Ubisoft Officially Reveals Free-To-Play Battle Royale Hyper Scape

Earlier this week, Ubisoft’s plans of a battle royale game of their own titled Hyper Scape were leaked online. Today, the developer/publisher has made it official; finally announcing the free-to-play battle royale FPS game to the world.
Hyper Scape is slated to release for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC sometime in summer 2020. However, PC players can look forward to the game’s limited and closed â€˜Technical Testâ€™ that will run from 2 July to 7 July 2020, with more â€˜phasesâ€™ to follow in the months and weeks nearing the full release.
The game is set in a VR world called the Hyper Scape, where 100 players split into three squads to compete for victory in a sport called Crown Rush. They can either win by being the last team standing, or by claiming a crown objective in the final phase of the match and holding onto it for 45 seconds.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RUZrAOQceJo&w=560&h=315]
Hyper Scape stands out from other battle royale games by taking place on an entirely urban map, which is littered with jump pads to allow for fast-paced and dynamic vertical movement.
Unlike other games, Hyper Scape is especially connected to Twitch, allowing spectators to exert a certain level of influence over games and earn rewards just by watching matches. During the aforementioned PC ‘Technical Test’, viewers will be able to vote on in-game events, such as giving all players unlimited ammo and more.
When the full game releases, viewers will also be able to unlock battle pass progression by watching streams of Hyper Scape and even join the squad of their favourite streamers.
According to IGN, the Hyper Scape PC ‘Technical Test’ features nine different weapons, nine â€˜hacksâ€™; special abilities such as teleporting and an invisibility cloak of sorts, and a 10-tier battle pass for free. Oh, and everything earned from it will be carried over into the full release of the game.
However, just like Riot Games’ Valorant, you’ll need more than a little luck to gain access. To get in and play during the ‘Technical Test’, you have to watch Hyper Scape streams on Twitch and wait for a random Twitch Drop. That’s the only way for now.

âš  WARNING âš
Please ensure your Twitch and Ubisoft accounts are properly linked for a chance at a Drop! pic.twitter.com/Zxt8NaXSKp
â€” Hyper Scape (@HyperScapeGame) July 2, 2020
In the meantime, check out the gameplay trailer for Hyper Scape below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a9qzP9q60ko&w=560&h=315]


New The Last Of Us HBO Trailer Teases Key Scenes From The 2013 Game

The latest teaser trailer for the HBO adaptation of the 2013 PlayStation game The Last of Us is out right now and shows off what’s to come.
The teaser below shows off Tess, Joel, and Ellie in the museum surviving against clickers, more bits with survivor Bill (Nick Offerman), the town Tommy (Gabriel Luna) makes his space in, and Henry and Sam.

The 9 episodes of the HBO show produced and written by Craig Mazin and Naughty Dog co-president Neil Druckman will cover the events of the first TLOU game and its expansion The Last of Us: Left Behind. New episodes will be out every Monday morning at 10am GMT+8. In the meantime, do check out the amazing opening credits sequence of The Last Of Us series, as well as our comparison video between the first episode and the early parts of the 2013 game.


Vici Gaming Wins Inaugural One Esports Dota 2 Singapore World Pro Invitational

The first-ever One Esports Dota 2 Singapore World Pro Invitational concluded on Sunday, 22 December 2019, with the grand finals taking place at the Singapore Indoor Stadium. Vici Gaming emerged victorious as champions after beating Evil Geniuses 3-0 in a best-of-five series to take home a whopping US$200,000 from the total US$500,000 prize pool.
One Esports CEO Carlos Alimurung said:

â€œI would like to congratulate Vici Gaming for winning the inaugural ONE Esports Dota 2 Singapore World Pro Invitational.
We had two objectives for the ONE Esports Dota 2 Singapore World Pro Invitational.
Firstly, we wanted to deliver an amazing competition experience for fans and players with extensive meet and greet sessions, cosplay, and online and in-stadium giveaways and contests.
Secondly, we wanted to showcase that Singapore, a country that in its short history has become a global tech and innovation hub, is a perfect place to host world-class esports events.
We resoundingly delivered on those objectives, and we look forward to hosting the ONE Esports Dota 2 Jakarta Invitational in April as well as the ONE Esports Singapore Major in June next year.â€

These are the One Esports Dota 2 World Pro Invitational Singapore final standings:

ONE Esports Dota 2 Singapore World Pro Invitational Champion (US$200,000)
Vici Gaming
2nd Place (US$100,000)
Evil Geniuses
3rd Place (US$60,000)
Gambit Esports
4th Place (US$50,000)
Alliance
5th-6th Place (US$25,000 each)
Team Secret, Virtus.pro
7th-8th Place (US$10,000 each)
Natus Vincere, TNC Predator
9th-12th Place (US$5,000 each)
Team Aster, J.Storm, PSG.LGD, Team Liquid

The next major One Esports Dota 2 tournament will be the One Esports Dota 2 Jakarta Invitational, which will take place from 17 to 20 April 2020 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition (ICE) BSD in Indonesia.
In the meantime, check out more pictures from the One Esports Dota 2 Singapore World Pro Invitational below.


The Best Esports Games That Came Out In 2018

It’s the end of 2018 and already, there are a few competitive games to look out for that right now. These top competitive games came out this year and seem to show a lot of potential growth in the next few years.
Dragon Ball FighterZ

Let’s start with the most obvious entry this year: Arc System Works has done good for the fighting game community with this entry. A three-on-three 2D fighting game based on a long-standing manga/anime series. Players get to use heroes and villains like Goku and Cell respectively, form their three-man army, and then go to town in high-flying combo-centric projectile-heavy combat.
The battle for the best three-versus-three tag team hyper fighting game of 2018 is already over before it begun. Marvel vs Capcom Infinite, which was supposed to be the chosen one is getting the EVO 2018 sideline thanks to Bandai Namco and Arc System Worksâ€™ latest fighting game based on a legacy anime series.
The fights itself are fun to watch and involve a lot of skill to execute. The aesthetics and legacy of the Dragon Ball series is already well-received by gaming fans and Bandai Namco is still releasing new characters for the game, with fan favourites like the burly Broly and Gokuâ€™s father Bardock in the mix.
This game couldnâ€™t tank even if it tried its best. We wonâ€™t be shocked if this gameâ€™s highlights werenâ€™t on full display during this yearâ€™s EVO.
What Next?Â For all of its high points, the developers did not go about explaining some of the little nuances of the game. Even so, the game’s meta has devolved to players just using the popular Saiyans – Goku & Vegeta-, Cell, and one other character like Android 16 to round up their 3-man/cyborg team.
PUBG

Last yearâ€™s sleeper hit is now a juggernaut title with streamers and pro gamers showing off their online escapades. With a South Korean event called the PUBG Asia Invitational encompassing a 100-PC LAN setup just for the game, the skyâ€™s the limit.
If organizers have the budget for it, they would be wise to attempt to recreate these kinds of large-scale tournaments for pro gamers to bring home chicken dinner. Since PUBG is also officially out on mobile, the global reach for the game will be even bigger than before!
What Next? A mode where the top 16 players can duke it out on a custom map. While a 100-man battle royale is fun, itâ€™s rather hard for non-rich tournament organizers to bring in a 100 PCs in a suitable space. For logisticâ€™s sake, BlueHole Studio Inc. needs to make a tournament-savvy mode along with a tournament-savvy map.
The gameâ€™s graphics, anti-cheat system, and stability need a lot of work if it wishes to compete in the small-but-still-competitive Battle Royale field. Speaking of which…
Fortnite
This cartoony battle royale game is noteworthy on the esports “to watch” list because Epic Games is expanding Fortniteâ€™s accessibility. The gameâ€™s freemium economy means that people who do not want to fork out US$30 or more on PUBG can at least play this as an alternative and get the hang of the controls and action.
Fortnite is also available on mobile devices (iOS and Android) and features crossplay between devices as well. Players can use their same account to play on PC, consoles and mobile. Really, this game is so accessible, we would be surprised if this isnâ€™t a public transport time waster staple by the end of 2018.
What Next? Epic Games just has to make sure that the mobile port is sustainable in the long run and keep an eye on PUBG, nothing else.
Call of Duty Black Ops 4

Speaking of battle royale killers, Black Ops 4’s Blackout mode is arguably the best version of an already-saturated genre. To quote our review from our own Kenn Leandre:
Any game that can convert a non-fan of a particular genre into a believer deserves special recognition. That was exactly what Blackout mode in Activisionâ€™sÂ Call of Duty: Black Ops 4Â has done for me. […]
[This is] is by far the most complete battle royale game in the market right now.
The gunplay is tight. The map itself is varied. The weapon selection and class system is expansive. Treyarch has done well in making an already worn-out genre feel fresh again with that triple-A touch and gameplay improvements from past Call of Duty games.
Even if we don’t include Blackout, the group-based class-based multiplayer modes here warrant further exposure into the esports scene.
What’s Next? Well, the MLG has something going on with Black Ops 4. The only thing this big game need is exposure, a willing community & group of people to keep the shooting scene going, and just more grassroots support.
SoulCalibur VI

The SoulCalibur series needs an entry that caters to the old school fans as well as new players who are enamoured by shiny sword-based combat. SoulCalibur VI has done exactly that since its release.Â
It introduces the easy to learn and tough to master mechanics and along with new mechanics like Reversal Edge and Soul Charges. The former is a special attack that auto-parries oncoming combos that put an enemy in a neutral state where a minigame of “Rock Paper Scissor” SoulCalibur-style determines the outcome. The latter is the game’s version of Killer Instinct’s Instinct mode and Street Fighter V’s V-Trigger: it gives your character temporary benefits and additional attacks that help cover their playstyle’s weakness.
It also has a huge cast of characters with varying playstyles like the beginner-friendly Sophitia to the dual fighting style weapon shenanigans of the barely dressed Ivy Valentine. Bandai Namco probably does not want Tekken 7 to hog the esports 3D fighting game limelight, so perhaps branching out with a game with very different 3D fighting mechanics can help add more colour to the scene.
What Next? Bandai Namco needs to keep up with their character reveals and showcase a playable build of the game during this yearâ€™s Evolution Championship Series tournament (EVO). With enough buzz and hype to it, new and old 3D fighting game players will definitely jump on to the SoulCalibur bandwagon.


