Street Fighter 6: Chun-Li Move List & Guide

Street Fighter 6 is coming out on 2nd June, which is just less than a month away. As such, the game’s roster for its launch is set with 18 characters, each with their various playstyles.
In this entry, we’ll be focusing on Chun-Li, a former high-kicking ICPO agent who is now a kung fu sensei in Metro City’s version of Chinatown.
Note: This guide is still in development.
All inputs are in numpad notations. For example, Hadouken from player 1’s starting side is 236P.
Attack buttons are as follows: LP, MP, HP are light punch, medium punch, and heavy punch respectively. LK, MK, and HK are light kick, medium kick, and heavy kick respectively. None of this Fierce or Roundhouse bulls*** in Asia.
Credits: Fighting Game Anniversaries, WoolieVS, FlawlessDeku, Capcom, Reversal

STREET FIGHTER 6 CHUN-LI OVERVIEW

Chun-Li is known as one of the most iconic and popular characters in the Street Fighter series, and she has been a part of the franchise since the original Street Fighter II.
Chun-Li is known for her fast and agile fighting style. Her style incorporates various kicks and acrobatic maneuvers. She is an Interpol officer from China and seeks to avenge her father’s death at the hands of the criminal organization known as Shadaloo, led by the antagonist M. Bison.
Chun-Li’s signature move is the Spinning Bird Kick, where she launches herself into the air with a flurry of spinning kicks. She also utilizes the Lightning Kick, a rapid series of kicks aimed at her opponents.
This version of Chun-Li now has stances (Serenity Stream and their follow-up attacks & commands) and can chain them as you would see fit. As such, she’s a bit more complex and requires a bit more thought to use, though you can still control space mid-range with her HP and 2HK, among others. It’s just that she has more tools at her disposal to make her the best version of the first fighting game female character.
Play If: You like fast characters with good reach & spacing tools, you love having ground and air control, you prefer a lot more complexity and mixup options with your rushdown characters.
Avoid If: You prefer simpler rushdown characters, you prefer characters with better defense.

STREET FIGHTER 6 CHUN-LI MOVE LIST

SPECIAL MOVES
Kikoken: LP/6MP/6HP/6PP. Kikoken is Chun-Li’s trademark projectile from Street Fighter 2. Light versions of Kikoken have a slower startup, slower travel speed but travel a longer distance. Heavier versions of this attack are faster, making them easier to use in combos.
Hundred Lightning Kicks: 236LK/236MK/236HK/236KK. A series of high speed multi hitting kicks primarily used as a combo filler for canceling into super art.
Aerial Hundred Lightning Kicks: j.236LK/j.236MK/j.236HK/j.236KK. A version of Hundred Lightning kicks but performed while jumping. This can be used to alter Chun-Li’s jump trajectory. It can only be used from forward or neutral jumps.
Lightning Kick Barrage: 236KK~KK. Chun Li’s signature Hundred Lightning Kicks in overdrive.
Tensho Kicks: 22LK/22MK/22HK/22KK. Rise into the air with multiple kicks. Tensho Kicks serve as Chun-Li’s main anti-air option.
Hazanshu: 214LK/214MK/214HK/214KK. Leap forward, rotate in the air and slam your leg downward with a powerful overhead hit. Useful for countering projectiles.
Spinning Bird Kick: [2]8LK/[2]8MK/[2]8HK/[2]8KK. A series of rotating, upside-down kicks with your legs extended wide. This move does a lot of damage and is useful when performing combos against opponents who have left themselves wide open.
SUPER ARTS
Kikosho: 236236P/J.236236P/236236K. Chun-Li creates a mass of ki energy in her palms. Kikosho is a multi-hit hard hitting projectile super. This attack can is capable of toppling even the strongest of opponents.
Hoyoko-Sen: 236236K. Unleash a series of devastating kicks while moving forward. Chun Li’s super art Hoyoko performs a Hundred Lightning Kick with one leg, then swapping legs and performing it again and finishing with a kick known as Aether Leg (Tenkukyaku) which knocks opponents into the air.
Soten Ranka: 214214K. A hard hitting round-house that knocks your opponents into the air with a series of kicks. This kick also leads into a cinematic upon first connect.
UNIQUE ATTACKS
Yokusen Kick: 6HK. Yokusen is a jumping kick with long reach, this can be useful against opponent’s sweeps. This is primarily used for applying pressure while getting closer to your opponent.
Falling Crane: 3HK. Falling Crane hits overhead and switches sides, only landing as a crossup.
Yoso Kick: j.2MK. Used while airborne and also known as the “head stomp” Chun-Li will bring her one of her feet down hitting the opponent below.
Water Lotus Fist: 3HP. Another overhead attack, however this cannot be blocked while crouching.
Hakkei: 4HP. Similar to Chun-Li’s kikosho, she will thrust her palms forward. This attack can destroy projectiles. With good counterhit timing this can lead you into strong followups.
Swift Thrust: 4/6MP. An incredible poke that can be canceled into specials such as Lighting Legs.
Soaring Eagle Punches: j.HP~j.HP. Chun-Li can attack opponents with this move while jumping in the air, serving as a solid starting attack.
Serenity Stream: 214P. Serenity Stream is a stationary crouching stance with multiple followup attacks. Going into this stance will give you access to 6 attacks depending on what you decide to press next.
Serenity Stream Follow-ups.

Orchid Palm: 214P~LP. This LP followup is a fast but short range jab.
Snake Strike: 214P~MP. Snake Strike is a forward moving repeatable strike used during Serenity Stream.
Lotus Fist: 214P~HP. A 2-hit overhead attack followup that cannot be blocked while crouching.
Forward Strike: 214P~LK. A fast low kick with forward movement and a longer range than you would expect.
Senpu-Kick: 214P~MK. Also a low kick with long reach.
Tenku-Kick: 214P~HK. Tenku kick is one of the more useful serenity stream follow ups. It can be used as a reaction air-air and can also be immediately canceled into a jump on hit.


4K Gaming On Chrome Is Finally Coming To Google Stadia

The pesky thing about promises is that you have to keep them. However, if you’re as gigantic as Google then you can probably get away with not keeping some promises. Some very important promises.

The Google Stadia was released in November 2019 and aside from the input lag being just as bad as everyone predicted, features such as 4K and HDR still haven’t arrived. Things are looking up though, according to a recent blog post from the Stadia team.
Over the next three months, the team plans to finally keep their promise of allowing Stadia users to experience 4K gaming via Google Chrome. Adding on top of that, they’ll also allow you to wirelessly use your Stadia controller while playing on that same browser.
Other features are planned to roll out in the first quarter of 2020 are:

Add further Assistant functionality when playing on the Web.
Support additional Android Phones.

More games will be coming to Stadia Pro in February 2020 but we’ll only find out what those games at the end of this month. So far the Stadia Pro library hasn’t been impressing anyone since it doesn’t really have that many new releases.
That’s pretty much all that was talked about in the blog post. The team also recounted all their achievements in the past two months including buying Typhoon Studios, the developer of the upcoming game Journey to the Savage Planet. The game comes out on 28 January 2020.
Will 2020 be the year Google Stadia finally proves itself? I highly doubt it. Still, I’d love to be proven wrong and have Google laugh at my face as they pave the way to the future of gaming. You can read the full blog post here.


20 Bethesda Games Are Coming To Xbox Game Pass Tomorrow

Key figures from Xbox and Bethesda gathered in a roundtable live stream earlier today. They discussed what Microsoft’s acquisition of Bethesda will translate to in the near and far future.
They revealed that 20 Bethesda games will be playable on Xbox Game Pass starting from tomorrow (12 March 2021 at US time), including:

Dishonored Definitive Edition (Console, PC, Cloud)
Dishonored 2 (Console, PC, Cloud)
DOOM (1993) (Console, PC, Cloud)
DOOM II (Console, PC, Cloud)
DOOM 3 (Console, PC, Cloud)
DOOM 64 (Console, PC, Cloud)
DOOM Eternal (Console, PC, Cloud)
The Elder Scrolls III: Morrowind (Console, PC)
The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (Console, PC)
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim Special Edition (Console, PC, Cloud)
The Elder Scrolls Online (Cloud, Console)
The Evil Within (Console, PC, Cloud)
Fallout 4 (Console, PC, Cloud)
Fallout 76 (Console, PC, Cloud)
Fallout: New Vegas (Console)
Prey (Console, PC, Cloud)
RAGE 2 (Console, PC, Cloud)
Wolfenstein: The New Order (Console, PC, Cloud)
Wolfenstein: The Old Blood (Console, PC, Cloud)
Wolfenstein: Youngblood (Console, PC, Cloud)

Some of these games will also benefit from FPS Boost on Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S.

According to Bethesda Softworks Global Marketing & Communications VP Erin Losi, more news and details will be announced sometime in summer 2021. So whether you have an Xbox Series, an Xbox One, or a PC, you can play these games for free via the Game Pass.
Stay tuned on Kakuchopurei for the latest news and updates. You can watch the live stream Xbox Bethesda live stream below (which is still ongoing at the time of writing):


Malaysia’s Passion Republic Contributed To Ghost Of Tsushima’s Development

It turns out that a local Malaysian developer was involved in the development of Sucker Punch’s Ghost Of Tsushima, and it’s none other than Passion Republic. The studio has previously worked on other major titles in the past, including The Last Of Us Part 2, Gears 5, Marvel’s Spider-Man, and more.
This was originally pointed out by Niko Partners Senior Analyst Daniel Ahmad on his Twitter account, who discovered the credits for Passion Republic in the end credits of Ghost Of Tsushima.

Just noticed that Passion Republic, a game development studio in Malaysia, contributed to the development of Ghost of Tsushima.
The team has previously worked on titles such as The Last of Us Part II, Gears 5, Spider-Man and League of Legends. pic.twitter.com/TR4qI98jF1
â€” Daniel Ahmad (@ZhugeEX) July 21, 2020
However, it’s not clear what exactly Passion Republic worked on in Ghost Of Tsushima (at the time of writing). The details will probably be updated on their list of works here soon.
They’re currently developing their first original IP in the form of the very promising GigaBash, which was the highlight of video games event Level Up KL 2019 last year.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SQWOBfkGdOY&w=560&h=315]
In the meantime, check out all ourÂ Ghost Of Tsushima-related coverage here.


