Awesome Pre-Order Bonuses For ‘Quantum Break’ Revealed Along With Bundle, PC Version!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 11, 2016

Briefly: Quantum Break is the reason that I bought an Xbox One (well, that I bought an Xbox One for the second time).

Remedy Entertainment’s previous endeavor, Alan Wake, was one of my favourite titles of last-generation, and as such it would be impossible for me to ignore such a striking, unique-looking title.

Today, Microsoft debuted a brand-new, awesome trailer for the title, and also revealed some other exciting Quantum Break news. First up, trailer time:

https://youtu.be/d4or8YE-6P4

Yeah, we know. It looks cool as hell.

Well, the Quantum Break package just got better. Every copy of Quantum Break for Xbox One will come with a full-game download for Alan Wake for Xbox 360, plus its two add-on packs, The Signal and The Writer. Better yet, pre-order the title, and you’ll also get a copy of Alan Wake: American Nightmare.

Microsoft has also revealed that the game will launch on Windows 10 day and date with the Xbox One version of the title. The company notes that they want customers to “play the games they want with the people they want on the devices they want,” so pre-ordering the title will also net you a free Windows 10 version of the anticipated title.

Of course, for those of you that haven’t yet jumped on the Xbox One bandwagon, Microsoft will be offering a new Xbox One bundle, featuring a 500GB Cirrus White console and matching wireless controller, a full-game download of Quantum Break and a full-game download of Alan Wake accompanied by The Signal and The Writer add-on packs.

Quantum Break aims to offer an extremely “unique experience; one part hard-hitting video game, one part thrilling live action show, featuring a stellar cast, including Shawn Ashmore (“X-Men”) as the hero Jack Joyce, Aidan Gillen (“Game of Thrones”) as his nemesis Paul Serene and Dominic Monaghan (“Lord of the Rings”) as Jack’s genius brother, William. Quantum Break is full of the vivid storytelling, rich characters and dramatic twists Remedy Entertainment are renowned for. Your choices in-game will affect the outcome of this fast-paced fusion between game and show giving the player a completely unique entertainment experience.”

Damn, I cannot wait to play this game. Are you looking forward to picking it up? Sound out below!

Geekscape Games Reviews ‘Gravity Rush Remastered’

by Josh JacksonFebruary 9, 2016

Despite the Playstation Vita essentially becoming a blip on the radar when it came to its longevity and popularity, that didn’t mean that its library wasn’t filled with numerous bright spots among its many dry spells. As far as I’m concerned, Gravity Rush stood above the rest as the real crown jewel for Sony’s PSP successor, using the handheld’s build in motion and touch features in ways that hadn’t been seen before. Essentially a game about falling, this open world title built by Sony’s Japan Studio and Keiichiro Toyama, (the creator of the original Silent Hill,) changed the way we thought about movement in games, allowing Kat, the game’s protagonist, to change the direction of her gravitational pull at will.

The only problem? Nobody played it outside of the passionate fans who had their Vitas near launch. Now, with a much larger install base on the Playstation 4, and Bluepoint Games at the helm, (the good folks behind most of Sony’s most recent remastered games,) Gravity Rush Remastered gives Kat a second chance at a first impression, bringing over the handheld game to consoles with improved graphics and controls along the way. After enjoying everything Kat’s adventure has to offer for a second time, not only does the game feel as breathtaking as it did the first time around, but its improvements make it one of the best games you’ll find exclusively on the PS4.

Essentially a superhero origin story, Kat wakes up with no memory of who she is or how she found herself in Heksville, a mysterious city that’s become broken apart and drifting away from itself. With Dusty, her magical space cat that gives her the power to control gravity, Kat fights to help restore the land to its original state, hold off the mysterious Nevi, a race of monsters that has begun to attack the citizens, and re-discover her lost memories.

As mentioned, Gravity Rush is an open world game, one that doesn’t exactly fit any one genre. Part action, part adventure, part platformer, without any strong leanings towards any of them, the real draw of the game is being able to fly around at your leisure as you explore the beautifully rendered comic book inspired world. Though you’re supposed to be spending your time seeking out and competing story and challenge missions to help the townsfolk, it won’t be long before you find yourself taking in the sights as you fly through every inch of the city. Free roaming around Heksville is addicting on its own, which is as easy as a tap of the R1 button to make Kat float or fall in the direction she’s facing. Allowing her to walk on walls, soar through the air and even explore the bottom of the land as you discover the Precious Gems needed for upgrades, movement is anything you want it to be, (as long as you have enough energy to maintain changed gravity.) That level of freedom alone makes Gravity Rush such a unique take on anything I’ve played, creating an environment where the simple act of traveling from point to point is exciting.

No matter how great the movement is though, it would come off as a one trick pony if that’s all there was to it. With that considered, it’s fortunate that you’ll have plenty of Nevi to square off with. Now, don’t come into Gravity Rush expecting as many combat options as a game like Devil May Cry, because that’s not what this is about. Still, by maximizing what you can do with Kat’s abilities, taking out enemies by using levitation to throw items it them, activating a powerful special attack that can wipe out waves of enemies at once, and pinpointing an enemy’s weakness before using your gravity powers from meters away to pull yourself into them with a devastating kick, all find a way to be highly rewarding despite their simplicity. All’s not well with Kat’s fighting prowess however, because when the fight is taken to the ground, her standard kicks devolve into mindless button mashing while her jump kick is needlessly hard to hit with. Chances are you’ll want to stick to the air as much as possible. Even then, even though the lock on for the Gravity Kick seems to have been improved compared to the Vita version, with far fewer unexplainable misses, Kat seems to whiff too many of her attacks late game when most of the enemies are larger with multiple weak points.

What seemed like the biggest complaint that the original suffered from was its forced motion and touch controls, which oftentimes felt unintuitive at best, and forced into the game for the sake of showing off the Vita’s features at worst. Fortunately, unlike the targeting which seemed to be partially improved, Bluepoint managed to completely fix this control issue, to the point where the game feels almost too easy at points. As if the original Vita version was trying to compensate for what they new were awkward controls, the times to beat in challenge missions seemed tough to complete. Now, I managed to finish movement based challenges with half a minute to spare on my first try on many occasions, changing what used to be a frustrating mission into some easy upgrade points. Some of the challenges will still give you trouble, especially the ones with limited gravity energy or the ones that focus on combat, but there are still noticible improvements across the board that stand out even more during these stagse. The Gravity Slide in particular, a technique where Kat uses gravity to speed and drift along the ground, is so much better that it’s hard to imagine playing any other way. Imagine on the Vita, having to hold both thumbs on the corner of the touch screen to slide, then steer with oversensitive motion controls that would send you veering into walls more often than not. Then, imagine holding the L2 and R2 buttons and steering with the stick. It’s like night and day.

But with the good comes the bad, which in this case, a problem unique to the PS4 version. In the Vita release, dodging was triggered by swiping the touch screen in the direction you want to move. The two sticks are so far away from the screen in this case, that accidentally tapping it was never an issue. That changes with the PS4, since all of the touch controls are relegated to the touch pad right above the analog sticks. In fights where you’re trying to move the camera while moving at the same time, there were so many times where I accidentally dodged into an attack and needlessly took damage because my finger grazed the pad. And unlike the motion controls, which can have their sensitivity adjusted to the point where they can be completely turned off, there’s no way that I could find to get rid of the touch dodging.

