godzilla film, there’s a short bit halfway that will make you very happy, courtesy of Toei.
And Now For The Big Ape…
Picking a good King Kong movie is easier: you can just go straight to the source and then complement that with one of the remakes. Here’s our pick.
King Kong (1933)

This is the only movie you need to watch to get the gist of how the Eighth Wonder of the World wowed movie-goers. This is the film that influenced directors like Peter Jackson to go into film-making and with good reason: it was revolutionary for its time and even to this day, not many folks know how some of these effects and stop-motion/live-action hybrid bits were done unless you dive really deep into it.
Don’t let the black-and-white aesthetics turn you off from watching the film; the classic beauty-and-beast and giant-ape-versus-man storyline set the template for future monster films, from its spectacle to its brass-heavy orchestra that accentuates the battles King Kong puts himself in.
King Kong (2005)
Our only major gripe with the Peter Jackson adaptation is that it’s too damn long for a monster movie. There are a number of scenes and padding we can do without.

Having said that, everything involving King Kong from the Skull Island action bits to the climactic Empire State Building moments is just majestic to watch. Even if it’s mostly CGI, the mo-cap work from Andy Serkis and the crazy T-Rex battle with a ton of movement that may be too costly with practical effects is just fun to watch.
And that scene with the insect pit? That’s the stuff of nightmares, if we’re being frank.
What’s your favourite Godzilla and King Kong movie(s)? Let us know in the comments below or on our Facebook/YouTube page.


Black Widow Breaks Pandemic Box Office Records With Massive Opening Weekend

Marvel Studios’ Black Widow finally premiered in selected countries around the world and Disney+ via Premier Access on 9 July 2021. It’s the first Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) movie in two years since 2019’s Spider-Man Far From Home, and it proves that the Marvel movie magic is still there despite the ongoing pandemic.
According to Deadline, Black Widow generated over US$80 million in the US domestic market alone, with another US$78.8 million from 46 territories for a global theatrical debut of US$158.8 million. However, that’s not all. Add another US$60 million to that courtesy of Disney+ Premier Access, and we have a total global opening weekend debut of a whopping US$218.8 million, which is the best for a Hollywood movie since 2019’s Star Wars Episode IX The Rise Of Skywalker.
This is impressive considering that the movie didn’t open as widely in certain markets like China and Southeast Asia, including Malaysia. Still, this bodes well for the future of the franchise moving forward, especially since there are still three more MCU movies to premiere in the rest of 2021, including Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings in September, Eternals in November and Spider-Man No Way Home in December.
There’s no telling when Black Widow will be showing in Malaysian cinemas or on Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia, as of now. In the meantime, you can check out our non-spoiler guide to the characters in the Black Widow movie by heading over here.


Birds Of Prey Should Be Retitled “Harley Quinn & Her Super Friends”

The first of two DC Extended Universe (DCEU) movies in 2020 has arrived and it officially kicks off as the first major comic book adaptation of the year. Let’s make one thing clear from the get-go; Birds Of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn) should have been called Harley Quinn And The Birds Of Prey instead; a title which is much truer to what the movie actually is.
I went into this movie expecting that, considering how much of Harley Quinn was featured front and centre (literally) at the heart of the movie’s marketing and promotional material. While I find myself begrudgingly admitting that the movie itself isn’t bad by any means, I still cannot accept that that this is a Birds Of Prey movie. It is a very much a Harley Quinn (and friends) movie.
BFF Material

Directed by relatively new director Cathy Yan, Birds Of Prey is a decent movie. Margot Robbie is the only DCEU actor reprising a role from a previous DCEU flick, and the movie surprisingly acknowledges the events of 2016’s much-maligned Suicide Squad. Don’t expect to see Jared Leto’s Joker though, as he has been edited out like he never even existed; good riddance.

The movie serves as an origin story for the Birds Of Prey, but they still play second fiddle to Harley Quinn herself.
It’s criminal that the one character who founded the Birds Of Prey team in the comics is absent from her own live-action adaptation.

I’m referring to none other than Barbara Gordon AKA Batgirl. Well, she was technically still the physically-challenged Oracle in the source material when she founded the team. While it’s possible that Batgirl could still join the team in future DCEU movies, it’s still a sore spot. Imagine a Justice League without Superman/Batman or the Teen Titans without Robin. That’s how integral the character is to the Birds Of Prey mythos.

Birds Of Prey is entirely from the perspective of batshit crazy Harley Quinn, who continually narrates and monologues throughout the duration of the movie.
Due to her mental instability, she comes off as an unreliable narrator, which causes funny random flashbacks resulting in a non-linear narrative of sorts.

The movie clearly wants to be DC’s equivalent of Marvel’s Deadpool films. This evolution happened in the comics several years ago thanks to Amanda Conner and Jimmy Palmiotti (who are both mentioned in the movie’s credits), and this movie’s Harley Quinn is mostly inspired by that version of the character.
The (Un)killing Joke

Unfortunately, the comedy in Birds Of Prey doesn’t quite hit its mark. The jokes still feel a bit juvenile and cringe-worthy (despite the massive amount of F-bombs and mature content), though I did chuckle a few times. In comparison, I laughed out loud at almost every joke in the two Deadpool movies.
The comedy does attempt to go meta in some instances, but not as often as I’d liked, though some would argue that too much would be immersion-breaking. One particular gag involving Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Huntress is probably the funniest and most memorable of them all.
An Explosive Flurry Of Colour & Action

The highest praise I could give Birds Of Prey is its colourful and striking visual cinematography, as well as the dynamic action choreography. I was worried that the movie would look too garish from the looks of the trailers, but the movie proved me wrong with vibrant visuals that pop out, evoking the style of the comics that the movie was adapted from.

If there’s anything to highlight in Birds Of Prey, it would be the action scenes, which look believable and exciting at the same time.
Bones break with an uncomfortable crunch and blood splatter, but never in an exaggerated way like in the two Deadpool movies, or even 2016’s Suicide Squad, likely because Birds Of Prey doesn’t rely too much on fugly CGI like those films.

Mask

It’s definitely no surprise that Margot Robbie dominates the movie as Harley Quinn, but Ewan McGregor’s Black Mask certainly was, in a good way.
I was ready to hate this version of the character, but I loved the complex Roman Sionis as portrayed by the brilliant actor of Star Wars’ Obi-Wan Kenobi fame.

He is flamboyant and charming when calm but only manifests his true violent and sociopathic self when things don’t go his way. The allusion to his queerness doesn’t affect his character in any significant way whatsoever, as it adds more character to this iconic villain, though I would love to have seen him wearing his Black Mask more.
The other supporting characters receive little to no development and some more than others. The movie bizarrely gives more focus on Rosie-Perez’s Renee Montoya instead of Jurnee Smollett-Bell’s Black Canary or even more shockingly, Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Huntress who manages to make the most out of her criminally-underutilized and brief screentime.

Out of all the supporting characters, Mary Elizabeth Winstead’s Huntress deserves just as much screentime as Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn.
She shined brightly albeit her limited screentime, and I would love to see her role expanded in future DCEU movies.
She’s the closest thing to a traditional and most comics-accurate character in this movie, yet it seemed like the filmmakers didn’t know how to properly take advantage of her and thus moved her to the sidelines.

As for Ella Jay Basco’s Cassandra Cain, she’s nothing at all like her original comic book counterpart. They also butchered her character by making her an annoying kleptomaniac kid who talks like she’s from the ghetto or something. I don’t see how this version of the character will ever become the iconic Batgirl or Orphan that we know and love from the comics. Even if they adapted her into a different character, the one we have still come off as clichÃ© and tired here.
Emancipate Us From This Movie

Birds Of Prey (And The Fantabulous Emancipation Of One Harley Quinn) is not my cup of tea, nor will it satisfy hardcore fans of the comic book version. However, it remains a decent fluff of a film, and definitely one that is far superior to the messy farce that was 2016’s Suicide Squad.

If you like Harley Quinn’s crazy antics and kookiness, you will like this a lot more than you should.
If you come in expecting a faithful adaptation of the Birds Of Prey, that’s an altogether different story.

Final Score: 60/100


You Can Now Listen To The Entire Mega Man Zero & ZX Soundtracks On Spotify

Good news, Mega Man and Rock Man fans practising responsible social distancing. The entire OST for all the Mega Man Zero and Mega Man ZX games are available on Spotify for all to listen to.

If you rather want to get the tracks yourself, you can instead get them on either Apple Music or on Steam. The Mega Man Zero/ZX Sound Box has all the original GBA and DS tracks from the games; a pity they do not have the remastered versions for Zero 3, 4, ZX, and ZX Advent though. I felt that those remixes did the original tracks justice.
Is the Mega Man Zero/ZX Legacy Collection worth replaying and buying? Hell yeah: it’s the best version so far that features auto-save checkpoint options and even a speedrun mode. Check out our glowing review of the collection here.Â


Here’s Why We Think Apex Legends Is Dying

If you’ve been following the gaming industry since earlier this year, you must have noticed a hyped battle royale title by the name of Apex Legends. That’s EA and Respawn Entertainment’s masterpiece which has successfully shaken the competition.
Players from Rainbow Six Siege, PlayerUnknown’s Battlegrounds and even Fortnite are jumping ship to enjoy this magnificent game. We’ve even compiled an unabridged, and up-to-date, guide for discerning players.
However, the reality is harsh. Despite having a stellar launch and truckloads of viewership as well as literally millions of players, the trendy game is finally coming to last moments.
The Nail In The Coffin
Apex Legends had a strong launch. Viewership and player base skyrocketed in the early weeks of its launch. However, the traffic generated by Apex Legends is not organic, as EA paid millions to streamers to stream the game on launch day.
Long story short, when the streamers stopped streaming, the interest level dropped significantly.

