Redfall Sucked The Life Out Of Me

Platform(s): PC (version played), Xbox Series
Genre: Borderlands-slash-Destiny clone from Arkane
When I first saw Redfall, I thought wow, this reminds me of Buffy the Vampire Slayer but with guns, co-op, and loot galore. Quaint neighbourhood inhabited by vampires? Sounds like my kind of game.
I am fortunate that I got this game for free since I had the Xbox Game Pass, because Redfall is definitely not worth the US$59.99. Simply put: it sucked. And no, not just “vampire sucks blood” kind of suck. But it sucked suck.

Blood Vendetta

Redfall is a first-person shooter looter game made by Arkane Studios, who are known for many popular titles like Dishonored, Prey, and Deathloop. What’s the most frustrating thing about this is that you can see all the interesting ideas that Arkane Studios were going for, but it just doesn’t connect.
You’ve got a bunch of vampires, some cultists roaming around the streets and it’s set in a cute little town. The vampires used their dark magic to block out the sun and push out the ocean just to isolate the town with well, a literal sea wall. Why? I have no idea. I still wonder why out of all the things they could do, they chose to make a sea wall to just block out one town. Although I must admit, there is something beautiful and eerie in the way the waves loom over the town.
You get to pick one out of the 4 characters. Devinder Crousley, a cryptozoologist, Layla Ellison, a telekinetic, Remi De La Rosa, a combat engineer, and Jacob Boyer, a sharpshooter. Some of them have magical abilities, and others have got some handy inventions to help them out in sticky situations. I feel like the characters you pick don’t really make much of a difference in combat.
Playing Layla, well, her lift, just felt buggy and mostly did not work. Sure, she can summon her ex-boyfriend to kill people for you, but the guy barely stays around to kill more than 3 people, which shows you why he’s her ex-boyfriend in the first place. Devinder felt like a budget Symmetra from Overwatch. Think he’s got to take some lessons from her because his teleportation device needs more work.
The game has a unique skill tree for every character in which you can spend skill points to improve things like your abilities and utilities. Most of the upgrades involved reducing cooldowns of abilities, increasing ammo capacity and so on. Although it didn’t feel like it made much of an impact in gameplay, which means if you didn’t upgrade your tree, it really wouldn’t make any difference at all. In fact, some of these skills can be contradicting one another: if you’re playing Jacob as a stealth and sniper guy, upgrading his raven means that you throw his major trait out the window since summoning it onto enemies automatically alerts everyone to your location.

Twilight

I have a huge bone to pick with Redfall’s loot and reward system. If you know me, I am a massive loot goblin. The cash reward system was absolutely useless. The only thing you can spend your money on is med kits, hack kits, lock picks and low-rarity weapons. Even the low-rarity weapons you can buy is absolutely useless since you can get much better loot in the open world. So basically, you spend your money on lock picks and hack kits, go out into the open world, pick and hack safes in houses for loot, and repeat. This is also the best way to get high-tier loot.
I did like the gun designs, even if the gunplay felt clunky and awkward. They had some really cool guns designs from guns shooting UV light beams, to shooting stakes.  I think one of the things I actually liked about the game was finding out what kind of gun I got. The UV beam gun was definitely my favourite. Turning vampires into stone and then crushing them into tiny pebbles felt satisfying. The sound of staking vampires was also very satisfying. The iron sights on the game though, felt awful. For an FPS gamer, I felt like I really could not aim to save my life. And for a game with multi-coloured loot that sells the pretense of Borderlands/Destiny-style legendary weapons, the high-tier guns offer passives and just deals more damage, without anything crazy or fancily unique to set them apart.

All this is however useless since the enemies are absolute wimps and brain-dead to fight most of the time. I played on the highest difficulty, and it didn’t even feel like it was a challenge. The cultists travel in packs but like, small packs.
Speaking of combat arenas and the landscape you’re in, the town felt… very underpopulated. The cultists would pretty much stand still and stare at you dead in the face for a good second before taking our their gun to shoot you. Vampires kind of just zoom towards you in a straight line.
I feel like there should have been more. More cultists running at you. More vampires flying at you with their long ass fingernails ready to scratch at you. Just….more.
I wanted more. I should not be able to stand out in the open shooting at enemies on the highest difficulty freely without being punished for it. The aesthetic of the vampires was at least cool to look at. They hover over the ground and smile at you menacingly. Some of them have got a real good sense of fashion.
All of Redfall’s missions have a “ugh, let’s get this over with” vibe rather than tasks that make you want to delve deeper into its narrative & rewards. They’re more or less the same, just asking you to go to a safe house, or deliver something. They felt very repetitive and not very interactive. The little side notes you’d find all around the world were one of the best things about the game. You get to hear interesting stories that captivate your attention more than what the main story offers.
An hour or two in, I thought, hmmn, maybe give it more time and it will get more interesting, but it was just too slow. The missions were structured in a way to reveal more of Redfall. This makes you unlock safehouses and do more side missions to unlock more areas. But there’s really little to no point to feel invested when the town is pretty empty and lazily-designed.
Like all co-op games, Redfall is best played with friends. It’s fun to slay some vampires together, griefing your friends by lifting them off certain areas and taking over neighbourhoods from some vamps, making you feel like some big mafia boss. The characters also synergize well. I had my partner teleporting me here and there for loot, and I’d lift us up to rooftops. I also like that the more missions, and fights you do together, build trust among you and your friends. This unlocks special perks.
The thing is, only the host’s story will progress, although everyone else will gain experience and rewards from missions. With all this, there still isn’t much replayability. No reason for you to grind the same missions over and over again.

No Fangs For The Memories

And the technical issues; they are numerous. My game crashed about 6 times in my first playthrough. The loading screen took at least 5 minutes once you start a game, making it frustrating already to begin with when all you want to do is to log in and shoot some damn bloodsuckers. My game would freeze every few minutes while trying to just run around to loot. The performance issues and the many bugs that come with Redfall just make it hard to enjoy the game, even with friends.
While the game’s early access state means that its technical issues can be fixed, Redfall’s major problem is that its makers do not know what makes this type of shooter work. Maybe Arkane did not have enough time to properly make it, or maybe they shipped it a year too early. Whatever the case, this just feels like an obligation project, with its team woefully inept at figuring out why this genre of shooters functions in the first place. From its uninspired and not-so-hot loot system, its broken combat, its empty world, and ho-hum-to-boring missions that are poorly designed, there is really no sane reason why you should play Redfall. Well, apart from mild curiosity and the fact that you can subject yourself to the suckfest for free on Game Pass.
Long story short: save your time and play something better. This shooter from Arkane Studios feels unpolished and poorly designed. This is a big shock given the company’s past titles.

Pros

Interesting player characters to pick from.
Some parts of the game are pretty & moody.

Cons

Everything else, from gameplay design to fun factor to technical portions.

Final Score: 40/100


Live Out Your Action Hero Fantasy In The PSVR Exclusive Blood & Truth

Ever wanted to live out your fantasies of being an action hero in one of those Hollywood movies? Imagine gunplay and action in movies like Die Hard and John Wick, with a plot ripped from Liam Neeson’s Taken franchise. I kid you not, that experience is coming soon in glorious VR, in the form of PS4 exclusive Blood & Truth.
Developed by London Studio, players assume the role of elite Special Forces agent Ryan Marks, on a desperate mission to save his family from a ruthless criminal overlord. You’re basically Liam Neeson’s character from the Taken movies.
There will be massive explosive set pieces, and the PSVR Move controllers will let you feel the vibrations of your guns as you blast your enemies. If that’s enough, the game even features dialogue choices for players to craft their own narrative.

Blood & Truth is available for pre-order starting today on 27 March 2019. The pre-order bonuses include a digital soundtrack and artbook, as well as three avatars. Both the physical and digital versions of the game are priced at RM169.
Keep in mind that players will require the PSVR headset along with 2 PS Move controllers to actually play the game. Blood & Truth is slated to release on 28 May 2019. In the meantime, check out the newly-released story trailer for the upcoming game below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjwqnsOhKnI&w=560&h=315]


Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia Will Not Support Consoles At Launch

Yesterday, Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia was officially announced and is slated to launch on 1 June 2021. However, they did not reveal much about what platforms will be supported at launch. According to the official Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia Twitter account, you will be able to stream the service on compatible desktop browsers, mobile apps (iOS and Android), tablets, as well as Apple TV, Android TV and Chromecast.

Hi @jimcheong From 1 June 2021 onwards, you will be able to enjoy Disney+ Hotstar on compatible desktop browser, mobile app (iOS and Android), tablets, as well as Apple TV, Android TV and Chromecast.
— Disney+ MY (@DisneyPlusMY) May 4, 2021

However, according to our friends at Amanz, there won’t be any support for Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia on gaming consoles like Sony’s PS4 and PS5, Microsoft’s Xbox One and Xbox Series X/S, and the Nintendo Switch, as well as on Smart TVs. At least, these platforms won’t be supported at launch, but there’s no telling when or even if support will ever arrive in the future post-launch.
You can check out the official platforms supported by Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia below, courtesy of Amanz’s Effi Saharudin via his Twitter account:

Stay tuned on Kakuchopurei for more future news on Disney+ Hotstar Malaysia!


Volition Is Now Part Of Gearbox Software Due To Saints Row 2022

While we had some nominal fun with Saints Row (2022), the game was quite a disappointment to a majority of others. As a result of low expected sales, Embracer Group will lump developer Volition under another big company.
That company is Gearbox Entertainment. In a statement released along with Embracer Group’s second-quarter earnings results, CEO Lars Wingefors said that Volition will be switching operative groups from Plaion to Gearbox.
“The reception of Saints Row did not meet the full expectations and left the fanbase partially polarized. The game development studio, Volition, has been working hard to improve the player experience.
Going forward, Volition will transition to become part of Gearbox which has all the tools, including an experienced management team in the US, to create future success at Volition. This is the first internal group transfer where we transfer a major studio between operative groups, but it is not necessarily the last.”
This announcement happened alongside the major Saints Row (2022) update which went live recently, featuring 200+ improvements and fixes to the game’s stability and co-op.


Jamie Foxx’s Electro Will Return In Spider-Man 3

It looks like the sequel to 2019’s Spider-Man Far From Home will be getting a jolt of electricity in the form of Jamie Foxx’s Electro.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jamie Foxx is currently in final talks to reprise his role of Electro from 2014’s The Amazing Spider-Man 2. Director Jon Watts will be returning for the third Spider-Man MCU movie, which is slated to release on 5 November 2021 (as of now).
However, story details are scarce at the moment and it remains to be seen if the upcoming untitled Spider-Man 3 movie will pick up the thread of the Sinister Six that was supposed to happen after The Amazing Spider-Man 2.
That is; whether this version of Electro will be a new one or the same exact character from the last movie, which would mean that he’s from another universe.
Jamie Foxx’s turn as Electro wasn’t exactly celebrated by critics and fans alike, but perhaps he’ll perform better with a superior script and another opportunity. Electro is a classic Spidey villain, and it’ll be great to see him return.
In the meantime, you can check out our review of Spider-Man Far From Home, which remains the last MCU movie to have been released to date. The next MCU movie we’ll be catching is Black Widow, and that’s going to be in 2021.


Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands  Launch Trailer Comes With Some J-Rock

Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is out now, and to celebrate, 2K Games and Gearbox have released an appropriately chaotic launch trailer.
The trailer is a mix of gameplay and cutscenes, featuring a few of the game’s bosses, Paladin Mike up-close (basically a self-insert made by a Borderlands 3 character in Promethea), a load of guns, spells, and explosions, and everything else that makes you hyped up in a typical launch trailer. It also comes with some sweet J-Rock music in the background.
Check it out below. Tiny Tina’s Wonderlands is out now for PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. Check out our review if you’re curious about the game. Also do look at our class and loot guides.


Civilization 6 Is Coming To Consoles This November

It took publisher 2K Games and developer Firaxis Games three years, butÂ Sid Meierâ€™s Civilization VI is finally coming to the PS4 and Xbox. This marks the first time that a title in the acclaimed turn-based strategy game franchise will be appearing on Sony and Microsoft home consoles since 2008’s Civilization Revolution.
The base game will be priced at US$60 while all the expansions will be available in a bundle priced separately at US$50 (which will also be coming to the Nintendo Switch, on which the base game is already available now).
The expansions bundle will include:

Civilization VI: Rise and Fall expansion
Civilization VI: Gathering Storm expansion
18 additional Civilization Leaders

Four additional content packs will arrive with the base game at no extra cost, including the following:

Poland Civilization & Scenario Pack
Vikings Scenario Pack
Australia Civilization & Scenario Pack
Persia and Macedon Civilization & Scenario Pack

PS4 players can look forward to receiving the Nubia Civilization & Scenario Pack and Khmer and Indonesia Civilization & Scenario Pack for free, while those on the Xbox One will have to purchase these separately.
According to the official description, Civilization 6 on consoles:

 “… not only looks great, but that it plays well.
The controls and UI are optimized for a controller experience, and youâ€™ll find accessing information and moving about the map is a breeze.
Our goal was to create a controller experience that gives the player total control over the map, menus and movement â€“ and we believe we accomplished that.”

Civilization 6 is slated to release for the PS4 and Xbox One on 22 November 2019. In the meantime, check out the trailer below.
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lIFsj3J7cao&w=560&h=315]


E3 2019: All 62 Titles From The Kinda Funny Games Showcase Part 2

Here’s the second part of the massive reveal by Kinda Funny Games. If you missed our Part 1 writeup, you can head over here.
31. Undermine (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K8I7YxRTHcI]
Undermine is an action-adventure roguelike RPG which has you crawling intro procedurally generated dungeons, upgrading your character and tools as you face different challenges. If you die, your belongings will pass down to another character, picking up your journey.
32. Monster Prom 2: Holiday Season (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJWyL4XRz2c]
The Kickstarter game is a multiplayer dating sim featuring monsters rendered in beautiful art and unapologetic humour. It’s a sequel to the original game, Monster Prom, and is actually a 3-in-1 as it features three vacations: Summer Camp, Winter Retreat, and Roadtrip. Seems like another fantasy dating sim to me.
33. Summer Catchers (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g3CSNaQeisE]
This title is very reminiscent to the golden arcade days as it features great classic soundtrack and visuals. Summer Catchers is an adventure arcade game about a northern girl seeking the summer warmth as she heads South. Hopefully the plot has a strong pull, as I can’t discern much attraction from the trailer.
34. The Sinking City (PC, XB1, PS4)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdQ3NLwoFYY]
The Sinking City takes Lovecraftian lore and Sherlock Holmes together to create this magnificent masterpiece. You play as a detective in a Lovecraftian world toÂ investigate a mysterious flood inundating the city, in the hopes of shedding light on the darkness that has seized the place and corrupted the minds of the inhabitants. Perfect for fans of psychological horror and mystery.
35. Fling to the Finish (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uMPJC9Ddbdg]
A party game with massive coop elements yet still being competitive in certain aspects. It’s a physics racing game in which two players race through colourful, chaotic obstacle courses while tethered by aÂ stretchy elastic rope. All this while sharing a controller. Doesn’t it sound like a fun party game to you?
36. Gunsport (PS4)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rc8zaslMkgo]
Take the harmless game of volleyball and add guns to it, you’ll get Gunsport, two-on-two mini online game where itÂ is all about keeping the ball in the air, shooting it into a goal at a choice moment.
Looks fun and competitive, but I reckon it’ll be a salt mine once the try-hards go online.
37. BOMBFEST (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nGNvJ6qiMs0]
Another fun party game. It’s like Bomberman, but with dodgeball elements. Strike players as you attempt to be the last player standing. This is going to be a great party game, if only it was released on a more family-friendly console aka the Switch.
38. Lonely Mountains: Downhill (Switch, PC, XB1, PS4)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Db-T9GOEkQ]
Ride your bike down a hill trail while avoiding obstacles in an attempt to finish in the quickest time possible. It’s packed with adrenaline pumping jumps and bends. Probably a good title to pick up on the Switch as it would be the perfect time killer when travelling.
39. StarCrossed (PC, XB1)

âœ¨ StarCrossed is now LIVE on Steam! âœ¨
A cooperative action arcade game about magical girls in space! Add it to your wishlist for updates and alerts!
Thanks! ðŸ’–https://t.co/ePwEW1MOUP#indiedev #indiegames #gamedev #arcade #shmup #magicalgirls pic.twitter.com/XOJgiaBG2G
â€” StarCrossed (@PlayStarCrossed) January 18, 2019

StarCrossed is an action arcade game with a magical girl aesthetic and a cooperative twist. You’ll be playing as 5 space-faring heroes as they travel from planet to planet, working together to strengthen their bond and defeat a looming evil that threatens the galaxy. Seems like a unique shmup game with rhythm and teamwork ingrained so it would be fun to play with a partner.
40. Police Stories
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yHIDU5QbcFA]
Another Hotline Miami-like game but with tactical elements put in. The main theme of the game is ‘not shooting first’ but to approach the situation with the least violence. It’s an interesting take on Hotline Miami where violence is literally the main thing.
41. Brave Earth Prologue (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZLuxzIUOlD4]
This action platformer is made in the 8-bit style of the NES era. Inspired by games such as Castlevania and Metroid. This game requires players to be methodical yet aggressive due to its fast-paced action. It might even rival Katana Zero, but I hope it won’t be as unforgiving as the samurai platformer.
42. Astalon: Tears of the Earth (Switch, PC, XB1, PS4)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9cxYDhAHGbU]
A love letter to the games of the 80s, this action platformer is developed by the same guys who developed Brave Earth Prologue, Dangen Entertainment. The game looks simple, but it has a few tricks up its sleeve waiting for players to discover.
43. Treachery in Beatdown City (PC, macOS)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SW7T71Ath3Q]
The US president, ironically named Blake Orama, is captured by ninjas, and it’s up to you to save the most important man in the country. Â Three fighters, Lisa, Brad, and Bruce, take to the streets with an all-new tactical-brawling system to fight through dozens of thugs, grunts, grapplers, punks, ninjas, terrorists, cyborgs and more.
This seems like a good classic game similar to those arcade games of the past decades. If that’s your sort of thing.
44. Tamarin (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXHJ9ZOVeK0]
A beautiful 3D action platformer that stars monkeys saving the world from the invasion of insects. Explore an incredible interconnected 3D world, brimming with 3D-platforming and bug-splattering shooter action.
One of the most breathtaking indie games I’ve ever seen. Worth giving it a shot.
45. Stoneshard (PC, Linux, macOS)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VTeNIyVCsPo]
StoneshardÂ is a turn-based RPG that presents classic roguelike gameplay in a new way, welcoming for both newcomers and veterans alike. This dungeon crawler seems like a grindy game, but I bet the time invested playing will reward players with the satisfaction they deserve.
46. Stronghold: Warlords (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ocU7-o6gsWQ]
The most hyped game in the Kinda Funny Games showcase, according to the chatroom. The game is set in the 3rd century BC China and progresses through to the beginnings of the Mongol empire in 1200 AD. Throughout the game, players will be able to recreate famous historical battles against imperial warlords, mighty khans, and shogun commanders.
47. Lucifer Within Us (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uUVIepHmMJw]
A game where you solve murders using a piece of tech that can scan souls. This game sounds like it takes inspiration from Black Mirror and is an attractive premise for fans of technology and the dark utopia surrounding them. Go for it if you love solving crimes and elements of mystery.
48. #Funtime (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGUXOvpSmVw]
#Funtime is an arcade-style EDM-infused twin-stick shooter where shooting isn’t your only weapon. Swap your shipâ€™s colour to gain unique gameplay advantages all while increasing your score multiplier. Quite similar to the shmupÂ Beat Hazard,Â it sounds like a good game for music lovers looking for something mindless to play.
49. Half Past Fate (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGryvZVsKEk]
Half Past FateÂ is a romantic narrative-adventure game about three relationships that form either over the span of eight hours or eight years. Your choices determine your story. It’s basically a dating sim, but with fleshed out dialogues and content.
I reckon this will appeal to fans of visual novels and story-goers alike.
50. Superliminal (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=30iHXafyXlw]
Probably one of the most memorable titles in the lineup. The first person puzzler shifts your paradigm as your perspective is manipulated. Overcome challenges by looking at the game from another angle. I’m looking forward to this puzzle game, as it is mindbogglingly unique and has the potential to be a fun yet frustrating game.
51. Undying (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLOjq-djqc8]
UndyingÂ tells the tale of a mother trying to save her child from the zombie horde. She is also running on borrowed time as she was bitten and infected, and slowly succumbing to the infection. Will she have enough time to train her child to survive? Or will she be her child’s very killer?
This story-driven game pulls heartstrings in every possible direction, not unlike Telltale’s The Walking Dead.
52. CastleStorm II (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv5Qt_3kNXI]
Sequel to CastleStorm, the popular 2D physics destruction mashed with tower defence brawler, the title boasts a cooperative and competitive campaign, PvP matches, and adorable visuals. It looks like an interesting casual game to pass the time.
53. Trials of Fire (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qDcjuvWQH70]
Created by Whatboy Games, this indie studio brings us a single-player game in which players guide their party through an overworld map of fantasy land. The players are expected to gather resources and relay them back to the settlement. The game also features moral decision-making which forces you to choose a path as you go.
54. Mare (Oculus Rift)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a0EvvomKAxY]
This VR title is an exploratory and sensory VR adventure experienced through a mechanical bird and a lost girl on a journey through a mythical world. It will be an immersive journey into another world. Perfect for players who use VR as their form of escapism.
55. Deliver Us The Moon (PC, XB1, PS4)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hzs-nwE3Q2I]
Deliver Us The Moon is set in the near future where Earth’s natural resources are depleted. You are tasked to find a new source of energy on the moon to save humanity. During this adventure, your only companion is a small robot named ASE. Together you will traverse the moon, explore abandoned facilities, gather clues and ultimately uncover the secrets and hidden agendas that are at play.
Another mystery solving games with the challenge of saving the world. Interesting game.
56. Recompile (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p_vePgmMVr8]
Recompile puts you in the shoe of a semi-sapient program and escape deletion in this atmospheric by hacking your way out of the place called the Mainframe. Puzzle-lovers can look forward to this game, and it plays quite similar to Lara Croft GO.
57. Foregone (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Zz6YilnA5k]
Foregone is a challenging combat-focused action-platformer inspired by the likes of Diablo and Dark Souls. Take control of a powerful Arbiter as you shoot, slash, and stab your way through hordes of corrupted creatures. Slay your enemies before they slay you, or youâ€™ll be facing them all over again.
It’s a challenging platformer, again not unlike Katana Zero.
58. Relic Hunters Legend (PC, Consoles, Mobile with Crossplay)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6KE_rxccEE]
A co-op looter-shooter. Gather up to 4 friends, gear up, and save the Galaxy from a terrible villain who has stolen the past. I guarantee this game will be a blast once crossplay is properly implemented between the games as you can play with your friends regardless of their platforms.
59. Warborn (PC, PS4, XB1, Switch)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLrHn_2KfYA]
A blend between Sid Meier’s Civilization and Gundam. You are in charge of a mecha strike force. Warborn is a turn-based strategy game where players command an army of mecha and clash with the enemy in tense tactical battles.
60. Lost Ember (PC, XB1, PS4)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LyIOwR6pmIU]
Explore the remains of a fallen world from the perspective of different creatures. Slip into the role of different animals to uncover the fate of an ancient world. Dive into deep waters, fly at lofty heights, dig underground as a mole or even climb steep cliffs with a mountain goat, there are lots of ways of getting around.
The perfect escape from the toxic society. It’s a fun game to relax and take your mind off your troubles.
61. Adams Ascending (PC)
[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sCnaLFCzryU]
Adams AscendingÂ is an inspiring, soulful exploration for new life and childlike revelation. Itâ€™s an immersive story driven game where the amount of dedicated exploration and gameplay choices made, will determine how the story unfolds. Will you make the decision to take on the world with physical strength or supernatural powers? The choice is yours. This game is a reflection of the soul and how your decisions can impact the world, but more importantly, your future.