Unfortunately, seeing as this is a port, there’s only so much Bluepoint could change. This means that the game’s strange story is still intact, which is only seen as a negative because of how much potential it brings, only to do nothing with it. When you bring out a game in a world that’s literally floating apart from itself, a raven haired rival that wants to kill you for reasons unknown, a master thief who becomes obsessed with defeating you, and God masquerading as a homeless drifter with a penchant for flashing, you would think the game would have some crazy places to go by the time the credits roll. Yet somehow, when it’s all over with, very few of these plotlines are wrapped up, and Kat’s amnesia doesn’t go much farther than where it started outside of some hints. As someone who was really in to the mysteries the game presents, I feel that Gravity Rush often came off as a tease towards a whole lot of future events without much resolution to them in the present. It was frustrating in 2012, and it’s frustrating now, especially when the story can be completed relatively quickly. A few more hours worth of missions could have been added to flesh out the story and the length.

Though the stories that are addressed are the DLC bonus missions, all of which come packaged with Gravity Rush Remastered out of the box. Adding a bit of character and three new costumes to Kat’s story, each set of two missions helps us dive in to side stories that help us get to know the citizens of Heksville better. Some even feature missions that have unique objectives compared to the main game, such as finding scattered pages and racing while opponents actively block you. These missions won’t appear until you reach the chronological point in the story where they take place, but finishing them helps boost your town rank faster, giving you access to a higher tier of upgrades sooner than you would in the regular game. And you’ll need them, since each DLC pack comes with two additional challenge maps, each of which are significantly more difficult than the ones the main game offers.

It’s not perfect, but Gravity Rush Remastered deserves all the credit we can give it for not only feeling so fresh despite being a re-release, but especially because it managed to engross us almost entirely on the merits of its game play. Surviving the aging process so well is rare enough, but there are very few games that I would enjoy playing all over again. This is one of them, and it’s not hard to see why. It’s beautiful. It’s creative. It has that rare quality where it changes the way we think about games. And it’s an improvement over its Vita counterpart in almost every way. The ground combat and lock on still needs some work, the story is still a glaring weak point, and the unfortunate placement of the touch pad creates a brand new issue, but none of this gets in the way of Gravity Rush transitioning from one of the best Vita games, to one of the best PS4 ones. Whether digitally or physically, (exclusively through Amazon,) do yourself a favor and add Kat’s adventure to your collection. Now, bring on Gravity Rush 2!

Final Score: 4.5/5

Geekscape Games Reviews ‘Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4’

by Josh JacksonFebruary 9, 2016

In 2006, the first Naruto video game came to the West alongside the anime’s localized debut with the GameCube’s Naruto: Clash of Ninja. Over the years, countless sequels, spinoffs, and alternate series from a wide variety of developers and publishers would be released, with the definitive experience finally settling on the Ultimate Ninja Storm series. The Playstation exclusive branch of the wildly popular franchise has wowed us for years with its incredible graphics, mind blowing boss battles that oftentimes surpass the source material, and a huge roster that’s grown significantly over each iteration.

With the manga’s conclusion in 2014, it was a matter of time before the games would reach the finale as well, eventually being forced to take its bow as one of the most consistent anime to video game adaptations in both quality and faithfulness. Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is said to be the last game in the Storm series, wrapping up the story of Naruto and his friends with its current console generation debut, upping the wow factor in ways that will definitely leave an impression. Yet, for all the things that it does right, nagging issues from previous entries still keep the game from being a premiere fighter. Still, Storm 4 goes above and beyond to give fans of the series the sendoff they deserve.

If you’ve played a Storm game before, the basic set up of the 3D fighter is the same now as it has always been. Set with a diagonal, behind the back camera perspective, each fighter has sets of land and air combos, special moves, (ninjutsu,) and super moves, (secret techniques,) the latter two of which can be customized in nearly every mode. When you consider that the cast is made up of over 100 different ninja, that becomes a whole lot of content to discover, which is exciting every time you pull off a new attack thanks to the amazing anime inspired graphics that bring it all to life, (but more on that in a bit.) As with Storm 3, countering with your substitution jutsu has its own bar rather than subtracting from your chakra, allowing a maximum of four successive counters before you’ll find yourself stuck in a combo without a way to escape. Adding an extra layer of strategy to the fights, it’s important to avoid getting caught in situations where you have to draw on your counters before you find yourself taking a pummeling. Once you’re on the brink of defeat, overcharging your meter activates your temporary Awakening Mode, which can range from a boost in power, to a full on transformation, changing your character to a gigantic beast, which can turn the tide of battle while acting as a mind blowing display of how good CyberConnect2 has gotten at bringing the show to life.

In addition to other techniques such as maintaining and charging your chakra to pull off special moves and stronger versions of standard attacks such as throwing shuriken, dashing towards your opponent, and performing double team attacks with one of your two potential partners, Storm 4 mixes up the formula with some new combat options to keep even the best ninja on their toes. Most noticeably, the new tag mechanics change counter attack lets you push back any attack when an overzealous opponent is charging at you. With a simple tap of the shuriken button while guarding, you’ll pay a quarter of your chakra bar, (as in a quarter of the bar temporarily disappears, and cannot be charged for a certain amount of time,) to keep yourself in an advantageous position.

Once you’ve mastered the art of combat, there’s nothing left to get in your way when it’s time to jump into the Story Mode, which is where most of the game’s visuals shine through. No longer broken up by the standard free roaming mode, (which would be kind of hard considering most of the world is destroyed at the start of the game,) the story starts off with a bang thanks to the ancient conflict between The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the current big bad, Madara Uchiha. After a boss battle that looks and feels so grand, you would think it’s the game’s last fight instead of its first, it flashes forward to right where Storm 3 left off, right before the masked man’s identity is revealed in his first fight with Naruto. Here, the action slows down a bit in favor of mostly standard fights, although we occasionally get rail shooter and beat em up inspired stages to give us something special in between battles.

Most fights are bookmarked by long cutscenes that move the story along at a decent pace. Yet, these scenes constantly kept me enthralled rather than take me out of the experience, partially because of the fact that this game is the first time that the finale of the series has been animated and voiced. Then again, I use “animated” loosely, since the majority of the scenes are just still shots from the anime with voice overs over them. Ironically, the anime’s overabundance of fillers worked in the game’s favor eventually, since all the scenes that take place after the anime’s current storyline are fully animated with the in game models. For anyone who is worried about how well the ending plays out, fear not. Everything is here, from the end of the war, to a SNES-era Final Fantasy level ass pull with Kaguya’s debut, all the way up to the fateful fight between the two leads. Aside from a small amount of censorship, everything from the animations to the voice acting and the over elaborate quick time events that blows away the action of both the manga and anime, serving as a satisfying conclusion to Naruto and Sasuke’s tale.

Although the story sticks close to its source material, sometimes, this isn’t for the better. As if trying to emulate the anime itself, there are a TON of flashbacks, to the point where even when I was really into the story, I was getting tired of the big finale being largely relegated to a glorified slide show. While I do appreciate that each chapter has a time estimate for how long you’re going to be watching, it made me miss the free roaming sections that broke up the action in previous story modes. For better or for worse, free roaming has been separated into its own adventure mode which takes place immediately after the final battle. As Naruto, Sakura and Hinata, the three ninja travel to iconic locations throughout the series on various missions that trigger flashbacks of some of the Hidden Leaf Village’s greatest battles. Here’s where you finally get an excuse to play as those characters who you completely forgot about in between all of the Infinite Tsukuyomi nonsense. I’m talking Chiyo vs. Sasori, young Naruto vs. Young Gaara during the Chunin Exams, and so many “memories” as the game calls them, essentially serving as a Naruto retrospective as the finale settles in. Of course, you can also play the Adventure Mode before finishing the story, but why would you do that?