The Spring 2020 Anime Simulcast Guide [Updated]

*Four more titles have been added to the article following Muse Asia’s announcement on 3 April.
**Two titles from Ani-One and two from dimsum have been added.
***No Guns Life has been postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and thus will not be airing on Muse Asia this season. Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater will be postponed after the third episode.
The Spring 2020 season is here, which means a new bunch of anime simulcasts! Here, we’ll be looking at the legal Spring 2020 simulcasts that will be available in Malaysia. But first, a couple of notes.
You’ll notice that a lot of shows are being simulcasted on Aniplus Asia and Muse Asia. In the case of Aniplus, whose shows we access through Astro GO, not all of its titles are guaranteed to be available here. I’ll update the article if necessary once the shows start airing but for now, assume that the Aniplus simulcasts are tentative (update: all the shows are available).
For Muse Asia, the YouTube channel says that they’re trying to add more simulcast titles. I’ll update this article if and when they announce them. Similarly, I’ll keep an eye out for any Amazon Prime Video announcements, should there be any.
Without further ado, let’s have a look at what Malaysians can look forward to this anime season!
Sing “Yesterday” For Me

Premiere date: 5 April 2020
Genre: Drama
Where to watch: Ani-One YouTube Channel
Production Studio: Doga Kobo
Is it an adaptation: Based on a manga series
What’s it about:Â Rikuo Uozumi is a college graduate with no ambition or direction in life. Instead, he lives out his simple life as a part-time convenience store worker.
One day, he meets an eccentric girl, Haru Nonaka, who walks around with a crow. Then, his former college mate and crush Shinako Morinome, who is now a high school teacher, returns. What will happen to his life now?
Sakura Wars: The Animation

Premiere date: 3 April
Genre: Mecha, Sci-Fi, Music
Where to watch: Ani-One YouTube Channel
Production Studio: Sanzigen
Is it an adaptation: Based on a video game
What’s it about:Â Steampunk mecha meets idols in historical Japan. The anime’s story, as translated by DualShockers, revolves around the Imperial Combat Revue Flower Division. One day, their captain Seijuro Kamiyama returns from his assignment in Europe with Clara, the sole survivor of the Moscow Combat Revue.
Clara joins the Imperial Combat Revue Flower Division, which was led by Sakura Amamiya in Seijuro’s absence. Soon, people claiming to be the Moscow Combat Revue show up, leading to a new battle.
Gleipnir

Premiere date: 5 April
Genre: Action, Supernatural, Ecchi
Where to watch: dimsum entertainment website
Production Studio: Pine Jam
Is it an adaptation: Based on a manga
What’s it about:Â Kodansha Comics calls the manga a “dark and sexy body-horror action” experience. It’s about a high school kid who discovers the power to turn into, to quote Kodansha, “an oversized revolver and a zipper down his back”. He saves a girl from a fire with this power, and she now wants to use him to seek revenge for her family, who was killed by her sister.
Bungo and Alchemist – Gears of Judgement

Premiere date: 4 April
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Where to watch: dimsum entertainment website
Production Studio: OLM
Is it an adaptation: Based on a game
What’s it about: Books by famous Japanese authors are being affected by an evil force known as Taints. Writers who have been reborn with special powers delve into these books to do battle with the Taints and defend literature.
Tower of God

Premiere date: 2 April 2020
Genre: Action, Fantasy
Where to watch: Aniplus Asia (via Astro GO)
Production Studio: Telecom Animation Film
Is it an adaptation: Based on a manhwa series
What’s it about: An adaptation of a Korean manhwa, which Crunchyroll describes as the “closest WEBTOON has to a Naruto or Bleach-sized hit shonen comic”. The synopsis on Webtoon is pretty vague, but Crunchyroll (who partnered up with Webtoon last October) has a more detailed description:

“If you climb the tower, you will get everything. At the top of the tower, there is everything in the world, and you can get this world……become a God.
This is a story about the beginning and end of Laheru, a girl who climbs the tower to see stars, and Yoru, a boy who doesn’t need anything if he can have her.”

Kakushigoto

Premiere date: 2 April 2020
Genre: Comedy, Slice-of-Life
Where to watch: Aniplus Asia (via Astro GO)
Production Studio: Ajia-do Animation Works
Is it an adaptation:Â Based on a manga series
What’s it about: Main character Kakushi Goto draws manga for a living, but there’s a problem. You see, the guy draws raunchy manga, and there’s no way he can let his young daughter Hime find out about that. Despite the comedy tag, the trailer also gives off the impression of a heart-warming family story.
There’s also some wordplay going on with the title. In the trailer, one of Hime’s lines mentions “kakushigoto” twice, but the first “kakushigoto” means secret while the second one refers to Kakushi’s, to use a literal translation, “drawing job”.
Princess Connect! Re: Dive

Premiere date: 7 April 2020
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
Where to watch: Aniplus Asia (via Astro GO)
Production Studio: CygamesPictures
Is it an adaptation:Â Based on a mobile game
What’s it about: A young guy called Yuuki ends up in the fantasy land of Astraea, with memories of his past life forgotten. There, he meets a guide who looks after him, a swordswoman who’s always hungry, and a cat-eared spellcaster. “Led by fate, these four come together to form the “Gourmet Guild,” reads Aniplus’ synopsis (via Anime News Network).
The anime is an adaptation of Cygame’s mobile game of the same name, which was a sequel to the now-defunct Princess Connect!. KonoSuba and Is This A Zombie? director Takaomi Kanasaki is at the helm.
The House Spirit Tatami-chan

Premiere date: 10 April 2020
Genre: Comedy, Supernatural
Where to watch: Aniplus Asia (via Astro GO)
Production Studio: Zero-G
Is it an adaptation:Â Original anime
What’s it about: “Horror gag” anime involving a “foul-mouthed but cute house spirit”, according to Aniplus. Aniplus’s synopsis (via Anime News Network again) describes the show:
‘Cute, but sharp-tongued!!
Amidst new Reiwa Era, the peculiar but cute new heroine “Tatami-chan” is busy taking on the spirits, demons, and even humans that reside in the metropolitan city of Tokyo…!
The horror gag comedy that spells “Rensuke Oshikiri” begins now!’
My Next Life As A Villainess: All Routes Lead To Doom!

Premiere date: 10 April 2020
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance, Fantasy
Where to watch: Animax (via Astro and Astro GO)
Production Studio: Silver Link
Is it an adaptation:Â Based on a light novel series
What’s it about: It’s an isekai, albeit one where the heroine discovers that she’s been transported into an otome game after hitting her head and recovering her memories.
In the game, she’s Catrina, the daughter of Duke Claes. Unfortunately, Catrina is the villainess of the game, with all of the game’s routes resulting in the character’s death or exile. The heroine now has to find a way to change her fate.
Woodpecker Detective’s Office

Premiere date: 14 April 2020
Genre: Mystery
Where to watch: Animax (via Astro and Astro GO)
Production Studio: Liden Films
Is it an adaptation: Based on a novel
What’s it about: Based on a mystery novel, the show is set in 1909 and features fictionalized versions of the poet Taokuboku Ishikawa and linguist Kyosuke Kindaichi.
In this story, Takuboku runs a private detective agency. He teams up with Kyosuke to investigate a supposed haunting at the now-demolished Ryounkai skyscraper, also known as the Asakusa Junikai.
Gundam Build Divers Re:RISE 2nd Season

Premiere date: 9 April 2020
Genre: Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi
Where to watch: GundamInfo YouTube channel
Production Studio: Sunrise Beyond
Is it an adaptation:Â Original anime
What’s it about: In the ending of the first season, a beam fired by an orbital satellite unexpectedly impacts the real world. With this development, protagonist Hiroto Kuga and his teammates discover that their battles may be more than just a game.
Now, it’s time for the Build Divers to reunite with their new Gunpla. Ahead of them, there are mysteries to uncover, people to find and save, and one more mission on Eldora that must be completed.
A3! Season Spring & Summer

Premiere date: 7 April 2020
Genre: Music
Where to watch: Muse Asia YouTube Channel
Production Studio: P.A. Works and Studio 3Hz
Is it an adaptation: Based on a mobile game
What’s it about: Based on a smartphone game, the anime is about Izumi Tachibana, a girl who takes over an all-male theatre called Mankai Company while searching for her father. The theatre has seen better days, as it only has one remaining member and is in debt when Izumi becomes its new owner. It’s up to her to rebuild the troupe and restore glory to the Mankai Company.
The first three episodes of the anime originally premiered during the Winter 2020 season, but Anime News Network reported that scheduling issues that were worsened by the COVID-19 outbreak caused the rest to be delayed to April.
Ascendance of a Bookworm Season 2

Premiere date: 5 April 2020
Genre: Fantasy, Slice-of-Life
Where to watch: Muse Asia YouTube Channel
Production Studio: Ajia-Do
Is it an adaptation:Â Based on a light novel series
What’s it about: A continuation of the adventures of Myne. Originally a book-loving college girl called Urano Motosu, she dies from an accident before fulfilling her goal of becoming a librarian. With that, she reincarnates in another world as five-year-old Myne.
Myne still has a love for reading, but the world she’s now in has a low literacy rate and doesn’t have many books. Books in this world cost a ton of money, so she decides to make her own books and continue striving to become a librarian.
ARGONAVIS from BanG Dream!

Premiere date: 11 April 2020
Genre: Music
Where to watch: Muse Asia YouTube Channel
Production Studio: Sanzigen
Is it an adaptation:Â Based on a mobile game
What’s it about: You’ve probably heard of BanG Dream!, the mobile game-based anime about a group of girls who form a band. This is basically the boy version.
Main character Ren Nanahoshi isn’t good at communicating, but he can’t forget the way he felt when he saw a live performance during his younger days. One day, as he’s singing karaoke alone, he’s discovered by two other boys. While Ren initially flees after being asked to form a band with them, fate has other plans for him.
Arte

Premiere date: 4 April 2020
Genre: Historical, Drama
Where to watch: Muse Asia YouTube Channel
Production Studio: Seven Arcs
Is it an adaptation: Based on a manga series
What’s it about: Set in 16th century Firenze, Italy, the story follows Arte; a noble girl and an aspiring artist. But while this may be the Renaissance era, Arte faces a problem: art was a male profession during this time, and women would face discrimination.
Of course, Arte won’t be so easily dissuaded. Despite the opposition she faces, she remains determined to achieve her dreams.
Gal & Dinosaur

Premiere date: 5 April 2020
Genre: Comedy, Slice-of-Life
Where to watch: Muse Asia YouTube Channel
Production Studio: Kamikaze Douga, Space Neko Company
Is it an adaptation: Based on a manga series
What’s it about: A gyaru called Kaede finds a dinosaur and ends up sharing her room with it. If that wasn’t bizarre enough, the dinosaur “eats human food, watches TV, and even enjoys being fashionable”, according to Anime News Network. The story follows their life together.
Shachibato! President, It’s Time for Battle!

Premiere date: 6 April 2020
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Comedy
Where to watch: Muse Asia YouTube Channel
Production Studio: C2C
Is it an adaptation:Â Based on a mobile game
What’s it about:Â The show follows the story of a company in a fantasy land. Said company engages in dungeon exploration, monster subjugation, and treasure collection, while also seeking to expand. It’s based on a mobile RPG where players take the role of a company’s boss and employ heroes to deal with monster-infested dungeons.
Shironeko Project

Premiere date: 6 April 2020
Genre: Fantasy, Action
Where to watch: Muse Asia YouTube Channel
Production Studio:Â project No.9
Is it an adaptation: Based on a mobile game
What’s it about: Another mobile game adaptation. Here’s the synopsis:
“Based on the popular mobile game Rune Story, a young hero joins a party of travellers along with a talking white cat on a fantastic journey to a cluster of mysterious islands. But after arriving at the isle’s ruins, one of the adventures becomes corrupted by darkness. Afraid that the balance between light and darkness will be broken, the party race to find the Seven Great Runes before it’s too late!”
Diary of Our Days at the Breakwater (Postponed after Episode Three)

Premiere date: 7 April 2020
Genre: Slice-of-Life
Where to watch: Muse Asia YouTube Channel
Production Studio: Doga Kobo
Is it an adaptation: Based on a manga series
What’s it about: Hina Tsurugi moves to the countryside, where she plans to join a handicraft club and have a fun high school life. However, a chance meeting with Yuki Koirowa leads to her joiningÂ the Breakwater Club, whose activities revolve around fishing.
Based on the trailer, this is going to be another chill, high-school-club-themed “cute girls doing cute things” anime.
No Guns No Life Season 2 (Postponed)

Premiere date: 10 April 2020
Genre: Sci-Fi, Action
Where to watch: Muse Asia YouTube Channel
Production Studio: Madhouse
Is it an adaptation: Based on a manga series
What’s it about:Â A continuation of No Guns Life, which first aired back in October 2019. The show is set in a future where modified humans known as Extended live among regular humans.
Main character Inui Juzo is an Over-Extended with a revolver for a head. He’s also a Processor, who deals with problems involving other Extended. Things get interesting when he meets TetsurÅ Arahabaki, a boy with the power to control Extended, and who is on the run from the powerful BerÃ¼hen Corporation.


