Josh Jackson | Geekscape

‘Pokemon’ Gets A Live Action Commercial During The Super Bowl… But What Is It For!?

by Josh JacksonJanuary 18, 2016

If you’re into Pokemon as much as we are here at Geekscape, then you surely have kept up with the Pokemon 20th anniversary announcements made last week, which included a year’s worth of Mythical Pokemon, an exclusive New 3DS which includes Pokemon Red, Blue and two sets of cover plates that feature the original games’ cover art, and the Western release of Pokken Tournament. But the most surprising, (and most mysterious,) announcement was that the popular game series will get its own Super Bowl spot!

Don’t believe me? Here’s the quote from the press release.

To kick-start the celebration, The Pokémon Company International announced today that it will air a new ad during Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, February 7, which will encourage fans to Train On. In that spirit, fans are encouraged to share their favorite Pokémon memories on Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube using the hashtag #Pokemon20.

With that said, what could the announcement be!? Here are some of our ideas leading up to the big game.

A celebration of 20 years of Pokemon.

I would think this possibility would come up in the hopes that the additional exposure aimed at adults who might have thought Pokemon was a fad that died in the 90’s would trigger some extra interest with a dash of nostalgia. My tempered expectations make me think this option is the most likely, since the tone of the press release makes the ad sound like a celebration of the entire series that encourages us to “Train On,” (I wonder how much we’ll hear that phrase this year?) But then again, why spend so much money on a live action commercial for the notoriously expensive Super Bowl? That might be reserved for a new announcement. Such as…

A Pokemon Z Reveal!

It’s coming. It’s inevitable. And I want it now. It’s safe to say that after taking 2015 off, Pokemon Z is pretty much a sure thing for this year. Considering the anime is already introducing new forms and characters that have yet to appear in any of the games and that the third cover Pokemon has already been established with Zygarde, is there any doubt at this point? And that’s aside from the fact that the actual name of the show has shifted to Pokemon X, Y & Z! Still, game announcements like this are more likely reserved for E3. How about something that’s already announced, but that we know little about? Something like…

A release date for Pokemon Go!

Yes! As the possibility that I’m most hoping for, Pokemon Go has set the Pokemon fandom on fire since it was revealed in September. Then… Nothing! We haven’t heard a detail, hint or peep about the mobile game since. When you think about it though… That commercial was live action. Almost everyone has a phone, regardless of whether or not they still play Pokemon, (or if they ever did.) Announcing a release date during the freakin’ SUPER BOWL would be the top story of every gaming site immediately! This HAS to be the announcement, right? With a 2016 release already promised, hopefully we’ll find out when we’ll be blindly walking into traffic looking for Pokemon through our phones.

What do you think the big commercial will detail? Are there any possibilities we missed? Share your ideas, along with your Pokemon memories in the comments below, and keep your eyes peeled during the big game to see what Pokemon has in store for us on February 7th.

Here’s When ‘Megadimension Neptunia VII’ Will Grace Our TV Screens!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 18, 2016

If you were losing sleep over the thought of when you’ll be able to play Megadimension Neptunia VII, the fourth main game in the Hyperdimension Neptunia RPG series, then you’ll be able to rest easy tonight. Idea Factory has announced that our return to Gamindustri will arrive on February 2nd!

Joining Neptune and Nepgear as they travel between three different dimensions as they attempt to save Gamindustri from its latest threats, the game is set to feature new battle mechanics, characters, enemies, CPU’s and NEXT forms to keep things interesting. And of course, we can’t forget the humor, game parodies, and crazy personalities the series is known for, which has captivated us enough to place Neptune and Nepgear in high spots on our top waifu lists! We’ve gone full weeaboo for these games, people!

Despite retailers listing Megadimension Neptunia for a February 2nd release for awhile now, it’s great to see some official confirmation, especially if you’re counting the days until your limited edition will arrive. But wait, what am I supposed to play if Gravity Rush HD and Street Fighter V both come out on the same day!? I think it’s time to make some serious life choices.

For more information on the battle system, NEXT forms, or past reviews, check our archives and get all the Nep Nep you can handle, and be sure to check back for all your Neptune news!

Black Panther, Baloo And More Revealed For ‘Disney Infinity 3.0’ Courtesy Of Retailer Leak!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 18, 2016

Man, these leaks seem to hit Disney Infinity hard, don’t they?

A few months after a few of the upcoming Marvel figures were leaked ahead of the Marvel Battlegrounds Play Set scheduled to launch in March, an apparent retailer leak has shown off these figures all over again, with one extra surprise being added to the Disney Originals roster. From the expected, to the teased, to the completely out of left field, here are the characters and power discs being added to the Disney Infinity collection.

Starting with one we all knew was coming, Black Suit Spider-Man was previously exclusive to the PS Vita version of Disney Infinity 2.0, and was clearly listed as a new character under the Marvel character roster in 3.0. Even if he wasn’t a surprise, (and despite the costume being available as a power disc,) Symbiote Spidey looks amazing up close. I know this because I was one of the people who bought the Vita version just for him early last year. It’s worth it, people!

Teased months ago on the Disney Infinity Facebook page, Ant-Man is finally headed to the game with his own figure. Despite appearing as a mission giver and assist character via his own Power Disc, Ant-Man will now be fully playable, with an updated design based more on his movie version. Sure to ride the wave of momentum the character is enjoying after his movie turned out to be pretty great, I can’t wait to add him to my growing collection.

As one of the two major leaks from October, we finally have a mock up of what Vision’s figure and box will look like together. While somewhat expected because of his debut in Age Of Ultron, Vision is sure to bring some exciting new moves with the power of his Infinity Stone once the character is released.

Easily my favorite figure from the leaked set, (and possibly ever if the detail in the image translates to the final release,) Black Panther looks like an absolute beast! Just in time for his big screen debut in Captain America: Civil War, the prince of Wakanda will go well with the updated First Avenger Captain America launching with Marvel Battlegrounds.

The next batch of Marvel Power Discs feature a variety of characters and items from the most recent films, including the Nova Corps logo, Ghost Rider’s motorcycle, (despite having no Ghost Rider,) and the Cosmic Cube. What’s most surprising, is what seems to be a Darkhawk support disc, a more obscure character who is typically associated with Nova, but hasn’t made an appearance in the games or movies at this point. Maybe it’s hinting at future plans? Or maybe it’s just a cool bonus for the hardcore comic fans!

And lastly, the character that I did not see coming is Baloo, although it’s clear Disney saw him as a “Bear Necessity”. With a joyous expression reminiscent of his beloved song and dance sequence from The Jungle Book, details on what his in game abilities will be at this point are unknown. Once Disney sends out the official details however, we’ll be sure to post the updates!

You might have noticed the Wi-Fi logo at the bottom of each box. Considering past games have had the entire release schedule pre-installed on the disc, (and ruining the surprise in the process,) 3.0 is allowing the developers to add characters post launch. Unfortunately, this also means that an Internet connection is needed for characters who are being added late in the game’s life. It’s a give and take, but overall, I feel this is a positive, especially since surprises like Baloo would’ve been spoiled in August if this wasn’t the case.

What are your favorites from these new figures, and who do you hope to see get added to the game? Let us know in the comments!

Source: iheartinfinity.com

Netflix Renews ‘Jessica Jones’ For A Second Season!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 17, 2016

Come back here, Jessica!

In a great way to end what’s been a terrible week, it was announced at the Television Critics Association press tour that Jessica Jones, the second Netflix exclusive television series to come out of the streaming and rental service’s partnership with Marvel, has been renewed for a second season!

After near universal acclaim, (including from us,) Jessica Jones joins Daredevil as the second of two series’ to be confirmed for a second season, the latter of which will debut in March. This is aside from the three other planned series’ as part of the original deal, which include shows based on Luke Cage and Iron Fist, and The Defenders, which will bring all these heroes together. With rumors swirling of a Punisher adaptation being considered as well, it’s safe to say that this partnership is turning into everything we wanted and more, especially for the viewers!

Not only am I thrilled to see Krysten Ritter return as the smart-ass P.I., I’m extra excited to see one of her shows actually continue! The question is, which stories will they draw off of considering Jessica’s most prominent story, Alias, was essentially covered in season 1? Let us know what you’re hoping to see in Jessica’s second season in the comments, and as always, we’ll update you all as details surface.

Source: IGN.com

Geekscape Games Reviews ‘LBX: Little Battlers eXperience’

by Josh JacksonJanuary 16, 2016

Robot battling games have always been a low key favorite of mine. From Custom Robo to Virtual On, and Armored Core, there’s just something rewarding about being able to build your own character and fight it out with your friends. Sadly, games of this nature are fewer and far between these days, but that’s changing with LBX: Little Battlers eXperience, the latest game from the well versed developers at Level-5. The thought of this team bringing this type of game to the masses was an exciting one, but once my time with LBX was finished, I was left feeling like it never reaches its full potential.

In the near future, the LBX craze is at its peak. Children and adults alike can often be found squaring off against each other with their armed cardboard bots. As Van Yamato, a boy who is obsessed with the toys, is barred from having one after his father, the creator of the original LBX model, was killed in an accident. However, a group in the shadows is hoping to reprogram the toys for a much more menacing purpose. Once one of their researches escapes and sneaks a special model over to Van, him and his friends are swept up in a deep rooted conspiracy involving assassinations, the circumstances surrounding his father’, and the fabric of the LBX robots as a whole!

If you couldn’t tell, this game goes hard with its over dramatic, anime inspired plot. Not to say that’s a bad thing, but it’s humorous to think how much of this world revolves around these toys, (I’ll take this as a sign that it’s only a matter of time before amiibo start killing people.) As Van and his friends traverse the world of LBX, players will have the option to battle NPCs for items, experience and parts, buy new parts from the local shop, or progress with the story to earn some of the better equipment. Stopping to fight every so often isn’t a bad idea, since each individual part, on top of the player as a whole, will level up, unlock special abilities and get stronger with each battle. Being prepared is a necessity, especially when certain sections of the story are filled with random battles that tend to wear you down. Speaking of wearing down, your LBX won’t perform well if you don’t take care of it, so oiling it after around ten battles is necessary if you want to keep it in tip top shape.

Of course, keeping it in shape doesn’t mean much if you’re not equipping your LBX with the best parts. Thankfully, the game offers hundreds of ways to customize your machine. With certain types of framework to switch your robot into a particular category, (like the Strider Frame for speed, or Knight Frames for your all around types,) picking a play style and equipping parts that complement them are a key aspect of succeeding in your battles. From there, players can equip two weapons, which adds to the depth. Do you equip a melee weapon and a long range firearm? Or do you equip a shield instead for extra defensive power? Or do you just equip two melee weapon types so you can switch on the fly and keep your opponent guessing? This aspect of the game is where LBX really shines, offering what feels like a huge amount of customization options, especially when it comes to the extensive post game content after the 25-30 hour story mode is cleared.