However, like the Story Mode feeling tired with no breaks, Adventure Mode falls even harder in this sense. The free roaming content was never particularly good in past games, with very little interactivity with your surroundings, but at least you had the story to will you forward. What can only be described as constant filler content, there are no real stakes involved to keep you enthralled when it comes to getting absorbed in the world you’re exploring, leaving you with shallow feeling side missions to fill time. If only CyberConnect2 would not have stagnated in this sense and eventually gave us something more akin to Ubisoft’s highly underrated Xbox 360 exclusive Naruto games in terms of exploration, then Storm 4 would have been the perfect package. Sadly, free roaming failed to evolve like the rest of the series has.

Thankfully, the Online Mode is where the game feels like it has grown the most, which is fantastic since the Vs. modes are where the meat of any fighting game lies. Aside from your typical Vs. and Survival Modes, which offer various modifiers that can either help or hinder the player, the online play is the best it’s ever been. Not only does the mode allow all of your customized fighters carry over like in previous games in certain match types, but the overall experience feels much more fleshed out with various incentives to play. Including special events that come with bonuses when you play during certain times, or daily log in bonuses for extra money and Ninja Treasures that can be exchanged to unlock one of the near countless items to earn, you’ll always have a reason to log on outside of beating down other ninjas from around the world. On that note, the online play itself seems leaps and bounds better this time around, which is a huge step up for a series that’s always been marred with crippling lag. In my case, (as the Geekscape Games listeners can attest to,) I have horrible connection speeds. Yet, every match I fought was either as seamless as if I were playing on the couch, or with barely noticeable input lag that I couldn’t blame my losses on. Despite it taking so long, I’m glad the final Storm game finally got it right.

As commendable as these improvements may be, Storm‘s biggest hurdle from the beginning is that its fighting mechanics are shallow. Yes, the tag and counter features add more to an admittedly improved package, but it’s not enough for it to stand out as anything more than a really good anime fighter. All Jinchuriki, (tailed beast hosts such as Naruto,) will have a giant transformation. Almost all Sharingan users, (like most of Sasuke’s seven versions,) have a Susano’o form. Aside from puppet users, (who each feel similar as well,) every character feels relatively similar to one another, despite the 100 + character cast outside of their standard ninjutsu and animations. Even then, roughly 20% of the roster are just alternate forms of the same person. So here’s to hoping you really like Naruto, Sasuke, Obito and Kakashi, because they could make a fighting game with just the different versions of those four and have a roster that rivals the total character count of other games in the genre. Unfortunately, its game play doesn’t measure up in the same way. What’s worse is that some of this repetition could have been alleviated by the extra team attacks and characters that are locked behind the DLC paywall, but alas, it’s 2016. DLC is expected at this point, although locking away attacks for sets of characters that are on the standard roster feels a bit low.

As my time with Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 drew to a close, the amount of content to play though both by yourself and with friends, the cinematics and graphics that often left me in awe as it wrapped up this eight year tale in satisfying fashion, and the highly entertaining combat, (despite its shallowness), are all more than enough of a reason to pick this up. While its flaws with the sameness of its cast, overuse of still frames to tell its story, the separation of the free roaming and campaign segments, and locking content that’s already in the game behind a pay wall are all apparent, its refinement of what works while vastly improving its online component make this final Storm game the best by a long shot. Non-fans will get a kick out of its incredible presentation, while long time Naruto followers will find the sendoff that the franchise deserves, riding into the sunset on top. So take a bow, CyberConnect2, because Storm 4 has set a new benchmark for what games based on anime should be.

Final Score: 4.25/5

The Latest Trailer For ‘Street Fighter V’ Is The Best One Yet!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 8, 2016

Briefly: As I’ve likely expressed numerous times on the Geekscape Games podcast, aside from a few exceptions, fighting games are not generally my thing.

That said, Capcom has just debuted a 3+ minute CG trailer for Street Fighter V, and it’s probably the coolest look at the game that we’ve seen next.

All of the game’s participants appear in the video, and it does a fantastic job of… well, making me want to play Street Fighter V.

Take a look at the trailer below, and let us know what you think! Street Fighter V hits stores on February 16th!

Geekscape’s Top 5 Geek Alternatives To Watching The Big Game (The Super Bowl, Duh)!

by Shane O'HareFebruary 5, 2016

You’re probably already well aware (I mean, it’s not even Sunday yet and we’ve been seeing fantastic commercials releasing in droves including a fantastic Pokemon ad), but Super Bowl 50 is less than two days away!

If you’re anything like me (and if you’re reading Geekscape, you probably are, and I’m sorry)… you have little to no interest in the event. Unless there is booze, that is, and in that case I am VERY interested in it.

So, we at Geekscape have put together our Top 5 favorite alternatives to watching the big game!

5 – Blood Bowl

Blood Bowl is the Warhammer: Fantasy take on football itself. Set in the mythical land of Warhammer, it pits two players against each other in a turn based game of football. Each player chooses from a selection of fantasy races, naturally with their own advantages and disadvantages. Additionally, players can hire and level up non-fielded characters such as Cheerleaders, Assistant Coaches, and even Healers. All boost the statistics of the players on the field. The best part of the game, is where the actual BLOOD comes into play. It’s not just about moving the ball down the field, its about trying to injure or kill opposing players.

You can play Blood Bowl all old school (on the tabletop itself, painting up figures and sets). OR you can find a digital version of the game on PC, PS4, Xbox One, Google Play, Amazon Store and iOS.

For more information check out the Blood Bowl Fan League!

4 – Online Gaming (Rocket League, CS:GO, League of Legends)

Around major events like the Super Bowl and national holidays, the online servers for A LOT of games see their populations dwindle. The casual players get all wrapped up in the festivities, and all that’s left are the die hard players.

If you really want to test your skill in games like Rocket League or CS:GO, then there is no better time than this very Sunday. You can tell your friends and family that you’re practicing for the eSports league, and that they will be watching you play League of Legends on the big screen in a few years…. Hey, a Geek can dream about more than just cartoon ponies, can’t he?

3 – Sports Related Manga

Much like the Rule 34 of the internet (my favorite rule, if you’re curious), if it exists, there is a Manga about it. Japanese manga are so ubiquitous that essentially everyone around is able to find something they’re interested in confined to a half-inch thick book.

From titles like Prince of Tennis, King Golf, Hikaru no Go, and Initial D, you are sure to find the book of your fancy.

Check out this list of The Top 50 Sports Related Manga’s from OtakuSmash and be amazed. I never would have dreamed I be interested in fishing manga!

2 – Kaiju Movie Marathon

If you have no interest in watching a bunch of big guys run around a field and beat each other up for a few hours, then why don’t you watch a bunch of big guys in MONSTER SUITS run around and beat each other up for a few hours!

There are so many to choose from that you don’t even have to limit yourself to just Godzilla and friends! Get some buddies, fire up the Netflix, Hulu, Amazon, Torrents (not Torrents) or if you’re a die hard Kaiju fan break out those antique VHS tapes.

For a lighthearted twist on the big monster movie genre, you can snag yourself some episodes of MST3K! Their personal twist on the Gamera films always leave me in stitches.

1 – ACTUALLY WATCH THE GAME!