As you can see on the Google Trends graph above, April marks the lowest point of interest over time, with certain spikes here and there attributed to leaks and the new battle pass, Wild Frontier.

This Twitchmetrics graph tells us the same story of a steadily dwindling viewership rate. The viewership on launch week hit close to 350k viewers, but when the paid streamers stop streaming, most of the viewers went to watch something else.
There’s a noticeable spike in March but, again, that’s thanks to the launching of the game’s first season.
If you think Fortnite lost a lot of Twitch viewers when Apex Legends dropped, think again.

Fortnite‘s viewership maintained steadily and despite dropping to half of its usual viewers on the week that Apex launched (Week of Feb 11), the viewers simply came back.
A report by Newzoo suggested that viewership shot on launch week, but stabilised and dropped right after.

The same can be said when filtering YouTube searches.

So, Apex had only 10% of the Google searches that Fortnite has, ~20% of its Twitch viewers, and ~4% of Fortnite‘s YouTube searches, what does this all mean?
This means the player base of Apex Legends is declining or stagnant.
Players Aren’t Happy
Michael “Shroud” Grzesiek is undoubtedly the most popular streamer out there, and he’s thinking of quitting Apex Legends and returning to PUBG. He said that slow servers and the lack of content as the cause.

He even said this, “I’ve got about three games left before I quit this game forever.”

Other streamers share the same sentiment. DrDisrespect says that the game is going the way of H1Z1, a dead battle royale game. Ninja, another prominent streamer, prefers Fortnite over Apex Legends although it was rumoured that EA spent close to a million dollars on Ninja to stream the game just for a few hours.
With Fortnite now copying Apex Legends’ ping system and respawn mechanics, which what makes the game unique and stand out from the rest, the game has lost its unique selling point.
Game Over?
As an avid Apex Legends player, I am undoubtedly sad about hearing this, but I have to agree that Apex is losing much of its audience. I can link this to several reasons, one of which is the lack of new content. Not to mention, the rampant hacking which turns off players faster than those speedhackers.
Now, I understand that the game was launch less than 3 months ago, and asking for new content sounds pushy, but with a game like Apex Legends, players are bound to ask for more, and when Respawn can’t deliver quickly, players become disappointed.
There were so many leaks and stories indicating we might be getting new content, such as a new hero, some NPCs, a motorbike, but nothing materialised.
The game might’ve seen a larger and more sustained player engagement if it were on the Nintendo Switch, as the game’s quick transition between games and fast-paced action offered is perfect for the handheld console.
Maybe the players are burnt out after the burst of initial hype, or maybe it’s true after all, and the game is actually dying.
Either way, I hope EA and Respawn finds a way to pull itself back from this rut.


Ghostface Returns In The Spooky New Scream Trailer

Paramount Pictures has unveiled the first trailer for the upcoming Scream, which is actually the fifth entry in the long-running horror franchise first created by the legendary Wes Craven. The last instalment was 2011’s Scream 4, which was the last to be directed by Craven himself before he passed away in 2015.
The synopsis reads:
Twenty-five years after a streak of brutal murders shocked the quiet town of Woodsboro, a new killer has donned the Ghostface mask and begins targeting a group of teenagers to resurrect secrets from the townâ€™s deadly past.
Neve Campbell (â€œSidney Prescottâ€), Courteney Cox (â€œGale Weathersâ€) and David Arquette (â€œDewey Rileyâ€) return to their iconic roles in Scream alongside Melissa Barrera, Kyle Gallner, Mason Gooding, Mikey Madison, Dylan Minnette, Jenna Ortega, Jack Quaid, Marley Shelton, Jasmin Savoy Brown, and Sonia Ammar.
Scream is slated to premiere on 14 January 2022. In the meantime, check out the trailer below:


Nintendo Switch Lite Officially Announced

Nintendo has officially announced the Nintendo Switch Lite, a smaller and cheaper version of the existing model of the hybrid handheld console. It is designed to be played exclusively in handheld mode, with no option for docked mode.
The Nintendo Switch Lite is missing some of the features available on its bigger and older brother. The Joy-Con controllers are now built-in and therefore, unremovable from the device.
It also has a slightly smaller 5.5-inch screen, compared to the Nintendo Switch’s 6.2-inch screen, albeit still with a 720p resolution. It will also come in three colours: teal blue, grey, and yellow.
Besides that, the battery on the Nintendo Switch Lite lasts longer, and it has a proper D-pad now, unlike the Nintendo Switch’s separated directional buttons. Because the D-pad is king.

Fortunately, the Nintendo Switch Lite is still compatible with accessories like the Switch Pro Controller, and the PokÃ© Ball Plus, as well as supports Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC, and gyro controls.
In an interview with CNET, Nintendo of America president Doug Bowser said:

“We believe the two systems will complement each other and coexist in the market.”

It will launch on 20 September 2019 at a price of US$199.99 (or roughly RM800+).
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jZOPC6J4fAA&w=560&h=315]


Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising Gets New Character Siegfried And PS5/PS5 Beta Test This May

Cygames and Arc System Works has unveiled new information about its upcoming Granblue Fantasy Versus update.
Granblue Fantasy Versus Rising will be adding a new character to its roster: Siegfried the dragonslayer.
“This hero saved his country from great peril, but soon found himself the subject of intrigue and conspiracy. Now reviled by many, he’s become a loyal knight of the state in the hopes that he can fulfill a promise he made to the former king.”
Siegfried excels at mid-range combat and keeps his opponents at bay. He’ll most likely play in the style of Percival, but with some alterations here and there, and with a different element.
In addition, there will be an online beta test for the PlayStation 5 and PlayStation 4 version of the game on May. More information will be revealed at a later date.


What Stan Lee Means to Me: Celebrating the Legend and the Man

I woke up this morning like always, expecting nothing out of the ordinary. As I flicked my phone screen back to life, I saw Stan Lee’s name and I immediately feared the worst. Stan Lee had passed away at the age of 95.
It broke my heart.
I choked down tears, realizing that I’ll never get the chance to meet one of the most influential men in my life, the co-creator of beloved and iconic comic book properties like Spider-Man and the X-Men. Many regarded him as a superhero himself, having contributed so much to the comics industry and pop culture as a whole.
To me, he was more than that.
I grew up without knowing the love of a grandfather. Both my grandfathers passed away before I was born. I sometimes feel like Stan was the grandfather I never had, and I’d like to believe that if I ever had a grandfather, that he would perhaps be a little like Stan Lee.
Spider-Man was the first ever comic book character little old me truly looked up to. The values that Stan Lee and the late Steve Ditko instilled in Peter Parker are those I hold in my heart. With great power, there must also come great responsibility.

With Spider-Man, Stan taught me that when you’re at your lowest, always try to do everything you can to help. To never let mistakes and failures stop you from always trying to do the right thing. To always do your best to help without expecting anything back. To be a superhero even though I don’t have superpowers.

I sincerely believe that Stan knew how much he meant to all of us. ‘A hundred years from now if somebody should bring up my name, if it would still be around… It would be nice if people say, ‘Jeez. I thought he was a good writer, his stories gave me a lot of pleasure,” said Stan. “That’s what people tell me now and it’s the best thing any writer can ever hear.”

Stan Lee talked to us about his career and the best thing a writer could hear. R.I.P. ðŸ’” pic.twitter.com/jWoa120K9r
â€” Fandango (@Fandango) November 12, 2018
Maybe I’ll have more to say in the future, but for now, I’ll never forget the legacy left behind by Stan ‘The Man’ Lee. Rest in peace, my generalissimo. Say hello to Jack ‘the King’ Kirby, Steve Ditko, and the rest of the comic book legends for me up there in heaven, will you?
These final two pages from the recently-concluded run of Spectacular Spider-Man by writer Chip Zdarsky perfectly encapsulates some of the best lessons imparted by the late Stan Lee.


Jon Bernthal To Return As The Punisher In Daredevil Born Again

According to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, Jon Bernthal will reprise his role as Frank Castle AKA The Punisher in the upcoming Disney+ Hotstar series Daredevil Born Again, which is set to premiere sometime in spring 2024 with a whopping 18 episodes.
Bernthal will reportedly join the likes of Charlie Cox (Matt Murdock/Daredevil) and Vincent D’Onofrio (Wilson Fisk/Kingpin) in the series, which begins shooting in New York sometime this month. Writers and executive producers Matt Corman and Chris Ord are the showrunners.
Bernthal originally played The Punisher in Netflix’s Daredevil Season 2 in 2016 before starring in two seasons of his own series, The Punisher from 2017 to 2019. All of the Netflix Marvel content is now available to stream on Disney+ Hotstar.
In the meantime, check out my breakdown of She-Hulk Episode 1, Episode 2, Episode 3, Episode 4, Episode 5, Episode 6, Episode 7, Episode 8 and Episode 9 here.
Or head on over here for our interview with She-Hulk herself, Tatiana Maslany.


