King Of Fighters is back, brought to you by... ATLUS?!

SNK PLAYMORE X ATLUS action!

The King of Fighters XIV? Hmmm... there are plenty of fighters, and while this has served as one of the longer running competitors to the Street Fighter franchise... things went a bit cold (along with the interest in fighting games... beyond tournaments, as FPS games rose up the ranks). Don't get me wrong though... the 2D hand drawn animations in KOF were extremely beautiful, but at the same time it felt like the boss fights fell... flat in KOFXIII (for me).

I say all that to say... even if this game looks absolutely awesome, they have to make sure that the experience is on point. SNK Playmore is teaming up with the awesomeness that is ATLUS in this one... and how I hope they knock it out of the park. I do not want the type of dialog set up seen in KOFXIII... pretty please w/ a slice of extra cheese pepperoni pizza on top! Reading was not the problem in those pre-fight conversations... but it just wasn't good and it was drawn out (to me).

In addition to that... there was so much that could've happened in that game with the content, but I won't go into all that because i'd like to highlight the good things too in a review, versus just a rag-fest. I do want this to be awesome though and cut scenes would be appreciated over the back and forth dialog between characters... that I eventually began to skip past. According to ATLUS... the SNK PLAYMORE team will maintain the 3 vs 3 battle system... but there are notable updates to the fighting engine with streamlined controls to improve on things like the combos & max mode mechanics. I am curious what the story will be like, as well as the overall experience regarding the fights, but one thing I appreciate immediately is the 50 available fighters being available at launch... and we received no mentions of DLC.

The new party battle feature also seems like it could be pretty cool, and sounds as if it will be in the standard set up of people fighting it out with 3 vs 3, but... every character will be controlled by a different person. That would make for a pre-tty coooolllll tournament... because I've never seen one with that type of set up. Have you? Anyway, check out some of the images below and game on!

Oh... before I go, do you think that we will see a new Capcom vs SNK game? I think 2018 would be a great year for one (giving enough space for breathing room).

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Would you like to see Fear Effect Sedna happen?

Fan of Fear Effect? Want a new installment? Well... Square-Enix contacted us today about this and I was like... "Say whaaattt?!". The team is seeking $100,000k via KickStarter... so if you want in, check out the link below. 

What i'd really (really) want to see in a new Fear Effect is... a smooth cel-shade style seen in the image above. I don't want an adventure you can breeze through leaving something to be desired. I need there to be a story that takes me back because I am one of those people that still (proudly) owns a mint copy of Fear Effect for PlayStation 1 and would like to catch up with something that also feels fresh and exciting.

+1, Share, Subscribe and... check out this Kickstarter link: http://bit.ly/FearEffectSedna 

Roblox? What happened to Project Spark? + From the Source: Gears of War 4 update + Quantum Break

I can't and won't hate on ROBLOX, and granted it's worth letting people know of it being available on Xbox One but... I don't know. It's a "meh", at least for me.

That's something that feels almost like fishing to keep some of the community happy due to a lack of content. 

I'd love to be 100% wrong on that, but it just feels that way, but there are games coming and there are games that shouldn't be overlooked. The Just Cause 3 review is close to completion (there is a lot of ground to cover in that game... seriously and that's available on the system, so don't sleep on it if action is your... thing). Speaking of Roblox... what about Project Spark? Not to compare them, i'm just wondering what's going on with Microsoft and the decisions they make at times. Other 1st party developers make wonder the same thing at times too.

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From the Source:

Microsoft Studios and Remedy Entertainment’s action-packed thriller – Quantum Break – is now available on Xbox One and Windows 10. The Xbox One version can be purchased at the Xbox Store, Microsoft stores and microsoftstore.com, and most major retailers worldwide. The Windows 10 version can be purchased and downloaded through the Windows Store.

To celebrate the release of the game, 11 Microsoft store locations in the U.S. and Canada hosted launch events with fans. In addition, beginning today at 10 a.m. PDT, Remedy Entertainment will be hosting a Quantum Break livestream on Twitch featuring key members of the team, including Creative Director Sam Lake, from their studio in Espoo, Finland.