Didn’t see this one coming, did you? I know this may be counter intuitive to what this entire list is about, but actually watch the game! Get some of your friends together, get some bad food and alcohol and enjoy the damned festivities. Even if you’re like me and have ZERO interest in football, there is so much to offer.

The commercials alone should be enough to attract all the Geeks. We have plenty of hilarious commercials that will be the talk of the Twittersphere (or… Facebookverse?) come Monday, and you don’t want to be out of the loop. Keep an eye out for appearances from some internet famous (it’s a thing) people like The Texas Law Hawk and Giorgio Tsoukalos. We will also see plenty of Geeky ones too. The biggest (for us geeks) is the long-awaited Pokemon 20th Anniversary ad. Yeah, we all have already seen it, but seeing it on air is going to be exciting!

Aside from the commercials, of course there is also the legendary Half-Time show. Last years Katy Perry performance literally had me smiling from ear to ear (she always does), and for the last 11 years we’ve all been hoping for another wardrobe malfunction like we had back in 2004.

If you don’t have television, or are a cordcutter don’t fret! There are plenty of free, LEGAL, options to watch the big game. LifeHacker has compiled a giant list, but the easiest is snagging the CBS sports apps on your favorite streaming platform.

SO GEEKS! What are you going to be doing come Sunday? We’d love to hear what everyone has planned!

The ‘Doom’ Box Art Has Been Revealed, And It’s Super… Generic!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 5, 2016

Briefly: It seems like it was just yesterday that Bethesda revealed an exciting campaign trailer, along with the official release date for their upcoming, beyond anticipated shooter Doom (well, it was yesterday), and today the publisher debuted the game’s official box art.

Sadly, it might just be one of the most generic pieces of cover art that I’ve ever seen.

It’s unfortunate, as the game itself looks bad-ass, and is one of the first ‘pure’ FPS titles that I’ve been legitimately interested in in years.

You can take a look at the box art below, and then I’d advise you to re-watch yesterday’s awesome trailer in order to remember what game it’s for, as ‘armored soldier holding gun’ seems to apply to more games than not these days.

Are you looking forward to Doom? Sound out below!

A Gorgeous ‘Uncharted 4’ PS4 Is On Its Way!

by Derek KraneveldtFebruary 4, 2016

Briefly: Unless the game gets another delay (which I believe is highly unlikely at this point), we’re now just a few months away from playing Naughty Dog’s highly anticipated Uncharted 4.

Well, if you were holding out on buying the console until the game came out, Sony just revealed a gorgeous, limited edition Uncharted 4 Playstation 4 console.

The bundle will cost you a cool $399.99 in the US ($499.99 in Canada), and includes the PS4 console in a Gray Blue color “featuring a silk-screened image of Nathan Drake, as well as a matching DualShock 4 and a copy of Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End on Blu-ray. The limited edition PS4 also features the PlayStation logo, Uncharted logo, and the phrase “SIC PARVIS MAGNA” in gold. “SIC PARVIS MAGNA” is Latin for “Greatness from small beginnings” and is the same phrase engraved on Drake’s ring.”

Sounds like the perfect console for any Uncharted fan, and it’s clearly one of the best-looking limited PS4 console’s that I’ve seen to date.

The console will launch alongside Uncharted 4 on April 26th, and will be a limited edition, so you better keep your eyes and wallet open if you’d like to take this bundle home.

Planning to pick up the bundle? Be sure to let us know!

‘Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst’ Gets A Story Trailer & A Beta!

by Shane O'HareFebruary 4, 2016

The HIGHLY anticipated sequel to DICE’s 2008 smash hit has just received it’s own story trailer.

Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst was first announced at E3 2013. It was met with uproarious praise from journalist and gamers a like. Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst is a sort of reboot/re-imagining of the first title. Players take up the role of Faith, a “runner” living in a dystopian future much like that you would find in yourself in while watching Total Recall or iRobot. “Runner’s” are parkour courier who race across the rooftops of the city, delivering contraband and illegal messages. The game features a first person freerunning mechanic that was quite well received.

Enough vamping, time to check out the incredible story trailer!

Mirror’s Edge: Catalyst comes out May 24th on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

Interested gamers can sign up for a beta of the game on the official website. The beta has no announced release date as of this writing.

‘DOOM’ Gets A Campaign Trailer & A Release Date

by Shane O'HareFebruary 4, 2016

The latest release in the DOOM series is shaping up to be quite the entry in the legendary franchise.

With a huge emphasis on single player (a trait that we will be seeing a lot more of in FPS titles in the future), DOOM aims to bring us back to the games roots. Intense blood, intense gore and intense horror.

Today, Bethesda and ID Software released the incredible Campaign Trailer AND we got ourselves a release date! Check out the trailer below!

Get a closer look at the adrenaline-pumping, single-player campaign in the latest trailer for DOOM – the all-new FPS from id Software arriving worldwide on Xbox One, PlayStation 4, and PC on Friday, May 13th. As the iconic DOOM Marine, you wake to learn that the Union Aerospace Corporation’s facility on Mars has been decimated and overrun by hordes of demons. Humanity’s survival rests in your hands – and your hands alone. Fight Like Hell.

In DOOM’s campaign, there is no taking cover or stopping to regenerate health as you beat back Hell’s raging demon hordes. Combine your arsenal of futuristic and iconic guns, upgrades, movement and an advanced melee system to knock down, slash, stomp, crush, and blow apart demons in creative and violent ways.

This gamer cannot be happier with how this title is coming together!

You can get your hands on DOOM on May 13th! Get it on PC, PS4 and Xbox One.

Geekscape Games Podcast: Level 62 – ‘Juan’s Not Here Because He Had A Baby’

by Shane O'HareFebruary 1, 2016

Join Derek, Josh, Juan and Shane as they discuss the last week in video games!

Subscribe to us in iTunes!

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This Week:

EA is ditching E3 in favour of ‘EA Play.’

Shane is inappropriate.

WB abandoning Mortal Kombat X on PC.

TMNT: Mutants in Manhattan looks phenomenal.

New WWE2K16 DLC Breaks ‘Universe Mode’.

PS+ and Games With Gold games for February.

Zack and Wiki hits WiiU.

Mighty No. 9 delayed again.

Detective Pikachu WTF.

Street Fighter V getting a story update.

Valkyria Chronicles on its way to PS4.

WWE2K16.

Oxenfree.

MegaDimension Neptunia VII.

Splatoon.

Listener Mission Objective:

“What’s the first game that you would recommend to a non-gamer.”

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Geekscape Games Presents: The Top 16 Games Of (The First Half Of) 2016

by Josh JacksonJanuary 31, 2016

I thought Christmas was supposed to be in December! Yet, as we wrap up January and head into February, you would think it was the end of the year considering how many amazing games are hitting the shelves. From high profile sequels to remakes, spinoffs and new IP’s that have demanded our attention, it won’t be hard to find a game or three to play in what’s typically supposed to be the slow winter and spring months. With so many to choose from, where do we start!? In no particular order, here are the 16 games of (the first half) of 2016 that we’re the most excited about.

Honorable Mention: Pokemon Red/Blue/Yellow

Date: February 27th

For: Nintendo 3DS

It’s rare that people get so excited for a Virtual Console re-release, but c’mon, this is Pokemon! While not a full release, (and thus, being excluded from the proper list,) we’re too thrilled not to mention these titles! With Pokemon Red, Blue and Yellow hitting our 3DS handhelds via the eShop in about a month, these ports will let us connect via built in wireless to rebuild our classic Pokedex’s with ease, all while poking at our nostalgia. It’ll be good to see what Missingno. has been up to after all these years!

Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End

Date: April 26th

For: Playstation 4

As one of the many games that was delayed in 2015, it’s easy to see why we’re anxious to go on one more adventure with Nathan Drake in Uncharted 4: A Thief’s End. With rumors of this being Drake’s last adventure, with some hoping that Naughty Dog focuses more on expanding on The Last Of Us going forward, this very well could be the last time we travel the world with the charismatic adventurer. While it may sound crazy to drop such a popular franchise, it’s not like Naughty Dog hasn’t done it before with series’ like Crash, (which was admittedly out of their hands,) and Jak, and suddenly, it’s not so unheard of. Are you ready to say goodbye?

Naruto Shippuden: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4

Date: February 8th

For: Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC

While we’re talking about goodbye’s, Naruto: Ultimate Ninja Storm 4 is being touted as the final Storm game. If this is true, it will signal an end of an era for the franchise, which brought incredible visuals, intense boss fights, and a giant roster to the popular series. Oftentimes surpassing its source material when it came to showing off how crazy Naruto and his friends can be when in a fight, it’s appropriate that the fourth game plans on wrapping up the story ahead of even the anime. As the final fights come to a close, we’re hoping we’re left with a game that’s fun enough to carry our fandom for a long time to come.

The Legend Of Zelda: Twilight Princess HD

Date: March 4th

For: Wii U

For those who listen to the Geekscape Games podcast, (thanks, Jeremy!), you’ll know that I’m generally against HD remakes, especially when they feel largely unnecessary. As with most poor life choices that I’ve made over the last year though, amiibo have changed the way I think. Coming bundled with a sweet Wolf Link amiibo at a standard MSRP of $59.99, the figure unlocks a brand new dungeon, alongside support with other Zelda amiibo to change the game in various ways.

Quantum Break

Date: April 5th

For: Xbox One

As the first game from Remedy since 2010’s excellent Alan Wake, Quantum Break looks to continue the developer’s penchant for innovative action game play to go with its stellar story telling that originated with Max Payne. Starring Shawn Ashmore, the cinematic style from their previous games is still going to be a heavy focus, but unlike many games these days, it doesn’t seem like the game play will be compromised because of it. Promising solid action-adventure elements with puzzle solving areas, we’re looking forward to finally getting Quantum Break in our hands.

Trillion: God Of Destruction

Date: Spring 2016

For: Playstation Vita

This Vita exclusive from the publishers and developers behind the Hyperdimension Neptunia series, (which we’ll get to soon,) Trillion: God Of Destruction has you amass an underworld army designed to take down a seemingly unbeatable god with a TRILLION HP! As you chip away at it over time, you’ll get stronger by training in secret and building relationships with your potential underworld waifus. Because we all need a little love in between fighting an indestructible monster.

Mario & Luigi: Paper Jam

Out now!

For: Nintendo 3DS

The Mario and Luigi and Paper Mario RPGs have been one of Nintendo’s best kept secrets for years now, providing laugh out loud comedy to go with its interactive turn based combat. But what happens when you combine both into one game? Mario and Luigi: Paper Jam looks to find out, bringing Paper Mario into a new world for a brand new team up. With new abilities, jokes abound, (usually at Luigi’s expense,) and rewarding game play, what’s not to love?

Note: Keep an eye out for our upcoming review!

Final Fantasy Explorers

Out now!

For: Nintendo 3DS

Described as Final Fantasy meets hunting and crafting games like Monster Hunter and Fantasy Life, Final Fantasy Explorers lets players team up in parties of up to four and fight some of the franchise’s most infamous monsters in their pursuit to complete quests. As they’re completed, characters can make new equipment, experiment with various jobs, and even temporarily take the forms of some of the greatest heroes in Final Fantasy history, including Cloud, Squall, Lightning and Yuna! Already adventuring? Share your friend codes with us in the comments and let’s get exploring!

Digimon Cyber Sleuth

Date: February 2nd

For: Playstation 4, Playstation Vita

As the first Digimon game to hit the current generation, as well as the first RPG to release in forever, Digimon Cyber Sleuth features hundreds of champions to collect and fuse as you and your team save the real and digital world from a new threat. Developed by Media.Vision, the RPG masterminds behind the Wild Arms series, and it’s safe to assume that the other beloved monster collecting franchise is in good hands.

Star Fox Zero

Date: April 22nd

For: Wii U

Speaking of being in good hands, the long awaited Star Fox follow up seems like a match made in heaven, (assuming the Lylat System believes in such a concept.) As a collaboration between Nintendo and Platinum Games, what we’ve played of Star Fox Zero with its free range, on rails and on land game play has had us desperate for more. Which made it all the more heartbreaking when it ended up like Uncharted and got delayed from 2015 to this year. Still, it’s looking like it’ll be more than worth the wait, and it will be great to gear up with the old team again.

Project X Zone 2

Date: February 16th

For: Nintendo 3DS

If Star Fox represents a strong team, then Project X Zone 2 is on a whole different level. Not only will Namco Bandai, Sega and Capcom team up for a second round of action packed turn based strategy, but Nintendo is getting in on the fun as well, with Chrom and Lucina from Fire Emblem and Fiora and Metal Face from Xenoblade Chronicles all appearing in the game. As one of the biggest surprises of 2013 for me, I can’t wait to get my hands on this crossover extravaganza once again.

Fire Emblem Fates

Date: February 19th

For: Nintendo 3DS

After Fire Emblem Awakening blew away all expectations in terms of both sales and popularity, the 3DS release served as a type of arrival for the strategy franchise, allowing it to take its place as one of Nintendo’s premiere IP’s. Capitalizing on this, Fire Emblem Fates will release with two versions with two different story perspectives. Featuring solid strategy game play, light dating sim elements and a custom character to lead the cast with, Nintendo is banking on Fates being just as popular, especially with special bundles, 3DS models, and even a downloadable third story on the way.

Megadimension Neptunia VII

Date: February 2nd

For: Playstation 4

Despite it seeming like Neptunia refuses to take a break with so many spinoffs, remakes, and sequels for the remakes, Megadimension Neptunia VII is the first sequel to the core franchise since 2012’s Hyperdimension Neptunia Victory. Now that everyone *should* have caught up after being bombarded with so many mostly solid games over the last year and a half, (assuming you have a Vita or Steam,) it’s time to take Gamindustri to the NEXT level! Featuring multiple stories, new characters, updated transformations and some much needed changes to the combat, and it’s looking like Neptune’s current gen debut might be one of the highlights of the year.

Gravity Rush HD Remaster

Date: February 2nd

For: Playstation 4

For my money, Gravity Rush is still the best game to release on the Vita. It’s breathtaking visuals, innovative game play and exciting exploration using the manipulation of gravity was too good to be ignored. Which is why I’m *really* pulling for Gravity Rush HD Remaster to shine in front of a bigger audience on the PS4. With reworked game play controls to work better on a Dual Shock 4, updated visuals, and all of the DLC included for $29.99, there’s no excuse not to get. Except for the fact that it’s mostly digital only if you’re already out of hard drive space…

If that’s the case, be like me and get the physical version which is exclusive to Amazon, and fall in love with Kat all over again!