Star Wars The Rise Of Skywalker’s Real Runtime Is Shorter Than Earlier Reports

Earlier reports based on AMC Theaters’ listed runtimes have claimed that Star Wars Episode IX The Rise Of Skywalker will have a runtime of 155 minutes, or 2 hours and 35 minutes, longer than any previous movie in the franchise.
It turns out that they were wrong.
In an interview with Entertainment Weekly, director J.J. Abrams revealed the true runtime for Star Wars The Rise Of Skywalker is a lot shorter than was previously reported, as he confirmed that the final edit of the movie was finished just last weekend.
According to Abrams, the movie will have a runtime of 141 minutes, or 2 hours and 21 minutes. This means that the title of longest Star Wars movie will still belong to 2017’s Star Wars Episode VIII The Last Jedi, which clocks in at 152 minutes.
There you have it, Star Wars fans. Check out the (revised) complete list of Star Wars movies from the shortest to the longest runtimes:

Star Wars: The Clone WarsÂ (2008) â€“ 98 Minutes
Star Wars: Episode IV â€“ A New HopeÂ (1977) â€“ 121 Minutes
Star Wars: Episode V â€“ The Empire Strikes BackÂ (1980) â€“ 124 Minutes
Star Wars: Episode VI â€“ Return of the JediÂ (1983) â€“ 131 Minutes
Rogue One: A Star Wars StoryÂ (2016) â€“ 133 Minutes
Solo: A Star Wars StoryÂ (2018) â€“ 135 Minutes
Star Wars: Episode I â€“ The Phantom MenaceÂ (1999) â€“ 136 Minutes
Star Wars: Episode VII â€“ The Force AwakensÂ (2015) â€“ 138 Minutes
Star Wars: Episode III â€“ Revenge of the SithÂ (2005) â€“ 140 Minutes
Star Wars: Episode IX â€“ The Rise of Skywalker (2019) â€“ 141 Minutes
Star Wars: Episode II â€“ Attack of the ClonesÂ (2002) â€“ 142 Minutes
Star Wars: Episode VIII â€“ The Last JediÂ (2017) â€“ 152 Minutes

Star Wars Episode IX: The Rise of Skywalker is slated to release on 19 December 2019. In the meantime, check out the final trailer below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Qn_spdM5Zg&w=560&h=315]


The Greatest April Fools’ Jokes In Gaming From Past Years

April’s Fools Day is coming soon, and the video game industry will continue another long tradition of making funny fake news and jokey announcements, much to our chagrin as writers and reporters. Developers, publishers, studios and figures in the games industry have participated in the annual celebration for years, and some have been more memorable than others. Or infamous, depending on which side of the joke you’re on.
Check out some of the most iconic jokes below. They’re not in any particular ranked order, but we feel they’re worth listing down:
1. Sheng Long Unlock in Street Fighter II (April 1992)

This is arguably perhaps one of the most iconic and one of the oldest April Fools’ jokes in all of gaming.
Sheng Long is a character once thought to appear in the original Street Fighter II game, but he’s actually a hoax. Due to a mistranslation or misunderstanding of Ryu’s post-match victory text in Street Fighter II, a rumour started to spread about a secret fight in the game against a character named Sheng Long.
Gaming magazine Electronic Gaming Monthly (EGM) then published an article about the secret “World Warrior” in their magazine, fooling gamers and other publications worldwide. EGM also pulled the same prank again in 1997 during the development of Street Fighter III. Check out the original article in the picture above, and the Street Fighter 3 one below:

Sheng Long would later go on to inspire the real playable character, Gouken, who made his debut in 2008’s Street Fighter IV.

2. Yakuza April Fools’ Joke, Which Became Yakuza Like A Dragon (1 April 2019)

In 2019, Yakuza/Like A Dragon franchise developer Ryu Ga Gotoku Studio posted a video revealing a new JRPG-inspired turn-based combat system for the series, framing it as a joke.
However, it was seemingly because of the positive reaction to this April Fools’ Yakuza trailer that they switched from real-time action combat to turn-based combat for Yakuza Like A Dragon, which would go on to launch in January 2020.
It’s amazing that what started as an April Fools’ joke turned into something real.

3. Dark Souls 3 Movie (1 April 2016)

Back in 2016, Bandai Namco trolled the entire world when they posted an apparently real trailer for a Dark Souls 3 movie. However, as soon as you clicked play, it’s clearly a joke as it evokes a retro horror, sort of Evil Dead vibe, with a vintage filter over Dark Souls 3 gameplay clips.
What made the trailer even funnier is because of the old-school narrator and the video ending with an announcement that it would release on 12 April 2023 exclusively on VHS.

4. Football Manager 1888 (1 April 2020)

Developer Sports Interactive has always liked to post April Fools jokes but in 2020, they posted one of their funniest. It’s a throwback to what is essentially the very early days of football in history. It’s like a Far Cry Primal equivalent of the franchise. The screenshots are also hilarious, with players only earning a few meagre shillings (which was a lot for those days, actually!), using snail mail to communicate with staff and more.

We invited you to manage in the very first season of The Football League, complete with a Sepia filter and hand-written inbox items. pic.twitter.com/u9CNpKFHXP
— Football Manager (@FootballManager) April 1, 2020

5. RGB Hair (1 April 2021)

Razer is famous for putting RGB on almost anything and everything they can get their hands on. They’re also infamous for announcing fake products, but this one takes the cake.
Of course, if all your stuff can have RGB, why not hair? Razer even made a fake ad featuring the “guy with girlfriend looking back at another girl” meme. It’s all pretty funny.

6. The Sanic Collection (1 April 2018)
In this current era, we probably have seen a lot of bad drawings of our favourite celebrities and video game characters across the internet, well, the Sonic Team released what was supposed to be a bad Sonic drawing printed on a t-shirt, a mug, and 2 phone cases. The bit that took it off was the bit.ly link “http://bit.ly/itstotallyreal” and fans overall enjoyed the hilarious so-called merch advertise.

Announcing the all-new Sanic Collection. Available for one week only.https://t.co/FE6kbnj6PH pic.twitter.com/XuNV3goCgI
— Sonic the Hedgehog (@sonic_hedgehog) April 1, 2018

Interestingly, fans even requested to actually purchase the items and honestly, we would too!
7. Ubisoft’s For Honor: Mini Edition (1 April 2020)

In 2020, Ubisoft announced the For Honor: Mini Edition. There was a goofy trailer showing fans’ favourite characters from the game miniaturized with higher-pitched voices and running around and battling each other. It actually turns out to be an in-game event, a limited April Fools-only event where players could play the miniaturized characters.
Overall, players enjoyed the event. Plus, it was a great example of game developers giving the game community something quick, fun, and totally harmless April Fools’ joke. Perhaps, we can see this version on Apex Legends or Destiny 2? Ohh, I totally would go for a miniaturized version of Mario Kart and see chaos rein in the game.

8. The Sonic & Tails Hoax (April 2002)

In 2002, Electronic Gaming Monthly published a page from the magazine about some of the enhancements coming to Smash Bros. Melee. The black highlighted box is the one most stands out as Sonic and Tails will be playable characters. The two characters can only be ‘unlocked’ after defeating 20 or more enemies in Cruel Melee; then players will have to challenge both of the characters at the same time. The next step is to finish the Classic mode either using Sonic or Tails for a special ‘surprise’.
Obviously, no one got the chance to go to the next stage once they’ve completed 20 KO’s and evidently, they only received trophies instead of meeting Sonic or Tails. Why is this big news back then? Well, the idea of having Mario and Sonic in the same game was unheard of in 2002. EGM later confessed to making the joke, but as a prize for people who did get more than 20 KO’s in cruel melee, they rewarded copies of Sonic Adventure 2: Battle. The game was Sonic’s debut on the Nintendo system.
EGM’s April Fools’ prank became a reality when Sonic showed up in Super Smash Bros. Brawl as a fighter in 2007, and no, it wasn’t on the Super Smash Bros. Melee. It’s funny how something that seems impossible back then became a norm these days by watching video game characters merging in the same game.

9. Ubisoft’s “Assassin’s Creed: Kinect” (1 April 2012)

The trailer was not made by Ubisoft, but rather by a very savvy YouTuber who wanted to show what Assassin’s Creed might look like if it fully utilized Microsoft’s Kinect motion-sensing system. To pull this off, the Youtuber rented a RED Epic camera and a dolly and assembled a group of friends including filmmakers, actors, effects artists, stuntmen, and even two business analysts. It only took one day to film the entire video and emphasis the prep and post-work production.
It took them a great amount of effort and money to produce a parody video of Assassin’s Creed and the Kinect system. It’s no surprise the video currently reached over 5 million views. We couldn’t help but giggle at the hilarious stunts these people had to imitate and the results from it are either cringe or downright hilarious. Imagine you would have to run around the living room area in circles or even jumped accidentally smashing coffee tables and knocking stuff in front of people.
In the last scene where the little girl expands the Wii device like blades, that is actually pretty cool.