So that’s the entire presentation broken down and wrapped up in a two-part writeup. What games are you looking forward to? Tell us in the comment below.


Deception-Based Multiplayer Game DECEIVE INC. Launches 21 March

Developer Sweet Bandits Studios and publisher Tripwire Presents have announced that DECEIVE INC. will launch on 21 March on PC (via Steam and Epic Games Store), PS5 and the Xbox Series X | S.
Starting on 6 February, players can try the DECEIVE INC. PC multiplayer demo for free on Steam as part of the Steam Next Fest event, which runs until 13 February.
Additionally, Sweet Bandits Studios is offering even more early access to the spy training experience with the DECEIVE INC. Open Beta, featuring cross-platform play. This beta will run from 10 March at 2:00 PM (EST) to 13 March at 11:00 AM (EST) and will be free to play on all platforms the game will support at launch.

Starting from launch day, players will have the opportunity to try out the eight available agents and hone their skills in espionage on two multiplayer maps: “Hard Sell” and “Silver Reef.” “Hard Sell” takes place at a luxurious mansion on a Mediterranean island and features both open courtyards and close-quarters rooms, giving players a taste of what DECEIVE INC. has to offer. “Silver Reef” is set at an underwater luxury resort in the North Sea, where players must navigate through glass tunnels, restaurants, and guest rooms to avoid detection and reach their objective: infiltrating a high-tech submarine docked to the hotel. This map provides close-quarters action for agents who enjoy fast-paced gameplay.


Overwatch Contenders Pacific Season 1 Playoffs Details Revealed

Blizzard has announced the locations and dates for the Overwatch Contenders Pacific (OWCP) Season 1 Playoffs happening this coming Thursday and Friday, where six teams will fight it out, including:

Talon Esports
NovaMs Esports
Cyclone Coupling
Global Esports
JUPITER
Xavier Esports

For the full schedule and matchups, check out the bracket below (times are according to GMT+8):

Meanwhile, the upcoming Pacific Showdown will take place from 24 to 26 May 2019 in Shanghai, China, while the Atlantic Showdown will be in Krefeld, Germany, from 31 May to 2 June 2019.
Top teams from all 8 Overwatch Contenders regions will participate in these live events, which are scheduled to be held during breaks in the Overwatch League. For more details and information on both Showdown tournaments, head on over here to the official website.

Don’t miss out on all the action and catch the Overwatch Contenders live on Twitch here.


Anthem’s Head Of Live Service Leaves Bioware

One of the great things about gaming in the internet age is that developers can easily update and patch their games progressively after release. It’s what allowed games like No Man’s Sky and Warframe to be shaped into the beloved titles they are now. Unfortunately, Anthem probably won’t be joining that list.

A recent Twitter thread from Chad Robertson, Anthem‘s Head of Live Service, reveals that he is leaving Bioware after 14 years of working in the company. There’s no clear reason why he’s leaving but he does state that Bioware is “in good hands” and that player can “expect great things ahead”.

This is my last week with BioWare. I've been with the company for 14 years and am grateful for everything I've been part of here. SW:TOR, Anthem, the Austin studio, and BioWare are in good hands; you can expect great things ahead.
— Chad Robertson (@crobertson_atx) October 31, 2019

At this point, a lot of people are confident that “Anthem is dead” and it’s hard to blame them for thinking that way. In August this year, the game’s lead producer Ben Irving also left the company. Irving replied to the Robertson’s tweet and says he “looks forward to keeping in touch and trading stories”.
What makes this departure truly devastating is that not too long ago, Robertson himself wrote a blogpost that detailed upcoming fixes and improvements following the launch of the Cataclysm update. It suggests that perhaps Robertson never planned to leave in the middle of Anthem’s journey into becoming the game it was meant to be.


Genshin Impact Celebrates Lunar New Year With 1.3 Update

Mihoyo just announced what’s up with its long-awaited 1.3 update, and it’s a doozy. Let’s break it down.
Lantern Rite Event
There will be a bunch of mini-events happening in the city of Liyue during Teyvat’s version of the Lunar New Year: the Lantern Rite. While the townsfolk send out their lanterns to light up the sky, you can partake in buying new food types from food stalls and participate in the tower defense strategy game Theater Mechanicus.
You need to put Mechanici on the map to defend the core against monsters. Winning this mode will net you Peace Talismans that you can trade at the Xiao Market for treasure.
All That Glitters Banner

The next gacha event will be focused on new 5-star hero Xiao. He’s an adeptus who fights with a polearm and uses Anemo as his elemental. His elemental burst turns him into a yaksha that buffs up his attack range and damage while also enhancing his jumping ability. If he keeps this form up, he’ll lose his health. His banner will start 3rd February.
New Enemy Type: Geovishaps

You’ll be taking on new boss enemies called Geovishaps. They come in different elements, and are badass grown-up versions of Geovishap hatchlings. So yeah, if you thought it’s annoying to fight a vishap hatchling when it has big defense and small windows of opportunity to strike it, imagine fighting a full-grown one.
Five Flushes of Fortune
There’s going to be a mini-event involving our heroes using a photo-taking object called a Kamera. Basically Pokemon Snap but in Genshin Impact.
Free Stuff
If you log in daily, you’ll claim 10 free Intertwined Fates and over 1,600 Primogems. Ley Line rewards are also boosted during the event.

You can also pick one free 4-star character from Liyue to add to your party: Xiangling, Xinyan, Beidou, Ningguang, Xingqiu, and Chongyun. That’s a lot of Xins.
New Updates & Menu Optimizations
The Archive will be expanded to include information on discovered creatures and defeated enemies, and Travelers will also be able to showcase up to eight of their characters via their Profile screen. A new gadget called the Parametric Transformer will provide a means of transmuting excess resources, turning them into something useful.
The “All That Glitters” banner and the aforementioned Lantern Rite events will be ready on 3rd February. We’ll be sure to update this post with new gameplay footage of the 1.3 update. Until then, here’s the official trailer.


Xbox Game Pass May 2021 Adds Red Dead Online, FIFA 21 & More

Microsoft hasÂ announcedÂ new titles coming to Xbox Game Pass for Console and PC in early May, includingÂ Outlast II,Â Steep,Â Final Fantasy X | X-2 HD Remaster,Â Red Dead Online, and more.
Dragon Quest Builders 2Â (Console and PC) â€“ 4 May 2021
A block-building RPG set in a fantasy land threatened by an evil cult. Explore, battle, create, and harvest in the charming single-player campaign or build big projects in the online sandbox mode for up to 4-players. This version includes Hotto Stuff Pack, Modernist Pack, Aquarium Pack, Designerâ€™s Sunglasses, Historic Headwear, Dragonlordâ€™s Throne, and more!

FIFA 21Â (Console and PC) EA Play â€“ 6 May 2021
Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC members can hit the pitch and get great rewards whenÂ FIFA 21Â is added to The Play List with EA Play, including a fresh EA Play Volta Squad Boost and FUT Season XP Boost.
Outlast 2Â (Cloud, Console, and PC) ID@Xbox â€“ 6 May 2021
Sequel to the acclaimed survival horror gameÂ Outlast, set within the same universe as the first game, but with different characters and a different setting,Â Outlast 2Â is a twisted new journey into the depths of the human mind and its dark secrets.
Steep (Cloud and Console) â€“ 6 May 2021
Ride a massive open world across the Alps, where the powder is always fresh, and the run never ends. Tame the wilderness on the American continent in Alaska, a new region filled with challenges. The mountain is yours to explore. So, strap in, suit up, and drop in.
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD RemasterÂ (Console and PC) â€“ 13 May 2021
Final Fantasy X/X-2 HD RemasterÂ brings the timeless classics forward to the current generation of fans, old and new alike. Fully immerse yourself in the World of Spira as you enjoy over 100 combined hours of gameplay across the two classic titles.
Just Cause 4: ReloadedÂ (Cloud, Console, and PC) â€“ 13 May 2021
Just Cause 4 ReloadedÂ delivers an expansive and explosive experience with new weapons, vehicles, and gear included! Soar through the skies at high speeds using the Skystriker Weaponized Wingsuit or cruise the roads of SolÃs using the Deathstalker Scorpion Muscle Car.
PsychonautsÂ (Cloud, Console, and PC) â€“ 13 May 2021
A psychic adventure from the mind of Tim Schafer. PsychonautsÂ follows the story of a young psychic named Razputin. Explore the fantastic realm of the inner mind â€“ Join the Psychonauts!

Red Dead OnlineÂ (Cloud and Console) â€“ 13 May 2021
Join millions of fellow players inÂ Red Dead Online, now packed with yearsâ€™ worth of new features, gameplay, and additional enhancements. Step into a vibrant, ever-evolving world and experience life across frontier America. Forge your own path as you chase down bounties, battle outlaw gangs and other players; hunt, fish and trade, search for exotic treasures, run Moonshine, and much more to discover in a world of astounding depth and detail.

Remnant: From the Ashes (PC) â€“ 13 May 2021
The world has been thrown into chaos by an ancient evil from another dimension. As one of the last remnants of humanity, you must set out alone or alongside up to two other survivors to face down hordes of deadly enemies to try to carve a foothold, rebuild, and retake what was lost.