Pokken Tournament

Date: March 18th

For: Wii U

Pokken was a long time coming, then all of a sudden, it was right around the corner! This collaboration between the team behind the Tekken series and The Pokemon Company brings together some interesting choices from the Pokemon roster to do battle in a 1-on-1 3D fighting game setting. Most importantly however, is that Pokken is looking to open the floodgates with the series’ first amiibo Card, coming packaged with Shadow Mewtwo. I hope you all have that second mortgage ready to go!

Mirror’s Edge Catalyst

Date: May 24th

For: Playstation 4, Xbox One, PC

Another game that felt like it would never see the light of day. After years of hoping until finally being confirmed back in 2013, Mirror’s Edge Catalyst will finally be in our hands in a few short months! Serving as a prequel that explores Faith’s background, we’re counting on the innovative first person platformer to wow us again. If DICE can pull off the same magic that they did the first time around, then we have nothing to worry about!

Street Fighter V

Date: February 16th

For: Playstation 4, PC

Unlike most of the games on this list, the time it took from announcement to release was relatively short. Not that we’re complaining, because a new iteration of Street Fighter is always something to get excited about! With four new characters to accompany a wide variety of reworked veterans from Super Street Fighter II to Street Fighter Alpha 3, the new V system that’s looking to mix up the rules of battle, and an expanded story mode that looks to bridge the gap between the original cast and Street Fighter III, why wouldn’t we be frothing at the mouth to play this?

As you can see, we’re going to have a busy time throughout the year. What games are you most looking forward to, and are there any that we missed? Let us know in the comments, and check back for the latest news, previews and reviews on the games listed, and everything else in between!

The Incredible ‘Valkyria Chronicles’ Is Headed To PS4!

by Derek KraneveldtJanuary 25, 2016

Briefly: It’s finally happening.

After launching on Steam late last year and quickly becoming a top-seller, and shortly thereafter revealing that the title was headed to Sony’s Playstation 4 everywhere but North America, the game has officially been confirmed for a North American release.

We’re still awaiting an official release date, but the game will feature a huge 1080P/60FPS update, both Japanese and English audio, all of the game’s released DLC, as well as (for the first time) trophy support.

Valkyria Chronicles Remastered will launch this Spring, though a official release date has not yet been confirmed, and will cost a cool $29.99 US.

Even better, pre-order and launch copies of the physical edition come in a slick ‘Squad 7 Armored Case’, which you can take a look at below!

Not familiar? In the game, the year is 1935 E.C., and the continent of Europa has been plunged into the Second Europan War between the Autocratic East Europan Imperial Alliance — also known as The Empire — and the Atlantic Federation over the precious resource Ragnite. The Empire is sweeping through the continent like an unchecked wildfire and has its eyes set on the rich Ragnite deposits of the Principality of Gallia. Although peaceful Gallia remains neutral in the conflict, its citizens will need to defend home and country against the inevitable invasion. Players follow Lieutenant Welkin Gunther and the vaunted Squad 7 of the Gallian Militia as they take on the seemingly insurmountable forces of the Empire.

Valkyria Chronicles was one of the very best titles on the Playstation 3, so I’m beyond excited to replay it on the PS4 (well, if I can ever get through my backlog). Take a look at the Remastered trailer below, and be sure to let us know if you’re excited!

‘Odin Sphere Leifthrasir’ Launches On June 7th! Here’s What Comes With The Collector’s Edition!

by Josh JacksonJanuary 20, 2016

Fans of 2D hack and slash games were thrilled to learn that Odin Sphiere Leifthrasir, a remake of the late PS2 classic that put Vanillaware on the map, would be coming to Playstation platforms in 2016. Courtesy of Atlas, now we know when we’ll be able to play it!

Launching on June 7th for the PS4, PS3 and PS Vita, Leifthrasir puts us in control of five different characters in a Norse inspired setting as their stories intertwine to reveal an ancient conflict. Featuring gorgeous 2D visuals, challenging combat, and a memorable soundtrack, it’s great to see this gem get a second look.

With every first print copy of the game, Leifthrasir will come packaged with a 64 page softcover art book, showing off those fancy character designs we were just talking about. If you’re a PS4 owner who adores the game as much as I do, then a special “Storybook Edition” will launch exclusively for that platform, coming with the game and a hardcover version of the art book, alongside a potion recipe t-shirt, a mystery art print, and a metal slipcase and premium packaging for the game.

Along with this information on all the bonus goodies comes a new batch of screenshots for you to feast your eyes on. Want more information on everything Odin Sphere? Check out the newly launched web site for the game, and keep an eye on updates from us as they’re released!

‘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!

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

Geekscape Games Podcast: Level 61 – ‘Derek’s Xbox Impressions Round 2 And Other Stuff Too!’

by GeekscapeStaffJanuary 15, 2016

Join Derek, Josh, Juan and Shane as they discuss the last week in video games!

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This Week:

The Goat Simulator ‘Payday’ DLC Looks Insane.

Ratchet and Clank has a release date, sweet box art.

Metroid: Zero Mission available for Wii U now.

Neo Geo Pocket was awesome.

3 new characters announced for Pokken Tournament.

Pokemon 3DS bundle looks unreal, comes with Red and Blue pre-installed.

A Mythical Pokemon is coming each and every month starting in February.

Pokemon is getting a live action Super Bowl commercial

Amazon Prime 20% Discount for pre-orders / new release games.

Derek’s Xbox impressions.

EA Access.

EA Sports UFC.

Rare Replay.

Tomb Raider.

Fallout 4.

Fast Racing Neo.

Baby Watch 2016.

Splatoon.

Nintendo Badge Academy.

Corpse Party.

Earth Defence Force.

Amplitude.

Tales of Symphonia 2.

Tales Of Zysteria.

Destiny.

Listener Mission Objective:

Juan’s baby will be here any day now! What video game-themed name should he give it?

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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!

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!

The Geekscape Interview: ‘Black Ops III’s Rachel Kimsey Is Pwning Hollywood!

by Gabriel von GrünbaumJanuary 13, 2016

Rachel Kimsey is a regular person, just like us. Except, that she’s standing toe to toe with giants in one of the biggest throwdowns ever in the entertainment industry. 2015 was a huge year for the business of entertainment. Records were pushed past their breaking points—only to be shattered again within months.

First to break a global record was Jurassic World with the title of biggest opening weekend ever for a film, only to be fully supplanted in December by Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Thing is, while these movies were setting all-time records for film, neither of them were able to pass what was being called “the biggest [global] entertainment release of 2015,” Call of Duty: Black Ops III—who held that title, taking in over $550 million in just 72 hours, until being dethroned by the juggernaut release of Fallout 4, which pulled in over $750 million in a mere 24 hours. It’s a bare-knuckle drag-out showdown for the business suits in entertainment these days.

All that, within months of each previous release this year; an exciting time indeed. In this clash of entertainment titans, there’s only one person standing in the center of it all—shoulder to shoulder with the Chris Pratts, Bryce Dallas Howards, Jeff Goldblums, Ron Perlmans, Lynda Carters, Daisy Ridleys and Harrison Fords—whose performance makes you question the nature of reality to such a degree that she practically shares the same name with her character.

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Of course I’m talking about Rachel Kimsey’s Rachel Kane in Call of Duty: Black Ops III. “She was always named Rachel Kane from the beginning,” Kimsey humbly admits. (Although, after a little poking around, I heard rumors that some time may have been taken before settling on the name—and when Kane was decided on, it may have originally been spelled differently, with a C—just sayin’.) Like Hollywood releases, maybe even more so, the success of a video game such as this is the result of a large team of contributors. However, there’s no denying that Rachel Kimsey’s portrayal of CIA Agent Rachel Kane is one of the more vital elements to the success of the immersive experience this game provides.