Anime Composer & Pianist Ai Kamachi Passed Away At 48

Composer and pianist Ai Kamachi has passed away on 30th May according to a Twitter post from sound engineer & associate Tatsuo “nagie” Nagami. She was 48.
Kamachi’s work includes being part of the music duo group ANANT-GARDE EYES together with nagie. Below are their most-renowned works in anime history, featuring cool piano and dance music ensembles that’ll make any music rhythm gaming fan weep with joy.

Gunslinger Girl: II Teatrino – “doll” with singer Lia

Clannad After Story’s OP – “Toki o Kizamu Uta”, also with singer Lia

Angel Beats!’s OP – “My Soul, Your Beats”, with Lia

Mekaku City Actors – “Daze/Days” by Jin feat. Lia

You’ll be missed, Ai Kamachi.


2K Games’ The Quarry Can Play Itself As A Film; Here’s How

Recent hands-on previews of the upcoming interactive horror game The Quarry, made by developer Supermassive Games, show off some nice scares and a nifty feature for non-gaming fans.
Horror fans can turn on the game’s Movie Mode, where the entire game plays out like an 8-hour movie with no gameplay. The catch is you have to predetermine the personalities of the playable characters beforehand via the Director’s Chair option. You can alter the moods of each of the characters, from how they fight/flight or how they converse and explore their surroundings. You can also flip the switch to determine whether the whole cast lives or dies.
Here’s how the option pans out (via ResetEra and IGN):

https://giant.gfycat.com/ElaborateBackDove.mp4

The Quarry will be out for PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PS4, and PS5 on 10th June. The game features renowned actors and actresses such as David Arquette, Siobhan Williams, Lance Henriksen, Ted Raimi, Ariel Winter, Ethan Suplee, and Justice Smith.


Remnant: From The Ashes Gets New DLC & Survival Mode

Last year’s looter shooter Remnant: From The Ashes is a pretty cool co-op game with escalating challenges that will remind players of RPGs like Dark Souls. Fans of the game should be thankful that developer Gunfire Games is still keeping the game alive and ticking with its upcoming DLC, “Swamps of Corsus”.
The new DLC will add a bunch of new content including a Survival Mode, which turns the game into a roguelike but in a third-person shooting perspective. Official description and trailer below:

“Those brave enough to take on this intense permadeath challenge will travel randomly through corrupted World Stones to different biomes seeking epic new rewards, all the while fighting to survive against insanely difficult bosses and enemies.”

The titular Corsus will be getting a revamp, including new dungeons, bosses, enemies, weapons, and mods. Getting this update will cost you US$10; it’ll be out 28th April.


Has The PlayStation 5 Been Jailbroken Yet? Seems Likely

All signs seem to point to “yes” if recent reports are of any indication.
A limited but working jailbreak for the PlayStaiton 5 hardware has reportedly been released. This will enable players to install unsigned or unofficial software. Yes, that means you can install the long-lost P.T. demo from the PS4 days before #fuckkonami happened. This was proven in a video from modder Lance McDonald; he was renowned for releasing an unofficial patch that made Bloodborne run at 60fps on PS4. Basically a worldwide hero.

It's… beautiful.
The PlayStation 5 has been jailbroken. pic.twitter.com/54fvBGoQGw
— Lance McDonald (@manfightdragon) October 3, 2022

The watermark on the right indicates that Lance himself didn’t discover the PS5 jailbreak, though he was fine sharing footage across the internet. The jailbreak gives users access to a debug menu, as well as install a PS4 PKG file. This allowed him to install the P.T. demo.
Before you can start panicking/celebrating, just know this: the jailbreak’s capacity is limited to PS5 consoles with firmware version 4.03, which was released in October 2021. Odds are PS5s that are up to date cannot run the damn thing. The jailbreak app only works 30% of the time, and requires multiple attempts to execute.
Of course, this means that Sony and PlayStation will be on some level of alert; hackers and modders do work really fast and can evolve their tech over a good span of time. Just because.


Studio Ghibli Music Composer Joe Hisaishi To Perform In Singapore Next February

If you love the music to classic anime films like Spirited Away and Castle In The Sky, you’ll get the chance to hear it live next year in Singapore.
Joe Hisaishi, the man behind all of Studio Ghibli’s music and the Ni No Kuni games, will be having his own concert on 21st and 22nd of February 2020 down south at the Esplanade Concert Hall for two nights. He will be working with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra on a 2-hour session. He will be doing the following compositions:

The East Land Symphony.
Woman for piano and strings: Woman, Ponyo, and Les Aventuriers.
Spirited Away Suite.

Sounds good? Tickets will be on sale 21st September at 9am GMT+8, and will cost you between SG$98 to SG$398. Folks withÂ  SSO Friends Season Passes will be entitled to the priority sales which is going on from now until 20th September. Get more info here if this sounds like your cultured cup of tea.


Call Of Duty Mobile Garena Season 3 Adds Snoop Dogg & More

Call Of Duty Mobile Garena adds a new map, Miami Strike, where players will be welcomed by golden beaches along Miami’s sunny coast. In addition to a brand new map, players can expect a new character, new missions, epic rewards and more in Call Of Duty Mobile Garena.

Players can step into the 80s with Call Of Duty Mobile Garena’s  new season – ‘Radical Raid’. The latest season will bring a classic 80’s-themed battle with 80’s-themed content and collectibles for players to enjoy. A new game mode and updated clan wars are some of the many other changes CODM fans and players should take note of.
This season will also see further enhancements to Call Of Duty Mobile Garena’s multiplayer experience. The new Miami Strike map will not only provide players with fresh memorable experiences, but also tons of rewards such as the new ‘MAC-10’ weapon and new ‘Reactor Core’ operator skill.
Fans of the D-O-Double-G are in for a special treat in the new Call Of Duty Mobile Garena Season 3. With the limited-time Snoop Dogg Lucky Draw happening right now, fans and players can get a chance to get their hands on an exclusive Snoop Dogg operator, gear, signature weapon and more.

Along with the new content, players with the Premium Battle Pass will get to enjoy playing as four epic characters with a brand new operator! New weapons have also been added to equip players for battle.
In the latest New Ranked Series: Season 2, players can get their hands on the all-new Epic PPsh-41 – Feline Fire, one of the crowd’s favorite submachine guns! Fan-favorite character Scarlett Rhodes – Gold Bullion will also be featured in the new ranked season. Players can also stand a chance to walk away with exciting in-game items and exclusive merchandise as they battle and climb up the ranks.
In the latest update, players can look forward to more game optimizations that will ensure smoother performance across all modes, weapon updates, and more.


Here’s What To Expect From Singapore Comic Con 2019

Southeast Asiaâ€™s ultimate celebration of the best of Western and Asian pop culture will be returning next month in less than two weeks. Singapore Comic Con 2019 is set to take place at the Marina Bay Sands – Sands Expo and Convention Centre from 7 to 8 December 2019.
Tickets are now available to purchase on the official website or on-site, with multiple categories of different prices to choose from.

Hereâ€™s what attendees can look forward to during the two days at the upcoming event:
Artist Alley

Attendees can discover an amazing showcase of work by both professional and amateur (local and international) artists. If you love unique trinkets, toys and art, or are looking for a special one-of-a-kind commissioned piece of art, this is the place to be at.
You can chat with these talented people and gain a better understanding behind the creativity of their artwork, or browse through the variety of creations and artworks on display.
Creative Space

Those who have an interest in cosplay photography, storytelling through comics or learning how to turn their hobby into a business can visit The Creative Space, filled with talks and knowledge-sharing sessions by SGCC guests and industry professionals.
All sessions are free, but seats are limited, so head on over here to register now and check out the schedule for all the sessions.
Championships Of Cosplay

While registration for the Championships Of Cosplay has already been closed, attendees can still check out the competition and check out the best cosplayers strutting their stuff.
Participants stand a chance to win attractive cash prizes and the champion will win a sponsored trip to represent SGCC in the grand finals at Chicago Comic & Entertainment Expo (C2E2) 2020 to battle it out with representatives from around the world.
Play! PokÃ©mon

Calling all PokÃ©mon trainers. You can take part in the PokÃ©mon Trading Card Game Special Event Championship and the PokÃ©mon Video Game Open (via Nintendo 3DS) at the Singapore Comic Con PokÃ©mon Special Event.
Organised by Maxsoft and Project EXT, grab this opportunity to become the master and earn up to 200 Championship points, which is one of the largest pay-outs in the PokÃ©mon Championship circuit!
Head on over here for details on how to join.
Exclusive Merchandise & Collectibles Galore

Attendees can check out the extensive collection of exclusive merchandise on showcase at Singapore Comic Con, with everything from comics and games to toys and collectibles, many of which are limited edition offerings at our show.
Head on over here for the ongoing list of exhibitors and their product offerings at SGCC 2019.
Exclusively for SGCC 2019, T-shirts designed by renowned guests will also available to purchase at SGD$29 each both online and on-site at the official merchandise store, including ones by New York-based award-winning artist Tara McPherson, Singaporean artist Muffinsaurs and Japanese artist Peach MoMoKo.

PVP Esports Competitions & Gaming

Attendees can witness their favourite players and teams compete in games such as Dota 2 and Mobile Legends at the PVP Esports event at Singapore Comic Con, as well as meet and connect with gaming influencers and streamers like Alodia, Biancake, SherlinTsu (Baby Shark) and more.
The PVP Community League Grand Finals will also take place exclusively at SGCC, with over 400 teams competing for the past several months. Catch teams such as Unstable Network from SIM, Serpentine and Holy from ITE Central, as well as regional teams like Team Teletubbies, Xavier and many more as they compete in this yearâ€™s finals at SGCC.
Oh, and team member of the two-time Dota 2 The International champions Red Bull OG, Topson, will be there in the flesh.