To commemorate Remedy Entertainment and their 20-year legacy of making games, COMPLEX created an in-depth documentary chronicling the origins of the famed Finnish studio, and their work over the last two decades developing critically-acclaimed blockbusters, including “Max Payne,” “Alan Wake,” and now “Quantum Break.”

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*Post updated on 4/11/16 at 10 a.m. PT to clarify the beta timeline. 

On Oct. 11, a new generation of heroes will rise and confront an ominous new threat in Gears of War 4, the first chapter of a brand-new saga developed by The Coalition.

Today, we’re excited to debut our first story trailer, “Tomorrow,” which connects the legacy of the Fenix family from father to son and features a foreboding glimpse of the new menace that awaits.

At the conclusion of Gears of War 3, Marcus Fenix wondered what tomorrow would bring. What a world without war would look like. This is the story of two tomorrows – the one Marcus envisioned, and the one 25 years later, where all hope is shattered as a new nightmare is reborn.

“Tomorrow” features Disturbed’s haunting cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Sound of Silence,” and offers a hint of how Gears of War 4 brings the franchise back to the dark, mysterious and intense tone of the original classic.

Ready to join the fight? Be sure to hop on Xbox Live when the Versus multiplayer beta kicks off in a week:

Beginning on April 18, fans who’ve played Gears of War: Ultimate Edition on Xbox One or Windows 10 will begin to receive tokens in waves for early access to the beta. On April 25, all qualifying Xbox Live Gold members on Xbox One will be invited to join the beta until it ends on May 1.

SDGT Ent Challenges + Kingdom Hearts Unchained X for Mobile!

Here is Blu's... recorded gameplay challenge from Just Cause 3! Want to see him take on another specific challenge? Just ask. By the way... everyone is taking advantage of traveling opportunities, so I've just gotten back, I think Jevaud is in Mexico somewhere, Blu was in SWFL for BFCC promo.
I think Little Bear is somewhere in Nevada enjoying some good eats, but... the show must go on!

                          SDGT Ent Challenges - Just Cause 3: Eden Airship Master Tour II                   

                        

How did Masha do for her first video?

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This... is... awesome, and mobile has come a long way so i'm glad to see Square-Enix increasing the love yet again with... Kingdom Hearts action that reveals new narrative for KH3! (WOOT WOOT)

Official news dropped on us today:

LOS ANGELES ( April 7, 2016) -- The next KINGDOM HEARTS chapter in the beloved series begins today as SQUARE ENIX® and Disney launch KINGDOM HEARTS Unchained χ (read as Unchained “Key”). This free-to-play app (with in-app purchases) allows players to embark on a journey that will uncover story elements from the highly anticipated KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologueand KINGDOM HEARTS III, as well as the earliest parts of the series’ epic history.

For the first time in the series, players can create their own Keyblade wielder using the Avatar system. The detailed customization system will provide a variety of unique character costumes based on seasonal events, Disney themes and blockbuster films, including outfits based on Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde from the Walt Disney Animation Studios’ hit film, Zootopia.

“We wanted to thank all the KINGDOM HEARTS fans for patiently waiting for the launch of KINGDOM HEARTS Unchained χ in North America.  We would love for everyone to dive into the world of KINGDOM HEARTS not only through this title, but through the upcoming titles, KINGDOM HEARTS HD 2.8 Final Chapter Prologue and KINGDOM HEARTS III,” said franchise director Tetsuya Nomura. “As an origins story, there are many elements in the game that new players can enjoy. The game can also be easily picked up and played, so it would be great if fans new and old, take the opportunity to play the game.”

As players traverse the unique worlds of Disney, they will collect, fuse and evolve hundreds of medals that contain the power of Disney heroes and villains. Keyblades can also be discovered across the iconic worlds and strengthened using items found throughout their adventures.

Players can download the game through the App Store for iPhone and iPad and on Google Play for Android devices at the following links:

App Store: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/kingdom-hearts-unchained-ch/id1086859120?l=ja&ls=1&mt=8

Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.square_enix.android_googleplay.khuxww

                       

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HITMAN: Episode 2 + Lara Croft 20 Year Celebration + Orcs Must Die! Unchained

If you've been wanting to get in on some multiplayer co-op action... what are you waiting for?
Orcs Must Die! Unchained is available now for PS4 & PC! This video was made for the purpose of address longevity, because this is a game that can be fun... but past games were repetitious (though the challenge was how you improve and take on the Orcs with even greater efficiency as you progress through the story). This however... is something that will be expected to have longevity because of it's Free2Play set up, and I don't want to see PvP being the only thing dripping with new content. I will say though, I don't think they will take that approach considering... they delivered this type of model that's a lot more high maintenance than a standard purchase to play game.
                   