Battles themselves are fairly straightforward, adopting RPG elements to go with the real time action mechanics. Taking place within a variety of terrains inspired by cities, forests and canyons to name a few, using cover in between long range attacks as you close in for the big melee damage seems to be the way to go in both single and multiplayer combat. Preventing players from getting too trigger happy, each attack costs a certain amount of tension. Once that meter fills, your robot becomes significantly weaker for a short time, so knowing when to attack is important when your toy robot has the fate of the world hanging over it. When in trouble, your LBX can use items to gain an advantage, or use devastating Special Attacks that increase the chances of earning bonus parts if you finish a battle with them. While fights are over relatively quickly, different battle modes, like team battles topping off at 3 vs. 3 and modes where each LBX gets three lives before being put down for good, extends the fun found in the battles.

At least, that’s the case for the first ten hours or so, but when it comes to the single player content, battles are so frequent that they wear thin faster than you want them to. With damage being so high and battles being so short, the set up and loading screens tend to be longer than the actual fights in some cases. Considering that you’ll constantly find yourself fighting these battles, with similar opponents, stages and weapons, and you’ll start to get worn out long before the story sees its end.

This is a similar problem that other games in the genre, such as the aforementioned Custom Robo ran into, since all the customization in the world doesn’t matter when you spend your time continuously KO’ing brain dead AI. Fortunately, the latest game in that series had online play, which let you put your combinations and play style to the test against opponents from around the world. Unfortunately, LBX doesn’t offer this luxury, being restricted to local multi card multiplayer only. Let’s face it. A game like this is more of a niche title, making it so that it may be hard to find a wide variety of opponents who live in your vicinity. So without online play, it might be hard to round up a group of batllers to test your strategies with. In that case, all you’re left with is a repetitive single player mode, where its absurdly entertaining story might not be enough to keep you playing the same battles over and over again.

After an extensive amount of time with LBX, it’s not quite the revival of the robot battling genre I was hoping for. While all of the customization, weapon types and combat depth can be found within this package, it ends up being bogged down by the lack of online multiplayer or single card download play, a repetitive single player mode with easy to beat AI, and short battles that are over long before you’re ready. The well produced cutscenes, sharp handheld visuals and a world of potential aren’t enough to help LBX rise above more than an average game, which I’m hoping will get better with subsequent releases. For now however, we’ll have to keep waiting for another strong build and battle experience.

tl;dr

+ A large amount of weapons, models, items and battle types, creating a wide variety of strategies.

+ The ridiculous story mode that puts the fate of the world on the backs of these inch tall robots, mostly told through well produced cutscenes.

+ Fun, addictive combat, that unfortunately…

– Gets old after numerous, repetitive fights against the easily beatable CPU.

– The lack of online or single card mulitplayer makes it hard to explore the game’s full potential.

– Short single player battles wear out an already repetitive single player mode.

Final Score: 2.5/5

The Past And The Future Square Off In The First ‘Splatoon’ Splatfest Of The New Year!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 15, 2016

For the first time since Callie’s Team Naughty stood tall over Marie’s Team Nice, Splatoon is back with another North American Splatfest, this time, pitting the past against the future!

Asking Inklings whether or not they would rather visit the past or visit the future, this event will take place during its usual time, from Friday, January 15 at 9 PM PST to Saturday, January 16 at 9 PM PST. Each team’s popularity and win percentage will be tallied to decide who the ultimate winner is, with early voters chiming in as to why they chose the side that they did.

Callie on the other hand, has a different reason for why she would rather visit the past than explore all of the potential advancements of the future, or at least scope out the next set of lotto numbers.

Well, I guess we all have our priorities, but what are yours? Are you Team Past, or Team Future? Let us know in the comments, and make sure to include your Nintendo ID’s so we can get claim turf together!

Images courtesy of www.reddit.com/r/Splatoon

See Boruto And Sarada Square Off Against Naruto And Sasuke In The Latest ‘Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4’ Trailer!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 15, 2016

Kids often feel pressured to live up to their parent’s examples, but when your parents are two of the most powerful ninja that ever lived, chances are you’re going to crash and burn.

Still, that doesn’t stop Boruto Uzumaki and Sarada Uchiha from trying to teach Naruto and Sasuke a few tricks of their own, as the new generation tries to take on the old guard in the latest Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 trailer!

Growing up as the opposite of his father, Boruto is a talented ninja who is expected to be a great ninja in his own right, despite him hating the position of Hokage due to it taking his father’s time away from him and his family. Somewhat spoiled and overconfident, that doesn’t mean that Boruto can’t hold his own in a fight, already mastering the Shadow Clone Jutsu, as well as developing his own version of his dad’s signature Rasengan ability.

Sarada on the other hand, is a serious, studious girl who dreams of becoming Hokage someday. Since Sasuke was absent through most of her life due to him traveling the ninja world in secret to detect hidden threats, the young Uchiha kunoichi admires Naruto and his position as Hokage while still holding a deep respect for her dad after discovering his reasons for leaving the village. Weiding her mother’s strength and her father’s Sharingan eyes, it seems like the Uchiha legacy is in good hands.

But how can they fare against their famous parents? See them in action for yourself below and let us know what you think! To play as Boruto and Sarada, as well as versions of Naruto, Sasuke, Sakura, Hinata, and Hokage Kakashi from The Last: Naruto the Movie, you’ll have to make sure to pre-order the game for PS4, Xbox One or Steam before its February 9th release date! Check out our hands on previews to hold you over, and make sure to check back with us as more details surface!

Preview The Upcoming Yu-Gi-Oh Expansion With The ‘Clash Of Rebellions’ Special Edition

by Josh JacksonJanuary 14, 2016

If you follow the Yu-Gi-Oh trading card game, you’re probably hyped for the upcoming Breakers of Shadow booster set, which promises to flood the game with a wave of viable cards that are looking to improve existing decks while reviving old ones. If you wanted a small taste of what that set will offer, the Clash Of Rebellions special edition is looking to tide you over until the full set is released.

As with most every special edition set, $10 MSRP gets you three booster packs of the previous set, which includes a new deck’s worth of new Red Eyes Black Dragon cards, such as The Black Stone Of Legend, Red-Eyes Archfiend Of Lightning, and Cards of the Red Stone, and the cover monster that’s both a Pendulum and Xyz card, Odd-Eyes Rebellion Dragon. In addition to the standard boosters however, each box now comes with two of four promotional inserts, one of which is a reprint of a hard to find card, and the other releasing as a Super Rare variant of the next major expansion.

Starting with the preview cards, here are Engraver of the Mark and the Trap Card, Destruction Sword Flash. Engraver is a spellcaster with a decent amount of attack points and an odd set of abilities. If the opponent plays a card that asks them to name a specific card as part of its effect, Engraver allows its controller to discard it from their hand to the graveyard in order to change the name of the card to one of your choosing. When on the field, Engraver can destroy any one card on the field at the end of the following End Phase, forcing the opponent to either use it before they’re ready, or see it destroyed.

Destruction Sword Flash gives duelists an even bigger reason to dust off their Buster Blader cards from 10 years ago and breathes fresh life into them with a powerful effect. When using a Fusion Monster that used Buster Blader as its material, you can flip this card to banish your opponent’s entire field. Once in the graveyard, this card can be used AGAIN by triggering its secondary effect if you banish it. In this case, if a Buster Blader monster you control is targeted by an effect, this card can negate the effect and destroy that card. Buster Blader is sounding pretty awesome right about now!

Not to be left out, the two Shonen-Jump promo reprints, Ultimaya Tzolkin and Frightfur Tiger, each of these monsters offer huge benefits to their respective decks when in the right situation. Tzolkin, (known as the Crimson Dragon who served as a guide for Yusei and his friends in the 5D‘s anime,) can use its effect to special summon a level 7 or 8 dragon type Synchro monster, or a Power Tool Synchro monster without fear of follow up effects to the card that’s special summoned. A perfect set up for cards like Azure Eyes Silver Dragon, Tzolkin looks like it could be a huge asset to any Synchro heavy dragon deck.

Freightfur Tiger also has a very specific benefit, but it’s one you’ll want to pay attention to. As a fusion monster that can destroy one card of the field for every Fluffal monster used as its material, potentially allowing you to wipe the field and clear the way for a powerful series of attacks. When you consider that Freightfur Tiger also boosts the attack strength of every Fluffal card it shares the field with, and you have a chance to deal a finishing blow to your opponent pretty easily with the right cards.

What say you, duelists? What are your highlights within the Clash Of Rebellions Special Editon? Comment below and share your thoughts!

Celebrate 20 Years Of ‘Pokemon’ With These Eleven Mythical Pokemon Distibutions!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 13, 2016

With all the news surrounding the 20th anniversary of Pokemon, from the New 3DS with exclusive cover plates, to the first three movies being remastered, perhaps the most exciting piece of information was that we would be getting a full year of distribution events starting in February!

After the initial announcement, pokemon.com released the full list and schedule for releasing what they’re dubbing as ‘mythical Pokemon.’ Starting from generation 1 and working all the way to gen 5, each Pokemon will be at level 100 and will be obtainable either through a Nintendo Wi-Fi event, or at participating GameStop stores, depending on the event. If you’re worried about being able to EV train them when they start out at their max level, remember that Super Training and Vitamins can still get them up to snuff, albiet in a less convenient way than your standard training with Pokerus.

Considering these Pokemon are usually very hard to come by, with limited releases before disappearing for years at a time, now is the time for trainers to complete their collection, especially since each one will work with both X/Y AND Ruby/Sapphire, a rare occurance since most events since the gen 3 remakes released have been exclusive to the newer titles.

To make things easier to figure out, here are the details for each event in the order of release:

Mew
February 1-24 2016 at GameStop
Ability: Synchronize
Moves: Pound

(Note: Considering Mew can learn every TM and HM, its lack of a preset move pool shouldn’t worry trainers considering the possibilities with the original event Pokemon are nearly limitless.)

Celebi
March 1-24 via Nintendo Network
Ability: Natural Cure
Moves: Confusion, Recover, Heal Bell, Safeguard

Jirachi
April 1-24 via Nintendo Network
Ability: Serene Grace
Moves: Wish, Confusion, Rest

Darkrai
May 1-24 via GameStop
Ability: Bad Dreams
Moves: Dark Void, Ominous Wind, Nightmare, Feint Attack

Manaphy
June 1-24 via Nintendo Network
Ability: Hydration
Moves: Tail Glow, Bubble, Water Sport

(Note: As the only mythical Pokemon that can breed, pair Manaphy with Ditto at the Daycare to pop out a bonus monster with Phione.)

Shaymin
July 1-24 via Nintendo Network
Ability: Natural Cure
Moves: Seed Flare, Aromatherapy, Substitute, Energy Ball

Arceus
August 1-24 via GameStop
Ability: Multitype
Moves: Judgment, Recover, Hyper Beam, Perish Song

Victini
September 1-24 via Nintendo Network
Ability: Victory Star
Moves: Incinerate, Quick Attack, Endure, Confusion

Keldeo
October 1-24 via Nintendo Network
Ability: Justified
Moves: Aqua Jet, Leer, Double Kick, Bubble Beam

Genesect
November 1-24 via GameStop
Ability: Download
Moves: Techno Blast, Magnet Bomb, Solar Beam, Signal Beam

Meloetta
December 1-24 via Nintendo Network
Ability: Serene Grace
Moves: Quick Attack, Confusion, Round

What an exciting time to be a trainer!