10. PlayStation Flow (1 April 2015)

One of the most believable April Fools’ videos is the PlayStation Flow device. The presenter, models, and even the athlete give a stellar performance using this so-called wearable technology. The concept is to take the gaming experience out of the living room where players get to experience gaming underwater. The steps are easy: you can sync the game to your motion goggles, bring the full set of motion sensors, gear up once you’re ready and click on the goggle to resume the game while swimming. Seems plausible, right?
If you watch the video closely, towards the end, the actions are just hilarious. The one that seems bonkers to me is the “PlayStation Body Dryer” like the team actually showed that the device can dry you in seconds? I couldn’t connect the logic on this part. The rest of the scenes are focused on the actors wearing the goggles and imaginarily swimming in the kitchen, living room, bathtub, etc.
Props to the presenter for keeping a straight face throughout the video and convincing over 2 million viewers on Youtube. The outro scene is the icing on the cake throughout the entire video and trusts me, you wouldn’t want to miss it.

We probably missed some (there have been a lot over the years!), so tell us your favourite April Fools’ Day jokes from the games industry in the comments section below.


Football Manager 2023 Console Is Now Available For Pre-Order

Sega has announced that Football Manager 2023 Console is coming to PS5 and Xbox Series X/S (as well as Xbox Game Pass) on 8 November 2022. This is alongside the previously-confirmed PC and other platforms.
According to Sports Interactive, Football Manager 2023 Console will feature the following features:

Complete Matchday Control

Make game-changing tactical tweaks with an enhanced UI and improved accessibility. Manage every moment with a matchday experience that immerses you in the heart of the on-pitch drama.

Become a Difference Maker

Make your voice heard at half-time and full-time with Team Talks. Use a wide range of reactions to capture every emotion and get your message across in every situation.

Celebrate Your Success

Savour all of your headline-making moments and successes. The Dynamic Manager Timeline is a visualisation of your career achievements that grows as you reach the top of the game.

Play Your Way

A raft of accessibility changes make this the most tailored edition of FM yet. Whether you’re an experienced player or a series newcomer, our new onboarding flow ensures you’ll get the right level of detail and responsibilities in every career.

In the meantime, check out the trailer below:


G4 Is Shutting Down Less Than A Year After Relaunch Comeback

After officially returning in November 2021, G4 is shutting down again, as Comcast’s Spectacor division is pulling the plug on the video game-centric network G4 TV. According to Deadline, Spectacor CEO Dave Scott sent a memo to his employees explaining that the company’s investment and efforts to revive the network just didn’t gain traction.
The new version of G4 included a revived version of the original G4 mainstays such as Attack of the Show! and Xplay, plus comedy Boosted, Japanese competition series Ninja Warrior, esports competitions and Dungeons & Dragons limited series.
This news appears to have come as a surprise, as several G4 employees such as G4 host Jirard the Completionist revealed that he discovered the shutdown via a tweet, while Emily Rose found out about the news via the Deadline article, as she was flying home from her grandfather’s funeral.
Here is Scott’s full memo, which Deadline obtained from a source:
Team:
As you know, G4 was re-introduced last year to tap into the popularity of
gaming. We invested to create the new G4 as an online and TV destination for fans
to be entertained, be inspired, and connect with gaming content.
Over the past several months, we worked hard to generate that interest in G4, but
viewership is low and the network has not achieved sustainable financial
results. This is certainly not what we hoped for, and, as a result, we have made the
very difficult decision to discontinue G4’s operations, effective immediately.
I know this is disappointing news, and I’m disappointed, too. I want to thank you
and everyone on the G4 team for the hard work and commitment to the network.
Our human resources team is reaching out to you to provide you with support,
discuss other opportunities that may be available, and answer any questions you
may have.
Thank you again for all of your hard work for G4.
Sincerely,
Dave Scott
Chairman and CEO
Comcast Spectacor
G4 was a video games-focused TV network that ran from 2002 to 2014. One of its most popular programs was X-Play, which ran from 1998 to 2013 and featured everything from game reviews to gaming-related skits. Throughout the years, it was hosted by Adam Sessler, Morgan Webb, Blair Herter, Jessica Chobot, Lauren Fielder, Kristin Adams, and more.
Meanwhile, Attack of the Show! was a live TV show which focused on pop culture in general, discussing news headlines, tech, movies, games, and more. It aired from 2005 to 2013 and was hosted by Kevin Pereira, Olivia Munn, Alison Haislip, Candace Bailey, Sara Jean Underwood, Kevin Rose, and more.
The G4 network also helped launch the careers of Geoff Keighley, Olivia Munn and other notable figures in the gaming coverage industry.


Check Out This Special Malaysian Studios Heroes Exhibition

Hold on to your faith, true believers; because Disney is bringing the Marvel Studios: Ten Years Of Heroes Exhibition to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia later this month. It will take place at Pavillion Kuala Lumpur from 28 June to 27 October 2019.
No further details or information have been revealed as of yet, but since it was already held in Singapore last year, here’s what fans can probably expect when the Marvel Studios: Ten Years Of Heroes Exhibition comes to Malaysia:
1. A 5-Meter Tall 3D Projection Of The Iron Man Armor

2. Explore The History Of Captain America

3. Experience Ant-Man’s Quantum Realm

4. Witness The Glorious Infinity Gauntlet

There’s a lot of more where that came from, and the Malaysian version of the exhibit will surely feature surprises of its own. Stay tuned on Kakuchopurei for more details when they arrive or head on over to the official website here.

Calling all MARVEL fans! Get ready to experience a decade of epic storytelling at the first-ever Marvel Studios: Ten Year of Heroes exhibition in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Stay tuned for more updates. #MARVEL10MY pic.twitter.com/vYRlEcctoy
â€” Marvel Malaysia (@MarvelMalaysia) June 10, 2019


Halo Infinite Is Committed To Holiday 2021 Release, Says Xbox Head

After a decent showing at E3 2021 earlier this month, Halo Infinite is still slated for a Holiday 2021 release date/window. According to Xbox head Phil Spencer, they have already narrowed the upcoming game’s release window to a range of several weeks, but they haven’t decided on a specific release date as of yet.
During an interview in a video with Dropped Frames on YouTube, Spencer said:
“We know kind of our range in the 3-4 week range.
We don’t have yet the exact day.
There’s some other things with some other game timing that we’re trying to look at.
We’ll have better clarity over the summer, but this isn’t a months thing this is just down to a few weeks.
Instead of picking this date and having to move it by a week, which at this point would feel like a fail â€” we don’t want to do that â€” let’s wait until we’re really solid on what the date is.
But the team is very committed to holiday, we feel good about that.”
Recently, Halo Infinite developer 343 Industries revealed that there will be no loot boxes for the free-to-play multiplayer part of the game. Halo Infinite is slated to launch for Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S and PC sometime in Holiday 2021. In the meantime, check out the trailer below:


Michelle Yeoh Is The First Malaysian To Be A Best Actress Oscar Nominee, Oscars 2023 Nominees Announced

Michelle Yeoh has made history by becoming the first Malaysian to be nominated for an Academy Award at the upcoming 95th Academy Awards, or Oscars 2023, which will take place on 13 March 2023 at 8am GMT+8.
Earlier this month, Michelle Yeoh also became the first Malaysian to win a Golden Globe Award at the 80th Golden Globe Awards, where she won the Golden Globe Award for Best Actress in a Comedy or Musical for the movie, Everything Everywhere All At Once (2022).
We’re proud of our Tan Sri Michelle Yeoh. We hope that her achievement will inspire more Malaysians to rise above and beyond in the global stage. Malaysia Boleh!
In addition, if you’re looking to watch Everything Everywhere All At Once, you can watch it on HBO GO.
You can check out the rest of the Oscars 2023 nominees below:
Best Actress

Michelle Yeoh, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
Cate Blanchett, ‘TÁR’
Ana de Armas, ‘Blonde’
Andrea Riseborough, ‘To Leslie’
Michele Williams, ‘The Fabelmans’

Best Actor

Brendan Fraser, ‘The Whale’
Austin Butler, ‘Elvis’
Colin Farrell, ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
Paul Mescal, ‘Aftersun’
Bill Nighy, ‘living’

Best Picture

Everything Everywhere All at Once
Top Gun Maverick
Avatar The Way of Water
TÁR
Elvis
The Fabelmans
Banshees of Inisherin
All Quiet on the Western Front
Triangle of Sadness
Women Talking

Best Director

The Daniels, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
Steven Spielberg, ‘The Fabelmans’
Todd Field, ‘TÀR’
Martin McDonagh, ‘Banshees of Inisherin’
Ruben Ostlund, ‘Triangle of Sadness’

Best Supporting Actress

Angela Bassett, ‘Black Panther: Wakanda Forever’
Kerry Condon, ‘The Banshees of Inisherin’
Hong Chau, ‘The Whale’
Jamie Lee Curtis, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
Stephanie Hsu, ‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

Best Costume Design

‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’
‘Elvis’
‘Babylon’
‘Mrs Harris Goes to Paris’
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’

Best Original Score

‘Babylon’
‘Everything Everywhere All at Once’
‘The Fabelmans’
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
‘The Banshees of Inisherin