The 30 Best Games Of 2021: #10

From December to mid-January 2022, we’ll be posting our favourite video games of 2021 bit by bit. Here’s number 10.Â
#10: Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy

Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PC, Nintendo Switch (Cloud)
This year’s feel-good hit video game is also a bit of a surprise, given Square Enix’s spotty track record with superhero movie licenses. But when you have the talented Eidos Montreal folks behind 2021’s Marvel’s Guardians of the Galaxy, you can be sure to get a narrative treat unlike any other this year.
The game wisely combines both the lore of the films and comic book run in one awesome and original package exclusive to the game. The ensemble action-adventure pits you as Starlord for the whole of the game, but you get to command your motley crew of space misfits, go through the galaxy, and fight a ton of bad guys both small and super-large/cosmic. And it’s a helluva fun ride that’s worth paying attention to and even reloading to see different outcomes due to the game’s punchy and emotive writing and dialogue. There’s even an appropriate bunch of heartfelt scenes, so it’s not just all laughs-a-minute.
True, the combat can get repetitive, but it’s everything else that just makes Guardians of the Galaxy exhilarating to go through, especially for fans of Abnett and Lanning’s 2012 run. And also props for the game to grace us with the best on-screen version of space empath Mantis. And Cosmo, because he’s a good boy.


The Best Fighting Games Of The Modern Generation

Top image credit: TeoGonzalezColors
The fighting game genre has seen a huge resurgence for the past 10 years. Before it became the juggernaut in Esports today, let’s not forget how underground the scene was when Street Fighter 3: Third Strike ruled the FGC roost. We should be thankful that the period between 2008 to now has been kind to us.
We’re spoilt for choice for fighting games in this modern generation, but which ones deserve to be in a prestigious top 10? Here are my picks and why they are instrumental in the current golden decade of fighting games.
Disclaimer: we’re going to exclude SoulCalibur 6 because the game is still really fresh. The following entries have been around longer than 6 months, so they’re fair game in getting their player base.
Dragon Ball FighterZ
Dance, Ginyu, dance!
Let’s start off with this year’s non-surprise hit. If you take the 3v3 Mechanic of an already popular fighting game and add in characters from an already established anime juggernaut, and then have the guys from Arc System Works on the project, you will spawn a hit. The game could have been a mess, but it isn’t.
It’s also serendipitous that Capcom, the guys who popularized the 3v3 tag team fighting mechanic, s*** the bed with Marvel vs Capcom Infinite last year, so you have most of your MvC guys and gals jumping ship.
The King of Fighters XIV

I assure you that you’ll be seeing a lot of franchise comebacks and revamps on this here list. This recent King of Fighters game is one such comeback. With a roster of 40+ characters and a fighting engine that’s a mimicry of KOF 98 (but in 3D), this 2D fighter does fanservice right. With slick controls, a bountiful cast of characters, and a rockin’ soundtrack, there isn’t much to hate about this version of KOF.
Okay, maybe the graphics aren’t as revolutionary as KOF XIII, but at least SNK improved the 3D artwork and detailing over time. Plus, KOF’s all about the action and speed, and it is still as hectic as ever.
Guilty Gear Xrd Rev 2

Whichever version you play, Guilty Gear Xrd introduced the 2D cel-shaded 2D-in-3D animation style to the world. And it’s easy for newbies to pick up too and get good at. Unless you count all those legacy Guilty Gear X players of course. Pesky bunch.
Controlling each of the cast feels so good and unique. You have good ol’ Ky and Sol Badguy for your standard revved-up shotos. You have old-school Guilty Gear folks like Baiken. You have new characters with awesomely unique fighting game mechanics like Elphet Valentine and Jack-O-Valentine. You even have a kid who fights using a friggin’ bed, and it’s not as lame as it sounds.
Skullgirls

This colourful-looking fighting game is a huge labour of love from fighting game fans. You can opt for a 1v1 or tag-team/3v3 onslaught with the crazy cast of the game ranging from an Egyptian princess to a carnie performer with four hands and a huge pair of….eyes. Because it’s anime-esque, you perv.
Skullgirls also proved that with the best community, your game will live on even if it’s not featured on the biggest fighting game tournament on the planet. There are people out there who still play this bizarre-yet-fun-looking fighting game in the highest level possible.
Injustice 2

The next two entries are for the comic book fans in all of us. First up: DC fans are given a lovely treat by way of the second Injustice game. Not only is the roster filled with luminaries like Blue Beetle, Black Canary, Gorilla Grodd, and even Deadshot, but you get to customize them to your liking and set them loose in online play.
Marvel vs Capcom 3/Ultimate Marvel vs Capcom 3

I admit: I was hyped AF when I saw the preview trailers for Marvel vs Capcom 3. Seeing Ryu and Wolverine duking it out as well as Amaterasu teaming up with Viewtiful Joe was a sight to behold.
What was also fun was seeing better players like the Singapore MvC3 folks and pros like ChrisG go at it with their assists and Helm Breakers being thrown around like nobody’s business. If you want to see a display of confusing-yet-exhilarating fireworks in your 3v3 fighting, you can’t go wrong watching pros fight in MvC3.
It was a game made out of pure sweet love, unlike the 2v2 flawed-but-kinda-well-meaning mess that followed.
Tekken 7

Out of all the games on this list, we never expected Tekken to outlast & outpopularize Virtua Fighter & Dead or Alive in the 3D fighting game space. Yet here we are with the 9th mothership Bandai Namco Fighting game in the series.
The game features a huge roster of new and old fighters, as well as awesome guest characters like Noctis from FFXV, Geese Howard and Akuma, and even Neegan from The Walking Dead. Just goes to show that the guest character additions help a lot.
It’s not just that; the fighting system itself is solid and balances old and new mechanics so that even newbies can join in. It’s sure as hell isn’t dumbed down: experts like Jeodding, Knee, and Qudans have stated that this is the best iteration of Tekken yet.
One feature makes this game a treat to watch: the slo-mo last hit camera. Having this, as well as a defined art style and visual flair, helps to make it even fun to spectate. You may not understand the nuances of ukemis and stage transitions mid-fight, but you should know an entertaining-looking fight when you see one. Tekken 7 delivers in spades in the fisticuffs-heavy field.
Mortal Kombat 9

If you want to make a comeback, you have to do it right. Before getting to the top two, we need to talk about the ninth Mortal Kombat game, which was revolutionary in two ways.
First: it brought back the same classic gameplay but with new current-gen additions like the game’s version of Supers (X-Ray moves), EX moves, and a plethora of single-player and multiplayer non-tournament modes that were just loads of fun. Gauntlet mode? Check. Rage team fights? Check. No limbs mode? Check. It’s crazy fun.
Second: MK9 has THE best story mode in a fighting game. Period. Not even its sequel and the two Injustice games hold a candle to this highly-respected nod and revamp to the MK lore of old. Whether you’re a fan or non-fan who is curious, you will enjoy how this MK game’s story mode is laid out.
Killer Instinct

When Xbox made the announcement for this game back in 2013, I flipped. And when I tried it out for myself at E3, I was in shock and awe. Could this be the breakout fighting game from a Western studio that we deserve? Is Killer Instinct going to get it’s due?
Yes, and then some. True it was only popular in the US and Europe because Southeast Asia still loves their Japanese-made fighting games. But it’s really a shame because KI 2013 is a well-made and slick fighting game that deserves a bigger and more appreciative audience.
KI featured different esoteric fighters from the trap-tastic Cinder to the “Marvel”lous Aria. They even brought in Rash from Battletoads. Frickin’ Rash! The combo system works well to the point where it’s an important strategy in a fight. Instinct Mode -a temporary buff that helps out specific characters- is so influential that other fighting games like SFV and SoulCalibur took parts of it and call it something else.
KI also boasts one of the best fighting game soundtracks of the generation. Mick Gordon’s work here is unparalleled with his blending of music genres & sound design.
Ultra Street Fighter IV/Super Street Fighter IV

How can we create a modern fighting game list without including the series that launched the renaissance? Street Fighter IV came into the fray in 2008, making arcades relevant again and reintroduce the new generation of FGC fans to this brave new world.
Super was a personal milestone for me. It hit that right balancing chord long before Street Fighter IV Arcade Edition f***ed it all up. But at least the ship corrected its course with Ultra Street Fighter IV. No matter which version I played, I experienced the rebirth and its evolution with my own two eyes when I was still in Singapore. From your small community chalet gatherings to full-blown spectacles like the South East Asia Major 2018, it all revolved around this one game: Street Fighter IV.
It’s a shame that it was followed up with a game like Street Fighter V; it’s a decent sequel and all with a rough start, but it doesn’t capture that same lightning in the bottle like its predecessor. Street Fighter IV: we thank you for the revolution you have led during the last decade. The aforementioned fighting games wouldn’t have happened were it not for you.
Honourable Mention: Battle Fantasia

Believe it or not, Street Fighter IV’s 2D/3D style wouldn’t have been possible were it not for this little-known Arc System Works fighting game, Battle Fantasia. Designed back in 2007 by one Emiko Iwasaki and a really, REALLY small team, the game blended colourful 3D fantasy trapping graphics with 2D fighting gameplay featuring knights with swords, giant dwarves, and baton-twirling mages. Oh, and catfolks, pirates, and sexy male vampires too.
While the arcade release missed the decade stipulation of this feature, the Xbox 360 & PS3 version came out in 2008. I felt it would do the game injustice if it wasn’t mentioned as part of the reason why fighting games made a stellar comeback. It wouldn’t go toe-to-toe with the big boys that succeeded it, but it made quite an impact in shaping the genre into what it is now.