Which Mythical Pokemon do you need to round out your collection? Or do you already have all 720 and are looking to double up throughout the year? Comment below and let us know, and continue to follow us all year long to celebrate 20 years of Pokemon!

From ‘Shenmue To ‘Phoenix Wright’: ‘Project X Zone 2’ Looks Absolutely Crazy!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 13, 2016

Project X Zone 2 is one of those games that you would have never thought could have existed when us bright eyed gamers were used to the idea of game companies being at each other’s throats. Fast forward to today, and it’s crazy when you think about how common crossover games are these days.

Despite its title, what’s technically the third game in Namco’s and Monolith Soft’s turn based strategy series brings together an even wider range of characters from wildly popular series’ like Street Fighter and Resident Evil, to the more obscure franchises like Yakuza, Star Gladiator, and Capcom Fighting All Stars, knowing that all these characters will share a screen with one another is an exciting thought.

The latest batch of screenshots show off some of the heroes and villains that will make an appearance once the 3DS title releases on February 16th. Newcomers displayed include M. Bison, Xenoblade‘s Metalface and Fiora, Ingrid, Ryo Hazuki and Leon S. Kennedy, as well as the returning Ryu, Ken, Estelle, KOS-MOS and T-elos. NPC’s like Ada Wong and Miles Edgeworth show their support, while even non gaming characters like Segata Sanshiro manage to sneak in!

Check out the full screenshot gallery and the latest trailer below. Comment and tell us who you’re most excitped to play with, and if you have no idea what we’re talking about, get caught up with our review of the first game and our E3 impressions of PXZ 2. And as always, make sure to check back with us as more information surfaces!

Return To The Digital World In ‘Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth’

by Josh JacksonJanuary 13, 2016

In a few more weeks, Digimon will make its PS4 and PS Vita debut in the West with Digimon Story: Cyber Sleuth. To help hold us over for its February 2nd release date, Namco Bandai has released a whole lot of screenshots alongside a new trailer to drool over.

This upcoming turn based RPG will let players jump back into the world of Digimon, with over 200 different monsters to collect and train as part of your customazable parties. When not battling it out for the fate of the world, each hatched creature can be raised, trained and pampered in the Digi Farm, which was giving me serious Sonic Adventure 2 vibes when I watched the trailer below.

Developed by the team behind such role playing classics like the Wild Arms and Valkyria Chronicles games, it’s safe to say that fans of the genre have plenty to be excited about. Take it from me, someone who has never shown too much interest in the Digimon franchise, when I say that I absolutely cannot wait to give this game a spin.

But don’t take my word for it! Check out the screenshots and trailer below and let us know what you think. If you’re a die hard fan who needs everything Digi, make sure to pre order for exclusive character variants and Digimon, some of which weren’t even released in Japan!

Let us know what you think in the comments, and check back for more news and information as it’s made available.

Naruto And Sasuke Approach Their Final Battle In These ‘Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 4’ Screenshots

by Josh JacksonJanuary 12, 2016

After 15 years, the Naruto manga finally reached its conclusion in November 2014. Never far behind, it’s about time the games followed suit. In about a month, we’ll be able to play Naruto and Sasuke’s final battles in Naruto Ultimate Ninja Storm 4, and if the latest batch of screenshots are anything to go by, the story is sure to go out with style.

Focusing on the history leading up to this final clash, the game is looking to dig deep into the history of the series, showing off childhood fights from before the friends were ninjas, all the way up to their fateful battle to decide the future of the ninja world. Seeing the full Team 7 back together and facing off against Princess Kaguya is something many fans of the manga have been waiting to play for what seems like forever, but unlike a dream from the infinite tsukiyomi, this is real life. And we’ll get it on February 9th!

Considering the games tend to be way more over the top than the source material, I can’t wait to see what CyberConnect2 is going to do with the grand finale. Anyone else excited for the next big Naruto game? Let us know below, and make sure to check out our E3 and Anime Expo impressions while you’re at it!

The Top 10 Gaming Waifus Of 2015

by Josh JacksonJanuary 8, 2016

Warning: Potential spoilers follow!

The New Year is here! Which means for many of us, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the past year and think about what you did right, what you can improve on and how you can tackle 2016 in the best way possible. Or for the rest of us, you think back on all the fictional characters you were totally crushing on through 2015.

Yes, that’s right! It’s time for the second annual waifu of the year list (check out last year’s list right here), and if you were expecting it to be a one and done feature after I would have been inevitably added to the sexual offenders list, I’m just as surprised as you are. But before we get into the list, let’s show some appreciation for the fantastic waifu candidates that just missed the cut this year.

Rise Kujikawa (Persona 4: Dancing All Night)

While in the midst of a big comeback tour, a pop idol should probably spend her time brushing up on her choreography and screaming at interns for bringing them the wrong mineral water. Yet, Ms. Kujikawa decides to spend it saving her understudies from the clutches of monsters who must be fought with the power of dance. It was hard to list Rise over the new girl, Kanami Mashita, but considering the new girl is a big reason why the crap hit the fan to begin with, her senpai gets the nod here. The only reason why Rise didn’t make the main list is because her time to shine is essentially stolen by the swagtastic Yu Narukami, but that doesn’t mean her contributions shouldn’t be acknowledged.

Toko Fukawa (Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls)

In the original Danganronpa, Toko was often rude, shrewd, and oh so smelly, to the point where her alter ego overshadowed her in every possible way. When you consider that said alter ego is a serial killer, then you must really be a special kind of awful. Then Another Episode came along, and we were reintroduced to a strong, steadfast girl who was able to be Komaru’s voice of reason when being trapped on a secluded island full of killer robot Monokuma’s become too much to bear, (pun intended af.) So much so in fact, that even Genocide Jack develops self control along the way, serving as an invaluable ally for the Future Foundation. Toko would have normally been a shoe in for this year’s waifu list, except that she still only has eyes for Byakuya Togami. Anyone else would likely wind up dead, so yeah… There’s that.

Quest Receptionist (Monster Hunter 4 Ultimate)

Always there to greet you with a smile and a bad joke right before you take off to fight towering beasts that are likely to maul you, the mission girl is the cornerstone of any successful caravan. Now if she actually did something more than sit in a chair and make fun of you, then she would definitely be top waifu material. Regardless, she left her mark on the hearts of the Monster Hunter fandom, and that’s what counts.

Ayumi Shinozaki (Corpse Party: Blood Drive)

A shy girl with good intentions, this spiritually sensitive girl will do anything for her friends, even if it means diving back into a haunted school where most of them were previously killed in the hopes that she can revive them. Such loyalty is rare these days, which is why Ayumi deserves a nod. But we should also mention that her friends are essentially dead because of her, and returning to revive them means the ones that are still alive could end up killed as a result! But you know, an A for effort, Ayumi.

The Criminal Girls (Criminal Girls)

Now we can’t compile a list as ~~pathetic~~ amazing this one and not talk about the Criminal Girls, a group of mostly underage female inmates that are forced to help you as a guard, (who’s essentially a Pokemon Trainer if the monsters were girls of questionable morals,) escape a prison overrun with demons. That would be all well and good if criminals had any respect for the law, but considering these girls have an NWA attitude towards your authority, the only way to get them to follow your commands is to tie them down and spank them into submission… I mean, that really says it all, doesn’t it? The girls might have made the proper list if the game they star in wasn’t an absolute bore to play, but the concept is too absurd to ignore. So here’s your time to shine girls! And we’ll see you in 2016 in the sequel!

So after asking yourself how this made publication in the first place, you might be wondering who could have made the final cut with so many great characters on the sidelines! From weeaboo bait, to some of the biggest titles of the year, we scoured the gaming landscape and compiled the definitive list of waifu’s 2015 had to offer. From ninjas, to CPUs, vault dwellers to squids, and even a dude. Crack open your ramune and curl up with your favorite body pillow as we proudly (?) bring to you the top 10 waifus of 2015!

10. Homura (Senran Kagura 2: Deep Crimson)

An evil ninja formerly of the Hebijo Clandestine Girls’ Academy, Homura and her squad have become renegade ninjas, on the run from their former allies after helping the good ninjas of Hanzo Academy foil Hebijo’s plan for world domination at the end of the first Senran Kagura. Despite being rightfully known as the game that was specifically created for 3D boobs on Nintendo’s handheld, the games have deceptively strong storylines behind all the clothes tearing and shameless zoom ins. But what makes Homura stand out beyond all of the other Senran Kagura girls is that despite her cold, distant exterior, she’ll do anything to protect her friends, even if it means putting herself at risk. Whether that means shielding her fellow renegades from the wrath of their old school, or fighting alongside her childhood friend / good ninja rival, Asuka, Homura is never one to let pride get in the way of doing what’s right. To top it off, when her 10 kitanas, (which are incredibly badass by the way,) can’t get the job done, her Crimson Mode helps her take the battle to the next level.

9. Lin (Xenoblade Chronicles X)

The girl with the Monado hair pins. Lin Lee Koo is the resident prodigy of New Los Angeles, serving as the top mechanic for the BLADES as they explore the seemingly uncharted planet of Mira. In addition to being the one who services the team’s giant mechs, or Skells in this case, she also manages to hold her own in battle, wielding a heavy shield that’s as big as she is. It also helps to be tech savvy when everyone in town is using a substitute mechanical body.

But more so than all of that, Lin finds herself on the list mostly because of all the controversy that surrounded the ability to dress her up. After Nintendo added some extra cloth to a costume that they felt was too revealing for a 13 year old in the West, a segment of Xenoblade fans had a meltdown, fighting the decision tooth and nail to protect the integrity of the original work. Others might have just wanted to see her half naked, but the point is people were obsessing over her look for a very long time. Her being awesome is just a bonus!

8. Me (Fallout 4)

After spending enough time in the wastelands of Fallout 4, I came to the conclusion that I’m a pretty awesome wife. In a time that’s easily full of confusion after waking up from a cryogenic sleep, only to find everyone who was with you has been long dead and the last thing you witnessed was your spouse getting killed as your son was kidnapped, it’s all a lot to take in. But I pushed on, hell bent to rescue my son from the monsters who ripped him from my husband’s arms, eating and drinking as much radioactive meat and water as I can along the way. But in between developing stage 3 lymphoma with every meal, maybe I can help these passerby’s along the way? Or find this missing item for this questionable traveler? Wait, who was I supposed to rescue again?

If my version of Fallout Wife wasn’t so easily sidetracked, she could have been much higher on the list, but since I play as if my kid isn’t as important as these shady strangers I keep coming across, my priorities are clearly all out of whack. Number 8 sounds like a good place since I should get around to saving my son. Eventually…

By the way, Fallout 4‘s female lead voice actor was just on Geekscape this past week, which you can listen to right here.

7. Me (Hatoful Boyfriend)

I had trouble finding a picture that captured my good side in Hatoful Boyfriend. Oh, I know, how about this?