As the official esports presenter of SGCC 2019, PVP Esports will also feature global celebrity appearances, panel discussions, developer showcases and exclusive giveaways from the likes of Huawei, Secret Lab, Razer and more.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4NiNcnP0tyk&w=560&h=315]
Special Guests At SGCC 2019
Attendees will receive the opportunity to get up close and meet talented guests on SGCCâ€™s star-studded guest line-up from cosplayers to toymakers, gamers, illustrators and comic creators from Marvel, DC and other world-class publishers.
It’s a pretty massive lineup, so here are are some of the highlights:
Andy Kubert

Andy Kubert is a comic book artist veteran who started his comics career as a letterer at DC Comics in 1980. He is best known for his work at Marvel Comics, specifically the company’s X-Men titles.
Kubert has also collaborated with novelist Neil Gaiman on the Marvel 1602, a team of writers (Bill Jemas, Joe Quesada and Paul Jenkins) on the Origin limited series (which revealed the early history of Wolverine) and co-created the Damian Wayne AKA the son of Batman with the legendary Grant Morrison.
Donny Cates

Donny Cates is a comic book writer have worked (and are currently working) on a slew of projects at Marvel Comics, including Venom, Cosmic Ghost Rider, Death Of The Inhumans, Guardians Of The Galaxy, Silver Surfer Black, Thanos, and Doctor Strange.
His past non-Marvel works include God Country at Image Comics, a cosmic story set in the most non-cosmic setting possible; a farm in the middle of rural America.
Greg Capullo

Greg Capullo is a comic book artist veteran, who is best known for his 80-issue run on Image Comics’ Spawn with Todd McFarlane and highly-acclaimed Batman series for DC Comics with Scott Snyder, introducing famous new concepts like the Court Of Owls.
He is also the creator of The Creech, a sci-fi horror comic published by Image Comics, and has previously provided art for Blizzard Entertainmentâ€™s World of Warcraft franchise.
David Mack

David Mack is the Emmy-nominated author & artist of Kabuki, and a past writer of Marvel’s Daredevil. He has also created artwork for the opening titles of Captain America The Winter Soldier, Netflix’s Jessica Jones Netflix TV series, and more.
Mack has also directed popular music videos for Amanda Palmer and Dashboard Confessional, as well as recently completing a new creator-owned project with Brian Michael Bendis for DC comics called Cover. He is currently developing the live-action adaptation of KABUKI as a TV series with Sony.
Tara McPherson

Tara McPherson is an artist based in New York. Creating art about people and their odd ways, her characters exude idealized innocence with a glimpse of hard-earned wisdom in their eyes.
Some of her clients include Microsoft, Bulleit Bourbon, DC Comics, Warner Brothers, Swatch, Rayban, Cirque du Soleil, Kidrobot, SXSW, Pepsi, Fanta, 1800 Tequila, Trust Me Vodka, Gigantic Brewery, Goldenvoice, Penguin, Harper Collins, Bloomsbury, Revolver, Village Voice, Dogfish Head Brewery, and Nike.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tq1hR6tsA1Y&w=560&h=315]
Astarohime

Astarohime is one of the most popular cosplayers in Russia and the world. She’s been cosplaying for over 10 years and has more than a hundred costumes in her wardrobe.
Her best-known work is the cosplay of Trinity Blood artbooks by Thores Shibamoto. Cosplays, from sketches to the finest details, are made by Astarohime. That’s why Astarohime has been named the winner of over 50 cosplay contests in Russia, Europe and Asia.
Viva La Dirt League

Rowan Bettjeman, Alan Morrison and Adam King make up Viva La Dirt League. This trio from New Zealand merge their two loves of film making and video games to serve up at least three comedy sketch videos each week.
These include the RPG-inspired ‘Epic NPC Man’, ‘PUBG Logic’ based on the popular battle royale game, and their comedy series ‘Bored’ detailing the lives of a group of crazy retail workers.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tkYgybjt_Yg&w=560&h=315]

These are just a slice of everything awesome that’s waiting for you at SGCC 2019. For the complete list of guests and activities at the event, head on over here to the official website.


ROG Announce Local Pricings For New AMD Gaming Laptops

At long last, the highly anticipated gaming laptops coming out of ASUS Republic of Gamers (ROG) have finally been locally priced!
The ROG Flow X13, ROG Zephyrus Duo 16, ROG Zephyrus G15, and ROG Zephyrus G14 are now available in the Malaysia market and are fully equipped with AMD’s latest Ryzen 6000 Series processors, NVIDIA’s GeForce RTX 3080 Ti GPUs and AMD Radeon RX 6000S Series graphics to deliver the best performance.

ROG Flow X13 (2022)

This year’s version of the ROG Flow X13 has been updated to be powered by an AMD Ryzen 7 6800HS processor and NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3050 Ti laptop GPU.
Both ultra-light and slim for maximum portability, the Flow X13 boasts a 360° hinge allowing for a console-like gaming experience with a controller or as a drawing pad with its optional stylus for those digital artists out there. Furthermore, Gorilla Glass protects the touchscreen, which comes in both 4K 60Hz and 1080p 120Hz options for either ultra-crisp or ultra-smooth gaming. Despite the incredibly portable design, the Flow X13 still sports a robust port selection including HDMI, USB Type-A and Type-C, and our own XG Mobile interface for connecting to our ultra-portable family of external GPUs.
For those who aren’t as familiar, introduced in 2021 XG Mobile works as an external GPU adapter if you want to add an extra “oomph” to the Flow’s already impressive arsenal.

Model Name
Main Specifications Comparison
SRP

GV301R-ELI192W
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800HS
GPU: RTX™ 3050 Ti 4GB GDDR6
Panel: 13.4″ 4K60Hz 16:10
RAM: 32GB LPDDR5
Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD
Bundle: ROG Sleeve, ASUS Pen, ROG Impact Gaming Mouse, XG mobile (RX6850MXT)
RM13,999

GV301R-CLJ056W
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800HS
GPU: RTX™ 3050 4GB GDDR6
Panel: 13.4″ FHD 120Hz 16:10
RAM: 16GB LPDDR5
Storage: 512GB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD
Bundle: ROG Sleeve, ASUS Pen
RM6,599

ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 (2022)

The future is here, as shown with the ROG Zephyrus Duo 16 and ROG’s ScreenPad Plus as it adds a secondary screen for extra productivity real estate, streaming gameplay, or even controlling supported games such as Dying Light 2.
The ScreenPad Plus rises and slides back to meet the primary display as the laptop opens, thanks to a new 4-directional hinge.
 Compared to the previous generation, this closes the gap between the two displays, providing a nearly bezel-less experience for the best immersion.  Running Windows 11, this machine is powered by an AMD Ryzen 9 6980HX CPU and an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3080 Ti laptop GPU at 150W with Dynamic Boost for high-end horsepower, bolstered by an upgraded Liquid Metal Conductonaut Extreme that decreases CPU temperatures by 15 degrees compared to traditional thermal pastes.
The AAS Plus 2.0 air intake created by the raised secondary screen creates 30% more airflow above the fans, allowing these top-tier components to stay cool for better-sustained performance in games and creative apps. A MUX Switch ensures you get every frame possible in competitive scenarios.
On top of all of this, the Zephyrus Duo offers two groundbreaking panel choices for the main display and supports Dolby Vision in both choices. First is ROG’s new Nebula HDR, which has all the specs of ROG’s standard Nebula Display but with 512 Mini LED dimming zones, able to reach 1100 nits of peak brightness for stunning levels of contrast and colour. Boasting a refresh rate of 165Hz and is VESA Display HDR 1000 certified with a 100,000:1 contrast ratio.
Second, co-developed with BOE, is a brand-new ROG-exclusive display called a Dual Spec panel, which can switch between 4K 120Hz and Full HD 240Hz, allowing gamers can choose whether to prioritize resolution or framerate on a game-by-game or app-by-app basis. Pixel Acceleration Technology ensures lightning-fast upscaling in the Full HD mode, for crystal clear images at competitive framerates. Moreover, the device also comes with ROG’s NumberPad technology on the trackpad, a keyboard with 1.7mm of travel and per-key RGB, six speakers with Dual Force-Cancelling Woofers, Dolby Atmos, Hi-Res Audio, and two-way AI Noise Cancellation to round out ROG’s flagship for 2022.
Despite this much tech and two displays, the 2022 Zephyrus Duo 16 has a smaller footprint than the previous generation, fitting a 16-inch display into a chassis traditionally sized for 15” laptops.

Model Name
Main Specifications Comparison
SRP

GX650R-XLB199W
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX
GPU: RTX™ 3080 Ti 16GB GDDR6
Panel: Dual Spec 16″ 16:10 UHD 120Hz / FHD 240Hz
RAM: 64GB DDR5-4800
Storage: 2TB + 2TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 (RAID 0)
RM22,999

GX650R-WLO106W
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 9 6900HX
GPU: RTX™ 3070 Ti 8GB GDDR6
Panel: Mini LED 16″ 16:10 QHD 165Hz
RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800
Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0
RM15,999

ROG Zephyrus G14 & G15 (2022)

The critically-acclaimed ROG Zephyrus G14 is a powerful gaming machine in a stylish, ultra-portable form factor with a host of new improvements for 2022.
With Windows 11 onboard, an AMD Ryzen 9 Series processor and AMD Radeon RX 6000S Series mobile GPUs and also features a MUX Switch to deliver outstanding performance and the best possible framerates. ROG Intelligent Cooling with liquid metal and a custom vapour chamber ensures excellent sustained performance from these high-end components, while DDR5 RAM and a 1 TB PCIe SSD enable responsive multitasking across the system.
Available in Eclipse Gray or Moonlight White, the G14 has a sleek design for maximum portability featuring a Prismatic Logo nameplate with a holographic, reflective hue that’s sure to turn heads. The G14 is also one of the first ROG laptops to feature ROG’s brand-new Nebula display, which offers 120 Hz at QHD with 500 nits of peak brightness, 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 colour gamut, and a 3ms response time — with Dolby Vision, Adaptive-Sync, and Pantone validation for a stunning, colour-accurate experience that minimizes stuttering and tearing.
The display has been expanded to a 16:10 aspect ratio, which increases screen real estate without sacrificing portability since its small bezels offer a 91% screen-to-body ratio. Dolby Atmos, a 3D mic array with two-way AI Noise Cancelation, and blazing-fast WiFi 6E round out this portable powerhouse.

Model Name
Main Specifications Comparison
SRP

GA402R-KL8201W
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800HS
GPU: Radeon™ RX 6800S 8GB GDDR6
Panel: 14″ 16:10 QHD 120Hz
RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800
Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD
Bundle: ROG Chakram Core mouse, TYPE-C 100W AC Adapter
RM9,999

GA402R-JL8173W (Moonlight White)
GA402R-JL8174W (Eclipse Gray)
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800HS
GPU: Radeon™ RX 6700S 8GB GDDR6
Panel: 14″ 16:10 QHD 120Hz
RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800
Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD
Bundle: ROG Impact Gaming Mouse, TYPE-C 100W AC Adapter
RM8,499

Joining the G14 is the Zephyrus G15 with a host of upgrades for 2022. The G15 comes equipped with up to an AMD Ryzen 9 6900HS, and both sport up to an NVIDIA GeForce RTX 3070 Ti Laptop GPU.
Zephyrus G15 features the latest ROG improvements, including a dedicated MUX Switch for increased graphics performance, as well as DDR5 4800Mhz memory and Wi-Fi 6E support.

Model Name
Main Specifications Comparison
SRP

GA503R-WLN102W
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800HS
GPU: RTX™ 3070 Ti 8GB GDDR6
Panel: 15.6″ 16:10 QHD 240Hz
RAM: 32GB DDR5-4800
Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD
Bundle: ROG Chakram Core mouse, TYPE-C 100W AC Adapter
RM9,999

GA503R-MHQ138W (Moonlight White)
GA503R-MHQ139W (Eclipse Gray)
CPU: AMD Ryzen™ 7 6800HS
GPU: RTX™ 3060 6GB GDDR6
Panel: 15.6″ 16:10 QHD 165Hz
RAM: 16GB DDR5-4800
Storage: 1TB M.2 NVMe™ PCIe® 4.0 SSD
Bundle: TYPE-C 100W AC Adapter
RM7,999


Xbox & Bethesda’s First Livestream Of The Year Is Happening This Month

Xbox and Bethesda have announced that they will present a Developer_Direct live stream on Thursday, 26 January 2023 at 4am GMT+8 (for Malaysia and other Southeast Asian countries), providing fans with an inside look at some of the games coming to Xbox, PC and Game Pass over the next few months.
You can tune in on Xbox channels (Twitch, YouTube) and Bethesda channels (Twitch, YouTube).
Presented by the game creators themselves from studios including Arkane Austin, Mojang Studios, Turn 10 Studios, and ZeniMax Online Studios, the Developer_Direct will focus on big features, extended gameplay showcases, and the latest info for Xbox games launching in the next few months, including The Elder Scrolls Online, Forza Motorsport, Minecraft Legends, and Redfall.
However, they have also confirmed that Starfield will not be featured in the live stream, as it will be getting its own standalone deep dive show. There is no date or timing window for this yet.
Confirmed games include:

The Elder Scrolls Online: Studio Director Matt Firor will unveil 2023’s major Chapter update, including the latest regions of Tamriel to become playable in ESO, as well as a major new feature coming in the game’s biggest update this year. The Developer_Direct will be immediately followed by the full, standalone ESO Chapter Reveal Event, hosted by Zenimax Online Studios, which will provide all the in-depth details ESO players will be keen to know.