These Anime Characters Will Be In Jump Force’s Upcoming DLC

Bandai Namco has confirmed that its Jump Force DLC roster 1 will include some fan favourites from Bleach, Naruto, and My Hero Academia.
But first up: here’s the official gameplay trailer for the latter’s All Might:

Joining him and Seto Kaiba are (via Bandai Namco US’ Twitter):

Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez and Toshiro Hitsugaya from Bleach

Madara Uchiha from Naruto

Trafalgar D. Law from One Piece

Katsuki Bakugo from My Hero Academia

Majin Buu from Dragon Ball Z

Biscuit Kruegar from Hunter x Hunter

If these characters pique your interest and if you really want them in your 3D fighting game shonen crossover type thing, the Jump Force Season Pass will cost you US$29.99.


Ubisoft’s Rocksmith+ Mobile App Is Available Now Worldwide

Ubisoft has announced that Rocksmith+, the award-winning music learning app, is now available on mobile devices worldwide. Start learning guitar anytime, anywhere, and get access to more than 6,000 songs by downloading the mobile app for iOS and Android or PC. New users can try Rocksmith+ free for seven days when they sign up for a 12-month subscription.
Players can use any acoustic, electric, or bass guitar to learn at their own pace with improved state-of-the-art note detection and real-time feedback for personalized learning. Frequent content updates add new modes and features, plus monthly song additions to the subscription. Their guitar journey can be continued on the Rocksmith+ site, where they can access free supplemental articles and videos and learn about proper guitar technique and form, music theory, guitar gear, instrument care, and more.
In addition, rising star Mothica is partnering with Rocksmith+ to bring her latest original song, “Glow in the Dark,” exclusively to the service on June 12, before it hits streaming services. Mothica’s alt-pop music has gained 200M global streams, and her 2020 debut record, Blue Hour, charted at #3 in the US on iTunes the week of its release.
With her music, Mothica seeks to challenge stigmas surrounding mental health; her passionate fanbase connects with her openness on past trauma, depression, and sobriety. Fans can take part in Mothica’s “Jam with Me” TikTok challenge on June 16, featuring her new song, “Glow in the Dark,” by posting content using #RocksmithChallenge and #RocksmithPlus.
Check out the trailer below:


Attack On Titan The Final Season Part 4 Trailer Reveals It’s Coming This Fall

MAPPA and Crunchyroll have officially debuted the trailer for Attack On Titan The Final Season Part 4 during their joint panel at Anime Expo 2023.
Attack On Titan The Final Season Part 4 will premiere sometime in fall 2023. However, there is no release date yet. Attack On Titan Final Season Part 3 aired as a one-hour special on 3 March 2023 and is also titled Attack On Titan Final Season The Final Chapters Special 1 on Crunchyroll. The manga by Hajime Isayama was first adapted into its first season as an anime by WIT Studio in 2013. Season 2 arrived in 2017, followed by a third season split into two parts. In 2020, MAPPA took over the reins to work on Attack On Titan Final Season. It began airing in December and spanned a total of 16 episodes. The second season picked up from where it ended in January 2022, airing for 12 episodes.
Check out the trailer below:


Ranking The Main Resident Evil Games From Best To Worst

With the remake of the second Resident Evil game underway this month courtesy of Capcom, it’s time we look back at what makes the series so great. Is it the survival horror aspect? Is it the action and crazy adrenaline-pumping setpieces? Is it the suspension and air of dread it emanates? Or is it the hilarious and over-the-top dialogue that made it a subject of internet videos and memes for years to come?
It’s all of the above, really. Capcom really did put their best zombie foot forward when it wanted to create a 3D remake of its NES classic Sweet Home, but with special ops soldiers stuck in the proverbial creepy hell-filled bio-terror-packed mansion instead. 15-plus entries later, coupled with some identity issues, the series is still going strong.
So which Resident Evil game is the best? Which entry deserves to stay in the trash heap? Until our review of the Resident Evil 2 Remake comes out next week, why not check out how we rank the main Resident Evil games and see how the offshoots fare?
#15. Resident Evil: Operation Raccoon City (2012)

Dead on arrival indeed. This spin-off shooter could have been a nice twist on the RE formula. Instead, we ended up with a half-baked project.
Operation Raccoon City has godawful controls and terrible design choices, not to mention shallow gunplay and poorly-staged and unbalanced action moments that make the Sherry Birkin vs G fight seem fair in retrospect. We thought this was just a fan-made game gone wrong; Capcom really wanted to make a quick buck out of the RE franchise with this turd.
This game goes to show that you can’t always hide your terrible products behind such a prestigious name to fool consumers.
#14. Umbrella Corps (2016)

Another dead-on-arrival title. The premise is interesting: play as soldiers who can sic zombies at each other by disabling the opposing team’s “zombie repellant” aura and revel in the chaos that follows in a competitive shooter not unlike Counter-Strike. The game’s map design also showed promise.
The problem? The execution was horrible. From a terrible single-player mode that teaches players jack about the game, to a stilted cover system and half-assed gameplay, there’s really no reason to stick around this company.
#13. Resident Evil 6 (2012)

Clearly the most misguided Resident Evil game ever.Â It’s not even a survival horror game when you look at the big picture. It’s a pure action game with standard setpieces, blink-and-you’ll-die scripted events, and way too many quick time events that make up the bulk of the gameplay.
There’s no tension whatsoever when half your playable cast have spec ops training and aren’t completely vulnerable. This is not what fans want out of their RE experience.
#12. Resident Evil – Code: Veronica (2000)

This Dreamcast entry is proof that the series is in need of rejuvenation. Even with its fancy graphics for its time and having the Redfield siblings in the same game, the same fixed camera gameplay has been run to the ground at this point in time and seems archaic to go back to in retrospect.
There are segments in the game that require you to be diligent with your save slots because they can make progress impossible. Plus, Steve Burnside is arguably the worst sidekick you can ever have on your side.
It’s not a terrible game, but it’s outdated. It’s the one entry you’ll love because you’re still wearing your rose-tinted glasses.
#11. Resident Evil Zero (2002)

File this game under the “unnecessary prequel” category. This RE prequel had the unfortunate task of following up the Resident Evil remake. It’s nice as a companion piece that features an RE side character and some guy named Bill, and while it has some good scares, setpieces like the train sequence, and decent puzzle moments.
In the end, there’s really nothing remarkable about this entry, especially with the other entries below that are way worth your time.
#10. Resident Evil (1996)

The original recipe, though time and the remake culture hasn’t been kind to this old soul. This is an interesting curio because of its atmosphere, its b-grade qualities, its archaic-yet-charming look, and its survival horror and puzzle-laden gameplay. It takes the best bits from the Alone in the Dark series, modernizes it, and make it its own brand of horror and suspense.
A pity then that it’s been superceded by the remake. Otherwise, a fancy curiosity at best if you’re into delving deep in Capcom’s survival horror roots post-Sweet Home.
#9. Resident Evil: The Darkside Chronicles / Resident Evil: The Umbrella Chronicles (2009)

If you’d rather forgo all the nonsense from past Resident Evil games and just go straight for the story, you can’t go wrong with this recap done in rail shooter style. Suddenly the plot seems more plausible and easy to follow with these two-parter games that mix in the creepy survival horror vibe of the games while also delivering some staged action.
It’s not your orthodox experience, but it’s still keeping in line with the spirit of RE as a recap of sorts.
#8. Resident Evil 3: Nemesis (1999)

The only reason this Jill Valentine-focused entry is ranked up pretty high is because of one character: the titular Nemesis. He hunts you down endlessly, can travel between areas, and ambushes you when you least expect it.
Granted it’s just well-hidden scripted events, but at the time it was refreshing and challenging.Â  Even if most of the game is reusing RE2 assets (it took about a year or less to develop, FYI), the Nemesis system and the extra Mercenaries mode makes this sorta-expansion to RE2 worth checking out.
#7. Resident Evil 5 (2009)

What’s better than RE4’s over-the-shoulder revamped controls and action? RE4’s over-the-shoulder revamped controls and action with split-screen co-op. Apart from that fun feature that makes couch co-op gameplay fun for players, the African setting in the first third of the game is a nice change of pace and does try to bring up the harsh side of third world countries. The camaraderie between Chris and Sheva is genuine and well-voiced.
The rest of the game? Well, the whole game’s less-focused on horror and more on crazy Umbrella Corp. mutant & Majin villager battle setpieces -particularly the shantytown and cabin bits with the narrow corridor layouts and dead ends. The game’s narrative also went full anime for the sake of tying up the loose end that is Albert Wesker, the main baddie since the first RE who somehow adopts a British accent to accentuate his evil-ness. Brilliant move, that.Â
While it may work for some people, others were turned off by these factors and the other African locations that portrayed its natives as bad stereotypes. It’s definitely not a PC game, but at least it showcased the best way to evolve the RE4 mechanic, for what it’s worth.
#6. Resident Evil: Revelations (2012)

In retrospect, this one is just Capcom making amends with some spin-offs and in-between games while sticking to the perspective and survival horror gameplay everyone knows and loves. At least the ones who played RE4.
Stuck on a cruise ship filled with bio terrors to avoid and maim while trying to get out alive? Yeap, this game invokes the claustrophobic atmosphere and presents a cool and chilling kind of survival horror. This game was tailor-made for the 3DS, not so much for the PC given its static and small environments designed for a more pocket-sized mobile experience in mind.
Still, you can’t fault Capcom for trying to go back to its survival horror roots in a new setting and scenario. Luckily, there’s the sequel that improved upon this game’s blueprint.
#5. Resident Evil 2 (1998)

Arguably the best fixed-camera angle entry among the late 90s-early 2000 entries, this one expanded the scope of the first game. With a bigger area to explore (Raccoon City’s pretty dang huge), two coinciding stories to play through, great action setpieces and scares, and tense moments aplenty, this entry is worth playing over the other entries just because it did a lot and even featured a ton of unlockables that you can get if you finish the game and fulfil certain parameters. Suddenly the game becomes more fun when you activate unlimited ammo and rad weapons.
This one gets bumped down because the remake may dethrone this one and make it a little less relevant. From what we’ve played so far, it looks like there may be a new top 5 RE game candidate once this year is done and over with.
Plus, without this game’s success, we wouldn’t be getting the walking contradiction that is Hideki Kamiya. You know, that guy who made Devil May Cry, created Bayonetta, and perfected the art of banning your fans on Twitter.
#4. Resident Evil: Revelations 2 (2015)

The second time’s a charm, at least in the Revelations entry. This time, the game is set on a prison island filled with zombies and bio-terrors, and is structured as an episodic game that makes it a 2-hour-per-playthrough kind of experience that gets better with each chapter.
The tag-team co-op gameplay is great since you also have to work together with non-combat savvy folks like Moira and Natalie, a teen and a child who run real good and have other skills that can help protagonists Claire Redfield and Barry Burton like distracting zombies and other mutants.
Also, Moira has the best lines in the game that help preserve the B-grade charm of the series. That’s always a plus point, right?