When I’m not a decapitated robot scarecrow tied down with a burlap sack, I’m a mild mannered middle school girl attending St. PigeoNation’s Institute for birds. I also happen to be the only human attending. In Hatoful Boyfriend, I have the capacity to love everybirdie, so much so that I’m acting as a secret liaison to re-establish human-bird relationships, unbeknownst even to me! Some of my friends have weird tastes in clothes, but still not any less weird than a human dating a pigeon.

As a hunter-gatherer who has enough compassion to not only serve as the ambassador for an entire species, but to fall in love with men of other species, my Hatoful self was a no brainer for this year’s list… Especially since I spend half the game without a brain. Whether I’m going to festivals with my bird boyfriend, or curling up next to him as a head in a jar while an army of bloodthirsty soldiers look to murder us in what could be our final moments, I must say that this time around, I’m a pretty good catch!

6. Me (Amnesia: Memories)

Making the list three times!? I think I’ve set some kind of waifu record!

When it came down to all of the different iterations of “me” this year, the top waifu goes to my female self in Amnesia: Memories. Imagine being a college girl who’s memories get erased when a well-meaning demon accidentally gets trapped in your brain, and said demon is the only person you can trust as you try to piece together your life while keeping your memory loss hidden from those who might take advantage of it. Sucks, doesn’t it? But despite all this, Amnesia me has such a big heart. Despite my potential husbandos being completely awkward around me, having magical eyes that make every girl *except* me fall in love with him, being so protective of me that they lock me in a dog cage so I can’t leave the house, or even a man with a split personality, one of which wants to kill me, the fact that I’m still able to find the capacity to love these men is amazing in and of itself.

Above all else however, if I get tired of a guy and want to dump them, rather than break their heart, I can just jump to a different dimension where I never dated them at all! If nothing else, at least I’m empathetic.

5. Jonah (Rise of the Tomb Raider)

What’s the first thing you notice about Jonah?

Yes, Scott. But aside from that. Jonah is the only companion from the Tomb Raider reboot to follow Lara into her latest adventure, serving as the textbook definition of her ride or die. Anyone can say that they would follow you to the ends of the earth, but Jonah really means it. Whether he’s traveling to war torn Syria, or to the Siberian mountains to track down an ancient relic that may or may not exist, the man even takes a knife for her! Forget that he’s so deep in the friend zone that a pair of pickaxes couldn’t dig him out, because he’s always there for Lara when she needs him.

Yes, he’s a guy, and I know that I disqualified guys last year, (no matter how feminine they looked,) but I would give Jonah a shot as my waifu just on the merits of how awesome he is.

4. Plutia (Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: V Generation)

In last year’s list, Neptune took the number two spot primarily on the basis that she was essentially every gamer’s dream girl. If you took those qualities and applied them to Plutia, she would be Neptune cranked up to 11. A perpetually sleepy and highly impressionable girl who will only greet the day if it means being able to play video games, knit dolls, or balk at any and all responsibility, the goddess of V Generation‘s alternate version of Planeptune doesn’t seem like much at first glance. But if you make her angry, she takes up a form that strikes fear in the hearts of friend and foe alike.

In her CPU form, Plutia’s personality takes a complete 180 as Iris Heart, a goddess that takes as much pleasure in punishing her friends as she does her enemies. Nicknamed “Sadie” for her sadomasochistic tendencies, her whip and high heels can grind any foe into submission, leading her allies to dread the occasions when Iris Heart is forced to show herself. Yet, some of you might be into that kind of thing, getting the best of both worlds from this polarizing Neptunia character. And if you are indeed that kind of person, Plutia will make her playable return in this year’s multiplayer extravaganza, MegaTagmension Blanc + Neptune Vs. Zombies. Get hyped!

3. Komaru Naegi (Danganronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls)

Often touted as a regular girl who can’t do anything special, everything that takes place in Danganronpa: Ultra Despair Girls flies in the face of that idea. Despite being trapped on an island full of killer robots that are out to kill her, while a group of insane children turn hunting her into a game, Komaru doesn’t do too bad for herself! Armed with a special megaphone that can destroy and manipulate almost all of the machinery in Towa City, the girl who initially only known as the little sister of former protagonist Makoto Naegi, grows into a defender of hope in the face of growing despair.

Despite secretly being groomed to become the successor to the Ultimate Despair, Junko Enoshima, Komaru forsakes revenge and spares the lives of the innocent Monokuma Kids in the process, ending her adventure with both the kids and the adults out for her head. What the future holds for Komaru might still be unknown, but being able to make such a difficult choice, taking on all of the hatred of an entire town and carrying it on her back, earns her the number three spot on this illustrious list.

2. Callie and Marie (Splatoon)

Whether you’re a kid or a squid, there’s not a person who has played Splatoon who hasn’t fallen in love with Callie and Marie, collectively known as the squid sisters. Acting as news reporters who make sure to clue you in on all of what’s happening in Inkopolis each time you boot up the game, the girls are known to up the stakes every now and again with occasional Splatfests. Unlike any other waifu on this list, Callie and Marie have the power to manipulate Inklings around the world to fight in their name over such important matters as deciding if burgers are better than pizza.

However, rumor has it that in addition to keeping the world of Splatoon up to date, the two are said to secretly act under the guise of Agents 1 and 2, protecting the city from the hidden Octoling threat. As driven career women, it’s amazing that they’re able to find the time to work as undercover agents while managing to make wise cracks at each other in between discussing new stages. And if you think putting both girls on the list as part of the same entry is a cop out, it is! Because I can’t decide which one between the two is best girl. While Callie’s energetic personality would usually win out, Marie’s sarcastic wit delivered what had to have been the best line of the year, declaring that Team Science lost against Team Art because her team “had jobs to do.” Right in the feelers, Marie.

Whichever one you prefer, it’s undeniable that Callie and Marie have become the icons of what’s arguably the biggest new IP of 2015, so get used to those faces, because I expect to see them for a long time. And as always…

We’ve gone through a lot of amazing characters, but only one can stand alone as the undisputed “Best Girl” of 2015. So without further ado, the top waifu of 2015 is…

1. Nepgear (Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation, Hyperdimension Neptunia U: Action Unleashed, Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 3: V Generation)

Releasing in very early 2015, we were re-intruduced to Nepgear in Hyperdimension Neptunia Re;Birth 2: Sisters Generation, and from the moment the download started on my PS Vita, it was love at first byte. As the resident techy of the group, Nepgear rocks at tinkering as much as she rocks that school uniform, often daydreaming of all things robotic.

Being the little sister of the series protagonist means having to live up to some high expectations, especially when said protagonist and all of her friends from the previous game start off as captured and powerless. From the point of Nepgear’s escape and rise from the ashes was one of the most enjoyable journeys I played during the year. Yes, I know that seemingly the majority of the fandom craps on the second game due to it losing a big portion of the first game’s humor in favor of a doom and gloom story with heavy anti-piracy themes. From a narrative standpoint however, Nepgear and the rest of the little sisters, under her leadership, are able to rise above hate, never give up and eventually surpass the goddesses, becoming incredibly powerful in their own right.

Nepgear in her CPU form as Purple Sister

Which is more the reason Re;Birth 3 broke my heart a little when it came to Nepgear. The game regained its trademark humor, turning the fans’ dislike for the second game, turning it into a big joke, and directing it straight at Purple Sister herself. Despite the fact that her only sin was coddling Neptune way too much, that didn’t stop her beloved sister from constantly putting her down, mocking her status as former main character, and turning her friends against her to the point where she even convinces her allies from the second game that it’s perfectly okay to leave her trapped in another dimension when it came to the “good” ending of the third game. A dimension she wouldn’t have been in in the first place if she didn’t travel between worlds to rescue Neptune AGAIN!

But speaking of alternate endings, the most controversial moment in the entire series falls squarely on Nepgear’s shoulders during the Conquest Ending of Re;Birth 2. The only thing Nep Jr. loves more than her sister and friends is Gamindustri itself, and this ending proves how far she will go when it comes to protecting the world she’s come to care for so much. In a desperate attempt to vanquish their enemies once and for all, the girls learn of a forbidden weapon that absorbs the life energy of CPUs to build its strength. From here, its open season, as Nepgear travels from land to land, slaughtering all of her friends, including her best friend, Uni, and the twin girls, Rom and Ram, the former of which looks up to Nepgear like a big sister. Eventually, only Neptune herself is standing, but not for long…

What the goodness!?

After all the Re;Birth 3 shenanigans, I almost wanted this to be canon, but when she’s not slaughtering everyone she holds dear, Nepgear is a strong, reliable girl who’s managed to charm the knee socks off of us. Plus, we’re humans, so when the inevitable day comes when Nepgear finally snaps, is there anyone better to be in your corner?

So there’s your list of top waifus for 2015! Did your favorite make the cut, or were our trash waifus far too inferior to deserve the honor of best girl? Share your thoughts, picks, and all the reasons why I’m wrong with us in the comments below, and tweet me your suggestions @InuJoshua!

The Next Generation Of Gamindustri Has Arrived With These ‘Megadimension Neptunia VII’ Screenshots

by Josh JacksonJanuary 7, 2016

Well, it’s early 2016, and that means Megadimension Neptunia VII should be getting an official release date any day now. If you’re anything like me however, you need any bit of Gamindustri goodness you can get to hold you over until we can finally pop Neptune’s latest 4th wall breaking adventure into our PS4’s.

It’s okay though, because Idea Factory has us covered with the latest batch of screenshots from the upcoming RPG, showing off the NEXT forms of the four main CPUs. Inspired by the Wii U, Xbox One, PS4, and whatever non-existent Sega console the designers came up with for Lady Purple Heart’s next gen upgrade, these sleeker, more powerful goddesses show that you can kick all kinds of ass, even when there’s a controller on your crotch.

Check out the gallery below as well as the first batch of battle screenshots and let us know who’s updated design is your favorite! Don’t forget, the limited edition preorders go live today at 10 AM PST! So if you want those posters, that art book, and that sweet, sweet Umio plush, make sure you have your finger on the refresh button for all that sweet Neptune merch. I’ll be right there with you!

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110143657

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110143820

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110143905

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110143937

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110144009

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110144106

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110144003

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110144121

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110144320

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110145223

‘One Piece Burning Blood’ Kicks It Into Fourth Gear!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 6, 2016

One Piece fans can tell you that there’s never been a shortage of games featuring the Straw Hat Pirates. Yet, the series manages to have a certain longevity thanks to each game typically being significantly different from the one before it. After releasing with a solid Dynasty Warriors style game with One Piece: Pirate Warriors 3 last summer, the crew is jumping back into the fighting arena with the announcement of One Piece Burning Blood.

Featuring Luffy in his Gear Fourth transformation, alongside a cast that spans the entire series, this fighting game promises to give players a wide variety of combo possibilities, both thanks to its hard hitting combat system and the three on three game play. Considering that the developers at Spike Chunsoft are no strangers to designing anime fighting games, it’s looking like Burning Blood is in good hands. If you need further proof, see the game in action and decide for yourself in the trailer and screenshots below!

Releasing on both PS4 and Xbox One in June, PS4 owners will have the chance to pick up this sweet looking collectors edition featuring Whitebeard. For anyone who preorders, you’ll also get two mystery fighters that have yet to be revealed.