DLC / Game Updates
Fallout 76: Locked and Loaded Update
Upgrade your C.A.M.P. with the all-new C.A.M.P. slots to experiment with your new designs, while S.P.E.C.I.A.L. loadouts can prepare you for any challenge with a quick skill swap. Also, dive into the new Daily Ops expansion for new combinations and game mode: Decryption! Learn more here.
Gears: Tactics Anniversary
Gears: TacticsÂ celebrated its one-year anniversary this past week. Hop in this fast-paced strategy game and experience the action-packed story on console or PC. Build your squad, hunt an evil mastermind, rise up, and fight.
Grounded April Update
Photo Mode is now available in multiplayer games along with some new character poses, Creative Mode now includes passive creatures in the yard, the addition of new building pieces and usable ladders are sure to be exciting, and more quality-of-life changes!
Halo InfiniteÂ PC Update
Xbox Game Pass for PC members have a lot to look forward to inÂ Halo InfiniteÂ on PC. To get the scoop on PC specific features coming toÂ Halo Infinite, check out 343 Industriesâ€™ Inside Infinite blog onÂ Halo Waypoint.
Minecraft: Free R2-D2 Beanie â€“ Available until 6 May 2021
In celebration of Star Wars Day on May 4,Â MinecraftÂ is giving away a free R2-D2 Beanie in-game through the Marketplace. Be sure to jump in and claim before May 6!
Sea of Thieves: Reapers vs. The World â€“ Available until 22 June 2021
In response to the Trading Companiesâ€™ rallying cry for Emissaries, The Reaperâ€™s Bones are making a power play this Season! In each phase of the Event, theyâ€™ll target a particular Trading Companyâ€™s Emissaries and dispatch their own Emissaries to take up the hunt. Bonus reputation is up for grabs for both the hunter and the hunted, and there are special challenges to tackle too!

Xbox Game Pass Ultimate Perks
Get ready, because we have a huge batch of Perks set to launch tomorrow on 4 May 2021. Claim them in the Perks gallery before theyâ€™re gone!
NBA 2K21:Â MyTEAM Bundle â€“ Available on 4 May 2021
Assemble your Dream Team and dominate the court with this MyTEAM bundle. Ultimate members can run with two free packs, ball out with 5,000 MyTEAM points, or pull from the logo with cover athlete Damian Lillardâ€™s Series 2 Amethyst card.

Spotify Premium (New Member Only): 4 Months of Ad-free Music â€“ Available 4 May 2021
Play all your favourites with access to millions of tracks and podcasts titles. Ultimate members can enjoy ad-free music listening, music + podcast offline downloads, and on-demand listening with Spotify Premium for 4 months. Available for new Spotify Premium members only. Â Make sure you check with your regions since the terms might be different. For full details, see the offer in the Perks gallery on console, mobile or PC.
Apex Legends: Star Wars Weapon Charms â€“ Available 4 May 2021
Show the competition what youâ€™re made of with your new Red Leader and Imperial Ties Weapon Charms, brought to you by EA Play! Equip these to your favourite weapons and battle for glory, fame, and fortune in style.

Xbox Game Pass Quests
The new Quests season launches on May 4 with a zombie theme along with double points for select weekly and monthly Quests. Plus, use the Force to sense a special one-day-only 4x Quest (or you can check Quests on your console or see all your Quests in theÂ Xbox Game Pass mobile app!)
Here are a few of the Zombie 2x Quests launching on 4 May 2021:

MinecraftÂ (150 points):Â Kill 20 zombies or monsters
Resident Evil 7: biohazardÂ (150 points): Obtain 5 items
State of Decay: Year One Survival EditionÂ (150 points): Kill 11 zombies
The Evil WithinÂ (150 points):Â Kill 3 enemies

Leaving on 15 May 2021
While we wait for these upcoming games to join the Xbox Game Pass library, itâ€™s time to reshuffle your backlog before the games below leave. Remember to use your membership discount to save up to 20% to keep these games in your library!

Alan WakeÂ (Console and PC)
Battlefleet Gothic: Armada 2Â (PC)
Dungeon of the EndlessÂ (Cloud, Console, and PC)
Final Fantasy IXÂ (Console and PC)
Hotline MiamiÂ (PC)
Plebby Quest: The CrusadesÂ (PC)


Fashion Police Squad Catwalks Toward August Release Date

The fashion-themed retro first-person shooter Fashion Police Squad will be out next month in full svelte form.
The shooter will launch for PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on 15th August for US$19.99 according to publisher No More Robots and developer Mopeful Games. The game will be out on consoles on a later date.
Here’s a feature list and overview of the game:
“Fashion Police Squad is a first-person “shooter” with a twist—you don’t hurt your targets, but instead non-violently show them how to get a better fit, and come out looking gorgeous… if they’re so Calvin en-Kleined, of course.
But each fashion crime needs dealing with differently, so you’ll need to keep switching weapons, and sussing out on the spot which utility fits which crime. Will you Jimmy Choo-se to light up their dull suits with the 2DYE4 Carbine Elite, or maybe whip a belt around those saggy pants?”
We tried out the demo a while back; Fashion Police Squad is definitely impactful and meaty with its controls and gun selection, except exchange blood and dismemberment with people looking glam and sexy with sparkles and stuff emanating around them. We can’t wait to see how fabulous the full game looks.


The Pico 4 Is  A Simple, Effective, & Affordable VR Experience

A newbie to the VR gaming ring, the newly-released Pico 4 is definitely going up against mainstay competitors like the Oculus Quest 2 or even the newly-released PSVR 2, in terms of wow factor, games, and tech.
After checking out the device for a good number of days, it’s safe to say that ByteDance’s wireless and incredibly accessible proverbial hat in the ring is a substantial and fancy one. At least in terms of tech and dollar value.
Eye To Eye

From its specs (see bottom of article), the Pico 4 offers a higher resolution, colour passthrough tech, and 8GB RAM, which is already one step above the aforementioned Quest 2. The 360 spacial audio is pretty effective and will keep you immersed sound-wise, though it’s sad that there’s no headphone jack. There’s no wired earphone option; you need to use Bluetooth headsets for the device. The Pico 4 clearly has a leg up over some existing VR devices in the market with its many extras and boosts tech-wise.
The Pico 4’s gaming library is pretty substantial from the get-go, with premium titles like Peaky Blinders and free-to-play offerings like Hyperdash. I personally had the most fun playing Hitstream, a title that’s available on other VR devices but somehow felt good on the Pico 4.
Part of the reason is the build of the device, its sharp view, its controllers, and overall feel. It’s pretty light without feeling like you can fling it off and just feels snug and comfortable. While the controller design is similar to the Quest 2 and PSVR 2, it’s still great to hold. Why fix what isn’t broken?

The Pico 4’s tracking is also spot-on and accurate, especially with shooter and track-sensitive titles like Hyperdash and Hitstream. The fact that it doesn’t fog up inside when you sweat a lot helps, and its headset has decent battery life given the power VR needs to run wirelessly and untethered.
When it comes to being accessible and available for casual and mid-level play, the Pico 4 excels in that particular VR realm.
Now for the bad part: the Pico 4’s gaming library is pretty standard though only because it’s a brand-new VR device with a new contender in the VR market. Unfortunately, there isn’t a killer app of sorts or an exclusive game to get people enticed towards the device, especially for players looking for a substantial impact. Its current mixed reality features, while fine, aren’t pushed to their full potential.
Plus, the device’s refresh rate isn’t as impressive when compared with its high-end counterparts the Index and the PSVR2 (more on this on a future feature).
Virtual Awesomeness For A Good Price

The Pico 4 is a great standalone device if you need a nice VR fix without the hassle of owning a PC or console. It may need an upshot in its limited library of games, but whatever that’s available is enough to complement its concept of giving VR to the masses. It’s a good first step for things to come if ByteDance rises to the challenge.
The “budget” price point for it is also a highlight considering how expensive the tech can get, and it definitely doesn’t look or feel “cheap” and poorly-made; far from it. With an updated library and other VR-related features, it can definitely beat certain mainstay contenders like the Oculus Rift hands-down.
As such, the Pico 4 is still a darn good deal for people who want to jump into a painless VR experience without obliterating your wallet. Score one for Bytedance’s first foray into the virtual reality zone!
Final Score: 70/100
Review unit provided by Bytedance.

Vital Statistics
Price: RM1,699 (Starter Pack edition feat.6 games)
Dimensions: 255 (Min) / 310 (Max) mm (L) * 163mm (W) * 83.5mm (H)
Weight: 295g (without straps), Total weight: 586g
Platform: Qualcomm® Snapdragon™ XR2, 8 Cores 64 bit, 2.84GHz, 7nm process technology
CPU: Kryo 585
GPU: Adreno 650
RAM: 8GB LPDDR4X, 2133MHz
ROM (Storage): 128GB/256GB, UFS 3.1
Display: 2.56″ ? 2 LCD display
Resolution: 4,320 ? 2,160 (2,160 ? 2,160 per eye)
Pixels Per Inch: 1,200
Refresh Rate: 72Hz/90Hz
Field of View: 105°
Lens: Pancake Lends
Interpupillary Distance: Support stepless adjustment with a range of 62-72mm
Eye Protection Mode: TÜV Rheinland Low Blue Light certified (software solution)
Speaker (Sound): 360° surrounding stereo speakers, supporting 3D spatial sound
Microphone: Dual Mic up to 30dB noise reduction and 50dB echo cancellation
Cameras: 4x Fisheye Cameras, 1x 16MP RGB Camera
Headset Sensors: Nine-axis sensor, P-sensor, Hall Sensor, Motor Driver
Controller Sensors: Si-axis sensors (Gyroscope Accelerator)
Battery & Battery Life: Controllers (Two AA batteries, 80+ hours), Headset (5300Ah, lasts 3 hours or less)
Wi-Fi (wireless connection): Wi-Fi 6, 2.4GHz/5GHz dual band
Bluetooth: 5.1


This Week’s Borderlands 3 Black Market Vending Machine Features One Of The Best SMGs

You may want to take a trip down to this week’s Borderlands 3 Maurice’s Black Market Vending Machine, especially if you’re a fan of farming Legendary SMGs.
Maurice Black Market Vending Machine For 21 January 2022
This week’s machine is located at Eden-6 in the Voracious Canopy, the same area where you fought GenIVIV. Make your way through the place and in the Family Jewels ship -like you’re taking the path to the boss. Then when you reach a giant room where you had to reattach BALEX to a robot in the story, just after a vending machine spot, check the left side of the entrance.

The Black Market Vending Machine is right there. Here are the Legendary weapons on tap for this machine:

Kaoson SMG
Storm Sniper Rifle
Firestorm Sniper Rifle
Dictator Assault Rifle

The Kaoson is one of Borderlands 3’s best SMGs and its drop rate from Captain Traunt is very, very tiny. If you have a lot of cash saved up, you should get multiple copies of this SMG.