Forza Motorsport: The team at Turn 10 Studios have been hard at work, bringing fans the next generation of Forza Motorsport, built from the ground up to take advantage of Xbox Series X|S. Forza Motorsport is back, and we can’t wait to share more gameplay and exciting new details.

Minecraft Legends: Mojang Studios will showcase an insider’s look into the PvP multiplayer experience in Minecraft Legends – the upcoming action-strategy game from the makers of Minecraft. Developed in partnership with Blackbird Interactive and launching this spring, don’t miss exclusive gameplay footage at the Developer_Direct.

Redfall: The minds behind Dishonored and Prey, Arkane Austin, will showcase several minutes of gameplay from their upcoming FPS. The Developer_Direct will reveal single and multiplayer gameplay, showing more of how you and your friends will take down bloodthirsty Vampires on the picturesque island of Redfall, Massachusetts. Fans can expect to learn more about combat, customization, bosses, the open world, and more.

Stay tuned for our coverage.


Kakuchopurei’s Best Of 2019: Slay The Spire

Let’s get one thing out of the way: I’m not a fan of digital card games.
When I saw some of my friends flocking towards games like Hearthstone and Magic: The Gathering Arena, I didn’t even feel slightly interested. When I first saw gameplay of Slay the Spire, I wasn’t impressed either.
Then I gave it a try and oh boy, I’m glad I did.

Slay the Spire is another one of those genre soup games. At its core, it’s a deck-building card game but it also has turn-based RPG and roguelike elements. It’s a strange combination that ends up working very well in building a captivating game.

The player’s objective is to climb up the titular Spire and attain the bountiful rewards found at the top. On your way up, you’ll meet a variety of interesting and challenging foes. Like most roguelikes, dying means you start from the beginning but you also keep some of the rewards you gained.

What truly makes Slay the Spire‘s deck-building addictive is the sheer simplicity of it. Don’t get me wrong, there’s depth in the game, especially when you get a good card engine and combo going with zero-cost cards.
I died a lot but each time I did, I learnt something new and it kept me wanting to go for another climb. That’s the price for climbing the spire: death, rewards, and insight on how to eventually break the game. It’s what the developers would have wanted.


Call of Duty: Modern Warfare Adds Gunfight Trios And Cabin Fever Playlist

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare has added some stuff to its multiplayer, including a playlist whose name is rather apt considering our current circumstances.

? Incoming Intel ? pic.twitter.com/Y1CblRZSmX
— Call of Duty (@CallofDuty) April 21, 2020

3v3 Gunfights were introduced earlier this year, but Gunfight Trios is a “single elimination bracket style tournament where you must best your opponents and come out on top out of 16 teams”. Basically, Gunfight Tournaments but 3v3.
Meanwhile, the Cabin Fever moshpit will center on 6v6 action in “small to medium” maps, in case you weren’t already feeling cabin fever from staying at home. A variety of modes including deathmatch will be included, as well as maps like Rust, Shipment, Shoot House, Hideout, and Hackney Yard.
There’s also be a new Operator called Ronin, who’s an “ex-Special Forces Operative and master of multiple fighting systems”, as well as the Fool’s Gold II and Toxic Ooze weapon bundles. Cranked, a Team Deathmatch variant where you have to kill someone every 30 seconds or blow up, returns too.
Check out the Activision blog for the full details. For more on Call of Duty’s recent mode and how it’s dealing with cheaters these days, head here.Â


Riot Games Announces Valorant Champions Tour Game Changers Program

Riot Games has announced the Valorant Champions Tour (VCT) Game Changers program, a new initiative that will supplement the competitive season by creating new opportunities and exposure for marginalized genders within the game. Game Changers will be a year-long effort to build a Valorant Champions Tour that is more representative of the diversity of the Valorant community.Â Â
Riot Games Senior Esports Director Whalen Rozelle said:
â€œGame Changers will provide tournaments and development programs for women who want to take their game beyond competitive ladder play.
With Valorant esports, we’re committed to fostering an inclusiveÂ  environment for competition and creating safe opportunities for women to compete withoutÂ  fear of identity or gender-based harassment.â€Â Â
Game Changers will consist of two core competitive initiatives, the VCT Game Changers Series and the VCT Game Changers Academy. The VCT Game Changers Series is a set of top tier competitions that will take place around the world during the course of 2021.
These events, and their prize pools, will be similar in scale to last yearâ€™s Ignition Series tournaments, with the first event scheduled for late March for North American competitors hosted by Nerd Street Gamers.
The VCT Game Changers Academy program will host monthly tournaments, giving players even more opportunities to compete at the semi-pro and grassroots level. Academy events will be organized in partnership with GALORANTs, one of the largest communities within Valorant.
GALORANTs previously helped organize the â€œFor the Women Summer Showdownâ€ tournament in September 2020. Both the VCT Game Changers Series and Academy will help build the next generation of leaders who aspire to succeed with the competitive VALORANT community.
Valorant Executive Producer Anna Donlon said:
â€œCompeting in games as a woman can be a daunting task, oftentimes resulting in a very real competitive disadvantage.
While weâ€™reÂ  addressing this challenge in-game, with improvements to chat, voice communications, and mitigation of griefing, we also see an opportunity to take another step with esports.â€Â Â
Valorant quickly established itself as a fan-favourite among the global first-person shooter community after launching its closed beta in April 2020. The game made history on its first day, breaking viewership records with 34 million hours-watched in a single day, and surpassing 1.7Â  million peak concurrent viewers, a peak concurrent record second only to Riot Gamesâ€™ 2019Â  League Of Legends World Championship Finals.
Over the course of Valorantâ€™s two-month beta testing period, an average of nearly 3 million players logged on each day to play. Fans also demonstrated their enthusiasm for the shooter by watching more than 470 million hours of ValorantÂ closed beta streams on Twitch, the worldâ€™s leading service and community for multiplayer entertainment, and Korean video-streaming service AfreecaTV.Â
[videopress P4GChvcd]


Samsung Smart Monitor Merdeka Promo Nets You A Free Keyboard

It’s Merdeka season for Malaysians and Samsung has a special promo to celebrate the occasion. You can get a free Smart Keyboard Trio 500 with your purchase of a Samsung Smart Monitor during their Merdeka promo that runs from now until 30 September 2021 by heading to this link: https://www.samsung.com/my/offer/staystrongmsia2021/monitorÂ

The newest lineup of Samsung Smart Monitors makes daily tasks and entertainment more accessible in one single device. It brings your device connectivity to a higher level. You can access your PC via your Smart Monitor as long as both devices are signed in to the same Samsung account.
Conversely, the Smart Monitor has multiple USB ports for you to connect various devices without needing an additional adapter, and the M7 even has a USB-c port for greater convenience. With Auto Source Switch+, the monitor will automatically switch to the corresponding input source once you connect your device to save you searching around for the correct one.
Entertainment is brought a step up with the Smart Monitor as well. It can be used as a standalone device without being connected to any external sources, like the Smart TV apps, for example. You can enjoy your favourite K-drama or laugh at the latest rom-com on Netflix, YouTube, and Apple TV with a single click.
Long-term viewings are more comfortable with Adaptive Picture that adjusts the screen brightness and colour temperature accordingly, and the in-built safeguard protects your eyes from harmful blue light emission. The monitor even comes with a remote control for easier browsing and the built-in speakers give you a full auditory experience as well, all in one device.
You can check out the Samsung Smart Monitor 43â€ flagship M7 here: https://www.samsung.com/my/monitors/smart-monitor/smart-m7-43-inch-smart-tv-apps-ls43am702uexxs/;
Samsung Smart Monitor 43â€ flagship M7.
Or the Samsung Smart Monitor 27â€ M5 in crisp white here: https://www.samsung.com/my/monitors/smart-monitor/smart-m5-27-inch-smart-tv-apps-white-ls27am501nexxs/.Â
Samsung Smart Monitor 27â€ M5.


Rogue Legacy 2 Heirloom Guide: How To Find Them All

Rogue Legacy 2 is out of early access and is in its full version right now. The game still features the best 2D search action/metroidvania-style gameplay you’ve loved in the original, but just more improved and beefed up.
Rogue Legacy 2 also introduces Heirlooms, which are artifacts that grant unique abilities that are required to access certain areas of the game, much like unlocked skills in your search action game of choice. You only get Heirlooms by completing the challenge chambers featured in each biome.
Keep in mind that the same chamber(s) will be found in one biome, but the spawn point within each biome is randomized. Once you find it, these Heirloom chambers are marked on the map with a bright orange candle. Here’s a full list of all the Heirlooms.
Rogue Legacy 2 Heirloom Location Guide
Aesops’ Tome
One of the first two Heirlooms you can find in the first biome, Citadel Agartha. The Aesop’s Tome allies you to read Memories as well as disable Nightmares; the latter are turrets that shoot projectiles at players when they use an attack.
Beating this Heirloom chamber is not easy. You have to navigate through various levels defeating any enemies that show up. In some rooms, you’ll be able to disable the Nightmares and take out the enemies before they reactivate. But in other rooms, you’ll be forced to fight enemies and dodge the Nightmares at the same time. Don’t be surprised if you die on your first attempt at getting this Heirloom.
Ananke’s Shawl
The other Heirloom in Citadel Agartha. This Heirloom gives you the ability to air dash. You need this Heirloom to access the first boss Estuary Lamech.
Finding this Heirloom is easy, and its chamber is easier to deal with than the Aesop’s Tome chamber. You just need to go through a couple of platforming sequences that require you to use air dashes and spin kicks, sometimes one after the other. With some practice, you can get through this even on your first attempt.
Echo’s Boots
Found in the second biome Axis Mundi. These boots enhances the Spin Kick by turning it into an Echo Kick. Echo Kicks can bounce off glowing platforms, and resets your air dash when used successfully.
Complete the chamber located through the door above the biome’s opening room to find the chamber to this Heirloom. Reaching this door requires Ananke’s Shawl. Once you’ve entered the door, make your way to the top of the castle by using Spin Kicks to gain height. Once that is done, drop off the left side of the castle while holding right. You should land next to the chamber’s entrance.
This Heirloom Chamber requires you to use Echo Kick to progress through the room; you’ll just be going through a number of platforming sequences to win it.
Aether’s Wings
Found in the third biome Kerguelen Plateau. Gives you the double jump ability, which is pretty important in getting through most of Rogue Legacy 2.
The biome is all the way to the right of the map after completing Axis Mundi. The chamber for this Heirloom is made up of difficulty platforming segments and also some combat rooms featuring enemies that hit over 100 damage. You will die quite a bit here, so don’t feel too bad if this is your umpteenth attempt.
Pallas’ Void Bell
Found in the fourth biome Stygian Study. Gives you the Void Dash, which is a better Air Dash that can be cancelled and lets you pass through Void objects.
You need Aether’s Wings to access the fourth biome. The Heirloom chamber here mixes platforming challenges with enemy combat rooms. You need to use Void Dashes and Jump Kicks properly to get past these.
Theia’s Sun Lantern
Found in the fifth and last biome, Pishon Dry Lake. This Heirloom omits a light around you, which is important for the final biome since it’s pitch black all the way through.
To find this Heirloom, you need to beat The Sun Tower’s final boss, the Estuary Irad, and head to the lake below Citadel Agartha. Near the entrance, you’ll find a knight who will hand over the Heirloom.