                         

We also have to announce that HITMAN - Episode Two: Sapienza... is less than a month away, so when that time comes... suit up in... whatever gets the job done. IO also released a 1.03 update for console versions of Hitman and the patch hits the PC soon... (if it hasn't by the time you've read this).

Hitman 1.03 Update Notes

• The Vampire Magician Challenge Pack includes 10 new challenges that were inspired by how our community have been playing the game.
• Each challenge requires you to wear the Vampire Magician disguise while taking down targets using a range of different methods.

• Continued improvements to load times
• The improvements will be most notable when loading The Showstopper mission in Paris and we're already working on improving all loading times even more.

• Improved responsiveness for in-game menus and image loading
• We've implemented an image caching system that will improve responsiveness and loading times for all images in the game menu.

• Fixed issues with scoring
• Primarily, this fixes an issue that resulted in many players earning a "0 second" time bonus and an incorrect score of 210,000. A leaderboard reset will be implemented at a later date.

• Continued improvements to connectivity
• Server stability improvements.

• Missing 'Requiem Pack' items have been restored
• For those affected, these items will now be available to choose from the planning screen again.

• Fixed numerous issues that were causing crashes
• General improvements to game stability.

Last but not least... this week, Square-Enix and Crystal Dynamics announced that 2016 is Tomb Raider's 20-year celebration. From what we know... they plan on celebrating with fans to honor Lara via special events, retrospectives, giveaways, etc... throughout the year! Once they fill us in on the when and where... we'll let you know!

(By the way) If you remember when Tomb Raider was first released (ever), then your age is probably coming to mind... but you know what? (No... not chicken butt... i was going to say that) If you're reading this that's another reason to celebrate (because... you're alive and gaming is still a part of your daily down time).

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Lots of Square-Enix... action in this one!

Square-Enix is going hard... and taking no prisoners with all the content they're delivering. We're playing catch up, and not the kind you can dip fries into (even though that would've been delicious), but we'll get there... there are just a crap load of big games to cover! Blu was actually going to log some hours on console for MGSV while traveling (since an office PC was not going anywhere to cover Square-Enix titles... being reviewed) but... what had happened was... the resort disabled their HDMI. Thumbs down to that crap... seriously (but at least some gaming was enjoyed). I understand they want to prevent people from bringing their own entertainment in order to lock you into using their on-demand system, but there should be options if a resort is already costly enough. Bringing your own monitor is always another option. :p

Anyway... lets get to it, and stay tuned for more action. [Ka-Boom!]

Missed the Uncovered Final Fantasy XV event March 30th (2016)? 

Check it out right here... right now!

This starts at 5:51!

It's safe to say that Final Fantasy XV is going to be huge... and that's what we're talking about, put time into your games and make them marks in history. Just the level of fun and joy you can bring people... would be one of the rewards for me in addition to the support, and that excites me about the growth of SDGT Entertainment and what we will be able to do as we continue to grow. I can't say that FFXV is worth adding to my permanent private collection until I've played it but haven't been disappointed yet. How about you?

If you don't have time to check out the entire event above... we have you covered. ;)

KINGSGLAIVE: FINAL FANTASY XV™ is a CG movie, presented by Sony Pictures Entertainment and Square Enix. The animated feature weaves together the complexities of kingdoms at war, royal relationships and epic battles in a tale that will set the stage for the main FINAL FANTASY XV narrative. The CG movie features an all-star cast with Sean Bean (Lord of the Rings, Game of Thrones) voicing Regis, the King of Lucis who has sworn to protect his kingdom, Lena Headey (300, Game of Thrones), voicing Luna, the princess who has been entrusted to deliver the royal ring of Lucis to Prince Noctis, and Aaron Paul (Breaking Bad), voicing Nyx. The title will be released digitally worldwide before the game’s launch.