Are you ready to set sail once again? Let us know in the comments!

Geekscape Games Reviews ‘Amplitude’

by Josh JacksonJanuary 6, 2016

Between constant delays, failing to deliver on promised experiences, or completely changing the style of a title around after the money has long since been collected, Kickstarter projects have been getting a bad reputation these days, and for good reason. So when a project that originated from a crowdfunding source releases with a legitimately great product, people take notice.

Harmonix reached out to its fans in 2014 to fund a remake of the PS2 cult classic, Amplitude. As the game that essentially layed the groundwork for what would become Guitar Hero and Rock Band alongside its prequel, Frequency, expectations were through the roof. Now that I’ve experienced the full game for myself, I’m happy to say that Amplitude still hits all the right notes, with a wave of nostalgia that’s sure to reward fans who have been clamoring for an update after 13 years.

If you’ve never played Amplitude, Frequency, or their spiritual successor, Rock Band Blitz, then the concept around the game play might sound insane, but stay with me. As one of many selectable Beat Blasters, (which looks like a ship out of a sci-fi movie,) your job is to fly across one of multiple tracks that represent a different instrument or layer within one of the game’s 30 songs. By hitting enough of the three sets of beats using the L1, R1 and R2 buttons in sequence, the track will break down and start playing by itself. From there, the player must shift over to a different track and activate a new part of the song without missing a beat, with the ultimate goal being to get the full song to play on its own. You can’t take a break for long though, because each track eventually respawns, forcing you to keep the beat until the end of the song. Each successfully completed segment builds up your point multiplier, while missing sections will drop your health. If your health runs out before the end of the track, well… You know what happens. Thankfully, your health recovers as combos build as well as when you hit each quarter of the song, so you’ll be able to coast on easier tracks if you’re on the verge of failure.

Now if you have played games in the series before, then all of the above sounds exactly like what you would expect. Yet, that’s not to say nothing has changed, and all of it for the better. Most noticeably, the Beat Blaster no longer has to travel along empty tracks to get to the next open one, which was a surefire way to lose your streak in the past. Now, a simple tap of the left or right direction will transport you directly to the closest active track. You’ll still need a keen eye to figure out which button you’re going to have to start the chain with, especially if the track you’re moving to is farther away, but as those who experienced the originals can confirm, it’s so satisfying to keep those combos going as you move from section to section.

When it’s proving to be too difficult to hit the right notes however, Amplitude offers unlockable power ups that can really change the game. Featuring both new and returning items across single and multiplayer, these powers become available after hitting certain notes with the desired power’s symbol on them. Ranging from automatically clearing a track, to flying over the whole stage, slowing down the speed of the song and your standard score bonuses, their various effects can give you a huge advantage when trying to maximize your results. Considering that this game can get REALLY difficult on the Expert setting and above, some of these are absolute musts for surviving the game’s gradual difficulty increase, while further keeping us on our toes at the same time.

So now that we’re all initiated with how the game works, the question at the end of the day is does this still translate into an enjoyable way to spend that precious gaming time? As with the originals, the game play is top notch, still holding up to this day. If you’re used to the single track gameplay style of the band games that rose to prominence over the last few years, then Amplitude is like those titles with ADD. Having to manage which tracks you want to tackle, pulling off complicated sequences and seamlessly transitioning straight into another one without losing your streak, accomplishing the often difficult task of getting the whole song to play is one of the most immediately rewarding accomplishments I’ve experienced. Topping off the gameplay with some impressive visuals with an emphasis on lighting effects, and the combined experience makes you feel as if you can conquer any sound put in front of you. More so than most games, getting better and pulling off these feats over time rewards you with a type of instant gratification that you can’t easily find anywhere else, providing such a simple, yet powerful pleasure when revealing the entire track in unison.

If there is a place that the game falls short at though, it’s in the features it offers. Much like the original release, Amplitude doesn’t have a ton of frills outside of the standard game play modes. Consisting of quickplay, local multiplayer, (with both a co-op and competitive mode supporting up to four players,) and a strange campaign, the game gets you started with a few songs out of the gate. As you accomplish certain tasks like completing specific songs, playing a designated amount of songs in total, or progressing to a certain point in campaign, more of the track list becomes available the more you play. Yet, despite how addicting the game play is or how varied the difficulty modes are, being forced to play the same limited set literally over a hundred times before the full list is available becomes annoying to pull off, especially if you’ve mastered the songs you enjoy up until that point and have to keep replaying them arbitrarily.

On the other hand, campaign would have been much better if you actually could replay songs. Set to the backdrop of your Beat Blaster trying to unlock portions of a comatose patient’s brain in order to help the person regain consciousness, (because it makes as much sense as anything else going on in the game,) each of the three sections consists of four songs, with a hidden fifth track being revealed if you score well enough on the first four. Totaling 15 songs, this is where you’ll unlock new stages the fastest. To differentiate itself from quickplay, certain tracks require you to hit a certain streak number to regain health at the quarter checkpoints like usual. Coming up short results in the opposite, taking half a health bar of damage. While the story and gameplay tweeks are all well and good, campaign falls hard when it comes to actually completing it. In order to get the true ending, you have to beat all 15 levels, including the three hidden ones. If you don’t unlock them, you’ll have to start all over again. Yep, that’s right! From the beginning, with no way to replay campaign songs for better scores. Now imagine getting to the end and not knowing that until it’s too late. While I understand that short single player modes are typically padded, forcing you to replay the entire game is insanely annoying, even if the journey to get there is a hell of a lot of fun.

Thankfully, the repetitive nature of unlocking content is helped by the game’s highly addicting multiplayer mode. Surely designed to ruin friendships in some of the cruelist ways possible, this new take on the game’s Vs. mode has opponents fighting for the highest score by trying to hit the most notes for a shared song. The player who gets to a track first is the only one that can score on it, but the player in the back row can use their power ups to sabotage the active Beat Blaster on that track. Unique multiplayer abilities like the Disrupter make the track that your friend is scoring on blurry and wavy, making it almost impossible to see. The Cleanse power that’s a huge asset in single player mode for instance, becomes the quickest way at labeling yourself as a huge jerk by instantly clearing the track, destroying your opponent’s combo in the process. Moments like these are where the multiplayer shines, which is why it’s a huge shame that the mode is local only. As far as co-op is concerned however, it’s a lot more straightforward, where each player teams up to score as much as possible.

As one of the first projects I’ve ever crowdfunded, I’m very happy with the way Amplitude turned out. It’s true that it’s missing online modes that the original had, features fewer licensed songs, with more original tracks that more closely resembles Frequency‘s set list, and a thin feature set, but considering the game’s budget, Harmonix’s latest still manages to capture the magic that started a rhythm revolution over a decade ago. Gorgeous visuals compliment creative game play that both new and old fans should make sure to check out. Unique, rewarding and oh so addicting, Amplitude cannot be missed.

Final Score: 4/5

‘Tales Of Berseria’ Brings Out Our Wild Side With An Awesome Debut Trailer!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 6, 2016

Considering that the long running Tales series of RPGs was once seen as being in danger of missing out on Western releases, we’ve sure been getting them like clockwork in recent years. Not that we’re complaining, since each of the recent releases from the Vita’s Tales of Hearts R, to late last year’s Tales Of Zestiria, and the Xillia series in between, have been solid titles in their own right. So to no one’s surprise, (but still to our excitement,) a new game in the franchise has been confirmed for the West!

Titled Tales Of Berseria, this time around, our lead is a pirate with a mysterious secret. Seemingly part beast, her left arm transforms into a giant claw, leading to all the flashbacks and melodrama that comes with being an anime inspired heroine. What it also leads to is some really interesting battle footage, with attacks and combos that look much more exciting than most of the game’s predecessors. But why read about it when you can watch it yourself?

Not bad, right? Check out these additional screenshots below, and discuss your favorite Tales memories in the comments below! And as always, we’ll be sure to report back when more details on Berseria, as well as all of your other favorite games, become available.

Jump Into The Fray With These ‘Megadimension Neptunia VII’ Battle Screenshots!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 6, 2016

While it shouldn’t surprise anyone at this point that the next full fledged sequel in the Hyperdimension Neptunia series was heading to the Western shores, that doesn’t mean we can’t be through the roof excited over playing as all of our favorite goddesses on our PS4’s! Sporting a snazzy new name to go with its current gen debut, Megadimension Neptunia VII is the first full fledged sequel since 2012’s Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory, despite numerous remakes and spinoffs to fill the gaps.

Even as a hardcore Nep fan, it’s fair to say that the battle formula between all of the Vita remakes and the core PS3 series, (not to mention different franchises with similar game play like Fairy Fencer F,) is starting to get a little tired, which is why we were as excited as Peashy with Nep’s Pudding when it was announced that the battle system is getting some interesting sounding features. If you wanted to see what this would look like in action, look no further, because this latest set of battle screenshots should give us a clue or two.

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110142530

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110142359

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110151516

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110142916

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110144803

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110150733

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110150852

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110152058

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110152135

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110153013

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110153022

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110153701

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110154047

Megadimension Neptunia VII_20151110163027

Where do I begin? Seeing Orange Heart in action? Those sweet, new moves with all the flash that we’d expect from the girls of Gamindustri! Nepgear with her mech, Nepgeardam in tow, and an army of Umio’s! Does this make sense to you? If not, you’ll have a great opportunity to get caught up when Megadimension Neptunia VII launches for the PS4 early this year. Oh, and if you’re a fan of cool stuff, don’t forget that pre-orders of the limited edition go up at 10:00 AM PST on January 7th!

Geekscape Games Reviews: ‘Call Of Duty: Black Ops III’

by Josh JacksonDecember 30, 2015

I’m going to have to be honest here. I haven’t really dived into a Call Of Duty game since Modern Warfare blew us away so many years ago. Sure, I’ve dabbled in the various sequels over the years, but I rarely felt compelled to give it too much time since I never felt that subsequent games changed things up enough to keep this never ending war interesting. Yet somehow, when Black Ops III was shown off during E3, Activision and Treyarch caught me by surprise with the wide open areas, high tech upgrades, and increased mobility that I would have never expected from the long running FPS. It was almost as if it wasn’t Call Of Duty at all! I couldn’t help but be intrigued (or dare I say excited), for how these new, potentially bold steps forward would shape the popular franchise. After spending an extended time with the game however, it’s clear that while some positive strides are definitely present, it doesn’t do enough to shed its decade old mechanics, for better and for worse.

Taking place several decades after the last Black Ops game, it’s clear that despite what Ron Perlman might try to tell you, war has changed quite a bit between games. With a greater emphasis on technology, ground warfare is dominated by mechanically augmented soldiers, as well as a machine army that serves fortunate enough to be their buyers. After a rescue mission with your team goes horribly wrong, your character, (which can be customized with a few limited options,) must literally be rebuilt to stay alive. Now with a new body equipped with a variety of advanced abilities, you and your team are tasked with unraveling a conspiracy that’s seemingly headed by one of your own.