Best Adapted Screenplay

Women Talking
Top Gun Maverick
Living
Glass Onion A Knives Out Mystery
All Quiet On The Western Front

Best Supporting Actor

Ke Huy Quan, Everything Everywhere All at Once
Barry Keoghan, Banshees of Inisherin
Brendan Gleeson, Banshees of Inisherin
Brian Tyree Henry, Causeway
Judd Hirsch, Fabelmans

Best Sound

All Quiet on the Western Front
Avatar: The Way of Water
The Batman
Elvis
Top Gun: Maverick

Best Original Song

“This is a Life” from ‘EEAAO
“Hold My Hand” from ‘Top Gun Maverick’
“Ciao Papa” from ‘Pinocchio’
“Applause” from ‘Tell It Like a Woman’
“Lift Me Up” from ‘Wakanda Forever’

Best International Film

‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
‘Argentina, 1985’
‘The Quiet Girl’
‘Close’
‘EO’

Best Animated Film

‘Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio’
‘Marcel the Shell with Shoes On’
‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish’
‘Turning Red’
‘The Sea Beast’

Best Makeup & Hairstyling

‘The Batman’
‘The Whale’
‘Elvis’
‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’
‘The Whale’

Best Production Design

‘Avatar The Way of Water’
‘Babylon’
‘Elvis’
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
‘The Fabelmans’

Best Visual Effects

‘Black Panther Wakanda Forever’
‘Avatar The Way of Water’
‘The Batman’
‘All Quiet on the Western Front’
‘Top Gun Maverick’

You can watch the Oscars 2023 nomination announcements hosted by Riz Ahmed & Allison Williams below:


E3 2019 Organizers Accidentally Doxxed Over 2,000 Journalists & Content Creators

If you’re one of the many journalists and professionals who attended E3 2019 this year, you may want to change up your info. According to a tweet from journalist Sophia NarwitzÂ  (via Hype Break), the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) accidentally posted up the approved list of attending games journalist, YouTubers, and content creators.

The Entertainment Software Association doxxed over 2000 journalists & content creators. Due to a mishandling of information that has since been removed after I alerted them, full addresses, names, & phone numbers are potentially floating somewhere online: https://t.co/15RXIbGWrr
— Sophia Narwitz (@SophNar0747) August 2, 2019

The list is a Microsoft Excel sheet featuring over 2,000 names featuring their outlets, their numbers, and their home/office addresses, and it has been on ESA’s website until Sophia Narwitz contacted them about this big error. The webpage has been taken down, but we do know that the Excel sheet is still online via archival sites. Still, that list contains a number of big names like IGN, GameSpot, and Polygon, alongside YouTube personalities like Greg Miller and YongYea.
That’s not the worst part: apparently, the list has been accessible since E3, so all this information has been out for a couple of months according to the tweets of journalist NGFrank2. At least in hosted file form like this one. After a complaint from another writer, the ESA was alerted about it but didn’t take any action for a month.
The ESA has yet to release an official statement regarding this breach of privacy. For now, we would like to inform our associates from Malaysia and Singapore who attended the prestigious show to protect themselves ASAP. Or maybe get a lawyer to sue the ESA.


Tails Of Iron Guide: How To Be The Best Rat King In All The Land

Tails of Iron is out now for PC, Xbox, PlayStation, and Nintendo Switch. In case you haven’t read our review, we wholeheartedly recommend it if you love action RPGs, 2D gameplay, and tough-but-fair and weighty combat.
Here are some quick tips on how to succeed and get through Tails of Iron’s gritty fairy tale medieval world.
Your Attacks & Dodges Don’t Consume Resources

Good news: you can mash your attacks and dodge whenever you like. Bad news: one wrong move and you’ll be eating enemy attacks and dying pretty fast. Know when to attack and wait for boss attack patterns to exploit.
Don’t Overburden Yourself
If your weight meter is pretty high, chances are you’ll be moving and dodging slower than usual. Don’t do that: use a mix of Light, Medium, and Heavy equipment (armor, shield, helmet) that gives the most defenses, the right resistance against the enemy you’ll be fighting, and the least amount of weight.
Do All The Sidequests That Give You Food Items
The most important sidequests are the ones where you get gold (to progress through the story mode via upgrades & plot item-purchasing) and special ingredients for your kingdom chef. The chef will need specific ingredients to cook food like mushroom burgers that will increase Redgi’s max health.
One example of this sidequest is to get a farmer at the Old Mill the right equipment and items to create a beehive so that he can give you fresh honey/milk(?) for the chef. Just keep an eye out within the kingdom and beyond for these quests.

Video Walkthoughs

Old Mill

Swamp Slayer Camp

Forbidden Crypt

The Iron Mines of Turn Tail

The Old Sector In The Mole Town

Mole Town’s Arena Pit Battle #2

The Lost Docks

The Frog Village

Boss Fights

How To Find All The Ancient Statues
In Tails of Iron, there are four statues you can find that unlock the family tomb in the Forbidden Crypt (underneath the castle). You can fight a secret boss there and get a sweet crown as your reward.
Here are the locations for all four statues.
Ancient Statue: Symbol of Family – Inside the statue room in The Forbidden Crypt, on the ground.
Ancient Statue: Symbol of Leadership – Long Tail Village, on the tower at the far right side of the map where you fought the Swamp Slayer camp boss early in the game. Head to the bottom and fight the boss there.
Ancient Statue: Symbol of War – Buy it from the merchant in Moletown.
Ancient Statue: Symbol of Harvest – Long Tail Village. Head to the village exit as if you’re heading to the Hunter’s Lodge. As soon as you’re out of the village, head right until you come across a tunnel entrance after a few platforms.


Pokemon Let’s Go Might Be Junichi Masuda’s Last Pokemon Game

Junichi Masuda is a legend, having worked on every mainline PokÃ©mon game since PokÃ©mon Red and Blue in 1996. Unfortunately for fans of the franchise, the upcoming Nintendo Switch exclusive PokÃ©mon Let’s Go Eevee and Let’s Go Pikachu will probably be the last PokÃ©mon RPG to be directed by the games industry veteran.
In an interview on the official PokÃ©mon website, Masuda revealed that he was the one who worked on the game concept for Pokemon Go. Besides that, he mentioned how interesting it was to develop PokÃ©mon Let’s GoÂ for the Nintendo Switch, especially with its hardware allowing for innovations like the Poke Ball Plus and its unique Bluetooth connection to PokÃ©mon Go.
Masuda also explained the reason for his possible departure from the franchise he’s been with since the very beginning. He wants to pave the way for a new generation of younger developers to take over the next crop of Pokemon games.
“But at the same time, it’s important to have the younger generation at GAME FREAK take over the development of PokÃ©mon as a series,” said Masuda.

“I do believe this will probably be, in terms of the main PokÃ©mon RPGs, the last time that I work as the director.”

For The Future!
With some gamers complaining of the franchise’s stagnation and lack of innovation, this move will inject it with much-needed young blood and fresh ideas.Â Although it would still be a huge loss for Masuda to stop directing future PokÃ©mon titles, I believe that this would ultimately be beneficial for the franchise as a whole.


We’ve Found Our New Batwoman

Ruby Rose made a shocking departure from her role as Kate Kane AKA Batwoman from the CW series of the same name in May 2020, but now the network has announced their replacement only two months after. Javicia Leslie will be the new Batwoman in the upcoming second season of the show, which is slated to premiere sometime in January 2021.
Speaking with Variety, Leslie said:

â€œI am extremely proud to be the first Black actress to play the iconic role of Batwoman on television, and as a bisexual woman, I am honored to join this groundbreaking show which has been such a trailblazer for the LGBTQ+ community.â€

However, Leslie won’t be recast as Kate Kane. Instead, she will portray a new character on the show named Ryan Wilder, who is described as likeable, messy, a little goofy and untamed.
With no one in her life to keep her on track, Ryan spent years as a drug-runner, dodging the GCPD and masking her pain with bad habits. Living in her van with her plant, she’s someone who would steal milk for an alley cat and could also kill with her bare hands.
Ryan is also described as the most dangerous type of fighter; highly skilled and wildly undisciplined, as well as being an out and proud lesbian, athletic, raw, passionate, fallible, and very much not your stereotypical All-American hero.
On Instagram, Rose praised the CW’s casting of Leslie as the next Batwoman.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Ruby Rose (@rubyrose)

Leslie previously starred on the CBS series God Friended Me, which aired for two seasons, the BET series The Family Business, and the film Always a Bridesmaid.
This will be interesting, considering that no character named Ryan Wilder exists in the comics, which means that this will be a new original character wearing the cowl of Batwoman. Would it turn out to be better than simply recasting the role of Kate Kane? Only time will tell.


The Medium Is Delayed To Early 2021

Horror game The Medium is getting pushed back thanks to COVID-19
The upcoming PC and Xbox Series X horror game will not be coming out this year, but on 28th January 2021. The psychological horror game not only features a simultaneous dual world mechanic, but also a possibly banging soundtrack from Silent Hill composer Akira Yamaoka.

We have important message to share with you#TheMedium #Blooberteam #XboxSeriesX #XboxSeriesS #PCgame #STEAMgame pic.twitter.com/XbpQUOyJj3
— The Medium Game (@TheMediumGame) November 6, 2020

It’s only a few months’ delay anyway, but we can’t help but wonder if this was the unintended Cyberpunk 2077 delay effect, where it’s basically going to eat up everyone’s time and money this December.