(Not) E3 2023: Video Game Livestreams Summer 2023 Schedule

E3 2023 is officially cancelled, but don’t be sad, folks! Summer has arrived; and that means a whole bunch of major video game showcases, live streams and presentations are still in store throughout the season. This year’s lineup could potentially be the biggest one yet since the launch of the next-gen consoles in 2020, considering that this is the first year that we’re (mostly) been free of the pandemic.
Check them out below:

PlayStation Showcase
Thursday, 25 May 2023 at 4 am GMT+8

It’s been two years since the last major PlayStation Showcase, which took place in September 2021 (revisit all the announced games back then by heading over here). Back then, Sony revealed the Star Wars Knights Of The Old Republic Remake, Marvel’s Spider-Man 2, Marvel’s Wolverine, and more. Perhaps even Bloodborne 2, or just a PC port of the first Bloodborne. We’re not picky!
Perhaps we’ll learn the release date for Marvel’s Spider-Man 2 and more; maybe even a new console. PS5 Pro, anyone?
The show will run a bit over an hour, focusing on PS5 and PS VR2 games in development from top studios from around the world. Viewers can expect a glimpse at several new creations from PlayStation Studios, as well as spellbinding games from our third-party partners and indie creators. It will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.

Warhammer Skulls
Friday, 26 May 2023 at 12 am GMT+8

The Warhammer Skulls presentation celebrates all the best Warhammer video games, whether they’re upcoming or out now. With sneak peeks, previews, and free stuff for literally dozens of games set across the worlds of Warhammer.
This year’s show will be hosted by actor Rahul Kohli. Viewers can expect Warhammer 40,000 Boltgun, Warhammer 40,000 Space Marine 2, Total War Warhammer III, Warhammer 40,000 Darktide, and Warhammer 40,000 Rogue Trader. There is also some exciting news coming from Frontier Developments and more.
It will be streamed live on Twitch.

Summer Game Fest 2023
Friday, 9 June 2023 at 3 am GMT+8

Summer Game Fest organiser and host Geoff Keighley has confirmed that over 40 companies will be taking part in the event.
Potential big reveals could be coming from PlayStation, Activision, Bandai Namco, Capcom, CD Projekt Red (that’s Cyberpunk 2077: Phantom Liberty news and stuff), EA, SEGA, Square Enix (more Final Fantasy XVI?), and more.
With E3 2023 cancelled, this is set to be one of the biggest game events of the year.
Check out the full list of participating companies below:

Activision
Amazon Games
Annapurna Interactive
Bandai Namco Entertainment
Behaviour Interactive
Capcom
CD Projekt RED
Devolver Digital
Digital Extremes
Disney Interactive
Electronic Arts
Epic Games
Focus Entertainment
Gearbox Publishing
Grinding Gear Games
HoYoverse
Kabam
Larian Studios
Level Infinite
Magic: The Gathering
Microsoft (Xbox)
Neowiz
Netflix
Nexon
Niantic
North Beach Games
Paradox Interactive
Pearl Abyss
Phoenix Labs
PLAION
Pocket Pair
Razer
Samsung Gaming Hub
Second Dinner
SEGA
Smilegate Entertainment
Sony Interactive Entertainment (PlayStation)
Square Enix
Techland
Tribeca Festival
Ubisoft
Valve (Steam)
Warner Bros. Games

In the meantime, check out all the games announced during Summer Game Fest 2022 by heading over here.
It will be streamed live on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, Facebook, and more.

Devolver Digital
Friday, 9 June 2023 at 6 am GMT+8

Devolver Digital returns for yet another showcase.

Future Games Show 2023
Sunday, 11 June 2023 at 1 am GMT+8

It will be hosted by Marvel’s Spider-Man’s Yuri Lowenthal and Laura Bailey.
There will be many games.
It will be streamed live on YouTube.

Xbox Bethesda Showcase 2023 And Starfield Direct
Monday, 12 June 2023 at 1 am GMT+8

The Xbox Games Showcase will be followed directly by Starfield Direct, a deep dive into the upcoming game.
You can rest assured that there will be many “World Premieres”!
It will be streamed live on:

YouTube.com/Xbox
Twitch.tv/Xbox

PC Gaming Show
Monday, 12 June 2023 at 4 am GMT+8

The PC Gaming Show will follow the Xbox Games Showcase and Xbox’s planned Starfield Direct presentation. Sean Plott will return as host of the showcase.
PC Gaming Show 2023 will feature a total of 55 games, including 16 new game announcements and special access to developer studios around the world.
Confirmed appearances include:

Baldur’s Gate 3 by Larian Studios.
Dune Awakening by Funcom.
Frostpunk 2 by 11 Bit Studios.
Pax Dei by Mainframe Industries.
A brand-new game from Klei Entertainment.

It will be streamed live on YouTube and Twitch.

Ubisoft Forward 2023
Tuesday, 13 June 2023 at 1 am GMT+8

We still know next to nothing about Ubisoft Forward 2023 but it will probably feature Assassin’s Creed Mirage and other games.
It will be streamed live on the official website Ubisoft.com/Forward, as well as Ubisoft’s YouTube and Twitch channels.

Capcom Showcase 2023
Tuesday, 13 June 2023 at 6 am GMT+8

Capcom games galore!

THIS ARTICLE WILL KEEP BEING UPDATED WITH NEW LIVE STREAMS ANNOUNCEMENTS…


Valorant Champions Tour Will Return In 2022

Riot Games have announced the initial details of the 2022 Valorant Champions Tour. In 2022, we can expect to see the return of international competitions, expanded regional Challenger events, new digital features to support esports and a new global Game Changers event that will bring together the best teams from around the world.
In addition, the 2022 Valorant Champions Tour will see an improved season structure that will create more matches between the best teams in Challengers while also creating new competitive opportunities for aspiring pro players. The support and the feedback from last year’s season have been invaluable in helping the company to find new ways to ensure the continued growth of Valorant esports.

Over the coming days, Riot Games will share additional details regarding regional Challenger competitions. For now, our attention returns to the event at hand. The Valorant Champions Finals 2021 will take place on 12 December 2021, where the first Valorant World Champion will be crowned.
You can tune in through the officialÂ Valorant TwitchÂ andÂ YouTube channelsÂ to catch the action live.
[videopress A7IiI6nB]


Here’s When You Can Play The Marvel’s Avengers Beta From Square Enix

Square Enix and Crystal Dynamics will be delivering a beta of upcoming action game Marvel’s Avengers for us to “deep dive” into (via IGN).
Here are the dates when you can both pre-order the game and play the beta, be it the pre-order version or the open beta. The beta will feature a bit of everything: campaign content, co-op missions, hero progression, and exploration in War Zone and Drop Zones.
It’ll be held this August. Schedule’s below.

7th August – PlayStation preorder beta access begins
14th August – Xbox and PC Preorder beta access begins, PlayStation open beta also begins
21st August – Open beta across all platforms begins

In addition, Crystal Dynamics will be hosting a second War Table presentation this month on 30th July 1am GMT+8. Just expect more teases and info drops regarding the other playable Avengers. Previously, the first War Table presentation showcased Thor and Kamala Khan gameplay.Â


God Of War Director Comments On The Sekiro Easy Mode Uproar

Ever since that so-called games journalist from Forbes said that From Software‘s Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice needs to add an Easy Mode, gamers all over the world have been going to war online in heated discussions over the issue.
Some supported the idea, saying that making Sekiro easier would make the game more accessible and that it’s the responsibility of the developer to add accessibility options. Others balked at the very notion of an Easy Mode in Sekiro, saying that gamers need to play the game the way it’s meant to be played and that accessibility doesn’t necessarily mean lowering the game’s difficulty.
Prominent gamer and disabled rights activist Steve Spohn received thousands of retweets and likes on Twitter when he posted his thoughts on the issue, stating that accessibility in games ultimately means more options and not easier gameplay.

I’m honestly getting tired of repeating myself. So this is my last Twitter statement on this
People, influential people, journalists and the media outlets are making this confusing by continuing to use the language “easy mode” – Accessibility means options, not easy gameplay
â€” Steve Spohn (@stevenspohn) April 5, 2019
Twitter user @EdLoBran then replied to Spohn’s tweet by saying that video game developers shouldn’t be asked to compromise their creative vision just to add more accessibility options for the benefit of gamers.

I think the question is do you consider games an art form? I do and you shouldn’t ask an artist/game dev to compromise their vision for your benefit. If you want to experience it watch a playthrough or lore video. There is just Starry Night not Starry Night Accessibility
â€” Dragoon (@EdLoBran) April 7, 2019
Imagine everyone’s surprise when God of War director Cory Barlog jumped into the conversation by speaking his mind on the matter with just one bold and concise sentence.

Accessibility has never and will never be a compromise to my vision.
â€” Cory Barlog ðŸŽ® #BAFTAGames (@corybarlog) April 7, 2019
He later clarified his earlier statement in another tweet posted earlier today.

To me, accessibility does not exist in contradistinction to anyones creative vision but rather it is an essential aspect of any experience you wish to be enjoyed by the greatest number of humans as possible.
Sorry to all the Llamas ðŸ¦™…this is just not for them.â¤ï¸ðŸ˜¬
â€” Cory Barlog ðŸŽ® #BAFTAGames (@corybarlog) April 7, 2019
It’s great to see such a distinguished game developer taking a stand on this issue. Cory Barlog’s own God of War was accessible because it offered multiple difficulty options, catering to every gamer ranging from those who only want to enjoy the story without worrying about gameplay to those who want to prove their mettle by playing through the hardest mode possible. Unlike many other games, a player could also obtain the Platinum trophy for God of War on any difficulty.
Where do you stand on the Sekiro Easy Mode issue? Let us know in the comments below. In the meantime, check out our Sekiro Shadows Die Twice review here.


Cobra Kai Season 5 Gets Epic Trailer & September Release Date

Netflix has announced that Cobra Kai Season 5 will premiere on 9 September 2022, which is less than one year after the premiere of Cobra Kai Season 4 back in December 2021.
The teaser trailer doesn’t reveal much, but it does tease the focus of the upcoming season, which will see Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) teaming up with Chozen Toguchi (Yuji Okumoto) to take down Terry Silver (Thomas Ian Griffith) and his new Cobra Kai empire.
Meanwhile, Johnny Lawrence (William Zabka) and his son, Robby Keene (Tanner Buchanan), go looking for Miguel Diaz (Xolo Maridueña), who was last seen travelling to Mexico in search of his biological father.


The First Official PS5 Bundle Comes With Horizon Forbidden West

Sony has released the first official PS5 / PlayStation 5 bundle that comes with a copy of Horizon Forbidden West. It was spotted by Twitter user Wario64 in the US and the UK.
However, there was probably not a big announcement because PS5 stock remains extremely limited and elusive. The PS5 Horizon Forbidden West bundle costs around £500 for both the standard disc console and a digital copy of the game (it’s less for the disc-only console).

Not available yet, but PS Direct has listed PS5 Horizon Forbidden West bundles (disc and digital) https://t.co/bJGT9wWFVc
Register for an opportunity to purchase PS5 from PS Direct https://t.co/8kUXwTYEqM pic.twitter.com/p9fvpCjVJR
— Wario64 (@Wario64) May 18, 2022

It’s unlikely that this bundle will be widely available everywhere else, considering that PS5 stock is still limited. In the meantime, check out my review of Horizon Forbidden West here or head on over here for a guide.