I can't complain about the actors coming out to talk about the roles they've played as voice actors in this film... but it was more of a break for me in the event because it was more of a meh, personally. I didn't see it as a bad thing as long as Final Fantasy games aren't taken and dropped on their head by someone who has no understanding or respect for the franchise trying to take a Hollywood approach.

BROTHERHOOD FINAL FANTASY XV™ is a new anime series that consists of five standalone episodes that delve into the extraordinary friendships between crown prince Noctis and his three comrades, setting the stage for the adventure players will set out upon in the action-packed RPG. There will be more episodes dropped before the Sept. 30th (2016) release of the game!

You can pre-order FFXV now... via the Day One Edition, Deluxe Edition, and the Ultimate Collector's Edition (that's only available at the Square-Enix online store). Basically the Ultimate comes with everything the Deluxe has (movie, xbox one avatar content/PS4 theme, Platinum Leviathan Regalia design, access to the Royal Raiment constume DLC) + exclusive disc steel books that contain the soundtrack for the game, the movie and the anime. Not only that (yep there is more... which i'd expect for $270 but anyway) you get a hard-cover artbook, a limited edition (exclusive) variant Noctis PLAY ARTS -KAI- action figure, etc!

If you want another dose of cool, here are two links that give you access to the pinball game "Justice Monsters Five" available within FFXV... so that you can play the game on Android, iOS, and Windows 10 devices (when it's available there). If you've been gaming for as long as I have, this is pretty cool... and I think that Square-Enix should allow for there to be a scoreboard that links all scores together (mobile and in-FFXV). What else can I say? Check it out at the links below & get the Platinum Demo - FFXV... below!

Android: https://prelaunch.me/android/NDU4       ·         iOS:  https://prelaunch.me/ios/NDU5

PLATINUM DEMO - FINAL FANTASY XV

PS4                                  Xbox One

If this were real... 9 out of 10 people would probably crap their pants.

Time to reevaluate life. Actually this would make the perfect bill collector. lol Scaring everyone to death when its time to... collect.

One would question whether they were on something or not if they ended up this size.

Ummm... hide.

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From the Source: Nintendo - eShop action!

This week is flying by!

March 24, 2016 14:00 UTC

Nintendo News: Nintendo Download Highlights New Digital Content for Nintendo Systems

REDMOND, Wash.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- This week’s Nintendo Download includes the following featured content:

Cut down entire legions of enemies as fan-favorite characters from The Legend of Zelda series using powerful moves, as the Hyrule Warriors game comes to the Nintendo 3DS system. (Graphic: Business Wire)

• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • Hyrule Warriors Legends – Cut down entire legions of enemies as fan-favorite characters from The Legend of Zelda series using powerful moves, as the Hyrule Warriors game comes to the Nintendo 3DS system. Control multiple characters to enhance your strategies, and enjoy new story elements with playable characters from The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, such as Tetra and King Daphnes. Take advantage of an epic discount when you buy all DLC packs in a single purchase with the Legends of Hyrule Season Pass, sold separately. You’ll also get an exclusive The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker-themed Ganondorf costume for immediate use in the game, then download the additional DLC packs as they become available throughout the year.
• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut – Shantae: Risky’s Revenge – Director’s Cut brings hair-whipping, belly-dancing action to the Wii U console. The most popular game in the Shantae series now has HD illustrations, a Magic Mode Costume and new Warp System.
     
• Virtual Console on New Nintendo 3DS
  • Donkey Kong Country – The Super NES masterpiece is now on New Nintendo 3DS! Play more than 100 levels filled with collectibles and hidden bonus levels of platforming action. With the help of Donkey Kong’s quirky family, animal friends and your fast reflexes, the dynamic duo of Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong will prove to be an unstoppable force.
  • Super Mario Kart – Take to the roads with your favorite Mario characters in the first game of this iconic series! Super Mario Kartoffers crazy tracks that will test your gears. Use classic power-ups and gain the advantage to make it to the finish line.
  • EarthBound – Intergalactic terror strikes the small town of Onett as a blazing extraterrestrial object crashes in the night. Earth now faces imminent destruction by the universal evil threat, Giygas. A courageous boy named Ness and his three friends vow to save the planet from hideous destruction. Acclaimed RPG EarthBound is a great game to take on the go.
• Virtual Console on Wii U
  • Yoshi’s Story – Baby Bowser has taken the Super Happy Tree and put a spell on Yoshi Island. In this charming Nintendo 64 game, it’s up to a few remaining Yoshi characters to restore everything to its rightful place as they run, ground-pound, flutter-jump, throw eggs and traverse a colorful storybook-looking world. Complete a course in Story Mode, and then best your high score in Trial Mode.