Indonesian Horror Series Jurnal Risa Premieres On Disney+ Hotstar Later This Month

Following the success of the Danur Universe, the creator behind the famed YouTube channel with more than 6 million subscribers, Risa Saraswati, is set to release her debut series, “Jurnal Risa”, exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar on 27 May 2023.
The spine-tingling childhood adventure of Risa Saraswati, her cousins, and The Crew will be adapted into a horror series helmed by Awi Suryadi with Manoj Punjabi of MD Entertainment as the producer, the team behind Indonesia’s highest-grossing local movie to date, “KKN di Desa Penari”. This 10-episode series will premiere its first two episodes on 27 May 2023, followed by one new episode dropping every Saturday.

Based on Risa Saraswati’s novel Jurnal Risa: The Summer Break Terror (Teror Liburan Sekolah), the series will tell a story from the 90s when young Risa indulged in yet another haunted adventure with her new friends, who called themselves The Crew, and her cousins, trying to save one of them from an evil spirit who seeks revenge.
Starring Shofia Shireen as Risa, Sheryl Drisanna as Dewi, Ali Fikry as Angga, Muhammad Ozkan as Nicko, Keanu Azka as Kakang, Alesha Fadillah as Indi, Alleyra Fakhira as Riri, Dimas Putra as Agus and Quentin Stanislavski as Kulon, “Jurnal Risa” will be available exclusively on Disney+ Hotstar and Disney+ starting from 27 May 2023 for audiences in Indonesia, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and Philippines.
Check out the trailer below:


This New Add-On Will Turn Your DS4 Into A High-Performance Controller

Sony has announced a new attachment/accessory for the Dualshock 4 PS4 controller; the DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment. This new add-on will add two programmable and highly tactile back buttons, allowing players to shorten their response time and more flexibility in competitive gameplay.

The two back buttons can map up to 16 different actions such as triangle, circle, R1 and R2, to name a few. They also provide amazing tactile feedback, as well as an integrated OLED display that provides real-time information for button assignments.
In addition, a dedicated button allows players to remap back button inputs on the fly so that they are always prepared no matter what game theyâ€™re playing. To make things even easier, players can save and choose up to three different profiles for use in various games.

And oh, don’t worry, it comes with a little hole for connecting any 3.5mm wired headset to the controller. The DualShock 4 Back Button Attachment launches in the US on 23 January 2020 at the price of US$29.99 or roughly RM124+.

That costs almost as much as a Dualshock 4, so it remains unclear as of now whether the new add-on will offer better value than simply buying a high-performance luxury controller from third-party developers like SCUF Gaming, Razer or Nacon.
That’s not even mentioning the fact that the PS5 is slated to launch late next year alongside a brand new controller. This new add-on will likely get irrelevant very soon if it’s not compatible with the upcoming PS5 controller.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3FNOKSwkg5U&w=560&h=315]


Here’s When The Steam Winter Sale 2018 Begins

It’s that time of the year again when gamers have to hold onto their wallets and bank accounts. You know what I’m talking about; Valve has confirmed that the Steam Winter Sale 2018 will begin tomorrow on December 20, 2018, and end on January 3, 2019.
Besides that, the 2018 Steam Awards nominees have also been announced, with voting commencing during the same timeframe as the Steam Winter Sale 2018. There are eight categories this year, including some unique and unconventional ones that you can check out below:
Game of the Year

PUBG
Monster Hunter World
Kingdom Come: Deliverance
Hitman 2
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

VR Game of the Year

The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim VR
VRChat
Beat Saber
Fallout 4 VR
Superhot VR

Labor of Love

Dota 2
Grand Theft Auto V
No Man’s Sky
Path of Exile
Stardew Valley

Best Environment

The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
Subnautica
Shadow of the Tomb Raider
Far Cry 5
Dark Souls 3

Better with Friends

Counter-Strike: Global Offensive
Tom Clancy’s Rainbow Six Siege
Payday 2
Dead by Daylight
Overcooked 2

Best Alternate History

Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus
Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
Hearts of Iron IV
Sid Meier’s Civilization VI
Fallout 4

Most Fun with a Machine

Euro Truck Simulator 2
Rocket League
NieR: Automata
Factorio
Space Engineers

Best Developer

CD Projekt Red
Ubisoft
Bethesda
Rockstar Games
Digital Extremes Ltd.
Square Enix
Capcom
Paradox Interactive
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Klei

The winners for each category in the 2018 Steam Awards will be announced sometime in February. Steam users who vote can earn special trading cards. So, spend wisely and suck in that urge to impulse buy every game you see. Trust me, I know (I write as I look at my own endless games backlog, *shudder*).


Update In Regards to Free Tokens For Your (Second) Free Overwatch Skin

A few days back we reported how you can obtain an additional 100 Overwatch League Tokens courtesy of Blizzard that will bag you an extra Overwatch League hero skin. Today we are please do to share that you should be able to redeem it by logging into your game. Upon checking late last night, we were pleased to find additional 100 Tokens on our PlayStation account which we shall use on one of our mains, Pharah.
In case you missed it, we spent our free tokens received first time around on Moira in the black and gold of Seoul Dynasty.

If you are still yet to receive them, fret not as Blizzard revealed that they will be giving out these free tokens between now til February. With the Overwatch League finally in full-swing, expect a deluge of requests for these tokens so the distribution may take a little longer than expected. But assuming you’ve correctly followed the instructions required, it’s just a matter of time before you get it so hang out aite.


Call Of Duty League 2021 Begins, Now Played On PC & With Controllers

Today marks the official start date of the 2021 season of the Call of Duty League. The biggest change this season will be a platform transition for both the pros and the Challengers.
According to the official website, the Call Of Duty League pro team competition is transitioning to a PC and Controller beginning with the 2021 season. This means that all pro matches will be played on PC and all pro players must use a League-approved controller of their choice.
The Call of Duty League competition will maintain exclusive use of controllers for the upcoming season. This change provides players with expanded choice of controllers, allowing them to select the League-approved controller style that works best for their game.
Call of Duty Challengers Goes Crossplay

For the first time in Call of Duty esports history, competitors will be able to compete online in Call of Duty Challengers on their platform of choice across console and PC.
However, all players are required to use controllers. Mouse and keyboard peripherals are not allowed in the competition.
In addition, the Call Of Duty League 2021 season will introduce new programs that continue to spotlight top Challengers talent throughout the year.
More details and information about all these and the upcoming season will be revealed in the coming days and weeks.

The 2021 Season has officially begun. New ways to compete incoming… https://t.co/c3Iv3HIBw7 pic.twitter.com/jn1gVkOPg6— Call of Duty League (@CODLeague) September 14, 2020


Kakuchopurei Best 30 Games Of 2022: #12

For the rest of the list, head here. For #13, head here.
#12. Windjammers 2 (PS4, Xbox One, Switch, PC, Stadia, Luna)

The sequel to the 1994 Neo Geo game Windjammers, co-produced by Data East and SNK, Windjammers 2 is best described as a combination of air hockey and a 2D fighting game.
Windjammers 2 appears to be similar to Pong at first glance, where players control their character on one side of the screen and try to deflect a frisbee towards the opponent in order to score points. However, the game is more complex due to the inclusion of various tactics and strategies inspired by fighting games. Players must use their wits and outmanoeuvre their opponents to succeed.
Windjammers 2 is a great sequel that maintains the core gameplay of the original while introducing updated visuals, bonus games, and new characters. It is a well-done release from Dotemu and is suitable for both fans of the original Neo Geo game and anyone looking for a challenging and enjoyable game.
Windjammers 2 is by far the most fun 1v1 fighting game masquerading as a sports game. Or is that a sports game masquerading as a fighting game? It’s hard to say, but Windjammers 2 is a fun frisbee flying power disc tossing action all the way through.


New PUBG Map Taego Will Arrive Next Month

PUBG‘s new map is called Taego and it will arrive on PC on 7 July 2021, as well as consoles later on 15 July 2021.
According to developer Krafton, testing for the new map will begin a week before those dates on each platform, on the gameâ€™s test server. What’s most interesting is that Taego will be the first map in PUBG that will allow players to respawn after dying in the battle royale game.
According to leakerÂ @PlayerIGN), it looks like PUBG is getting a Gulag mode where dead players will have to fight for the right to re-join the action, similar to a mechanic in Call Of Duty Warzone. The new trailer (see below) for PUBG‘s Taego map showcase the Gulag island, as well as what seems to be a new weapon: the Korean-made K-2 assault rifle.