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“Black Ops III, builds off of elements of Black Ops II but also stands on its own. Rachel Kane makes her first appearance [in Black Ops III] and I’m all over it.” Although Kimsey didn’t appear in that previous one either, this isn’t the first time she’s answered the. . . call of duty. “Well, this is the first time you’re seeing me in Call of Duty. I worked on Call of Duty: Ghosts with Infinity Ward; I worked on the DLCs doing a lot of really fun voice work.” Which wasn’t her first digital rodeo either. “I’m pretty sure my face and body scans from the Spider-Man 2 film actually ended up getting used in the Spider-Man 3 video game, for which I also provided voice work but it was for another character, Betty Brant—I think my face and body were paired with somebody else’s voice. So this is the first time my face and my voice have been matched together in a game—and, of course, being a principal member of the campaign it’s. . . I mean, it’s just the most exciting thing I’ve ever done. It’s so much fun.”

Her entire performance is motion captured and paired with 3D model scans of her body, her voiceover is delivered through her tracked and recorded facial expressions so that every aspect of the CIA agent in the game is Kimsey. She performs Rachel Kane perfectly in the she-is-totally-on-our-side-right? storyline, providing a deeper level of realism that has players questioning their allegiances. “I have a lot of fancy contracts saying that I can neither confirm nor deny any of these plot conjectures. I can say, listen to all my advice in the game because I give really good advice. I’m on your side, people.” Really?—so it’s a bad idea to cross Agent Kane? “It’s just a foolish choice—you should be looking out for yourself better than that.” So the CIA helps those who help themselves? “It’s simple—you can win or you can ignore my advice.” She smirks. Dang it!

Rachel Kimsey’s just like us, except that she’s cooler. As the day approached for our scheduled interview I had some plans on where we might sit quietly and talk—maybe something covered in ivy with tea and VIP areas. Hollywood types are fancy, right? She had some plans of her own, requesting that we meet up in a quirky comic book shop in Studio City. She’s beaten me there so that when I walk in the door—knocking the bell above it—she pops up from behind a rack and peers at me over her already impressive armful of comics. “I’m working on a couple of projects that I cannot wait until my non-disclosure agreement gives me permission to disclose,” she gasps desperately through grinding teeth, “because they’re really really exciting.” The tortured declaration has left her nearly breathless but she soldiers on, “I really do think they’ll be just as exciting for the audience as they are for me.” She presses her lips together in an effort to stop before she says something she shouldn’t—and then blurts out, “So much fun!” The eavesdropping comic book guy behind the counter looks disappointed—he’s already recognised her from her time playing “Michelle,” a disguise of Candice Wilmer, on Heroes and wants the scoop on what’s next for Kimsey.

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To contrast or provide better perspective for the unspeakable excitement just around the corner she offers a little history in her own creative development. “There was a time I used to feel really jealous of other kinds of artists. I know it’s really hard to make a living as a dancer but at least you can always dance. Maybe no one’s ever going to buy your paintings but if you’re a painter, you can always paint. Maybe nobody buys your book but you can always write. But I’m an actor and you can’t act in a vacuum—you can’t act by yourself—you have to have an audience to be an actor because acting is all about connection. I used that thinking as an excuse to let myself off the hook for not showing up for myself—not being in my own creativity—because, the truth is, there’s a whole lot more than saying words in front of an audience that makes you an actor. I can be in class, I can be reading screenplays, I can be writing down ideas, I can be producing a web series or short film—even make my own movies nobody ever sees and edit them with free software that came on my phone; with a camera and lens that’s better than the cameras that I bought back in the day because I was going to make things. I realized it was just an excuse, it was an excuse to let me off the hook because I was sad I wasn’t making anything and I didn’t have the guts to step up and fix it. Redefining it makes everything feel different—you gotta be a maker. You can be a maker no matter what income is paying your bills; your income doesn’t have to define you. You can start small; just start. Define yourself, make stuff, make things—be a maker. It’s awesome. You don’t have to be ‘cooler’ than you are, just do what you do.”

Anywhere in Studio City, as the name implies, is a stone’s throw from many of the major studios Hollywood is famous for. The actress’ natural habitat for “doing what she does.” In fact, one memorable time I had the opportunity to talk with her about her work, she was just such a rock toss away from where we now stood. Across the cement shores of the “Los Angeles River”—(yes, that’s the actual name of the large cement drainage ditch that’s usually no more than a dainty creek) on the other side of the very same street, in a Universal backlot—she was being ripped out of a train by Doctor Octopus in the film Spider-Man 2.

Bringin in the big guns for @codblackopsps3 @SFMagicMountain pic.twitter.com/rh2ExiyZRQ

— Rachel Kimsey (@RachelKimsey) October 31, 2015

You see, Rachel Kimsey is just like us, except that she’s tougher. With her comic book collection now properly augmented it’s finally time for us to move on to a quiet coffee shop where we can sit and. . . “There’s a Mexican place down the street I’ve been meaning to try. I hear they have fires in the patio area and a salsa that’ll Ark-of-the-Covenant your face off,” she offers. I’m actually surprised she doesn’t punctuate the pitch by pulling out Dr. Jones’ bullwhip and giving it a good crack. The exciting stories continue even as we navigate down Ventura Boulevard.

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Building an unshakable performance foundation with years of studying Shakespeare, she went on to train in stage combat, then elaborate stunt choreography and eventually martial arts. Her ever developing skills led to an extended stint working in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Stunt Show at LeoFoo Village in Taiwan where she would brawl cowboys, get shot “dead” and tumble off of buildings for eight shows a day, six days a week, delighting excited audiences. After all that, facing off against ghosts, ghouls and “Old Man Jenkins!” as Daphne in the Broadway touring company’s production of Scooby Doo Live! in Stagefright across the US (with dates in Las Vegas and, what is now, the Dolby Theatre in LA) was a walk in the park. Naturally, she was the easy choice for casting directors in search of a special someone to face off against Doc Ock.

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Her dedication to physical performance paid off a few years later when—after a motorcycle accident required a series of surgeries over several years to rebuild the bone in her leg—she would rely on that strength to fuel her recovery. Again, not content to merely complete her own physical therapy, she became fascinated with body mechanics and went on to study even further; picking up certifications along the way and even offering specialized training to those who were interested in what she was learning. As she began to refocus on acting again, she would find that her time spent studying therapies and teaching physical training would pay off once more—in an unexpected way.

“When I was working on [Call of Duty:] Ghosts, I would get into the booth and the director would say, ‘Okay, so here’s the situation; you’re the only woman on the field, the field’s full of men. There’s lots of ambient noise, it’s really loud and distracting—things are banging and exploding, noise all over the place—and you need to get the attention of this small group of men about twenty to thirty feet away from you. Go!’ Oh!—it’s just like teaching Crossfit every day! Music’s too loud, everyone’s doing this really intense thing, I have to make sure they can hear me really clearly through the noise about thirty feet away. . . Got it! So it turns out, years of teaching taught me the skills to support my voice and make a sound that could cut through noise—‘cause just getting louder didn’t work without shredding your throat. Turns out that’s exactly the sound you need to be a soldier on the battlefield in a video game.”