Considering the premise revolves around becoming a killing machine, it’s safe to assume that this would come with a ton of awesome ways to wipe out your enemies as you traverse through each of the game’s 11 campaign missions. In this aspect, Black Ops III delivers well enough. Featuring its own level up system that’s separate from the multiplayer modes of the game, killing enemies, completing special tasks and playing on higher difficulties rewards soldiers with upgrades that they can take with them into battle. Moves like double jumping, wall running and machine hacking join up with some more unconventional abilities like summoning incendiary insects to help make the experience your own. This is aside from the abilities you start with, like built in night vision and tactical vision, which lets you see enemies behind cover as long as any one of your allies has eyes on them. These advancements are further highlighted by a by the numbers story that’s brought to life with the help of some incredible looking scripted events, not to mention Hollywood talent like Christopher Meloni of Law and Order: SVU fame.

But while these abilities are all well and good, the campaign experience falls apart somewhat due to the fact that most of these abilities are either impractical when it comes to picking off enemies in the much improved open environments, or are so situational that you rarely have a use for them. In fact, aside from the tactical vision, (my personal favorite,) it felt like the most efficient way to progress was by taking cover until you heal, (a nifty android power that you had before your robot transformation for some reason,) shoot, rinse and repeat. If that sounds familiar, it’s because this is essentially what you have had to do in every COD game for the last 10 years. The robotic enemies go down almost as easily as the humans, and aside from the occasional mech or vehicle fight, the combat feels pretty standard. Despite offering custom load outs, all those awesome new powers, and a variety of new movement options, none of them really matter when there’s no point in using them.

Despite these abilities largely falling flat, one area where Black Ops III really shines is the amount of content it features. Aside from the campaign and multiplayer, Treyarch’s latest also features not one, but two zombie modes to delve into. The first one is the Zombie Mode you may be familiar with from past games. Except this time around, the experience is anchored to its own story, featuring four *really* awful people who are locked in a 1940’s era city that’s swarming with the undead. Tasked with finding artifacts that unlock even bigger secrets, this mode is about as crazy as we’ve come to expect. Being able to spend points earned through combat to transform into tentacle monsters, gather bubble gum that gives players additional perks, materialize weapons, and set traps, all while conversing with a disembodied voice, is the norm when exploring this feature. Zombies is a nice break from the standard modes, as a much more lighthearted, arcade style mode compared to the proper story.

Speaking of the story, the undead have finally been introduced into the game’s narrative, so to speak! Featuring a new Nightmare Mode, this second zombie focused mode acts as an alternate version of the campaign, where a new character fights alongside the soldiers in the main game across the same maps, except each one is swarming with monsters. Since this character is pre-established, she comes with many of the powers you had to unlock originally, receiving improved mobility from the start. Easily the most “video game” part of the package, the floating weapons, breakable crates, floating over hordes of enemies, and possessed teddy bears feel like a call back to games of old, when things didn’t have to make sense! Still, by reusing the maps from campaign, Nightmare ends up feeling like a bit of a chore to get through if you finished the main story first, since all of it is just a retread with different enemies. Still, it’s a fun distraction that helps the game get a lot more mileage, especially with friends.

And friends are what really make Black Ops III stand out. Even more than the new abilities or the expanded modes, the most enjoyable part of the overall package to me was the ability to team up with friends in every mode in both online on local modes. Sometimes, it’s the simple things that make a game most enjoyable, and considering how it seems like games these days are going to war against split screen, it was so refreshing to be able to plug in the second control and run through all these modes with the wife or friends and just go crazy. So what if the graphics take a huge hit? All I know is that those bland fights that I was talking about earlier were a lot more enjoyable when we could tackle them from different angles as a team. Couple that with the tactical vision I mentioned, and the strategic possibilities increase quite a bit. And if the dip in visuals bothers you that much, online has you covered! The only mode that makes little sense to include co op is in multiplayer, where preset loadouts don’t really work when you can see what you’re opponent’s doing in the corner of the screen.

Speaking of multiplayer, you can’t talk COD without talking about the online modes, which is essentially why people keep coming back for more. This time around, in addition to customize your loadouts, weapon appearances and perks, players can pick one of nine Specialists, each of which have a special weapon or ability that’s unique to that character. Much like the campaign, movement has been improved quite a bit, with the wall run, slide and double jump abilities all being available from the start. But unfortunately, again, like the campaign, none of these added moves feel like they give you any real advantage. After all, why wall run into a double jump over a balcony when you can just as easily get killed by a sharpshooter or a nearby camper? Considering COD is somewhat notorious for quick deaths, it doesn’t take much for all of that effort to go to waste.

Aside from these new features, nothing much has changed in terms on online multiplayer. Kill streaks still net extra abilities, most matches are still a mad rush to the middle where everyone drops dead, only to start it all over again, and you’re more than likely to hear a bunch of strangers screaming in your ear. The maps were fairly small considering how many movement options you have, but my biggest issue was the lack of players in each mode. While not necessarily a fault of the game, it’s annoying when I would really want to play one of the capture, escort or defend modes, only to get constantly booted out because everyone’s in Team Deathmatch.

When it comes down to it, the most frustrating part about Call Of Duty Black Ops III is that it takes so many positive steps forward that give us glimpses of what the series can become, but ends up falling back on its tried and true conventions. For those who still love the formula, I’m happy to say that you’ll find an enjoyable, yet safe experience. For the rest of us, the improvements made don’t make enough of a difference to change the minds of those who have tired of the series years ago. Yet, its numerous bonus modes and two campaigns, all of which are playable in both single and multiplayer co-op, help breathe new life into what feels like the same old song and dance when you’re by yourself. If you have a bunch of buddies to go to war with, still love the multiplayer, or haven’t tired of the campaign, Black Ops III is a great way to spend a few evenings, but it won’t change any minds either.

Final Score: 3/5

The West Is Getting A Double Dose Of ‘God Eater’ In The Summer Of 2016!

by Josh JacksonDecember 27, 2015

God Eater Burst arrived in 2011, riding on the momentum of Monster Hunter. Much like the latter series, the former caught fire in Japan, becoming a huge hit on the PSP. A sequel, remake and anime would follow over the years, while the West got the original under the name Gods Eater Burst, but came and went without much fanfare. The cult following it did receive has watched and waited, hoping for localization news for the latest games in the series. Thanks to a recent announcement from Namco Bandai at Jump Fiesta 2015 however, and it seems like we’re going to have a whole lot of God Eater to play in the summer.

Announcing both God Eater Resurrection, (an enhanced remake of the original,) and God Eater 2: Rage Burst for the Playstation 4, Playstation Vita and Steam, we’re literally going from years without a word on the series in the West to two games within the same season. Specific dates have yet to be announced, but as localized screenshots, specific release details, and any other pieces of news come out, we’ll be sure to share them with all of you!

Anyone else pick up Gods Eater Burst when it released and are excited for the sequels? Or maybe you got it when it was released for PS Plus a few months back? Even if you’re jumping into the world for the first time with Resurrection, let us know what you think about the series below!

Celebrate The 20th Anniversary Of ‘Pokemon’ With New 2DS Systems And A Cover Plate The West Will Never Get!

by Josh JacksonDecember 27, 2015

Want to feel old? In a few weeks, it will be 2016, which marks the 20th anniversary of Pokemon, the monster collecting RPG that has remained a global phenomenon essentially since its debut. With the announcement of the original titles hitting the Virtual Console early next year, what better way to celebrate than with a ton of new hardware to kick off the celebration?

At least, that’s the case in Japan. Though the 2DS has been a retail fixture in the West over the last few years, Japan will finally get their hands on the handheld thanks to these special designs that represent each of the four versions of the debut titles. Launching with a Red, Green, Yellow and Pokemon Center exclusive Blue system, each one comes with a digital copy of the game that matches the color of the handheld. Check out the units up close below:

For those who already have enough handhelds in the 3DS line, those with a New 3DS will be able to decorate their systems with a 20th anniversary Cover Plate set. Sprinkled with sprites from the old games, the only bad part about these plates is that they’ll probably only be available in the West through importing. Considering that the New 3DS got a quiet release as part of the Animal Crossing: Happy Home Designer bundle, then went through the holiday season without any Cover Plates released Stateside outside of the Nintendo World Store in New York, and it’s safe to say we’ll have to hit up our favorite Japanese retailers once the plates hit the market.

Lastly, whether one of the games is purchased through the bundles mentioned above, or downloaded independently through the eShop, each buyer will get a code to download the ever elusive Mew in their copies of Pokemon X, Y, Omega Ruby or Alpha Sapphire. As the original, and now, one of many event Pokemon that only come along once every few years in some cases, this is more of an incentive for trainers to take a return trip to the Kanto region. I mean, assuming they didn’t have enough of a reason as it was.

The only catch is that all of this awesome news is only confirmed for Japan. However, in recent years, The Pokemon Company and Nintendo have been pretty good with sharing the wealth, so don’t be surprised if we hear something about an International release soon. Well, except for those Cover Plates.

What say you, readers? Which 2DS would you get if you’re getting one at all? Are you excited for the eShop re-releases? Comment below with your thoughts!

Source: NintendoLife.com

Here’s What You’ll Be Getting In The ‘Megadimension Neptunia VII’ Limited Edition!

by Josh JacksonDecember 27, 2015

If you’re a fan of the Hyperdimension Neputnia franchise like I am, but you’re not following them on their Facebook or Twitter accounts, then you’ve missed the team slowly rolling out the contents of the upcoming Megadimension Neptunia VII limited edition for the PS4. Never ones to hold back on special content, the final count ends up with seven different items for the hardcore Gamindustri faithful, all for an extra $25. Not bad, right?

First, is this PS4 skin featuring the NEXT version of Purple Heart, with the various Gamipics of the cast surrounding the edges. Adding a way to put a personal touch on your Sony console, the color scheme and set up goes really well with the console’s standard layout in my opinion. Check it out for yourself!

Being able to display your Neptunia love on your console is all well and good, but what about the rest of your room? That’s where the poster comes in, showing Neptune in battle against the latest CPU to join the cast.

Next is a slipcover and special box for the game, with each of the CPU’s prominently featured on the outside. From past favorites like Noire, Vert and Blanc, to the debuting Uzume, the special design might just be too adorable to handle.

It wouldn’t be a proper limited edition without a soundtrack or art book, right? Luckily, in addition to the goodies listed above, we’re getting both! The art book shows off character designs and shares brief profiles of each of the featured characters, while the two disc soundtrack features Mr. Badd’s “daughters” from Victory and Re;Birth III on the cover.

But most importantly, we have to have our mascots represented, and what better way to do that than to bring one of them out in plush form? After weeks of reveals, the final item in this packed special edition is… Umio! This fish with a human face might give us uneasy memories of Sega’s creepy, sarcastic monstrosity, Seaman, but Umio is much easier to cuddle. Don’t believe me? See for yourself!

As you might know, fans have been waiting on pins and needles to find out what will be included, especially considering previous sets have quickly sold out, only to be flipped for insane prices through second hand markets. If you don’t want to be left out in the cold, make sure to have your refresh buttons ready on January 7th at 10 PM PST! Retailing at $84.99, which is only $25 more than the standard game with so much more included, and this one’s feeling like a no brainer for someone like me who needs everything Neptune.