#3. Resident Evil 4 (2005)

RE4 is not that scary. It’s chilling and dread-inducing, and the villagers you fight in the game are a new breed of gaming terror, but it focuses more on the action rather than the “survival horror” aspect. Which is all well and good; the game’s engine and gameplay is so monumental in the series that every other sequel in the RE series is cribbing off from this entry.
And why shouldn’t it? The controls are a good balance of action and “goddamn it why aren’t you moving faster” frustration that’s needed in a horror game. Its pacing is masterful, and the escorting bit isn’t as annoying as you thought it was.
#2. Resident Evil (2002)

This REmake righted the wrongs and outdated concepts of the original, not that the first game was terrible or anything. It’s just that with this already available on PC and other platforms, it’ll be very hard to go back to the 1996 classic unless you’re doing it for the nostalgia feels.
The REmake retains the claustrophobic tension of the mansion and underground lab but made logical and exciting new additions and improvements in the flow and structure of the overall game. Old puzzles from the first RE get a revamp in this version, and the Crimson Heads mechanic made sure you deal with fresh zombie corpses on the floor lest you get a surprise visit from a faster and tougher aberration.
The cheesy dialogue from the first game is rewritten very well while still retaining that B-grade essence. At some points, Jill Valentine sounded like a less over-the-top Katey Sagal (during her Futurama stint).
This remake proves that you can indeed teach an old jumpscare Dobermann new tricks. There’s a reason why people hold this Resident Evil game in very high regard; it’s the quintessential Capcom-sanctioned survival horror action experience that’s masterfully reworked for future generations of horror gaming fans.
#1. Resident Evil 7 (2017)

This is the prime evolution of an RE game: survival horror action with a huge emphasis on the “survive” and “horror” with some sprinkles of the “action” when things turn sour real fast.
This game deserves to be first on the list because of its perspective and protagonist archetype change. Suddenly, the prospect of playing a first-person camera RE game set in a decrepit mansion filled with a crazed hillbilly family, where you’re a victim with little to no combat training, is even more terrifying than ever.
Antagonist Jack Baker has a perfect balance of goofy and chilling; just right for a Resident Evil game. In a survival horror gaming environment filled with walking simulators, RE7 decides to show everyone how it’s done. And it delivered and then some.
And holy crap, that theme song. It’s just so goddamn chilling.
Do you agree with this list? If you do, let us know! If you don’t, let us know too! We’d love to hear your feedback.Â


MultiVersus Open Beta Is Not Available In Malaysia, Singapore, & Southeast Asia Countries

If you’re planning to play the Warner Bros. hit 2D fighting game MultiVersus and live in Southeast Asia, tough luck.
While the game is available in The United States, North America, Europe, and Australia, it’s not available in Southeast Asia and other countries, according to game director Tony Huynh. This is due to developer Player First having limited resources in rolling the game out beyond US and Europe. This is due to the game’s netcode and stability; the game will be ready for those regions eventually. When? We don’t know because Warner Bros has yet to provide an answer.

Our goal is for all players to be able to play MultiVersus, but we're a small team with limited resources. Each new area we add stretches our team further. Once our game is a bit more stable we plan to roll out more servers for different locations.
— Tony Huynh (@Tony_Huynh) July 27, 2022

To recap, the MultiVersus open beta is unavailable to play in the following regions:

China
Hong Kong
India
Indonesia
Japan
Kazakhstan
Malaysia
Philippines
Russia
Singapore
South Korea
Taiwan
Thailand
Vietnam

If you head to the MultiVersus main page and try to download the free-to-play game on either the PC (Steam and Epic Games Store) or PlayStation store, you’ll get the following error:

And yes, you can download the game on Xbox using a non-Asia account, but when you head to the start screen, you’ll be greeted with a connection lost error. That’s the game telling you that you’re blocked from playing it.

The millionth time I'm asking you for help. I know you're busy. But please tell me what's the problem or will it be fixed?
I'm on Xbox, Asia. pic.twitter.com/qDSeLpvZ8x
— Just A Wanderer (@WandererBat) July 21, 2022

Can I Use A VPN To Play MultiVersus?
No, you cannot. If you do and even if you gain access, Warner Bros. will track and will ban your account from playing MultiVersus; it’s a huge risk to mask your IP so that it looks like it’s from the US or other countries. So essentially, players in Southeast Asia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, and the aforementioned countries are blocked from playing the MultiVersus open beta.
This means we in Asia will have to wait until the game is available in the future, especially when it’s available out of its open beta. In the meantime, do check out our coverage of the game so you can prep.


Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios To Set Up Shop In Malaysia

The Ministry of Communications and Multimedia of Malaysia has announced that it is partnering with Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios (SIE WWS)Â to establish the gaming giant’s first-ever Southeast Asian studio in Malaysia in 2020.
This announcement was made by Minister of Communications and Multimedia Malaysia YB Gobind Singh Deo during the closing ceremony of Level Up KL 2019 earlier today.
Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. (SIE WWS Malaysia) will provide art and animation services as part of SIE WWS activities, developing PlayStation exclusive titles.
Malaysia will be working closely with SIEÂ WWS to create more opportunities for the development of local and regional in the country, as well as uplift the talent pool and support the accelerated growth of the games industry in the region.
SIE President and CEO Jim Ryan said:

â€œImpressive talent, a vibrant game ecosystem, and support from the government are keyÂ reasons why we have decided to take our partnership with Malaysia to the next level.”

According to YB Minister Singh, more details about the arrangement will be announced in the coming weeks and months after further discussions and clarifications from SIE.
He also revealed that the Malaysian games industry has successfully built its local Digital Creative Content industry with 149 IP titles over the past two decades and RM7.6 billion in revenue, including export sales of RM1.3 billion with a global reach to over 120 countries.
This is a massive step forward towards developing the games industry in Malaysia, as the country inches closer and closer to achieving the ultimate dream of becoming the SEA region’s games industry hub. YB Minister Singh said it best when he reiterated the famous PlayStation catchphrase when concluding his speech at Level Up KL 2019:

“Greatness awaits!”

That’s YB Gobind Singh Deo (left) and former SIE WWS president Shuhei Yoshida (right) shaking hands and looking into each other’s eyes, signalling the symbol of bright new future for the games industry in Malaysia.


20th Century Fox To Create Live-Action Mega Man Movie, But Why?

With Mega Man 11 already out this week, it’s only fitting we get a live-action movie announcement to capitalize on the hype that’s only emanating from old-school Mega Man and Capcom fans.
In a startling announcement, Capcom announced that the Mega Man IP will be adapted into a live-action Hollywood film for the first time.
The title of the film is tentatively Mega Man, and it will be written and directed by Henry Joost and Ariel Schulman, with distribution handled by 20th Century Fox. The duo of Henry and Ariel’s previous works include Paranormal Activity 3, Nerve, and Paranormal Activity 4, so you know the sci-fi IP is in good hands.
Chernin Entertainment will produce it with Masi Oka, whom you might remember being shark bait in this year’s shark week film The Meg. Which begs the question: why is this happening?
Because Capcom aims to appeal to a diverse audience, including both game players and action movie fans. The company promises to create an adaptation that “maintains the world of the Mega Man games whileÂ incorporating the grand production and entertainment value that Hollywood movies are known for.”
So we’re getting disappearing blocks, spiked pits with one-hit kills, and eight different-themed stages and levels in Hollywood glory, eh?Â There’s no release date for now, but honestly, I’m not holding my breath. Unless you’re a fan of the Resident Evil films by Paul W.S Anderson and his beau Milla Jovovich, there’s really no way to get excited or disappointed by these turn of events. Capcom’s gotta make money somehow outside of sequels, right?
On that note, Mega Man 11 is out now; our review should be up soon. In the meantime, tide yourself over with our picks of best and worst Mega Man games of all time.


Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure of Dai Will Be Out This September

The action RPG entry of Dragon Quest’s anime adaptation is coming out sooner than you think.
Infinity Strash: Dragon Quest The Adventure Of Dai will be out for PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4, Xbox Series, Xbox One, and Nintendo Switch on 28 September. The PC version will be out on 29 September. The game pits you as adventurer Dai as he gathers his party to defeat the Dark Lord Hadlar, as well as learn about his own inescapable fate.
The game features real-time action combat, different characters to control with their own unique playstyles, and RPG elements akin to any Dragon Quest game. If you’ve played any Musou game or any character action title, this is basically the Dragon Quest equivalent of that gameplay type.
The game also has a pre-order bonus: if you buy the title before its 28 September release date, you’ll receive the Dragon Quest 3 Hero Outfit and Hero’s Tutor Bond Memory. Check out the English trailer & gameplay clips below.


Every Netflix’s The Witcher Easter Egg & Reference We Found

Netflix’s The Witcher has finally arrived, and it’s definitely worth the wait (check out my full review here). Filling the void of fantasy TV left behind by Game Of Thrones, The Witcher has many books’ worth of lore and stories to derive from.
The first season of The Witcher is only eight episodes long, which means that they gloss over some of the details. They also included easter eggs that only readers of the source material or those who’ve played the popular CD Projekt Red games would understand.
Here are some of the possible or potential easter eggs/references that I’ve discovered in Netflix’s The Witcher:
1. Using Witcher Signs

In my review, I pointed out that Netflix’s The Witcher doesn’t properly introduce some of its concepts to newcomers. It’s a fantasy series, so they expect that viewers would have no problem seeing Henry Cavill’s Geralt Of Rivia using magic. However, they don’t really bother to explain them at all in the entire first season.
Witchers are those who have been augmented with mutations, allowing them to be much stronger and faster than a normal human, as well as capable of using simple magical spells referred to as Witcher Signs.
There are various Witcher Signs that are offensive or defensive in nature. For example, throughout Netflix’s The Witcher, Geralt’s commonly-used Sign is called Aard, the attack where it looks like he’s pushing enemies away using a Jedi Force Push of sorts.
We also see him using another Sign called Quen against the Striga in episode three: Betrayer Moon. Geralt uses Quen to fortify the stone coffin that he’s using to defend himself from the Striga while waiting for dawn to arrive and break the curse.
I’m just waiting for Geralt to use Igni, my favourite Sign from the games, where he fires a jet of flame from his hand. However, he will likely only use this as a last resort, if we ever see this Sign in Netflix’s The Witcher, that is.