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Now, what about the new character in the new game? “Who is Rachel Kane? First, for there to be a game, somebody has to give you the operation. Who gives those operations?—the CIA. Well, I’m CIA Agent Rachel Kane, so come along with me—like I said, I’ve got some real good advice on how to survive.” There must be more to her than that, right? “The part was really well written and there was a lot of thought and a lot of care that went into the story. I was told early on that, ‘You’re not a damsel in distress; you’re going to hold your own on the battlefield and it’s going to be really clear that you belong there and have every right to be there right from the beginning.’ So before I’d seen any pages or knew what we would be up to, I started thinking about my character like, ‘I am capable, strong, prepared and active on behalf of myself and my team members. I can rise to any occasion.’ Keeping that in mind helped me shape the core and motivation for the character.”

Director Adam Rosas, Ben Browder (Player), Rachel Kimsey (Rachel Kane), Noshir Dalal (Khalil), Sean Douglas (Hendricks)

Arriving at the Mexican restaurant, the host offers us a table inside since it’s chilly out but she squints at him to better judge the situation. “Do you have anything outside?—by the fire?” He glances my way and I joke that we’re not afraid to heat things up. “You know what else heats things up?” she adds. “Face melting salsa. Let’s do this!”

Rachel Kimsey is just like us, except that she’s way better looking. Our exuberantly awkward joky-finger-gun waiter’s attempts to “casually” uncover her relationship status are a natural and common testament to her allure. Comparing the end result Agent Kane character—built from precise scans, image captures and photo reference texture-mapping that the designers made of her—next to Rachel Kimsey in the flesh, you’ll notice that they decided to subtly tone down her natural beauty. Were they trying to keep players, like our waiter, from getting distracted? Did they want her looking a bit more rough and tumble; worn around the edges? Or is it simply that it’s not yet possible to technologically capture all of her appeal in a digital bottle?

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Maybe it’s something that only her fans will take issue with because it seems to be a non-issue for her. “I just noticed that—I think—they adjusted my eye color or something,” she mutters, taking a moment to consider the question. Yes, that’s one of the adjustments. I suppose an argument could be made that the digital scanners aren’t yet able to pick up her additional glow of inner beauty that shines through all the more when she drops wisdom on you like this—

Our salsas arrive—with chips, tacos and other delights to test them on—but she’s still reflecting on a point she wants to make, gazing into the flames near our table. “I can’t even tell you how many friends of mine have the story of, ‘I went through a terrible breakup and my life was falling apart and I got this audition that they tell me I nailed—because I got the job. I never would’ve gotten the job if my life wasn’t falling apart at the time because I didn’t have a filter and everything just came pouring out of me.’ Well, if you’re not in the practice of letting everything pour out of you because life is hard—because we’re sensitive artists and the world pokes at all of our soft and tender places—if you’re not in the practice of saying, ‘yes, and. . . I will show you anyway,’ then when that opportunity comes, are you going to be able to step up in that moment? Maybe not—so be in that practice.” It’s a good reminder not just for performers but for everyone who’s passionate about whatever it is they’re doing.

“It shouldn’t just be people who go through terrible breakups and whose lives are falling apart that land those good jobs! It should be people who are happy too! Everybody should be able to be able to find that place. People at rock bottom feel like they have nothing to lose and they become fearlessly raw. That level of honesty is uncommon and very attractive no matter where you are or what you do. You absolutely can do that without going through trauma, you absolutely can choose to keep the walls down—but it has to be a choice. Choosing to focus less on worrying about what you have and instead focusing on genuinely experiencing what’s currently happening can yield some amazing results. When everything is going well, you have to be willing to risk it all by letting those genuine elements come out and connect with others. If that’s not what [the casting director is] looking for, that’s okay too—you move on to the next thing. It’s going to be perfect for something.”

Truly beautiful.

She’s got me so captivated, I hardly notice that I’ve already polished off four salsa laiden tacos—face happily intact—and it’s time to wrap things up. She’s agreed to teach some private sessions in the morning and wants to be well rested. As she speeds off, vanishing into the twinkling lights of tinseltown, I can’t help but feel excited about the mysterious undisclosed projects she has lined up next—her final hint still ringing in my ears when I had pressed her for more, “I think that you and Geekscape readers in particular are really going to love it.”

The thing is, Rachel Kimsey is just like us AND she’s found herself smack-dab in the middle of a record breaking entertainment revolution worth billions and billions of dollars by doing things genuinely her own way. And that is what sets her apart. Ignore her good advice at your own peril, indeed.

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SPOILERS:

Here then are collected shots of Rachel Kimsey’s performance in cut-scenes from the game (obviously, this will be all SPOILERS for anyone who hasn’t played through yet).

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.

‘Ratchet & Clank’ For The PS4 Just Got A Preorder Date And Some Awesome Box Art!

by Shane O'HareJanuary 12, 2016

Fire up the hype machine, and clear your PS4 hard drive! Because Ratchet & Clank just went up for preorder!

Recently announced on the EU Playstation blog, but confirmed in NA as well, is that you can go hit up your local retailer and preorder yourself a copy of the game! Ratchet & Clank hits store shelves on April 12th!

In the meantime, check out the brand new box art and some sick screenshots. Hope that will tide you over!

To preorder the game digitally in North America, head on over to the games official store page!

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!

‘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.

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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!

Guillermo Del Toro Will Present Hideo Kojima With D.I.C.E. Hall Of Fame Award

by Shane O'HareJanuary 6, 2016

Fresh outta Konami, and firing up his own company , video game legend Hideo Kojima will finally be accepting an award he is deserving of. No Konami lawyers getting in the way this time!

Hideo Kojima, creator of the Metal Gear franchise, will be the 21st member inducted into the Hall of Fame at the Academy of Interactive Arts & Sciences. Presenting the award to the game designer will be his new best bud, Guillermo del Toro.

The Academy of Interactive Arts and Sciences is thrilled to induct Hideo Kojima, world-renowned game creator and auteur, as the 21^st member to its Hall of Fame. Kojima is recognized for the best-selling Metal Gear series, widely considered the father of the stealth game genre, and credited with innovating story-telling and cinematic presentation in video games at large. The Metal Gear Solid series has received numerous D.I.C.E. Awards nominations throughout the years.

The 2015 Hall of Fame Award will be presented to Kojima during the 19^th D.I.C.E. Awards ceremony on Thursday, February 18, 2016, at the Mandalay Convention Center in Las Vegas by film director, screenwriter, producer and novelist Guillermo del Toro.

Kojima began his career in videogames in 1986 as a designer and planner for Konami’s MSX home computer division. He set the trend for stealth action games with Metal Gear and pushed the boundaries of video game storytelling, cinematic cut scenes, and mature content with Snatcher. In 1990, Kojima was involved in Metal Gear 2: Solid Snake, which gave the player more abilities, such as crouching, crawling, distracting guards, and using radar –all further developing the stealth game genre. With the release of Metal Gear Solid for the PlayStation in 1998, Kojima became a video game living legend internationally. The game was the first in the series to port a cinematic feel through 3D graphics and voice acting.

This is absolutely amazing news. After all the controversy with him and Konami, especially after the blockage at the recent Video Game Awards, it’s great to see Kojima finally making a public appearance and accepting an award that he rightfully deserves.

With his partner in the now defunct Silent Hills project, Guillermo del Toro, presenting the award speculation and rumors are already flying. Will they announce a new project? Will they announce something in regards to Silent Hills being revived? We will all have to wait and see.

For more information on the awards, and how you can attend, check out the official website HERE.