The Boys’ Jensen Ackles Smashes Stuff In New Atomic Heart Trailer

Developed by Mundfish, Atomic Heart was originally announced back in 2018 but it’s finally about to launch next week on 21 February for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC and Xbox Game Pass. To celebrate its upcoming launch, the developers have collaborated with a famous actor for a new trailer, and it’s none other than Jensen Ackles.
Jensen Ackles is best known for playing Dean Winchester in the CW series Supernatural, and most recently as Soldier Boy in Amazon Prime Video’s The Boys series. He’s also been voicing Bruce Wayne/Batman a lot lately in recent DC animated movies. It’s funny that Ackles is appearing in a trailer for a Russian game, considering that Soldier Boy is anti-Russian. Imagine Soldier Boy going nuts in Russia.
Atomic Hearts is an action RPG FPS that looks very inspired by elements from the BioShock franchise.
Check out the funny little trailer below:


Doom Eternal Unleashes Badass Launch Trailer

Doom Eternal will be launching on March 20 (March 21 in Malaysia, according to Steam) instead of its original March 14 release date, but Bethesda has put out a launch trailer to temporarily satiate our thirst for demon-slaying.
Witness as the Slayer beheads a demon with what seems to be its own axe, wields a QUAD-BARREL plasma(?) minigun, and slaughters loads of demons with style. As the voiceover says, “The Slayer’s time… is now.”
Or March 21, I guess.

To be honest, I was a bit wary of Doom Eternal after learning that it’d have a 20-hour campaign. 2016’s Doom was great, but it got pretty tiring and repetitive towards the end. While Doom Eternal will have new upgrades, more platforming, and increased level variety and sizes, I’m afraid that the combat will still feel tiresome hours before the end.
Still, I can’t say for sure until I try the game for myself. And so far, it looks freaking great.


Your Complete 2019 Collection Of Video Game April’s Fool Jokes From Awesome To Lame AF

This story is still developing…
It’s that time of year again: 1st of April. This is a special day where we work harder than usual to sift out the bizarre news from the real news that is mistimed for this period.
Behold, your April’s Fool gags from your favourite/not-so-favourite video game companies, peripheral makers, and game devs.
Discord

For those who use the chat a lot, this one’s for you.
Razer Ping
It’s pretty predictable that Razer would come up with a hilarious product like this. The Razer Ping capitalises on Apex Legends’ stellar ping system and applies it to real life. Check the product trailer out.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vjrAaAD2iPw]
They even have the rarity of the items down to a comical formula.
This one nods to Razer’s April Fools product last year.

And guess what, you can sign up for the Razer Ping giveaway here!
Capcom’s World President Challenges
Okay, this one is an actual game for PC and smartphones featuring G from Street Fighter V,Â the president of Earth.
The shoot ’em up game is called World President Challenges: A Shooting GameÂ with G taking on the Shadaloo. If this seems to be your cup of tea, why not give it a try? It does bring us back to 1942. The game, not the era.

PlayStation Asia’s Console Keychains
https://www.facebook.com/PlayStationAsia/videos/545320192540655/?__xts__%5B0%5D=68.ARAYt685Ap_ioukReuZJ2DpNILPlHcbsQzmxlF3QOoe0NMDSL23xyJs_m4NvIAvEXLafgdm5ylpcft59guARNcD5WDVy7X9Y6QxakRo_U69L_XLxMv0g49mjPIdrfn4GVFqOlhRBJZNOS1mbP6_Kb67rVAAuidkMTBVdiQ4ABnEm3VUKmkk2pktWmUNAzzGJAq1nhkqL4e5-BiERHA2UqEnHMYIaKKsVBm_8c16aF4KUzjlI3kJ24SYmNSTEwgdDPXz7jILZM7jBaXrpH1ypJS7peyY5OvLuuSiUUkYngEq4wrF0Fmgiys17f6XIsM03aCNjaF0p0ZqFFNMyVY2iOzshsBWN0GsWVtpCc9WIR4l9v1tyYmWmgkjuBYk&__tn__=H-R
What’s better than showing your fanboyism/allegiance with branded goods from Sony? Showing it off with actual 1:1 scale console keychains. Greatness awaits!
Nintendo Turns Kirby Into A Cube

True to the company’s beliefs, they didn’t cut corners here. Nintendo even has a fake accessory page to celebrate the pink blob’s squareness.

Nintendo Direct

It’s a snap. Though it’s a wasted opportunity to not feature Half-Life 3 for Switch.
Yakuza Turn-Based Gameplay

A while back, Sega teased a new Yakuza in the works starring a new protagonist called Ichiban Kasuga. Today, they’ve released this odd footage that could either be an elaborate April’s Fool joke or a potential minigame in the next Yakuza title. Ball’s in their court.
Earth Defense Force 6

The D3 Publisher folks leaked a special EDF mission involving a lot of song and dance. As if the series isn’t bats*** crazy and goofy enough.
Mobile Port Of Fighting EX Layer

Props to Arika for even making a playable version of this obvious April’s Fool joke. Download it here in all of its screen-drawing glory.
Final Fantasy XIV

Here’s an ad for Omega, the latest state-of-the-art smart home assistant that hates humans and fleshlings. For context, Omega is a recurring superboss who is the game’s equivalent of FF1’s Warmech.
For Honor

Ubisoft answered your pleas to have Rabbids in this melee-based action game. For 24 hours until April 2, 12am ET, players will get a melee pack as a reward for participating in this special Rabbids-themed map.
Devil May Cry 5

Check out this fun announcement for DMC5!#AprilFools #DMC5 pic.twitter.com/JX33BUBZYn
— Capcom Dev 1 (@dev1_official) April 1, 2019

The Empusa grunt gets the spotlight in this quick April’s Fool joke from Capcom. What isn’t a joke is the Bloody Palace update; it’s available now for free.
Resurgence
https://www.facebook.com/RSGResurgence/photos/a.1724200547885736/2017284168577371/?type=3&permPage=1
Singapore’s own esports team just announced its Minecraft esports team. You can get in on the joke via the #RSGMINECRAFT hashtag.
Fire Emblem Heroes

Some owl named Feh gets her own joke character trailer where she mimics Fire Emblem hero attacks and has an orb on her head.
League of Legends

From now until 15 April, you can get yourself Epic level Cats VS Dogs skins for your Champions. These include the Fuzz Fizz set, Corgi Corki set, Meowrick set, and Pretty Kitty Rengar set. Find out more here.

Videogamedunkey

Here’s a jab at Xbox courtesy of video content maker Videogamedunkey. The only thing more heartless than this is to give out Armaggeddon peripherals as 2nd and 3rd place prizes to hard-working players in an esports tournament. Oh wait…


Uniqlo Celebrates Final Fantasy 35th Anniversary With 16 Unique T-Shirt Designs [Update]

Update (18/4/2022): The announcement is now made official. The Uniqlo x Final Fantasy t-shirts will be available in Southeast Asia starting 25th April. We’ve also added flat shots of the t-shirts without the models inside the story.
Original story
Uniqlo and Square Enix are teaming up to celebrate the latter’s meal ticket JRPG brand with t-shirts aplenty.
The companies are collaborating for a Final Fantasy 35th Anniversary limited time t-shirt offer. About 16 of them, since there are 16 Final Fantasy mothership titles (the 16th one is still in development, FYI).

The site’s Vietnam portal showcased all 16 designs, with each of them costing VND391/RM72. We suspect that the special t-shirts will cost RM59.90 to match the Malaysia Uniqlo market price. Meaning these are on sale right now in Southeast Asia; do check your local Uniqlo for these bad boys!
You can check out the designs below, featuring stills and CGI from the PS1 Final Fantasy entries, pixel artwork and icons from the NES/SNES years, and a whole lot more you can recognize. We’ll update this page with bigger pictures once we get ahold of the official ones. Kudos to Uniqlo for the model work with the roman numeral props!

[Update: 18/4/2022] Here are the t-shirts without the models and displays.


Diablo Immortal To Improve Raids, Social Features, & Endgame In Time For Launch

Blizzard just shared a good number of key findings from its Diablo Immortal closed beta feedback.Â
The closed beta for the mobile action RPG spin-off is getting some good reception from many participants. The team in charge will be working on the game’s group-play options, controller support, system changes, and many more.

Diablo Immortal’s social features will be facing many improvements, such as fixing repeated quests and forced grouping problems, and also making Bounties a solo affair from the open beta onward. The game’s Raid system will also face some balancing, since the difficulty gap between Raid bosses Lassal and Vitaath were too large. The game’s controller support will let you use the following:

Xbox One Wireless Bluetooth Controller
Xbox Series X/S Bluetooth Controller
Xbox Elite Controller Series 2
Xbox Adaptive Controller
Sony Dualshock 4
Razer Kishi

Personally, I had fun with Diablo Immortal despite it being a dumbed-down version of Diablo 3, which is still going strong with its latest season with the soul shards powerups.
For more on these updates, head to the Twitter link below. Diablo Immortal will be out in 2022.

Updates are coming following our Closed Beta.
? Group-Play Improvements? Controller Support Updates?? System Changes? More
? https://t.co/ftFgfuJfhO pic.twitter.com/ZYGZ27hZDB
— Diablo Immortal (@DiabloImmortal) February 23, 2022


Space Battleship Yamato Co-Creator Leiji Matsumoto Dies At 85

At the age of 85, legendary manga artist Leiji Matsumoto passed away on 13 February 2023 at 11:00 a.m. due to acute heart failure.
Matsumoto was born in Kurume, Fukuoka prefecture, Japan, on 25 January 1938. He later moved to Tokyo in 1953 to pursue a career in manga at the age of 18, debuting with Mitsubachi no Boken, a manga Matsumoto wrote while finishing high school. Matsumoto would later go on to be best known for creating works such as Space Battleship Yamato, Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, Queen Emeraldas and so many more influential works that inspired generations of artists around the world.
In 2010, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, 4th Class, Gold Rays with Rosette, for his work in promoting Japanese culture overseas. In addition, the French government even knighted Matsumoto in 2013 to celebrate his work in the arts.
RIP to a great legend in the manga/anime industry.


Shinji Mikami Attending E3 2019 Fuels The Evil Within 3 Rumors

Shinji Mikami, the creator of Capcom’s Resident Evil franchise as well as underrated gems like God Hand and Vanquish, has announced via Twitter that he will be attending the upcoming E3 2019. His most recent games in the current games generation include 2014’s The Evil Within and 2017’s The Evil Within 2.
His confirmed attendance at the event has fueled speculation that a The Evil Within 3 announcement is imminent. It’s been two years since the last game by developer Tango Gameworks and publisher Bethesda Softworks was initially released for the PS4, Xbox One, and PC.
Both of The Evil Within titles are survival horror games, featuring third-person gameplay mechanics reminiscent of classic Resident Evil games. Mikami’s tweet (which is in Japanese) translates toÂ “Next week E3 business trip”, which makes it sound like he’ll be there to announce a new game.