Has the limited edition convinced you to pick the game up? Share your Gamindustri love with us in the comments below, and be sure to check back with us as more news on Megadimension Neptunia becomes available.

Here’s An Early Look At The ‘Animal Crossing’ And Mega Yarn Yoshi Amiibo!

by Josh JacksonNovember 11, 2015

This Friday, the next major batch of Amiibo, Nintendo’s wildly popular line of toys to life figurines, will make their debut alongside Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival. Serving as the series’ first Amiibo representation outside of the Smash Bros. Villager, our favorite animal friends like Isabelle, K.K. Slider and the slumlord, Tom Nook, will finally be represented in figure form. If those aren’t enough for you, Mega Yarn Yoshi will release a mere two days later, exclusively at Toys R Us. Having special functionality in Yoshi’s Wooly World and sizing up as the largest Amiibo to date, (as well as coming with the highest price tag, with an MSRP of $39.99,) many a gamer will have a new friend to keep them warm during these long, winter nights.

Luckily, we were able to get an in person preview of some of these figures in advance. While we wait patiently for the day when these new toys can take up more of our shelf space, here are a few shots to hold you over until the weekend rolls around.

Nook is thinking of ways to rip us off as we speak.

Best girl.

Just the right cuddle size.

Between the sloped bases of the Animal Crossing set and the care that Yarn Yoshi seems like it received, it’s possible that these might become my favorite Amiibo yet! Which ones are you planning on picking up this weekend? Share your Amiibo plans with us in the comments below. And remember, this is a No Shades Zone!

Yu-Gi-Oh Aims For Our Nostalgia Glands With ‘Yugi’s Legendary Decks’

by Josh JacksonNovember 11, 2015

This year’s Yu-Gi-Oh Legendary Collection is targeting our inner child.

Rather than include sets of cards surrounding a particular theme like in previous years, Yugi’s Legendary Decks supplies duelists with three different 41 card decks, each of which covering a different story arc from the original Yu-Gi-Oh animated series.

Following the evolution of Yugi’s decks, from his Exodia and Dark Magician focused deck in the Duelist Kingdom arc, to his Knight and Magnet Warrior set in Battle City, and all the way to his final battle against The Pharaoh, Atem, focusing on the progressively stronger Silent Magician cards, this set is perfect for those with fond memories of the series from years past, or collectors who want to wield the power of these cards in their new forms.

The prize card of (Steve) Akana

Speaking of which, many of these reprinted cards will now come with different rarities or art styles, like every piece of Exodia being printed as an Ultra Rare, or the long sought after red Dark Magician used by Arkana. Adding to an already huge set of 123 cards are extra cards throughout Yugi’s history, such as the three God Cards and the Duelist Kingdom prize cards. Sadly, Glory Of The King’s Hand can’t be traded in for one million dollars, so you’re going to have to find another way to pay for your sister’s eye operation.

Not redeemable for actual money.

If legacy cards aren’t your thing, the set will also debut three new cards that offer more support, like Black Illusion, which protects Dark Spellcasters with 2000 or more attack points from being destroyed by battle or card effects. All this for an MSRP of $29.99. Heart of the cards not included.

For all the details, check out the press release below, then let us know what you think of this set in the comments section!

Just in time for the holiday gift-giving season, Konami Digital Entertainment, Inc. (KONAMI) delivers a must-have product for fans on November 13 with Yugi’s Legendary Decks. This latest Yu-Gi-Oh! TRADING CARD GAME (TCG) release is a magnificent collector’s set which contains three different Decks used by the “King of Games” himself, plus several unique, collectible foil cards, all in one gold foil-stamped box. With Yugi’s Legendary Decks, Yu-Gi-Oh! fans can re-live the memorable Duelist Kingdom and Battle City storylines with the Decks that Yugi used to defeat his rivals, rescue his Grandpa from Pegasus, protect the Pharaoh’s legacy, and save the entire world from the maniacal menace of Marik!

This remarkable box set is overflowing with dozens upon dozens of fan-favorite and collectible cards, easily pleasing both the veteran or budding Duelist. Filled with iconic cards such as Black Luster Solider, all five pieces of Exodia, the Forbidden One all in the Ultra Rare rarity, Valkyrion the Magna Warrior, and the special, long-awaited Arkana-style Dark Magician, each box set includes three different 41-card Decks. The first Deck is one used by Yugi in the debut season of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! animated series, including his initial Duel with Seto Kaiba and his adventures in Duelist Kingdom. The second Deck is inspired by Yugi’s Duels in the Battle City story arc from the second and third seasons of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! animated series. Not to be outdone, the third 41-card Deck was used by Yugi as he battled The Pharaoh in the final Duel of the original series, focused on “Gadget” monsters and the “Silent” series of “LV” monsters.

As if three 41-card Decks weren’t enough, Yugi’s Legendary Decks also includes three brand-new Secret Rare cards: Electromagnetic Turtle, Dark Renewal, and Black Illusion; three Ultra Rare collectible (non-playable) historical cards celebrating the Duelist Kingdom storyline, including Glory of the King’s Hand, Set Sail for The Kingdom, and the Duelist Kingdom itself; and three Ultra Rare collectible (non-playable) Egyptian God Cards: Slifer the Sky Dragon, Obelisk the Tormentor, and The Winged Dragon of Ra. Plus, KONAMI has added one Ultra Rare “Yugi” Token Card to top it off. Yugi’s Legendary Decks will be available nationwide for $29.99 MSRP.

IndieCade 2015: ‘F-Zero’ Meets ‘Ikaruga’ In ‘FAST Racing NEO’

by Josh JacksonNovember 11, 2015

While Nintendo has been better over the past year with revisiting some of their seemingly forgotten franchises like Star Fox and Chibi Robo, one much sought after series that is nowhere to be found is F-Zero. Looking to fill that void, the developers at Shinen Games, (the folks behind the Jett Rocket and Nanostray series of games,) have turned their attention to the race track with FAST Racing NEO, a futuristic, high speed competition that pits the galaxy’s greatest drivers against one another across a series of tracks. At this year’s IndieCade, we got a chance to check out what this promising title has in store for Wii U owners.

Opponents are relentless

Obviously modeled after the style of Nintendo’s own racer, NEO manages to replicate the sense of speed, and the punishing difficulty of the games that inspired it. Keeping up with each turn, figuring out when the best times to boost are, and fighting off opponents who will take the first chance they get to run you off the road all comes off as a seamless, adrenaline filled experience that comes off as if it were a sequel in a long running series as opposed to the developer’s first try at this type of game. Putting all of these pieces together as you zoom through the track is vital if you want to win, because once you fly off the road or end up getting your vehicle destroyed, chances are you can say goodbye to that first place position. The CPU in the runs that I played was relentless, ensuring that I was on top of my game each time.

Not content with just being an F-Zero clone however, NEO manages to pull away from the pack thanks to its unique boosting meter mechanic. Replacing the health meter is the boost meter, where driving over certain sections of the track will build up your stored boost for later use. However, these sections are color coated as either blue or orange, and will only reward you with that precious speed if you ship switches its force field to match the color of the track. Much like Ikaruga, changing colors on the fly is achieved with a simple tap of the button, but anticipating when the right time to switch is becomes a challenge in and of itself, adding some depth to an already strong outing.

Split screen co-op, and it still looks great? Who would have thought?

Scheduled for a 2015 release on the Wii U e-Shop, FAST Racing NEO is right around the corner. Complete with online and four player split screen races to accompany the game’s yet to be played single player content, and it’s looking like this indie title will be one to save your points cards for when the holidays roll around.

Are you as excited for FAST Racing NEO as we are? Let us know in the comment below!

‘Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon’ Traverses Familiar Ground With Some New Faces!

by Josh JacksonNovember 10, 2015

For those who wanted a more traditional RPG out of the Pokemon series of games, the Mystery Dungeon series has been the go to series for about a decade. Putting players in the role of a Pokemon as opposed to a trainer who controlled the monsters by issuing commands, this dungeon crawler offers a different niche for the trainers who want something a little different. This tradition continues in Pokemon Super Mystery Dungeon, the next 3DS entry that brings the characters introduced in Pokemon X and Y to the forefront for the first time, with the same game play we’ve come to expect from these spinoffs.

Surrounded by fire? Pikachu better let Piplup take care of things.

In the core game, gamers will once again take a personality test to determine which ‘Mon they’ll take direct control of. My demo didn’t offer the same luxury. Playing as Froakie, the latest water starter, myself and my CPU controlled partner, Fennekin, wandered through a craggy, mountain type area that was full of ground type Pokemon to fight against. Carrying over the rock-paper-scissors mechanics of the core games, this made avoiding danger a breeze thanks to my water attacks being “Super Effective” against my enemies, although PP restrictions still limited how much I could attack before needing to rest or use items.

Each floor is randomly generated as you traverse the dungeons, so no two floors will ever be the same. This means while there are more chances to find treasure or hidden opponents, you’re also more likely to run into unfamiliar terrain that can potentially trap you and your partner. For instance, I kept walking through a strange, purple cloud that was causing my screen to blink. After completely forgetting my years of experience as a gamer and wondering what was happening, I finally realized that this poison cloud was draining my health. If nothing else, you’ll always have to keep an eye out for obstacles, since you’ll never know what each dungeon floor will have waiting for you.

The stories tend to be more in depth than your typical Pokemon title.

Promising all confirmed Pokemon to date, (although it couldn’t be confirmed as to whether or not Hoopa, who makes its U.S. debut on November 27th, the week after Super Mystery Dungeon‘s release, or the unannounced 720th Pokemon, will make respective appearances,) and a story mode that should be fairly deep, not to mention being complimented with tons of post game content if its prequels are anything to go by, and its looking like Pokemon fans everywhere will have their new time sink when Pokemon Super Mystery Dungon arrives in stores on November 20th.

Super Mystery Dungeon promises the largest roster to date!

Which Pokemon are you hoping to run into first? Sound off below and let us know!

Get Mega Sized With ‘Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash’

by Josh JacksonNovember 10, 2015

When it comes to spin-off games like the Mario Tennis series, one of the reasons why people keep coming back is to see what kinds of tricks the game throws in to make it fresh enough to pick up again. The Tennis series in particular has had everything from an RPG mode on the Game Boy Color, to the popular power shots in the GameCube days, while the 3DS iteration mostly fell flat in this writer’s eyes. How do you improve on the formula for its Wii U debut? If Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash has any say, it’s that bigger is definitely better!

The demo version that we sat down with featured your standard Singles and Doubles matches, with characters such as Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, Wario and Yoshi coming with their own play styles and stats. However, none of them can top Rosalina, as she throws her power around while gracefully floating along the court. Like previous games, tapping different combinations of the two main face buttons will trigger different types of swings, such as a lob, top spin or back spin. Using these techniques to catch your opponents off guard is just as rewarding as it ever was, bringing back the deceptively strong strategy element to this arcade style sports game.