2. Wild Hunt Reference

The writers managed to sneak in a throwaway easter egg line to The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt, or just the Wild Hunt itself, in the very first episode of the series: The End’s Beginning, when spoken by Jodhi May’s Queen Calanthe.
The Wild Hunt is one of the most powerful enemies in The Witcher lore. Featured in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt as the main antagonists, they are a group of armoured Elves who travel to other worlds and dimensions in order to search for power or wreak chaos.
They are led by King Eredin, who seeks Ciri in the games for her Elder Blood (which gives her great power). I’m not sure if they appear in the source material as well, but if they do, then they might be appearing sooner or later in Netflix’s The Witcher.
3. Vesemir and Kaer Morhen Reference

In the very first episode: The End’s Beginning, Geralt mentions Vesemir and Kaer Morhen. Newcomers might not find those names very interesting for now, but they have a lot to do with Geralt’s background and past.
Vesemir is the name of a veteran Witcher who was responsible for raising and training Geralt to become a Witcher. Kaer Morhen is an ancient fortress keep where Witchers are trained and undergo mutations.
Legendary actor Mark Hamill has expressed interest in portraying Vesemir. Who knows? He might be appearing in future seasons.
4. Conjunction Of The Spheres

This term is thrown around a lot in Netflix’s The Witcher, but they never bothered to explain what the heck it means to newcomers. The Conjunction Of The Spheres is a cataclysmic event on the scale of the Big Bang, where creatures from other worlds and dimensions find themselves trapped in the world that The Witcher is set in.
That is how all the creatures and monsters exist in the world of The Witcher, they literally came from other worlds and dimensions. Interestingly, humans were not native to the world before the Conjunction Of The Spheres, which is why the Elves regard most humans as invaders.
It is also because of the Conjunction Of The Spheres that humanity could harness magic in the world of The Witcher, which they use against the Elves and other creatures both in the past and present.
5. Dimeritium

Dimeritium is mentioned in Netflix’s The Witcher and even used by the sorceress Fringilla against Rectoress Tissaia during the Battle Of Sodden Hill in episode eight: Much More. Again, the series doesn’t explain what Dimeritium is, or what it does.
In the world of The Witcher, Dimeritium is a special sort of metal which suppresses magical power. That is why it induced something that looked like an allergic reaction when Fringilla used it against Rectoress Tissaia.
It’s essentially Kryptonite for magic users in The Witcher.
6. Lilac And Gooseberries

In episode five: Bottled Appetites, Geralt says that Yennefer’s scent smells like “lilac and gooseberries”. In the games, that’s how Geralt always remembers her by; her scent. It is so ingrained into the lore of their relationship and romance that there’s even a song in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt that mentions it in its lyrics.
That song is also one of my all-time favourite piece of video game music. I definitely recommend that you take the time to listen to it in the videos below (one is in English while the other is cover sung in its original Polish):
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bSk-8C76dc&w=560&h=315]
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ialPtQuMMg&w=560&h=315]
7. White Flame

Viewers might notice that the invading Nilfgaardians and sorceress Fringilla keep mentioning that they follow the “White Flame”. The White Flame refers to the Emperor of Nilfgaard, whose true name is Emhyr var Emreis.
His nickname is Deithwen Addan yn Carn aep Morvudd, which translates to ‘The White Flame Dancing on the Barrows of his Enemies’. He will probably appear in later seasons, though we don’t know who will be portraying him as of yet.
Game Of Thrones actor Charles Dance (who famously played Tywin Lannister in the HBO series) actually voiced Emperor Emhyr in The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt. How awesome would it be if Netflix decides to cast him?
Unfortunately, he’s probably a bit too old to play Emperor Emhyr by now. That didn’t stop Robert De Niro from starring in Netflix’s The Irishman. With the help of de-ageing tech, anything is possible.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SuZ5YkXVEvk&w=560&h=315]
8. Bathtub Geralt

Even before Netflix’s The Witcher premiered on 20 December 2019, the trailers already unveiled a reference to one of the most popular memes from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt; bathtub Geralt.


She-Hulk Smashes Daredevil In New Clip For This Week’s She-Hulk

It’s confirmed, this week’s episode of She-Hulk Attorney At Law on 6 October 2022 will finally be the She-Hulk versus Daredevil episode that we’ve been waiting for.
ET Online exclusively revealed the first clip from the upcoming episode, which you can check out below.
Courtesy of Disney+ Hotstar, we were also given the opportunity to interview She-Hulk head writer, executive producer and showrunner, Jessica Gao. Check out my spoiler-free review of She-Hulk here.


Spy x Family Anime Reveals Release Date & Key Visual

Cloverworks and Wit Studio have announced that the Spy x Family anime will premiere on 9 April 2022 in Japan, as well as on Crunchyroll Premium in the rest of the world.
There is also a new key visual, which shows the main characters Loid, Yor, and Anya walking down the street like a normal family. However, their real identities as spies can be seen in a reflection at the bottom. Spy x Family is a story about the Forger family, which is a fake undercover family. Loid is on a mission as a spy, but he doesn’t know that his fake wife is an assassin and that his fake daughter is a mind reader.
In the meantime, check out the key visual and trailer below, courtesy of Twitter:


Atelier Ryza 3 Sales Top 290,000, Most Likely Guaranteeing Another Sequel

Thighs saves lives, at least when it comes to Koei Tecmo’s financial status.
Atelier Ryza 3: Alchemist of the End & the Secret Key, a JRPG which features alchemy and a head-turning main character, has surpassed 290,000 units according to Koei Tecmo when talking about its financial results for its fiscal year ending 31 March 2023. That’s good news for Gust and the future of the Atelier series, though the company will probably need to write upcoming stories for main protag Ryza, especially if its newer heroines in the Atelier series aren’t pulling their weight.
Atelier Ryza 3 is out now for PC, PS5, PS4, and Nintendo Switch. If you want more Ryza, there’s going to be an anime adaptation of the JRPG series. If you prefer a remake of the very first Atelier game, Atelier Marie will be out later this year. All in all, it’s a good year to be a Gust and Atelier fan!


Did It Work? Video Game & Pop Culture Edition

There’s a Twitter joke going around where people are posting two pics and asking “Does this work?”. The first picture is usually someone or something, while the second is K-pop sensation Lisa’s legs and black shoe-and-shorts ensemble, displayed during her solo performance on 20th April.

This prompted people to match a snippet of Lisa’s bottom half with another photo. Here are some pop culture examples:

Did it work? pic.twitter.com/xvlXyEv6vF
— The Man-Thing’s Menagerie of Marvelous Monsters (@Adventurin2Fear) April 26, 2020

did it work pic.twitter.com/iNvDLiGZsu
— sarah thee tonin ? (@sarahndipity18) April 27, 2020

Did it work ? pic.twitter.com/VByjJz7qQh
— 86 Baby (@Who_TFuck) April 30, 2020

did it work? pic.twitter.com/OHlEZEKpWd
— Fandango (@Fandango) April 28, 2020

Naturally, there are some video game parodies of this popular meme. Here are some of our “top” picks. Humour is subjective, but at least these go under the category of “WTF”.

Did it work pic.twitter.com/m1agGRKaYH
— RicinCakes ???? (@RicinCakess) April 30, 2020

https://twitter.com/tasmachine/status/1255766334018895878

did it work pic.twitter.com/UyQFw3mWkU
— ? worm ? (@worm_blooded) April 30, 2020

did it work pic.twitter.com/a2tsI1cBUL
— la beni ? ~ ? (@cyberrata_) April 30, 2020

Did it work? pic.twitter.com/l8yFkBCmHC
— Mangarino (@MangaSSB) April 30, 2020

We’ll post up more as this current meme continues.


The Next Ys Game Will Be Completely Different, Says Falcom CEO

For those waiting for the next Ys JRPG from Falcom starring red-haired adventurer Adol, you may have to wait a while.
According to Falcom CEO Toshihiro Kondo in a Weibo interview, the next Ys title will only be out after 2022. The next sequel to the JRPG will feature new ideas with a different system and type of gameplay.
“There will be new ideas in the new Ys. From Ys 7 to Ys IX, these title have maintained a similar system. The new sequel will feature something completely different.”
Ys IX came out in 2021 and is one of our top games of 2021. Check out the review here.


Need Help With Dragon Quest XI’s Red Doors? We Can Help!

Everybody loves treasure and loot, especially if you’re in a strange-yet-familiar fantasy land where you and your merry band of adventurers are searching for echoes in an elusive age. Okay, you don’t literally do that in Square Enix’s Dragon Quest XI, but you do level up and fight turn-based style with a motley crew of knights, spellcasters, and healers.
The best treasures and loot in the game (now out on PS4 and PC) are hidden behind Red Doors (via an anonymous tip-off). Once you reach a particular threshold in the game’s story (specifically in an area called Phnom Nonh), you end up with a magical key that can unlock these doors.
Just a heads up:

There are 15 Red Doors in total.
12 of them are across the major mainland areas.
3 of them are on small islands within the world.