æ¥é€±ã¯E3å‡ºå¼µ
â€” ä¸‰ä¸Šã€€çœŸå¸ (@shinji_mikami) June 2, 2019
If the rumors are true, the new game will likely be officially revealed during the Bethesda press conference on Sunday, 9 June 2019 at 1pm PT (10 June 2019 at 4am GMT+8).


Amnesia: The Bunker Delayed Again But By A Week

Frictional Games announced that the release date for Amnesia: The Bunker has been moved from 16 May to 23 May. That means you’ll have to wait one more week to dive into the spine-chilling world of this game. But don’t worry, Frictional Games promises that it’ll be worth the wait.
According to the developers, the reason for the delay is that they want to make sure everything is perfect before they release it. They want to take some extra time to polish the game and ensure that it’s the best possible version they can give to players. And honestly, we’re totally cool with that. We’d rather wait a bit longer and get a top-notch game than have it released too soon and be filled with bugs and glitches.
Here’s their full statement:
Hey Everyone,
We’re pushing the release of Amnesia: The Bunker back by one week, and it will now be coming out on May 23 instead.
This will give us a little more time to polish the game and make sure everything is perfect before launch.
We appreciate your patience and hope you are looking forward to playing Amnesia: The Bunker. It will be worth the wait!
Amnesia: The Bunker will be available on Steam, Epic Game Store, GOG, PlayStation, and Xbox on May 23, 2023.
The good news is that when Amnesia: The Bunker does finally launch, it’ll be available on a bunch of different platforms. You can grab it on Xbox Series X | S, PS4, Xbox One and PC via Steam, Epic Game Store and GOG. So mark your calendars for 23 May, and get ready to face your fears!


Uniqlo & Capcom Tag Team Up To Bring You These Awesome Street Fighter Shirts (Update: And Monster Hunter Too)

A new challenger has arrived!
After doing anime/manga and Metal Gear Rising shirts, it’s high time Uniqlo took it to the next level. Starting 15 April, they will not be blinking and be going for broke with new Street Fighter shirts, in collaboration with Capcom.
Check out the designs below, from your dragon punch motions to your “Go Home And Be A Family Man” quotes. Each shirt should be SG$19.90/RM39.90 each.

To be frank, I kinda wish the promo artworks on the announcement page are also t-shirt designs. I’m referring to the ones below:

As a bonus (stage), the company is also celebrating the 15th anniversary of the Monster Hunter series. Which means more new Uniqlo t-shirt designs! These will be out mid-June; same price. I personally want the one with the three meat icons.


Knights Of The Zodiac Movie Trailer Teases Lots Of Action & Sean Bean

Sony Pictures has unveiled a new trailer for the upcoming Knights Of The Zodiac movie, which is a Hollywood live-action adaptation of the legendary Saint Seiya manga. The director is Polish animator and special effects creator Tomasz Baginski, with Josh Campbell and Matt Stuecken (10 Cloverfield Lane) as the screenwriters.
The film stars:

Mackenyu (Pacific Rim: Uprising, Rurouni Kenshin Saish?sh? The Final, live-action Chihayafuru films) as Seiya
Madison Iseman (Jumanji sequels, I Know What You Did Last Summer television series) as Sienna
Sean Bean (Game of Thrones, The Lord of the Rings, Kingsglaive: Final Fantasy XV, Snowpiercer series) as Alman Kido
Famke Janssen (X-Men, Taken, The Vault) as Guraad
Nick Stahl (Fear the Walking Dead) as Cassios, Diego Tinoco (On My Block) as Nero
Mark Dacascos (John Wick: Parabellum, Hawaii Five-O, Crying Freeman, Kamen Rider: Dragon Knight, Iron Chef America) as Mylock.

The synopsis reads:
Based on the international anime sensation, Knights of the Zodiac brings the Saint Seiya saga to the big screen in live-action for the first time. Seiya (Mackenyu), a headstrong street teen, spends his time fighting for cash while he searches for his abducted sister. When one of his fights unwittingly taps into mystical powers he never knew he had, Seiya finds himself thrust into a world of warring saints, ancient magical training and a reincarnated goddess who needs his protection. If he’s to survive, he will need to embrace his destiny and sacrifice everything to take his rightful place among the Knights of the Zodiac.
Masami Kurumada created the original Saint Seiya manga, which ran from 1986 to 1990. The manga has been adapted into multiple anime series, original video anime projects, anime films, and spinoff manga. The original series has sold 35 million copies worldwide to date.
The movie honestly reminds us of Dragon Ball Evolution, but with the inclusion of talents like Sean Bean and Famke Janssen, perhaps that means the movie will at least be decent? Fingers crossed.
Knights Of The Zodiac will premiere in Malaysian cinemas sometime in June 2023, according to TGV Cinemas.
Check out the trailer below:


ZOWIE Announces The TN 360Hz DyAc+ Gaming Monitor XL2566K

ZOWIE launched its ZOWIE XL-K generation gaming monitor 240Hz XL2546K and 144Hz XL2411K in 2020. Today, ZOWIE reveals their first TN 360Hz DyAc? gaming monitor XL2566K available from today onwards at BenQ’s official online stores on Shopee and Lazada for only RM2,949. The device is their latest flagship model that offers competitive gamers optimized smoothness and fast response with the exclusive DyAc? technology on top of 360Hz refresh rate on a TN panel, XL2566K provides an overall clearer motion clarity than the market’s offerings in its class.
DyAc? on XL2566K makes vigorous in-game actions such as spraying clearer than DyAc? on XL2546K. The clarity helps gamers see the position of the enemy during fast movements or fast-moving targets more easily and notice the bullet trajectory more clearly which can help with recoil control and aim. Compared to typical IPS 360Hz displays, DyAc? on a TN 360Hz panel provides clearer and sharper outlines of overall moving images, helping you focus and have less distractions from the unwanted afterimage of the motions in-game.

The new XL2566K has inherited XL-K series advantage as well, providing players a comfortable and convenient playing experience with customizable features, smaller base and height adjustable screen which allows players to not only get more space to play but perform with the monitor at their desired viewing angles with ease. It also comes with the latest XL Setting to Share software that makes saving of video profiles prompt and sharing convenient, through a simple user interface.
ZOWIE is dedicated to creating equipment that allows players to focus on what matters most which is their in-game performance and strive to continually do so with perfection in mind.

For more information and specifications of the ZOWIE XL2566K TN 360Hz DyAc?, you can go to https://benqurl.biz/3h1niqB. Those who wish to purchase the product can head on over to BenQ’s official online stores on Shopee and Lazada.


EA Reveals Official Partners For Battlefield 2042

Electronic Arts and DICE have revealed the official partners for the highly-anticipated next instalment in the renowned BattlefieldÂ franchise,Â Battlefield 2042, including Microsoft, NVIDIA, Logitech, Polaris and Western Digital.
During E3 2021 earlier this month, DICE showed off the gameâ€™s first, of three, distinct multiplayer experiences, All-Out Warfare. This experience includes the next generation of fan-favourite modes Conquest and Breakthrough, now featuring up to 128 players on next-gen consoles and PC, as well as the biggest maps ever for the franchise, filled with dynamic weather, game-changing environmental hazards and spectacular world events.
In support ofÂ Battlefield 2042, EA has partnered with a lineup of leading global brands to ensure that the next entry in the BattlefieldÂ franchise is the best one yet.
Battlefield 2042 Official Partners

The OfficialÂ Battlefield 2042Â Console Partner – Xbox:Â EA and Xbox have partnered to make Xbox Series X|S the official consoles ofÂ Battlefield 2042.
The Official Battlefield 2042 PC Graphics Platform Partner – NVIDIA: EA and DICEâ€™s partnership with NVIDIA will ensure PC players have the ultimate experience powered by next-gen GeForce RTX gaming technologies, the AI-powered performance boost of NVIDIA DLSS and NVIDIA Reflexâ€™s low latency mode.
The OfficialÂ Battlefield 2042Â PC Peripherals Partner – Logitech:Â EA and Logitech will work together to ensure players have Logitech integration for their gear, including Logitechâ€™s LIGHTSYNC technology for peripherals and in-game audio presets with optimized EQ for Logitech headsets.
The OfficialÂ Battlefield 2042Â Off-Road Vehicle Partner – Polaris:Â EA and Polaris have partnered to bring players the opportunity to operate authentic Polaris vehicles inÂ Battlefield 2042, starting with the Polaris Sportsman ATV.
The OfficialÂ Battlefield 2042Â Gaming Storage Partner – WD_BLACK: EA and Western Digitalâ€™s WD_BLACK brand are committed to ensuringÂ Battlefield 2042 gamers have the best possible gaming experience for its vast new world of immersive and realistic maps, and dynamic gameplay.

DICE LA will reveal the next major experience coming toÂ Battlefield 2042 at the upcoming EA PLAY Live on 23 July 2021. This new experience is a brand-new game type, made as a love letter to BattlefieldÂ fans, and one that long-time players will feel right at home with. The third experience for Battlefield 2042, Hazard Zone, is an all-new, high-stakes squad-based game-type that is a modern take on the multiplayer experience and will be revealed in more detail closer to launch.
Interestingly, EA also recently confirmed that Battlefield 2042 will not feature a traditional single-player story campaign.
Battlefield 2042 is slated to launch for the PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, and PC on 22 October 2021.
In the meantime, check out the official gameplay trailer below:


We Interview No Straight Roads Voice Actors, And Then Quizzed Them

This week marks a special occasion for Malaysian indie development; it’s the official release of action game No Straight Roads. So what better way to celebrate than to put the spotlight on the folks who add character and personality to the game’s main characters Mayday and Zuke?
We had the pleasure of talking to No Straight Roads voice actor leads Su Ling Chan (who voices Mayday) and Steven Bones (who voices Zuke) about how they got the gig, as well as what they’ve been through.

As a fun little gimmick, we also tested their voice actor knowledge, since it’s a pretty daunting and popular field.


ROG Phone 5 Deals Offer Free Headset & Discount On Gamepad

Here are more great deals for everyone, courtesy of the folks at ASUS ROG Malaysia. From 26 July to 15 August 2021, you can opt for either one of the two packages below:
Package A:
Buy ROG Phone 5 (8GB/128GB), get a free ROG Cetra II Headset (worth RM499).
Package B:
Get RM100 off on ROG Kunai Gamepad 3 (worth RM499) when buying ROG Phone 5.

Where to buy:

Shopee
Lazada
ROG Phone 5 Product website

Those who buy the ROG Phone 5 (8GB/128GB) will automatically be entitled to Promo Package A, but they will also be given the option to select Promo Package B as well.
Asus ROG Phone 5

8GB RAM and 128GB ROM storage space â€“Â RM2999Â (Phantom Black or Storm White).
16GB RAM and 256GB ROM storage space â€“Â RM3799Â (Phantom Black or Storm White).