Black Panther Wakanda Forever Premieres On Disney+ Hotstar Next Week

Black Panther Wakanda Forever will premiere on Disney+ Hotstar on 1 February 2023.
In anticipation of the film’s upcoming streaming debut, Proximity Media, in collaboration with Marvel Studios and Marvel Entertainment, released Wakanda Forever The Official Black Panther Podcast. You can learn about the exciting and emotional journey to make the film over the course of six episodes. The first episode is out now on the Wakanda Forever The Official Black Panther Podcast feed,?available on all major podcast platforms and at?ProximityMedia.com. Five additional episodes will be available weekly beginning on 18 January 2023.?You can preview the rest of the season with a brand-new trailer: https://megaphone.link/ESP3174748639.
In Marvel Studios’ Black Panther Wakanda Forever, Queen Ramonda (Angela Bassett), Shuri (Letitia Wright),?M’Baku (Winston Duke),?Okoye (Danai Gurira) and the Dora Milaje (including Florence Kasumba) fight to protect their nation from intervening world powers in the wake of King T’Challa’s death. As the Wakandans strive to embrace their next chapter, the heroes must band together?with the help of War Dog Nakia (Lupita Nyong’o) and Everett Ross (Martin Freeman)?and forge a new path for the kingdom of Wakanda.?Introducing Tenoch Huerta?Mejía?as Namor, ruler of a hidden undersea nation, the film also stars Dominique Thorne, Michaela Coel, Mabel?Cadena and Alex Livinalli.
In the meantime, check out our review of Black Panther Wakanda Forever here and head over here for our discussion of the movie and its post-credits scene.


[Rumour] Dead Space Might Be Revived; To Be Announced This July

[Update 2nd July: added new info about EA Motive’s involvement]
Fans who missed the spooky sci-fi adventures of Isaac Clarke may want to pay attention to this latest rumour mill.
EA will announce a Dead Space revival-slash-reimagining during its July EA Play Live digital event, according to a VGC article (via GamesBeat), which is followed up by claims from Eurogamer. The revival will be developed by EA’s Motive studio, which also developed last year’s Star Wars: Squadrons.
According to Venturebeat, EA Motive will be rebooting the franchise just like how Capcom made the Resident Evil 2 reboot. Motive is taking notes from Capcom’s recent RE remakes. The reboot will be using the original Dead Space as a strong foundation and upping the visual quality while introducing new gameplay mechanics inspired by the other Dead Space entries. It also helps that EA has warmed up to single-player games after experiencing the success of the EA-published Star Wars Jedi: Fallen Order.
We’ll have to wait until July until these rumours are confirmed or debunked. In any case, it’s high time the sci-fi survival horror series gets another lease in life. The Dead Space series launched back in late 2008 to much acclaim, until it was done dirty with the release of Dead Space 3 back in early 2013.
You can play all three of the games on PS3, Xbox 360 (or Xbox Game Pass), and PC. We suggest you just play the first two and pretend the third one didn’t exist.


ENDER LILIES Devs Announce New Strategy RPG Redemption Reapers

Published and developed by the same people behind ENDER LILIES: Quietus of the Knights, Binary Haze Interactive and Adglobe respectively have announced their newest strategy RPG Redemption Reapers set to launch in February 2023 on the PS4, Switch and PC via Steam.

Redemption Reapers has an absolutely stacked team behind it, with industry luminaries such as tactical RPG veteran Masayuki Horikawa best known for his work on the Fire Emblem series as director and scenario/level designer as well Kingdom Hearts III. The strategy RPG also has a star-studded voice cast featuring Kyle McCarley (13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, NieR: Automata), Allegra Clark (Apex Legends, Dragon Age: Inquisition), David Lodge (Persona 5, Final Fantasy XV), and Lucien Dodge (Fire Emblem: Three Houses, The Legend of Heroes: Trails of Cold Steel series).
With that said, the game will have English and Japanese voice-over options, as well as English, Japanese, French, Italian, German, Spanish, Portuguese, Russian, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional), and Korean language support.
About

Hope fades across the land following the sudden appearance of the ruthless Mort armies. Efficient as they are brutal, the macabre forces descend upon civilizations, leaving destruction in the wake of their nightly raids. As entire nations fall to the Mort onslaught, the Ashen Hawk Brigade, a contingent of mercenaries specializing in surprise tactics, band together to fight back against the invading legions.
Lead the Ashen Hawk Brigade in tactical skirmishes on 3D maps. Employ strategic moves, directing units across the battlefield before issuing commands to attack, defend, or deploy skills during each turn. Overcome seemingly insurmountable odds by mastering sneak attacks for extra damage or powerful combo strikes from multiple Brigade members.


The Internet Is In Love With Elephant Mario

This evening’s Nintendo Direct for June 2023 hosted a ton of awesome surprises: a Super Mario RPG remake, a Star Ocean 2 remake, and a new 2D Mario game with multiplayer. But perhaps the best surprise is the new powerup in the latter title, Super Mario Bros. Wonder, that took the world by storm.
We’re referring to the Elephant power-up that turns Mario into this:

There’s clearly a benefit to being an elephant in the power-induced world of the Mushroom Kingdom. This particular power-up turns Mario (and presumably the rest of the cast) in to an actual elephant. One that has an extra large overalls, hat, and mustache at the ready.
Being the obvious internet sensation right now, here are our top picks of Elephant Mario memes we must share with you.

Super Mario Wonder (2023) pic.twitter.com/M5B2luKCO5
— Ultima? | #??? (@UltimaShadowX) June 21, 2023

The Super Mario Bros. Wonder why Mario is an elephant. pic.twitter.com/WBOkyoWfM0
— Grandma Field (@FieldExplores) June 21, 2023

This is the new Mario power up pic.twitter.com/Xn2IcQtWVo
— (seika ijichi voice) it's pride month nijika. (@DogabakiEmperor) June 21, 2023

Elephant Mario is built like Peter Griffin pic.twitter.com/8wfchEw7uj
— Marsh (@MarshKArt) June 21, 2023

Mario Elephant is the new Kirby Car pic.twitter.com/GVVrrcZqfI
— Glitch (@GlitchxCity) June 21, 2023

Everyone's talking about Elephant Mario, but no one is talking about the in-between. pic.twitter.com/zaVzQL1xm9
— Nathan (Fuck The Twit Boss) Peterson (@ItsGokaiOrange) June 21, 2023

Well… with elephant mario… does that mean we're gonna get shit like elephant Daisy? pic.twitter.com/Jr3GiNO1vw
— ???-????? (@Charred_Ashes) June 21, 2023

elephant mario sweep pic.twitter.com/l6vjWv2NV7
— ?star_babu????? (comms closed!) (@starbab00) June 21, 2023

ELEPHANT MARIO IS REAL AND I LOVE HIM <333 pic.twitter.com/mfhP688rea
— Silver Dragon (@SilverDragon94) June 21, 2023

MARIO ELEPHANT??#NintendoDirect #Mario pic.twitter.com/De2cTB5JIP
— ?BENNY.exe? (@BennyCartoonist) June 21, 2023

Have i won? Am i the first to draw elephant mario? Who made this decision omg- pic.twitter.com/w03PlI6IXN
— ?????YourSupportiveDad????? (@churroshi) June 21, 2023

NO MARIO DONT TURN INTO AN ELEPHANT THE FURRIES WILL CLAIM YOU MARIO NOOOOoo!!! pic.twitter.com/Gp1KRUVCzh
— Öfverste von Gyllenbäfver. (@FarfarAndersson) June 21, 2023

Me: Oh…there's an elephant power up for Mario. Cool I guess —
* Realizes that there's going to have to be a Daisy and Peach version * pic.twitter.com/Bj6pgf5AUa
— ?Daitomodachi? (@daitomodachi6) June 21, 2023

Super Mario Bros. Wonder will be out on 20th October for Nintendo Switch.


Hot Toys Reveals Doc Ock From Spider-Man No Way Home

One of the most highly-anticipated returning villains in Spider-Man: No Way Home is none other than the iconic Doctor Octopus AKA Doc Ock, with Alfred Molina reprising his role from the Sam Raimi Spider-Man movies. Hot Toys has announced the Doc Ock 1/6th scale collectible figure (Deluxe Version).
Masterfully crafted based on Doc Ockâ€™s appearance in the movie portrayed by Alfred Molina, the 1/6th scale figure features a newly developed head sculpt with incredible likeness; perfectly tailored outfit highlighting authentic details on his belt and coat; bendable tentacles extended from his back with articulated claws, capturing his signature weapons and its mechanical design down to the smallest attention; a pair of goggles, a tentacle spear, and dynamic figure stand.
The Deluxe Version will exclusively include four additional nanotech tentacles interchangeable with the original ones to recreate the big fight scene between Peter Parker and Doc Ock in this universe. However, there is no release date yet as of now.
If youâ€™re looking for a non-spoiler review, you canÂ head on over here. If youâ€™ve watched the movie or donâ€™t mind spoilers, check outÂ myÂ Spider-Man No Way HomeÂ breakdown and post-credits explanation article here.


God Of War Ragnarok Becomes Fastest-Selling First-Party Launch Game In PlayStation History

Sony Interactive Entertainment and Santa Monica Studio have announced that God Of War Ragnarok has broken the record for the fastest-selling first-party launch game in PlayStation history, having sold 5.1 million copies in its first week (five days) of release.
That’s mighty impressive, considering that God Of War Ragnarok originally launched for the PS5 and PS4 on 9 November 2022. In comparison, 2018’s God Of War only sold 3.1 million copies in its first three days after launching on 20 April 2018.

Congratulations to @SonySantaMonica for making God of War Ragnarök the fastest-selling first party launch game in PlayStation history! ? pic.twitter.com/NPgN6YHRnQ
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) November 23, 2022

These days, the God Of War franchise is essentially the PlayStation’s equivalent of Xbox’s Halo or Nintendo’s Zelda. Console-sellers, that’s what they are.
In the meantime, check out our review of the game here, or check out all of Ksavir’s poems and easter eggs contained in the game by heading over here.


Ranking The New Base Lootbox Hero Skins

They are finally here! All 17 new hero skins – including those teased at BlizzCon 2017 – which were set to be available on base lootboxes following Overwatch’s latest cosmetic update are all now in the game. Following a huge update earlier today, you can start receiving these awesome hero skins – 5 Epic and 12 Legendary – from your standard lootboxes for unlimited time. Better yet, the Legendary ones are priced at 1000 coins each, making them much more obtainable for everyone.
We could just show you these new skins, in case you haven’t seen them but where’s the fun in that. SoÂ  we’ve decided to rank these skins based on their uniqueness, cool-factor and overall design.