Nintendo eShop sales:

• Nintendo eShop on Wii U and Nintendo 3DS
  • Resident Evil: The Mercenaries 3D (Nintendo 3DS), Resident Evil Revelations (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS) and more games from Capcom are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 29.
  • Epic Word Search Collection (Nintendo 3DS) and Word Party (Wii U) from Lightwood Games are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT onApril 4.
  • Harvest Moon: The Lost Valley (Nintendo 3DS), Ninja Strike: Dangerous Dash (Wii U) and more games from Natsume are on sale starting at 9 a.m. PT on March 25 until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 31.
  • SpongeBob SquarePants: Plankton's Robotic Revenge (Wii U and Nintendo 3DS), and SpongeBob HeroPants (Nintendo 3DS) from Activision are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 30.
• Nintendo eShop on Wii U
  • Suspension Railroad Simulator is more than 35 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $5) until 8:59 a.m. PT on April 7.
  • Life of Pixel is more than 50 percent off (reduced from $9.99 to $4.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on April 11.
  • Skylanders SuperChargers Portal Owner’s Pack is 50 percent off (reduced from $49.99 to $24.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on April 1.
  • Maze and The Perplexing Orb are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 31.
  • Explody Bomb is more than 65 percent off (reduced from $.99 to $.59) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 31.
  • Adventures of Pip is 50 percent off (reduced from $14.99 to $7.50) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 31.
• Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS
  • 3D Gunstar Heroes, Hatsune Miku: Project Mirai DX and more games from SEGA are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on April 4.
  • Aqua Moto Racing 3D is 50 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on March 31.
  • Jett Rocket II: The Wrath of Taikai is 25 percent off (reduced from $8.99 to $6.70) until 8:59 a.m. PT on April 14.
  • Japanese Rail Sim Journey in Suburbs #1 is 50 percent off (reduced from $7.99 to $3.99) until 8:59 a.m. PT on April 7.
  • Stella Glow, Etrian Odyssey 2 Untold: The Fafnir Knight and more games from ATLUS are on sale until 8:59 a.m. PT on April 4.

New DLC:

• Fire Emblem Fates – New DLC Map – Hidden Truths (1 and 2) – The secret prologue to the world of the Fire Emblem Fates games, this two-map set is now available to download in the game for only $4.49.
• Fire Emblem Fates – Map Pack 1 – As a reminder, anyone who owns either Fire Emblem Fates: Birthright or Fire Emblem Fates: Conquestcan purchase Map Pack 1 in-game at Dragon’s Gate for $17.99 to get access to 11 DLC maps plus bonus content as it is released weekly through April 21. Map Pack 1 content is priced at more than $24 when purchased individually.

Activities:

• Mini Mario & Friends amiibo Challenge – For a limited time, get a download code for early access to the Mini Mario & Friends amiibo Challenge game. Just buy any amiibo figure from a participating retailer between March 25 and April 27, and you’ll get early access to the game. Download this game for free on your Nintendo 3DS system or Wii U console, then tap any amiibo figure to get started. Click here: http://minimario.nintendo.com.
• National StreetPass Weekend: Spring Edition – Swing into spring with Nintendo 3DS! From March 25 to March 27, collect up to six StreetPass tags from across North America when you stop by a Nintendo Zone location with your Nintendo 3DS family system. While you’re out and about, be sure to take advantage of the cool StreetPass features in many popular games. To find a Nintendo Zone near you, visit http://www.nintendo.com/3ds/nintendozone.

Also new this week:

• Infinity Runner (Nintendo eShop on Wii U)
• Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey in Suburbs #1 Vol. 2 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey in Suburbs #1 Vol. 3 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Japanese Rail Sim 3D Journey in Suburbs #1 Vol. 4 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)
• Witch & Hero 2 (Nintendo eShop on Nintendo 3DS)

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