In the meantime, you can check out our in-depth review of the ROG Phone 5 byÂ heading over here.
https://www.facebook.com/asusrogmalaysia/posts/4166841846704341


Latest Overwatch Change May Spell the End of GOATS

The end of the triple-tank, triple support meta a.k.a GOATS may be around the corner if these new hero changes slated for the PTR goes live.
Detailed earlier today by Geoff Goodman, a member of the Overwatch developer team, the upcoming PTR changes buffs up several DPS heroes while nerfing several support and tanks which in turn, results in higher burst damage, slushier barriers and of course, shorter sustain. As posted on the Blizzard forums, the post, alongside our immediate thoughts in bold, red text read:
“Weâ€™re looking at updating the PTR soon with the following additional hero changes:
Junkrat

Frag Launcher: Impact damage increased from 40 to 60

Team KKP: It’s the return of the Junk meta! Also, expect the Houston Outlaws to reactivate their Junkrat specialist, Jake.Â
This change significantly increases Junkrat’s damage output allowing him to effectively seal-off choke points, and shred down shields.Â
Lucio

Speed Song: Effect lowered from 30% to 20%
Amp it up: Speed song amped effect reduced from 70% to 50%
Wall Ride: Passive movement speed gained while wall riding increased from 20% to 40%.

Team KKP: Lucio’s getting hit hard here. This will reduce his effectiveness and picks on king-of-the-hill maps.Â
McCree

Bonus damage ramp from the previous 1.34 change will now begin after 1.5s, down from 2.5.

Team KKP: He was fine as it is. Why change this? Geez.
Reaper

Passive: Healing amount reduced from 50% to 40%

Team KKP: We feel this reduction is fair. Stops Reaper from being too dominant considering how barriers and tanks are more vulnerable with this PTR update
Symmetra

Photon Projector: Primary fire damage ramp speed increased by 20%

Team KKP: A situational hero at best and this increase rewards good aim. We have no issues with this.Â
Zarya

Particle Cannon: Alternate fire radius reduced from 2-3 to 1-2 (based on energy level)

Team KKP:Â FollowingÂ the Junkrat buff (listed above) – this is an insignificant change. It does hit Zarya’s dominance a bit, but negligible.Â
Zenyatta

Orb of Discord: Effect reduced from 30% to 25%
Orb of Destruction: Damage increased from 46 to 48

Team KKP: Miniscule change but a nett nerf for Zen here.Â
Geoff ended the post with “Iâ€™m not sure exactly when these changes will hit PTR, but weâ€™re hoping tomorrow or Friday.”
Better late than ever, right?
These changes, if implemented, should come into effect once Overwatch’s 30th hero, Baptiste goes live. Not content with him possibly being the answer to the dreaded 3-3/ GOATS meta, Blizzard’s move to suggest the changes above is a step in the right direction to ensure the game is not only fun to play, but also to watch.
We can’t wait what new meta comes out from all of this but our hope is to see the return of DPS heroes to the fold.


Here’s Why the Galaxy Buds2 Is Our Favorite Piece of Wearable Tech of 2021

The Samsung Galaxy Buds2 is the fifth and most recent iteration of Samsung’s range of Bluetooth earbuds. Since its unveiling in 2019, Samsung has gone through several improvements to their Buds lineup, significantly improving them with each iteration and offering one of the most appealing choices for anyone in the hunt for compact in-ear wireless earbuds.
The significant improvements for the Buds2 from its predecessors include wireless charging ability as well as active noise cancellation built into Samsung’s smallest and lightest earbuds to date. But before we go any further, here’s a quick list of items you’ll get straight out of the box:

1 pair of Galaxy Buds2 in-ear wireless earbuds
2 pairs of extra in-ear pieces (small & large)
USB-A to USB-C charging cable
Case with wireless charging capability
Instruction manual

If you’re reading this right now on Kakuchopurei, we are pretty sure you have a nifty pair of headsets which you primarily use for work and play. Just like you, we spend most of our time with our headsets on as well.Â Be it for work purposes such as teleconferencing, consuming media and playing games or for leisure which also includes consuming media and more gaming.
Which begs the question: Do you need these?
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Do you have any plans of going out anytime soon?
A New Travel Buddy
The keyword when it comes to wireless earbuds is mobility. Let it be known that comparing sound quality between in-ear wireless earbuds and a wired over-the-ear headphones is pointless and unfair. These are totally two different products catering for two vastly different scenarios.
What we love the most about the Buds2 is how convenient it is to set up and shift between pairing it with our various gadgets. Jumping between the different devices we are currently reviewing to either of our laptops, the pairing is very much instantaneous. And with the world slowly returning to normal post-pandemic, we expect to see even more practical uses of the Buds2 especially when commuting, picking up calls while on the go or on rare occasions, during a run.
Fit-wise, with the medium-sized ear tips attached right out of the box, the Buds2 sit flush in our ears. They stay in place even during our runs – even through sweat. The buds are rated IPX2 splash-resistant which means they should survive a light sprinkle although we won’t recommend going swimming with them.
If you fear the Buds2 might not fit properly out of the box, fret not. Included are two pairs of ear tips of different sizes. These can replace the medium-sized one attached and you can adjust the fit using the Galaxy Wearable app on your Android device.

It is worth mentioning that while the Buds2 does work with Apple devices through Bluetooth connection, you’ll require an Android device to fully utilize its capabilities through the Wearable app. This includes the sound equaliser, reading notifications aloud, fit test, and even Gaming Mode.
Samsung has included touch controls for up to four gestures for each side of the Buds2 as well. For example, you can customize what a long, single, double or triple tap on your Buds2 on your right-sided ear does and a totally different set of commands for the one on your left-sided ear.
It may be a tad too much for some but in our books, the more controls we have with the touch, the less frequent we’ll have to reach out for the phone in our pocket and that’s a good thing. As an added bonus, we even tested the tap feature using Spotify via Chrome browser on our PC and it worked seamlessly.
Sound-wise, we don’t have too much to complain about; the Buds2 provide what’s expected from a pair of wireless earbuds. The sound is clear and crisp with respectable amount of bass. We took several phone calls using the Buds2 and the sound quality – incoming and outgoing – were clear with very little to unnoticeable distortions. Needless to say, if you’re in the hunt for reliable wireless earbuds for your Android device, the Buds2 covers a lot of bases.
Ear Candy
We (and are pretty sure you too) have seen several reviews floating about panning the sound quality from the Buds2. We feel these critiques aren’t a fair assessment since they downplay the true purpose of having wireless earbuds: the portability, overall presentation, build quality, sound output and touch features.
The Buds2 delivers on all fronts, The fact that Samsung was able to cram all that tech into these two, 5g egg-shaped earpieces alone is a technological marvel.
Personally, we don’t have any issues with the Buds2. The active noise cancelling is decent and the battery life is as expected of a wireless earbud. You can expect playback up to 7.5 hours with ambient noise cancelling off, and about 5 hours when it is turned on. You can expect about 3.5 hours worth of talk time as well.
Our only nitpick? iPhone users have little need for this device due to the inability of iOS devices to access the Galaxy Wearable app, which is where all the good stuff comes from.
Flavour-wise, the Galaxy Buds2 comes in four colours – Graphite, White, Olive, Lavender. Retailing at RM499.00, the Buds2 is the latest and most affordable wireless earbuds by Samsung currently in the market.
Final Score: 90/100
A review unit of the Samsung GalaxyBuds2 was sent to us for review courtesy of Samsung Malaysia. Further details of the product can be found here.


Rockin’ Rhythm FPS BPM: Bullets Per Minute Will Be Out For PS4 & Xbox One This Year

Last year’s pretty amazing arena/maze rhythm-savvy first-person shooter BPM: Bullets Per Minute is getting a few ports this year.
BPM will be on PS4 and Xbox One later in 2021. In addition to all the perks & awesome challenges in the PC original last year, these new versions of BPM will include five brand new characters, three new weapons, a brand new chapter, two new difficulty settings, and a bunch of new items, achievements, and quality of life tweaks.

The following updates will also be added to the already-out PC version in the same timeframe. To which we say: hell yeah! We had fun with the challenging roguelike nature of BPM: Bullets Per Minute and we don’t mind jumping back in again with these new additions coming soon.
For more FPS rhythm metal action, check out our playthrough below if you want a sneak peek at what you’re getting into:


SEGA & Tencent’s Level Infinite Are Skipping E3 2023

Sega and Tencent subsidiary Level Infinite have announced that they will not attend E3 2023. This comes just one day after Ubisoft announced that they will be skipping E3 2023 as well.
Speaking with IGN, a Sega representative said:
“After careful consideration, we have decided not to participate in E3 2023 as an exhibitor. We look forward to sharing more information on announced and unannounced projects in the future.”
IGN also contacted other game companies, including Bandai Namco, who didn’t want to comment on E3 2023 but confirmed that they will attend Geoff Keighley’s in-person, media-only event Play Days. Devolver Digital also has no plans to attend E3 2023, but they’ve never actually attended past events anyways, since they always hold their own Devolver Direct presentations.
Besides Ubisoft, Nintendo has previously also confirmed their absence.
E3 2023 is slated to take place from 13 June to 16 June 2023 at the Los Angeles Convention Center. With all these game companies out of the picture, E3’s relevance is decreasing at an alarming rate.


Outriders Will Brand Cheaters With On-Screen Watermarks

If you’re planning on using aimbots & trainers in the upcoming loot-and-shoot game Outriders, you may want to think twice.
In a recent dev update from developer People Can Fly, the studio revealed that it will be stiffing cheating Outriders players with matchmaking penalties and a “discreet but visible” watermark that will never go away. Basically, it’s a brand to shame cheaters forever just to separate YouTubers and Reddit posters who worked hard to get their loot from the ones who don’t.
“Since the demo launch, this has been a hotly debated topic, so we wanted to provide some perspective on it as well as outline our policy regarding cheating and hacking going forward,” the post reads. During the demo, People Can Fly identified around 200 cheaters out of 2 million total players. That’s a measly 0.01 percent of the total player base, a percentage that the dev is confident “won’t grow by much.”
So what counts as cheating in Outriders? People Can Fly has a helpful list of definitions and examples:

Intentionally running the game on PC without Easy Anti-Cheat (EAC).
Modifying game files to enhance a character: levels, skills, inventory, etc.
Externally modifying game time to reduce time-dependent features such as vendors and challenges.
Using a trainer program or similar to gain advantages within the game.
Using gameplay altering programs such as aimbots or wallhacks.

If you happen to have cheated during the demo and wish to get back on People Can Fly’s good side before the game launches, the devs said that these folks need to delete all their characters and items on their entire account in order to wipe the slate clean.
Outriders will be out on 1st April for PC, Xbox Series, Xbox One, PS5, and PS4. The game will be free on Xbox Game Pass on day one.


Kung Fu Panda 4 Set To Release March 2024

Universal Pictures has come out and announced the newest instalment of the Kung Fu Panda franchise which is slated to release on 8 March 2024.
It will be the first feature film in the Kung Fu Panda franchise since 2016’s Kung Fu Panda 3, which wrapped up DreamWorks’ original trilogy.

This is the moment you’ve all been waiting 4. #KungFuPanda 4 hits theaters on March 8, 2024. pic.twitter.com/7xufMNOgyL
— DreamWorks Animation (@Dreamworks) August 12, 2022

The franchise has also seen several animated television series, the most recent of which, titled The Dragon Knight, debuted on Netflix just last month. There’s no word yet on if Jack Black is returning to reprise his role as Po in Kung Fu Panda 4, but given Black’s appearance in The Dragon Knight, it seems likely.
The first Kung Fu Panda was released all the way back in 2008, starring Jack Black, Dustin Hoffman, Angelina Jolie, Ian McShane, Seth Rogen, Lucy Liu and more.