But then again, if that’s all there was to it, then you might as well play any other tennis game and get a similar experience. In Ultra Smash however, Mega Mushrooms will slide across the court for one of the players to grab. Doing so will make the first character to touch it grow into a towering giant, much like how they did in the New Super Mario Bros. series that the item debuted in. When bigger, each swing is receives a drastic power boost, stunning and knocking back the player who rallies the ball back. Assuming you don’t catch your opponents sleeping with a ball straight to the face, (which happened MANY times during my play through,) the defending team is left with a tense, desperate struggle to defend their side of the net, a dynamic which has yet to be seen in the series until now.

If playing locally isn’t your thing, online play has been confirmed as well, so you’ll be able to match up against players from around the world. When real friends aren’t good enough for you, Ultra Smash also features full Amiibo support, allowing you to train them until they learn to slaughter you as bad as they do in Super Smash Bros. A single player tournament mode or mini games weren’t confirmed, but I’d be surprised if they don’t make it in the final game in some form considering they’ve been in every other version. No matter what mode you play however, motion control options have been completely removed in this version, so those who wanted to get their swing on are out of luck.

Releasing on November 20th exclusively for the Wii U, Mario Tennis: Ultra Smash might be the game you need to get your arcade style sports fix. Are you planning on picking this up? Comment below and tell us why!

‘Animal Crossing Amiibo Festival’; The Party Game That Builds Friendships!?

by Josh JacksonNovember 5, 2015

For a genre that’s meant to bring family and friends together for some lighthearted fun, party games have this terrible habit of making people hate each other. Never just letting the roll of the dice decide the game, it’s become commonplace for the genre to rely on mini games, item collecting, and the ability to sabotage other players. While entertaining, it’s wise not to play with people that you actually want to stay friends with when the day is over.

Which is why after playing Animal Crossing: Amiibo Festival, I was pleasantly surprised to find that none of that tomfoolery was present when it came to our animal friends. Supporting up to four players with each Amiibo serving as a game piece, (much like Mario Party 10‘s Amiibo Party mode, complete with the annoying need to tap your character with each dice roll,) the citizens of the village aren’t out to harm their friends, but instead, spread happiness throughout the town. Each section on the board represents an activity, whether it’s shopping, styling your hair or participating in a competition. After an adorable scene plays out describing the event, it will award either Happy Points or Bells, with the latter being used to cash in for more of the former. The player with the most happy points at the end wins, spreading some much needed joy to the bloodthirsty world of virtual board games. That’s not to say that there aren’t ways to end up losing points or for other players to gain an advantage, but don’t expect three on one gang beatings either.

Each space describes an activity in town, like a trip to the salon!

In addition to this mostly passive method of play, the maps themselves are inspired by Animal Crossing‘s calendar system. With each turn taking up one day, the scenery and weather will change with each passing day. Though the amount of time a game takes can be customized, the standard matches will run through one full month, complete with special events for any holidays that happen to fall in that time frame. It manages to capture the spirit of why the series is so popular within a completely different genre.

With all of that said, that’s not to say that the mini games aren’t there. More specifically, Amiibo Festival has a dedicated mini game mode, pushing the theme of friendship even further by forcing the animals to work together in what can only be described as Nintendo’s version of Lost. Trapped on an island, the animal team has a certain amount of turns to gather materials to build a raft for their escape while quelling their hunger at the same time. Using materials to build tools like fishing rods for food, shovels for digging up hidden Pitfalls that would cost you your turn otherwise, or saving them for your great escape, this side game asks the animals to pool together their resources to meet a common goal. The catch? This mode can only be played with those Amiibo cards you might have seen pop up in stores for minutes at a time. While the game comes packaged with a few, it’s not enough to play the full island game, so you’re going to have to drop a few extra Bells if you want the complete experience. This goes double for the main mode, which will obviously need two more figures outside of the bundled Isabelle and Digsby if you want to experience four player games.

Mabel would be getting shoved off the podium if this was Mario Party.

With only a week away before the festival hits our doorstep, we can’t wait to put some time into the full game. It’s unique take on the party genre that Nintendo revolutionized so many years ago has the potential to be a huge hit with families or the type of gamers who want a more passive experience. My only concern so far is whether or not the less competitive nature of Amiibo Festival will take away from some of its long term appeal. Still, it’s impossible to deny that the game is shaping up to be a crowd pleaser for fans of the series, and we’ll make sure to deliver our full impressions once Animal Crossing returns to consoles on November 13th.

Don’t Go Outside At Night In The World Of ‘YO-KAI WATCH’

by Josh JacksonNovember 5, 2015

YO-KAI WATCH, Nintendo and Level-5’s monster collecting RPG that has taken Japan by storm, promises to be the next big thing in handheld gaming. Between its cute, unconventional characters, its immediate charm that we’ve come to expect from the developer behind Fantasy Life, Professor Layton and Ni No Kuni, and a unique battle system that turns turn based combat on its head, it’s easy to see why. But outside of the standard mechanics that we detailed in our game play summary, the evil Yokai have some more tricks up their sleeves. Let’s just say you don’t want to go out at night.

You know you messed up when…

During a recent game play demo, we got to delve a little more into what we can expect from the full version of the game. Not content with just offering your standard RPG staples, YO-KAI WATCH goes full stealth mode once the sun sets. As you’re traversing the streets after dark, the map becomes filled with smaller monsters that serve to alert their big, bad boss when they spot you. If you end up being seen and can’t escape to the next map in time, this hulking, red ogre drags you into battle.

I know what you’re thinking though; with you and your team of Yokai, you can handle whatever it can throw at you, right? Making the same mistake, I dived straight in, using every ability at my disposal to take down the enemy. Except nothing worked! As I watched each Yokai fall one by one, I realized I had made a terrible mistake. The moral of the story? Don’t mess with the dark…

Any last words?

With sections like these to break up the monotonous nature of turn based RPG’s, it’s clear to see how this game has managed to reach the level of popularity that it has overseas. If anything else, this has made me more excited to find out what other surprises the full game will have in store, which will be available by the time you read this. Oh, and one more thing. You might not want to jaywalk either. You never know what can happen to those who don’t follow the rules…

Need a refresher on everything that is YO-KAI WATCH? Take a trip over to our character profiles and get caught up! Will you be picking up the game this weekend? Let us know in the comments!

The Five Games To Play On Halloween (Instead Of Getting Black Out Drunk)

by Josh JacksonOctober 31, 2015

It’s Halloween! That one day of the year where everyone gets to dress up as the things they wish they were and bask in all things spooky. Most of us will be out partying with costumed strangers and making sure they can’t remember what happened the following day, which is more the reason to stay in if you’re anything like me. So what should you play while your house is getting TP’d and egged? We’ve got you covered. Here are five recent games that are perfect for playing on Halloween.

Corpse Party: Blood Drive

Recently released for the PS Vita, Corpse Party is an old school survival horror / visual novel title where you take control of a Ayumi, a high school girl who has dabbled in the dark arts, as her and her unfortunate friends come to terms with the events of the previous two titles. Serving as the final chapter of the Corpse Party trilogy that started back on the PSP, Blood Drive captures that sense of hopelessness, terror and anxiousness when it comes to surviving its trap laced corridors. And if that wasn’t bad enough, monsters are constantly chasing you, all without any real weapons! Think Clock Tower 3 or Silent Hill: Shattered Memories. Don’t mistake its cute, chibi style visuals for going soft on the horror either. The game gets gory right out of the gate!

You can pick up the Everafter Edition, containing a two disc soundtrack filled with tracks from all three games, and a series spanning art book for $49.99, or the digital release on the PSN store for $39.99. For more information on this terrifying title, check out our E3 impressions here!

Fatal Frame: Maiden Of Black Water

The long awaited return of the Fatal Frame series arrived last week exclusively for Wii U, and from what we played so far, it was worth the wait. Fully utilizing the Game Pad as your very own Camera Obscura, the varied cast of characters must exorcise ghosts from a series of locations by capturing photos of them with their spooky camera. New to this version however, is the ability to move the camera in real time with the Wii U’s signature controller, and providing two different perspectives between the Pad and TV screen. Ghosts are only visible through the camera lens, so keeping an eye on both screens adds an extra level of immersion not found in previous installments. Luckily, squeezing enemies into the frame has never been easier thanks to the gyroscopic controls allowing you to rotate the Game Pad to alter your perspective, all while rapid firing shots as if this were a model simulator instead of a terrifying ghost hunting game. Oh, and you’ll still want to be mindful of your surroundings, unless you want to be met with a terrible fate.

Fatal Frame: Maiden Of Black Water can be played for free up until its second chapter, (as long as you have about 16 GBs of space sitting around). If you can’t get enough, the full game will set you back $49.99, exclusively on the Wii U eShop.

Lit (iOS, Android)

Spending money is a drag, so if your spent all your cash on bags of candy or elaborate costumes, Lit might be the way to go. All you need is a smart phone, (which I hear is a pretty popular thing to have these days,) and you’ll be able to experience a remastered version of one of WiiWare’s most memorable titles. From the minds at Wayforward, Lit puts you in the role Jake, a “mopey teenager”, who must navigate the shadows to escape his haunted school using a variety of tools, as well as his trusty flashlight. This puzzle/horror game was a big surprise when it was originally released, and it’s getting even bigger thanks to 16 brand new puzzle rooms and par challenges to test your speed and efficiency. The best part? It’s completely free! Go download it now! You’ll be glad you did.

YO-KAI WATCH (Demo Version)

It’s a shame that the launch of Level-5 and Nintendo’s next big release, YO-KAI WATCH, is just narrowly missing Halloween weekend. What better game for the holiday that celebrates all things that go bump in the night than one filled with demons, ghosts and monsters, all of which are invisible? Fortunately, we still have the demo version to sift through, which does a great job of holding us over until the game’s full release on November 6th. Being pushed as the next Pokemon, YO-KAI WATCH has players befriend the titular Yo-kai, then using them to battle their mischievous, or downright evil brethren. After uncovering the hidden demons using your appropriately named Yo-kai Watch, the game’s unique battle system kicks in. By rotating your team of six in real time while activating special moves with touch screen mini games, players can manage offense and defense in a seamless, fluid way. With each Yokai serving as a different type of curse, like causing people to argue, use the bathroom too often, or feel all around not so swell, this lighthearted RPG looks to be taking the developer’s known charm and Nintendo’s huge marketing machine to make the next big hit! Oh, but while playing, make sure not to go out at night…

Splatoon

Finally, if you’re not in the mood for running for your life, capturing ghosts, surviving haunted houses or hunting demons, you can always sit back with your squid pals! Halloween weekend may be an odd time for a Splatfest, but for those who are going to be indoors anyway, Splatoon‘s latest team based competition decides to answer an age old question: Which is better? Pirates, or ninjas? Until 9 PM PST on October 31st, Inklings from across the country can vote for their side, deciding which of the two historical killers are best! Making tried and true costumes as well as a great poll, will the results finally put this debate to rest? Probably not, especially when there was never a debate to begin with. Everyone knows ninjas take this battle every time. EVERY! TIME!

So there’s how we’ll be spending our Halloween! From the gory to the creepy and the downright silly, there’s plenty of content to celebrate this year’s Halloween with in between all that trick or treating. Were there any games that we missed, or will there be any particular favorite you’ll be playing on this horrifying day? Let us know below!