Gearbox Celebrates Borderlands Anniversary With Borderlands 3 Loot Fiesta

Gearbox is feeling generous this October as it will be showering Borderlands 3 players with high loot drop rates and a ton of bonuses in lieu of the series’ 10 year anniversary.
For the next five weeks, Gearbox will be hosting theme weeks featuring a different kind of reward. Right now from 1st to 8th October, Boss Week is live. Certain bosses will have an increased chance to drop specific Legendary items. We’ll break it down (via Gearbox)

MouthpieceÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Gatling Gun
KillaVoltÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Brainstormer
GigamindÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Nagata
Katagawa BallÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Rectifier
KatagawaÂ has an increased chance to drop Legendary class mods (all Vault Hunters)
RampagerÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Kill-o’-the-Wisp
WardenÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Echo
GenIVIVÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Ten Gallon
AureliaÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Creeping Death
GravewardÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Earworm
Pain and TerrorÂ have an increased chance to drop Legendary class mods (all Vault Hunters)
TroyÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Nova Berner
TyreenÂ has an increased chance to dropÂ Bitch

Here’s the general plan for each week (following Pacific Time):
Week 1 (October 1-7):Â Bonus Boss Loot!
Week 2 (October 8-14):Â Rare Spawn Hunt!
Week 3 (October 15-21):Â Show Me the Eridium!
Week 4 (October 22-28):Â Mayhem on Twitch!
Week 5 (October 29 – November 4):Â Spooky Surprise!

We’ll be sure to update you guys on future Borderlands 3 bonuses and anniversary surprises. In the meantime, check out our game guides for this loot-and-shoot fest.

â€“Borderlands story recap
â€“Borderlands 3 Skill Tree & Vault Hunter builds to test out
-Borderlands 3 Complete Legendary Weapons list


The LEGO 2K Drive Drive Pass Features Four Seasons Of Post-Launch Content

2K and Visual Concepts have revealed new details about the LEGO 2K Drive Drive Pass, which will feature four seasons’ worth of post-launch content.
According to the press release, beginning with the release of Drive Pass Season 1 in June 2023, each season will have new challenges and 100 levels to play through. In each season, you can earn a whole host of all-new free rewards with the free rewards changing from season to season. In Season 1, players can look forward to earning new drivers, stickers, flairs, sounds, and more. Furthermore, an all-new biome will be released within the first year.

Additionally, you can purchase the Premium Drive Pass, available for individual purchase for each season, or the “Year 1 Drive Pass,” which is a bundle that includes the Premium versions of Seasons 1 to 4, the Awesome Pizza Vehicle and 550 Coins that you can use in the in-game store, Unkie’s Emporium. Each Premium Drive Pass Season will allow you to earn even more rewards, including new vehicles from popular car manufacturers like Dodge (Season 1), Nissan (Season 1) and more.
LEGO 2K Drive‘s Drive Pass seasons don’t have time limits, so you can pick up and play each available Season at your own pace, and if you have been playing through the free version of a Season and decide to upgrade to the Premium Drive Pass, you will instantly unlock all the Premium rewards you have earned based on your current level.
LEGO 2K Drive is slated to release for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, Nintendo Switch and PC on 19 May 2023.
Check out the trailer below:


Samsung Unveils New Mid-Range Phones For 2022

Samsung Malaysia has announced their new mid-range phones; the Samsung Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G. Powered by a brand-new processor, coupled with Galaxy’s signature AI camera, expansive and smooth display, and two-day battery life, the new Galaxy A series features 5G connectivity and more. Plus, both devices support continuous One UI and Android OS upgrades and security updates to ensure the user mobile experience is always awesome.
TM Roh, President and Head of Samsung Electronics’ MX (Mobile eXperience) Business, said:
“We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to experience the positive impact mobile technology can have on their lives. With the latest Galaxy A series release, we’re making it easier than ever to enjoy Galaxy’s advanced, innovative mobile experience at a great value.”
The Samsung Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G offer an advanced, next-level camera experience, packed with many of the powerful and fun features from the Galaxy S series. Galaxy A53 5G’s quad-camera system features a 64MP OIS Camera with VDIS technology that takes crisp and steady shots every time. Meanwhile, a high-resolution 32MP front camera delivers great selfies and clear video call experiences.
In addition, the Galaxy A53 5G’s expansive 6.5-inch Super AMOLED display also offers a 120Hz refresh rate for an immersive experience while Galaxy A33 5G features a 6.4-inch Super AMOLED display with a 90Hz refresh rate. Plus, the new Galaxy A series is now equipped with up to two-day battery life and 25W Super Fast Charging. They both also feature the tough Corning Gorilla Glass 5 and IP676 water and dust resistance, providing enhanced durability and peace of mind.
It’s also worth pointing out that Samsung is committed to delivering tangible environmental actions to help make the planet healthier by 2025. Building on Samsung’s sustainability efforts, the Galaxy A series removes the charger plug and reduces the size of the packaging. Packaging also uses sustainably sourced paper, while the device itself uses recycled post-consumer materials (PCM) for the side buttons and SIM card trays.
Beyond materials, the longevity of the new A series is extended. Both devices guarantee up to four generations of One UI and Android OS upgrades and up to five years of security updates. These features allow users to access the latest software and security to maximize the smartphone lifecycle.
The new Galaxy A series ensures data and information stay protected, secured by the defense-grade Samsung Knox. When storing private photos, notes and apps, Secure Folder offers users an encrypted, digital safe, so only they can access its contents. Using Private Share, users can control exactly who has access to files and for how long. Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G will also include the new Samsung Wallet, a convenient and protected place to safely store everything from boarding passes to credit cards.
Galaxy A53 5G and A33 5G work seamlessly with other Galaxy devices for the full, connected Galaxy ecosystem experience. Audio options are expanded by connecting the Galaxy Buds series with a range of devices, including Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A33 5G. Available on Galaxy Buds Pro and coming soon to Galaxy Buds and Buds Live, users will be able to enjoy 360 Audio technology.
The Samsung Galaxy A33 5G, Galaxy A53 5G and Galaxy A73 5G will be available at the recommended retail price of:

Galaxy A33 5G: RM1,499
Galaxy A53 5G: RM1,849
Galaxy A73 5G: RM2,099

Check out the full specs below:

Product Specification

Galaxy A33 5G
Galaxy A53 5G
Galaxy A73 5G

Display?
6.4-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED
90Hz Infinity-U Display
6.5-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED
120Hz Infinity-O Display
6.7-inch FHD+ Super AMOLED+
120Hz Infinity-O Display

* Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.4″ in the full rectangle and 6.2″ accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera cut-out.
* Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.5″ in the full rectangle and 6.3″ accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera hole.
* Measured diagonally, the screen size is 6.7″ in the full rectangle and 6.6″ accounting for the rounded corners. The actual viewable area is less due to the rounded corners and the camera hole.

Dimensions & Weight?
74.0 x 159.7 x 8.1mm, 186g
74.8 x 159.6 x 8.1mm, 189g
76.1 x 163.7 x 7.6mm, 181g

Camera
Rear

(Ultra-Wide) 8 MP F2.2
(Main) 48 MP F1.8 OIS
(Depth) 2 MP F2.4
(Macro) 5 MP F2.4

 Front

13 MP F2.2

Rear

(Ultra-Wide) 12 MP F2.2
(Main) 64 MP F1.8 OIS
(Depth) 5 MP F2.4
(Macro) 5 MP F2.4

 Front

32 MP F2.2

Rear

(Ultra-Wide) 12 MP F2.2
(Main) 108MP F1.8 OIS
(Depth) 5 MP F2.4
(Macro) 5 MP F2.4

 Front

32 MP F2.2

Processor
Octa-Core (2.4GHz, 2GHz)
Octa-Core (2.4GHz, 1.8GHz)

Memory
RAM: 8 GB
RAM: 8 GB
RAM: 8 GB

Internal Storage 128 GB
Internal Storage: 256 GB
Internal Storage: 256 GB

microSD: up to 1TB

*RAM and internal memory capacity may vary by market and carrier. Actual storage availability may vary depending on pre-installed software.
**MicroSD card sold separately. Availability may vary depending on market.

Battery?
5,000mAh(typical)

* Typical value tested under third-party laboratory conditions. A typical value is the estimated average value considering the deviation in battery capacity among the battery samples tested under IEC 61960 standard. Rated (minimum) capacity is 4,860mAh.

Charging?
25W Super Fast Charging?

* Wall charger sold separately; use only Samsung-approved chargers and cables. To avoid injury or damage to your device, do not use incompatible, worn or damaged batteries, chargers or cables. Supports up to 25W Super Fast Charging. For more information on your device, please visit www.samsung.com.

OS?
Android 12
One UI 4.1

* Availability of One UI features, apps and services may vary depending on OS version and market.

Security?
Samsung Knox

Network and Connectivity?
5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4G+5GHz), Bluetooth® v 5.1
5G, LTE, Wi-Fi 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax (2.4G+5GHz), Bluetooth® v 5.0

* Requires optimal 5G network connection, available in select markets. Check with your carrier for availability and details. Download and streaming speeds may vary based on content provider, server connection and other factors.

Sensors?
Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Hall Sensor, Light Sensor, Virtual Proximity Sensing
Accelerometer, Fingerprint Sensor, Gyro Sensor, Geomagnetic Sensor, Light Sensor, Proximity Sensor

Water Resistance?
IP67

* IP67 is based on test conditions for submersion in up to 1 meter of freshwater for up to 30 minutes. Not advised for use in beaches, pools or near soapy water. Safe against low water pressure only. Rinse residue/dry after wet.