Without further ado, here’s the list (via Reddit):

Cobblestone (aka The Last Bastion): along the river on the east side
Downtown Heliodor: a house on the east side
The Hotto Steppe: in front of the crypt on the west side
Gallopolis: a house on the east side of the racetrack (this door should be a priority)
Gondolia: a house on the west side of the main bridge (this door should be a priority)
Zwaardsrust Region: down the stairs west of the inn (this door should be a priority)
Dundrasil Region: a small hut on the east wall across from the ruins
Puerto Valor: a house on the east side near the church
Lonalulu: along the western wall of the eastern path
L’Academie De Notre Maitre des Medailles: downstairs to the northwest
Phnom Nonh: on the second floor south of the armour shop (this door should be a priority)
Sniflheim: outside the city to the northwest
Insula Australis: on the island northeast of Gondolia’s port (accessed by boat)
Insula Centralis: on the eastmost island (accessed by teleport)
Insula Occidentalis: on the small island north of The Strand (accessed by boat)


Female Tekken 7 Pro Tanukana Makes Joke About Short Men; Gets Fired

Sometimes it only takes all kinds to get fired, even with a joke that isn’t meant to be of ill-intent.
Such is the case of female Tekken 7 pro player Tanukana, who was recently fired from her pro-gaming group Cyclops Athlete Gaming. According to a Kotaku report, she was fired for her comment about short men during a livestream.
While doing a livestream, Tanukana was reported saying the following:
“Men who are under 170 cm donâ€™t have human rights.”
She adds on to the joke, stating that men under that height should look into surgeries to make them taller. She then apologized in a now-deleted tweet, stating that she didn’t mean to express the joke as a hate speech of sorts.

????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????????
— ???? (@kana_xiao) February 16, 2022

Turns out they may be more to this than just a bad joke. Kotaku stated that the word for human rights in Japanese has two meanings: äººæ¨© or jinken can be used for either human rights or the word for in-game items that all players require. Nonetheless, she apologized and also made mention to sponsor Red Bull:
“I am very sorry to all the fans who support me on a daily basis, to all the sponsors such as Red Bull, and to my selfish remarks, which caused unpleasant feelings and a great deal of inconvenience. I take it seriously that my remarks during the delivery are unacceptable and that my lack of awareness has led to it.”
Her contract with Cyclops has been terminated, probably because they don’t want to keep her and risk future sponsorships and business opportunities down the line.

?????????????????????https://t.co/5v8dGMOzSm
— CYCLOPS athlete gaming (@CYCLOPS_OSAKA) February 17, 2022

Image credit: Combo Breaker 2017


The PlayStation Partner Awards 2020 Japan Asia Is Happening Next Week

Sony Interactive Entertainment Japan Asia will host the PlayStation Partner Awards 2020 Japan Asia at 6pm GMT+8 on 3 December 2020. You can check it out on YouTube with English subtitles.
The PlayStation Awards have been held annually since 1995, recognizing the PlayStation versions of hit titles sold across the Japan and Asia regions.
For 2020, it has a new name, PlayStation Partner Awards, and adds several new awards. Jon Kabira and Hatsune Matsushima will host the event.
The award categories are as follows (via PlayStation Blog):
Grand Award
Awarded to the top three titles developed in the Japan / Asian regions with highest worldwide sales between October 2019 and September 2020.
Partner Award
Awarded to titles developed in the Japan / Asia region with top-ranked worldwide sales between October 2019 and September 2020*, with particularly noteworthy activity results**.
Special Award
Awarded to the following two titles:
Titles developed by creators from outside the Japan / Asia region that have amassed the highest sales in the Japan / Asia region from October 2019 to September 2020.Titles developed in the Japan / Asia region in conjunction with Sony Interactive Entertainment Worldwide Studios that have amassed the highest worldwide sales from October 2019 to September 2020.
Check out the 2018 and 2019 winners of the PlayStation Awards as well.


Nakee 2 Is A Thai Monster B-Movie That’s Only Good For The LOLs

As a kid, I fondly remember watching B-movie monster flicks whenever I had access to them, be they late-night movie channels like Cinemax, or bargain bin DVDs my family used to buy. They were cheap and entertaining, which was enough for me back then. Now I tend to spend my time with content that’s actually worth my time.
Thai film Nakee 2 reminds me a lot of those B-movies, as the plot structure and characters are virtually similar, albeit with the added spice of Southeast Asian flavour. While the poster may indicate romantic undertones (with its main star couple front and center), it’s more ridiculous and schlocky than the promotional material portrays.
B-Movie With Southeast Asian Flavor

The first thing that came to mind when I first saw the posters and trailers for Nakee 2 is a little-known fantasy monster movie Dragon Wars: D-War, which was the highest-budgeted South Korean movie of all time at the time of its release in 2007.
Despite its high budget and ambitious production, that movie ultimately felt more like an expensive B-movie instead of an A-list movie (which it was clearly aiming for). The same goes for Nakee 2, though it definitely had a much lower budget compared to Dragon Wars: D-War.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LbF4DtgO_yY&w=560&h=315]
Nakee 2 begins like many B-movies (and even some A-list movies) do; by forcing some clunky exposition down the viewer’s throat to set up the movie. Years ago, there was a terrible war between the Nagas and the Garudas, when one of the former fell in love with a human. Typically, the inter-species romance is forbidden and tragic stuff happens.
It was too convoluted to take seriously, especially when it doesn’t even explain what Nagas and Garudas. The movie assumes that you already know who these mythological creatures are. Since I’m a Southeast Asian and a self-proclaimed history buff, I needed no introduction to Nagas and Garudas, but foreigners may find themselves at a loss.
Basically, Nagas are serpent snake-like beings while Garudas are often depicted as anthropomorphic birds. Both are considered divine. In Nakee 2, the denizens of the village in which the majority of the movie takes place in, worship the Nagas.
Nothing Can Be Taken Seriously

The premise in Nakee 2 is simple. Mysterious unexplainable deaths happen in a remote village, so an unbelievably young handsome hotshot inspector is sent to investigate. Villagers and even the local police turn out to be complete bumbling idiots, so things start to escalate when the inspector questions their beliefs.
Despite the fact that these villagers worship Nakee (the female Naga who fell in love with the human), they also believe that she is the perpetrator of all these murders. At the same time, they also think that a local girl (the protagonist’s love interest) is responsible for the murders, just because she interacted with these people before their deaths.
That’s how the dashing young inspector meets the girl and start falling in love, even while he’s in the middle of investigating her as a suspect in these murders. If you think that I’m spoiling too much of Nakee 2, you have nothing to worry about because a lot more bizarre stuff happens, which don’t make a lick of sense.

There’s even a Wicker Man-like moment near the end, where the villager’s sense of paranoia and mob mentality reaches a fever pitch. More stuff happens, and I kid you not, one particular scene was so utterly ridiculous and laughably out-of-left-field that my entire theatre erupted into laughter. I’m sure that the filmmaker intended for that scene to be epic and awe-inspiring, but it failed so hard.
If you’re here for the love story promised by the movie’s poster, be prepared for some utter disappointment. I’m not the best judge of romance but even I can see that the movie’s couple lacks any sort of chemistry. This is evident when they are in quiet moments together, which I have a bone to pick about.
There are several times in Nakee 2 when the inspector and the girl are sharing a scene together without doing or saying anything for uncomfortably long periods of time. They’re just sitting there staring at the distance, and in one scene, you can even literally hear the sound of crickets in the background.
Are these scenes supposed to be cute or meant to convey something? Because all I got was how awkward it all felt.
Decent Visuals

If there’s one thing I could praise about Nakee 2, it’s the visuals and CGI. Sure, it’s not on the same par of quality as Hollywood movies with US$200 million budgets like Godzilla: King Of The Monsters or Avengers Endgame. However, it’s not fair to expect those levels of sheer spectacle from a Southeast Asian movie.
In fact, Nakee 2 might be able to boast the best visuals and CGI in the region, though frankly there’s not really much competition to speak of. Still, it’s something that the filmmakers should be proud of, as I have yet to see this level of CGI quality from movies in Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, or other countries in the region.
That said, the Nagas in the movie do look a bit too much like the dragons from Dragon Wars: D-War and even reminded me of Daenerys’ dragons in Game Of Thrones. They could have tried and injected more Southeast Asian features into the creature design to further differentiate them from other dragons or serpents in other media entertainment properties.
Be warned though. Just like any B-movie, all of this only comes at the very end of the movie.
Cheesy Entertainment

If you’re looking for a mindless cheesy evening of entertainment, you can’t go wrong with some B-movie goodness and guilty pleasure from Nakee 2. Don’t expect more than a ridiculous plot and characters that you can laugh at, as well as some decent visuals for a Southeast Asia movie.
If you’re fine with that, go watch Nakee 2. If not, head to a Thai restaurant and have some Tomyam and Pad Thai. That way, you’ll leave feeling more satisfied and fulfilled.
FINAL RATING: 40/100
We received a special preview screening courtesy of TGV Cinemas. Nakee 2 will release in Malaysian cinemas on 18 July 2019.


Here’s How Long The Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Yuffie Episode Will Be

Square Enix has unveiled new details and screenshots for Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade for the PS5. These include the upcoming gameâ€™s enhancements on PS5 and more.
Most interestingly, we now know how long the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Yuffie episode will be. While the exact length or how long it will take to complete the Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Yuffie episode is still unknown, it will officially only be two chapters long. For comparison, the entire base game of Final Fantasy VII Remake has 18 Chapters.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade on PS5 will benefit from several new elements, including the following:

The ability to switch between â€œGraphics Mode,â€ which prioritizes 4K resolution, and â€œPerformance Mode,â€ which prioritizes smooth operation at 60 frames per second.
A â€œPhoto Modeâ€ to capture in-game scenes.

Users who own the PS4 version of Final Fantasy VII Remake can upgrade to the PlS5 version free of charge. However, the Yuffie episode requires a separate purchase. Save data from the PS4 version can be carried over.
Improved Lighting

Fog Effects
Fog effects have also been enhanced, creating a more realistic atmosphere in Midgar than ever before.

Textures
The resolution of some textures has been upgraded, depicting the world in more detail than ever before.

Photo Mode
With Photo Mode, you can position the camera, as well as adjust the angle, colours, exposure, and more to take the perfect screenshot.
â€”English

Performance Mode / Graphics Mode
In Performance Mode, the game prioritizes a stable, 60 frames per second frame rate. In Graphics Mode, it prioritizes high-resolution at 4K.

Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade Yuffie Episode

In the disorder of the Mako Reactor 5 explosion in Midgar, Wutai â€œShinobiâ€ operatives Yuffie; a girl wearing a Moogle cloak, and Sonon; her reliable partner; manoeuvre behind the scenes under secret orders. Their target: the â€œUltimate Materiaâ€ developed by Shinra Electric Power Company.
With the cooperation of Avalanche HQ, they set foot into enemy territory for revenge and to restore the glory of their hometown. Guided by the planetâ€™s tears, the gears of a new fate begin to turn.
Yuffie Kisaragi

A member of the â€œShinobi,â€ Wutaiâ€™s elite corp of ninja operatives. She styles herself as both a ravishing beauty and world-class materia hunter, as well as various other titles.
She trifles with enemies using her huge shuriken and nimble movements. She fights to save her hometown, which lost its glory following its defeat in the war against Shinra. She infiltrates Midgar under the secret orders of the new Wutai government.

Sonon Kusakabe

A soldier born in Wutai. He trained under Yuffieâ€™s father, Godo Kisaragi, and is a student of kempo and bojutsu. He fought in the war at a young age, through which his resentment towards Shinra grew stronger.
He has been assigned to work with his younger-but-senior associate Yuffie for an infiltration mission. With a serious demeanour, he kindly follows his reckless partner.

In the new episode, Yuffie and the companyâ€™s activities take place over the course of two chapters. The Wutai Shinobi who infiltrated Midgar collude with Avalanche HQ, and attempt to steal the â€œUltimate Materiaâ€ from Shinra Electric Power Company.

Yuffie specializes in both close-range and long-range combat, allowing you to enjoy exhilarating battles unlike any of the other playable characters using the shuriken and ninjutsu.

Yuffie also has various unique field actions. With her shuriken, she can break â€œShinra Boxesâ€ and activate other mechanics from a distance. She can also perform ninja-like actions such as crossing a wire fence.

Thanks, Gematsu.
Final Fantasy VII Remake Intergrade is slated to release exclusively for the PS5 on 10 June 2021.


Digimon Adventure Last Evolution Kizuna Is Coming In Malaysia In July

Digimon Adventure Last Evolution Kizuna was originally supposed to premiere in Malaysian cinemas earlier this year, but it was delayed due to cinemas closing down from the COVID-19 pandemic. Now it’s time for fans of the franchise to rejoice once again, as the movie has finally received a new release date.
According to GSC Cinemas, Digimon Adventure Last Evolution Kizuna will release in Malaysia on 1 July 2020, which is actually just next week. Tickets are not on sale at the time of writing, but the Malaysian cinema chain announced to “stay tuned” for something “exciting”.
https://www.facebook.com/GSCinemas/photos/a.143863272274/10159019160347275/?type=3&theater
This news comes just one day after the Malaysian Government officially announced that all cinemas in Malaysia were allowed to resume operations starting from 1 July 2020. This means that we’ll all already have something new to watch on the very first day of cinemas’ reopening in the country. How awesome!
The synopsis on GSC Movies reads:

â€œThe film is set five years after Digimon Adventure tri, taking place in 2010.
With Taichi and his friends reaching adulthood, they are struck with the news that the partnership with their Digimon will soon end, as they are not children anymore.
Meanwhile, a powerful Digimon called Eosmon appears, robbing other DigiDestined of their consciousness, and itâ€™s up to Taichi, Agumon and all their friends to fight together one last time to save the world.â€

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dI0K7D0xmlQ&w=560&h=315]


It’s A Ball Of A Time At FV Cup X SEA Major 2019 Last Weekend

Between sound-deafening cheers as players mounted their comeback and the persistent clicking of buttons on an arcade stick, FV x SEA Major 2019 demonstrated some great levels of hype from some of the most avid fighting game fans in Malaysia.
Taking place over last weekend from 23 – 24 March at Lightbox, we got to see fighting game players gather and duke it out for the glory of being called the strongest, across a variety of fighting games. With heavy-hitters like Tekken 7 (Tekken World Tour) and Street Fighter V: Arcade Edition (Capcom Pro Tour) present, the event was also no stranger to fierce competition between local players and many prominent names from across the region, all prepared to gather those sweet points.
Fighting Games Galore
Besides the aforementioned fighting games, FV x SEA Major 2019 was home to tournaments for many other titles such as Dragon Ball FighterZ, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and SoulCalibur 6 among others.

Needless to say that the venue was packed on Day 1, with competitors and spectators alike doing all they can to see who would make it out of pools.
The event was also home to the Neo Geo World Tour, where players could compete in some of SNKâ€™s greatest classics including The King of Fighters â€˜98 and Metal Slug, as well as the companyâ€™s more recent The King of Fighters XIV.

The winners took home some awesome exclusive swag, as well as tickets to the tourâ€™s Global Finals! If youâ€™re a retro gaming fan or grew up in the arcades, this would have been the one for you.

Battle of the Giants
As one of the first Capcom Pro Tour tournaments to kick off in Asia, many prominent Street Fighter pros from Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, and Taiwan joined the quest to become champion at FV x Sea Major 2019. But the Top 16 was set on Day 1 with a dominating performance from Japanese players such as Tokido, Fujimura, Bonchan, and Momochi to name a few.
Malaysiaâ€™s own IamChuan (Guile) stuck around though, taking out the likes of Singapore’s Oswald (G) and Taiwan’s OilKing (Rashid), but losing just short of Top 8 in a nail-biting performance against Hong Kongâ€™s HotDog29 (M. Bison) on Day 2.

Video credit: Versus Asia
Even with the loss, surely that play is worthy enough of a sponsorship, donâ€™t you think? The fact that so many international players were around was also an opportunity for our local players to meet their heroes.

Fans clamoured for autographs and selfies from players who, in this current day, are renowned as fighting game legends.
Sponsor Gold
It wouldnâ€™t be a large-scale tournament without some big sponsors on the table. Those who have kept up with fighting game tournaments may have occasionally seen Red Bull as a prominent supporter of both players and tournaments.

Indeed, the company was also present here, graciously supplying those at the venue with free drinks all around. Hopefully, no one had a caffeine overdose afterwards.

Predator and Anda Seat also hung around, showcasing their gaming computers and gaming chairs respectively, but thankfully these werenâ€™t taking up as much of the spectator space as last year.
Practicality Over Aesthetics

Speaking of space, the venue for this year shifted from Battle Arena Malaysia. Gone are the sleek esports metallic frames, narrow corridors, and fancy lighting from last year. In its place, however, is a much wider venue space to better accommodate the massive crowd that is the FGC.
Take one walk down the hall and youâ€™ll have easy access to all of the gaming setups, from Super Smash Bros. to Street Fighter. In short, plenty of room to watch your favourite players and cheer your mates on!
A Common Purpose
A few days prior to the event, Flash Vision had some bad news for the Malaysian FGC. FV x SEA Major 2019 would be the last time that its esports team would fight together before disbanding. This would mean no more Flash Vision jerseys or sponsorships at events for some of your favourite local players.

Seeing as Flash Vision has been such a constant in the Malaysia FGC, this naturally brought up worries that they would move away from organising fighting game tournaments in the future as well.
The owner of Flash Vision esports Johnny Tan has expressed his hopes of hosting another tournament next year, albeit under a different name. Even with the organisation shifting its focus towards mobile gaming and event management, theyâ€™re not completely abandoning the scene.

Flawless Victory?
The FV brand may have its controversies surrounding its name, like their alleged dubious ways of recruiting players in moments of duress (allegedly sometimes making them pay for the privilege). However, they’ve done more good than harm in the grand scheme of things.
After all, if last weekend was anything to go by, you cannot understate the passion and energy that fans have for fighting games. Even with Malaysia falling off slightly against the international scene, the crowd still exuded joy in every match to come. As stakes grew higher than ever, cheers and chants also rose, sweeping the entire venue.
Casual setups were also rarely short of players, with laughter and long-winded discussions about gameplay never too far off from hearing. You could even find some of the local players challenging the pros and holding their own in these tense sets, always ready to learn.

Itâ€™s a poignant reminder of how the Malaysian fighting game community can flourish when given the right amount of opportunity and support. Even if setbacks arise now and in the future, thereâ€™s a distinct and strong foundation of people that are willing to learn about, watch, and play fighting games.
All in all, FV x SEA Major 2019 was a great showcase of the beauty of fighting games, which has manifested as a community that shows itâ€™s nowhere close to buckling and is, in fact, thriving.
With any luck, we do get another round in the future!


Elden Ring Players Are Selling Runes Online On EBay

A popular single-player(esque) game with multiplayer components is making its players sell its in-game currency on places like eBay, though it may not last.
If you were to do a quick search on eBay for “Elden Ring Runes”, you’ll see dozens of listings with a variety of prices ranging from US$10 for 1 million Runes to US$25 for 20 million. So far, we’ve found a couple that goes up to US$199 for a Runes/Weapons set.

1 million Runes in Elden Ring would help a player over-level beyond what is designed, though it won’t add anything skill-wise.
So how is the transaction done? Well, buying a set of Runes involve sending the seller your character name, entering multiplayer with them in a set location, and having them drop Golden Rune items. These Golden Runes can be used on the spot or sold off for Runes that players can use for either levelling up or buying weapons/items from the game’s many weird-ass merchants and NPCs.
Since Elden Ring is the current hot stuff right now, this service is getting rather popular. And the eBay posters themselves are holding up their end of the bargain, delivering the promised Runes rather than disappearing with the money.
Is This Illegal?
Well, yes. Selling Runes for real-life money is against Elden Ring and publisher Bandai Namco’s terms of service.
“No Player shall be entitled to […] sell to or buy from another […] any of his/her rights held as a Player, and items, characters and saved data within the game related to the Software which are obtained in the Services (including so-called ‘real money trading’).”
Breaking these terms mean that players who do this will be given warnings first, then have their data deleted and suspended/banned from the game if they continue. No word on how Bandai Namco will track this Rune-selling shenanigans, but given that Elden Ring can be played online, a big company like them will have their ways.
Long story short: don’t buy Elden Ring Runes online and from eBay. You can just farm them easily via this video here among others. It takes time, sure, but it beats taking a shortcut that could potentially get your game data erased and your account banned.