				17. Symmetra – Could have just added this as part of the base colors. Nothing astounding here

				16. McCree – Bland and unimaginative – easily one of the weakest of the lot

				15. Junkrat – A good option for San Francisco Shock fans due to his color scheme.

				14. Torbjorn – Makes Torbjorn look like an uncredited extra from Thorin Oakenshield’s band of dwarves

				13. Zenyatta -Here’s a cheaper (and cooler) option to Houston Outlaws’ Zenyatta skin.

				12. Reaper – Too much like that biker skin from the Halloween event We get it, Reaper. You’re a tough SOB

				11. Lucio – We wish they released this during the summer games.

				10. Orisa – Our favorite Omnic gets a thorough makeover. We like.

				9. Mei – Our favorite Mei skin to date – also the cutest one. We knew this one was coming from her animated short.

				8. Doomfist – Not a Doomfist fan but this one ticks all the boxes for the game’s main protagonist.

				7. Widowmaker – Our favorite Terran in Overwatch. How can we not spend 1000 coins for this?!

				6. Hanzo – A skin that even Hanzo’s biggest haters will come to love. Aces all around

				5. Roadhog – The scariest hulking mass of muscle is now ten times scarier

				4. Zarya – The designers at Blizzard are again most kind to our favorite Russian

				3. D.Va – Maid outfit. Cat ears and tail on her MEKA. Easily the best D.Va skin to date

				2. Reinhardt – Finally a skin representing Reinhardt in his (hair) prime. Glorious detail all around

				1. Pharah – Imagine pairing this skin with a golden weapon

Which skin is YOUR favorite of the lot? Tell us in the comments section below!


Seth Rogen’s TMNT Movie Has A Stylish First Trailer Out

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise has seen a ton of reboots and films, be it live action or animated. Here’s another animated movie that’s set in its own continuity, courtesy of “permanent teenager” Seth Rogen.
The film’s full title is Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Mutant Mayhem, and it sees the titular Turtles – Leonardo (Nicholas Cantu), Michelangelo (Shamon Brown Jr.), Raphael (Brady Noon), and Donatello (Micah Abbey)- learning ninjutsu from their adoptive father Splinter (Jackie Chan). They also learn how to protect the city of New York from criminals and even other mutants (hence the title). They’re also given aid by their longtime friend April O’Neil (Ayo Edebiri).
As you can tell from the art style, it’s going for a very distinct look not unlike SpiderVerse, but a little messier and more in tune with the late 80s. The A Tribe Called Quest ditty in the trailer does help keep in spirit with the vibrancy of what’s in store for the Turtles.

Speaking of other mutants, here’s our peek at Bebop and Rocksteady.

The film is produced by Seth Rogen, directed by Jeff Rowe, and also stars John Cena, Rose Byrne, Giancarlo Esposito, and Post Malone; it’ll be out in theatres on 4th August worldwide.


PlayStation 4 Global Shipments Top 108.9 Million

It’s a veritable windfall for Sony and the PlayStation brand as the company announced its financial results for the three past months that ended on 31st December of last year.
The total number of PS4s shipped globally has reached a pretty significant 108.9 million units. Breaking it down:

A total of 6.1 million PS4s were shipped during the second quarter of the 2019 fiscal year. Previously, the company shipped 8.1 million in the same period in its 2018 fiscal year.
There are 38.8 million PlayStation Plus subscribers as of December 31, 2019.
PlayStation 4 software sold 81.1 million units in the third quarter of fiscal year 2019. 49 per cent of those sales were full game software digital downloads.

While these numbers are a slight decrease compared to 2018’s fiscal year, it’s still a great cause for celebration for all Sony fans all across the globe. 2020 is looking like a beast of a year for the company, with big titles like The Last of Us Part 2 and Ghost of Tsushima, as well as the PS5.


Recent Call of Duty Warzone Leak Reveals New Playable Areas

There’s no such thing as too much Call of Duty Warzone action and playtime, especially if Activision and Infinity Ward are planning on expanding the game further.
A recent Warzone leak (via Dexerto) showcase the game’s battle royale bunker doors opening for the first time. Previously, these bunkers have been a mystery to most players, especially when they have been receiving Red Access cards that don’t do jack at the moment.

? Here’s a video of the bunker door opening animations in #ModernWarfare #Warzone. ?#CallOfDutywarzone #CodWarzone #EasterEgg #CallOfDuty pic.twitter.com/yzZGkWzBQH
— ModernWarzone (@ModernWarzone) April 29, 2020

That’s all well and fancy, but what is inside these bunkers? According to YouTuber “S0ur”, these bunkers may contain “abnormally high loot bars. Most interestingly, the loot bar is at 120%, and every 20% is a tier, so that represents tier six loot. That bar is off the charts. Tier five would have a line at the end.”
We’re guessing these Red Cards will allow you to open these bunkers to gain access to the loot bars. However, that would mean players need to take higher risks to get these cards AND find the limited time they have to get to these bunkers that may be overwatched by campers.
Stay tuned to Kakuchopurei for more Call of Duty Warzone news and tidbits.


Hot Toys Winter Soldier Looks Ready For The Shield

Weâ€™re not even a week after the premiere of The Falcon And The Winter Soldier and Hot Toys has already announced new 1/6th scale collectible figures for the Winter Soldier AKA Bucky Barnes.
Inspired by Marvel Studiosâ€™ original series The Falcon And The Winter Soldier, this new 1/6th scale collectible figure of Winter Soldier showcases his brand new look.
Sophisticatedly crafted based on the portrayal of Sebastian Stan as Winter Soldier in the new series, the figure features a newly developed head with remarkable likeness, a finely tailored tactic outfit, his iconic prosthetic arm displaying mechanic details and incredible painting techniques, highly-detailed weapons including machine gun and dagger, and a figure stand.
No release date or official pricing has been revealed as of yet.
If you havenâ€™t, you can check out my breakdown and easter egg articles for the first episode of The Falcon and the Winter Soldier.
In the meantime, check out The Falcon and the Winter Soldier – 1/6th scale Winter Soldier Collectible FigureÂ below:


Overwatch World Cup – South Korea Retains Title

Tournament favorites South Korea successfully defended their title at the 2017 Overwatch World Cup earlier today after comfortably defeating Canada 4-1. Appearing a little shaky after losing two maps en route to the finals – one each to USA and France – despite their aim of not dropping a map throughout this World Cup campaign, the Koreans showed the world that they are still heads and shoulders above everyone elseÂ even when not on their best day.

Surefour & Agilities huffed and puffed to push the Koreans as far as they could but Ryujehong & Co were clearly on another level. Canada started strong before losing on Oasis and King’s Row to trail the Koreans 0-2 early on. Then both teams head to what appears to be the Koreans’ Archilles Heel in the tournament so far, Hanamura. While Flow3r shone on Hanamura with his superb Widowmaker plays, the map hasn’t been kind to the Koreans this World Cup, having been dragged to a stalemate against the United States in the Quarter-Finals and losing it to France in the Semis. Canada’s gamble with the map pick almost paid through as they pushed the Koreans to the brink before losing the map on extra-time to trail 0-3 overall. The resilient Canadians made a brief comeback on Junkertown with a morale boosting win to put the South Korean team on alert of a possible Canucks comeback.
On their turn to pick the next map, the Koreans went with Numbani and they stomped their authority on the Canadians as they stopped the payload from even reaching the second turn on defense. On the reverse, the highly coordinated Koreans dispelled any doubt of a Canadian comeback with an emphatic push of the payload to beat the marker and win the series 4-1 and with that title of the 2017 Overwatch World Cup Champions.
While the win says a lot about Korea’s domination in the Overwatch circuit, the fact that they dropped three maps and was dragged into tight situations en route to winning the tourney shows that the gulf between east and west is definitely closing in. On the spectators’ standpoint, it is good news heading into the Overwatch League which kicks off in January.
Earlier in the day, Sweden recovered from going 0-1 down to defeat France 4-2 in the third-placement match. Both losing semi-finalists had little to play but it didn’t deter them from giving out a good show for the fans at BlizzCon.
All eight teams who made it to the 2017 Overwatch World Cup stages receive $9,000 appearance reward and each player featured in the tournament receive $1,500 each.


S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2 Developers Putting Game On Hold To Help Ukraine

GSC Game World, the Ukraine-based makers of S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2, is putting the development of its upcoming game on hold to deal with the ongoing Russian invasion of its home country Ukraine.
According to a recent video on their YouTube channel, the company and its families are affected by the war. They will be helping their employees and families to survive.
“The game development shifted to the sidelines. But we will definitely continue. After the victory. Glory to Ukraine.”

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine has affected the games industry. Ukraine’s Deputy Prime Minister has called on Xbox and PlayStation to temporarily end support in Russia and Belarus. EA has removed all Russian teams from its sports games like FIFA 22.


Michael B. Jordan Shares First Look At Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse Movie

Actor Michael B. Jordan has shared a short teaser for his starring role in the upcoming Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse movie. It is based on the original 1993 novel of the same name by the late author, which has been in development hell for the past two decades or so.
Without Remorse is officially in production and currently filming. It is sort of an origin story for CIA operative John Clark, who originally became part of Clancyâ€™s shared Ryan-verse in 1987â€™s The Cardinal of the Kremlin. Without Remorse is also notable in that it will set up the novelâ€™s iconic follow-up, Rainbow Six, which will also star Jordan as Clark.
Tom Clancy’s Without Remorse is slated to release on 17 September 2020. In the meantime, check out Michael B. Jordan’s teaser on his Instagram page below.
https://www.instagram.com/p/B5GeFK6BVB9/


Avengers The Kang Dynasty To Be Helmed By Shang-Chi Director

Last weekend, Marvel Studios announced a bunch of new movies for the rest of Phase 4, as well as the upcoming Phase 5 and Phase 6 slates of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. One of the Phase 6 movies will be Avengers The Kang Dynasty and according to a report from The Hollywood Reporter, the director for that highly-anticipated movie will be none other than Destin Daniel Cretton.
Destin Daniel Cretton was responsible was directing 2021’s Shang-Chi And The Legend Of The Ten Rings. In addition to directing Shang-Chi, already has an overall deal with Marvel that he signed after the release of Shang-Chi. As part of that deal, he is currently working on a live-action Wonder Man series that he will executive produce and potentially direct episodes of, as well as an alleged Shang-Chi sequel.
Avengers The Kang Dynasty is still a whopping three years away at this point, with a release date of 2 May 2025. Before that, a lot of other TV shows and movies will release in the MCU, so the only thing we know for sure about this movie is that Jonathan Majors’ Kang The Conqueror will be the main antagonist, considering the title of the movie and the original comic book story arc of the same name that it was inspired from.
Stay tuned to Kakuchopurei for the latest news and updates!


The Biggest Apex Legends Tournament Begins This Weekend

ESPN has officially announced the EXP Invitational – Apex Legends at X Games Minneapolis event.Â  From 2 August to 3 August 2019, 20 squads will be competing across 12 matches. The event boasts a prize pool of US$150,000.
The tournament will be livestreamed on both YouTube and Twitch. On YouTube, it will be streamed on the ESPN Esports YouTube channel. On Twitch, it will be streamed on both the ESPN Esports and EA Twitch channels.
The pro-am tournament will feature several well-known Apex Legend streamers including NRG’s Dizzy (former world record holder for most solo kills) and Rogue’s HusKers.
HusKers, one of the best Apex Legends players in the world will be competing in the EXP Invitational.
The livestream will be hosted by Alex ‘Goldenboy’ Mendez, Bil ‘Jump’ Carter, Rachel ‘Seltzer’ Quirico, and Daniel ‘DDK’ Kapadia.
Check out the full list of teams and players here.