Hearthstone Battlegrounds Season 4 Kicks Off Next Week With New Hero & More

Blizzard has announced that the Festival of Legends arrives in Hearthstone Battlegrounds Season 4, beginning on 10 May 2023. The new hero Rock Master Voone is headlining, with 58 musical minions in his entourage, along with a truckload of Festival-themed cosmetics.
With the Festival of Legends in full swing, 58 new minions across every type have arrived in the Battlegrounds to harmonise their sound in your composition. Festivalgoers will notice a good deal of demons even bigger in size, some mechs more magnetic than ever before, and Murlocs that not only buff your board but buff your hand as well.
A festival headliner you won’t want to miss, Rock Master Voone carries an Upbeat Harmony passive Hero power: at the end of every third turn, the left-most card in your hand is automatically duplicated. Keep count to make sure you optimise that free duplication!
Nature gets an adjustment! Minions with the keyword Poisonous will now be Venomous—a change that heavily alters gameplay strategy. Where previously Poisonous destroyed any minion it dealt damage to, Venomous will only destroy the first minion it deals damage to.
Amp up your Battlegrounds experience with new cosmetics! Showcase your favourite hero’s preferred musical genre, get your photo taken with a new paparazzo bartender, and set up a brand-new Festival board. Cosmetics will be available in the Battlegrounds Battle Pass Bundle and in the Battlegrounds shop.
For more on minion changes and timing, check out the blog post.


House Of The Dragon Season 2 Renewal Confirmed By HBO

HBO has announced that they have officially renewed House Of The Dragon for Season 2. The Game Of Thrones prequel spinoff is only one episode into its first season after premiering on 22 August 2022.
They also confirmed that the House Of The Dragon premiere has been seen by more than 20 million views in the US alone. There will be 10 episodes in House Of The Dragon Season 1.

Fire reigns. #HouseoftheDragon has been renewed for Season 2. pic.twitter.com/6CxhzC7SKv
— House of the Dragon (@HouseofDragon) August 26, 2022

In the meantime, check out my spoiler-free review of House Of The Dragon Season 1 here, or head on over here for my guide on what’s what and who’s who in House Of The Dragon.
You can stream or download House Of The Dragon on HBO GO by subscribing online here or the mobile app via the App Store or Play Store for RM23.30 per month. You can also access HBO GO via Astro. HBO GO is also available on Android TV, Apple TV, LG TV and Samsung Smart TV – and comes with AirPlay and Google Cast functionality.


No Straight Roads Guide – How To Ace This Music Rhythm Action Game

Disclaimer: This guide will be updated periodically.
We’ve had fun with No Straight Roads: it’s an action-packed game with well-thought-out music rhythm mechanics that gets more fleshed out over time. As such, it can be considered a one-of-a-kind title.
It can also be a bit tough for those not accustomed to hack-and-slash titles with new mechanics chucked in. Fortunately, we’re here to help and give you starting tips on making your road trip a bit bearable.
Look & listen.

First off: keep your ear out on how the game’s music plays and follow its rhythm. All the major fights in NSR will only attack according to a particular rhythm and verse.
For instance, in the early bits of the incredibly trippy Eve fight, the elongated hand that shoots out the purple beam will only appear in sync with the BG music. Later on, she summons an elongated foot to stomp on you in sync at the end of a particular song’s rhythm.
Keep your eyes and ears out so that you can anticipate an attack when it hits. NSR’s aesthetics are meant to mesmerize you, but the only way to beat them with as minimal fuss as possible is to pay attention.
You can farm fan power by repeating boss fights.
Even if you’ve aced the first fight against DJ Subatomic Supernova, you can still replay the fight on a harder difficulty level. Why? Apart from aiming for a higher ranking, you can also earn a lot of fan power and unlock the skill tree to higher levels.
You need these to buff Mayday and Zuke up. Which brings us to…
Focus on the following skills on the Skill Tree.
Just like most action games, NSR has a skill tree. Go to your Sewer Hideout and access the Underground Gig section to check it out.
You should aim to unlock ALL the skills on these trees. Here are the ones you should start off with before unlocking the rest. Yes, we’re perplexed as to why each individual skill are lacking names.
Mayday

Shoot tree, Max Ammo Lv1-4: Giving Mayday max ammo not only gives her more ranged attack projectiles but also lets her do more damage when her “magazine” is full.
Transform tree Lv1-5: Mayday takes longer to transform the tools around her, but with these buffs, they stick around longer and deal more damage.

Zuke

Strike tree, More hits and Healing hits Level 1-5: Upgrade all of this for Zuke so that he can chain his attacks – up to 9 hits- and unleash an AoE finisher. Higher levels of this mean he can also shoot out a free projectile when you do the final hit.
Shoot tree, Parry skills Level 1-4: Parrying is important in NSR. So opening these skills up to its Level 4 skills is important. Doing this will let you heal and deal double damage when parrying.
Transform tree, Faster transformations & free ammo Level 1-4: Zuke excels at transforming defensive shields, so it’s best to buff this part up so that they come out fast. Level 5’s Transform buff enables him to not get interrupted mid-transformation when attacked by enemies and/or projectiles.

Bunk Bed Junction

Double Jump & Dash: Get this asap. It’ll make it easier to dodge things mid-air and avoid ground clusterf***ery.
Ammo-to-Energy converter, Level 2: When you have max ammo from parries (more on that soon), you can collect more ammo to max out your power for Mod power and Ultimate Duo attack usage.
Successful Parry + ammo bonus, Level 2-4: Max this one out as soon as you can, because successful parries will reward BOTH Mayday and Zuke almost max ammo. Very important for Hard, Crazy, and Parry modes.
Enlargen Circle Of Influence, Level 3-4: Also important so that you can transform tools away from certain AoE attacks. Depth perception can be tough to gauge in NSR since it has locked camera perspectives for fights, so widening this is practical.
Transformables Upgrade, Level 3 and 5: This unlocks level 2 and 3 transformables, meaning better damage-dealing turrets and defensive tools when fighting bosses. Obviously very important.
Elliegator drops, Level 3: This lets you summon Elliegator who drops hamburgers all over the arena when you’re close to zero health, once every battle.
Revive With Health, Level 2-3: Gives you one more chance to fight with half health if you die mid-fight. If you suck really hard, just go for the Lv5 upgrade before unlocking the rest.

Your Mod Skills have generous invincibility frames.
Whether it’s Mayday’s boomerang projectile Mod that requires a bit of right analog finagling, or Zuke’s “music note” attack that requires you to mash the attack button, both share the best benefit in a hack-and-slash game: temporary invincibility.
If there’s an enemy attack that you can’t figure out the timing or pattern to, just press your Mod Skill button. It’ll save you and can probably take a bit of life from a boss. With this trick and your fully-upgraded skill tree for Mayday, Zuke, and Bunk Bed Junction, it’ll be slightly less aggravating to get that S ranking for each boss fight.
Next: SHOW ME THE BOSS FIGHTS & HOW TO DEFEAT THEM!


Overwatch League: Boston Uprising Reveals Roster

Kraft Group-owned Overwatch franchise Boston Uprising last night revealed their roster for the upcoming Overwatch League via a special trailer detailing each member and their respective roles. The eight-man roster include three Koreans, two Americans, and one Dane, Russian and Canadian. One of the most underwhelming roster revealed to date, the standouts of the group are definitely ex-Afreeca Freecs Flex/ Tank ,Â Woo-yeolÂ “Kalios”Â Shin, former 123 DPSÂ StanislavÂ “Mistakes”Â Danilov and former Team Singularity support,Â KristianÂ “Kellex”Â Keller.

Also revealed was the rest of the franchise’s organization which includeÂ Park “Crusty” DaHee andÂ JacksonÂ “Shake”Â Kaplan who among the coaching staff. More underwhelming than the roster was the old-school styled teaser video released showcasing each of the players performing. Have a look:
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHpXIXo3QDk&w=560&h=315]
With the registration window closing by 30th October, expect more news on Overwatch League to pour in. The pre-season starts December, ahead of the first season which is set to begin in January 2018.


James Gunn Confirms The Suicide Squad’s Cast & Characters

The DC FanDome The Suicide Squad panel took place earlier today, with director James Gunn revealing the main cast and characters for the upcoming movie, which is slated to premiere on 6 August 2021.

While we already knew since 2019 that Harley Quinn (Margot Robbie), Amanda Waller (Viola Davis), Rick Flag (Joel Kinnaman), and Captain Boomerang (Jai Courtney) will be returning, the rest of the characters has only been confirmed during the DC FanDome panel.

Check out the confirmed cast and who they will be playing below:
The Suicide Squad Cast:
Idris Elba – BloodsportMargot Robbie – Harley QuinnJohn Cena – PeacemakerViola Davis – Amanda WallerJai Courtney – Captain BoomerangJoel Kinnaman – Rick FlagDavid Dastmalchian – Polka-Dot ManDaniela Melchior – Ratcatcher IISteve Agee – King Shark (mo-cap)Sean Gunn – Weasel (mo-cap)Flula Borg – JavelinNathan Fillion – TDKPeter Capaldi – The ThinkerPete Davidson – BlackguardAlice Braga – SolsoriaMayling Ng as MongalMichael Rooker – SavantStorm Reid as Tyla (Bloodsport’s daughter)Jennifer Holland as Emilia HarcourtJuan Diego Botto – Lun