Titans Season 3 Trailer Teases Red Hood & Joker; Reveals Release Date

A new trailer for Titans Season 3 has revealed our first look at Curran Walters’ Jason Todd in action as the Red Hood and what might yet be another live-action version of the Joker. Vincent Kartheiser will be playing Scarecrow in the upcoming new season (we can see his green Fear Toxin in the brief teaser trailer).
The series also stars Brenton Thwaites as Nightwing, Anna Diop as Starfire, Teagan Croft as Raven, Ryan Potter as Beast Boy, Conor Leslie as Wonder Girl, Joshua Orpin as Superboy, and Alan Ritchson as Hawk.

Jay Lycurgo will also join the cast for Titans Season 3 as Tim Drake in the character’s live-action debut, who is probably my favourite Robin of all time in his live-action debut. Savannah Welch will also portray Barbara Gordon, who is now the Gotham City Police Commissioner.
Titans Season 3 will premiere exclusively on HBO Max with its first three episodes on 12 August 2021 and subsequent episodes on a weekly schedule, following the shutdown of the DC Universe streaming service.
In the meantime, check out the teaser trailer below:


You Can Buy Your Captain Marvel Tickets Tomorrow & Watch It A Day Early In Malaysia

Are you hyped to see Carol Denvers go all binary on them Marvel villains & Skrulls? If so, you’ll be pleased to know you can buy your movie tickets early.
We’re talking 14 February early, as in tomorrow from Golden Screens Cinemas in Malaysia. Furthermore, the film will be shown a day early on 6 March, which is 3 weeks from now.

To keep yourself up to speed, here are our recaps and thoughts on Captain Marvel and her Hot Toys equivalent so far. In fact, we’ll have something Marvellous out next week.


Gamers Hideout Launches Blockchain Gaming Guild With Playcoin Asia

Local Malaysian gaming store chain Gamers Hideout is partnering with Playcoin Asia to launch LEETGuild, the first blockchain gaming guild that combines both online and offline services where gamers can experience exclusive support in both the metaverse and the real world.
Remember when Gamers Hideout sent out a survey for anyone interested to invest in their new crowdfunding endeavour? Perhaps this is one of the fruits of that labour.
What is Playcoin Asia? Launched in 2015, the company is a real-time and on-demand digital asset distribution platform in Southeast Asia. It is currently accessed by thousands of retailers across the region to acquire digital assets conveniently, which are then sold to end-users with various payment methods.
The collaboration between Gamers Hideout and Playcoin Asia has been described as providing “a full-featured blockchain â€œguildâ€ platform on a DAO (Decentralized Autonomous Organization) basis, which guides the gaming community in adopting Play-to-earn (P2E) games through education, training, and expert advice (online services)”.
Community members will also enjoy exclusive benefits from Gamers Hideout in the real-world environment such as exclusive membership rewards and discounts on gaming equipment (offline services).
With a strong blockchain development support team, Playcoin Asia is creating opportunities in the metaverse and NFTs. Proof-of-Stake (POS) is an additional development pipeline of Playcoin Asia, which allows community members to stake tokens and gain passive income or rewards. Community members can benefit extensively from POS while enjoying games via the P2E model.

Gamers Hideout CEO Eddy Yap said:
â€œThe Gamers Hideout and Playcoin Asia partnership will be spectacular. We believe that Playcoinâ€™s expertise in Blockchain technology, and experiences in developing blockchain digital assets and platforms will be very helpful in building LEETGuild. This will lead our existing gaming community, customers, and even new gamers into an innovative chapter of gaming.â€
NFTs and the metaverse remain to be unproven and suspicious new technology that is regarded as scams by many. Gamers Hideout has also had other dubious business practices in the past, including the PS5 pre-order debacleÂ in 2020 and when they accused a customer of stealingÂ several years ago.


Jared Leto Has Just Found Out About The Covid-19 Pandemic

While the Covid-19 pandemic is dominating our news, there are still some who are unaware of it. The guests on Big Brother, for instance, are largely shut-off from updates about the outside world.
And until recently, Jared Leto had no idea about the current coronavirus situation either, thanks to his long meditation session.
In an Instagram post, the actor and songwriter explained that he had been in “silent meditation in the desert” for 12 days.
“We were totally isolated. No phone, no communication, etc. We had no idea what was happening outside the facility,” he wrote.
“Walked out yesterday into a very different world. One that’s been changed forever. Mind-blowing – to say the least.”

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by JARED LETO (@jaredleto)

Leto’s latest film, Morbius, is due for a 31 July 2020 release. A Twitter user noted that the Spanish release date had been pushed to 7 August 2020, but the worldwide release for the anti-hero movie seems to be the same for now. I won’t be surprised if that changes in the near future.
Despite having just learned about the pandemic, Leto has already issued some good advice that we should all heed, if possible. “Stay inside. Stay safe,” he wrote.


Cocaine Bear Is Hopped-Up Uneven Fun For Slasher Flick Fans

I’m an easy person to entertain when it comes to schlock films. You pass me a movie called Cocaine Bear, and I’m more or less sold on the idea on just the movie poster alone. Does director Elizabeth “Pitch Perfect 2” Banks, writer Jimmy Warden, and the production arm of Phil Lord and Christopher Miller do the title justice?
We can bear its weight, for sure.
Grizzling Feat

Inspired by true events from a 1985 news story, the movie is an exaggerated version of what actually happened. Instead of a dead bear, we get one that’s clearly coked up and addicted, to the point where it’ll attack anyone and anything in its way if it’s obstructing the white powder of life/death.
The major players-slash-potential victims set in a Georgia forest include Keri Russell playing Sari, a nurse-slash-mother looking for her lost kid (Brooklyn Prince), O’Shea Jackson Jr. as Daveed the drug dealer who brings his ex-colleague Eddie played by Alden Ehrenreich to retrieve the dropped cocaine bundles in the lost forest, a sheriff and a wildlife expert played respectively by Margo Martindale and Jesse Tyler Ferguson, a cop named Bob played by Isiah Whitlock Jr. with a slight fixation on his toy dog, and drug lord Syd Dentwood played by Ray Liotta in one of his last roles before his death mid last year.
Everyone here gets some equal screen time be it tense scenes involving the bear and grizzly, I mean grisly ursine-related deaths. Cocaine Bear doesn’t shy away from the gore, thankfully, and plays it up to eleven in many of its action and horror setpieces. My favourite kills involve an ambulance chase, someone getting mauled while atop a tree, and the waterfall-related climax. Characterization-wise, each role has enough to justify their spotlight and “death” send-off. I do like Eddie’s arc from being in mourning to taking charge of his life through a series of unfortunate bear-related events. Props should also go to kid actor Christian Convery as Henry, the little kid who tags along with Sari and also ended up getting some cocaine sniffs in early on while dishing some humourous lines only teens and adults would say. Somehow he’s grown on me throughout the mixed-up tale.
Bearable?

The biggest crux in this bear necessity of a niche-filler -a funny creature feature- is that it feels tonally unbalanced, as if its director doesn’t know what she’s aiming mid-production. I did laugh out loud at many of the predicaments, though some of the drama that came in felt stock and unnecessary. Perhaps it’s director Elizabeth Banks and writer Jimmy Warden who attempt to walk on the fine line of comedy and horror like your Tucker Dale vs. Evil type films mixed in with Lock, Stock, And Two Smoking Barrels-type hijinxes. It’s not a complete mess, but some jarring edits and awkward transitions just make the film feel rushed and unsure of its route.
Still, Cocaine Bear does what is advertised and nothing more: gives you awesome kills and set pieces, delivers some characters you might care about, and adds a bit of comedy that’s 50/50 in delivery and punchlines. If your expectations aren’t completely high for a premise with a simple title, you might grin and bear this.
Final Score: 60/100


Malaysian Oscar Winner Michelle Yeoh To Star In Star Trek Section 31 Movie

It was announced back in 2019 that Michelle Yeoh would be starring as the lead in her own Star Trek Section 31 series, but today, Paramount+ has announced that they have officially greenlit a Star Trek Section 31 movie.
In this special original movie event for Paramount+, Yeoh will return to her role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou, a character she first played in Star Trek Discovery. In Star Trek Section 31, Emperor Philippa Georgiou joins a secret division of Starfleet tasked with protecting the United Federation of Planets and faces the sins of her past. Produced by CBS Studios, production will begin later this year.
However, there is no release date yet.

In a statement, Michelle Yeoh said:
“I’m beyond thrilled to return to my Star Trek family and to the role I’ve loved for so long. Section 31 has been near and dear to my heart since I began the journey of playing Philippa all the way back when this new golden age of Star Trek launched. To see her finally get her moment is a dream come true in a year that’s shown me the incredible power of never giving up on your dreams. We can’t wait to share what’s in store for you, and until then: live long and prosper (unless Emperor Georgiou decrees otherwise)!”
Star Trek executive producer Alex Kurtzman said:
“All the way back in 2017, before the first season of Star Trek: Discovery had even aired, Michelle had the idea to do a spin-off for her character, Philippa Georgiou. She broke new ground as one of the first two women on screen in the pilot to usher in a new age of Trek, and now, six years later, Star Trek: Section 31 finally arrives on the heels of her latest groundbreaking win. Everyone on Team Trek couldn’t be more thrilled to have our legendary friend return home to us as we expand our storytelling into new and uncharted corners of the Trekverse. Long live Emperor Georgiou; long live Michelle Yeoh!”
Domenic DiMeglio, chief marketing officer and head of data at Paramount Streaming, said:
“We’re thrilled that Star Trek: Section 31 will be the next title in our Star Trek universe. Michelle Yeoh is an incomparable talent – she brought Emperor Georgiou to life in such an incredibly fun and nuanced way that the character immediately became a fan favorite. We’re so thrilled to welcome Michelle back to the Star Trek and Paramount+ family and can’t wait for fans to see what this special movie event has in store.”
Back in March 2023, our very own Tan Sri Dato’ Seri Michelle Yeoh made history by becoming the first Malaysian (and Asian woman) to win an Oscar or Academy Award. She won the Best Actress award for her role in Everything Everywhere All At Once at the 95th Academy Awards, or Oscars 2023.