Dragon Quest Builders Is Now Live On Android & iOS

Square Enix has announced that Dragon Quest Builders is now available for iOS via App Store and Android via Google Play. It is priced at a 20 percent-off launch discount price until 9 June 2022..
Dragon Quest Builders originally launched for PS3, PS4, and PS Vita on 28 January 2016 in Japan, followed by PS4 and PS Vita on 11 October 2016 in North America and 14 October 2016 in Europe, and Nintendo Switch on 9 February 2018 worldwide and 1 March 2018 in Japan.
In Dragon Quest Builders, you are the legendary builder that has the power to build. The realm of Alefgard has been plunged into darkness by the terrible and treacherous Dragonlord, the ruler of all monsters. You will encounter Slimes, Golems, Dragons, and more. Familiar Dragon Quest monsters of all sizes threaten the survival of humankind, as well as craft weapons, build defenses, and fight the monsters to protect your base.
In this world made of blocks, everything you see can be materials used to create. You can farm ingredients, craft various items and build your base to unite the people roaming the ruins. From buildings to entire towns, you have the freedom to make your village your very own.
In the mobile version, you can place blocks by simply tapping the screen and destroy blocks and items more easily with specialized cursors. A convenient Undo Button function has also been added to allow you to restore your work.


New Alien Game Might Be Coming and It’s Not Alien Isolation 2

20th Century Fox has filed a trademark application for a game called Alien: Blackout. Could a new Alien game be coming our way soon?
Aside from the trademark application, no details or official confirmation have been made thus far. However, Alien: Isolation developer Creative Assembly is busy working on a new tactical first-person shooter game. This FPS game might or might not be Alien: Blackout since development is said to be led by the original Alien: Isolation team.
If it’s not being developed by Creative Assembly, another possibility is that Alien: Blackout is the new Alien game initially announced in early 2018. Helmed by Cold Iron Studios, the development team currently consists of games industry veterans who have worked on Star Trek Online, Borderlands, BioShock Infinite, Doom and Metroid Prime 3.
Earlier this month, The Game Awards 2018 host Geoff Keighley posted a teaser image, with aesthetics similar to that used by mega-corporation Weyland Industries in the Alien franchise. This might be pointing to a probable Alien: Blackout announcement at The Game Awards on December 6, 2018.

WORLDS // WILL // CHANGE on December 6 #TheGameAwards pic.twitter.com/2b8ZPZCTbv
â€” Geoff Keighley (@geoffkeighley) November 2, 2018
2014’s Alien: Isolation was a faithful recreation/adaptation of the first Alien movie, with the genuine horror and fear of being tracked by a lone Xenomorph in tight claustrophobic spaces. However, some fans prefer the second movie, Aliens, which focused more on fast-paced action and shooting down Xenomorphs.
If Alien: Blackout is anything like what the rumours suggest, we might finally be getting a decent game adaptation of Aliens. I’d do anything to forget the disaster that was Aliens: Colonial Marines. Shudder. Stay tuned to Kakuchopurei as more details arise!
Facing a Xenomorph Queen would be terrifying and awesome!


Overwatch, PlayStation 4, & Princess Zelda Are The Biggest Jerk-Offs Of 2019

Update: video added.
The most-viewed site in the whole planet that rhymes with “Gorn Club” has just released its 2019 stats. Because we’re a video game site, it’s our sole responsibility to inseminate information to you regarding the sexiest game franchise.
At the top of the charts is Overwatch, followed by Fortnite, Pokemon, Minecraft, Apex Legends, Resident Evil, and Mortal Kombat. Here is the full list, complete with the infographic that thankfully isn’t sticky.

Overwatch
Fortnite
Pokemon
Minecraft
Apex Legends
Resident Evil
Mortal Kombat
Skyrim
Borderlands
Witcher
Warcraft
Mass Erect Effect
Tomb Raider
Street Fighter
Final Fantasy

Newcomer Apex Legends saw a massive number of boners searches after it was launched in February. It peaks at 357,701 searches on 18th February.

What about the most-used game console for choking the chicken? The PS4 takes top honours here, followed by the Xbox One, the PS Vita, the Nintendo Wii U, and the 3DS.

So the next time you touch someone else’s PS4 or Xbox One controller, you may want to keep this in mind.
As for the most-searched video game character? Well, keep scrolling to find out who is #number 1. Caution: this picture-heavy bit may be cropped creatively, but it’s still considered NSFW-ish.

#10. Brigitte (Overwatch, 1.2 million searches)

#9. Ashe (Overwatch, 1.2 million searches)

#8. Ada Wong (Resident Evil Series, 1.3 million searches)

#7. Mei (Overwatch, 1.8 million searches)

#6. Mercy (Overwatch, 2.9 million searches)

#5. Bowsette (“Nintendo”, 3.3 million searches)

#4. Super Mario (Nintendo, 4.2 million searches)

#3. DVa (Overwatch, 4.4 million searches)

#2. Lara Croft (Tomb Raider, 4.6 million searches)

#1. Zelda (Nintendo, 5.6 million searches)

That’s right: Nintendo’s Princess Zelda is the most-searched result to get your jollies sorted. Full list below.

Zelda
Lara Croft
DVa (Overwatch)
Super Mario
Bowsette
Mercy (Overwatch)
Mei (Overwatch)
Ada Wong (Resident Evil)
Ashe (Overwatch)
Brigitte (Overwatch)
Calamity
Pikachu
Misty
Kitana
Argonian (The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim)
Wraith (Apex Legends)
Aqua (Kingdom Hearts)
Jade (MK)
Nina
Cammy
Brite Bomber
Khajiit
Chun-Li
Sonya Blade
Andromeda (Mass Effect)
Claire Redfield
Maya


How Video Game Companies Are Speaking Out Against Recent Anti-Asian Violence

This week was pretty grim as there were a string of murders that happened in Atlanta, Georgia in the US of A. As such, video game companies expressed their support for the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities.
To recap, the alleged shooter of the murders killed eight people, with six of them of Asian descent. Coupled with the fact that US President Joe Biden brought up hate crimes against Asian Americans during the coronavirus pandemic to some startling numbers and data from the Stop AAPI Hate group, this led to the #StopAsianHate hashtag trending on Twitter this week.
Several game companies like Bandai Namco, PlayStation, Xbox, and Ubisoft showed their support via social media. Some of them also made donations to the relevant organizations to make a difference.
PlayStation
“We are troubled by a recent pattern of violence targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. Itâ€™s time to take action. SIE is making a donation to Stop AAPI Hate, and we hope you can too. Learn how you can help here: https://stopaapihate.org“

We are troubled by a recent pattern of violence targeting the Asian American and Pacific Islander communities. It’s time to take action.
SIE is making a donation to Stop AAPI Hate, and we hope you can too. Learn how you can help here: https://t.co/vVdvczmgme
— PlayStation (@PlayStation) March 17, 2021

Bungie
“Bungie stands with our Asian American & Pacific Islander communities, and we have made a donation to provide support and advocacy to those in need. Please support our AAPI families and friends. #StopAAPIHate.”

Bungie stands with our Asian American & Pacific Islander communities, and we have made a donation to provide support and advocacy to those in need.
Please support our AAPI families and friends. #StopAAPIHate
Learn more, and join us by donating to: https://t.co/hlZWs8YQgG
— Bungie (@Bungie) March 17, 2021

Bandai Namco
“As a company based in Japan, the recent rise in anti-Asian hate has truly hit home for our employees. We always appreciate support from our fans and we now ask for your support to #StopAsianHate and fight the rise in hate crimes committed against people of Asian descent.”

As a company based in Japan, the recent rise in anti-Asian hate has truly hit home for our employees.
We always appreciate support from our fans and we now ask for your support to #StopAsianHate and fight the rise in hate crimes committed against people of Asian descent. pic.twitter.com/QlUUryZZfx
— Bandai Namco US (@BandaiNamcoUS) March 16, 2021

Xbox
“Hate has no home on Xbox. Team Xbox is appalled by the violence and racism against Asian communities. For all Asian players and peers, I want you to know that we see you, we hear you, and we will and must do more together to #StopAsianHate.”

Hate has no home on Xbox. Team Xbox is appalled by the violence and racism against Asian communities. For all Asian players and peers, I want you to know that we see you, we hear you, and we will and must do more together to #StopAsianHate.
— Phil Spencer (@XboxP3) March 17, 2021

Blizzard
“At Activision Blizzard, we condemn racism in the strongest possible terms. Our mission […] cannot be accomplished without diverse voices, views, backgrounds, and perspectives.
[…] Today, and every day, we stand with the Asian community and look to do our part to #StopAsianHate #StopAAPIHate. “

#StopAsianHate #StopAAPIHate pic.twitter.com/QmPGdIZbp6
— Activision Blizzard (@ATVI_AB) March 17, 2021

Square Enix
“We’re troubled and saddened by the acts of hate made against our Asian communities. We’re united in our stand against prejudice, racism and hate and are making a donation to Stop AAPI Hate. We encourage you to do the same. Learn how to help: http://stopaapihate.org #StopAsianHate”

We're troubled and saddened by the acts of hate made against our Asian communities. We're united in our stand against prejudice, racism and hate and are making a donation to Stop AAPI Hate. We encourage you to do the same. Learn how to help: https://t.co/awuerm9hrt #StopAsianHate
— Square Enix (@SquareEnix) March 18, 2021

Twitch.tv
“Violent hate crimes and speech against Asians & Asian Americans have seen a sharp increase during this pandemic. Join us in taking a stand against xenophobia & violence by raising awareness within your communities and supporting charitable organizations.”

Violent hate crimes and speech against Asians & Asian Americans have seen a sharp increase during this pandemic. Join us in taking a stand against xenophobia & violence by raising awareness within your communities and supporting charitable organizations. https://t.co/Ek0jlk4gGF
— Twitch (@Twitch) February 26, 2021

If you want to find out more on how to show your support and help out, visit this page.


Thunder Match Technology Opens Fifth Megastore At Pavilion Bukit Jalil

Thunder Match Technology Sdn. Bhd. (TMT) has announced the opening of the the fifth TMT Megastore at Pavilion Bukit Jalil, which brings the total to 49 branches nationwide in Malaysia.
Celebrating its 25th anniversary in 2022, Thunder Match Technology has grown since its first store back in Plaze Imbi in 1997. They are now a network of offline retail and e-commerce platforms offering the latest gadgets with a one-stop solution concept dedicated to consumers an online to offline omnichannel purchasing experience.
TMT Founder Adrian Yu said:
“This latest TMT Megastore opening continues our pursuit of connecting people to technology brands by supplying an extensive range of quality products to promote smarter living. At this location, we also have a special section with an extensive range of gaming product offerings catered to a growing gamer base.
We are pleased to partner with Pavilion Bukit Jalil to bring another physical store experience to shoppers and providing the best retail and e-tail experience to meet all shoppers’ technology needs.”
To commemorate the opening of the new store, TMT is offering Grand Opening Star Buy from as low as RM1, Grand Opening deals with savings up to RM700 from 20 to 22 May 2022 and ongoing on-ground surprise events. They also operate concept and experience stores for Acer, ASUS, HP, Huawei, Lenovo, OPPO, Samsung and Vivo, as well as an authorised reseller and service provider for Apple.
Check out the photos from the launch event earlier today:

				Eric Chan, sales and marketing director of TMT.

				From L-R:  assistant sales marketing LCK, CEO Retail Dato’ Joyce Yap, founder Adrian Yu, Eric